Thursday, July 31, 2014

Decorating Colonial/Primitive Bedrooms



When you have a desire to get down to the basics before everything became complicated, and bring old fashioned values of home and family into your interior design style, Colonial/Primitive is a design style to be considered. And one of the best places to start is the Master Bedroom. Adding colonial character to the bedroom will give you the sense of simple elegance and a remembrance of a time in which technology hadn’t taken over the world yet. 

The Colonial/Primitive bedroom will create a quite, comfortable haven away from the fast paced present. I know this because I once decorated in this style for myself. In fact I still have many pieces of my colonial furniture including my pencil post bed, now dressed with a French flair and still adored. Even though my taste is more European now, I love this warm, elegant style and am always drawn to it. This blog post features the Colonial/Primitive bedroom and will hopefully help you if you are inspired by this wonderful period style.




Enjoy this lovely song as you visit!!



architecturaldigest.com

One of the statement pieces of the Colonial/Primitive bedroom is the pencil post bed with it's delicately tapered octagonal posts, capped with finials.  You can use it with or without a canopy. However the canopy brings the drama and there are many lovely styles to choose from. Checks are a mainstay of the Colonial interior so you can never go wrong by choosing them as window treatments, upholstery or canopies, like this one.


Cover your hardwood floors with rag and braided rugs.These rugs give a nostalgic, homey  feel to a bedroom and are usually easy to find at a good price.



Oriental rugs are also a good choice for the Colonial/Primitive bedroom.Opt for neutral walls like white or cream to expose folk art or stenciling. Stencils were used often to take the place of borders and wallpaper on the walls.

Via Brian Vanden Brink



Beds with arched canopies were called field beds and are simply beautiful additions to the Colonial/Primitive bedroom.


When it comes to furnishing your Colonial/Primitive bedroom, don't get matching sets. Instead pick pieces that are different but look good when assembled together. Antiques are a very good place to start for your Colonial style if you want an authentic look. 



Where possible, settlers did bring their own furniture with them – so fine antiques were quite common. The Colonial/Primitive bedroom doesn't have to be completely filled with primitive furnishings.

Thinking About Home

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Remember that accessories in colonial days were practical. For instance here you see a blanket chest, sconces and candle holders, a powder horn and the much needed bed warmer. Also pineapples were considered the symbol of hospitality so they were incorporated in the design of many rooms in the house including the Colonial/Primitive bedroom.


Wall sconces are a great way of getting that old-fashioned colonial decorating look. A few well placed candles in brass or wrought iron candle holders and a few lanterns or oil lamps will complete the Colonial/Primitive bedroom.


You can't go wrong with stacked trunks at the foot of the bed.

Thinking About Home

A sitting area is another good idea for the foot of the bed. Use Windsor chairs and  add some other handmade items preferably in the form of quilts and samplers, but don't go overboard with the handmade items or you will end up more country and less colonial.

via pinterest

Handmade pencil post canopy beds and other antique pieces were constructed from poplar, pine, cherry, birch, walnut or tiger maple. Many people decorate with oak, but it is actually not considered a colonial wood. Blue, red , mustard yellow and sage green are the usual colors used in decorating a Colonial/Primitive bedroom.


 Install simple lamps made of wrought iron and designed to carry candles instead of light bulbs. 
Pencil post beds were sometimes painted. Also the hand tied canopy (called a fishnet canopy) is a perennial favorite of the Colonial/Primitive bedroom.

Norma Roupe

Old coverlets on beds and fishnet canopies.


 The comb back Windsor chair and the upholstered Wingback chair were staples of Colonial times and were often found in Colonial/Primitive bedrooms.


If possible, convert your floors to hardwood, with wider planks if possible. Nothing sets the stage for a Colonial/Primitive  bedroom quite like them. Pine flooring was pretty much the standard.


