16 July 2013

Ombre



Much like the chevron trend that I previously posted about here, the ombre trend has cast a wide net from hairstyles to fashion to home decor. The ombre effect is when colors or tones graduate into each other, often from light to dark. When it's done over a larger space, as with curtains or painted walls, the result is often visually inviting. There's something dreamy about the stairwell above that just makes you want to walk towards it. Ombre walls can mirror the effect of a paint wash, looking aged or weather-beaten in the best possible way. In smaller doses, as with the crystal chandelier below, the trend is given a nod without taking over a whole room. Though trends are inherently fleeting, when it comes to interiors, I hope this one has staying power. I'd also love to see it applied in the arena of landscaping -- an ombre succulent wall could be striking and who wouldn't be charmed by a field of ombre wildflowers?
             









Images: Desire to Inspire. Foundshop. Apartment Therapy. Lovely Interior Advice. Loverly. Sage Atelier. Pinterest. Elv's. Root and Blossom. Through the Front Door

16 June 2013

Half-Painted Walls



Lately I've been drawn to the idea of half-painted walls, with the colorful half on the bottom. A block of color at the base of a wall brings coziness to a large space or a room with high ceilings by bringing the eye down. It's a way to incorporate rich color without making a massive commitment and when the top half is kept white, almost any color base can be successful. And when a change is wanted, it's a lot less work to repaint.    











07 June 2013

Salvage



I've always loved a salvaged door (as the barn door in my former living room above will attest). A great old door can separate two spaces or fill the role of headboard for an otherwise ordinary bed. When hung from the ceiling, windows can act as room dividers without blocking light. Or when propped on a console table, they introduce height to a grouping of found objects. Old signs that have nothing to do with a room's purpose add a bit of whimsy and fill the role of art at a fraction of the price. A room that otherwise leans toward the feminine finds balance when factory pieces are introduced. Chipping paint, cracks and rust are part of the appeal -- perfection is over-rated.



railroad sign

railway sleepers

English pub sign

garage door



architectural columns


 carnival ride & industrial baskets turned upside down

Images: 1) L.Gaule. 2, 3 & 4) Country Living, May, June & November 2012. 5) Elle Decoration, May 2012. 6 & 7) Flea Market Style, Summer & Fall/Winter 2011. 8, 9 & 10) Vogue Living, July/Aug 2011, Feb 2012 & July/Aug 2010. 11) Cote Est, Sept-Nov 2011. 12 & 13) Flea Market Style, Winter 2012 & House Beautiful, July/Aug 2012.    

28 May 2013

Film Interiors: Easy Virtue



What's not to love about a wicked comedy based on a Noel Coward play and centering on the war of words between a glamorous American race car driver (Jessica Biel) and her deliberately hideous mother-in-law (Kristin Scott Thomas). Add Colin Firth, a decaying English mansion full of antiques and Jessica's Chanel-inspired wardrobe and the result is definitely worth a rainy afternoon's viewing.

 Foyer

Conservatory

Nursery

Libraries

Sitting room/games room

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