When Pricey is (K)not a Good Idea

This is the end result of a master bedroom we just completed for a retired couple in Barrington. My photography doesn't do it justice - it's better in person! The wife really wanted green to be her main color in the room, despite the protests of her husband! So to keep them both satisfied, the green could not be too pastel. Nor did they want it too dark. If you've searched for green fabrics recently, you know they currently are not easy to find. Originally, we did find three beautiful choices all within one book. The drapery fabric we chose is Robert Allen Ponderosa Pine/Fountain (and also used in an accent pillow).

Ponderosa Pine/Fountain by Robert Allen

We chose to use the light fabric at the window, over the newly installed wood blinds, to keep the windows light and bright, while using more of the green on the bedspread. More practical, plus more impact visually.

Kilties/Fountain by Robert Allen

Kilties/Fountain is used in two other accent pillows. The customer wanted a throw bedspread, so there were several yards of fabric involved.

Her first choice was:

Knot Along/Dew by Robert Allen

Knot Along/Dew out of the same Robert Allen Color Library book. Beautiful fabric - except for two major challenges - 1. it is 85% linen making it a costly choice and 2. it is 85% linen making it a very wrinkled choice for a bedspread!

I liked the idea of a tack quilting for a fabric of this type, but I needed a more user-friendly and a more budget-friendly choice. 

Using a basic cotton duck from Carole Fabrics (Daydreamer/Chambray) and using a tie tack quilting in a white of the same pattern (Daydreamer/White), we achieved a look that was similar but of a better scale than the original choice. 100% cotton will perform beautifully in both looks and wear and we were able to stay within budget! 

And, both wife AND husband were happy!

Anticipation

Carly Simon said it - we in the Midwest have all been feeling it - we are all anxiously awaiting the (dry) arrival of Spring! In my email inbox today, a visual fix from Better Homes & Gardens...

photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens

I find, however, that I have been cheered by the arrival of the Spring line of fabrics from Robert Allen. Talk about bringing the outside in! Take a look at the pillows below. Many of the colors I find myself drooling over in these new patterns walked right out of the garden and onto the fabrics!

photo courtesy of Robert Allen

 

So cool yet so hot! Viridian is the vivid blue green that pairs so well with chartreuse, giving these pillows a fresh, modern twist.

Use cobalt blue as a rich background and let the viridian just pop!

photo courtesy of Robert Allen

 

Soften that blue green a bit and you have turquoise. I have used these tones both in my own home decorating and in my wardrobe for years. The green cast blue is calming and just makes me feel good! I never seem to tire of the blue greens and always find myself drawn to them. I have found them to complement most skin tones, so many people look fabulous in these shades. The bridesmaids at my wedding (back in 1980!) wore a deep turquoise, and we used rich shades of gold in their flowers to complement - very bold and dramatic then, yet would still be wonderfully fashion forward in 2013!

Here's to bringing the garden indoors!

Baubles, Bangles and Beads, Oh My!

I've been thinking filing a post about baubles, bangles and beads as part of contemporary design for a while now. So when I walked into a customer's home this past week to help her complete her newly redecorated space, I found myself truly inspired!

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod691015&cm_ps=modal_add_to_cart-_-none-_-other_items_you_may_like&categoryId=cat1701013

This chandelier has such a sense of fun - the ornate, very traditional crystals combined with the contemporary rustic orb - I love it!

Which is my point - you don't need to be Queen Victoria to add a touch of elegance to your decor - it doesn't need to be much - just some trim on a pillow or a lampshade or the bottom of a cornice is all you need to bring some bling to your space! Women accessorize their clothing by adding earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets. They do so much to complete and complement the look. They boost self-esteem because you just know you look great! Think of your decor in the same way. Without the right accessories, the room feels incomplete. Plants, artwork and tablescapes are just the beginning. Take it to another level by layering trim onto your windows.

This is part of the Beaded Accents Collection available through Eddie Z's. Options galore to add a bit of sparkle to your window, pillows or bedding and give it that truly custom look. The cost to add these little extras is not prohibitive and will give your window or the entire room that WOW that catches every guest's eye and the finishing touch that makes you feel fabulous!