Always be on the search for painted folk art pieces like this chest. And primitive painting of "ancestors" are perfection for your Colonial/Primitive bedroom. Aren't these wide plank floors fabulous?

google search

via pinterest

Not all Colonial bedrooms have four poster beds. There are many wonderful beds that are equally colonial in style. This bedroom features a lively red and white quilt and primitive decorations. Even more quilts in the cupboard and in the nightstand. Most colonial beds are higher off the ground so add some steps!

Another type of bed you would find in Colonial/Primitive bedrooms is the rope bed. American Colonialists wove ropes into a kind of lattice or net on a bed frame. The result is a kind of rectangular hammock that they covered with a mattress and blankets. The wooden instrument on the trunk called a straining wrench would be used to tighten the ropes to keep the lattice from sagging. This is where the phrase "sleep tight" originated.

source unknown

via pinterest

Add an antique blanket chest at the foot of the bed and a wooden stand with an old pitcher by the side of the bed and you have a classic Colonial/Primitive style for your bedroom. Some silhouettes and swags and jabots on the windows will complete the look.


You might also enjoy  Decorating With Samplers.....Hand Stitched Heirlooms  http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/05/decorating-with-samplershandstitched.html

Decorating In The Primitive Colonial Style   http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2013/02/decorating-in-primitive-colonial-style.html



Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2014/07/decorating-with-porters-chairs.html


This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer



Sunday, July 27, 2014

Decorating With Porter's Chairs



The Porter's Chair dates back to medieval times in England. This high-backed, canopied chair became popular in 18th Century France where it was called a guérite because it resembled a sentry box or a confessional. It is sometimes also referred to as a Versailles Chair

Would you believe this elegant chair was originally designed for a servant? These stately accent chairs were stationed by the front door of a grande estate or home where a hall porter sat as a gate keeper and allow admittance to the chateau. The chair was designed to envelope and keep the servant relatively warm in his task of remaining at the door for long periods.

Today, Porter's Chairs have become the object du jour in the interior design world with Kelly Wearstler, noted American interior designer and former judge on the television show Top Design, responsible for their popularity. Even furniture stores are offering modern versions of this unique chair.

If you are familiar with the Porter's Chair, just enjoy the pictures. If not, let me introduce you to the Porter. You are in for a treat!


via pinterst

A 16th century Porter's Chair can be a grand statement piece. To me it is the ultimate statement making accent chair.


The Porter's Chair features deep wings continued to form an arch over the seat.


Porters are very distinctive in shape and style, but in different finishes and fabrics can have a completely different impact on a room.


Kelly Wearstler has used Porter's Chairs in a number of rooms she has designed.



Porter's Chairs don't have to be serious. Cover them in a colorful print for a more feminine, romantic chair.


Whether old style or new, Porter's Chairs usually involve tufting.

With the right selection of fabric this classic chair can take on a modern personality.


Here is a Porter's Chair in a more classical and simpler style. It almost looks like the Wingback chair we are familiar with could have evolved from this style chair. 


Porter's Chairs are quite lovely in Transitional interiors.


These Porter's Chairs covered in a quatrefoil pattern are favorites of mine.


A French gilt and grey painter Porter's Chair and a
Louis XVI-Style Giltwood Porter's Chair early 20th century

via pinterest


I love the Porter's Chair for dining purposes. I think they are sensual and crate an intimate space.


Modern designers have been able to take a very "old" shape and turn it into a beautiful piece that fits naturally into more modern interiors..... and even some exteriors. 


Lucina Loya Interiors

via pinterest

There are so many different ways to upholster these Porter's Chairs. Something for every taste.

source unknown

When combined with a plush ottoman or round side table, you can easily create a cozy reading nook. 

google.com

I would love to have this one!!!
Porter's Chairs are being used  in intimate bar and dinner settings as a romantic feature due to its privacy features. The sides and canopy allow for quite a lot of giggling and flirting without others noticing - good call!


