Black and White and Red All Over

Since my rug purchase at Scott's, I've really been thinking and rethinking the direction of my front foyer/ living room.  It's funny how one simple addition to a space can do that for you.  Here is a reminder of the rug in my foyer (the new guy).  

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And here is a close up of the Heriz in my living room (hard to see, but this rug has black, red, green, gray, blue, orange in it).  Also, the space is formal and I really want to keep it that way.  I know lots of people are getting rid of their formal spaces.  We love to entertain and I like having two different spots depending on the type of party we are having at the moment. 

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All the upholstered pieces in the space are very neutral.  As for the window treatments, they were fine before, but now with the new rug, they are just not working.  Also notice I have not be able to commit to pillows in here either.  The main problem is that I see so many beautiful fabrics, that I don't want to pick just one, so I have refrained from picking any!  But things are about to change. 

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So here are a few of my musings on the room.  

First, an inspiration picture for the idea of neutral with a pop.  This room is more gray than mine, and the pop is pink (rather than red/orange).  But the idea of neutral upholstered pieces with a color pop is the idea.  

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I'm thinking -
1. The room needs more black.  The baby grand piano, the drum shades and the pair of prints on the wall is helping, but I need black fabrics on the sofa and chairs to carry the color through the rest of the space and tie the rugs, make them feel more purposeful.
2. I need to edit the window treatments.  They came with the house and served a purpose for awhile; but it's time to move on.  I'm thinking about a smokey gray silk with a fabulous tape on the lead edge of the panels.  Maybe like these . . . 

or these that are a bit warmer, yet still grey.

Then, I would add a neutral tone on tone tape to them just for interest.  Something like this would be pretty.

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Now for some accent pillows.  Since the Heriz if very busy, I'm thinking I need at least one (maybe two) accent fabric in a black/grey yet a simple pattern (to contrast the busy rug).  I think this would go a long way in neutralizing the space and allowing the two rugs to be the feature.  Here are a few fabrics that have caught my eye as accent pillows.  Not sure which ones yet or even where they would go, but there are lots of fabric opportunities in the space -  on the sofa, in the bergere' chairs, the accent chairs in the foyer, and maybe even on the piano bench.  

Some texture would be good in the way of a linen.

Option One

Option Two

Option Three

Option Four

And possibly a silk just to tie in the window treatments.

Option Five

Lu Huv this one.  It is oh so yummy!  It's got the creams, greys, blacks and warm beiges in it.  could really pull things together in there.

Option Six

Since my sofa is light, a saturated black might be just the thing for a long sofa pillow.  The trick to making black work in a formal space with neutrals is to pick patterns that do not include a stark white, rather a creamy background is the way to go.

Option Seven

Really like the idea of this one too. 

Option Eight

3. Lastly, the sofa, chairs, etc. needs a small dose of red.  Since both rugs are screaming red, a small shot of it coupled with cream should do the trick.  I love both of these for a sophisticated feeling. This one is topstitched for some added texture (which I love on pillows).

Option One

This one also gets me.  It has a mid century modern thing going on and I think it would really look great with the rugs.

Option Two  

Then, once I've added some pop in this space, I'm thinking my den could use an even more vibrant pop of red.  I will have to share those fabrics with you later this week! In case you were wondering, fabrics are one of the main reasons I love interior design.  Textiles add personality to a space.  So, don't under estimate their power to shape a room!   Hope your week gets off to a great start! M.

Latest Obsession - Moroccan Tribal Rugs

I am seeing these everywhere, and I love the look!

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They are Beni Ouarain Tribal rugs.  Beni Ouarain (try saying that fast three times) is a confederation of several nomadic tribes in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco.

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These rugs grew in popularity in the 20th Century when iconic designers like Le Corbusier began to include them in their designs.

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They have recently had a resurgence and are popping up in some of the swankiest hotels and celebrity homes all over the world.

Jonathan Adler designing for the Parker in Palm Springs

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The main reason I am obsessing over these - they blend wonderfully in both traditional and modern spaces.  

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So, they are an easy way to update a space - you really can't go wrong with one of these.
No guessing, this rug work with your current furnishings.

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Also, the sense of history they bring to a space (even if you didn't travel to get it), should not be underestimated.

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I am not a fan of the "one stop shopping" for all things in a space (even when they are from a very high end store).

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I much prefer pieces that have some history and a story.

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  I love a room that looks as though it has evolved over time to its current look.  

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The only downside to these rugs - the original vintage versions are over the top pricey.  If you are up for some research, there is a lot information available on these White Giants.
Here are some great places to start:
Shop Talk
 My Deco
Simply Smitten
The Brick House
Design Manifest (highlighting some affordable alternatives)

PS: If you live in the Birmingham area, here is a local source for these rugs - Paige Albright Orientals

Flash in the Pan?

Sometimes I see new design trends briefly and suddenly, it is everywhere you turn.  Others, I see a few times, and they're gone.  

Like these . . . 

http://remodelista.com/posts/windows-floor-walls-white-cowhide-rugs

http://remodelista.com/posts/windows-floor-walls-white-cowhide-rugs

When I first saw these cowhide tile rugs a couple of years ago, I thought, "They'll be everywhere in a couple of months."  But that has not really been the case.   And, for what it's worth - I love them.  I think they are modern in a very neutral understated way.

OK . . . don't get me wrong [all you uber trendy design junkies], I have seen them out and about.  But what I am talking about is real main stream, like a Martha Stewart knock off or the robin's egg blue/chocolate brown phenomenon that just won't die.    

So, it begs the question - are these a flash in the pan or are they slow to hit the main stream?  Can you think of any other flash in the pan trends that you liked?