In defining a classic, Wikipedia states that “houndstooth is a duo-tone textile pattern, characterized by broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white.  Originating in the Scottish Lowlands, it is made with alternating bands of four dark and four light threads in both warp and weft”.

There are many ways to twist a classic -  scale, color, even the material used to create the pattern.

credit: Decorati

Kyle Bunting has turned ordinary cowhides into showstopping focal points – playing with pattern, nap, texture and color.  The Black Dog by Kyle Bunting, available through Decorati.

credit: 1st dibs

A pair of fantastic mid-century klismos chairs by Kenneth Froy, available through BG Galleries at 1st dibs, and upholstered in the spectacularly over-scaled Magazine Street Weave/Onyx by Diamond Baratta Design for Lee Jofa.

credit: Kravet

Kravet’s Jingle in 3 colorways, softens the pattern with a heathered approach.

credit: York Wallcoverings

York Wallcoverings Carlisle Collection, Houndstooth in Red, 4 other colorways available.

credit: Jonathan Adler

What do 100% llama wool, a zebra and houndstooth have in common? Jonathan Adler answers the question!  Also available in custom colors and sizes through their Design Your Own program.

What classic would you like to riff on?

COM/COL/COT? No, not a game of Scrabble, but acronyms of the design world that are part and parcel when ordering custom upholstery. Rather than choosing one of the standard fabric or leather options carried by a furniture manufacturer, a designer can opt for something truly unique for the client, from the infinite possibilities offered by hundreds of textile suppliers.

COM – Customer’s Own Material – The yardage specified by a manufacturer is generally given as plain goods (no repeat), 54″ wide.  If the fabric is narrower or has a repeat, additional yardage is required.  Repeats are generally figured on whichever is greater, vertical or horizontal.  For example, if the fabric is 48″ wide with a 36″ repeat, an additional 40% more fabric would need to be ordered.  Care should be given when choosing fabric; the location of the dominant motif, repeat size and scale in relation to the frame, and the pattern weave direction, all can affect the final product.

COL – Customer’s Own Leather – The amount specified by a manufacturer is given in total square feet required.  As leather is a natural product, there is not a “standard” hide size, but generally hides run between 40-55 square feet of usable goods.  Usable goods is the amount of leather that can be used for the upholstery process, and does not include the waste or scrap.  The leather supplier will supply enough hides to fill the order, and depending upon the supplier, will or won’t charge for any overage.   There is generally a 10-20% upcharge for upholstering with leather.

COT – Customer’s Own Trim – A somewhat lesser known term, but still part of the upholstery process.  Custom welt cord or fringe trim for a throw pillow, is just as important as the perfect fabric.  Always given in yards required, some manufacturers will charge an additional fee for applying the custom trim.

Truly, the words say it all – customer’s own.  The sofa or chair or chaise becomes a unique reflection of the client’s taste and the designer’s vision.

In celebration of the “fresh as a daisy” pick of Honeysuckle as the Pantone Color of the Year 2011, let your decor join the party!

credit: Dedar

Dedar’s Pavillon #006 takes inspiration from delicate European ironwork.

credit: Stray Dog Designs

Faux bois stool in Stray Dog Pink by Stray Dog Designs.

credit: Leontine Linens

The luxury of monograms and high-thread count bedding by Leontine Linens.

credit: Madeline Weinrib Atelier

Hot Pink & Champagne Silk Megan Tibetan carpet by Madeline Weinrib Atelier.

credit: Irwin Feld Designs

The custom-upholstered Paris Bench available at Irwin Feld Design.

credit: Christopher Spitzmiller

Always the perfect finishing touch to any room, the Hann Lamps by Christopher Spitzmiller.

Think pink!

Classic Cloth by Dessin Fournir is known for their beautiful, luxurious fabric choices, but their new collection introduces some of their most sumptuous fabrics, destined to become instant classics.

credit: Dessin Fournir

Faux bois and silk velvet come together in Capulet, 6 colorways.

credit: Dessin Fournir

As the perfect companion, Montague, 6 colorways.

credit: Dessin Fournir

Nottingham II showcases intricate fretwork in a linen velvet, 7 colorways.

credit: Dessin Fournir

6 colorways of the muted, cotton paisley – Glastonbury.

credit: Dessin Fournir

Hand dyed, hand woven, hand block printed make for a unique choice.  Virginia in 6 colorways.

Exactly what the well-dressed home needs for the holiday season!

While waiting for a pretty significant writer’s block to clear up, I thought a dip into my Twitter stream might help refresh me a bit. Even though it is against the general “how-to’s” of Twitter, I have focused my following to design, marketing and artistic tweeps— so that the noise doesn’t become too overwhelming. Well, lo and behold: when I really focused, some great new, inventive and interesting ideas and products revealed themselves. And, miraculously, the writer’s block vanished.

Below is a selection of some “twinspirational” Twitter finds.

@LadyFabrics (visit their website): Gorgeous, 100% natural, sustainable, biodegradable fabrics.

A wide array of colors from Lady Fabrics

@Alluminare (visit their website): Fully customizable fabric, wallcovering, pendants, lamps, pillows and so much more! Wonderfully interactive.

Fully customizable lampshades and more on Alluminare's website

@tracyhiner (visit the website) This is NOT your average wallpaper, it’s Art, and yes, with a capital A!

Two examples of Black Crow Studios' artful designs

@modernica (visit the website): Uber-cool furnishings that would make the Jetsons’ swoon.

Ultra modern chairs from modernica.

@HomeDecorNews (visit the website): A lot of something about a lot of everything for the design industry, from the DIY-ers to professionals.

@myperfectcolor (visit the website): Anything and everything you would ever want to know about Benjamin Moore paint.

The moral of the story: inspiration comes from many sources, Twitter being only one of many!

How can you make Twitter work for your business? Contact @gibsondm, @mandaleebee or @ProjectSupport (aka Alexandra, Amanda or Martha at Gibson Design Management).