1 Society Social Sofa 10 Sparkling Personalities and 48 Pillows Project Sofa  1
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4 A Note from our Founder 6 Inslee by Design 8 Jana Bek Design 12 The College Prepster 14 Hunted Interior 18 Pursuit of Style 22 Sara Kate Studios 24 Poplin & Queen 28 M Loves M 30 So Haute 34 Grey & Scout 36 Society Sofa Facts
photography by Lawrence Te art direction + design by Colleen Nathanson
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a note from our founder Hello and happy first month of 2014! Don’t you love the feeling of a vibrant start and a sparkly, clean slate? This time of year always brings the excitement of things to come and a renewed enthusiasm to leave your brilliant mark on all that goes before you! I’m tickled pink to kick off this spectacular new year with the 2nd annual Project Sofa! Last year, in a beautiful display of creativity, 11 talent ed designers armed with 52 pillows recreated one white Society Social sofa in their own unique way. The result was a sensational showcase of style, and inspiration to make your design dreams come true! Project Sofa was such a success that we’ve made it an annual event and it’s been a pleasure and honor to work with 10 shining personalities who have personal style down to an art. Instead of focusing on one sofa like last year, each individual decorated her own specially designed Society Social sofa with a fabulous formation of handpicked pillows- in all, a total of 48 pillows. It’s
marvelous to see such style on display and a genuine treat to see 10 distinct personalities come through in each design scheme. In fact, I am positive the girls will leave you inspired! If you’re reading this now, you might notice a few changes around the shop, I’m bursting with excitement to introduce you to our shiny, new website. It was designed and executed by a dream team and I hope the refreshed user experience dazzles and inspires you to create a home you truly love! Aside from the significant redesign, this year you can expect even more chic custom seating, a fresh dedication to our original muse, the bar cart, and fashionable introductions that stay true to the Society Social mantra— in a happy home, entertaining and decorating go hand-in-hand! As always, thank you from the depths of my heart for giving the Society Social team and I the continued opportunity to bring you our spirited take on home décor. Cheers to you and to all the possibilities for 2014! Love,
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Inslee By Design NYC–based fashion illustrator and proud studio mate of Society Social, Inslee Haynes creates watercolor paintings, stationery, calendars and custom illustrations.ts What do you love most about your home? I love how much sunlight we get in the mornings. And of course, I love our location—tucked away on a quite street in the East Village just a few blocks away from the Inslee & Society Social nyc headquarters. In one sentence describe your dream home… My dream home would be something old, with a lot of history maintained in the original hardwood floors, molding and fireplaces with giant walk in closets and unexpected wallpaper choices and a really big kitchen and studio for me to paint in. 6 Project Sofa
What’s one thing people may not know about you? I was named after my great great grandfather, Inslee is actually a man’s name! Most cherished possession? My engagement ring, which my fiancé calls “the precious”… It’s new for me this year, but has a very special history with our family. Favorite bloom? White parrot tulips. (I’d say peonies but that’s a given).
project sofa picks Society Social Penelope Sofa, Society Social Beverly Palm Pillow, Society Social Colorblock Pillow in Pool, Society Social Ming Trellis Pillow, and Inslee By Design botanical prints Signature scent? Le Labo Tuberose I never leave home without... Aquaphor. I know you were hoping I’d say something like “a spirit for adventure” or “my sketch book”… sorry, I’m a realist. Dry skin happens. I like to be ready. What three words best describe your style? Classic, Whimsical, Expensive What is your current favorite design trend? I’m excited to see that figural paintings and nudes are making their way into gallery walls and living rooms as pieces of interesting, important art. I am looking forward to doing more large-scale watercolor figures in 2014. What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Buying everything all at once. It will really show. Even if a wall or a room or a shelf stays bare for a year or two, wait until you find the perfect thing in your travels that will build a room with character and personal history. Three favorite reads: Matchbook Magazine, anything about weddings, and I just finished the best book EVER: Where’d You Go Bernadette.
What would we find on your bar cart? Right now you’d find a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle that we’re afraid to open because it might be our second most prized possession after the precious, some ginger jars from C. Wonder and Astier de Villatte plates and glassware. And of course a lot of French wine. Fashion or Design Style Icon? I bet Kate Middleton has an awesome barcart… Favorite all time fabric? Any of my grandmother’s pucci scarf collection. When I was a little girl and she was still alive, I’d invite my friends over to strip down to next to nothing and then we’d wrap ourselves artfully in head to toe Pucci scarves and come out of the dressing room to model for her. She’d laugh at us, screwdriver in hand, delighted by our creations. I collect... Herend animals and adjectives PS Project Sofa 7
We love Jana’s exuberant studio apartment—so much color!
