I know it may seem that this blog is more focused on food than design.  Thankfully, I was blessed with a range of skills and basically use them on an as needed basis.  Last evening I attended a book signing at SummerHouse in Ridgeland, MS for internationally recognized designer Barry Dixon.

In a word Barry was…charming. His Southern roots by way of Memphis, Clarksdale, Oxford and Jackson are fully displayed while he shares wonderful images and stories of  projects in Beijing, London, Paris as beyond.

Barry was visiting to share his new book and to introduce a line of products he’s designed for Arteriors…a leader in the design industry for home accessories, lighting and objet d’art. Above you can see some of the items perfectly designed to bring warmth and charm to any home.

SummerHouse has a broad collection of home fashions.  The look is clean and functional but the design aesthetic is fashion forward while not being trendy.  This cocktail ottoman has a great look to anchor and give interest to the center of a family or gathering room.

 

 

Some of my favorite things in the gallery are pieces that have great design qualities but look like they would fit in lots of different settings.  The oval ottoman is so smart..the lines are clean, the scale is large but the oval shape makes it space appropriate and the addition of nailhead trim offers a feeling that it’s been in the family forever. The lounge chair looks like the perfect option for a reading chair, a boudoir chair or you could use a pair in a parlor or sitting room.  The display cabinet has great bones and while new has a beautiful connection to years past that makes it perfect for family collectibles and cherished literary works. This desk and chair combination is just amazing.  The Hickory Chair secretary is absolutely beautiful but also very functional with varied sized draws and of course the best thing is that is closes should you need to conceal untidiness. Finally, the beauty of the organic hand-finished console transformed an otherwise blank wall into a passage way through a beautiful forest. The combination of the landscape painting and the console is really spectacular.

This low profile sofa was a showstopper.  The scale and combination of straight and curved lines make this piece perfect for the foot of a bed in a guest or master suite.  Showroom designer Marty Smith did a masterful job of pulling together groupings that were beautifully composed while offering a range of choices to meet any homeowners needs.

Okay, Okay, Okay…YES, they had delicious food and drink…it is the south you know!!!

…fromaggio and charcuterie

…duck rillettes with red cabbage slaw on tortilla crisps

 

…cheese biscuits with pork belly and orange marmalade & shrimp toast

 

…banana pudding in a mason jar…Southern x Two

…and the Mason Dixon…a signature cocktail designed especially for Mr. Dixon’s visit.

Nashville recording artists and The Voice stars Brian Fuente and Jordan Pruitt were in attendance.

Rock star interior designers Todd Prince and Elizabeth Gullett greeted clients and guests as well as adding to the beauty of the setting.

Barry Dixon and SummerHouse lead designer Lisa Palmer

Clearly, the SummerHouse was lovely and a good time was had by all!!!