American designer Alexander Julian wants us to look at our home furnishings in the same way we look at our wardrobe.
"Furniture should be like ready-to-wear clothing," says the apparel, furniture and textile designer. "Both should make you feel like a million bucks."
In 1975, the award-winning designer was the industry darling, creating new and exciting fashion and textiles that are now part of the Smithsonian Institution's permanent collection. Julian won his first of five Coty Awards (fashion's Oscar equivalent) before the age of 30 and is the only fashion designer to have won the American Society of Furniture Designers prestigious Pinnacle Award in 1998.
"I was like the child star in the design industry," laughs the affable father of four, whose At Home collection of upholstered furniture is being made in Canada exclusively by Decor-Rest Furniture Ltd., in Woodbridge.
"I was the first to use paisley and stripes in upholstery fabric," says the Connecticut-based artist who started designing menswear as a teen for his family's clothing store. "I was also the first to develop a micro-fibre suede that is durable and comfortable," says Julian at a Toronto launch earlier in the year.
To achieve this look, Julian's line includes area rugs, window treatments, lamps, wallcoverings and pillows, which complement his At Home furniture, in the same way a tie or hankie will complete the look of a suit.
Julian's creative use of colour is another trademark.
"I used 56 paint and stain colours in my own home, and believe me -- it's not too busy," says Julian, who has developed a paint line for Lowes in the U.S. He also dabbles in the arts, creating costumes for film, television and theatre, and has outfitted such sports teams as Paul Newman's Indy racing car team and North Carolina basketball teams.
In his latest furniture collection, Julian draws inspiration from nature and uses a timeless palette: "My designs are not gender-specific. Paisley is about as floral as I get," he laughs.
Organic shapes, patterns, textures and colours mix and match within each of the lines letting the dusty shades of the desert or rustic, earthy tones of an autumn harvest create the statement.
Julian dispenses good advice when it comes to interior decorating. "People should trust their instincts. It's important to try and so much harder to fail. Finish the room before deciding whether you like it or not: Hang the pictures, add the accessories, live with the room for a period of time. Experience it in different lights which create different moods. Let your soul digest the room."