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Bek Design Interior designer Jana Bek loves color, pattern, and mixing high and low elements to create compelling spaces. Bek Design provides ultraaffordable interior design services, including e-decorating and full-scale projects. What do you love most about your home? My brushstroke lamps (which I now sell!); they are the first thing that I diy’d that I loved. They give so much personality to my bedroom. In one sentence describe your dream home… It would be an airy oceanside abode, probably a condo to avoid clutter & any unused space. What three words best describe your style? Color, Personality, Polish What is your current favorite design trend? More people are diying and refurbishing items they own & it makes me so happy. I always try to work with what I or client’s have; of course it’s more affordable, but it also adds character to a space. What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Purchasing on impulse from home flash sale sites! I love a deal but I always tell clients, we need to construct the whole design first, then with design at hand you can purchase with confidence.
Anyone can do this—decide what you want the whole room too look like, create Pinterest boards or put a design together on Polyvore. Then measure and measure again. Once you have the whole look you can implement with ease. What’s one thing people may not know about you? I get antsy while I work and have to move around—I often work while walking on a treadmill. Also, I’ve found it’s easier to write difficult emails while I move. Most cherished possession? Photos from past portfolio shots—it’s so exci ting seeing my clients’ designs come to life. Also, the shoots and styling are so much fun, I love seeing the photos and remembering the experiences. Favorite bloom? Lilies because they are so fragrant. Signature scent? Malin + Goetz Dark rum fragrance oil. It is super sexy. I never leave home without... Gum. The super sugary kind like Double Bubble. Project Sofa 9
What would we find on your bar cart? Is it sad that this was the easiest question to answer? Vodka, gin, champ agne, grapefruit and orange juice, black pepper simple syrup (I just made it and it adds a nice spice to sweet cocktails), dry vermouth, green olives, diet ginger ale and Sprite Zero. Favorite all-time fabric? Per my sofa, obsessed with Designer’s Guild Orangerie Rose fabric! The colors are so rich and varied; it makes you happy to look at it! I just reupholstered our breakfast nook chairs in it. Your go-to decorating tip: People get
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overwhelmed with styling. I always encourage friends and clients to practi ce patience and play. If you’re having a difficult time get inspired, try to replicate a look as a starting place. One item on your wish list? Kelly Wearstler’s Poter Teleo Brushstroke wallpaper in her entry. It’s out of my budget so I’ve been practice painting it in our dining room! If you could right now, name one person you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. My friend Brooke. She just got engaged and I’d love to pop some bubbly and catch up! PS
project sofa picks Society Social Downtown Elise Sofa, Society Social Orangerie Rose Pillows, Green Leopard Lumbar from Waiting on Martha, Cotton Pillows from Luxury Monograms Project Sofa  11
The College Prepster What do you love most about your home? I love the location of my apartment; I’m close to friends, amazing brunch spots, and easy subway stops. It’s a great “first apartment”… even if my kitchen is a glorified hallway. In one sentence describe your dream home… Cozy, organized, and filled with lots of light and love. What three words best describe your style? Classic, quirky, and girly. What is your current favorite design trend? Metallic! What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Oh gosh, I probably commit faux pas all the time... What’s one thing people may not know about you? I’m really superstitious! Most cherished possession? My book collection. I have so many books in my childhood bedroom and I bring a few back with me every time I visit my parent’s home. I never leave home without... Chapstick and a book (or two). What would we find on your bar cart? Coffee! (Not the biggest drinker!) Secret small joy? That first sip of coffee in the morning. 12 Project Sofa
Carly A. Heitlinger masters the art of being polished and pulled-together on her charming blog.
Carly was inspired by her feminine but chic bedroom
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Your one go-to decorating tip: Don’t overthink! One item on your wish list? A real kitchen.
