Dabbieri Blog

2009 Designer Showcase Awards

Call for Entries!

SHOWCASE YOUR BEST WORK
AND WIN UP TO $5,000!

International Design Guild and its alliance of member showrooms across the U.S. and Canada are pleased to announce the 2009 Designer Showcase Awards. 

Awards are given for our Grand Prize Dabbieri Award of Distinction, our  First Runner Up and two Honorable Mentions.  Prizes range from $1,000 - $5,000.

It’s easy to enter. A high-res photo featuring one of our exclusive Dabbieri products and the entry form is all that’s needed to receive recognition and rewards in this year’s contest.  Even more exciting is the amazing array of products available in the Dabbieri line that can showcase your talents as you create beautiful interiors for your clients!

Simply submit a high-res photo and description of your most spectacular design project by June 23, 2009. Contact or stop by your local Dabbieri showroom for more details and entry forms, or visit www.dabbiericollection.com to download.

Winners will be announced August 14, 2009.

2008 Dabbieri Award of Distinction Winner: $5,000 Grand Prize Award
Jennifer Dumoulin, of Griewe Interiors, with product from The Rug Gallery in Cinncinnati, Ohio.

First Runner Up Award:  $2,500 Cash Award
Richard Sherer, of Deep River Partners, with product purchased from Kashou Carpets in Milwaukee Wisconsin. 

Honorable Mentions: $1,000 Cash Award
Jenny Lynn Wynne - Rug Gallery in Cincinnati Ohio
Mary Lou Morgan - Dominion Rug in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Jane Freking - JF Design with product purchased from Floor Coverings by CPA in Denver, Colorado
Bobbi Flynn - The Rug Gallery in Cincinnati Ohio

**All winners received reward and recognition, as well as, entry into the Guild’s coveted Premier Professional Designer Program.

Romancing the Home

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and as you’re planning a very special evening with your sweetie, remember that nothing creates a memorable mood like the right décor.

You only need one rule to set the scene for love in your home: your romantic décor should reflect your romantic personality. So take some time to think about it. Are you a leather lady, or a lacy girl? Or do you prefer the feel of satins and silks? Do you get racy with animal prints? Or soft and sensual with florals?

Choose accessories and prints that mimic your style. Damask is the perfect V-Day print because it resembles lacy lingerie. While crystal and mirrors conjure up images of diamonds and jewelry (perfect if you’re trying to drop a hint).

When it comes to colors, you can stick with the go-to’s, such as red, various shades of pink, and purple. Or, to create a sultry mood, try dusky grays, exciting metallics, antique whites, deep plum or a sensual burgundy.

Choose from highly textural fabrics, such as crushed velvet, satin, silk, leather or lace. Set them off with soft lighting and lots of candles. And most of all, don’t forget the staples of V-day: chocolates and flowers!

The traditional, red rose is a classic, but don’t be afraid to introduce an air of exoticism with curvy lines from orchids or curly willow vines.

 

Whatever you do this Valentine’s Day, be sure to set a mood that is all you!

Styles and Trends

STYLE UNCORKED!
One of my favorite bloggers, Grace Bonney of design*sponge, was recently featured in domino magazine. Her site was where I first learned about the current cork trend. I always knew that cork was great for flooring and wall coverings, but cork furniture and accessories are amazing (and a bit more accessible).

So I did a little more research and found this great video with furniture designer Daniel Michalik. Take notes because he rattles off the benefits of cork furniture pretty fast. He says it is “not sleek, not sexy,” but that’s what he likes about it. I say it’s got an almost Danish Modern appeal to it and is VERY eco-chic.  

A Renaissance of Wool

As we move toward luxurious style that lasts, and is both unique and durable, it’s a time to rediscover quality and impeccable resilience in wool floor coverings.

Our European counterparts have long held wool as the standard for fine carpeting and it continues to be the top choice for discerning clients who desire beautiful color, warm texture and quality floor coverings that will enhance their interiors for years to come.

On a recent trip to England to visit the sheep farmers and manufacturers of fine floor coverings, it became increasingly clear why the Brits choose wool floor coverings 90% of the time to adorn the floors of their quaint homes. In a climate well known for its rain and dreariness, European designers and clients want floor coverings that are natural, soft and plush and have the ability to withstand the constant grime, wet and dirt that their seasons kick up. The amazing resilience of wool is driven by their malevolent climate and is what makes it the perfect choice for floor coverings. The harsher the climate, the more resilient sheep’s wool is forced to become in order to protect against the elements.

Wool floor coverings, such as those in the Dabbieri Collection, used to be accessible only to the well-to-do. As the cost of resources used to make synthetic floor coverings continues to rise, coupled with our growing interest in natural, renewable floor coverings, wool’s quality, value and natural green appeal make it a top choice for any budget.