Monday, September 17, 2012

Falling Into Fall - Part I

Since Fall is upon us, I thought it would fun to discuss a few ways you can give your home some seasonal accents without breaking the bank.  Today, I want to talk about the use of fabrics to accomplish this.  You don't have to reupholster a chair or sofa to get this look either.  The most affordable ways are through pillows, throws, slipcovers and even strips of fabric used in clever ways to give you a custom look.  

Often clients will tell me Fall colors don't go with the colors of their home.  So, their solution is to simply ignore the season and wait for Winter.  This is usually the case with cool tone interiors such as blues, grays, pinks, and lavenders.  There are ways to give these colors a Fall take.   But first lets look at the easier of the two - warm toned interiors.  The traditional colors of Fall - oranges, reds and yellows work great to give you the look if you already have a warm toned base in your space.

Warm Toned Interiors
Color blocking with orange and red velvet pillows does the trick.  Simple. Simple.  These pillows have turned this white beachy style into a cozy Fall retreat.  The rug helps too!
Architectural Digest



This works in bedrooms too.  By adding an orange blanket or duvet and just one fabulous pillow (I think this is Schumacher - Zanabar), you are there.

Look what a simple throw can do . . .  (add cut branches of leaves from the garden to a clear glass vase and you've repeated the color for amazing results).  I think it's interesting that once you added a color, any other items in the room that have that color starting speaking to it.  Did you notice the books on the console table that have orange/red yellow covers?  And the bits of rust in the painting?    

Again, color blocking with orange velvet pillows and a throw.

Cool Toned Interiors
OK, so easy peasy if you have warm tones.  But what about the cool tones.  If you have cool undertones like grays and blues, what do you do?  You go for browns and greens.  You will be amazed what this can do.

In this example, the striped pillow does the trick.  Honestly, I think it is styled for Spring since you have the yellow vases, but change these to more muted tones and you are there.
via 


In addition to color, think patterns that speak to Fall - plaids, strips and even florals in the right tones all speak to Fall.  Also, don't forget texture - flannel, wool and cashmere.

In this image there is not a bit of orange/yellow/red.  But it still feels like Fall to me with the camel throw and plaid.  So cozy.
via

Earlier, I mentioned strips of fabric to change the look.  You can take a strip of any Fall fabric, and change the look of a wingback chair (you could even have it monogrammed).   Sort of like this example with the chocolate flannel . . .  (sorry it's blurry, I took it with my iPhone).

And just because I'm feeling generous, here are a few of my favorite fall fabric finds.  Any of these could be custom made into pillows, slipcovers and even those super cool strips of fabric to be used on sofas, accent and dining chairs for added texture.

Favorite Go To Fall Fabrics
Spice Velvet
via

Blue/Grey Plaid

Embrodered Linen


Camel Houndstooth

GEO Cut Velvet

Enjoy your day, everybody.  M.


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

We Interrupt this Program . . .

I've had a very unusual week -  I had jury duty.  Although I took this seriously and wanted to do my part in the process.  I knew all along that no lawyer would think about letting me on their jury!  Since I practiced law for almost 10 years the chances of me being selected to sit on a jury are about the same as spending Spring Break on the moon!  

No matter - it was still interesting.  I met a lot of people with very different life experiences.  It always amazes me to hear what the human spirit can endure.  I also realized during the process I truly don't miss practicing law.  At all!  

So, today, I'm playing a bit of catch up on several design projects.  In the meantime, two of my favorite online magazines went live with new issues for the Fall.  Both are so decadent - sheer eye candy.  I continue to think, there's no way they'll top this one and they do.  If you have time today, both are worth it.

House of Fifty
via

Lonny
  via

See you on Friday!  M.

Monday, September 10, 2012

It's Monday

I hope everybody had an excellent weekend.  The weather here in Birmingham cooled off and the humidity disappeared.  It felt like Fall which is so rare this time of year in the deep South.  We had a great break and spent some time with friends at their lake house.  The cool weather and rustic feel of their house has so put me in the mood for Fall.  If you are already tired of fall images you may want to avert your eyes.  Here are a few of my favorites that are floating around on the Internet.   

