Interior Design Sense

Madeline Weinrib’s Distinctive Decorating

Sassy colors and a touch of whimsy appear to be the hallmark of Madeline Weinrib’s line of carpets and textiles, featured at ABC Carpet & Home in NYC.  With her own floor in the home furnishing giant’s multi-story location, Madeline Weinrib is part of the company’s legacy as the great granddaughter of its founder.  Table linens, bedding, and unusual furniture punctuate the rest of the line.

Her vivid taste for color and pattern is evident in the unique patterns.  Lime green, bright orange and hot pink are interspersed with hits of black and white for optimal impact.  A distinct Turkish in addition to  Moroccan influence can be felt through the complicated batik and ikat patterns that are the hallmark of her textiles.  Madeline Weinrib’s own line includes pillows and handbags using her boldly stated designs.

The rugs featured in the line are a complement to the complexity of the textiles.  The bold geometric statements have been enlarged and simplified to reflect the details in the pattern, and create art for the floor.  Madeline Weinrib’s love of pattern and color are evident.  Oversized mums are a visual feast in a wool and silk rug, and trefoil patterns create a joyous feel in her Lavender Charm design.  Her approach to design is a one of a kind style that will be the hallmark of any room. 

2010 Color Trends:  Coral

Coral Pink and White Dining RoomCoral has been coming back in a big way over the last two years – first it was the actual motif – the jagged sea formation.  Now it’s the color – a soft orange tone that is finding a home in many places.  Coral has a very positive energy and is pleasing to the eye for many.  Once thought of as a coastal color, coral has found its place in today’s interiors all over.

Coral is easy to pair with other colors and is very versatile.   Brown gives it a modern feel, with a warm undertone. Purple and coral create a lively, spunky feel.  Shades of turquoise with it provides an inviting mix of warm and cool tones.  White or ivory is always an option with coral for a crisp, clean look.  Yellow or green tones give an exotic edge. 

Coral is not a new color for interiors, but rather a rejuvenated one.  It is best used in a well lit area, and can handle a large surface, such as a sofa or rug.  Coral is also a flattering color for most skin tones, and is great for a ceiling, casting a warm glow on the occupants.  Try it on one wall, or one item – you’ll be back for more. 
 

A New Meaning to Being “Three Sheets”…

You’ve got to love a company with a great name, and Three Sheets 2 the Wind is one of them.  Tagging themselves as “homemade textiles for the modern home”, their patterns are a lovely indulgence for modern motifs.  Founded in 2004 and located in Kentucky, Three Sheets takes influence from the skeletal structure of plant life and created handmade, artisan skilled textiles.  Their look takes on a Japanese aesthetic, with a simple yet elegant appeal.

Wall art, bed linens, as well as fabric by the yard are just some of the fabulous offerings of Three Sheets.  Printed on Irish Linen, the fabric has a softer weave, is hypoallergenic and antibacterial.  It is also one of the most eco-friendly fabrics as it takes five times less pesticides and fertilizers as cotton.  Most items are washable.

Three Sheets designs take on an organic feel that is uniquely beautiful and serene.  The simple lines of their florals have a humble yet friendly quality, and are perfect for modern interiors.  The color palate offers the now colors of orange, greens, and blues .  While the line is not extensive, we love it for its “speaking softly while carrying a big stick” impact.   

Glitz and Glamour

Swarovski Crystal continues to add its sparkle to all aspects of our lives with its new line of wall elements.    Swarovski Architecture has wall and ceiling elements that create a new dimension with light and reflective accents. 

Swarovski Crystal “Unveil” Line

The Unveil line has individually created foil samples with handset crystals to use with LED lighting components.  Each piece is custom designed, and is perfectly at home in a commercial setting for signage, or to use in residential as a piece of wall art.  It can be applied to either the front or back of a transparent glass for any custom shape or lettering. 

Swarovski Crystal “Topology Wood” Line

The Topology Wood line combines the crystals with wooden panels, veneers and lacquer for a wall installation.  Again, the product is 100% customized by the customer’s imagination, and uses fiber optic or LED illumination for a variety of uses.  Perfect for a dividing wall in a large area, it can be put on a dimmer for added ambiance.