Society Social Charlotte Sofa, Society Social Colorblock Pillows in Black, Caitlin Wilson Gold Lotus Pillow, Letter Pillow from Pieces, Black Florence Throw from Lulu & Georgia
If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. My puppy and my boyfriend! PS Project Sofa 13
Hunted Interior Kristin Jackson is the interior designer and blogger behind the Hunted Interior, promoting the design philosophy that you should hunt your surroundings to build a layered space that is true to you. What do you love most about your home/apartment? I love the fact that we have put our personal stamp on every room. Not one to buy into the “buy the room” concept, we have been patient with our selections and have built an eclectic home that is suited to our needs and wants. What three words best describe your style? Eclectic, layered, and fun. Most cherished possession? A brass trunk that I won from Emily Henderson. Signature scent? Vanilla I never leave home without... My iPhone
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What would we find on your bar cart? Gin and tonic with a bowl full of limes for myself, but we always have a stocked bar as you never know when a party might arise. We even have some moonshine for those that want to partake. Favorite all-time fabric? Designers Guild Orangerie Rose. I might try to use it in every room or project. It always just seems to work! Your one go-to decorating tip: Trust your gut. If you like the items you put into your home, they have a way of layering together. PS
We love Kristin’s easy, but playful style—just look at this fireplace!
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project sofa picks Society Social Downtown Elise Sofa, Society Social Get It Girl Pillow Cover, Pomegranate Fretwork Pillow from Shop Ten 25, Bengal Bazaar Pillow from AriannaBelle, Leopard Print Pillow from AriannaBelle
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Pursuit of Style Lindsay Souza is Washington D.C.-based interior decorator and author of the popular design blog. What do you love most about your home? It’s filled with meaningful pieces I’ve collected over time. In one sentence describe your dream home… A lovingly restored historic home modernized with Gracie wallpaper and antelope carpet.
Daily Conditioning Treatment lip balm. I’m completely addicted! What would we find on your bar cart? Lots of gin, stripe-y straws, and a tortoise glass ice bucket.
What three words best describe your style? Classic, colorful, collected. What is your current favorite design trend? Wallpaper has made a big comeback and I could not be more on board. I’m so happy to see more and more clients eager to incorporate it into their homes. What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Matching furniture sets-don’t be afraid to mix it up! What’s one thing people may not know about you? I was the captain of my ice hockey team in high school. Signature scent? Still searching! I never leave home without... Blistex’s Project Sofa 19
project sofa picks Society Social Carroway Sofa, Society Social Colorblock Pillows in Pool, Madeline Weinrib Ikat Pillow, Cambourne Blue Pillows by Arianna Belle
I collect... Vintage constellation charts, blue and white ginger jars, tortoise glass, books by Cecil Beaton. Secret small joy? Being by the ocean. Your one go-to decorating tip: Surround yourself with the things you love.
Fashion or Design Style Icon? Peter Dunham, Tom Scheerer, Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, Bunny Williams… I could go on and on. Favorite all time fabric? Manuel Canovas’ Bengale Toile 20 Project Sofa
Every Hostess should have? A sense of humor. If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. My golden retriever, Brody! PS
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Sara Kate Studios Sara Kate Huff scouts vintage pieces, styling props, and inspiring interiors.
Sara’s instagram feed is a treasure trove of inspiration and shopping finds.
What do you love most about your home/apartment? It is a place that holds my favorite pieces, which each have their own story and heritage. In one sentence describe your dream home… A cozy little historical home with crisp details and unusual pieces. What three words best describe your style? Vintage. Curated. Classic. What is your current favorite design trend? I don’t really follow “trends” per se, but I have been utilizing Lucite quite a bit.
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What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Design your interior to reflect your taste and lifestyle… not one straight out of a catalog. Three favorite reads: Vintage Holiday magazines are a serious collection and love of mine… current reads? I love Domino and House Beautiful. What’s one thing people may not know about you? I have an addiction to purchasing blue shirts. Most cherished possession? An Omersa
Hippo ottoman that was a Christmas present. Signature scent? I have been loving Aerin’s Amber Musk. I never leave home without... A tape measure, shades, and a notebook. What would we find on your bar cart? Bottles of wine that I’ve purchased from trips that I’m saving for a special occasion. Fashion or Design Style Icon? I adore David Hicks and Albert Hadley.
project sofa picks Society Social Dita Sofa, Fuchsia Ikat Pillows from Furbish, Society Social Ivory Diamond Pillows, European Grain Sack Pillow from Sara Kate Studios, Zebra Mount from Sara Kate Studos
Secret small joy? Fresh cut flowers every week. Your one go-to decorating tip: Simple classic pieces with unusual details to bring interest and character to a room.
