Interiors: Patriotic Design

Star Hold Backs shown by Finestra Decorative Hardware

The week of July 4th is upon us and many of us will be spending time with friends and family to celebrate our great nation.   What a perfect time to reflect on Patriotism and how it is used in interior design not only to reflect long standing traditions, but also, the latest trends! 

Americana encompasses the folklore and heritage of the United States.  In many cases, Americana refers to a more rustic view on interior design being used mainly in country settings, cabins, and frontier homes.  This is not always the case...

Guest Suite 2012 HGTV, Chairs from Guild Master

The room shown above demonstrates a more modern Americana design.  It does incorporate the American Flag; however, the design motif is translated, not so obviously, through pattern and texture.  Here, the designer has pulled the "Stripes" out of the "Stars and Stripes" to create a play on words in the form of texture and pattern.  The pillows, flooring and drapery fabric are "striped" in keeping with the theme.  Different hues of blue and white are used in the room with small accents in red.  Bold graphic prints cover the bed and the modern metal drapery hardware anchors the crisp drapery panels within the design.

Fabrics and custom upholstered pieces are another great way to show Patriotism through design.  The two chairs shown above are created with modern color ways and an artistic graphic layout.  These designs create both nostalgia and a modern focal point within a space.

Patriotism is also brought out in design through global events like the upcoming London Olympics.  As many of us are glued to the television watching Olympic trials this week and feeling great pride in our athletes, a new design trend is "jumping the pond".  Not only is Americana showing up in our designs, but also, the Union Jack.  We can easily identify with Britain through language, intertwined history, and patriotic colors.  Therefore, this year, it only seems fitting that these two Patriotic symbols are woven into our designs and in may cases, within the same spaces.

Room by Moghul Interiors, Pillows by Horchow, Ottoman by Restoration Hardware

The silk color block draperies shown above create a bold accent for any Americana or British design combination.

Feeling Patriotic this summer?  The best way to infuse a Patriotic theme into a space without a complete re-design is through small accents like pillows, throw rugs and ottomans.  If nothing else, they will create a wonderful backdrop for watching the upcoming Olympics!

Ombré Design Trend

Finish selection shown from Aria Metal Hardware

As trends cycle throughout history, ombré is one that has been a domineering force in the new millennium.  Today's strong resurgence is seen in hair styles, fashion, upholstery, wall treatments, draperies and just about anything you can put a finish on.  It falls under the Eclectic genre of design and pairs well with metals, cool tones, and new-found objects.


The word ombré is a French term meaning shaded and is used to describe color that is graduated from light to dark and often into stripes of varying shades.  It is interesting that the first recorded use of the term was used to describe a dyeing technique with fabric in 1841.  However, the word was not entered into the Oxford English Dictionary until 2005.

top: homemaker.com, bottom: glamlamb.

Ombré draperies can be achieved with a Bohemian tie-dye of sorts or color-blocking, with finite attention to detail in the graduation of color within the fabric or finish.  Draperies are the most dramatic way to use an ombré finish in a room.  These treatments define the height in a room, create a cohesive design and direct the eye to the room's focal point or main motif.  Pairing metal drapery hardware with natural tones of satin nickel, brushed nickel and matte black with an ombré design creates a fluid and smooth transition from ceiling to floor or floor to ceiling.

The photos above create an ombré pattern using the entire space and draw the eye into the heart of the design.  The top photo defines the architectural focal point of the bay window and draws the eye down into the design while washing down and out through the floor.  The bottom photo does the opposite.  It washes down from the light ceiling and grounds the eye into the deep blues in the furniture and floor covering as the focal point in the room.

Wallpaper by Pierre Frey, Paris

Wall coverings and paint finishes are another dramatic way to add ombré to a space.  It can be accomplished with a sophisticated graduation of one color or many as shown above.

                                    Pillows by CapellaKid.etsy.com, Pouf by Surya

Accessories are an easy and subtle way to add ombré into a design. 

glamlamb, House Beautiful

There are many ways to add ombré both big and small into your design.  It can rejuvenate a tired old design or create Pop art in a new modern space.  Before you break out the Rit Dye, how will you choose to use ombré in your next design project?

