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Annie Elliott Design, Washington DC

Annie Elliott Design

Greater Washington DC

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Dear Restoration Hardware…

Annie Elliott | February 5, 2011

Sigh. I debated, Gentle Readers. I debated whether to violate my “say mostly nice things” policy and write this letter to Restoration Hardware. Ultimately, I decided that in the same spirit I provided Pottery Barn and Target with some, ah, constructive criticism in the past, so too might Restoration Hardware benefit from a friendly chat. I mean, wouldn’t you want to know what people were saying behind your back?

Dear Restoration Hardware,

I am a former fan who is worried about you.

Have you by any chance seen the comments that my Gentle Readers – an incredibly smart, savvy, well connected group of people (and let’s not forget SUPER RICH with LOTS OF DISPOSABLE INCOME) – left in response to bossy color blog’s most recent post?

Restoration Hardware's Aviator Wing desk

No?

Let me share:

“I now put the Restoration Hardware catalogue right in the recycling bin when I get it because it is just weird . . . and ugly.”

“Not sure who is running the ship at Restoration….some of their pricepoints are just crazy and I think they are losing their core/market consumer.”

“I can’t even page through an entire catalog anymore because I get so bored. And I won’t set foot in their store. Just depresses me. Where is the color???”

“Are we allowed to say “fugly” on here?”

Let’s cut to the chase, Restoration Hardware. By what means did you determine that your core audience is now chateau-dwelling,

Restoration Hardware bedroom

nighttime-fearing,

Restoration Hardware lamps

chronically late

Restoration Hardware clock

 

members of the Amelia Earhart fan club?

Aviator Wing Desk

We beg of you, Restoration Hardware: please take a step back and reconsider your approach. Color is your friend. Goliath has plenty of floor lamps. And many – many – of us refrain from zooming our staplers and pencils through the air like fighter pilots when we work.

Just a thought.

Love, Annie

With much thanks to you, Gentle Readers, who are all of the wonderful things I said in this post and more. This letter wouldn’t have been possible without you. But just so you know: Diet Coke stings when it’s coming out your nose. So please think twice before leaving your next comment. Thank you.

Category: Furniture + upholsteryTag: Aviator Wing Desk, Restoration Hardware, Restoration Hardware catalog, unpopular furniture

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Get ready for a dramatic before and after! We transformed a playroom into a dining room, and the result is pretty amazing. (But still fun!) #wallpaper #interiordesign #diningroominspo

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Jul 22

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For today’s Wallpaper Wednesday, we discuss the chinoiserie wallpaper in the Great Hall at  @citytavern_dc  in Washington, DC. Ooooohh - field trip!I was delighted to visit City Tavern recently. It’s a historic 1796 Federal building in the heart of Georgetown, and all the cool kids hung out there. You know, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson…those guys. At one point, the building boasted the largest room in Washington.I, of course, was captivated by the Great Hall, which is covered in @graciestudio hand-painted wallpaper — which was selected by none other than Jackie Kennedy! EVEN THOUGH at that time the building was a club that didn’t admit women. Harumph.The chinoiserie walls are gorgeous from far away, but they’re amazing up close, also: you can see faint brushstrokes left by the painters. Doesn’t that give you a shiver? I love it.

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Jul 21

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For a recent article in @vogueliving, I was asked how to mix wallpapers — either in the same room or adjacent rooms. I have a few pieces of advice to offer 😊See my latest blog post for more…#interiordesign #designblog #wallpaperinspo

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Jul 8

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Star-studded wallpaper on the ceiling childish? Not necessarily! Here are the differences between babyish and grown-up star themed wallpaper. #wallpaper #interiordesign

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Jul 4

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Happy Independence Day! I happen to love a room decorated in red, white, and blue. It’s not always gimmicky; wouldn’t you agree that the dining room below is bold and sophisticated? 🤪 My advice: vary the shades (clash those blues if you have to!), throw some large-scale patterns into the mix, and add texture. A grasscloth ceiling, for example 😉 Have a great 4th, everyone!#interiordesign #homedecor #pattermixing

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Jul 3

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I was honored to co-chair — with the inimitable @ianthainteriors — the design competition, America at 250: The New Look of American Design, a project conceived by the nonprofit MADE: In America.Design students from Howard University partnered with Washington Design Center showrooms to create storyboards and vignettes reflecting their vision of “American style.” The Design Center is showcasing the students’ work through July 10; admission is free and open to the public. Details may be found at the link in the @washingtondesigncenter’s bio.I encourage you to visit! It’s so important to support the next generation of designers, and I was delighted to participate in this event. Iantha and I are grateful to James De Lorbe, Chairman of MADE: In America; and we extend our warmest thanks to jurors @melissacolganinteriors, @mariella.cruzado,  @gaildavisdesigns, @val_hawkins_architect, @hadleykeller, @byronrisdon, and @jazmynedesignstudio.

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Jul 1

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Happy Wallpaper Wednesday! This week’s guest star: Schumacher’s Birds & Butterflies. It’s so whimsical, yet so grown up! Creatures on wallpaper can be a tough sell to adults, but Birds & Butterflies’ black and white background is quite sophisticated. (That’s why the Multi on White is my favorite colorway. I wouldn’t bother with the others.)The pattern is derived from a hand-printed 1960s wallpaper in the Schumacher archive. It’s certainly earned its place in the Exuberant Prints collection, don’t you think?#wallpaperinspo #interiordesign #roomdesign

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Jun 26

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Before and after part 2: a NYC pied-a-terre part deux! In this video we move to the primary bedroom, guest bedroom/office/workout area (remember: it’s NY! Gotta maximize your space!) and the tiniest powder room in the world. Such a fabulous, fun project!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti#interiordesign #wallpaper #nycdesign

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Jun 26

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Another installment of my Before and After video series! This project is in NYC. SO fun!!! We start with a VERY challenging living space/kitchen and then…well, then there’s Part 2!Mentioned:@Schumacher_midatlantic@leejofa@visualcomfort@fornasetti
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