Favorite all time fabric? Can’t get away from black and white ticking these days.
Every Hostess should have? Vintage wine glasses and a decent bottle of wine for an impromptu night in.
I collect... globes, Holiday magazines, and stationery.
One item on your wish list? A large vintage Omersa rhino ottoman. PS Project Sofa 23
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Poplin & Queen Lindsey Cheek & Shannon Darrough are co-founders of the boutique design firm Poplin & Queen Interiors. Their brand of traditional decor is fresh, bold, and welcoming.
What do you love most about your home/apartment? The fireplace. It’s a classic Georgian style and makes the whole house feel cozy. What three words best describe your style? Gracious, Happy, Classic What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Impulse shopping at the Home Goods! Three favorite reads: Mark D. Sikes blog, Urban Grace, House Beautiful What’s one thing people may not know about you? We’re a little bit like an old married couple with nicknames and everything.
Lindsey is “Fifi” and Shannon is “Texas.” Favorite bloom? Peonies and Ranunculus Signature scent? Anything from Jo Malone. French Lime Blossom is light and crisp. I never leave home without... a tape measurer and YSL lipstick. What would we find on your bar cart? Hendricks Gin and monogrammed cocktail napkins Fashion or Design Style Icon? Bunny Williams, Aerin Lauder, and Eddie Ross because all of them know that good design and entertaining go hand in hand. Favorite all time fabric? We love
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fabric way too much to choose just one! We collect... chairs. Yes, both of us have a minor obsession and a storage unit for our collection. Secret small joy? Homemade chocolate chip cookies Your one go-to decorating tip: Do not rush things that you want to last forever. Every Hostess should have? Hors d’oeuvres in the freezer
and chilled white wine in the refrigerator – ready for unexpected guests!
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One item on your wish list? An antique silver punch bowl
Society Social Carroway Sofa, Paule Marrot Aurore Pillows from Biscuit Home, Irridescent Flamestitch Pillow from Pieces, John Robshaw Shield Pillow
If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. Each other plus Lindsey’s little girl, Tilley-Gray, for a movie night watching Grace Kelly in To Catch a Thief … or maybe just Sleeping Beauty. PS
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M Loves M
A life and style blogger based out of Los Angeles, California, Mara started M Loves M in 2009 and shares personal style, recipes, home décor, travel diaries and daily life photos.
Take the guess work out of matching pillows by choosing patterns that relate to each other!
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What do you love most about your home? I love that it’s the place I can feel the most comfortable and the most myself. It’s the place I share my life with my husband and our puppy and it’s fun to change up the décor based on season, feelings, or trends.
What three words best describe your style? Feminine, classic, colorful
Every Hostess should have? A signature cocktail and cookie!
What is your current favorite design trend? Prints! I love incorporating prints into my wardrobe, and also my home. It’s especially fun to pair different prints together!
One item on your wish list? A large wooden dining room table! And a pretty chandelier to go with it!
Three favorite reads: Elle, Lonny, Bon Appetit
If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. My husband Matthew! PS
Most cherished possession? A pearl ring that I got on my 16th birthday. It used to be my grandmothers! Favorite bloom? Pink tulips! Signature scent? Tocca Stella I never leave home without... my camera! What would we find on your bar cart? Besides my husband’s favorite liquor you can find a vintage cocktail book that belonged to my Dad back in the day! Fashion or Design Style Icon? Audrey Hepburn: classic and stylish. I collect... perfumes, red lipsticks and matchboxes! Secret small joy? Eating a chocolate chip cookie with my coffee!
project sofa picks Society Social Penelope Sofa, Society Social Bright Tile Pillow Cover, Society Social Fuchsia Peak Pillow Cover, Spotted Ikat Pillows from Lulu & Georgia, Beatrice Throw from Lulu & Georgia Project Sofa 29
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So Haute Style Nicole Gibbons is an interior designer, tastemaker, blogger and on-air personality best known for her fashion-forward point of view on style for the home. Nicole can be seen helping deserving families re-imagine their living spaces as a designer on Home Made Simple airing Saturday mornings on OWN.
What do you love most about your home/apartment? I’ve worked hard to make my place extremely comfortable and serene. With the hustle and bustle of nyc, it’s so nice to come home to a beautiful and calming environment. What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Having a space that is too matchy-matchy. Three favorite reads: House Beautiful, Domino & Elle Decor What’s one thing people may not know about you? I’m actually an introvert. Most cherished possession? A collection of vintage watches that I inherited from my grandfather.
