Designer Exclusives Unlocked: Fall 2020
October 18, 2020
Have you ever heard the term “to the trade” or “trade only”?
These terms are used by companies that sell products exclusively to trade professionals, such as designers, and not directly to you. How do you feel about that?
I am going to be honest - I’m not on the same page as other trade professionals when it comes to this premise, in that I don’t like this! I don’t believe that designers should have the exclusive inside scoop on all of these beautiful high quality goods. I think you should have that same option when you want unique, special pieces that aren’t in those over-shopped retail stores - without having a designer as the middle-man! To that end, I’ve been searching for a platform for years that would allow me to grant you access to ‘trade only’ products - and I finally found it! As long as the item sourced is saved under my account, I can give you a direct link to buy it yourself (like you would from any online store). Yes, I’m handing the secret trade-only products right over to you, my friends. I’ve got thousands of products to share, and I’ve been brainstorming the best way to show you what’s available. To that end, I’ve decided to create a quarterly blog post with a sampling of some of the gorgeous things that you can now purchase that are “trade only”. Each post will be a collection of items that could be combined to create a cohesive room design. Because isn’t it more fun to see a designed space than to just see a list of ‘stuff’? Your link to the whole collection is available at the end of this post, and as these posts grow I’ll create an archive of links that will give you access anytime. But enough talk - let me walk you through the fall 2020 collection!
Fall 2020 Collection: Dining Room
As we move into the colder days, early nights, and anticipation of Halloween and Thanksgiving, imagine planning a dinner in with friends (ok, maybe not now in 2020 but someday!!) for a chilly fall evening, with darkness falling while you’re still at the table. What can make the space cozy and warm, autumnal but not themed? How about warm metals, soft textures, rich moody colors, and natural finishes….
Let’s begin the process with the base layers of our room! Instead of painted drywall, let’s kick up the texture a notch! This Arhaus gray grasscloth wallpaper creates wonderful texture (that can work year-round!). For the floors, a lush hand-tufted abstract rug from Jaipur Living will be perfect to add softness underfoot. Bonus: these become the jumping off point for the color palette:
Next we need some furniture. This Currey & Co. console table is absolutely stunning for fall with it’s rich wood tones, clean lines, ample storage and touches of brass. This pairs beautifully with a striking Alder & Tweed dining table. Invite guests to the table with understated black upholstered beauties from Eichholtz- adding softness and warmth with their velvet upholstery and enveloping shape. Finally we’ll add a pop of accent color in a coordinating chair for the ends of our table:
Now this room needs some beautiful lighting. This stunning Currey & Co. brass pendant has the perfect patina for fall, and will drop light in a warm, intimate glow over the table. A dramatic floor lamp with a modern profile and striking black shade will throw light and shadow against the grasscloth wallpaper:
Finally, let’s add some accessories. Warm metals, woven fibers, organic art, and beautiful florals, all from a variety of trade-only companies:
Now…let’s put everything together to create a one-of-a-kind fall dining room:
What a luxurious and cozy place to sit with friends and sip coffee for hours! I would love to get an invitation to this dining space!
The best part about this beautiful collection of “to the trade” items: if you love something here, you can buy it. No need to go through me (or any other designer!). And if you’re just curious about how prices compare to retail, go ahead and click that link (though I will say that in general ‘to the trade’ items are higher quality than what you’ll get from a retail store, so it’s not really an apples-to-apples comparison).
Everything is linked below:
p.s. I added a couple of ‘bonus’ items to the collection, too….
Of course, your space and your style are unique to you. If you like the idea of ‘trade only’ items and want something special for your space, I would be happy to create a collection just for you.