If there is one word for design in 2019, it’s moody. I’m all about those rich, moving colors that feel deep and mysterious. But how about playfully moody tones? Ones that evoke excitement and energy. Let’s change the atmosphere. Autumn doesn’t have to be gloomy, dark and traditional. With the upcoming changing of the seasons, I want to turn over a new leaf with fall colors and the inspiration behind them.
Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.
We all have our own unique outlook on life, specifically in design and what we consider to be “the American Dream.” The definition of the American Dream has evolved over the years to mean a multitude of lifestyles and career paths. And without getting political, it really is amazing to see the diversity our country allows and encourages as we learn what our individual American Dream is. For some it means buying a modest home with all your favorite features; some, it’s a sprawling farmhouse on the ranch; and others it looks like non-committal apartment living. Design gets DIVERSE based on location, trends, and history. So let’s look at the classic elements of homes in each of the four corners of the U.S. — the colonial New England, the charming farming South, the modernist Pacific Northwest and the cultural Southwest.
Did you know curtains have been around since 3rd-century Egypt? Though they were primarily used to separate rooms, these first generation curtains inspired the use of soft window coverings. Becoming popular in 16th-century England, window coverings were commonly made from linen, flax and cotton… just like today’s roman shades and draperies!
Roman shades are just as old and date back to- you guessed it- ancient Roman times. But they were originally designed to function horizontally, like an awning. This was to block the hot sun while spectators enjoyed the spectacles at the Colosseum. Now used vertically on our windows and doors, Roman shades still function as they did back then.
Design of the construction of the awning system used at the Colosseum Source
Flat roman shades in a modern industrial loft. Source
We won’t bore you with a full history lesson, but it’s fun to know where our modern fabric window treatments got their start. This month, we’re expanding our Window Treatments 101 series to the most timeless treatments you can put in your home— roman shades and draperies.
Believe it or not, beige is back in town. And we have a feeling it’s going to stay for a while…
Now, don’t get this confused with the beige wall color that took over in the late 90’s and early 00’s– this beige has matured and simplified and shifted. Yes, there are loads of different beiges out there, and each one has it’s place. But remember how easy it was decorating with beige, though?
Come along for the ride as we explore this modern classic color in some new light… and trends!
Note the brass accent piece on the credenza juxtaposed next to the black metal drapery rods.Continue Reading
We’re getting to know cellular shades as one of the most versatile and popular window coverings in design. Hence this month’s installment of Window Treatments 101. Last time, we learned the ins and outs of venetian blinds, a timeless classic. And honestly, we feel that cell shades will be the new venetian blinds. There are so many advantages to putting cellular shades in your home, most importantly being their incredible energy efficiency. Easy to use, customizable, and attractive are just some other great features of this modern classic.
Throw pillows are essential to making your home feel inviting and peaceful. Simply adding throw pillows to a sofa, chaise or even a bed can create a warmer living space. What we love about throw pillows is their versatility. You can switch up any number of pillows for completely different looks on one piece. And in order to create a visually pleasing AND comfy throw pillow vignette, it’s important to have the basics down pat. Once you know how to mix size, pattern, and material, you’ll be ready to start throwing your pillows together!
Window treatments are often the most defining decor in a room. How you adorn your windows contributes greatly to the vibe of the whole space based on scale, color, and coherency of styles. In this five-part mini series about window treatments, we’re going to dive into the history, the making, and the designing of five super relevant window treatments— the first of which is Venetian Blinds. So let’s start from the beginning!
Where Did Venetian Blinds Originate?
Somehow the Italians always get credit for incredible design but the blinds we know and love aren’t actually Venetian. They were first recorded in use in 18th-century Persia and rapidly gained popularity throughout Europe, starting in Venice. They made their way over to the U.S. in 1767 and were later patented in England in 1769. Natural roll-up shades used to be the norm. But the easy light control and privacy of Venetian blinds quickly put roll-up shades on the back burner. The functionality of these blinds made them perfect for commercial and office spaces. In fact, a little company in Vermont made every Venetian blind for the Empire State Building in the 1930’s.
You may have asked yourself that question a time or two before diving into interior design. Whether you’re making a newly built house your Home or redesigning a space you’ve already furnished, these tried-and-true steps are essential to the design process.
Each space should tell the story of the people who live there and should be their ideal version of luxurious living; whatever luxury means to them.
Veronica Solomon — Casa Vilora Interiors
If you don’t know how or where to start, or find yourself struggling in the middle of the project, let these helpful guidelines, directly from designers, lead the way. And once you’re done, you’ll have all the tools to do it again!
Many of us know how involved choosing a color can be. Quite a few factors influence a color’s nature, its perception, and its performance. Knowing how lighting, undertones, surroundings affect a hue can improve your ability to distinguish and settle on a hue.
Before we dive into the science behind color, let’s talk about aura color stories. These 240 uniquely-formulated hues embark onto a new playing field in design. They’re dimensional, full of life, and never include black or gray in their mix. Therefore, the colors respond to light in a whole new way. Enhance your home with Benjamin Moore’s Aura interior paint and its exclusive partner, aura color stories. Check them all out here.
There’s no doubt the farmhouse trend has become more than a trend. It’s a way of life. And with so much creativity in modern design, many of us are able to create our own unique dream farmhouse. Whether you have traditional taste, down-home sensibilities, or eclectic vibes, these essential farmhouse characteristics can accommodate virtually any out-of-the-box embellishments. With these basic principles— mood, function, and balance— you’ll have all you need to get going and get creating your own farmhouse!