High Point Market: Resurgence of Color

Color is beginning to bloom back into our designs this Spring!  Even though hues of gray and burlap continue to appear on our design boards, we are breathing new life into the doldrums of tonal textures. The number one take-away from the Spring High Point Furniture Market: accents of color in Plum and pink.  We were surprised to see so much pink as Honeysuckle was Pantone's color of the year in 2011.  It did appear with a new coral twist and was used mainly as piping on upholstered furniture.  

We would be remiss not to mention this year's color, Tangerine Tango, which was well-represented.  However, plum, lavender, eggplant and every shade in between took center stage in almost every showroom as an accent piece.

In the Fall, we noticed some color mixing of a 70's throw-back, mustard yellow.  It has re-appeared in a brighter form this market and brings life to the neutrals that have become the basis for most of our design work.  Let the sun shine in!

Color was also well-represented in the abundance of hand painted furniture.  Bold graphic prints were mainly used on the individual pieces.  The most unique aspect of the hand painted furniture was adding/adhering a thick woven canvas on top of the wood structure.  Not only did this give it a fabulous texture and depth, it appeared as if it was wrapped in an artist's canvas.  They, themselves, seem to tell a story and would make for great conversation pieces in a any design setting.

Upholstered furniture and decorative nail heads continued as a trend this Spring.  Many of the designs used the burlap fabric motif, but we saw a mixing of brightly colored leathers and appliques into each new design. 

One new upholstered application did catch our eye.  We were intrigued by the use of fabric adhered (without batting) to wood furniture for texture and pattern.  Each fabric patchwork like the design above was outlined with small upholstery nails.  This handmade artisan detail transforms ordinary case goods into extraordinary ones.

Nautical has been around for several seasons as a popular design trend.   Crisp colors of royal and navy blue donned most of the designs, but we saw a cooler aqua and cornflower blue mixed in with deep coral shades.  It is apparent that this trend is here to stay for a while and with good reason.  They, too, bring life to even the most land-locked design and color to the doldrums of tonal textures.  

Texture continues to dominate interior design.  It is amazing that every market brings a new take on how to mix texture into design elements.  We saw new ways to tie off wool and felt to create sculptural pillows and rugs.  Sisal and jute were used as an old texture on new silk drapery panels.  This not only adds texture, but also, creates a malleable design style.  And, notice the Color in the drapery panels above: pink, coral, plum and straw.

We are excited by what we saw in High Point last month!  We cannot wait to see how you interpret and incorporate this Spring's design style into your treatments.  Injecting color into our designs no matter how slight, brings new energy and fuels our passion to add interest and zest into every creation.  

You now have permission to go Plum crazy!

Credits: Surya Rugs, Karen Robertson Nautical line, Guild Master, HP Furniture Market 

Sales Tools on the Go!

Technology plays an important role in our everyday activities.  We schedule our business meetings, dentist appointments, kid's soccer games, birthday reminders and even store vacation photos on our smart phones, computers and tablets.  All in all, our lives have become accessible and cataloged through the smart devices that we carry.  They also make our lives more transparent around the clock in the way that we interact with people personally and professionally.

Are you using your smart device to the best of its ability?  Are you ready for business on the go?

The key to balancing it all: Organization!

    

Tips

1. Separate your business photos, apps, etc from your personal ones.  Create separate folders on your tablet or smart phone for supplier catalogs, price lists, portfolio renderings, photos, industry publications, social media and design applications like ColorSnap , Color Capture, and myPantone.    
2. Add live web links in a folder for suppliers, designers, workrooms, trade shows, etc that you favor. Obviously, these will only be accessible if you have an Internet connection.
3. The most important!  Download current pdf catalogs, price lists, renderings, etc onto your device.  There are times when you will not have access to an Internet connection or a very slow connection while presenting to a potential client.  Downloading these files will save you time and keep you on top of your game for a fluid and professional presentation.  

Do you have all of the Finestra catalogs downloaded to your tablet or iPad?  Here is a list to add to your organized folders:

Post Live Web Links

Click on the topics below on your tablet which will take you to the link and Add them to your Home Screen.  From there, you can drag them in the appropriate folder.

