New York Design Blog | Material Girls | New York Interior Design

When it comes to stripes you’re already committing to something bold so don’t be afraid to use them in small spaces, on the walls, on the ceiling, on the floor and just about anywhere you feel fit.  There are multiple ways to get your stripe on, so take a look at these rooms for inspiration and do something fun for Fall 2011.

A perfect way to add some striping to the room is to put it on the ceiling

Add stripes to one feature wall so you’re not completely striped out

Keep the stripes subtle and neutral for a soothing effect

Another subtle stripe with additional stripes in the furniture and rug

Change your basic beige wall into something with style and funk

The striped rug mimics the black and white stairs perfectly!

Bring in some sunshine with bold yellow!

I made my way out East at the beginning of last week to take a walk through The Hampton Designer Showhouse and visit with my favorite designer duo Tilton Fenwick – who are as chic as they are talented.  They created a gorgeous family room in what most would use as recreation, and pulled it off with gorgeous style and class.  As for the rest of the house there were certainly some highlights for me, but I have to say, I wasn’t blown away by all the rooms.  I found a few “tricks of the trade” and interesting ideas that I will certainly keep in my bag of tricks for future use, but other things just lay sort of flat for me — and by that I mean, I’ve seen it a million times!  The show is definitely a MUST see for those who can make the trip.  Each room will inspire people differently, which is the beauty of design, so please visit the house to see what catches YOUR eye.

 Tilton Fenwick’s gorgeous family room with hemp wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries, custom made banquettes upholstered in Schumacher’s Gainsborough Velvet 42863, ODLR tortoise parchment table from Century Furniture, curtain panels made from Robert Allen’s Ultima Alabaster, trimmed with Brunshwig & Fils’ Tamerlane Aquamarine, a cabinet by Pearson Company,  a French Chateau hanging lantern by Vaughan Lighting and a gorgeous painting entitled “Summer Sky” from Emily Amy Gallery

They clearly had a well thought out plan that was executed perfectly!

It’s all about the details and the styling!  The ostrich covered game table is a custom design by TF using “Exotica Ostrich” by Stark Fabric

The gold etagere is from Elizabeth Bauer and is vintage from the 1960′s.  You can see the wallcovering up close and personal which looks as though they’ve applied nailheads to the wall - not the case!  It’s all part of the paper

 

Look at the gorgeous slipper chair which was custom designed by TF using Muriel Brandolini “Chartreuse” fabric as their center panel and Ellora Stripe “Aqua/Jade” by Stark as their side panel fabric

This coffee table spoke to me in a “I’m simple with a hint of glam” kind of way

Meg Braff did a lovely design in both the powder room and pantry on the main floor.  Simple with a touch of sophistication and calmness you want to see in a beach house in the hamptons.

The wallpaper against the carrara marble and white cabinets is divine

Two of my favorite “rooms” in the house were the ladies’ dressing room and the men’s dressing room off the Master Bedroom.  The colors are insane (in a good way) and the strong contrasts make me want get a lot bolder with my projects.  The gorgeous hand painted mural on the wall was done by The Paint Palette.  Absolutely amazing!

Another shot!  Even the clothes have an abundance of color and groovy style

The men’s dressing room has just as much boldness with a touch of vintage

I would spend a lot of time in here if my dressing room looked like this!

The Mendelson Group did a fantastic job on the upstairs landing with their version of “The Landing Pad” using avaiation as the theme.  A perfect place to land after a long day

 

 

This is a detailed nook in the guest house by Eileen Kathryn Boyd 

The pantry/wet bar in the guest house also done by EKB. I love the reversable curtains in grey and lilac against the grey striped wall

The upstairs portion of the guest house was done by Brady Design and was done with great “pops” of color and creativity

The best feature had to be the custom painted beer pong table that rested on polished nickel work bench legs.  LOVE

These are just a few highlights so please make your way out East to see the show with your own eyes.  After all, design has much more of an impact in person!

 

 

I’m loving this temporary wallpaper by Tempaper on SALE at Joss & Main today! It’s temporary wallpaper that has the same quality and durability as regular wallpaper yet it can be applied and removed within minutes!  What a great idea for a rented space or a space you’re not completely willing to commit long term to..

Edie in Frosted Teal

 

 

It’s not often that you come across a beautifully decorated home, with soft, serene color palettes and cozy, plush furniture and assume it belongs to Ozzy Osbourne who was once known as ”The Prince of Darkness”.  This month, Architectural Digest shows us a softer side of Ozzy which clearly has to be the result of Sharon’s decision making and the work of designer Martyn Lawrence-Bullard.  The Los Angeles home is quite remarkable with it’s eclectic mix of new and old and use of lavender throughout the MBR and sitting area.

The MBR is so soothing with the soft lavenders and de Gournay wallpaper

What a fabulous reading nook in the corner of the MBR

A bathtub fit for a king (of heavy metal)

You can never have too much lavender in one room.  Afterall, it’s the color that suggests refinement, grace, elegance and something special

Photography by: Roger Davies

While at the Design On a Dime event the other night I couldn’t help but notice all of the beautiful colors used in each vignette that added a perfect punch to each designers creation and it made me wonder what would we do without the simple use of paint.  Thanks to Valspar, I was able to see how a room can come together and how easy it is to refurbish your old furniture with a touch here and a splash there.

Valspar, who was a sponsor of the Design on a Dime event, shows you exactly what can be done with color, and while their booth might be too loud and colorful for most, think about having one statement piece in a room that would otherwise be boring and dull.  Take a look at the transformations below to see how easy it is refurbish your old furniture.

