The University College Dublin Newman House is an impressive Georgian town house lavishly decorated with some of the finest late baroque plasterwork of it's kind in Ireland. The venue shows itself to be one of the most distinctive elegant historical atmospheres available to the public at large in Ireland.

Newman House is [...]]]>

The University College Dublin Newman House is an impressive Georgian town house lavishly decorated with some of the finest late baroque plasterwork of it's kind in Ireland. The venue shows itself to be one of the most distinctive elegant historical atmospheres available to the public at large in Ireland.

Newman House is an important landmark on St Stephen's Green.  The house gets it name from the theologian and scholar Dr. John Henry Newman who was the rector for the Catholic University of Ireland. Today The Newman House comprises of two superb Georgian townhouses, which are particularly known for their elegant interior and spectacular plasterwork.  The first, No.85 was built in 1738 and has fine stucco work by the Lafranchini brothers, while No.86 built in 1765 contains stucco work by Robert West, the most distinctive of the Dublin School of Plaster Workers.

The Saloon is one of the most splendid Georgian interiors in Dublin, with fine plasterwork by the Swiss Lafranchini brothers dating to c.1738. Beautifully carved cherubs decorate the exquisite ceiling and large windows, over-looking St. Stephen’s Green, allow floods of natural light into the room creating a bright alluring feel. The Saloon’s elegance and grandeur leaves a lasting impression.

Use plasterwork to enhance your own furniture and interiors.  Music plaques have been most commonly seen on Trumeau Mirrors commonly seen on the walls in 18th century interiors.  Plaques can be hammered on to cabinet doors, and also used to enhance doorways, and walls.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, is a distinctive business and conference venue with breathtaking interiors. Restored and completely modernized, this glorious venue is now open for weddings, events and meetings.

Built in 1864, this building has been restored to seamlessly blend a wealth of historical detail with state-of-the-art [...]]]>

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, is a distinctive business and conference venue with breathtaking interiors. Restored and completely modernized, this glorious venue is now open for weddings, events and meetings.

Built in 1864, this building has been restored to seamlessly blend a wealth of historical detail with state-of-the-art facilities and services. There are 9 rooms in total – each perfect for formal events such as weddings, conferences, gala dinners and celebrations alike.

The Graves room is the nicest of all the interiors in the Royal College.  The interior has a spectacular architectural feel bathed in shades of blue.  Most homes cannot handle the sheer size of Georgian-style columns, but smaller scale pilasters (flattened columns) can be used to enhance a room and give it the regal appearance without sacrificing space.  Newly made half-columns, and pilasters are made from pine, poplar, resins, polyurethane, or fibrous plaster which then can then be painted. Consider plaster fluted pilaster molds such as the ones from Contempo Living.   Acanthus wall corbels can also be used to enhance a period styled interior.

Bring out the detail of your architecture by using several shades of the same hue.  We see here a light blue and greens are used in this room.  Using the color wheel, oranges tend to pop against shades of blue, and white is a classic choice for architectural intrigue seen in the statues.  Borrow the looks of this room for your own Georgian house plans.

Stokes Room In The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland

The construction of Number 10 has a unique history.   Originally the building was designed to back up to a large body of water, only until plans were changed by James Butler, the 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610-1688), in 1674.  The building was named after the Duke, who intervened and persuaded the developer to build facing [...]]]>

The construction of Number 10 has a unique history.   Originally the building was designed to back up to a large body of water, only until plans were changed by James Butler, the 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610-1688), in 1674.  The building was named after the Duke, who intervened and persuaded the developer to build facing the river.

The house was later built until 1745 when Robert Rochfort, later 1st Earl of Belvedere, commissioned the design from the German architect Richard Cassels, also known as Richard Castle. Cassels was responsible for some of the largest houses in Ireland including Russborough (1742-1755), County Wicklow, and Carton (1739-1745), County Kildare.

This magnificently furnished Georgian House is privately owned but available to parties, receptions and meetings alike.  Number 10 has been  perfect for corporate dinners, parties, weddings, art exhibitions and as a location for photo shoots. Take a video house tour of this spectacular location on their website.

Wilton House іs аn English country house situated аt Wilton near Salisbury іn Wiltshire. The house stands on a site of a 9th century nunnery founded by King Alfred. A 12th century Benedictine abbey, with its surrounding lands, was surrendered at the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries to King Henry [...]]]>

Wilton House іs аn English country house situated аt Wilton near Salisbury іn Wiltshire. The house stands on a site of a 9th century nunnery founded by King Alfred. A 12th century Benedictine abbey, with its surrounding lands, was surrendered at the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries to King Henry VIII, who gave them to William Herbert around 1542. The Wilton House has remained in the Herbert family since this time and is the home of the Earl of Pembroke. This amazing house with art treasures, history and 21 acres of gardens and parkland attracts visitors from all over the world.

The dining room was voted the winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Award 2010 by The Historic Houses Association and Sotheby’s.

William Herbert, the 18th Earl of Pembroke, inherited the estate in 2005, and since then with the assistance of the Wilton House Trustees and the interior designer David Mlinaric the estate has been through extensive restoration projects.

Many rooms have been worked on, but out of all of them, the private dining room forms the centerpiece of the extensive renovations on the estate to date. For many years the dining room was used as a games room and general storage room but today stands in it's former glory. This work has taken local craftsmen many months to complete. The walls were painted in a dark blueish green to match an existing paint sample, and the ceiling and paneling mouldings in a stone colour. The furnishings underwent major conservation work - two giltwood torcheres, three tapestries, the table, two large Reynolds portraits.

All Info Sited From Art.anazana.com

The Great Houses Of London represent one of the marvels of English architecture and yet they are almost entirely unknown. From the romantic 17th century Ashburnham House, nestling in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, through the splendid 18th century aristocratic palaces of the West End, to the curious and quirky arts and crafts houses [...]]]>

The Great Houses Of London represent one of the marvels of English architecture and yet they are almost entirely unknown. From the romantic 17th century Ashburnham House, nestling in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, through the splendid 18th century aristocratic palaces of the West End, to the curious and quirky arts and crafts houses of Holland Park and Kensington, to the cool modernist houses of Hampstead and the exuberant post-modern interiors of the last thirty years, every house has its own story to tell.

