May’s Design News
From collaborations to new collections, here's the latest.
Photograph by Mike Schalk
Extraordinary Baths
Bespoke wallpaper brand Gracie and luxury towel maker Weezie are partnering on a limited-edition collection for the bath. Gracie’s exquisite handpainted designs— Indigo Garden and Sapphire Silhouette—have been translated into terry towels. Additional bath accessories include a robe, shower curtain, tissue-box cover and handpainted mini panels. “We have loved working with the Gracie team on this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between two brands launched 120 years apart,” says Liz Eichhotz, cofounder and creative director of Weezie. Gracie Studio Creative Director Jennifer Gracie adds, “Cozy becomes infinitely more luxurious when combined with beautiful florals.” Available exclusively at weezietowels.com.
Ringing In Good News
In January, Ring’s End acquired Johnson Paint’s 11 stores in Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire, expanding the company’s reach in the Northeast. Ring’s End now boasts 31 locations across five states, 23 of which are freestanding paint and design centers and eight of which are full-service lumber yard locations, which include paint and design centers. In addition, a commercial paint and lacquer facility, a custom millwork shop, a centralized distribution warehouse and an education center round out the brand’s sites. The culture of the two multigenerational family-owned and -operated businesses aligned—offering premium products, hometown service and convenient locations—making the union a natural fit. “We are excited to welcome the Johnson Paint team into the Ring’s End family,” says Mike Burkhart, president and COO of Ring’s End. “We are honored to carry on the tradition of excellent customer service started by the Johnson family 84 years ago and look forward to building on our success together with this great team.”
Photograph by Carmel Brantley
High Society
If you visit the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach, you will want to take more than the bathrobe home with you, and now you can. The guest rooms and suites were recently redesigned with Society Social furnishings. Artisan-crafted rattan, woven wicker and upholstery pieces—inspired by Old-World Palm Beach—are offered in an array of color finishes and fabrics. The 11-piece capsule collection includes headboards, chairs, nightstands, dressers, a sofa, stool and cocktail table. Society Social’s Founder and Creative Director Roxy Owens and the Colony Hotel owner and President Sarah Wetenhall collaborated on the design to celebrate the Colony’s 75th anniversary. Shown here, a guest room at the hotel outfitted with Society Social furniture in custom Schumacher fabrics and wallcovering. Furnishings start at $895; to take a piece of Palm Beach home, visit shopsocietysocial.com.
Photography by Simon Brown
A World of Whimsy
Hotelier and designer Kit Kemp is known for her fearless use of color and pattern. This spring, she launched a tabletop collection with fellow British brand Spode. Fanciful designs adorn tableware, glassware, cutlery, gifts and accessories. “Textiles are my greatest inspiration and applying my fabric designs and new patterns to everyday items creates a joyful way to experience them in a different form,” says Kemp. The Tall Trees tableware, inspired by Kemp’s love of the countryside and walks in the woods, features birds and enchanting creatures. Geo is a more modern, graphic design and a complement to Tall Trees. Kemp’s daughter, Willow, follows in her mother’s creative footsteps with the Spode Doodles collection of plates and mugs based on her original sketches. The Kit Kemp for Spode collection is available online at spode.com.
The print version of this article appeared with the headline: Buzzworthy.
