Among the most common mistakes in home design is starting with a paint color. Yes, you read this right: starting with paint = no, no. This may be okay for some commercial projects, but if you rush out and paint your dining room before you select your furniture, you're really backing yourself into a corner by limiting your fabric choices.
There are literally endless paint colors to select from. But there is really only a limited amount of fabrics that may work for your design scheme (color, pattern, budget, availability).
I always begin by selecting the main fabric for a room (usually drapery or sofa). This fabric selection will be the basis for all other fabrics, finishes, and paint color. So, if you have a general idea of what color you would like a particular wall to be (ie. red), then start by searching for a fabric that would work well with red. Once you've finalized this fabric choice, then you can select the perfect shade of red that works with your fabric. Trust me, it's a lot more cost efficient to custom mix a paint color (many vendors won't even upcharge you) then it is to make a custom fabric.
It seems like anyone who's anyone in England these days is being dressed by Stella McCartney--first she was chosen to design the country's athletic uniforms for the 2012 Olympics, and now the guards who stand sentry at Buckingham Palace may soon have the honor.
The palace's army guards--you know, those guys who have become a tourist attraction in their own right with people doing their damndest to make them laugh or smile--have been wearing real bearskin hats since 1815, but if the animal-loving designer and her friends at PETA have their way, they could soon be replaced by a synthetic version. According to the Telegraph UK, they met yesterday with Peter Luff, Britain's Minister of Defense, to talk about the development of a new technology called Bear28 that would duplicate the hats' look and feel without harming any animals. McCartney would be commissioned to create the hats if the ministry approves.
"Historically, England has a very high regard for animals, so it makes perfect sense that the MoD should continue shedding ceremonial furs from uniforms," the designer said. "Initially the big bear fur hats were intended to make soldiers look taller as they marched over hills in battle, but they haven't been worn in action for over a hundred years. I've been working on this with Peta for a few years now and am really happy with the final product, as I hope the MoD will be when they see it."
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense stressed that "All bearskins used in the UK are sourced from Canada where bears are culled under the direction of the Canadian government to keep the bear population under control," but also said they were open to new ideas. Another report says that the British government needs 50 to 100 new hats each year, and that an entire bear is required to make just one of the 18-inch-tall pieces.
Tracey Lomrantz | Glamour
Thanks to CocoCozy for her kind mention today of including our Gatsby Dining Table on her top list of favorite dining tables. If you haven't had a chance to check out her fabulous Blog, it's a nice resource for home decor and solutions!
If you're in the mood for a little color, but are afraid to commit to an overall scheme that you may get bored of in a year, try adding splashes of colors in your accessories, artwork, throw pillows, and/or focal point furniture pieces. I designed our Sofia Chair just for this purpose. It's available in any lacquer color you can imagine and has been a loyal piece for me to bring character and architectural interest to an otherwise colorless and boring spaces.
Plush Home Sofia Chair
An amazing view of Los Angeles from one of my current projects on Mulholland Drive. Pics coming soon…
Don't be afraid to give your kitchen some character by throwing in a little color into the mix. Accent colors in your breakfast chairs and/or window treatments are the perfect opportunity.