This book opens the door to more than forty houses, including various Embassies such as the US embassy at Winfield House. It tells the stories of owners and occupiers, architects and designers - such as Robert Adam. The book is not only about architecture, but about people, whose social, artistic and political ambitions, and manner of living, are vividly brought to life.

Reviews:

"This magnificent book, the fullest account ever written on its absorbing subject, will come as a revelation, even to those who think they know London, for many of the great town mansions featured in it, a good number of which are still in private occupation, are very little known and have never been illustrated before… a major contribution to British architectural and social history." - Professor David Watkin, Professor Emeritus, Department of History of Art, University of Cambridge

By Lilly Ford

"The title truly speaks for the contents of this attractive book.It is large,very well bound and documents over 40 houses across London. Each house is given 4-6 pages with a brief text at the beginning summarizing the history and architectural significance of each one of them. The photos are the true star of this book, and it is generously loaded with hundreds of large bright color photographs showing the immaculate architectural details and rich interiors, all the houses get 1-2 external views as well. Most of the houses chosen rarely appeared before and the photos are specially commissioned for this book making it a beautiful addition to any architecture library and would also make a stunning coffee-table book"

By Byrdman "Paul Byrd"

" Having been to London twice in my life, I often went by regal homes, and tidy facades, wondering what was inside. This volume takes you there. Of the many houses featured, there is ample text to explain the provenance of the place, and the photography is as outstanding as the magnificance of the architecture, the extreme detail, and the sheer beauty of staircases, dining rooms, drawing rooms and libraries. After looking at this book, you understand completely why Churchill was so adamant that he would not preside over the decline of the British Empire. Remove from your mind the ideas of property taxes and maintenance and simply enjoy what is presented in this wonderful work. The small purchase price of this great work is nothing in significance to the treats that will unfold before you. Highly recommend."

Picture Sources And Credits-

- Old palaces For New Plutocrats- The Spectator

-Book Review: Great Houses Of London- Londonist

-Photo-Op: Household Gods- WSJ.com

-Our obsession With Security Is ‘closing’ London- As a new book explores the great houses of the capital, it also raises the question why so many are inaccessible- London Evening Standard

- Visit London’s Terraced Homes- Victorian Homes

- Stairway to Heaven- The Sunday Times

-Pilfer From The Most Posh Houses In The U.K.- The National Post

Berkeley Coventry House

Great Houses Of London

Bennett and Judie Weinstock's apartment in Philadelphia is a classic example of English decorating. The home is featured in Architectural Digest.  The rooms elegantly display their collections of English paintings, decorative accessories and furniture. In their living room a Chippendale sofa is paired with George II armchairs, while a low Chinese table functions as [...]]]>

Bennett and Judie Weinstock's apartment in Philadelphia is a classic example of English decorating. The home is featured in Architectural Digest.  The rooms elegantly display their collections of English paintings, decorative accessories and furniture. In their living room a Chippendale sofa is paired with George II armchairs, while a low Chinese table functions as a coffee table. Off in the corner a George I secretary displays a spectacular collection which looks to be ironstone china.   The bright canary painted walls add a punch of color to this traditional home.

George II Green Japanned Bureau Bookcase -England, circa 1730 Mallett Antiques

An early 18th century green lacquer bureau bookcase attributed to Giles Grendey (1693-1780), decorated throughout with gilt chinoiseries on a green ground, the cresting in the form of a broken swan's neck pediment. The upper section has two doors [...]]]>

George II Green Japanned Bureau Bookcase -England, circa 1730 Mallett Antiques

An early 18th century green lacquer bureau bookcase attributed to Giles Grendey (1693-1780), decorated throughout with gilt chinoiseries on a green ground, the cresting in the form of a broken swan's neck pediment. The upper section has two doors fitted with shaped mirror plates of traditional Grendey form which open to reveal,on the reverse, large scale Chinese figures and an interior fitted with small pigeon holes, bookshelves and drawers, with a pair of candle slides below; the fall front bureau section enclosing further drawers and pigeon holes. Below are two drawers in the frieze above four long graduating drawers, each retaining the original elaborate brass handles; the whole standing on bracket feet. England, circa 1730 The cresting and the mirror plates of a later date. The lacquer restored in places.

A chaise longue is French for a long chair. This type of chair was originally patterned by Egyptians, as a combination of a chair and a daybed. There are also many illustrations of gods and goddesses longing on this type of chair in Greek art. [...]]]> A Regency Painted and Parcel Gilt Chaise Longue

A chaise longue is French for a long chair. This type of chair was originally patterned by Egyptians, as a combination of a chair and a daybed. There are also many illustrations of gods and goddesses longing on this type of chair in Greek art. Romans used this type of chair during eating. They reclined on this type of chair to eat their meals. As you can see, this type of furnishing has been around for a very long time. Some modern examples include:

1.    Wicker – Many modern chaise longues are made of wicker. This material holds up well outdoors and is used extensively in sunrooms and gardens. Because of the forgiving nature of the material it is still comfortable to recline on, though throw pillows or cushions are often added for extra comfort.

2.    Wood – Another outdoor use of chaise longues is with wood. Woods that are durable, like cedar, are common on porches and backyards, especially next to a swimming pool. Adding a waterproofing agent is recommended, but people often sunbather in chaise longues by the pool. Cushions are added for comfort, but sometimes only the addition of a large beach towel is all that is needed.

Domenico Indunco- A Lady Reclining On A Chaise Longue

3.    Leather – Leather is a very opulent material for your chaise longue. There are many different types such as dark leather, light leather, fur, and suede. There are even artificial leather alternatives that are more affordable. Leather looks nice in many decorating themes and can add a touch of elegance to a room.

