TOP TRENDS IN DESIGN FOR 2010

2010 has arrived so I thought it might be fun to talk about new/old inspirations (everything old is always new again).

As most of you know, I'm not crazy about trends....I'm more into style than fashion although I'm the first to admit that I adore fashion and, at its best, it is an art form just as good interior design can be. However, thought I would let you know what's in my head these days on the subject of interiors.

1. AMBER as an accent color---I know, it' been around forever, but looks fresh and has such a warm glow. It is wonderful with almost any hue.

JSC Venetian Series #3 in Amber Elizabeth Chandelier in Amber

2. I am looking for THE PERFECT CHINTZ...I have yet to find "the one." I do like these patterns and plan to use them on projects this year.

3. REINTERPRETATION OF CLASSIC PIECES----I dreamed of a glamorous Regency console reinterpreted to suit my style and the result is our new JS Collection piece, The Carlyle Console.

4. SWEDISH PAINTED GUSTAVE III FURNITURE because it enhances and lightens interiors and always looks fresh.

5. A return to a demand for QUALITY IN FURNISHINGS AS WELL AS TEXTILES---at this point, people have come to realize that sustainability is important. It's time to stop wasting $$$ that could go toward a fine piece of furniture on one that will be in a dumpster in a few years.

Photo courtesty of David Sutherland

6. A demand for ART..... I always advise my clients to hire an art consultant. Good art can be found at reasonable price points.

7. OUTDOOR ROOMS----I have long been a big fan of recreating the indoors outside. This will become more prevalent as we now have climate control for outdoor areas and most of us want to enjoy nature year round.

8. SKIRTED TABLES done in crisp taffeta---wouldn't a really wide stripe be chic?

9. More PLACES TO STORE BOOKS---I designed the Lancaster Table for the JS Collection specifically for this purpose....it can be a wonderful, masculine piece in dark wood as shown here, or more feminine in ivory lacquer or a pale wood.

10. I am dying to use GRACIE'S HAND PAINTED WALLCOVERING in a bedroom.

11. Also, would love to upholster WALLS IN VELVET again. Upholstered walls can be so lush if there is not too much padding.

12. CORNICES used with drapery---they look fresh to me because they can be clean and simple and never prissy.

These are my thoughts going into the new year---it is my hope that this inspires you to create wonderful interiors in 2010! Happy New Year.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Well, here we are again....how fast did 2009 go by? It's time to think about all of the people we love and care about and what to give them at this special time of the year. Since I've been traveling so much this fall as well as being in lots of stores, I've had the opportunity to get a few ideas along the way with a little help from some friends.

Here are a few great ideas for you this holiday season:

Shelle Bagot, VP and General Manager of the flagship Neiman-Marcus store in downtown Dallas suggests.....

L'Objet Jewelled and Gilded Pine Cone Salt and Pepper Grant Dawson Mangrove Gold Salad Serving Set

Adrienne Landau Beige Rex Rosette Throw Lalique "Blackberry" Crystal Wine Stopper

Jan Paul Geiger, the manager of the spectacular Home Décor floor at Bergdorf-Goodman loves these ideas this year.......

Galerneau gold plated bronze candlesticks by Galant Sarl - exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman

Edwardo Garza Lucite Trinket Box Adorned with Pink Agates - exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman

Monica Rich Kosann Image Case John Derian Tray Monica Rich Kosann Image Case

Brian Bolke, co-owner of Forty Five Ten, one of the top specialty stores anywhere (how lucky are we to have this store in Dallas?!) thinks anyone would love these suggestions....I know I do!

Vogue book, People, Parties, Places Gold leaf ceramic box or tray by Waylande Gregory

Ann Sutherland had a great idea for the holidays this year---when interior designers came in to David Sutherland to shop for clients' houses this year, they could find these elegant gifts to give......I bought several of the charming little silver jiggers for gifts and then realized what great miniature vases they would make for my dining table---note the chic packaging!

And, at Jan Showers, we try to always have one of a kinds (because any antique is that by definition).......here are my faves......

Crystal & Silver Plate Cavier Server with Spoon Mirrored Frame with Beveled Edge---holds 9 x 11 photo

Murano Bowl with Green Striping

DONATIONS

Making a donation to your favorite charity at this time is probably the best gift of all---we love to give to the North Texas Food Bank here in Dallas because we know that the money will go directly to families who don't have enough money to buy food---or, to the Salvation Army. Especially this year, all charities can use our help, so give some of these lovely gifts to your friends along with donations made in their names.....they will be thrilled----I know I always am. And, never forget the true spirit of this season of giving.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!! And, here's to a prosperous, healthy 2010.......from my house to yours.

