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

I found another artist (Mimi Chen Ting) who brightened up my day so I had to share her playful pieces with you.  I can see these compositions and colors in all kinds of rooms and spaces – especially if it’s on the traditional side and you’re looking to make a modern statement.  Take a look at her work through Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery and let me know how you feel after a viewing.  It should be cheery!

Out with the old, in with the new.  Just as in fashion, where we see trends come and go, (and sometimes come full circle decades later) decorating has its trends that move with the colors of the year(s).  For quite sometime now (i’d say over the past 2 years), gray has become the new beige and it’s making a statement like no other.  Gray is such a calming color but it can be bright, light, dark, subtle…no matter what, it’s always soothing to the eye.  This is the very reason I’ve been convincing my clients to use so much gray lately, especially on the walls!  It’s the perfect neutral that will cohesively tie any room together.  Take a look at these gray rooms and see how well it works in different spaces:

I’m loving these lanterns and chairs in this country gray kitchen!

Don’t be afraid to mix your grays and beiges – just make sure that gray is the more dominant color in the room.  It will freshen up your space instantly and keep you on trend!

With all the beautifully designed wallpapers out there today it’s no wonder why papering your walls is back in style — It’s the element in a room that can pull it all together in one fell swoop.  Have you ever noticed that your space doesn’t feel quite complete until the art and mirrors are hung on the walls?  Well, wallpaper has the same effect and it can give you that final dimension you’re looking for. I’ve been browsing all kinds of wallpaper lately for clients looking to complete their powder rooms, nurseries, kitchens and dens — and I’ve come across some pretty amazing stuff:

Kudos to Meg Braff for creating such a fun yet useable line of wallpaper.  I’m loving her Meadow Reed paper in coral on white

Another gorgeous design by Meg Braff – Sasa

Sometimes the boldness in the paper is enough to complete the room without adding too much color.  The Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler strikes again..and again.  It’s that good!

Speaking of F. Schumacher style – their new-ish Jaipur hand block wallcovering collection is to die for — Rampura Turquoise is shown above

One of my all time favorites by Florence Broadhurst – Japanese Floral

Another one “spotted” – Florence Broadhurst’s Spotted Floral

Hello color!  Loving this bright pink vine floral from Thibaut

And this bright green ikat also by Thibaut – could be really fun in a kids room!

Whatever the case may be, your walls can always use an extra punch of pattern and color — and paper is the best way to add that jazz.  So when you’re decorating your house or re-doing a room try to think beyond paint and spend a little extra money to get a unique look that will be the envy of the town!

Labor Day has come and gone and we’re all feeling a little blue about the last days of summer.  It’s raining in NY which doesn’t help matters but have no fear, Fall is almost here…and with that, means new Fall lines that are bound to make you roar.  Osborne & Little has a new Fall 2011 wallpaper collection called Komodo which will bring out your wild side and keep you on the hunt for more.

Boa

Cobra.  Sssssss

Panthera

Quagga

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

 

 

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

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!

I’m on the hunt again for a client and need your help.  Does anyone know where the wallpaper in Blaire Waldorf’s stairwell is from?  Gossip Girl seems to be catching the eye of a lot viewers.  Not only am I looking for this paper but I have another client whose 15 year old daughter wants Blaire Waldorf’s bedroom!  Looks like the Upper East siders are onto something ..of course it helps to have an endless budget.

Where is this wallpaper from???

Blaire’s glamorous room

Another view

So as it turns out, one of the stenciled floors I posted last week (the turquoise bathroom with white medallions) was a stencil created and sold by Sunny Goode.  She designs these stencils to make it fun and easy for you to create a whimsical touch on your walls, your floors, your furniture – wherever your heart desires!  Check out Sunny’s website for more decorative paint ideas and products.  Looks as though she’s come up with some pretty bright ideas!