4.    Cloth – Cloth is the most common type of material to upholster a chaise longue with. There are many different patterns and styles available from the stain resistant types that are good with households that have children to soft decorative velvet and even modern white. It is important to know what your needs will be before choosing a fabric because they have different ways that you have to take care of them to have them keep looking their best.

These are just some of the types of chaise longues available for your regency furniture decorating needs. Chaise longues have been around for a long time and are comfortable, useful, and add a wonderful design element to any room.

Author Bio: Paul and his wife Julie both spend quite a bit of time coming up with ideas, blogging, and researching all things related to childcare. They take care of all the necessary information related to “babysittingjobs.com/”. He personally thinks his blog will help with finding information on all things related to a babysitter.

Regency Chaise Longue -Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A Regency Brass-inlaid Simulated Rosewood Chaise Longue

 Biedermeier Chaise Longue German circa 1820-1830

1940's Hollywood Regency Painted Klismos Chairs

Traditional Regency Lounge from Coup de Tat

A Regency Brass Mounted Ebonised Chaise Longue From Christies

In 2011, Margaret Kirkland was awarded the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center’s (ADAC) “Rising Star” Award for [...]]]> Atlanta based designer Margaret Kirkland is featured in the November 2012 issue of Home Beautiful.   Her work has a traditional classic edge and often features a generous amount of high quality antiques.   Margaret established her own firm in 2010, and has a great portfolio of English styled homes.

In 2011, Margaret Kirkland was awarded the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center’s (ADAC) “Rising Star” Award for interior design. Also Margaret Kirkland was named “Next Wave” designer by House Beautiful, Kirkland appears in the November 2012 issue of the magazine.

Over the course of thirteen years Margaret Kirkland has worked on many projects including a renovation of a historic hunting plantation, the transformation of a small carpentry workshop into a three-bedroom guest cottage, and updating a farmhouse located in Provence, France.

Romantic Irish Homes is the title of a Collection of Photographs by Simon Brown

Part of the joy of owning a home is making it uniquely yours which includes filing it with old family treasures, adding that special touch of style and decorating it with your personal unique taste.

However with the economy we’re [...]]]>

Romantic Irish Homes is the title of a Collection of Photographs by Simon Brown

Part of the joy of owning a home is making it uniquely yours which includes filing it with old family treasures, adding that special touch of style and decorating it with your personal unique taste.

However with the economy we’re in, everyone is out to save a buck even when it comes to home decor. But when we’re faced with financial adversity we usually rise to the top and our creative muscles get flexed. There are a number of things you can do to decorate on a budget and still add style, finesse and even flair to your space. See our top tricks below.

6 Ways To Decorate Your New Home On A Budget

1. Window Coverings -

One of the easiest and yet most inexpensive ways to revitalize an room in your home is via the use of strategic and stylish wall coverings. Window blinds, curtains, rods and finials all add a certain charm to a room that is chic yet so simple. Think of your style and how you can incorporate that into your window designs. Maybe you’re a fan of Vintage Country, if so - then curtains that carry this motif would suit you and add that special appeal to the room.

2. Plants -

There are as many different types of plants as there are paint colors. You have bamboo which is regal, lean and tall - making it an ideal solution for any home on a budget. There are dazzling lilies that would look great in any room in your home and add a splash of color to an all white palette. Using plants as decor is not only smart but it also brings in much needed fresh oxygen into the space - a win win for everyone.

3. Pillows -

Most homes have them and there’s a reason for this, because they add character and pizzazz wherever they are placed. You can theme up and decide to get a series. Pillows can be updated as your style evolves over the years. Throw pillows are very inexpensive, making them an easy way to tranform your interior. Consider focusing on leather, linen, and raw silk choices to give your home that high class appeal.

4. Shelving -

This idea is both practical and decorative. You can color match shelves with the color in the room and place them on a wall or use them freestanding to create a room division. You can use multi sized book shelves or the same size and you can also dress them up with collections, frames, and antique books. The trick is to think of what you’re going to do with them BEFORE you buy them.

Photographed by Stuart McIntyre for KLM Design.

Photograph by Antony Crolla.

5. Student Art -

Most large universities and even some smaller community colleges have student art on display that the public can buy. Look for the needles in the haystack and decorate your home with nice but frugal art. Consider creating your own abstract art. Consider buying your favorite paint colors in sample sizes and throw the paint on to a canvas. Look in google images and find an abstract style that appeals to you and try to re-create it. Pair it with a chunky ornate frame that looks very expensive and you will have a piece of art that looks like a thousand dollars.

6. Accent Furniture -

Accent furniture is comprised of chairs, tables, mirrors, and other similar items that accentuate a the larger furniture in a room. For example, side tables complement the sofas and accent chairs can complement a corner or other empty nook. Look for hues that add color to an otherwise drab area and or prints and fabrics that
add texture to blandly painted walls.

That concludes our top tips on decorating your home on a budget. Hope we have given you design inspiration and plenty of frugal ideas to make your space more comfortable and utterly gorgeous.

Guest article by Missy Diaz who writes for Hercules Movers, a New Jersey moving brand.

Tom Scheerer is one of America's favorite designers. His design style always sides on classic arrangements that are upscale with a comfortable approach.   His work has appeared in the top design magazines such as Elle Décor, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, which includes him annually in its list of America's "Top [...]]]>

Tom Scheerer is one of America's favorite designers. His design style always sides on classic arrangements that are upscale with a comfortable approach.   His work has appeared in the top design magazines such as Elle Décor, House & Garden, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, which includes him annually in its list of America's "Top 100" designers. After graduating with a degree in architecture, Scheerer formed a design partnership with now famous designer Jeffrey Bilhuber.  It was no surprise that their interiors landed in every national magazine in America.  Then in 1995, Scheerer formed his own Manhattan-based decorating firm, and since then has been tremendously successful.

He has always emphasized color and texture over purely decorative.  Fussy furniture isn't practical for anyone who wants to actually use their home. Choose furniture that has a combination of good looks with practical comfort.