Love this faux bois throw.  The faux wood pattern is such a current look.  I'm seeing it on pillows, fabrics, wallpaper, even an acrylic side table.

Doesn't this make you want to grab an overnight bag and make yourself comfortable for the weekend?  

I like this entire outfit, but that bag is screaming my name.   

I have to plan an evening when it's a bit cool to sit outside with a cozy throw like this.

Just good on every. single. level.

Can you hear how quiet it is in the image.  Totally unwind here.

I can imagine the lake just beyond the trees.  This room appears to have a panoramic view.  



I'm thinking if we all think "cool weather" thoughts maybe it will stay awhile.  I would love a week at the current temp.  How about you? M.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Project in Progress - Family Room

Just picked up a few fabric samples I'm considering for a family room project I'm working on at the moment.  The homeowner just renovated the kitchen and opened it up to the family room.  It is a stunning space and I promise to show you pictures soon.  We are going for a rustic, traditional retreat with a modern twist.

The walls have been painted Ben Moore Coastal Fog 976.


And we are including a pair of these chandeliers in the vaulted area of the ceiling (it's a huge space).

And here's a sneak peek of a few of the fabrics . . . 

It's hard to fully appreciate the main accent fabric from the small sample above.  It's a very large scale floral.  What I love most is being able to hand pick the portion of the pattern you want to use on pillows.  Here's a picture that shows more of the pattern.  

There are several fabrics we are still waiting for memos on- a woven linen for the four skirted swivel chairs, rich leathers for the winged back accent chair and ottoman, and secondary fabrics for pillows on all the upholstered pieces.  Fabrics have to be one of my favorite things about interior design!  Selecting them is right up there with shoe shopping for me.  
Have a great weekend! M.

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Design Perspective - Francie Hargrove

I was introduced to this very talented lady by another talent lady, Lisa Mende.  When my husband and I took our trip to Highlands this summer.  I contacted Lisa and asked if she would share her favorite haunts in the area with me.  She graciously agreed and Francie Hargrove's shop in Cashiers was on the top of her list!  


Although I was not able to actual go inside her amazing shop.  (It was Sunday when we passed through and it was closed.)  I came home and found this eye candy on her website.  I then got busy with kids home from camp, back to school, design jobs, and yada yada yada (still love that episode) here we are at the beginning of Fall. 

But now that Fall has arrived, it reminded me of Ms. Hargrove's style.  As you can see it has a very cozy "Fall like" feel much like the entire feeling of interior design in that area.  The Old Edward's Inn was very similar to these photos.
 So, given all this, I thought it would be fun to do a new series called "Falling Into Fall." Where I pull together easy ways to add a shot of "Fall" to your life.  I think it's fun to pull in small doses of this style for the Fall and Winter months.  So, over the next couple of months, I'll show you some quick tricks to do just that.  I hope you like it.  In the meantime, here are a few more inspirational images from the talented Ms. Hargrove.



Happy Hump day. M.

Monday, September 3, 2012

So Long Summer

It's been a blast.  Sorry to see you go . . . 

There is was so much fun to be had 

And all those relaxing moments.  My body and mind thank you for the break. 

I know when we meet again, I'll be thrilled to see you and optimistic about what you have to offer.


But for now, I'm simply distracted 

by all that awaits me with the season to come. . . 

90 Fall Porch Decorating Ideas
compliments of Shelterness

Fall Plantings

Clever Ways to Carve a Pumpkin

Yummy Soups for Cool Evenings

Tailgating Ideas
Love the Pinterest board "tailgating" by Jacolyn Murphy.  Such cute ideas.

A Fall Treat

Or Two

Movie Nights

Sunday Lunch with Friends

Happy Labor Day, everybody.  As for the Fall,  bring it! M.