STYLISH CELERIE KEMBLE AND SCHUMACHER

The highlight of New York Design Week for me was designer Celerie Kemble's seminar about fashions influence on Wallcoverings and to see her new wallcovering collection for Schumacher. I've been an admirer of her work for ages;  its always fresh, innovative and approachable, just like the woman herself. Susan North, Schumacher's Senior VP of Design and Creative Director and Kendell Cronstrom, Editor-In-Chief of NYC&G were part of the lively discussion. The Harvard educated designer spoke about being exposed to design and "beautiful things" at an early age as her mother is an accomplished interior designer in Palm Beach. The chic (she wore killer Louboutins) mother of three encouraged the audience to "make your house special as it becomes part of your families memory timeline." Sage advice from this contemporary tastemaker who describes herself as having a "quirky design ethos."  I think she's pretty spectacular.

Her new Acanthus Stripe wallpaper is a contemporary reinterpretation of a classic motif. Stylized and refined, the graphic silhouette speaks to the original form in a new, modern shape. 

Today's fashion is a strong influence on her designs. Her burlap stud wallpaper utilizes the ubiquitous nailhead in a fresh way, as "jewelry" for the wall.

 The  Chinese Cloud wallcovering is a glamorous, powerful graphic based on a traditional Chinese motif. Vibrant color combinations and unusual pattern scales are hallmarks of Kemble's designs.   

Kemble described her collection as "luminous, flexible and fun." She is spot on with this electrifying Flame wallcovering.  

The traditional Hothouse Flowers design has been amplified on natural grasscloth. The "perfectly imperfect" material brings a warm, natural tone to walls.