Jan Showers work is all about understated glamour. In each project, she works with a variety of design periods and styles. Her skill at mixing traditional furnishings with mid-20th century modern design allows her to create comfortable and inviting rooms. She says “Decorating is never successful if it is not personal. We always strive to reflect our client’s lifestyle and personality. I tell my clients that they need to look great and feel comfortable in their own rooms.” A woman after my own heart! I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment.
Besides running a successful interior design business, Jan Showers has her own line of furniture. Many of the designs are based off of antiques ~ they’re inspired by originals she found on buying trips in Paris. These pieces she collects come from many different eras in time. What’s the common thread, you ask? Each piece reflects a modern and glamorous aesthetic. I am particularly drawn to her collection of lamps.

Pop by Jan’s Notebook for a glimpse into what inspires her. She did a great post about top design trends for 2010 that is worth checking out. I especially love that she thinks skirted tables are back “in.” (Remember what our dining table looks like -YAY!) You can also do what I do and follow her @jshowers and become a fan on facebook.

1 Comment » Posted by ABCD / Interior Design as Inspiration and Shopping and Uncategorized

I figure since I gave some love to LEO Design in the West Village yesterday – That today I’d remind you about the John Derian shop in the East Village! For years, the John Derian store has been a favorite shopping spot of mine. (I have written about it on more than one occasion.) I popped by the shop just recently to get a fresh glimpse of the Field Bench that he designed. While he is best known for decoupage and ephemera, I must say it is his furniture designs that steal my heart!
If I were not staring at our white leather chesterfield from every angle in our apartment, this tufted field bench would be incorporated into the interior design of our space. Since our apartment is small and “loft-like” – I fear if I brought this piece in that it might be too much tuft to handle. If we end up with a country house -or- if we end up relocating to Florida, the Field Bench is definitely on my must decorate with list. The proportions are absolutely perfect. While I love both pieces, the grand scale of the 9ft bench is a true knock-out stunner in person.

John Derian’s original shop is at 6 East Second Street (Between 2nd Avenue and The Bowery) where you’ll find Decoupage and Imported Goods -or- head right next door for Textiles, Furniture, Rugs and Art at John Derian Dry Goods, which is located at 10 East Second Street.

2 Comments » Posted by ABCD / Dream Decorating and Interior Design as Inspiration and Shopping and Uncategorized

The aesthetic of LEO Design is decidedly handsome. Whenever I am on the hunt for something special for Mr. D – it’s my first stop for something special. The highly-edited merchandise is jam-packed into the store. The way everything is displayed keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Items are grouped by color or type of object and displayed en masse. The result is a delight to my senses!

LEO Designs’ focus is home accessories. Turn-of-the century pottery is arranged by color on every shelf, in and on top of vintage book cases. How I’d die to walk in one day and purchase an entire shelf of matte-green early American pottery -all at once! Can you imagine?

Around the store, there are groupings of Mexican copper, antique iron bookends, handsome desk accessories trimmed in leather, vintage cuff links, letterpress stationery, bone, wood and vintage boxes. Amongst the accessories, Arts and Crafts–style furniture is added to the mix. Last week, I happened upon this awesome copper box ~ it was reasonably priced and became the box that I “wrapped” Mr. D’s anniversary gift in!

It’s worth a visit! LEO Design is located at 413 Bleecker Street, right near West 11th in the Village.

No Comments » Posted by ABCD / ABCD Recommends and Collections and Shopping and Uncategorized

Late last week, Create Girl (Julieann Covino) from Jace Interiors introduced a Valentine-themed guest post series called ‘For the Love of Your Home.’ To my great delight, she asked ABCD to share the home décor item I am lusting after this Valentines day. Of course, -being the maximalist that I am- I couldn’t narrow it down to just one item! Pop by to see my picks. While you’re over there, be sure to check out the other guest posts by Apartment 34, Chez Liu, Bryn Alexandra, High-Heeled Foot, Sacremento Street, The Clueless Crafter, and Sweet Eventide.

Julieann, thank you ever-so-much for including ABCD Design in the ‘For the Love of Your Home’ series!

No Comments » Posted by ABCD / Shopping and Uncategorized

Tracy Hiner says: Got the card today, way nicer than I expected and I love all the details you put into your packaging. So NICE!!

Maybelline Te says: Your spooning leads to forking card arrived today! Oh it’s so precious up close! Thank you.

Anne Mackley says: The cards arrived today. They are so luxurious in person! I am so excited to hand them out. I know they’ll get a laugh! Thanks again.

There have been many people who have emailed or called with wonderful reviews of the cards upon their arrival. I am totally delighted with the response. There have been many blog mentions and website features about my cards – the support has been tremendous, and really quite flattering. Thanks again to everyone who has visited my little Pop-Up shops over the last few weeks. xxoo

3 Comments » Posted by ABCD / ABCD Designs Bespoke Stationery and Shopping and Uncategorized