Some of his best work in my opinion has been some of the large scale graphic wall prints and wallpapers which can be seen floating around the internet on every blog.   Hobe Sound by Scheerer for example is a very well known shot.  I believe people love the boldness of the wallpaper, and the antiques that he pairs them with are breath taking.  As you can see in some of his designs he works with darker wallpapers and brighter upholstery or wood furniture which complements each other nicely.  The Lyford Cay Club features a bold brown and white print with pastel tones in the furnishings.  Pink and orange pop against the dark wall prints.

Don't underestimate great furniture.  It can really transform a room like nothing else.  With great looking antiques, you can leave your walls bone white and still have a magazine worthy interior.  In the San Remo Apartment, white washed wood Louis XVI chairs look terrific against the washed wood flooring.  In another picture of this apartment, (what appears to be) a white washed console table looks amazing against lighter colored stone.  Orange leather, and clay pots bring color into this room, while at the same time looks natural with the scheme of this home.

Lyford Cay Club - Designer Tom Scheerer

Lyford Cay Club - Designer Tom Scheerer

Hobe Sound - Designer Tom Scheerer

San Remo Apartment - Designer Tom Scheerer

San Remo Apartment - Designer Tom Scheerer

Southwest Harbor, Maine - Designer Tom Scheerer

Southwest Harbor, Maine - Designer Tom Scheerer

The World of Interiors magazine featured the breathtaking Ven House in their October 2011 issue.  Jasper Conran has been working on the reformation of Ven House with the help of his great friend Edward Hurst.  The magazine featured a fourteen-page feature interview which captured Jasper's journey over the last four years.

"If we had wanted strictly 18th [...]]]>

The World of Interiors magazine featured the breathtaking Ven House in their October 2011 issue.  Jasper Conran has been working on the reformation of Ven House with the help of his great friend Edward Hurst.  The magazine featured a fourteen-page feature interview which captured Jasper's journey over the last four years.

"If we had wanted strictly 18th century,’  says Jasper, ‘we would have ended up with a strange, uncomfortable building. I  wanted a country house that looked like it had been lived in - a home, but with  a quirky attitude to it.’

-Inside Jasper Conran's "Ven House": Magnificent 18th Century Stately Home Somerset, England

-Photo Feature - Set back from the busy A30 main road is Ven House, a Grade I Listed country house completed in c.1730 by Richard Grange for its owner James Medlycott. It was later altered and extended by Cubitt and Decimus Burton in 1836. Its present owner is the acclaimed British fashion designer Jasper Conran

-Ven House Garden, Look how the trees are curved in this wonderful photo of the garden.

-Read more about the house on Edward Hursts website.
-Slurry Pit Threatens Jasper Conran's £8.5m Country Retreat The Telegraph

The conservatory in Jasper Conran’s country estate, Ven House in Milborne Port, Somerset The World of Interiors - Photo Credit.

Jasper Conran’s country estate, Ven House in Milborne Port, Somerset

Jasper Conran’s country estate, Ven House in Milborne Port, Somerset The World of Interiors Photo Credit Princess Anne County Blog

Breathtaking Regency Interiors

Jamb has established a worldwide reputation for dealing in superior quality antique fireplaces and having one of the finest reproductions collections. Their reproduction chimneypieces are made by highly skilled craftsmen who use traditional 18th and 19th century techniques and use the finest marble and stone to produce a beautiful authentic appearances.

Jamb also produces a collection [...]]]>

Jamb has established a worldwide reputation for dealing in superior quality antique fireplaces and having one of the finest reproductions collections. Their reproduction chimneypieces are made by highly skilled craftsmen who use traditional 18th and 19th century techniques and use the finest marble and stone to produce a beautiful authentic appearances.

Jamb also produces a collection of reproduction lighting, furniture and garden ornaments.

Here are just a few of their amazing reproduction furniture pieces:

A mahogany settee in the manner of George III, the Augusta sports an elegant, serpentine shaped upholstered back and over-scrolled arms. The exquisite padded, cushioned seat rests on an unusual frame configuration, which in turn rests on two pairs of square cut legs with shaped ear brackets, united by stretchers and raised on smart brass cap castors.

The Klismos chair, based on an ancient Greek model, is made from sustainable hardwood with woven leather seats.  The original Klismos chairs were created by the Greeks during the 6th Century BC and were the first chairs that allowed people to sit freely and in a relaxed, natural position.  More than two thousand years after it was devised, the Klismos chair was revived during the later 18th and early 19th Centuries.  The form was revived again in 1906 when architect Emmanuel Pontrenoli recreated them for Theodore Reinach at Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer overlooking the Mediterranean.

The Cheere chimneypiece hand carved in statuary and Sienna marble

The Langley chimneypiece in Portland stone with the Millington fire grate

The Longbourn chimneypiece in statuary marble with the Cleveland register grate and a Rossmore fire iron

After one look at at Andrew Gn's Parisian apartment, it is hard to believe that the famous fashion designer at one time fell for the modern-minimal interior looks when his apartment invokes the best of the designs and objects that were found in the past 17th and 18th centuries.

His 2,000-square-foot flat is filled with endless color.  [...]]]>

After one look at at Andrew Gn's Parisian apartment, it is hard to believe that the famous fashion designer at one time fell for the modern-minimal interior looks when his apartment invokes the best of the designs and objects that were found in the past 17th and 18th centuries.

His 2,000-square-foot flat is filled with endless color.  Every square inch of space is  special in its own right.  The house is adorned with endless ceramics and china, which he tells Elle Decor is a bit of an obsession.  His parents were once collectors and accumulated many objects, whom he credits for his passion for beautiful things at an early age.

