Our Experts

Suzanne Manlove, Manlove and Company Interiors | Kristin Peake, Kristin Peake Interiors |
Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas, Interiors by Design | Becky Wetzler, Allied ASID, Haus Interior Design

Making a Statement With Fabric

“Once we have fabrics, wallpapers, finishes
and rugs laid out in our studio, we start to build
a story with texture and pattern. It’s a gift
when you have a blank canvas so you can pick
just the right balance.”
—Kristin Peake

“We’ll choose texture for a sofa and patterns
for chairs or pillows. My current favorite is
Peter Dunham, who makes fabrics with
a hand-painted look.”
—Suzanne Manlove

“I prefer texture over pattern. I love the tactile
sensation that’s connected more with how it feels
versus how it looks.”
—Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas

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The Skinny on Window Dressing

“To be able to couple a woven shade for privacy
with a beautiful decorative drapery is the desired goal.”
—Kristin Peake

“I’m seeing more bold patterns and intense colors
in window treatments. I like a slubby linen panel
dressed up with accent trim.”
—Suzanne Manlove

“I prefer a triple-layer treatment: small-stack cellular
shade for privacy, white matchstick shade
on top for organic texture and tailored panels.
Without these layers, a window doesn’t feel done.”
—Becky Wetzler

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Finding a Favorite Perch

“Lounge chairs from Verellen sit perfectly,
no matter the model or upholstery. I like that
the company is family-owned and the furniture
is American-made.”
—Kristin Peake

“My dream chair is one you never want to get out of.
We love the Jules by Hickory Chair;
it has a loose-back pillow with goose-down fill.”
—Suzanne Manlove

“Lexington’s Beach Club Chair works on every project.
We put it in our office so clients can try it out
when they come in.”
—Becky Wetzler

“A chair should sit well but also think
outside the box in terms of design.
Chaddock’s Benjamin Johnston chairs do that.”
—Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas