Orange you glad to see us?

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous. Take a look…

Designer Todd Romano

The vibrance of the color orange means that either you love it or hate it. Having a little less intensity of red and a little more of the cheerfulness of yellow, orange can evoke energy, appetite, and socialization in most. It is also symbolic of vitality and endurance.

Because of the associations with the color, orange is more often used in restaurant and office environments. In residential design, the color can be tricky. In small doses, or in small rooms, orange can be the most powerful. It is also very striking when used in combination with other colors such as blue, pink, and yellow.

Designer Sarah Story

"There is no blue without yellow and without orange." -- Vincent Van Gogh

The many shades of orange.... apricot, carrot, coral, copper, ginger, marmalade, marigold, mandarin orange, melon, peach, pumpkin, persimmon, salmon, sunset, tangerine, terra

Until next time!

Ellenor

Seeing Red

Monochromatic rooms are a challenge that many shy away from. To me, this is what makes them so fascinating. They are the rare jewel that, when done successfully, can really shine!

What is a monochromatic room you ask? Well, the definition of "monochromatic" is one color; and so a monochromatic room would be one that is made up entirely of a single color. The problem is, designers usually don't like to limit themselves to a single color... there are just too many good colors and combos out there! This makes finding a true monochromatic room very difficult. However, in the world of interior design there are almost monochromatic rooms… rooms that are made up primarily of one color and accented with just one or two extra colors (usually these are neutrals such as white or black). For our case, these almost rooms is what we’ll be referring to when discussing “monochromatic rooms.“

So, how does one pull off a “monochromatic room?” The key is to play with patterns, textures, shades, and finishes/sheens of the same color. By playing with these different variables of the same color, you keep a monochromatic room from being monotonous.

Designer Miles Redd, photo from Elle Decor

Red has the widest range of symbolism across the world. Depending on the person and culture that is viewing it, red can symbolize joy, life, energy, and passion, and many others all the way to the opposite end of the spectrum, rage. This wide range of association with the color red could be because it is the most psychologically stimulating color.

In interiors, red is bold and will draw attention to itself no matter how it is used. So the amount of red used and the placement of this color will matter greatly on how others will perceive your room. In some cases, this bold color can draw one’s attention to something you want to feature in the room… or draw attention away from something you want to disguise in the room.

Designer Martha Angus, photo from Elle Decor

Designer Jonathan Adler

A red by any other name... Beet, Blood, brick, burgundy, cardinal, carmine, cerise, cherry, claret, crimson, flaming, flushed, garnet, geranium, mahogany, magenta, maroon, Pompeian red, raspberry, rose, rouge, rouge sang, ruby, russet, rust, scarlet, Venetian red, vermilion, wine

Now its your turn to paint the town red! Enjoy!

Ellenor

Send a bunch of love for Mother's Day!

If you can't be with your mom this mother's day, be sure to send her something special to let her know that she is loved. Flowers are always beautiful but will wilt away. This year, try sending her something a bit more un-expectd like a special, hand-made card. This gorgeous card pops open with an array of hand-made blooms that will never wilt. She'll love the thought and time that you put into making her feel like the wonderful mom she is!

Martha Stewart's Pop-up Bouquet Card

And if you are lucky enough to be celebrating with your mom this year, seeing her smile when she opens her card will be priceless! Everlasting flowers for your everlasting love of her!

She's worth it, so get to it! xoxo,

Ellenor

The Beloved Suzani

Beautiful embroidered fabrics known as Suzanis have been appearing all over great interiors and design blogs for quite some time now. Their bold patterns make a big statement in the design of a room while bringing a comfortable feel to any interior. As a suzani lover myself, I wanted to shed a little light onto this popular textile.

The name Suzani comes from the Persian word for “needle,” which is fitting given the way Suzanis are made. These beautiful textiles are carefully embroidered and are typically made with cotton and/or silk. Suzanis have been referenced as far back as the 15^th century and most likely originated in what is now known as Uzbekistan. Suzanis were typically given to a groom on his wedding day and were made by his future bride as part of her dowry and to highlight her skills.

Above photo, Kristen Hutchins Design

Sun and moon disks, stylized flowers such as tulips, carnations, and irises as well as leaves and vines, pomegranates, and occasionally fish or birds are common design motifs found on Suzanis. These patterns have become so popular that the traditionally embroidered design is now being printed on many home accessories.

Sultan Bedding by Z Gallerie and Suzani Wastepaper Baskets by Decorative Things

Two great designers who often use the power of Suzanis in their designs are Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Nathan Turner. Antique suzanis can frequently be found in the interiors of these two successful and talented designers, leaving us to ooh and awe over the interiors they create.

Above interiors by Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Interiors below by Nathan Turner.