Favorite bloom? Peonies Signature scent? Joya Ames Soeurs Parfum I never leave home without... My iPhone, iPad mini & Puku portable USB charger. What would we find on your bar cart? A bouquet of flowers in a blue and white vase, classic crystal glassware, a vintage crystal ice bucket, and endless bottles of Veuve Clicquot I collect... Blue and white vases and ginger jars, Buddha figurines. Secret small joy? Fresh flowers and hidden organization
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Every Hostess should have? A wellstocked bar and a killer playlist. One item on your wish list? I make healthy shakes and smoothies all the time so I’m lusting after a Vitamix blender. I hear they are the best! If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. Haha. I have a celebrity crush on the British actor Idris Elba. He could snuggle up with me anytime! PS
We love Nicole’s bold choice of sofa color and her expert use of monochromatic pillows!
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project sofa picks Society Social Charlotte Sofa, Society Social Colorblock Pillows in Black Velvet, Pebble Onyx Pillows from Arianna Belle, Ikat Pom Pom Pillow from Amber Interiors
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Grey and Scout Liz Bachman serves up daily doses of interior inspiration on her blog, with a big helping of blackand-white chicness.
What do you love most about your home? We just moved, and I am in serious, deep love with all of the floor to ceiling windows. In one sentence describe your dream home… I’m living in it! What three words best describe your style? Modern, a bit eclectic, a whole lotta cozy 34 Project Sofa
Choose items that complement each other. And NEVER decorate your house the exact same way someone else has. Infuse your home with your personality, not someone elses! Three favorite reads: Domino (it’s back!!), Rue Magazine, Darling Magazine What’s one thing people may not know about you? I literally have a better day when I know we’re going to have homemade pizza for dinner. No joke. Most cherished possession? Our wedding invitation Favorite bloom? White peonies Signature scent? Chanel Mademoiselle I never leave home without... Dr. Hauschka Lip Balm
project sofa picks Society Social Downtown Elise Sofa, Society Social Colorblock Pillows in White Velvet, Society Social Black Diamond Pillows, White Furry Pillow from Pieces, Turkish Kilim Pillows from Meg Biram What is your current favorite design trend? I’m loving the minimalist trend. I think it’s kind of liberating to surround yourself with quality items, good design and not an overload of knick knacks. Vignettes are essential (as far as I’m concerned) but I like to keep it on the simpler side. What’s one design faux pas that people should avoid at all costs? Don’t get too “matchy-matchy.”
What would we find on your bar cart? Hendrick’s Gin, fresh limes, St-Germain, champagne coupes, black and white striped straws, Diptyque mimosa candle Secret small joy? I could watch Sex and the City forever. Don’t judge. Your one go-to decorating tip: Less is more. Every Hostess should have? Good friends and champagne! One item on your wish list? A vintage Beni Ouarain Rug If you could right now, name one person (or several!) you would like to snuggle up with on your SS sofa. Stella (the most fab goldendoodle), my sister and my best friend. I miss my girls!! PS Project Sofa 35
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facts Custom, Made-to-order in North Carolina in the heart of the furniture industry with lots of ❤. Options! Options! Options! Almost every design can be tailored to your preferences: tufting, nailheads, tape trim, contrast piping, skirt or no skirt, casters, and the list goes on! Quick orders. Lead times range from 2-6 weeks (Our quickest turn around was 24 hours!) Solid, sturdy frames: hardwood through and through, double-doweled, corner blocked, and glue-fortified. Durable comfort. Sinuous steel springs “no sag” with resilient Dacron foam cushions wrapped in either polyfiber or a feather down blend, for maximum quality and comfort—you choose! Be the designer! Whether you want velvet, linen, canvas twills, or wine and stain resistant performance, we have over 100 fabrics at your disposal OR simply send in your own. $100 flat rate White Glove Delivery. Our trusted third party delivery service will bring your gorgeous design into your home, unpack it, remove all packaging, and place it in the room of your choice! Sample everything. Swatches are free up to 5 and each one after is only $1! Not sure where to start? The SS team is here to help you design a piece you’ll love! Email contact@ shopsocietysocial.com with questions and/or pictures of your current space and we’ll give you our expert tips and advice. Project Sofa 37
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