Balance

An important element in interior design is balance. Balance brings about what you want to achieve in the room; quiet and peaceful, energized and uplifting, chic sophistication. The right balance will get you there.

Balance

There are so many elements I love about this setting. The fabrics and color palette are wonderful. Even more amazing is the mix of traditional and modern. The clean, modern lines of the furniture look very at home with the traditional architecture of the room.

Pulling these elements together are the fabrics and color palette. The striped cut velvet on the sofa has a texture that softens straight lines. At the same time the stripe compliments the modern design of the sofa. The pinks and beige of the color palette play well off the traditional elements. While the soft grey, kiwi green and touches of purple play to the modern aesthetics. The functional element of light is handled with a beautiful traditional chandelier and a modern floor lamp. Striking the perfect balance.

The fabrics and wallcoverings shown are from Designers Guild's Florimund Collection.

Balance

This setting is a perfect example of balance. The color palette of blue, turquoise, purple and green is a vibrant mix. The colors and patterns are balanced by the use of white.

The use of white for the furniture, floor and trim creates a clear, striking background for the vibrant colors and patterns. The room is inviting and uplifting.

The fabrics shown are from Designers Guild's Manhattan Collection.

Featured Designer

I have been selected as the featured designer at Design Speak, a St Louis online design community. You can visit at http://www.designspeakstl.com/ featured designer.

TRENDS FROM MAXWELL FABRICS

From Maxwell Fabrics we're seeing a trend of luxurious yet simple elegance. There is a balance of fashion forward trends with sustainable style. To achieve this select classic styles and accent with trendy changeable pieces. Traditional decor is being pared down to become more modern and clean.

Velvet

Velvet has a sensuous appeal. It is very touchable. It is plush and luxurious. It is also durable and comfortable.

In trends we are seeing shiny velvets as well as matte. Embossed, cut and crushed velvets are all important.

Dominating colors in velvet are updated shades of green, sapphire, topaz, magenta and amethyst.

Shimmer and Sheen

The newest trend in creating shimmer and sheen is the use of surface embellishments. Crystals, studs and sequins are all being used. The look adds luminosity and reflection.

Faux Leather

A trend in faux leather is a futuristic look that changes color as it is stretched for upholstery.This is wonderful in a contemporary or modern design. It is also a great updated look in a traditional setting.

Linen

Linen is a versatile fabric. I use it for slipcovers, upholstery and it makes exquisite window treatments. Linen is classic and casually elegant.

Color Trends

In neutrals we're seeing ivory, white and gray. There are lots of grays from light silvery tones to stone and concrete and on to dark shades of charcoal.

Accenting the various shades of grey are fuchsia, plum, sapphire, yellow and acid green.

Color

Color

Trends

Trends are about keeping what you love and giving it a current, fresh look.
Thanks to Maxwell Fabrics for sharing the latest trends in fabric and color.

Scalamandre'

Scalamandre' has always been known for luxurious silk fabrics. Now they have re-energized classics.

Scalamandre'

These fabrics are edgy and modern. The patterns include lime green chinoiserie, zebra print linen and fuchsia paisley.

A sophisticated, exuberant mix with a great take on color.

Auntie Mame

An amazing example of set decoration and its ability to tell the story is the movie Auntie Mame.


Mame is such a great character. A true bohemian in spirit and lifestyle. She lived in a wonderful Sutton Place apartment in New York City.

As the whims of Mame's interest changed so did her apartment. She would redecorate it as often as she changed her wardrobe. For Mame, her surroundings had to reflect who she was.

Whether it was 20's flapper, 30's elegance, a fascination with India or the new technology of modern design Mame's apartment was done to enhance her latest passion.

The apartment always showcased her free spirit and love of life.