I'm Back... fresh decorating tips that use wallpaper!

In a recent #designtv forum; designers of all ilk, from all over the world formed this consensus about wallpaper ~ it’s the single most transformative design element with huge bang for buck.  As Olivia Millwood trumped “We have our little corner mainly because everyone else was getting rid of it! Now that it's hot we are ready! Yea wallpaper! 

I for one have been awaiting the renewed popularity of wallpaper for its instant mood setting capabilities…Nothing can create a tone within a room as quickly as the introduction of wallpaper. So this blog is about wallpaper.

Michelle Drenckhahn -www.spacialadaptation.com, and I got to tweeting about our mutual love of pattern, thus this blog was born.  While nothing beats a wall adorned in paper I’ve decided to showcase ways to use wallpaper decoratively within the home besides on the wall; so let me know what you think about the wallpaper ideas shown below.  

Below: When I ran across this photo on the design dumps blog, I instantly recognized a fellow wallpaper aficionado; how pretty! 

Left: In this instance bits of wallpaper are used to create a pretty custom picture matt; while this is cute I envision this same idea in a much larger scale~ perhaps 32” X 28”

Below Right: the wallpaper used to decoupage the front of this chest personalize a handed down family treasure. 

For centuries wallpaper has been used to adorn furnishing whether to hide flaws or add punch. I snapped these images while at the January 2011  World Market Centre            Las Vegas- Home Furnishing Show, below are a few of my most favorite ways to introducing pattern or wallpaper

Below: This hard sided ottoman looks fab upholstered in this boldly patterned paper!

                                                         Left: Although the image is dark, this lamp shade is a patterned paper and a wonderful idea for infusing interest!

We have seen how good wallpaper looks lining the back of a bookcase; showcased below one can see it looks equally great as the backdrop for a folding screen. 

Till next time,

Charmaine Wynter

Design for Global Innovation

President Obama recently spoke about the importance of innovation in the global economy in his state of the union address; and boy did he hit the money...perhaps that is why he’s the pres?  Anyway I digress...I had just been reflecting on that very thing...no seriously- while here at the World Market Centre Las Vegas Market Home Furnishing Show -say that really fast 7 times- (WMCLV) I could not help but think about how we in the interior design community have really embraced globalism... have a look at the pictures I’ve posted below to see if you agree.

English inspired textile for home theatre seating

Sexy acrylic and contemporary shapes Italy of course!

The color and pattern here speaks of exotic hot spots India, Africia or Morroco

Can you guess?

The first new fan to identify the country that inspired the above decor wins a $25 WIStudio gift certificate.

 

LOL-It pays to read my blog to the end....I'm in Vegas- working like a slave- all week so if you want to see the latest home fashion trends follow me on twitter...I'll be sending the very freshest stylemakers to all of my loyal followers.  Let me know if you want to view something specific...

All for now

Charmaine

Divine Decorating... done in a day

Have you ever felt like your décor could use a day off?  I got to thinking along those lines after reading about the listing, of the house that was used in the movie ‘Ferris Bueller’s day off.  http://raisingtheroof.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/ferris-bueller-house-on-the-market/

The house, located in the wooded Chicago suburb of Highland Park, was designed by A. James Speyer, a protégé of Mies Van Der Rohe, in 1953 and its stunning architecture is…still stunning decades later.  Let’s face it a house fashioned with glass walls wow! 

As I read the article and gazed once again at the architectural marvel.  I began to wonder whether most of our homes could stand up to the scrutiny of glass walls?   The sad fact is a resounding NO!   But it does not have to remain that way below I’ve listed three done in a day high impact decorating ideas that are right on trend for 2011.  Why not get started this weekend?

1. Be brave enough to rearrange your furniture!  A different layout can serve to highlight a piece you’ve had for years in a new way.  Just look at the difference in the plans below

Before

After

2. Update slavishly matched furniture sets easily by splitting ‘em up! Do things like repurposing end tables in the bedroom or night stands in the living room.  If you’re starting from scratch shop in the sales area for furniture clearouts that are one of a kind and use those to create distinction within your rooms!      

3.       Have more of an open mind about the finish for quality goods. Distress some of the pristine pieces you already own by giving then a quick rub with sand paper. One hugh trend is the use of weathered woods and machinery parts as illustrated by the piece on the right.

Be sure to drop me a line letting me know how well you’ve done by implementing the ideas above…looking forward to hearing about and seeing your efforts.

Charmaine Wynter                        www.wynterinteriros.com