Wow Factor with Wallcoverings
Wallcoverings are an easy way to give a space a wow factor. They add color, pattern, texture and style to a room and make a big impact. Wallcoverings can turn boring bathrooms and kitchens into exciting spaces. You can use them in many areas and as accent walls.
Today’s wallcoverings are made from or incorporate a slew of interesting materials: grass cloth, sisal fibers, jute, mica, sand, glass beads…even Swarovski crystals! They vary in style from traditional damasks, toiles, stripes, and solids with different washing effects, to tropical prints, woven textures, florals, abstract designs, and geometric patterns. Here is a gallery for some inspiration!
For more information, check out the following links: Romo, Ronald Redding, Casamance, Phillip Jeffries, Omexco
Moroccan Influence in Modern Interiors
Last week I was vacationing in Northwest Florida and came across a fantastic clubhouse at Alys Beach. The design was heavily influenced by Moroccan architecture and I found it very inspiring. I really enjoy eclectic styles that combine classic Moroccan elements such as intricate patterns or bold colors with a simplified modern approach.
Donghia is a vendor we often use that offers a wide range of fabrics with Moroccan influence. They use bright colors, fun patterns, and a variety of texture to achieve a whimsical feel.
Mosaic tiles are a huge part of Moroccan design and really punch up a space. Although costly, they last a lifetime and instantly transform a space. These mosaics from Sahara Designs would be great in a ceiling detail, as flooring, or even as wall accents.
The wood side tables are from Baker’s Studio Collection, and are very simple but the carved detailing makes them interesting and eclectic.
The white lanterns below are by Wunderly and have peirced patterned detailing that screams Morocco. These would really make a statment hanging in multiples at varying heights.
Southwest Florida is a great place to use the modern Moroccan style because you can keep it light and airy, while adding pops of bright color that we love to see in Florida interiors.
This grasscloth wallcovering from Philip Jeffries would be great in a Florida home. It is casual, cool, and yet Moroccan – fantastic!
A Cool Kitty Cut – I’m Not Lion!
Meet my beautiful blue eyed kitty, Frank, or Frankie as he prefers to be called. Named after Old Blue eyes himself, he is popular with all the ladies and pals around with all the men. Frank has certainly become a prized member of my household. Let’s face it, whether he is lounging on my Family Room sofa, basking in the afternoon sun, strewn about my Living Room ottoman, or snuggled up amongst the pillows on my Master Bed, he just helps everything seem a little cozier and more inviting. Not to mention his fresh pop of white against my brightly colored house is always a welcome accent.
Natural Curiosities: Images for the Inquisitive
We have been buying art and accessories from Natural Curiosities for about two years now but they are still my favorite because every piece is conversational. I am getting ready to order these seahorses for a client with a Coastal interior. Not only am I able to choose from a large variety of frames but I can also specify the exact size I need. They can also change the coloring for a small up-charge, of course.
Architectural Inspiration
I love this gallery that was featured in Florida Architecture. It is contemporary without feeling harsh and cold. The dark java baseboards and column accents add enough interest so there is no need for crown. Simply genius!
Palecek
Palecek is one of my favorite furniture and accessory manufacturers. Here contemporary and classic style meets natural materials and hand woven manufacturing — very cool. And, as a LEED AP, I appreciate companies that are environmentally responsible. Palecek’s woods are largely plantation grown, and they use abundant, quickly renewable materials like rattan, abaca, and seagrass. They also rely on water-based finishes in their line of paintable furniture, making them safer for consumers and their employees. Here are
a few of my favorite pieces:
Talk about “Wow” factor! The Adelaide Lounge Chair is so cool and organic looking. It has a twisted pole rattan body, contrasting darker pole rattan frame, and hand stitched leather on the arms and top edge.
Take Home Fashion
Recently, I was flipping through my J.Crew (June 2009) clothing catalog. I found myself feeling very inspired by the fantastic casual elegance of their clothing. It seemed only natural to want this feeling translated into a design scheme for an interior. I began pulling fabrics together that represented the way the clothes looked. I quickly discovered how simple it is to translate a clothing ensemble into a home environment.
The catalog pages that inspired me are shown above, along with a photograph of the fabric scheme I created based on the colors, textures, and simple elegance I found in the clothing featured in J.Crew. This could easily be done on a multitude of levels and is a very fun way to think about interior design.
For some of our clients who have a difficult time communicating their personal style, they may find it helpful and easy to start with their preference of color and style in clothes. It can be overwhelming to start a color scheme for a room from scratch. Why not find inspiration in what you wear?
