Saturday, May 26, 2018

Decorating With Damask........An Old World Classic Is Chic Again



There is an old French saying, " plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose", which means "the more things change, the more they stay the same". This is why I prefer classic interior design. Trends, that are basically just recirculating what has already been, come and go but timeless interiors are never out of style.

There is a move spreading through the design world for a return to elegance. We have seen it in the prevailing taste for elegant upholstery, the move on from the confused eclectic style, the renewed interest in dining rooms, and the return of the four-walled room as opposed to large open spaces. 

Damask wallpaper has always been the embodiment of elegance. Timeless and tasteful, it is an iconic design element. That's why it's our wallpaper trend for 2018. I have always loved damask and the old world charm it brings. Now it is trendy again.....it's just simply done in a fresh way for those of you who like the look but want more modern flair.

In this blog post you will find damask used in timeless interiors as well as some modern homes. Whether you incorporate it as fabric or wallpaper, damask is a classic whose time has come again and you won't go wrong with this lovely choice.


I am simply in love with all the rich colored damasks I am seeing in the Versailles series. I have always adored Louis XIII and XIV interiors because of the colors, warmth, texture, and richness of the walls and fabrics.



Legend says that damask was created in Syria and it was through the Crusader campaigns to Damascus that damask (then made from silk) was introduced to Europe via Italy in the 11th century. The weaving of linen damask became established in flax-growing countries like France, for example, by the mid-13th century.


My favorite way to use damask is by incorporating it through small doses here and there. I like to use damask upholstered chairs, settees, or footstools.


Who doesn't love a bit of damask on a fabulous French daybed.


Also damask bedding is soooooo pretty.


Canopied, curtained, or covered, a bed will be instantly elevated when damask is chosen.


True damask was originally always of silk, but gradually the name came to be applied to a certain type of patterned fabric regardless of fiber. It is woven to create areas of different sheen in the cloth. Because the different textures reflect light differently, the patterns show as variations in tone. The fact that the pattern is woven into the cloth means that the fabric is always reversible unlike brocades. 

Studio Peregalli

Originally hand-woven and most often made in silk, damasks have had a long-standing status as a luxury fabric. Usually rooms were "damasked" from floor to ceiling and all areas in between.


Jacquard is a method of manufacturing woven fabrics. The technique was invented in France during the mid-1800s and revolutionized the production of luxurious fabrics. Whereas once it was only possible to weave fancy damasks on a handloom, now they were being manufactured in factories


An expression of power, wealth, and taste, luxurious fabrics like damask would have been counted among the most valuable items owned by individuals.

Jacques Garcia

The high cost of raw material and the complexity of the production limited the use of damask to religious decorations, formal clothing, or to decorate palaces and royal residences.


The scrolled motifs more commonly thought of today as ‘damask’ became popular during the Renaissance, and have remained so. The heavy fabrics were used for curtains, walls and upholstery, as well as clothing.


via Pinterest

Walls would be covered in damask.......a precursor to wallpaper.



Studio Peregalli

Damask walls and furnishings in the home of Pierre Bergé. Velvet is a classic fabric choice to use alongside damask.

La Réserve Paris


I love the milk chocolate colored damask wall in this room by designer Ann Getty. Rose pink damask on the side chair anchors the room to the fabulous carpet.

elledecor.com

It's floral and stylized patterns make damask perfect for a tasteful and fine furniture and accessories.

Studio Peregalli

I may be wrong but I believe this is a damask patterned wallpaper.Wallpaper eventually replaced fabric wallhangings in most homes helping to bring this classic pattern into the 20th century. By then wallpaper had established itself as one of the most popular household items across the Western world. 


Damask wallpaper has always been extremely popular and although it is "retired" from time to time, it always finds it's way back into our homes.

House Beautiful



Lady Annaberry Vintage via facebook

Today modern damasks are woven on a computerized Jacquard loom and the material now ranges from silk and linen to synthetic fibers such as rayon. This lovely fabric is available in an endless array of designs and colors and damask is now enjoyed by all homeowners, not just the affluent.


Interior decorator Victoria Hagan uses a damask slipcovered 19th-century English wing chair in the living room of her family's Connecticut house.


 For a rich vintage appeal try layering damask window treatments with more subtle patterns like this collection of pillows. Make sure they are all compatible!

Haddon Weaves Fabric Collection by Zoffany

These new damask fabrics for drapery and upholstery feature the design you love but in a variety of todays modern colors and styles.

parada.eu

From traditional and classic to bold and graphic, wallpaper is back in a big way. Damask covered walls have made a huge comeback.




Sleep in luxury with damask bedding and wall covering. The bedroom is a great place to try out some damask.




