Designer Magan Toth Discusses Inspiration for Greenwich Parsons Chair
Posted by Brad | Filed under decorating, dining chairs, parsons chairs
We frequently work with designers and many go the extra step to get exactly what they envision for their clients. Designer Magan Toth had a picture in her mind of the perfect chairs for a client's breakfast nook in Boones Mill, Virginia. Since Magan was the inspiration for the Greenwich Parsons Wing Chair, we wanted to find out what exactly led her to this design and give credit where credit is due.
I first contacted Carrington Court about the possibility of collaborating on a dining chair that I had been envisioning for a client in Boones Mill, Virginia. I was specifically seeking a set of chairs for a kitchen breakfast nook that were both refined and lightly formal, yet modern and bold. Parsons chairs proved to be too narrow and ordinary for the space, and a classic wing chair was too traditional and boxy. So, after discussing the specific requirements I had for the chair, Carrington custom built what is now their 'Greenwich Parsons Wing Chair.'
What I adore about this chair is that it is a modern combination of a classic wing chair and a parsons chair. The shallow wings on a widened parsons chair make for an inviting, substantial, and more proportional seat. This shape, in addition to a shortened skirt, is made with just the right combination of classic and modern lines. I completed this chair design with an oversized floral patterned fabric and contrast piping to create a bold statement in the room and to enhance the backdrop of the chair's oversized back.
The result was a wonderful chair that I was fortunate enough to see added to Carrington's permanent collection. I appreciate the exquisite quality of construction, pattern matching, and overall care that Carrington extended to this collaboration. This has surely been a valuable experience and opportunity, and I would like to thank Brad and Tricia Haas for making my client the first to have this chair in their home.
We frequently do modifications to our styles, but it is rare for one to actually make it into our line. Once we saw Magan's completed design we were in love. I can't tell you how many employees commented on how great this chair turned out. Of course we wanted to share it with the world and The Greenwich Parsons Wing Chair was born.
It takes a lot of hard work, experience and training to get where Ms. Toth is today. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in Interior Design. She has over 10 years of professional experiences in both residential and commercial projects. Prior to owning her own firm, she worked for several award-winning architecture firms in the mid-east including Glave & Holmes Associates in Richmond, Virginia, and Bizios Architect in Durham, North Carolina.
Magan has taken her experience to a new level and founded the interior design firm, Nested Interiors, in Durham, NC. Her design interests and interior environments reference an eclectic range of designs trends, history, and collectibles. Aside from the standard array of professional interior design services, she says that Nested Interiors focuses on creating custom interior environments that are personal, livable, and accessible.
If you'd like learn more about Magan and Nested Interiors check out the following links:
http://www.nestedinteriors.com
http://nestedinteriors.blogspot.com
Parsons Chairs Featured In Southern Living
Posted by Brad | Filed under news, decorating, parsons chairs
My wife was browsing through the July issue of Southern Living and a group of parsons chairs in one of the articles caught her eye. They looked almost identical to the chairs we make at Carrington Court. Now, there are a lot of manufacturers that make parsons chairs, but there are always subtle differences from company to company. So we looked in the back in the sources section and to our surprise--they are our chairs.
This has happened in the past in other magazines, but it is always a nice surprise to have something you made featured. The designer Jill Boothby did an awesome job and she has a beautiful house. She also has a lot of great tips. It's good to know that the chairs are going to be used day-to-day and not just for a one time photo shoot. Check out the article (31 Style Secrets from a Design Pro) starting on page 51. When the July issue shows up on the Southern Living website, I'll post a link.
Decorating Books
Posted by Brad | Filed under decorating
I came across an article in the Washington Post that may be quite useful to those wanting to redecorate their home, but need a little help getting started. Books to Help You Get Started offers a short but well rounded list of books that cover everything from decorating an apartment to guidelines for picking colors.
While I don't own all of these books, several on the list are in my library and I agree with the Post's recommendation. Domino: The Book of Decorating (Amazon link) covers just about every aspect of decorating any room in your home. The layout is a work of art itself and looks great on the coffee table.
The book on the list that is most useful to me is House Beautiful Colors for Your Home (Amazon). Color is always something I have a hard time with. It's hard for me to pick out a color pallet, but this book makes it simple and offers suggestion for not only individual rooms, but for the mood you want to present. Luckily, I don't have to rely on this book too often. All I have to do is run my color ideas by our fabric buyer or the ladies on our sales staff and I get an ear full of reasons as to why I should go "another direction."