Opulent Window Dressing: Modern-Day Lace

Current and upcoming trends in textiles across the fashion industry include one keyword: Texture.  And, the way we are choosing to bring texture into our designs is expanding every day.  One of the most popular forecasted textures in fashion is the adaptation of historical lace designs.

Lace creates opulence within a space or design.  History reminds us of its value and extravagance dating back to Queen Elizabeth in the 16thC. It is important to note that the current trend does not include "vintage" references, but rather, specific historical references from such eras as Rococo, Renaissance, and Baroque.  How we are choosing to adapt them into our designs is left to artistic license.  The above prints by F. Shumacher show entire lace patterns arranged into a detailed graphic print.

Instead of taking entire lace patterns and creating a motif, one of the most beautiful textures comes from an up-close look at the open-work construction of lace design.  The fabrics above are wonderful examples of a suggestive lace motif.  If you look at the fabric print on the left-hand side, it almost appears to be snake skin which creates even more interest and textural appeal.

A more modern pattern of lace is looser in its historical translation and becomes a suggested outline of open-work lace.  These patterns are unlike the traditional soft and delicate feel, but rather, a bold, hard-lined translation often resembling a mosaic.

Outside of prints, layering lace on top of fabrics creates luxurious details. These details are emphasized when hues of gray, copper, and brass are woven into lace for modern-day appeal.

Are you using lace details in your designs?  How do you bring opulence into your space?

Fabric prints by F.Shumacher, Lace trim and overlays by Mariocuccheti Tessuti and Solstiss Lace

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 

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.