Tone on Tone Design

I've been brainstorming for a client lately. They have requested new drapery in their semi new home's bedroom. The current drapery is a gorgeous chintz, but it comes from their former home and need more of an updated look. They have very pale pink walls and have requested pink drapery. Pink is my favorite color so of course I'm all for it. I think the idea of the walls being the same color but a different tone is perfect for this room. Tone on tone, if you will. Let's take a look at the merits of this idea.

Jan Showers. In this library, the dark drapery matching the dark walls makes the room cozier and adds to the enveloping feeling, but still allows a generous amount of light in.

Designed by Grant White Design. I really wish this image in the top left was larger so you could see better but the walls are a pale mottled grey and the drapery is more of a cement color.

Janet Simon's soft blues and neutrals bedroom here is made a bit edgier with these brighter window treatments. They really pop in this room and draw your eye to the gorgeous bay window.

Gary Mcbournie. I feel like here, the very vertical drapery is used to accentuate the architectural elements of this room with a high ceiling. The green he used is so elegant.

Through these pictures you can really see how the brighter tone of each color simply brings that color forward even more. It also unifies the room a bit more without it being just one shade or many colors that may work, but are floating too much in the room. This helps tie them all down. I'll be showing my fabric choices to my clients over the weekend and seeing them in the space so I'll let you know how it goes!

Alicia B.

Rando Design Inspiration Friday

It is Friday! This day (September 11th) reminds me to appreciate the simple things in life and to be thankful for everything that I have as an American. Freedom, independence, choices etc. I feel really great about all those things, and we should not take them for granted. SO, let's take a deep breath and appreciate the beauty that is...interior design!

You might be able to see that I'm recently obsessed with Jan Showers. Shes immensly talented, yes? I wish I could see more of that striped wing chair peaking out from the left. Her furniture choices are classic and elegant.

Another favorite and leader of the understated look is Christopher Maya. This looks like a great place to sit with your family around a fire.

In major breaking news (via StyleBeat), Amanda Nisbet's new fabric line is being sold at Holland & Sherry. I've always loved Amanda Nisbet's style and her fabrics are so fun and creative. She also has a lighting line at Urban Electric. You MUST check them out.

Brooklyn Bridge USA

I'm just going to slide this one in a) because I took it and b) because it's a symbol of New York and evokes a feeling of patriotism which always feels nice on this day.

Have a lovely day everyone! Weekend plans, you ask? Locking myself in my apartment (watching Vampire Diaries and Project Runway-don't judge me!) and doing homework nonstop! What are your plans?


Alicia B.

I'm obsessed with D. Porthault sheets.

via Peak of Chic.

I've been silently obsessing over the sheets that I saw in Rita Konig's apartment featured in Domino Magazine a few years ago, and my need for them has suddenly become very urgent. I just recently saw them in the spread of Jan Showers's latest design for a 1950's home in Texas. I need them. I must have them. The sheets in question are D. Porthault and they are, of course, completely out of my price range, so incredibly beautiful and classic. My favorite pattern is the hearts pattern. They are sweet, yet very sophisticated, soft and feminine.

From the Jan Showers spread that I mentioned above. Monogrammed duvet and sweet Porthault pillows make this bedroom strong and feminine.

The scene that started the obsession, Rita Konig's bedroom from Domino. Little did I know I was on a slippery slope here. I love to buy sheets to begin with but this is on another level.

Here is Rita Konig's bed when it is made. These pillows in a flower pattern are equally as exquisite.

Here is "my" pattern in a handkerchief. Swoon. via lasplash

All the hottest designers use these sheets for their clients and themselves, such as James Andrews, above. Also read his hilarious blog, What is James Wearing-he's always fabulously dressed.

In my obsessive search this evening, I found that I'm in good company with this. Jennifer at Peak of Chic is obsessed as well. HERE is her post about Porthault. Are you guys on my Porthault train? Do you have a secret sheets obsession like mine?


Alicia B.

Curve-alicious

Kelly Wearstler.

Often times experts claim that fashion leads interior design, or interior design lead fashion and I think in this case, the latter is true! Curves are fantastic and not only are they IN, they've always been in! A beautiful curving winding staircase is a very classical element that can be adapted in many different ways. For some reason curving staircases have always caught my eye.

Marie Claire Maison. The winding staircase has been adapted for a contemporary setting using glass and steel.

James Huniford. I am dying to see this foyer from the other side. Two winding staircases? Could you ask for anything better?

Living etc. These are a tad more industrial. Check out that railing slithering up the stairs.

James Michael Howard. Double staircases. Gawgeous.

This staircase is very nice but what makes it stand out is the way the ceiling curves around it at the top. By Jan Showers.

BCV Architects. I think i might cry tears of joy at this picture. SO beautiful and simple.

Another genius staircase by BCV Architects. This is a wine stockroom for a restaurant that they designed.

Not loving the drapery choice but the architecture here just blows me away. I love the way the light from the doorway shines on the underside of the staircase. Austin Patterson Disston clearly has this down.

Austin Patterson Disston. I've posted this image before but it's so perfect that I don't think it could hurt to post it again.

I grew up with a regular staircase with two landings, but no curves. Certainly not complaining, as my sisters and I used to spend hours on end having jumping contests on those poor stairs, but maybe that's why I love the curving ones so much.


Alicia B.