Balancing Straight Lines and Curves

For me, too many horizontal and vertical lines within a space make me feel rigid and uncomfortable.  Many of you have a similar reaction but perhaps haven’t been able to nail down the cause.  While I love the very sleek contemporary furnishings, I can’t live with the hard-edged feel of the minimalist, straight-lined interior day in and day out.  So if you want to enjoy some of those crisp mid-century or modern pieces, you need only introduce them to elements that exhibit curvilinear shapes.  Whether you add a chair with a curved leg, a lamp with circular shapes or even a throw pillow with a soft design, you are able to break up the stiff formality and usher in a more inviting living experience.

01 & 09  Baker Furniture

02  Hooker Furniture

03 & 08 Gabby Home

04  Bobo Intriguing Objects

05 & 06  Spicher and Company

07 & 11 Vanguard Furniture

10 Curry and Company

Raspberry Ice

It’s the holidays!!   And yes, this post is indulgent and jazzy, but it’s the time of year when we’re all drawn to sparkle and splash.  Think sweet treats, blinking lights and pink champagne cocktails!

All Furnishings:   The Jamie Drake Collection by Lewis & Mittman

Mirror by Baker

Rug by JF Fabrics

Wall Sconce by Holly Hunt

Brazen Red Meets Tame Tan

Red is such an audacious color palette.  It’s sexy, defiant and saucy and tends to frighten the faint of heart. Red is associated with red light districts, brothels and Scarface.   But historically it’s the manner in which red has been utilized that has given it it’s scarlet letter.    In the victorian age, reds were often layered within a space, creating a heavy cave-like environment.   In the 1980’s red and black were considered avant guarde, but before we knew what happened red and black were overused and mismanaged in fashion and interiors. Red and black are in very sharp contrast to each other and can feel harsh and unsophisticated.   Then the 1990’s came along and red became overused again.  Every suburban homeowner slapped red paint in a dining room.  Unfortunately this is not a color to be taken lightly and a blast of red paint does not a well-designed color palette create.

Red needs to be respected, coddled, and appreciated for the sophistication it can bring when done correctly.  One of my favorite marriages is red with shades of tan and beige.  Warm neutrals will soften the intensity so that a space is sophisticated, fashion forward and sleek.

1. Upholstered Bed by The New Traditionalists

2.  Side Table by The New Traditionalists

3.  Glass Hurricane from Lazy Susan

4.  Wave-Golden Hour wallpaper by Flat Vernacular

5.  Wayne Chair in Taupe by Studio-A

6.  Red Shag Rug from Surya

7.  Throw pillow by Designs by Josette on Etsy

8.  Vermillion Chairside Table from Bernhardt

9.  hello beauty full artwork by Sugarboo Designs

10.  St. Croix Table Lamp by Jamie Young

11.  Rope Stool by Studio A

12.  Soleil Mirror by Studio A

Chocolate and Ivory

Elegant and sophisticated, the juxtaposition of brown and white creates a serene interior space.  To take it up a notch, throw in metallic accents.

1.  Rilato Screen by Bernhardt

2.   Caviar Glass Cluster Chandelier by Arteriors

3.  Landon Metal Poster bed by Bernhardt

4.   Coral rug by Thomas Paul from All Modern

5.   Dark Brown Chevron Pillow by  WoodnDoodads on Etsy

6.   White Birch Forest Clock by urbanplusforest on Etsy

7.  Cabrillo Nailhead Dresser by Bernhardt

8.  Archival art print by Leni Somnia on Etsy