J. Peterman Puts His Travels In Your Home

Designer doesn't take his fame too seriously: "I want to be in a place that's livable."

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Hide CaptionShow CaptionThe buttery Faubourg Armchair ($1,750) was inspired by a 1930's version in a Paris apartment.

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By Jennifer Sergent

You may recognize his name as one of a character from the old Seinfeld television series — the world-traveling catalog merchant, J. Peterman.

The real Peterman is not as imposing, and much less quirky. His furniture line with Jeffco is fabulous, and the stories behind the 32 pieces retain the same world-traveling romance as the products on his website, www.jpeterman.com.

Before he would let a reporter see the collection in High Point, N.C., Peterman sat down at his long, narrow “Provence” dining table to discuss the philosophy behind it.

“It all comes down to forming a point of view,” he said, explaining how he developed one by traveling around the world — about 85 countries in all — and seeing the best and the worst of what civilization has to offer.

The bottom line: “I want to be in a place that’s warm. I want to be in a place that’s livable. I want to be in a place that’s interesting and eclectic. I hate perfect houses. I dislike perfect couples. Just about anything that’s perfect, I don’t relate to, because they are invariably boring.

“Contradictory, quirky — the whole furniture collection reflects that point of view,” he added. “I want to take you to another place that's more interesting ... .”

Take the Faubourg loveseat and chairs: chestnut colored, seamless, buttery leather. Inspired from a 1930’s-era set owned by Peterman’s friend who lives on Paris’ famed Boulevard Faubourg St. Honore.