Thomas Paul’s Inspiration

“Inspiration can start anywhere, you just have to get out and clear your head.” – Thomas Paul expounded about his inspiration for his new line of textiles prints designed for Duralee Fabrics.

• Roxanne Hanna, Thomas Paul, Maegan Fee, Tara Mclarney

Last week the Boston Design Center hosted Design Boston. There new 2010 products for the home were highlighted and seminars were conducted to give designers all the tools they’ll need to be successful next year. I signed up immediately for the seminars and was most excited to hear Thomas Paul speak about his inspirations… (and was lucky enough to snap a pic with him)!

I’ve always been drawn to his unique bold color combinations and pop art graphics, ever since his first line of silk pillows were introduced. Throw pillows are such an easy, quick way to make over a room and add pops of color!

Paul’s inspiration comes from a variety of sources:

• Nature  – Plants and Animals

• Foreign Cultures and Places

• Art and Design

• Textiles and Classic Motifs

He’s inspired by his surroundings and brings these life experiences to his work. Biking around the city, nature walks in the park, and even going to the library help trigger his new ideas.

His imagery has evolved from the two-dimensional, geometric shapes to a more realistic hand drawn quality as seen in his Curiosities Collection – which I love!

His Duralee collection of prints is a great expression of combining some of his earlier ideas using bold, two-tones graphics with touches of more detailed imagery. Some remind me of old toile or damask patterns with a refreshing twist. Actually, this  is one way Paul speaks about his work. He pulls from the past and finds objects or patterns by frequenting flea markets and vintage shops then brings them to life again in a new way.

It’s cool to see these bold images applied to traditional forms.  What fun you could bring to a vintage wing back chair or settee! It would definitely become a statement piece!

ICFF 2009

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to ICFF this year, but Roxanne Hanna (Merida’s Director of Sales) filled me in on all her exciting findings! Here’s a brief overview of some of the fun, innovative companies that we were inspired by:

Unison

• Love the beautifully printed bedding, throw pillows and table linens.

Misewell

• Misewell’s clean and simplistic designs were refreshing. The pops of color really catch your eye!

Rachel O’Neill

• Loopla Shade – Sculpted out of Velcro strips! It looks great in Bergdorf Goodman’s NY space – pictured right.

Peter Harrison – The Lavassa Line

• Steel, wood, concrete and glass are combined to form unique tables, benches and home accessories.

Camilla Meijer

• Hand drawn, nature inspired textiles ranging from wallpapers, lampshades and pillows.

Uhuru

• Amazing tree trunk tables with a highlighted stitch holding the seams together! Uhuru is a great furniture company that is dedicated to sustainability.

Mai Oersted

• Incredible hand blown glass sculptures. I love the swan chandelier pictured above.

To read and view more about ICFF 2009, Inhabitat and Metropolis also have great posts from the show.