by Samara Goodman

Samara Interiors

Earlier this month, Samara Interiors had the honor of collaborating with STARK Carpet to create tablescapes and vignettes in their DC showroom for the Washington Design Center's Holiday Fête, benefitting Children's National Hospital and sponsored by Home & Design Magazine. What a wonderful celebration of design and designers! This newsletter details the vision and creation of these vignette designs.

IMPRESSIONIST DINNER 
When I found out that the fête theme was Parisian holiday, I immediately thought of my fall visit to The National Galley of Art's exhibition, 'Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment' and then to an exhibition that I saw many years ago at The Phillips Collection that centered around Renoir's 'Luncheon of the Boating Party' painting. This French impressionist inspiration evolved into the theme for my main tablescape design... the guests in the painting came for lunch and stayed late for a holiday dinner! Later, the holiday dinner party guests further evolved to being impressionist painters themselves.

In collaboration with the STARK DC team, we selected a traditional-style rug with colors that are found in the painting, specifically the elegant blue dress and its burgundy trim. All of the other vignettes' rugs were then selected with complementing this rug in mind. The painting also inspired many of the details, especially the table linens. The shade of blue for the main tablecloth was inspired by the ladies' dresses, and the crimson-striped table topper in the Opera Couple vignette was inspired by the crimson stripes in the painting's awning. Of course, no Victorian era formal holiday setting would be complete without bullion fringe ornamentation.

My favorite detail is the dessert made from STARK carpet poms and how it looks almost good enough to eat! Poms are used for selecting colors in custom carpets and, in my opinion, are a beautiful design element en masse all on their own.

PARISIAN VOYAGE
Pack your vintage suitcase and grab your antique map – it's time for a trip back in time to Paris of yesteryear. The STARK rug we selected for this vignette has a pattern that mimics the lines of the Eiffel Tower, and to many, it also evokes the image of a well-worn Parisian map. To keep this design neutral and cohesive, the ornaments we chose are gold (for additional sparkle) and straw colored (inspired by the men's straw hats in the Renoir painting). The illuminated Eiffel Tower and the fresh cedar garland with twinkling lights create a mood of a magical evening in Paris during the holiday season. 

OPERA COUPLE
The idea for this vignette began with the idea of a Victorian couple attending The Opera Garnier who had momentarily stepped away from their seats, leaving behind their top hat, silky gloves, and opera glasses. Of course, the champagne is awaiting their return as well. The dramatic mood here is further enhanced by the colors in this stunning STARK rug that evokes the Victorian era with its flourished pattern and elegant colors. This rug was selected because it looks just as beautiful on the wall as it does on the floor. I think that it made a stunning proxy wallpaper, don't you?

THROUGH THE WINDOW
We noticed that the delivery door to the STARK DC showroom is what visitors see as they exit the elevator. So we improvised with our extra accessories, utilizing two luxurious STARK rugs, a pair of matching rug samples, and bringing in a brass menorah with blue candles, to create a cohesive and welcoming fourth vignette.

THANK YOU!
I have many to thank, as this installation could not have happened without them. First, to my family for their support and hard work to make this possible. To Pam Nemfakos, for her many months of brainstorming, creativity (the opera couple!), and styling, as well as the fabulous vintage items that made this vision possible. Many of these items are available at 3250 Blenheim Blvd, Fairfax, VA or email: pam@nemfakospartners.com. To Sarah Reeder of Artifactual History, for her inspiring enthusiasm, expert historic and artistic consulting, and ingenuity - the impressionists as dinner guests! To Maria, who instantly saw my vision and created the stunning custom table linens. Last, but not least, a special thank you to Lou, Dean, and the team at STARK DC, who were superb collaborators, knowledgeable professionals, and gracious hosts. 

For more information, contact Samara Goodman.