Tag Archives: turquoise

Spotlight on fabric manufacturers: Amy Butler (again)

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We have posted about Amy Butler fabrics many times on this blog, and with good reason.  These cheerful and colorful fabrics add such life to any room in your home and the selection just keeps growing.

While the vibrant colors are a great choice for spring and summer decorating they work just as well during the fall and winter season.  Take, for example, this pattern called Passion Lily in a very fall color combination of brown and mulberry pink.  Right on trend with the color of the year, honeysuckle pink.  This fun fabric will look great propped up against a brown leather or suede sofa or tucked into the side of a corduroy recliner in the family room.  How about covering those kitchen chairs for fall?  The brown background will work well with wood cabinetry and furniture.

 Unexpected shades of green are all the rage this fall since Nate Berkus announced asparagus green as his choice for the season on the Today Show.  Call it lemongrass, asparagus, chartreuse, or fern as Amy Butler calls it…it adds a colorful touch to your decor when used as table linens, to cover a small footstool or as contrasting trim on drapery panels.

For those of you who love Amy Butler designs but prefer a more subtle color palette, don’t despair.  Her line includes several soft and easy on the eye color combinations that are sure to please.  For example, Fresh Poppies in a soft linen color is soft and serene…

… as is Sweet Jasmine in very fashionable shades of turquoise and grey.

So go ahead and begin your fall decorating with some new Amy Butler fabrics that are a treat for the eye.

Can U spot the trends? in room by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles

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I know summer is waning and this room is kind of summery but it is so pretty I wanted to share it.

Room designed by Emily Minton Redfield, art by Matti Berglund, courtesy of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles
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There are many subtle trends in this space.  It just goes to show you that you can enjoy a trend without it slapping you in the face.  Here is the list…see how many you spotted.

1.  The first one that caught my eye is the use of honeysuckle pink in the armchair..very nice

2.  Brass accents can be found in the lamps, drawer pulls, coffee table, furniture hardware and chandelier.

3.  Turquoise is still showing up in many rooms but it is used sparingly here in throw pillows.

4.  Bold floral prints are a big trend for 2011 and you can find it on throw pillows on the sofa.

5.  White painted furniture remains a popular trend.  Here it is found on the frame of the chair, side tables and the sofa.

6.  A mix of furniture styles makes a room feel collected over time and less like a “designer” room.  This room includes antiques, an asian flair, a modern touch in the metal items as well as traditional designs found in the sofa and yellow chair.

7.  The greek key design has been around for centuries but it has been popping up in room designs for the past couple of years.  It is used as an accent on the draperies in this room but you will often find it used as metal accents on furniture, trim on upholstered pieces etc.

All in all, I think this is a lovely room that can easily move into the upcoming fall season with just a few accessory changes.  For example, switch out those summery pillows for some made out of a golden velvet that has been trimmed in the hot pink; toss a cozy throw over the yellow chair and add a floral centerpiece made up of mums and sunflowers.  All of these changes will still coordinate with the custom artwork but look warm and inviting.

Can you spot any trends I missed?

Color of the month: Cobalt Blue

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Think sapphires; think deep end of the swimming pool; think deep  navy with a light behind it.  You will then have a general idea of what cobalt blue looks like.  This rich and vibrant color is popping up in interiors everywhere from appliances to fabric to wallcoverings.

 Take a look at these photos and see if there is a place in your home for this color.

In this fabric by Robert Allen you can see how well cobalt blue works with other jewel tones. (fabric is called party stripe)
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This cobalt blue sofa really pops against the white walls. photo courtesy of flourish and design
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Would you like this blue Viking range in your kitchen?
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This fabric by P Kaufmann shows how well cobalt blue works with fresh citrus colors (fabric called promenade)
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Combine cobalt blue with orange and turquoise for a fun combo (photo courtsy of bright.bazaar)
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As you can see, cobalt blue coordinates beautifully with many other colors and will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your interiors.

Home Decor: What were some of the top home decorating trends of 2010

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It is always fun and enlightening to review trends from the previous year.  Some we can laugh at, others we can embrace.  Here is a brief look at some of the interior decorating trends that popped up in the year 2010, 2010.  (remember that song?)

Turquoise:  Once named the color of the year, turquoise popped up everywhere.  It was possible to find turquoise cabinetry for your kitchen or bath, turqoise fabrics in all different shades and patterns were everywhere, turquoise lamps, turquoise accessories, even a turquoise toilet if you so desired.

Trellis Patterns:  Trellis patterned fabrics added a fresh touch to many interiors last year.  This pattern was used on upholstered items like chairs and headboards, as chair seat cushions, throw pillows, bedding and wallpaper.  A classic, I am sure this design is here to stay.

Note the trellis pattern on the ottoman in this room designed by Tobi Fairley for Traditional Home's showcase house
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Ethnic fabrics:  We all became familiar with the terms Ikat and suzani and saw the return of old favorites like tie-dye and paisley fabrics.  These ethnic designs continue to be popular for use in upholstery, linens and accessories.

