Flutterings

Industrial-strength Nursery

Barbara — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 14:58:00 +0000

From the new collection at Restoration Hardware Baby and Child: the Industrial line of furniture and accessories:

Interesting, isn’t it? I’m not sure how I feel about a child growing up in a world of gray, blue, and brown. Where’s the sunshine? The fun? Here’s a few more:

There’s an Industrial Revolution feel throughout this collection: positively Dickensian! But I do like the light fixtures. And a couple of red throw pillows would brighten things up considerably…

Color is the Key with Fabric Mix

Barbara — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:50:04 +0000

One of the most challenging aspects of home design is mixing fabrics. I love the look! After years of experience with this, I’ve come to the conclusion that almost anything goes if you have a good eye.

But I know that’s not very helpful. So how do you get the great looks in these photos?

For me, color is the key. Each fabric has at least one of the colors of the other fabrics in it. As long as you follow this simple rule, you don’t have to worry too much about pattern size and scale.

There’s an exception, of course. See the brown and grey pillow on the sofa? I don’t see those colors anywhere else except in the sofa leg and the pillow welting. But it works, too, although it probably wouldn’t be as pretty if it were in front of the other pillows instead of peeking out behind it.

What’s your experience with fabric mix?

Curtain Culture

Barbara — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:41:42 +0000

Great article in the Wall Street Journal (huh?) about windows and their dressings. Here’s one of the looks:

We have advocated these looks for years — they are perfect for our strong Texas sun. Take a look the article for yourself when you have a moment. And enjoy!

Excitement In The Air

Barbara — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:03:45 +0000

I love all things lighting. It’s one of the easiest ways to update your home and it’s not necessarily a budget-buster. How many of you are still living with the skinny 3-light fixture the builder hung in your dining room? Did you know it probably cost $15 tops? I once saw one of these in a $600,000 home!

Here are some ideas from Elle Decor:

Notice anything? They’re too big for their spaces! Very dramatic, though, and they thoroughly make the point. Here’s a couple more:

The rule of thumb with size is one-half to two-thirds the width of the table. But have fun! These designers certainly did…

Paisley Alert

Barbara — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:02:36 +0000

Paisley is the new print to have! Here’s a great example from west elm:

This is not the psychedelic paisley of the 60s but rather a soft, inspirational pattern that welcomes. Picture it with curtains in this fabric (Apple Red from Greenhouse Fabrics):

Both are big patterns, not too bold, and fun with a little sophistication thrown in the mix. Sock it to me, baby!

Tangerine Tango Arrives!

Barbara — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:53:32 +0000

The 2012 Color of the Year is making headway already. Take a look at the beautiful spring offerings from our fabric line, Greenhouse fabrics:

See anything you like? Curtains, bedding, pillows, reupholstery — we do it all!

You Can’t Go Wrong With These!

Barbara — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:36:26 +0000

I bet you know someone who would delight in this gift:

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Gift

Barbara — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:38:38 +0000

Some women want candy and flowers for Valentine’s Day. Me? I want this settee:

Spotted in Gorrod Gallery, one of my favorite showrooms at the Dallas Market Center, the Regency Refinement from Theodore Alexander ($1650). I love the spider-web cane back and the fabulously plump down cushion.

And it’s much less fattening than chocolate, although it may slim your wallet a bit…

Coffee on Cream

Barbara — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:17:15 +0000

A fabulous coffee table just came into my sights and I just had to share it with you:

The Swiss Cream Coffee Table by Enrico Konig. On sale now at artfulhome.com for $2440. Sure, it’s expensive, but it’s the last coffee table you’ll every buy. It’s perfect!

Masterful…or messy?

Barbara — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:49:24 +0000

From Elle Decor India, a Bengali interior designer’s own home:

So what do you think? A masterful design, a pastiche of color and texture?

Or just plain messy?