• Quick Ship Program 
• Quick Ship Interactive Flip Catalog
• Aria Metal Hardware Program: 
• Aria Interactive Flip catalog
• Videos
• Blog
• Webinars
• Installation Instructions: This is an invaluable resource to have on your device.  You can use it on the job site or email while on the go to your installers.
• Order Forms
• Finishes:  This is a fantastic interactive finish chart!  Click on the finish to expand and see true to life colors.

Download Catalogs

Click on the topics below which link to the pdf files.  Either save the pdf file onto your computer and email or sync it to your device/saving it to your iBooks, or use a downloading tool like DropBox.com.

• Quick Ship Catalog
• Quick Ship Retail Price List
• Aria Metal Hardware Catalog
• Aria Price Retail List
• Installation Instructions for Aria Fixed Poles
• Installation Instructions for 9200 Decorative Traverse Rod
• Installation Instructions for 4003 Decorative Traverse Rod: 

By using some of these easy tips, your tablet or smart device will become your most valuable sales tool on the job, not to mention a fabulous personal assistant.  With measurements, catalogs, renderings, web links, price lists and even color swatches, you will be one step closer to having all of your business resources at your fingertips and on to the eyes of potential clients.  

The Art of Layering Patterns

Patterns play an important role in interior design.  Patterns add color, depth, dimension and texture to any room or window treatment.  The scale of pattern may be small, medium or large in size and any patterns used in the same space must relate to each other in order to create a cohesive design.

When used properly, pattern can ground a design that shows two distinctly different shapes, scale and proportion.  The large bold orange striped draperies in this room anchor the small scale pattern in the floor coverings.  It allows the eye to see the design, color and texture as a whole and not as different distinct parts.

Designer Linda Allen

Believe it or not, pattern in design also signifies the shape of furnishings, lighting and accessories.  This particular design is very tonal with a pop of lime in the furnishings to ground the eye away from the multi-pattern ceiling treatment.  Take note of the chair back designs; they repeat the shapes in the mirrors, lighting, floor covering and the ceiling design.  This is a perfect reflection of using the shapes throughout a design to create an elegant and harmonious feel within the space.

Texture is created with pattern by directional movement and contrast.  These two designs use directional movement and distinct contrast in the black and white patterns.  Look closely at the Chevron design on the right.  Not only is it directional, it has a pattern within the pattern of a Greek Key design.  This adds depth and texture.

Think about how you use pattern in your designs.  How does it affect your design style?  Experiment with different scales, proportions, and colors to find the right balance for your next project and signature look.

Dressing your Studio with Hardware

Sudio by Lauren Liess, Pure Style Home
Fabrics samples hung on drapery rods



Everyone loves an organized workspace!  These are the places whether inside or outside of our homes that we meet with clients and create beautiful spaces for a living.  It is a place where we draw inspiration from color, texture and pattern.  Out of these elements, fabric is a large part of this process and displaying it in an organized and visually pleasing manor facilitates creativity.

So, why not feature two important design elements in your studio for organization and inspiration?!


Aria Metal Hardware and Fabric

Create your Own Display
There are several ways...

1.  Install a French Rod made out of Aria Metal Hardware on your wall in desired length and use clip-on rings (FM201/) to hold your fabric.  This will allow easy access to your fabrics with a quick release of the clip-on ring.  This version works well with light to medium weight fabric samples.

2.  Install an Aria Metal Hardware pole with brackets, decorative finials, and clip-on rings to hold your fabric.

3.  Install an Aria Metal Hardware pole either like a French Rod or with decorative finials.  Place a small grommet (GR2/) on the corner of your fabric sample.  Next place shower curtain rings (ST18 or ST19) on the rod and open the clasp.  This will allow you to easily slip the grommet on the fabric swatch over the curtain ring and then snap in place.  When you want to remove it, unhook the shower curtain ring clasp and pull fabric sample off the ring.  This is a more secure way to hang your fabric and will support light to heavy weight draperies.

Organize and create inspiration in your studio today!