Fabric Obsession

While fabric scouting recently I came across a series of designs that reflect a "watercolor" effect in which the colors seem to bleed into the materials.  I found these fabrics to be a nice departure from the geometric and ikat designs that have been so popular as of late.  Don't get me wrong, I'm huge fan of the latter,  but it's so nice to discover something new.   Now I'm going to obsesses about working these latest arrivals into my space or someone else's.   Take a look at some examples.

Above Rubelli's Malvasia is printed on velvet making the colors seem deep and textural, almost like ink stains.  Love it.

Stripes take on a similar effect with Rubelli's Frezzeria pattern, turning a geometric pattern into something soft and playful.

Donghia's Jolie panel has a concentrated watercolor pattern at the bottom leaving the top sheer to allow light to filter through.  Panels are  57" wide.

So, what do you think?  Are you ready for a brand new look in textiles?

Clever and Stylish Storage

This is so cool.  Metro shelving completely decked out to be both functional and stylish.  It's a simple and effective way to create storage when actual closet space is limited or non-existent.  Check out how easy it is to put it all together:

above images: Decorati

Metro shelves are available at most hardware stores and Amazon.

The Land of Nod and Bed Bath & Beyond have lots of canvas totes' colors to match your particular scheme.

I love the geometric pattern on Denyse Schimdt's cranberry voile fabric.  Line the inside of the curtain in a soft botanical print for contrast.

Looking through fabric samples is one of my favorite things to do.  Quilt Home is a great web source for unique patterns and color combinations.  While searching for the red version I found some blue fabric that I loved just as well.  Take a peek at how this color storage story would look:

Who would have thought that being organized could be this stylish?

Would You Pineapple?

A symbol of hospitality, the pineapple is often associated with traditionally tropical and colonial decorating styles, but lately I've come across it in a much more modern context.  Will the pineapple transform itself [again] into a colder climate hot decorating trend?

Would YOU pineapple?

Above:  Silver Pineapple Wallpaper by Meg Mathews.

This black jeweled pendant lamp brings a healthy dose of glam to the traditional pineapple motif. Available at:  Present.

Dark Dog Studio's pillow has a funky Warhol look.

Jenny Wilkinson's paint by number pineapple wallpaper gives you the opportunity to paint it a color that best suits your space.   LOVE the idea, although I'm definitely not patient enough to do it on my own.   It may just call for a pineapple daiquiri painting party...

A classic Waterford vase to balance a well appointed contemporary room.

Pineapple fabric form GP and J Baker .

Pineapple flatware is a subtle way to bring this exotic fruit to any northeastern table.  Available at Macy's

Pineapple pillow from Beach Decor.

Well, WOULD you?  If so, tell me how...

Fabric Finds

Take a look at the beautiful fabrics  Cocoon Home Design found to reupholster a client's bench.     Three different scenarios combining patterns and texture,  all of them interchangeable  to complement other pieces in the room.  I love them all.  Which will the client choose?

I like the combination of the floral and paisley prints.  Add  bright orange medallion pillows to make a strong statement.

This combination's softer tones is balanced by a cool geometric print, giving it a more contemporary feel.

A classic combination adds warmth and color to the bench.

Combination D features the same dominant  fabric, paired this time with an earthy orange and an ethnic  print design.

What's your pick?

Eco Safe Textile Printing-The Next Big Thing in Upholstery

Check out Lumi-Co a California based printing company that has revolutionized the textile printing process by creating a way to print photo realistic images on natural materials without the use of industry standard chemicals.   I love it, the look and the environmentally friendly process it takes to create it.  Take a look at what they've done and how cool it is.

Printing on wood gives depth and texture to the image on this footstool.  Lumi-Co also uses the process on leather making cool wallets, portfolios and coasters.

What do you think?