The return of vintage:  Vintage furniture and accessories, or those made to look vintage, added warmth and character to our homes this past year.  We are beginning to value a piece that has a bit of history and/or a story to tell.  This love of vintage will be popular for many years to come as we strive to find comfort in our roots during these difficult times.

Vintage dresser by vintagechicfurniture.com
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Trends come and go but, fortunately, interior decorating trends remain popular for several years.  So do not worry if you invested in that turquoise toilet as it will still be popular next year.

Home Decor: It’s a mad, mad, Mad Men world

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Unless you have been hiding in a cave for the last year you are, no doubt, familiar with the hit television show “Mad Men”.  Briefly, it takes place in the early 1960′s and is about an advertising agency finding their way during that period in time.  Of course, Don Draper is to die for but the real star of the show is the fashions and interior decorating that look like they came right out of “Look” magazine.

As with most hit shows, current fashion and decorating trends will start to reflect the popularity of this show.  Pearls, kitten heels and sweater sets are already popular but how about those low slung couches and giant, oversized table lamps?  The sleek lines fit in today’s homes where we are moving away from mcmansions and looking for something smaller and more manageable.  Upholstered velvet headboards with some interesting tufting were all the rage for up and coming young couples in the sixties and they would definitely work in today’s bedroom without any change to the design. Matching nightstands and chest of drawers; not so much.  The homeowner of today is looking for something a bit more eclectic.  Colors that were popular at the time included bright peacock blue, kelly green, deep red and a pop of yellow.  Today’s popular color choices of turquoise and mimosa (yellow) certainly mimic these.  Do you remember the cute cafe curtains that hung in every kitchen window?  And no respectable home was without a bar to serve up those martinis and manhattans.   Ashtrays were actually a piece of furniture or large enough to be considered a piece of artwork when placed on the coffee table.

All of these ideas were considered very modern and trendy at the time, just as they would today.  Take a look around your home and see what 1960′s decorating ideas will work for you.  And, if you haven’t already, check out how good Don Draper looks in a hat!

Color of the month for September: Rust

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According to the calendar we still have a few more days of summer left.  But as the days grow shorter and the nights are just a bit chillier we look for warm colors to take the chill (such as it is at this time of year) off. 

Rust is a color often associated with fall.  It is a combination of orange and brown and is reminiscent of changing leaves, worn metal furniture and old barn siding.  It works beautifully with other muddied colors like olive green, warm gold tones or, for a truly sophisticated look, pair it with black!

Rust stripes are striking when paired with gold and green in this Beacon Hill fabric
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As you begin to replace your summer items with fall colors consider beautiful window treatments in a rusty paisley fabric alongside a chenille sofa topped with throw pillows featuring varying fall colors of green, orange, brown and gold. 

If you prefer an urban touch to your fall decorating but like the warmth rust brings to a room, choose a lighter version such as apricot and combine it with trendy turquoise and brown.

When combined with today’s new neutral, gray, rust is the perfect complimentary color. 

Beacon Hill rustic weave is a fun combination of rust, gray and deep apricot
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However you choose to introduce our color of the month, Rust, into your decorating plans, it is sure to create a warm and inviting feel in your home.

Colors for Home Decorating: Pink

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I can hear all the men now “not in my house you don’t!” and women are thinking ” How lovely but my husband will never allow it.”  Pink in all its glorious shades has become very popular in home decorating, and for good reason.  Everyone looks good in pink so if you don’t wear it you might as well surround yourself with it in your home.

When we talk about pink we are not talking about little girl pink.  Shades can vary from bright in your face fuchsia to soft and romantic coral tones.  And when we talk about pink we are not suggesting that an entire room be decorated with pink fabric, paint and accessories.  Adding just a pop of this color can have real impact.  Don’t believe me?  Take a look at these suggestions and see if you might agree that this color can work in your home.

  • Coral is a beautiful shade of orangey pink and is a great compliment to masculine colors such as brown, grey and navy blue.  Choose a drapery fabric with a touch of coral in a den or library; he’ll never notice.
  • Deep magenta  warms up a room and looks great  as accent pillows on a black and white tweed sofa, for example.  Add contrasting welting to a pair of gray flannel club chairs for a sophisticated family room or master bedroom sitting area.
  • Certain shades of terracotta offer a hint of pink.  Team it with  the 2010 color of the year, turquoise, and you get a gender neutral southwestern combination that is relaxing and casual.
  • If the feng shui of a room is important to you pink is considered the color of love and found to be soothing and relaxing.  For feng shui purposes you do not have to use this shade in your paint and bedding but could simply place a bowl of beautiful rose quartz crystals on a table.
  • If your home was built in the 1940′s you may already be the proud owner of a pink and black tiled bathroom but don’t despair.  This is a very popular combination and looks great with black wrought iron accessories to tone down the pink or embrace the pink and highlight it with crisp white.

Wherever you choose to use this versatile color in your home just remember that real men decorate with pink!

Colors for Home Decorating: Blue

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Blue has long been one of the most popular colors in home decorating.  It is the color most preferred by men and generally evokes feelings of calm and serenity.  Productivity rises in blue rooms.  On the other hand, it can appear cold and depressing and is considered the least appetizing.  I guess that means if you are looking to lose weight, paint your kitchen blue!  Let’s take a look at the many variations of this popular color.