Swarovski Crystal – Honeycomb Wall Element

The Honeycomb wall element acts in a similar way to the other two products mentioned, while providing a unique refraction of light off a back lit mirror.  The customer is only limited by their imagination, as the soft light and color create an art inspired look for the wall. In a residential setting, this product could get overused quickly, so it’s important to work with a person specializing in lighting design so your room does not take on a Vegas-like look.  Rather, a small area on an accent wall or room divider would provide a maximum statement. 



Dressing Your Furniture

Gervasoni Sweet Collection

Martin ChurbaSome parts of the country are already starting to get cold, and we’re pulling out the turtlenecks and coats.  Since we’re dressing warmer, it may sound logical to dress your furniture a little warmer, too.  Paola Navone has done just that with its knitted “pouf” in the Gervasoni Sweet Collection.  Designed by Martin Churba, an Argentinean fashion designer, this lovely little piece looks like it wants to settle in for a cold winter’s night. 

All the pieces in the Sweet Collection can stand alone, but are designed to work together.   From the eclectic wicker chair to the slip covered upholstery, all the pieces are inspired by the different exotic “worlds” that Paola Navone has visited.  Collaborating with designers from various countries, the collection takes note of traditional methods and adding a modern element of design to them.  Traditional materials such as wood, stone, pressed bamboo, rubber, and rattan are brought together to create an exciting mix of color and texture in contrast to their typical applications. 

The Gervasoni Sweet Collection gives nod to fashion with its play of proportions, draping, accessorizing and eclectic imagination.  It challenges the “wearer” to add their own personal touch, such as combining pieces with those they may already own in their “closet”.  Layering pillows, artwork, or lighting like you would jewelry on an outfit is encouraged.  This collection of furniture is truly a unique and enjoyable experience. 

A New Way to Live

Javier Mariscal’s Me Too Collection for Kids

When you were a kid, did you ever wish that a drawing could instantly become a real life piece?  Such is the case for Javier Mariscal, a Spanish artist and designer whose work has been an exhibit at the Design Museum in London.  Marsical’s Me Too Collection for kids, part of the Magis inspiring line of home furnishings.  A lifetime of furniture design, sculpture, illustration, and painting has made a distinct mark on his successful career. 

The Villa Julia cardboard house is one of those childhood fantasies come to life.  With its cartoony black and white outlines, this small playhouse is the envy of all kids on the block, making those old washing machine boxes look like condemned housing.  The playhouse is available on request from Magis. 

Coordinate Your Holiday Decor with Your Interior Design Style Part 3

Have a Very Victorian Christmas

The Victorian era was a special time for Christmas lovers.  The people of that time revived many old Christmas traditions such as caroling and also created new traditions that are alive today, such as sending Christmas cards.  It’s no wonder many people choose to decorate for the holidays in a style that celebrates that time period.  It works even better when you live in a Victorian style home.

Victorian Christmas decorating usually revolves around a color scheme.  Rich cranberry, pastel pink, ivory and gold teamed together is one good option.  Victorians loved elegance, using generous amounts of wide ribbons, delicate laces, fringes, tassels, rich fabrics and beads.  They draped festive swags of pine or ivy on mantelpieces,  banisters and window frames.  Opulence was a must for people who could afford it, showing off the wealth of the newly industrialized nation.

In the Victorian age, trees were lit with candles, but today a much safer idea is to buy tree lights shaped like candles.  Another elegant Victorian touch to your tree is to drape wide, shimmery wire ribbon vertically from the tip of the tree downward.  Add garland made of faux pearls or glass beads and use loads of ornaments wrapped in satin and beads or made of hand blown glass.  Lush silk flowers are also a favorite Victorian decoration.

Fruit also played a part in the decorating schemes of this era.  Add pineapples, oranges, apples and grapes to the greenery on your mantle.  Hang elegant stockings of brocade or velvet and complete your lovely holiday fireplace setting.

Many people who love Victorian decorations don’t think the look would be complete without creating a Victorian village on a tabletop or mantle.  This is a beautiful collection you can add to each year.  If you choose quality pieces, your Victorian Christmas village will become a family heirloom and provide holiday pleasure for generations to come.   Of course, you can achieve the look and enjoy the nostalgia with less expensive pieces as well.

For the final touch, don’t forget the Victorian kissing ball.  It causes the same effect as mistletoe, but looks much more elegant and time period appropriate.  The one pictured here is fairly simple, but they can be as elegant as you like, festooned with blossoms and berries.

No matter what your interior design style, dress your home in holiday decor that compliments it and you’ll feel proud and comfortable all through this happy, hectic time of year.



