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What Kind of Fabric Is It?

Knowing your fabrics can be very helpful when shopping for your interior decorating project. If you’re familiar with styles and qualities of fabrics, you’ll know what to ask for or how to describe what you’re looking for at the fabric showroom. Here’s a helpful list of the most common types of decorating fabrics:

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Two Different Interpretations of French Country Design

By now, the style known as French Country has transcended trends and become a classic source of inspiration for interior decorators. In fact, the style has actually diversified from its origins and come to stand for a variety of looks. However, they all share a few themes: French Country style is about cosmopolitan luxury meeting [...]

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The Tree of Life Fabric Story

The tree of life fabric motif has a long history with many ideas being centered on life, death, nourishment, protection, fertility, knowledge and spirituality. This pervasive motif has been seen in oriental rugs, art, sculptures, paintings, jewelry and different types of fabrics. The tree of life fabric pattern occurs in many variations, naturalistic, geometric and [...]

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Ikat Fabrics

I keep trying to mix Ikat patterns in to every project. I like the real, antique ones (who doesn’t?), the reproductions, cheap enough to use with abandon, and especially the newest fabrics that take a bit of the Ikat graphic punch, clean it up, and use it in a fresh, new way. Since the textiles are so ancient, there are Ikat-weave fabrics in many cultures around the world, so there must be an Ikat for every occasion.

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What Kind of Rug Is It?

Most Americans refer to any wool area rug with geometric designs and flowers, as an “Oriental Rug” or “Persian Rug”. At one time the ancient Persian Empire extended from North Africa to India, and included Turkey and Armenia. The world of rugs and carpets includes over 10,000 different types, identified by the patterns of the [...]

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ABC’s of Holiday Style 2011!

Published in South Carolina Woman Magazine By Layla Altman Last year I brought you our Holiday gift ideas to spark some life back into gift giving. This year I have decided to share ideas on holiday decorating & entertaining! Wishing everyone the warmest of Holiday Seasons and a Prosperous 2012! A is for Angels– A [...]

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Top Five Interior Design Trends – Be Inspired!

Global Chic Global Chic is a mix of furniture, textiles and accessories from different parts of the world. Ethnic prints like the Ikat have been dominating this current trend. The Ikat print is the result of an ancient technique of weaving tie-dyed threads into vibrant streaked patterns. They are great accent fabrics because of [...]

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Why Antiques?

INTERIOR DESIGNERS are fond of antiques; we often collect them ourselves, and are quick to recommend them to clients. Some of our clients love the idea. Mention antiques to some, however, and they cringe, recalling dusty, depressing, cluttered houses of days gone by. What is the reason for a designer’s obsession with incorporating antiques into [...]

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Ikat Fabrics, Ancient and Modern

Antique Ikat robes and Ikat fragments are coveted by textile collectors and designers, and add a touch of the exotic to interiors both traditional and modern

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What is Chinoiserie?

The interesting thing about Chinoiserie is the tremendous range and variety of Oriental scenes and fantastical decorative details. Individual artifacts to make a room interesting and show off the sophistication of the homeowner.

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What is Hollywood Regency Design?

Some of the accessories are very theatrical – such as extra-tall white plaster floor lamps with palm fronds, or mirrored dressing tables and fainting couches covered in satin or velvet. Lacquered and mirrored surfaces sparkled. While it is not apparent in the old black and white movies, the interiors were often brightly colored.

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A Passion for Blue and White

A brief history of blue and white, from folklore and porcelain imported from the Orient and its influence on modern Americans’ and Europeans’ passion for the color blue.

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True British Colonial Style

“British colonial style” has become popular in recent years. Mahogany “campaign” furniture, bamboo and rattan, wicker and leather, and design elements such as monkeys, palm trees, and ticking stripes have invaded our homes. But what does “British colonial style” really mean? Where and when did it orginate?

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