In the first photo, shows the drawing room which Louis XV gilt armchairs surround a Régence table, and a pair of Louis XV armchairs flanks a marble mantel. In the second photo, a tufted sofa and Victorian chair sit in the smoking room. The French portraits truly stand out and steal the show in this room. In the third picture an antique rug is draped over a table showing off the incredible wood floor. Finally above, a console table in the drawing room are Louis XV. The elaborate porcelains are a mix of “Famille Rose” and 17th-century delft. Beautiful silk brocade draperies work perfectly with the wall color

Augustus, the king of Poland at the turn of the 18th century, amassed more than 24,000 pieces of china. Gn says he shares the same love.  He bought his first piece at age 16 and the endless fascination has never subdued. The walls in his home serve to display [...]]]>

Augustus, the king of Poland at the turn of the 18th century, amassed more than 24,000 pieces of china. Gn says he shares the same love.  He bought his first piece at age 16 and the endless fascination has never subdued. The walls in his home serve to display his vast collection, although he admits that thousands more pieces are sitting in storage.

It may not surprise you that Gn decorated the apartment himself without a designer. Every room is well thought out with precision.  Vermilion red is used in one room exclusively.  Shelves of blue-and-white chinoiserie contrasts against the red quite nicely. Vermilion red has been found in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, Peru, and other areas of the world. In the middle ages Vermilion was used to line early music staves.   Royal blue is and Veronese green are also found in his home in saturated tones on the walls, draperies and upholstery. The dining room is quite different than all the other areas of the home.  The walls are bare, and lighter colored china is hung on the walls.

Pink & Red Living Room -Miles Redd Architectural Digest

Almost every magazine has covered Miles Redd's Home and even though it has been several years, his color choices remain to inspire thousands of people. Lets face it, it takes a lot of guts to choose candy pink in the living [...]]]>

Pink & Red Living Room -Miles Redd Architectural Digest

Almost every magazine has covered Miles Redd's Home and even though it has been several years, his color choices remain to inspire thousands of people. Lets face it, it takes a lot of guts to choose candy pink in the living room, but Redd shows us it can be done to a state of brilliance.

View Miles Redd Portfolio Online

How To Decorate Using Red and Pink

- Pink rooms are best when they are paired with red. Red is the primary color of pink and the two shades go hand in hand. Consider adding the color red in bright splashes seen in abstract art. Abstract art is easy to paint by yourself. Collect a number of ornate gold frames and glossy paint from online and do it yourself.

- Consider buying a few really nice prints that have the shade of pink or red color. If you have an oil portrait that you want to manipulate, consider taking it to a local artist to change the background.

- Velvets and silks contain the most saturated colors. Consider upholstering with both.

- Consider working with colors opposite of the color wheel. Shades of green, blue or yellow work wonderful combined with red.

- In this picture shades of red look with salmon are paired together.

-In this picture we see a striped dress in pink and black with accessories in beige and gold.

-Look how this image nicely coordinates darker tones of red with burnt orange. Instead of a playful appearance, we see more of a serious regal look.

-Consider spraying some of your furniture with a red or candy pink lacquer. This french chest looks grand in glossy red.

-This red sideboard looks terrific in red paint accented with brass hardware. The look is minimal yet very sophisticated.

Lavender Haze by Leftbank Art By High Fashion Home $ 269

Colorful Abstract Oil Painting, with Linen Liner Gold Wood Frame 30.5 x 42.5 $165

Two Girls Dancing in Brown Abstract Oil Painting, Gold Wood Frame $165

Rothko Paintings: Yellow, Red, Blue with Black $188

 Apple Tree with Mediterranean Gold Frame - $258

Klimt Apple Tree I Framed Oil on Canvas $248

The Harvest with Vienna Gold Leaf  - 15" X 17" $108

Langlois Bridge at Arles with Women Washing  Oil on Canvas $98

Yellow, Red and Green Abstract Frame $135

Abstract Waterfall Skyscapes Gold Wood Frame $138

Canvas Oil Painting, with Exquisite Wood Frame $132

Boats in Ocean with Red Backgound in Sunset Oil Painting,$166

Majestic II Oil Painting, $138

Two Red Flowers in a Light Blue Background $147

Pagoda Chair in Black $399 From Oriental Furniture

Boss Classic Traditional Button Tufted Sofa $599

Corner Cabinet in Bright Red $365

Bombe Chest in Red By AA Importing $614

AA Importing Three Drawer Cabinet in Red $635

AA Importing One Drawer Cabinet in Antique Red $424

HeatherBrooke Sherwood Antique Red Chest - $504 Distressed antique red finish with hand painted floral design Rasping marks with nicks and dents on the chest accentuate the antiqued design Solid wood case and legs 3 Drawers Wood on wood drawer guides Floral patterned detail on drawer pulls Timeless large bun feet MDF top, sides, and drawer fronts

HeatherBrooke Southwood Accent Console $500 The Southwood Accent Console is a part of the Heather Brookeæline, which offers a pleasing variety of unique styles of traditional and accent furniture. Hand-painted designs, unique stains and classic accents are all a part of the quality offered by Heather Brooke.

Duncan Chair, Deirdre Rust $699 The Duncan Chair delivers a lot of style with beautiful exposed wood and nailhead details

Plaid check Coral by Duralee Fabrics $38

Artificial Red Delicious Apple, Box of 12 $35

Branches of an Almond Tree in Blossom $129

Keeping Room Cupboard Red Shade Simplistic Looks- $319

Core Bamboo Bucket Bowl Small in Strawberry $22

Schumacher Chinois - Coral Fabric $74

Wide Michael Miller Racer Stripe Coral Fabric By The Yard $9

AC Furniture 467 Bar Stool $235

Kingston Chair, Pink -$1029 A nice nail head trim dresses it up and gives the chair an elegant look

Add Brighter Color Tones In The Hallways - 17th Century Tuscan Home In Architectural Digest - See more pictures of this 17th century Tuscan home at The Paper Blog

If you are color shy, like most people......  consider venturing into color gradually by adding it in the most unexpected places.

1- Consider painting [...]]]>

Add Brighter Color Tones In The Hallways - 17th Century Tuscan Home In Architectural Digest - See more pictures of this 17th century Tuscan home at The Paper Blog

If you are color shy, like most people......  consider venturing into color gradually by adding it in the most unexpected places.

