FEBRUARY                 What can I say about February?  It used to be my least favorite month of the year, but now I see it differently.  The deadliest part of winter does mean that spring is on the way, doesn't it?  All of those bulbs are so going to be so fragrant and fresh--- and we know it won't be long.                      We usually go to St. Barth's in January, but there wasn't time this year with book tour dates and installations for clients.  Jim and I decided to go to Santa Fe to the new Auberge resort, Encantado.  For those of you familiar with Santa Fe, it is on the property where Rancho Encantado was for many years.  It was a magical place---Robert Redford lived there when he was shooting "Milagro Beanfield War" and Grace Kelly loved bringing her children there when they were small.  She wanted to expose them to places in the U.S. that she loved.     Princess Grace and Prince Rainier with their children.  The owner of Rancho Encantado was a woman named Betty Egan.  She held court every evening in the bar, along with her dogs and her sons.  Going to Rancho was always magical for me and the views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is truly a spiritual experience.   Rancho fell into disrepair after Betty died in the early 90's and deteriorated.  So when it was purchased by The Canyon Group, they had to scrape the buildings and start over.  One of my favorite hospitality firms was responsible for the interiors---Wilson and Associates.   It is absolutely stunning and still charming in a much more modern way.   Here are some views of the new Encantado Resort:       When Jim and I arrived, this is what it looked like. I have never seen such beautiful snow!       Their spa is fabulous and one of the reasons we wanted to stay there.    A great way to start February!!   ANNOUNCEMENT   Jan Showers has started the process of developing a new website-we are very excited to be working with The Old State.  They are so creative and are wonderful collaborators.  The new site will be up and running by May 1.  You will be able to see every antique we have at Jan Showers & Associates on Slocum Street in the Dallas Design District along with several other new features.  Stay tuned.

SALE!    The Jan Showers Collection is in 7 showrooms around the U.S.  Each year, we change our displays in these showrooms.  That means that lots of beautiful samples end up in our Dallas warehouse.  We usually sell these samples to our clients privately and by appointment.  This year, we are bringing all of them into our showroom on Slocum Street and we are having a huge sale.  Many of the samples will be marked down 50% . Here are a few of my favorite pieces included in the sale.                         Caroline Chair                         Oliver Dining Table                     Coco Bar Stool At the same time, we are marking our antiques inventory down 30-75%.   Our showroom with be filled with the most incredible values.  Here are a few of my favorite antiques on the sale.          As most of you know, we NEVER put our lamps on sale, but we are this time.  We have a great assortment of ceramic, bronze and glass vintage lamps with our trademark custom shades, Lucite bases and French silk cord.                      I know lots of you have been waiting to buy because we are all trying to save these days.  This is your opportunity to buy some wonderful pieces and save at the same time.    ENJOY!!

HAITI As most of you know, an earthquake devastated the island of Haiti last week. Over half of the population of Haiti is under 18 years of age. This is a time for all of us to show the generosity that America is famous for. Please go to following link to make your donation---it doesn't matter how little you can give----every penny counts!! http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org Thanks for your time and efforts to help this poor nation. Jan

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.