Fashion Friday – House bound blues…
In my perpetual state of hating winter, I start to obsess about the house. This actually works out well, since my day job of choice is Interior Designer. February is generally when the phone rings and clients old and new express their need to change up their interiors. Looking at the same rooms all winter long can make even the most extraordinary interiors feel tired.
This is also the time of year when I head to the fabric and furniture showrooms in search of inspiration. I recently checked out some of the new Colfax and Fowler line. I got the blues… in a good way. I collected a little sampling of some handy blue fabrics and a couple of wallpapers that can give a lift to any room.
- Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, stripes and plaids and textures using the same color
- Using the above fabric examples, don’t be afraid to put a bold color on the wall
- I love a bold, large, loose pattern (like the top fabric above) on long window treatments
Farrow and Ball is often my paint of choice, in my own house and for my clients. I love the quality and consistent finish as well as the very usable color palette. The above blues are great choices when you… got the blues.
If you are making a more major change and you are opting for new upholstered furniture, you can’t go wrong with George Smith upholstery. The style works well with traditional as transitional interiors and the quality and craftsmanship are excellent. If you want comfort and a cozy library feel or a traditional living or family room, the above pieces are some of my favorites. If George is not in your budget there are many similar style out there to fit the budget and get the look – Kravet and Lee both offer some great options at an affordable price with all of the benefits of custom lines.
- Wood frames should be made of kiln dried hard woods such as maple, ash or birch
- Joints should be mortise and tenon or dovetail – they should fit together with no gaps
- Eight-way, hand tied coils will last the longest in the frame
- Exposed wood parts should be smooth and blemish free
- Cushion construction and fill options can determine the softness and look of your upholstery – ask to see some examples of what is available. I like a foam core with a channelled down wrap – make sure that there is muslin covering the cushions so that no feathers escape.
Another way to get a big impact without changing too much is to add a new area rug to the room. You can also consider having an area rug that you like for the winter months and a different lighter textured rug for the summer months – or just remove the rug for the summer and go with a bare floor, cooler feel. I love Dash and Albert rugs and these are a few that I think would look fun with my blue theme.
I also found a few accessories that fit with my blue themed interior for the week. Never under estimate the power of a great lamp or an interesting accent piece to add some spice to your room. The blue chair below or the mirrored bar/hutch can change your already pretty room into an interesting room that expresses more of your personality. Check out the accent pieces below for some ideas.
Mary says
This palette makes me cool! (See what I did there?)
Mary says
This palette is cool! (See what I did there?)
Pip says
You are so punny!
Thanks for checking out the cool blues!