  • Dark and moody blues  include cobalt and navy.  Combined with burgundy and hunter green, these deep rich colors add a sophisticated look to a den, master bedroom, library or home office.  Remember–blue is thought to increase productivity so using it in a home office or home gym may be a good idea.
  • Pastel or “baby blue” is a pretty color that is certainly appropriate for a child’s nursery but can also be used in a sunroom, ladie’s dressing room or a gender neutral guest room. Combine it with other pastel colors or use it as a counterpart to bright or dark colors.  A room decorated with navy, pastel blue and white is very refreshing and grown up.
  • Green blues include turquoise, teal and peacock blue.  These refreshing colors can be combined with orange, green, hot pinks and reds for invigorating combinations.
  • Show your patriotism with a red, white and blue color scheme. 
  • A nautical blue and white combination adds a refreshing look to a pool area or beach house.  Spice it up with bright pops of yellow and red.

You can add blue to your decor without creating a “blue” room.  Beautiful floral fabrics often feature touches of blue in the pattern.  A collection of blue and white dishes is a great way to bring blue into the kitchen or dining room.  Artwork that features the colors of the sky or ocean allows you to enjoy the color blue without committing an entire room to it.  Or, if you are a true blue lover, go ahead and do an entire room in various shades of blue.  (just be sure to mix up the texture for variety)

Colors for home decorating: Unusual and Unique combinations

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It is always fun to step out of your comfort zone a little bit and try an unusual and/or unique color combination in your home.  Depending on your budget and your level of courage, you can decorate an entire room in these combinations or you can choose to add the interesting colors through the use of accessories and artwork.  Some color combinations to consider are:

  1. Brown and red:  These colors together create a warm and inviting room.  A brown leather chair welted in red leather will add a level of sophistication to a library, den or family room.  Rich brown linen draperies that feature brown and red fringe trim is a beautiful way to frame a window.  Use red upholstery and accessories to accent the brown cabinetry in your kitchen.
  2. Turquoise and orange:  This bright and zesty combination is one you probably want to use in small doses.  Consider this combination for a beach house, a small kitchen or a child’s bedroom or play area.  If you are looking to brighten up an all neutral interior for the spring and summer, this is a great way to use turquoise, the color of the year.  Trim pillows with orange ball fringe for a playful look, add a turquoise lamp to a side table, sew a band of floral fabric to a pair of inexpensive linen drapery panels.
  3. Black and cobalt blue:  This is a sophisticated and unexpected combination.  It can certainly be used in a gender neutral guest room.  Outlining a pair of plain blue drapes with a wide black ribbon will add “oomph” to ordinary window treatments.  Black fringe will make a blue floral pillow seem much more important.  Use a black lampshade on a blue lamp base for a rich look. 

Design magazines are full of rooms that have been decorated with unique and unusual colors so check them out for design inspiration.  Artwork and fabrics are also good sources for inspiration.

Welcome Summer with a Tropical Theme

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Even though you may be buried up to your eyebrows in snow, it is not too early to begin thinking about your summertime decorating plans.  Browsing through travel magazines just might warm you up a bit!  Using a tropical theme for sunrooms and outdoor spaces will make summer living and entertaining even more enjoyable.  A word of caution—too much of any theme can appear juvenile so try to avoid hula skirt window treatments and opt for something a bit more sophisticated.

Indoors

Adding a touch of the tropics to your interior spaces will brighten up any room during the spring and summer months. 

  • Paint an accent wall in a yummy tropical color like mango orange or turquoise blue.  You can choose subtle variations of these colors to go with your interior design style.  For example, in place of mango orange choose a soft coral.  Bright turquoise can be exchanged for a more subtle teal.  Opt for a yellow based sage green in place of lime green.  
  • Add throw pillows in patterns that reflect the island life.  Something whimsical with parrots or flamingoes can be fun or you can be a bit more sophisticated and choose a bamboo print or an allover fern pattern.  Covington’s wild orchid pattern offers both bright and subtle colors with a tropical flower that does not scream “theme”.  http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/drapery-fabric/floral-drapery-fabric/covington-wild-orchid-orchid-fabric-.htm
  • A bowl of seashells collected on previous island visits, a grouping of family vacation photos, a potted fern in the corner can make you feel like summer will last forever.

Outdoors

Outdoor decorating should reflect a carefree lifestyle that invites you and your guests to relax and enjoy the evening.

  • If your old patio furniture is metal, wicker or plastic, a coat of brightly colored spray paint will give it new life.
  • Replace moldy and weathered cushions with outdoor fabrics that will resist the elements and add color and pattern to your spaces.  Check out Waverly’s Sun n Shade collection of outdoor fabrics at http://www.onlinefabricstore.net/SearchResult.aspx?KeyWords=waverly%20outdoor
  • An outdoor rug made from natural fibers like sisal or coir will certainly keep your feet comfortable on those hot surfaces.

Ok–a hula skirt tablecloth would be cute and fun and define your tropical theme.  Just don’t go overboard. (no pun intended)