Thomas O'Brien's Pattern Play

It's been a busy week here at P&P. We had the launch of this blog, for starters, one P graduating from the Columbia University School of Journalism, and, to top it all off, BlogFest 2011.

Needless to say, we're looking forward to kicking back and soaking it all in this weekend. But not before we leave you with one of the highlights from our three-day hobnobbing fest with design industry royalty -- the launch of Lee Jofa's Heritage Collection at Mayo Studios in Long Island City, New York.

The new line of fabrics actually consists of classic Lee Jofa prints updated by celebrated interior designers, including Eric Cohler, David Easton, and personal fave, Thomas O'Brien.

Photos: Quintessence Blog; Lee Jofa

We had the pleasure of meeting all three (among others) at the launch party hosted by Traditional Home magazine, where each designer created a vignette to showcase their Heritage Collection fabric.

The entire setup was spectacular, but what stood out most was Thomas O'Brien's installation, which featured Lee Jofa's Nympheus fabric, above right -- in reverse.

Photo: Lee Jofa

O'Brien's version, left, is a bolder, indigo-themed colorway that bleeds through to the underside while maintaining its distinct leafy pattern. In his vignette, above left, O'Brien juxtaposed the original pattern (on the lampshade) with his new one (on the screen) and the front side of the fabric (on the chairs) with the reverse (on throw pillows).

As a lover of the little things, we thought this technique genius! And it's one O'Brien says he's been using for years, as in this room he designed for the October 2010 issue of Veranda magazine, below.




That, P&P peeps, is what we call pattern play (or attention to detail, a new use for old things, or adding visual interest). However you refer to it, it's garnered our affects, big time.

 Photo: Veranda

Tell us: Have you ever used a fabric in an unconventional way?