Palmer, Susanna, Matthew, Eliza, Ben, Elizabeth, Jim & Jan

aprilphotography.com

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

This is a wonderful time of the year. Yes, I know---some dread it and never see it through the eyes of a child as they once did, but for those of us who do, it is magical.

I love Thanksgiving because it is such a low key, family time---it doesn't bother me if it's raining, because what is better than a beautifully set table with wonderful food....who needs to go outside?

Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa....there are some easy and simple things you can do to get your house ready for the holidays.

A few of my favorite things to do are:

Fresh pillows---nothing changes a room faster than this quick and easy element.

Throws---first, I love to take a nap anywhere---a true luxury--- but especially on a sofa. I have throws year round, but want them to be warm and cozy for the fall/winter months.

Accessories---it is so easy and such fun to move accessories around or pick up some new ones to change the look of a room from summer to fall/winter.

I recently brought out some wonderful green glass because the color adds a touch of holiday spirit to the room.

Benches---this is a great way to make a room look more cozy...what is more inviting than a bench in front of a fireplace or in a seating group. To me, a bench always says "sit down, even if for a few minutes".

Rugs---this is a great time of the year to move rugs around or buy something new. A simple way to warm any room is to use a white cowhide rug......warm, yet very glam!

Drinks Carts---one of my favorite decorating tools! You can add so much to these. I love to have a lamp on the top shelf along with liqueurs and mixers that are right for winter along with a vase of flowers that say fall/winter. The other shelves may have books and interesting pieces of glass.

Now, after you've done a few of these things, you'll be ready to shop for interesting gifts for your family and friends-----that's what I'll be talking about next time....great ideas for holiday gifts!

NEIMAN'S JAN SHOWERS ROOM

I had a book signing at Neiman's downtown Dallas store and wanted to share a few pictures of the room I created on the 2nd floor. It was a great event and I want to thank everyone who came by and bought books---also, a very special thanks to Kyle Bunting for his fabulous rug made especially for this room at Neiman's. For information on upcoming book signings, visit my Facebook and Twitter pages...

SALE!

Make sure your home is ready for the holidays by taking advantage of our Collection Holiday Sale! Select tables and mirrors are 10% off and can be delivered to you by December 18. Please call Jan Showers Collection at 214-747-5252 for more details.

TWO WEEKS IN DALLAS

Wow!! What an amazing fortnight in Dallas starting on October 12 with the official opening of the Dallas/ATT Center for the Performing Arts on through my favorite event in any city anywhere, Two by Two for Aids and Art.

THE COUNTDOWN:
After the grand opening of the Performing Arts Center on October 12, there was a great U2 concert in the fabulous new Cowboys Stadium. It was a fantastic show in a venue unlike any other, especially viewed from John and Jennifer Eagles' great suite.

Then, the opening nights of the Wyly Theater and the Winspear Opera House which were both spectacular!

Following on the heels of that week, Two by Two for Aids and Art week kicked off with the Sotheby's Preview Night--everyone's first peek at the top tier art that was donated by noted artists and gallery owners from L.A. to London to Germany. This year's art was considered the best ever in Two by Two history.

Two nights later, First Look party which is a fun night with lots of fashion/music people and a wonderful fashion show featuring Christian Siriano, winner of last year's Project Runway and sponsored by Dallas' boutique, 4510. Guests also enjoyed a special music perfomance by Gavin Rossdale courtesy of Kirtland Records.

Next, the Two by Two Gala night which is the most glamorous night of the year in Dallas with lots of star power. Artists and art dealers from all over the world come to this event, along with celebrities---this year, Stanley Tucci and Harry Belafonte, honorary chairs, Kenneth Cole, president of amfAR, and featured artist, Peter Doig. Alan Cumming's performance brought the house down---it wowed everyone there!

Harry Belafonte Alan Cumming

Then Jamie Niven of Sotheby's---yes, he is the son of David Niven, and the funniest man on the planet---took the stage for the live auction.

Two by Two went on to make a record breaking $4 million!

Two x Two tent My daughter Elizabeth & I co-chaired the event

Once again, Cindy and Howard Rachofsky opened the doors of their Richard Meier house for every one of these events. Their major art collection is removed each year so that all of the art donated for the event may be displayed. What a show!