Part 2: Country Christmas Decorating Ideas

Have a Cozy, Country Christmas

If you’ve got a passion for country decor, you can let your infatuation blossom during the holidays.  There’s an endless amount of choices for creating the feeling of an old fashioned country Christmas.  

A real tree will quickly establish the natural feel country decorating abounds with and you’ll get that wonderful pine scent wafting through your home.  Let the whole family participate in making strands of popcorn and cranberries or buy readymade look-alikes if there’s no time for stringing.  Garland made from wooden beads also adds a taste of country to your tree.

Another fun project for the family is making cookie cutter ornaments from a salt and flour paste, baking them, then painting them with acrylic paints.  Don’t forget to use a straw to create a hole to run a ribbon through for hanging before you bake the ornaments.  This project is not only fun, but if you spray an acrylic topcoat on the finished products and store them carefully in a dry place, your adorable ornaments will last for years to come. You can even hang the metal cookie cutters on the tree for additional ornaments.   Of course, you can buy readymade versions of these decorations as well.

The more natural you keep your decor, the more country it will feel.  Tie bundles of cinnamon sticks together with red and white ribbon and hang them from the tree or fill a bowl with pinecones.  Dry orange peels and mix them in pine needles, whole cloves and broken cinnamon sticks for a fragrant holiday potpourri.  Grapevine wreaths with holiday accents look great on the door or in the windows.  Center candles in terra cotta pots and surround the rim with moss for a festive country touch or fill the pots with colorful ornaments. 

Use warm additions like a tartan wool throw across a rocker or a colorful quilt in the place of a tree skirt.  Add whimsical notes with teddy bears wearing mufflers or ski hats or birdhouses topped with artificial snow and miniature presents around them.  There’s an endless array of ideas for decking your halls country style.

Part 1: Contemporary Christmas Decorating and Choosing The Right Christmas Tree

Have A Cool Contemporary Christmas

As the old song goes, Christmas is the happiest time of the year, but it’s also the busiest.  Not only do you have to do all the shopping, baking, cleaning, card sending and attend and host holiday get-togethers, you also have to decorate your home – and you want it all to be perfect.  While we may not be able to help you with your other holiday tasks, we can lend you a hand with your decorating.

One surefire way to be confident your holiday decorations look just right in your home is to use decorations that reflect the style of your other decor choices.  Is your home cool and contemporary, dressed with minimalistic furnishings and modern art pieces?  Or are you surrounded by cozy, country appeal?  Do you prefer a more formal, traditional feeling or is your home a Victorian charmer?  Whichever style you’ve used throughout your home, continuing the theme in your Christmas decor will guarantee a harmonious flow.  Let’s take a peek at a few decorating styles and see how they are accomplished.

Part 1: Contemporary Christmas Decorating and Choosing a Christmas Tree

Modern Contemporary Christmast Interior Decorating

When you’ve created a sleek, sophisticated space, often the bright colors and heartily embellished decorations used in traditional Christmas decor just don’t seem to feel right in your home. Luckily, there are some great alternatives that will fit beautifully into your contemporary decorating scheme.

The tree is usually the showpiece of the Christmas decorations, but no one says it has to be decorated in red and green.  Instead, choose a monochromatic scheme of silver and white, with just the occasional spot of scarlet or another favorite color.  A twig tree is the perfect choice. 

If you like, use clear line to hang sparkling snowflakes from the branches or add a scattering of silver or clear acrylic or glass ornaments.

Continue the theme throughout your home by framing a mirror with tiny white fairy lights that reflect in the mirrored glass or stand a collection of twigs painted white in a clear vase and add a hint of glittery spray paint to the branches to create a cool, frosty touch.

Want a little more color?  How about a pink, purple or blue theme?  Buy an artificial tree or purchase a real tree and have it flocked a pretty color.   You can even find black trees that make a dramatic statement. 

Or here’s a Christmas tree that is contemporary and colorful.  Called the tytree, after it’s designer, Ty Arnold, this tree is made from acrylic and brings a fun and festive touch to any modern space.  Check out TyTree for more.

Here is an interesting idea.  An upside down christmas tree? 

Upside down Christmas TreeFor other decorating touches, keep it simple.  A glass bowl filled with water and topped with tea light candles or cranberries floating on the surface makes a beautiful addition to a contemporary table or hang a few glass icicles across a curtain rod.