When creating his own fabric line, Martyn Lawrence Bullard incorporated a lot of what we all love about suzanis and other ethnic fabrics into his designs giving us the perfect balance between traditional and modern aesthetic. Designers Joe Lucas and Parrish Chilcoat of Lucas Studio Inc. used Martyn's Sultan's Suzanni in one of their striking interiors seen to the right.

If you want to try to incorporate some ethnic flair into your interiors, try starting with a few pillows from Fabricadabra. These amazing pillows (some shown below) are made with real vintage suzani textiles so each one is unique. If you are feeling more bold, shop for a full piece of suzani so that you can display it on the wall or use it for upholstery like the pros. Try places like Fabricadabra or 1st dibs for full pieces or furniture already upholstered with a suzani.

Happy Suzani Shopping! Until next time,

Ellenor

Ikats You Need Now!

Following our post on the wonderful world of Ikats, here are some must have accessories for your home that proudly show off this amazing pattern.

For your Living Room...

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1. Fin Rocker, worth every penny! Available at Anthropologie for $1,698.oo

2. Carnaby Flame Lamp, to light up your life... and room. Available at Jonathan Adler for $195.oo-$295.oo

3. Ikat Pillow Covers, too many good ones to choose from, so just get them all! Available from Fabricadabra for $35.oo-$65.oo

For your Kitchen....

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3. 4.

1. Ikat Ice Bucket, for all of your party needs. Available at Decorative Things for $60.oo

2. Ikat Dishtowels, to conquer your mess in style! Available at Crate & Barrel for $3.95

3. Ikat Tray, to serve your guests in style! Available at Decorative Things for $70

4. Ikat Napkins, to put some pizazz to your dining. Available at Decorative Things for $12.oo

For your Bedroom...

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1. Organic Chevron Duvet Cover & Shams, for a modern take on Ikat. Available at West Elm. Duvets, $79.oo-$109.oo, Shams, $24.oo - $29.oo

2. Wakeful Ikat Sheet Set, to wake up to something beautiful. Available at Anthropologie for $128.oo-$148.00

For your Bathroom...

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1. Azure Ikat Towels, to impress your guests! Available from Anthropologie for $8.oo-$58.oo

2. Blue and White Ikat Tray, to keep your vanity tidy and stylish! Available at Target for $12.99

For your Windows...

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1. Ikat Ogee Window Panels, to keep things light and airy. Available at West Elm for $59.oo-$74.oo/panel

2. Ikat Rose Curtains, to show the softer side of Ikat. Available at Anthropologie for $138.oo-$198.oo/panel

For your Floors...

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1. Expanding Colorscape Rug, for some thing soft and stylish at your feet. Available at Anthropologie for $698.oo

2. Mag-neat-o Floor Tiles, for the wow factor! Available at Flor for $24.99/tile ($9.29/square foot)

3. Sophisikat Floor Tiles, for a punch of Ikat. Available at Flor for $13.99/tile ($5.20/square foot)

Ikat, Ikat, Everywhere!

It seems that everywhere you turn these days you can spot an Ikat. This bold pattern has made its way to fashion, interiors, stationery, and almost every kind of design. But what do you know about this pattern that you love so much? Lets take a look into the history of Ikat...

The name Ikat (pronounced “ee-kaht”) comes from the Malay language meaning "tied" or "bound,” which is exactly how this pattern is made. Using a tie-dye process, the warp or weft threads (the direction that they will run) are tied into tight bundles and dyed before being woven together to create a pattern. A Double Ikat is when both the warp and the weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving. This beautiful textile is typically made with silk, but can be found using all sorts of fabrics today.

Pillows by Fabricadabra

Ikats have a very long history and are found all over the world. The designs vary depending on the region in which they are made, but are often considered symbols of status, wealth, power and prestige because of the time involved and high level of skill required to make them.

The term “Flame Stitch” is often used today in place of “Ikat.” It is my belief that the Flame Stitch pattern is just one variation of the many designs that the Ikat umbrella covers. This term usually describes the zig-zag pattern and is seen as the more simplified or modern versions of an Ikat. It also describes the pattern on the thick blanket that your grandmother probably has.

Interiors by Mary Mcdonald

Bedroom with Flame Stitch Bench from Elle Decor, "Bargello Pillow" from Jonathan Adler

As you can see, designers love to incorporate this gorgeous textile into their interiors. Just using a little bit can make a room pop, like the bedroom above or these purple Ikat chairs!

If you really want to make a statement, use Kelly Wearstler as your guide with how she used her own Ikat-inspired and Flame Stitch fabrics to create this amazing room.

On the other hand, Kristen Hutchins selected a more subtle Ikat pattern to use on this outdoor space to create a modern and serene aesthetic.

Today, the term Ikat can refer to the textile itself, the pattern, or technique used to make it. No matter how the term is used, you know that what you’re seeing is stunning!

Until next time!

Ellenor