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

 

Flying High in Style

With their introduction of the Envoy suites top airline carrier US Airways invites travelers to change their position on business travel; while a definite step in the right direction this Stylemaker would like to encourage US Airways and other major carriers to step-up  overhaul their entire cabin interior decor!    Just imagine the passengers delight were they  to step into a luxury outfitted plane every time they ventured into the wild blue yonder.  Why they may just choose to keep flying with no need to deplane to begin their 5 Star destination experience.    Just for fun I've pictured some cabin interior combo's below please vote to let me know which one would be a winner in your eyes.  Perhaps if we get enough responses we can convince US Airways to update their cabin interiors.
Charmaine Wynter
http://www.wynterinteriors.com/

Lux  First Class



Lux Business Class

                                         

Lux Economy

Opposites Attract... or do they?

Some experts contend "opposites attract but it’s the similarities that keep us together" …Below I’ve showcased rooms that flaunt one or the other of the above sayings… Identify which adage was used to pull together the rooms pictured below.
 

If you vote :

• Opposites- then the decor elements within the room contrast; finishes, shapes, sizes vary and the room is interesting because of the differences.

If you vote :

• Similar- then the design elements within the room relates; finishes, shapes and colors are alike and the rooms interest is derived by this connectedness.

Now, I have not made it easy... Where's the fun in that?  But.. .the first 7 new comments posted that correctly identify which image is decorated using opposites and which image is decorated using similar elements in ALL of the pictures wins a Bedroom Décor gift packet from my Charnorbry Collection Valued at $350.00!  Good Luck!!

I'll post the lucky winners names here.  Charmaine Wynter  www.wynterinteriors.com

Image #1



Image # 2





Image #3



Image #4

Image #5

Urban Warmth!

Winter is certainly here... as headlines scream of school closures- power outages and winter storm warnings http://ca.wrs.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2KJ3CeOO_1MGCYA7nLwFAx.;_ylu=X3oDMTB0MWVhNXRyBHBvcwMyLjEEc2VjA3NyBGNvbG8DYWM0BHZ0aWQD/SIG=15aoh63ee/EXP=1291693070/**http%3a//www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/atlantic/school-closures-power-outages-as-winter-storm-bashes-eastern-canada/article1826270/%3fcmpid=rss1 I and other northerners start the cocooning process.  All of the breezy cottons and linen's get put away in favour of furs and flannel- wools and warmth; are the tone of the day.  Below are some of my favourite new ways to introduce cozy warmth in an updated urban way.

Felt cushions fashioned from reclaimed sweaters

Felting is hot we've seen it on the runways now we see it in homeware-  introduced here in cushions - left these are a dynamic way to add warmth and fashion to your winter interior.  Now you've got something to do with the sweaters that shrunk in the wash... 

Note the fur throws, a chenielle ottoman,  and wool toss cushions

We've layered on the warmth factor without adjusting any of the fundamental elements within the
room pictured on the right-

Below left- Doesn't this upholstered chair just make you want to snuggle down within the warm woolen folds?  mmm... toasty!

Cable Knitt Sweater covered chair

Below right- A fur or faux fur throw add the cozy feel to this bedroom what a perfect way to begin and end a day.

The addition of a fur pelt makes for instant visual warmth

I hope you've enjoyed viewing the fresh ways that warmth has been added to the above spaces...Why not try some of them out for your interior this weekend... then sit back with a warm cup of coco and enjoy the beauty you've created!  Drop me a note or send a photo that I can post of ways you've cozied up your den

Charmaine Wynter

http://www.wynterinteriors.com/

Window dressing- the in fashions!

Recently posted on PCWorld “Would you rather: (A) lose all your HDD data, or (B) have your Facebook account hacked?”  I confess I waffled back and forth trying to determine which would be the lesser evil...I’m still waffling on that one... but, I faced no hesitation when I considered all the window treatments that I would rather: (A) see all humanity remove, or (B) have windows wear with pride.  Below are my favorites:

#1 on the Humanity Removal List~ The Balloon Shade/Blind



Balloon  Shade/Blind



Seriously there are still windows dressed in this dated 1980's fashion! 

#2 The Tab Top Panel- There is just no good way to have this window treatment speak to quality... it is always just too something~ too short, too thin, too sparse too~ lets face it, TOO CHEAP!

Tab Top Panel

#3 Shutters- ok perhaps banished from all humanity is too harsh for this window occluder but honestly folks; we spend sooooo
much money to place large beautiful windows in our homes and then what do you do? Cover them up!!

Here are my top 3 picks for windows to wear with pride: 
 

Boxed Pleat

Pleats: Whether Boxed, Reverse or French they are my ultimate go to for classic, quality window style.


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French Pleat