A modern version of the Porter's Chair.

restorationhardware.com

via pinterest

Think the Porter's Chair is too classically antique for your modern interior....think again!




Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2014/07/decorating-with-pink-and-yellow.html


This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Decorating With The Pink/Yellow Color Combination


If you desire a bright, cheerful, yet feminine room....the pink and yellow combination may be just what you are looking for. This combination is responsible for some lovely rooms. Just remember that when it comes to decorating with pink and yellow, choosing the right shades and coming up with the right combination so you wind up with a balanced design is key to your success. It is easy for a room decorated in these colors to look garish, so be very careful. The pink/yellow room may not be the best do-it-yourself project. Hopefully  the images I have put together will inspire and assist you.





As you know I love classical spaces. Many times designers shy away from certain color combinations when it comes to historical interiors. I love this room and how it is still refined and elegant despite the bolder pink/yellow color combination. You will hear designers say if you use yellow and pink stay bold or stay pastel. This room is the perfect example why I pay little attention to the rules. This pop of bold hot pink brings life and excitement to this lovely room with it's soft yellow walls.



The lighter shades, such as pink and yellow, tend to add brightness and sunshine to a room.

via pinterest

This room is beautifully layered with pattern all in the pink/yellow color combination.



White and soft grey set  the stage but the bright yellow walls, pink flowers and chairs bordering on red  are the stars of this room.


A golden maize and reddish pink toile is proof of how the pink/yellow combo can be classical and refined. It all depends on how you use it.


Incorporate the pink/yellow combination through the use of arwork if you don't want to commit to a room more saturated with color.  The shirred fabric wall panel is a perfect temporary solution in case you grow tired of pink. Raspberry can be your choice of color for a pink/yellow inspired room.


via pinterest

Yellow classical style can look fresh with a pop of hot pink!

Alberto Pinto

A very sophisticated dining room decorated in the pink/yellow combination with muted green as a compliment.


Pink and yellow in an assortment of patterns give this bedroom a youthful appeal.

casaparadox.com

If you like the pink/yellow color combination but don't want bright yellow, a deeper golden shade might be something you should consider. This combination tends to be more elegant.


Watermelon pink and butter yellow is a beautiful combination.




One of my favorite color combinations is pink, yellow and green. My dining  room was once done in these colors.....with a touch or two of black.


Black is a great accent color for the pink/yellow combination.


If you crave this color combo but find it overwhelming, try white walls with pink and yellow pops of color. So pretty!


If you choose to go with a pink/yellow color scheme, don't be afraid to mix different shades of yellow and  pink . Here you can see how nice it looks.


The pink/yellow combination will certainly brighten up any space in your interior.


via pinterest


Leopard is a good acent for a bold yellow and hot pink interior. Doesn't work as well with the more pastel shades.


You can bring this pretty color combination into your interiors through the many pretty wallpapers and fabrics that use pink and yellow in their designs.


In this classically inspired bathroom the pink/yellow combination is soft and sweet in pastel.

zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

Cheery yellow stripes set the stage for pink/yellow combination pillows for a fun Lilly Pulitzer style space.


While I am not crazy about the room in the background, I do like the current and chic pink/yellow combo with a touch of turquoise added in for extra oomph. The modern wallpaper is nice mixed with the painted vintage chest of drawers.


In this pink/yellow combination the golden yellow walls harmonize well with other trendy shades of pink to make this an exuberant space.


Pink and yellow space that is uplifting without being overpowering

via pinterest

The pink/yellow color combination is such a feminine one. The yellow is needed to to make it  cheery, fun, and girly without being over-the-top sweet

Liz Cann   

The added black and the bold accessories and art keep this pink/yellow inspired room from becoming too feminine. A man would feel comfortable as well in this living room.


Don't forget parties....... decorate your tables with pink and yellow.



Click here to see the previous post

http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.com/2014/07/decorating-in-patchwork-chic.html


This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer


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