Rediscovering Florals

For the past decade or so patterned fabrics have fallen out of favor. Rather than starting the room with a classic  floral  print or a traditional pattern leading from the window, designers have explored wide ranges of texture set against solid colors and simpler forms.  

In the last  couple of years with the " mid-century modern"  craze, we've seen the use of large-scale, high-contrast and bold geometrics---very "pop," very mid-1960's. 

Recently, however, we're seeing  soft florals, lovely organic designs and embroidery---even classic chintz. It's a pleasure to see this happening again.  In our design studio, it feels fresh and new.

One of the most exciting rooms I've ever seen was  at  a New York City Kipp's Bay Show house, back in the 1980's.  Mario Buatta ("The King of Chintz") started a room with a magnificent, full-bodied, color-charged floral. The room pulled out these luscious spring colors on to the fabrics, surfaces, walls, and ceiling, creating an explosion of three-dimensional color.  The sense was one of walking through the midst of a spring bouquet. 

How exciting to be designing again with flowers in mind. 

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Capture Warmth By Using A Monochromatic Color Scheme

      With the close of summer and the oncoming fall season we start to think about the interiors of our homes again. It seems we hurry more during those precious few summer months trying our best to cram in every week at the shore, barbeque and day trip we can manage. I for one am relieved when fall arrives and we can slow the pace, grateful for the return of my children to school and the normalcy that schedule brings.

This particular fall season yellow and all of its associated shades of gold are hot, hot, hot! I love the effect that a monochromatic color scheme can achieve in a room. The layering of different materials, shapes and textures in one dominant color creates an enveloping sense of harmony. This effect is masterfully achieved by LCR designers Peter Robbin and Jill Rankl in this gorgeous Fairfield County living room. The golden cut velvet on the tall back chair and linen texture drapery panels and sunflower yellow silk on the throw pillows are luscious and soft to the touch. In contrast the spectacular patinated metal coffee table, antique brass apothecary lamp and other gilt accessories are hard and reflective, adding to the symphony of tone and texture. The warmth of this palette is always a winner, but for me what makes this room work so beautifully is the grounding effect that the cream white wood work, flooring and upholstery create. The addition of rich shades of oxblood red as seen in the magnificent carved chest and custom upholstered poufs is the perfect accent to an otherwise tonal scheme.  

                    

As we settle into the fall months and the winter to follow consider adding the warmth of yellows and gold’s to your interiors. Small additions like pillows and throws or paint and paper can brighten your interiors by day and capture the glow of candlelight and a crackling hearth in the evening. 

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