1- Consider painting the ceiling a bright color and the wall tones a very graduated lighter hue of the same color.  For example a light mint on the walls and an apple green on the ceiling.  Baseboards and trim can be in a slightly lighter or darker hue than the wall color.  Pair this with natural wood furniture and some accessories in coral.  Here we see this exact idea in tones of blue.

2- Consider painting the inside of your cabinets a bright shade.  If your cabinets are naturally a pecan wood shade, consider working with orange, coral, or a light tangerine.  It provides a bit of an unexpected surprise.

3-Accessories can play a big role in determining color.  Silk is an excellent choice to consider for drapery.  Often the most vibrant colors are seen in silk curtains, making it a great choice to combine with an electric wall color.  In this instance, a lighter pastel lilac tone for the walls is combined with a beautiful pink silk drapes.

4-I once ran across a lady who was selling her mothers antique dresser that was passed down through the family for years.  She told me that every year she painted the inside of the drawers a different color.  It was a joy to paint something bright and cheerful and not necessarily live with the color 24 hours a day.

5- Collect brighter shades of pottery and display it on sconces on the wall.  Mary McDonald wrote in one of her books that she fell in love with some fuschia colored china in one of the homes that was for sale at the time she was looking for a new house.  The china was put in the offer of sale as a condition of purchase.  Line up those brighter shades of raspberry or lime green on the walls against a similar or lighter hue.

6-Use brighter shades of textiles in your home.  Here we see a canary yellow throw in a room that is based around yellows.

7-Furniture can be painted in brighter hues without having to live with it on the walls.   Consider adding color to the inside of your furniture legs.   This fabulous chest from Christies is a perfect example of adding color to a chest.

Brooklyn Museum Featured in Architectural Digest

Additional Photos Of Inspiration:

- A pocket door painted in a bright tone of yellow.

- Here we see a vibrant shade of canary yellow in silk drapes.  French chairs are upholstered in a yellow and white stripe.

-Egg blue is used on the walls with over-sized picture frames.  One sure way of toning down a bold wall color is to layer lots of prints on the wall.   Consider pairing some gold ornate frames with abstract art in the same color tones.

-This room is an excellent example of adding texture to a wall without it becoming busy.  Here letters are painted the same shade as the wall.  What an interesting effect. Take this idea a step further with furniture and paint shelving on the walls with the same paint.  Ornate sconces can blend in a wall, and picture frames lined up in a symmetrical pattern can be painted the same color in areas of the room.

-In this room we see a blue toned gray on the walls.  The upholstered bed works within the same color tones, and the white chair works well at brightening up the room.

-The room features a ravishing teal on the walls.  Velvet drapes work perfectly with the paint tones.

-This interior artfully combines the color of purple on to the door following the lines of tile that are positioned half way up the wall.  What a dramatic use of color.

-This vivid room has various shades of green.  It almost appears as though the back wall is in a darker shade of green.  One of the most exciting interiors featuring color.

Luxe & Lucid posted a terrific picture from the December Art Basel & Design in Miami that was beyond interesting.  I am so glad they posted the picture in the original size, because I had to take a deeper look at the picture to see how they put this wall together.  It looks as [...]]]>

Luxe & Lucid posted a terrific picture from the December Art Basel & Design in Miami that was beyond interesting.  I am so glad they posted the picture in the original size, because I had to take a deeper look at the picture to see how they put this wall together.  It looks as if they displayed plaster ornaments which were anchored to the wall, and leaves that were made from plaster or porcelain were connected together with wire then connected to the wall or the ornaments themselves.

Here we see a very high impact look that we can all borrow for our own homes.  You can create your own white leaves from clay or plaster which you can then spray paint and put together yourself.  This look can be created out a number of different patterns.  Instead of leaves, you can look at a floral pattern.  You can create this out of a symmetrical pattern of round rosette disks.  White is a color that works with any other color.  Have your back drop apple green, fuchsia, ocean blue or what ever color you desire and use white plaster molds for a strong contrast.

Rose Sconce Mold, Classic Sconce Mold , Make your own Shelves for pennies!

Creating molds from Plaster:

Plaster is so easy a baby can do it!  It is as easy as mixing plaster powder with water, pouring into into a mold and letting it set.

You want a consistency that this thick and not watered down, so the plaster design doesn't break in half.

For larger molds it is suggested you add sand, or a few twigs to give the support to the mold.  For smaller molds, it isn't necessary.

Actually creating plaster molds is one of the easiest crafts you will ever do that produces such a beautiful end result.

Tip- One really easy way to know when plaster is dry is that the mold itself will feel very light.   If it is heavy or has a dark gray appearance, it is still wet.  Dried plaster should be very white, and light to carry.

Creating molds from Clay:

Push molds on the other hand are great for very small detailed molds.  The molds are often purchased for jewelry making because they won't break as easily as plaster.  Plaster molds, on the other hand are great for architectural details that will end up on the wall.  Robert Adam is a perfect example of the beauty that can be brought to a room using plaster molds.

Push molds are made out of hard clay themselves.  The idea behind it is you use clay which you soften in your hands, and you press them into hard molds.  Plaster on the other hand is a lot easier.  You pour the contents of the liquid plaster and allow it to set over a couple of days.  The result isn't labour intensive, but on the other hand, you have to wait for your final plaster patterns to dry.

I have used push molds in the past to create key holes for my dressers, and different ornaments that I could hammer on to my furniture.  In this post I painted up a bombe chest, and copied the pattern of the hardware pull for a very prestigious effect.

Della Robbia Oven Bake Clay 4lb

If you go to Michael's crafts, you can buy the sculpey clay in a 2 ounce package for 2 dollars. Why not purchase it online in bulk....

Premo! Sculpey comes in a One Pound package in Black.

I have found black ideal for re-creating hardware pieces, although  can be purchased in a number of colors including white.

How bake-able clay works is you shape it into your desired form and bake according to package instruction (typically 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes for every 1/4 inch of thickness). Once cool it can be sanded drilled carved and painted.

The drawbacks to bakeable clay molds....

