Simply put, John Robshaw is a massive force in the homegoods industry. His worldly prints and travel-inspired merchandise have driven the ethnic trend for years now. His customers are loyal and his competitors, envious. Walking by the booth, I spotted Robshaw, live in the flesh, cheerfully walking buyers through his latest collection. The newest additions carry an Egyptian theme, revealing block print hieroglyphics and nile-inspired repeats. The thematic parallels are similar to Robshaw’s previous collections, reminding us that Robshaw loves to infuse and overlap his travel adventures.

Over the next few days I’ll be posting Pattern Pulp’s favorites from this week’s gift show. Unsurprisingly, geometrics, french/indian-inspired prints and apothecary influences are in full swing, proving the commercial buying power these trends have in the homegoods sector. One of the most vibrant executions is on display at Koko Company’s booth. Stitched organic, geometric repeats over printed patterns make up the pillow and bedding spreads, showing differentiating color palettes. Whether the stories take the rust/navy/gold angle or the pink/mint/lime avenue, the quilted effect makes for a unique display. I was serendipitously dressed for the occasion so we snapped a shot!

In the branding world, people are forever in search of mood-enhancing visuals. When it comes to print and textiles, the objective is similar, though more tactile. Today’s feature takes pattern-blocking and shows its versatility in storytelling.

Mark Allan Miller is a master at creating nostalgia through pattern and illustration. Realizing this style in home product design, this pillow from the Parisian homegoods store, Bensimon takes a similarly bold and illustrative approach. Veering away from this minimalist style, Jamal Vrno makes mixing and matching fun, proving the right patchwork can emit any message.

Having just returned from a week of travel, I have luggage on the mind. While my Burton bag has served me well over the past few years, I can’t say I’m not tempted to upgrade every time I see a great pattern. A series of textured weekender bags from Saltbox are currently on sale on One Kings Lane. Check em out, as they’re a nice alternative to the Vera Bradley set.

When you’re a designer, nothing’s off limits. Anything can inspire the next great idea. Today’s post features a mood board for bedding design. When you consider all of the accessories that accompany a standard duvet, it’s mind boggling. Everything from the assorted pillows to the ruffle skirt to the throw must coordinate in a cohesive manner. Here are six examples of how fashion’s color and detail direction can translate into simpler commercial textures:

1. 1. Matthew Cunnington et John Sanderson shoe
2. 2. Dries Van Noten shirt, SS10
3. 3. Anthropologie skirt, FW09
4. 4. Bottega Veneta grosgrain-trimmed dress
5. 5. Carlos Miele skirt
6. 6. Valentino leather jacket

The right lighting can make or break a retail space. Every interior designer knows this. While exploring Tokyo and Kyoto last week, I stumbled upon several lighting displays that completely blew me away. Interestingly (and practically), all of the rounded sculptures were open, intricate and reflected the mood of the store’s merchandise. Pass the Baton‘s white cups resembled recycled china, a theme consistent to the store. This rose ball from furniture row in Kyoto, had a polished boutique-like vibe. One of the most impressive interpretations of the dome trend was on full display at Franc Franc, a newish luxury concept store that housed wares ranging from Monocle to J. Period. The chandelier was so impressive and open, it allowed shoppers to view from above and below, making it interactive, tangible and a [...]

A few months ago, Amsterdam-based artist, Louis Reith spun a web of admirers with his typographically inspired works on paper. His masterful merging of geometric shapes, abstract typography, vintage maps and old book pages is a reminder to all designers to take a step back from the computer every once in a while. In today’s world where so much art is digitally composed and intricately dense, the hand-rendered simplicity and obvious restraint makes Reith’s work immensely beautiful and refreshing. Little Paper Planes is presently offering four exclusive limited edition prints from the artist at a delightfully affordable price of $35 per print, with the whole set offered at $120. A lovely opportunity to get your hands on the work of a talented up and comer- take advantage!

After visiting this year’s gift show, it’s apparent that ikat patterns are here to stay. Just as animal print’s become a seasonal staple in the fashion world, it appears that ikat variations and ethnic repeats are following a parallel road. Everyone knows the beauty that is the John Robshaw collection, however it’s important to note other designers making their mark around the globe. Today’s feature highlights Jules Pansu’s collection. Pansu’s a Parisian design house with roots dating back to 1878. In 1994, a home collection was launched and the line’s been leading the way in innovative design ever since. Today a wide variety of products are on sale via Gilt Groupe. Check it out!