Add fun yellow stripes to an otherwise plain table

An outdated chair can become a brand new piece with a little paint and even a fun, new, modern fabric!

This desk has transformed from bland to grand with a little ‘pink burst’.  Now just imagine it with some beautiful new hardware from Anthropoligie and you’ve got yourself a smashing office!

This display cabinet obviously needs to shine and be the focal point in your Living Room

What a great idea to keep the inside of the cabinet grey and frame it with a bright “swiss coffee white’

A luggage rack is a great accent piece in a bedroom so make sure you get creative and choose your paint wisely

 

Just remember to add a little color in your life and always keep an eye out for a piece of furniture that’s looking for a quick makeover.  With Valspar paints you can bring beauty to your home

 

I’ve been shopping around a lot lately for abstract photographs and paintings for clients and I’ve seen some of the worst and best stuff out there - but this artist blew me away!  The colors, the composition, the ease (i think) at which she paints – it’s amazing!  Thanks to High Gloss Magazine for featuring such a great artist.  Take a look at Michelle Armas’ work and let me know what you think. 

 These paintings would snazzy up any room and be a great pop of modern color in a more traditional space

There are always new designers that have a few tricks up their sleeve and Christen Maxwell is one of them.  She and her team have been busy creating fun new fabric designs that are sold by the yard as well as used to make laminated linen trays, throw pillows, lampshades, ottomans and more.  Christen was a first timer at the NYIGF this winter where her product was flying off her booth!  I had the priviledge of speaking to Christen herself and when asked what we have to look forward to she said this: ” As far as right now, we’re focusing on expanding our availability to customers nationwide, working on developing some new prints,  plus have a possible letterpress stationary collaboration line in the works.  We’re also continuing to grow our laminated linen accessories line (it’s been SUCH a hit) and work on new product development – holiday oriented (perhaps stockings and gift-y items).  Sounds like we have a lot to look forward to!  Keep your eye on the rising designer and her products by visiting her website.  You won’t be disappointed.

luxurious patterns and colors that will brighten up any room

 laminated accessories for your bath, desk or bedroom

 have a designated spot for keys?  you do now..

 this laminated bowl is great for jewelry or even nuts at your next cocktail party!

 I’ll be sure to keep you posted as Christen develops more fabrics and product in general.  Until then, shop away at her online store and take home something snazzy!

It’s Fashion week in NYC and you know what that means…It’s time for everyone to be inspired by the new looks and more importantly the new colors!  Pantone has surveyed the designers from New York fashion week to identify the most directional colors for FALL 2011 and I have to say, I like what I’m seeing.  The designers are taking a painterly approach by combining bright colors with staple neutrals.  Sounds like a decorators dream.  Take a look at what the designers are saying about the new colors for Fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Beautiful dedicated their entire March issue to “the Power of Pink” and have shown us some very enticing ways to use the color without going overboard.  If you don’t subscribe to the magazine pick up a copy at your local magazine stand so you can see how to bring pink back into your life.. without having it look too feminine.  The men in your house have probably been steering you clear from pink because of its girly reputation.  Don’t let them stand in your way!  It’s warm, flattering, sexy and can help just about any mood  

This den has just the right amount of pink in the lacquered walls to make it warm and cozy without screaming barbie pink.  Plus the blue carpet cools down the room quite a bit as does the white sofa and ivory coffee table.

This MBR has a very soft hue of pink which keeps it warm and inviting

This LR ramps it up a bit with some florals mixed in with greens and citrines

It’s always nice to play earth tones (grey, brown, beige) against pink so that it doesn’t become the focus of the room and has interesting contrast throughout

You can never go wrong with making your daughters room the center of pink.  Afterall, the color was created for girls!

The greys play nicely in this tradtional room where you would never expect pink on the walls

So soft and serene.  I wouldn’t mind climbing into this bed at night!

All photos are from House Beautiful Magazine and can be seen online or in their March issue which will be on stands shortly.  Take a look at the entire issue to see how pink can inspire you even if it’s just a small chair in the corner of your room or a throw pillow that can easily be replaced.

 

I have two clients who have recently come to me with extreme interest in using blues – one for a Dining Room and one for a Family Room.  Because blue is my favorite color, I of course am jumping at the thought of these rooms and trying to dig deep to come up with something spectacular.  As I search for inspiration I came across a beautiful “small wonder” that is Todd Alexander Romano’s apartment in NYC.  It’s what he likes to call modest with a view and what I see as heaven!

The lacquered blue walls have just enough navy and just enough aqua in them to create a luxurious space that’s not too dark and not too flashy.  The touches of ikat, apple green and bright yellows add just the right punch to the room to break up the monotany of the blues and keep the room interesting. 

The same color blue continues in the hallway and foyer and is accompanied by great art, rich caramel and a bright contrasting white ceiling that allows the light and the space to still feel open and airy

A close-up of the lacquer and bright yellow flowers which always make a room shine

The apple green velvet plays beautifully off the blue walls

A chinese red plant stand that adds one more needed punch to the room without going overboard

A detail of of blues and reds and golds

One last detail of a brighter view of the apartment

 

It’s obvious that Todd has done a beautiful job mixing just the right colors, materials and styles and has created a comfortable, chic yet modest space with a view so he can enjoy the city just by looking out his windows.  This is certainly inspiration for me and I hope I can use blues in a way that will result in something as stunning as this!