Some clay is harder than others.  I find sometimes the clay can be so hard to kneed that it can make your hands ache.  Once you have it softened up, it is quite easy to work with.

Ideally, you want the clay to be semi-hard so the overall pattern keeps it's shape when you are extracting the clay from the mold.  If the clay becomes too hard, it won't extract well at all, because it is too soft.

Bake-able clay allows you to form molds, and have them the very same night.  Bake-able clay molds allow you to hammer them on to wood, furniture, and remain durable for years. Plaster molds on the other hand are great to put in places where they will never get touched.  One bump or ding, and the pattern might be broken.  Never before could you create stunningly beautiful molds with very little effort like you can with plaster.

My suggestions for Push Molds For Creating A Wall Like The Picture Above:

Ivy Leaf Flexible Silicone Push Mold Polymer clay Resin Wax Fondant or Plaster

Large Carved Rose Flower Cameo Polymer Clay Push Mold

Peony Flower 1 1/2" Silicone Resin Clay Fondant Flexible Push Mold

Cherry Blossom Flower Clay Fondant Flexible Push Mold Large

My suggestions for Plaster Molds: 

3 Embellishment Molds Can be Used with Plaster Fimo Clay Wax

Stunningly Beautiful Oversized Flower Plaster, Concrete Mold

Decor accent Plastic Mold 7" x 1"

Romantic Round Plaster Mold,Concrete Mold,Clay

2 scroll Plastic Mold Decor, 2 Plaster,Concrete Molds

Lightweight Victorian Outlet Cover

Large Scale Fleur de lis Plastic Mold

If you love neo-classical style, then Passion For Interiors, and A Passion for Blue and White are books that need to be in your library.

I couldn't help but stumble across a negative review by Raewyn for Passion For Interiors.  She ends her review saying she borrowed the book from the library and she [...]]]>

If you love neo-classical style, then Passion For Interiors, and A Passion for Blue and White are books that need to be in your library.

I couldn't help but stumble across a negative review by Raewyn for Passion For Interiors.  She ends her review saying she borrowed the book from the library and she will be leaving it at the library, as the interiors appeared too perfect, and unrealistic for the average Joe.

Her review actually may encourage you to buy the book!  If  you are a lover of neo-classical interiors, Raewyn states the whole book is based around one particular style; Neo-classical style.

While some enjoy an eclectic range of styles, others like myself, prefer a designer who sticks to one style, and masters the colors, the furniture, and the overall vision of particular region in history.

"This is a designer's preference for classicism taken to extreme levels."Whilst the images are visually sumptuous, and the rooms depicted (mostly living,hall and bedroom spaces) have the initial wow factor, there is something missing. It took me about half an hour of flicking through this book, to realise that all the rooms depicted, had a museum like quality to them, reminiscent of the grand country houses of the UK."

"Carolyn's designs seem to have the sole purpose of impressing the rabble with an opulent display of wealth, power and an overly defined sense of a particular style. This was particularly evident in her predilection for the double height, double cubedsalon or living space. I have no doubt that Carolyn Roehm has a good eye for antiques (or her antiques dealer has) and these rooms had examples of the best of everything, Hepplewaite, Sheraton, Ming porcelains, Chinnoiserie lacquered pieces, French baroque furniture etc. Unfortunately, there was a sterility inherent in the way the rooms were put together. They appeared as dioramas, undoubtedly interesting for what they contain, but they lack any sense that people could actually live in them. There was no feeling of a real person-inhabiting these spaces, no photos, no real books,(although plenty of examples of probably unread leather bound volumes bought by the metre for their tooled spines, no doubt) no quirky or unorthodox collections, no intimate amateur paintings, drawings, or sculpture of sentimental value interspersed with all the grand works of art. Despite the author's protestations that she doesn't like rooms to be museums, that is ironically, exactly what she has created, in both her New York apartment and her country house "Weatherstone". The most famous British stately homes are noted for the grand classical and baroque styles of their state rooms. In the instances where the families still live in these grand edifices, I'll bet their private apartments are somewhat more comfy and understated, in the cosy but elegantly tasteful English style that many of us appreciate. With, occasional skew whiff lampshades, dog chewed baskets and rugs and family momentos lying about the grander pieces. The Aspen House, Carolyn designed for her friend, was the only home depicted, that came close to resembling a home with some personal touches in it. Undoubtedly, because her friend wishes to live in a home and not a strictly stylised magazine piece. I borrowed this item from my public library, (I'm a try before you buy, kindagirl). However, no disrespect to Ms Roehm, this is not one that I will be adding as a keeper, to my personal design library"

One of the reasons why Carolyne Roehm's books stand out for me is because they feature the very best antiques, architecture and color schemes with some of the most prestigious period styles in history.

Many designers create a following for themselves by designing around THIER loves, and not around what the design world dictates, or what current trends tell them to do, but rather by their gut instinct and a good eye that has been trained by years of practice and research, and I believe that is what Carolyne Roehm does.

Read a personal interview of Roehm by The New York Social Diary.

 Even though many of the antiques featured in these homes may be out of reach for the common person with a limited budget, a person could take the ideas that inspire them and incorporate them into their home with their own tastes in mind.

A person doesn't need to copy Roehm's looks, but rather borrow what they love, and add in some of their own ideas by working with their existing furniture and home decor that has been collected over the years.

I think the majority of readers would agree that if we wanted to look at homes that were ordinary, we could walk into any of the homes across the US that are undecorated, and feature less then exciting furniture to gaze upon.

There is something captivating about looking at interiors that display tremendous wealth and being able to borrow the same ideas that all the money in the world can buy and execute them for ourselves with less money.

The french chairs with the striped fabrics above has given me new ideas for my own french chairs. I have painted many of my french chairs a Swedish gray, but after seeing the painted green frames that coordinate with the white based fabrics, I might look at my chairs a little different.

French chairs can really be customized for the interior that they are being placed in. As you can see, the chairs above are painted to coordinate with the green color in the striped fabric. Instead of the details being painted in gold, white is chosen given a lighter appearance often seen in Rococo furniture.

