Violet is the new black, or is it grey in furniture design?

| May 1, 2014 | 0 Comments
TEXTILE and interior designer Marcie Bronkar is a fan of chairs, such as these she paired in a living room. Photo by Julie Hopkins/cameracreations.net

TEXTILE and interior designer Marcie Bronkar is a fan of chairs, such as these she paired in a living room.
Photo by Julie Hopkins/cameracreations.net

Last December, the Pantone Color Institute announced that 2014 would be the year of Radiant Orchid. This pinkish purple shade would reign on fashion runways and in furniture showrooms for the next 12 months.  Is violet driving our upholstery choices this season? What’s trending in furniture in our neighborhood?

Hancock Park textile and interior designer Marcie Bronkar, the creative director of her fabric and wallpaper firm, Home Couture, replies that although lavender is popular, “I don’t subscribe to trends. They bore me.” Set color with rugs and art, then get serious about seating. “I’m a big fan of chairs. I put them in the bathroom, everywhere. And the quality of a sofa is important, not the cost.”

Spend your money on good fabric “and it will last twice as long.” Look for a couch with clean lines that seats at least four. Her textiles are available through quadrillefabrics.com.

www.marciebronkar.com

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Those of us looking to refresh our space with perfect seating are lucky to have myriad options at our doorstep. Bronkar likes Bronze Studio, which showcases designer Michael Berman. Their look is described as “20th century inspirations with a 21st century perspective.” All furniture is customizable. An unusual take on a classic swivel chair is their triangular “gran strato swivel lounge” for $4,400, plus fabric.  The designer prefers greens, so the showroom features all manner of soft green hues.

7257 Beverly Blvd. www.bronzestudiola.com.

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The single-named Devall’s eponymous Devall Design Home employs local craftsman to create her pieces. “Hancock Park is very traditional in a lot of ways,” she finds, and her style reflects that, both in her own designs and in the vintage furniture she refurbishes. Grey was in demand last year; trending now are brighter colors.  Her custom $2,650 Lars chair and ottoman is tufted with a wide, roomy seat and relaxed back.

562 N. Larchmont Blvd.  www.devalldesignhome.com

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For solid basics, Devall points to Landon Cole and Plantation. “Landon Cole has a modern touch and does excellent upholstery.” Their “Gracie” tufted sectional, featured in a grey-blue, is $2,400.  Ninety percent of their clients select grey upholstery.

149 S. La Brea www.landoncole.com

Grey is a consistently big color for Plantation, as shown by their $2,495 grey swirl-patterned swivel chair.

144 S. La Brea Ave. www.plantationdesign.com

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Two neighborhood newcomers deserve mention. Nadeau is a chain that proclaims they’re “Furniture with a Soul,” and their store is filled with homey, well-priced handmade furniture from India and Indonesia.  A carved wood sideboard with turquoise color wash is $654.

176 N. La Brea Ave. www.furniturewithasoul.com

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For locally made furniture at an excellent price-point and two-week delivery, the recently opened The Joneses teems with couches, tables and accessories. Their $1,395 tufted “Mad Men” sofa has a bench seat and a speakeasy look. Although they’ve also seen a rise in grey orders, their customers aren’t afraid of teal, apple green, sky blue or bright yellow.

423 S. Fairfax. www.thejonesesla.com

So forget the color experts and select a shade you like, then snuggle into a comfy chair or sofa – and relax!

By Helene Seifer

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Category: Real Estate

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