Chips ahoy The latest notables to lend their cachet to name-branded lines of paint:
Frank Lloyd Wright's "Fallingwater Inspired Colors" pay homage to the late architect's nature-inspired palette, with colors representative of materials in his iconic Pennsylvania home, from the color of concrete walls to quarried rock to that of the fabric covering the cantilevered living room couches.
Produced by Pittsburgh Paints in conjunction with Fallingwater's overhaul by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, the 13 shades are available now. Priced starting at $15 per gallon in Pittsburgh's Pure Performance zero-VOC paint; see a store locater at www.pittsburghpaints.com.
In a name made for marketing coatings, Christopher Peacock Paint is the designer's first collection, 90 colors of interior paint and undercoats. Components of the low-VOC paint are manufactured by Fine Paints of Europe, and the cost is $115 for a 2.5-liter Eurogallon of wall emulsion and $125 for the same amount of trim and cupboard paint. There's a 4-ounce sample pot for $10 too. Peacock said the paints are formulated for professionals and are available online. See the full palette or order at www.peacockpaint.
KIM YEAGER
Flower power For a show of sheer brains and beauty, it's tough to beat "Simply Elegant Flowers With Michael George" (North Light Books, $30). George, a designer who spent his toddlerhood scrabbling about the floor of his father's florist's shop, is known for breathtaking, graphic bouquets. Here, with author Bob Shuman, George reveals his state secrets. Easy-to-follow directions and materials lists (including "Master Class" tips) simplify even the arrangements that look difficult to pull off. Luscious photographs underscore that George clearly knows his stuff (although one could take issue with his including Alstroemeria under the heading "Hot Blooms to Arrange Today").
KIM YEAGER
Notes Traditions Classic Home Furnishings said it has moved its Minneapolis store 1.2 miles west, to 4245 Excelsior Blvd., about two blocks east of Trader Joe's, and expanded its outdoor furniture offerings by Lane Venture.