Other furniture With Similar Style

-In this interior designed by Suzanne Rheinstein, a console table is painted blue and highlighted in white. The overall effect using white is very appealing, and a little less formal than using gold.

-This directoire full size bed is upholstered in a pink neo-classical striped fabric that is customized with a white paint finish on the frame. As you can see the details are painted in pink to bring out the colors in the fabric.

-This vintage settee has a teal blue floral print on a white based fabric. The frame of the settee is painted white, and accented in teal to bring out the wonderful detail of color in the upholstery.

Neo-classical chairs which have been painted in white have a fresh appearance, and can be even more special when their frames are outlined in gold. Doesn't the detail in gold above draw your attention to the exquisite frame ?

-Look at these wonderful Niermann Weeks Painted Klismos Chairs which are outlined in gold. Such beautiful craftsmanship should be highlighted.

You don't need to buy a costly antiques to get this look. You can dress up your existing console tables or chairs with ormolu purchased separately to make them appear more valuable. Highlighting a furniture's carved details will give your furniture that art quality appearance which might otherwise go unnoticed.

In the above picture I was drawn to the french ottoman which is upholstered in rich green velvet. Look how the painted frame is customized to accentuate the green velvet nicely. The carved details of the frame are painted in gold, which is the right combination for such a dark color. White detailing around the carved details on this piece simply wouldn't look right.  Black and gray would blend in with the dark green paint color, so gold is the ideal choice.

This room is based around green, and I really appreciate that the overall fabric choices are limited to three basic designs. The rich velvet, the striped fabric and the white floral / leaf pattern.

Working with a floral pattern, consider pairing your fabrics with wither a solid velvet or a striped pattern. Both patterns art as neutrals and work nicely with all other patterns.  

Here are 40 Great Decorating Fabric Patterns to Consider When Decorating With Green.   

Green Based Fabrics

-54'' Wide Suburban Home Lotus Blossom Spring Green Fabric By The Yard $20.98

-Green Floral Brocade Fabric with Golden Thread Weave by Hand - Pure Silk (Sold by the yard) $85

-Pillow Decor - Rustic Floral Green 20x20 Throw Pillow $49

-Sandi Isle 5474312 Gorgeous Tapestry Upholstery Fabric $38.90

-58''Wide European Linen Fabric Elephant By The Yard $14.58

-58'' Wide European Linen Fabric Fig By The Yard $14.58

-45'' Wide Woven 1/4 Gingham Blue Fabric By The Yard $3.98

-54'' Wide Thomas Paul Aviary Moss Fabric By The Yard $31.98

-54''Wide Dupioni Silk Fabric Iridescent Teal Blue By The Yard $16.98

-54'' Wide Covington Musee Toile Blue Fabric By The Yard $14.98

-54'' Wide Duralee Rowena Aqua Fabric By The Yard $18.98

-60'' Wide Dior Flocked Damask Pashion Gold/Blue Fabric By The Yard $13.98

-Dena Designs Leanika DAMASK Blue DF50 Fabric Free Spirit By the Yard $8.49

-60'' Wide Sweetheart Satin Baby Blue Fabric By The Yard $5.48

-60'' Wide Minky Cuddle Dimple Dot Electric Blue Fabric By The Yard $12.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Hockley Nile Fabric By The Yard $8.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Oskar Sea Fabric By The Yard $8.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Faylinn Teal Fabric By The Yard $8.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Sakari Porcelain Blue Fabric By The Yard $17.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Giorgio Fresco Green Fabric By The Yard $17.98

-54'' Wide Suburban Embroidered Jungle Green Fabric By The Yard $20.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Baxley Oceana Blue Fabric By The Yard $17.98

-54'' Wide Swavelle Sakari Fresco Green Fabric By The Yard $17.98

-54'' Wide Duralee Dalesford Green Fabric By The Yard $20.98

-54'' Wide Duralee Dalesford Clay Fabric By The Yard $20.98

- Medallion Tile Mint 20934 405 by Duralee Fabrics $43.98

-Damask Sea 20925 381 by Duralee Fabrics $43.98

-Plaid Check Basil 31876 354 by Duralee Fabrics $36.98

-Plaid Check Blue Green 31798 72 by Duralee Fabrics $36.98

-Solid Mint Leaf 31904 253 by Duralee Fabrics $33.98

-Leaf Foliage Vi Kiwi 20860 554 by Duralee Fabrics $43.98

-Stripe Glacier 32002 172 by Duralee Fabrics $36.98

-Botanical Seaglass 20785 619 by Duralee Fabrics $46.98

-Plaid Check Kiwi Pink 31979 682 by Duralee Fabrics $35.98

-Orinda Faux Stripe Taffeta Silk Curtains & Drapes $79

-54'' Wide Swavelle Breton Stripe Fresco Green Fabric By The Yard $14.98

-54'' Wide Carver Sheeting Chloe Coral/Cream Fabric By The Yard $4.89

-Floral Medium Azalea 72004 648 by Duralee Fabrics $38.98

-54'' Wide Duralee Rowena Gold Fabric By The Yard $18.98

-Fabric Ikat Blue 54" By The Yard $24.

-54'' Wide Swavelle/Mill Creek Fantini Candy Fabric By The Yard $17.98

-Fabric Ikat Green & Red 54- By The Yard

-Blue Suzani Decorative Designer Print Fabric by the Yard for Upholstery, Curtains, Drapes, Pillows $28

-Country Life Toile Wedgewood Fabric By The Yard $19

-Crewel Fabric Lotus White on Mayo Blue Cotton Velvet $123

-Crewel Fabric Melons and Grapes Blues on Sweetpine Cotton $141

-Flutter Pillow, Comes in Brown, Green and Violet $19

-Off-White and Dark Pink Cherry Blossom Square Throw Pillow $47

-Peacock Throw Pillow - Silt Green & Iron $70

--Pillow Decor - Rustic Floral Orange 20x20 Throw Pillow $49

-Floral - Small Champagne 31751 88 by Duralee Fabrics $42.98