Damask has been reinterpreted for the modern age and is being used in some exciting ways.

via Pinterest


Damasks can be remarkably modern and fresh. Contrast is the name of the game. Look for unexpected color combinations and furniture to make your damask feel fresh.




Pair traditional damask wallpaper with modern furniture for a chic space. As I said in the beginning unless you have a large room this pattern is best in small doses. Keep it trendy but ELEGANT for the best look. It is easy to end up with a mess if you don't use restraint.




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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer





Friday, May 18, 2018

Decorate With Boldly Painted Contrast Ceilings


Statement ceilings are a huge trend in 2018 and the contrast painted ceiling is gaining in popularity. A stunning contrast ceiling color can cast a lovely ambiance over a room, transforming it instantly into a space that will wow visitors and definitely reflect your unique personality.

Homeowners wishing to bring grandeur and life to an otherwise "white box" space are searching for ways to make their ceilings pop. Ceilings are frequently boring and bland, painted white to blend in or disappear. People think that by painting a ceiling white they are making a safe choice that will make their ceiling unnoticeable. However the tide has changed and today people want to define their ceilings with a little bit more imagination. The contrast painted ceiling is a great way to do just that.

Adding a little style to the ceiling by painting it a contrasting color not only enhances the decor of the room but also gives everyone a reason to look up. And because the ceiling is a significant surface area, why not have some fun with it? In other words, it's time to give the ceiling some style.

I am not going to lie to you and say that I like all the contrast ceilings I am seeing. This look has to be done right and is one trend that can go south on you quickly. I suggest bringing in a professional if you are serious.

I have gathered some images of contrast painted ceilings to show you how fresh and energetic this trend and be. Also they might push you to try something totally different if you are considering a redo. The statement ceiling is dominating the design world so now is the time.Enjoy!!



Let's face it, white ceilings definitely lack visual interest.  For more impact painting the ceiling a totally contrasting color adds character and will certainly be more memorable. If you don't like the brighter colors we are seeing today, choosing a darker color is a great idea.


If you don't like the brighter colors we are seeing on today's contrast ceilings, choosing a darker color is a great idea.

Danielle Rollins


There is no question that painting ceilings with vibrant colors that contrast with a room's walls is an emerging and exciting new trend.

Photographed by Toni Rosvall for Avotakka Magazine

When a ceiling can be one of the most definitive elements in a space, why not add character, style and individuality.


In today's interiors ceilings are part of the decor...... not boring or ignored. Painting a ceiling white to make it unnoticeable is no longer rule of thumb.


If the surrounding walls in your room are neutral, you might opt for a bold ceiling color. However, do this cautiously. The striking contrast between the wall and ceiling should be tied together by furniture, or in this case artwork, that is coordinated with the ceiling.


When done right, your room will exude a striking and beautiful harmony.


Have fun with this trend and cover the whole ceiling in a uniform shade lively enough to command your attention.

Photo by William Waldron


A contrasting dark color lowers the ceiling and makes the room smaller and cozier.

Jeffrey Bilhuber

A light color on your contrast ceiling will make the room seem larger and more grand. High-gloss lacquer is also an option that will even brighten your ceiling color and give it more energy.


Painting the ceiling dark creates a clean, bold contrast. Pair that with layers of warm texture and you will have created a space that feels very sophisticated and intimate. Another plus is how it can conceal unsightly ceilings.

Brian McCarthy

Incorporate a little unexpected flair and drama by painting it a dark color such as navy, chocolate or charcoal.

Freshome.com

The source of light should also be considered when choosing a darker color for your contrast ceiling. 

Photo: Jonny Valiant

The key to using a bold or dark color on the ceiling, without the space becoming cave-like, is to make sure you have adequate lighting or limit the adjacent wall colors to a light hue.

This image is proof of the dazzling effect you can create by painting your ceiling in a color that contrasts with the walls while coordinating with other colors in the room.

via Pinterest

A room with contrasting colors on the ceiling always looks stylish and chic.


If you like the look of painted contrasting ceilings but don't want to go overboard, the bathroom is a good room to experiment in.


Kitchen ceilings painted in a contrasting color are really popular right now and these too can give you the look in a smaller dose.


photography by Daniel Kukla, designer Kelly Behun

A bold yellow contrast ceiling really brighten up this dining space.

via Pinterest

A pretty French provincial bedroom with contrasting blue ceiling beams and rafters.


If you like alot of color try something like this and you too can have a colorful interior from top to bottom. The contrasting green ceiling tops it all off.


I think contrasting ceilings look especially good in Chinoiserie interiors.

via Pinterest

Many people think that a boldly painted ceiling is only for modern interiors, however, as you can see, many styles have been represented here and this trend looks fabulous in each of them.



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This blog post was published by Lisa Farmer