Graphically Speaking

... in black and white, many choices abound. 

Clean, crisp, soft or masculine- graphics can lead you most anywhere.

Of course, I had to insert a bit of or into the black and white. Kubus by Pierre Frey was inspired by a folding screen. 

Bangkok by Pierre Frey- an embroidered sheer

Zadig fabric by Elitis

Graphic patterns aren't just limited to fabrics- check out these rugs.

 Cadrys' Moroccan rug designed by David Hicks

 Loving this rug design- Everest by Hali

 Fuori Tempo by the Italian company, I&I

 Ibiza in chocolate- an Oscar de la Renta dhurrie by Elson & Company

Love this one too: Persian by Designer Rugs

Go for graphics on the walls... with stencils that are totally do-able if you patient and precise. 

Here are a few from Royal Design Studio.

One of the new patterns from RDS' African Collection- Circle of Life.

So cool!

Here Melanie stenciled an elegant "floorcloth" on the back of sheet vinyl! 

Get the lowdown here.

Cutting Edge Stencils also offers a fab selection of graphic stencils.

What is your favorite graphic medium?

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Ikat on Walls +

With the increasing Moroccan influence in the design world, we've seen lots of Ikat and Suzani accessories and even painted floors. What we haven't often seen is Ikat on the walls... until now. The latest issue of Veranda offers several charming examples.

The Ikat pattern on the walls here were actually hand-painted by the uber talented artist, Nicola Vigini, to resemble Ikat fabric. What a great idea! For those of us who are not quite that talented, consider stenciling instead. With the added bonus of choosing your own colors, not to mention being able to paint right over it down the road instead of removing the wallpaper (ugh... not a fun experience), the possibilities are endless. Check out these great Ikat/Suzani/Moroccan stencils at Royal Design Studio, Modello Designs, Cutting Edge Stencils and the Etsy shop, Olive Leaf Stencils.

(OK- I love that chandelier!)

For this wall below, here with fabric providing the Ikat design, it could easily be done with a stencil.

Melanie Royals, at Royal Design Studio and Modello Designs, has been doing the Moroccan/Suzani style for more than a few years now and offers some fabulous inspirations at her blog, Design Amour. Here she showcases her stencil line in a tent pavilion entirely covered with the various patterns. 

Melanie has made four trips with students to Peacock Pavilions to hand stencil the floors and ceilings of this amazing inn in Morocco, run by Maryam and Chris. Some of the projects follow...

Design stenciled on canvas which then gets hung on the wall.

What say you? Are you a lover of Moroccan design?

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Design, Russian Style

A few weeks ago I spotlighted the renovation of the beautiful Bolshoi Theater in Moscow (here). Design in Russia is certainly not all classic, though.

Check out this grey pinstripe wall... cool idea for the more tailored feel, along with the coordinating ceiling patterns. Actually, I like the whole room with its contrasts of patinated wood, crystals, smooth ceramic and gilt.

Grey and green together- a fun combination for this wall pattern. Definitely do-able using the many fabulous stencils available at stencil companies such as Royal Design Studio, Cutting Edge Stencils and The Stencil Library.  

Plum + light grey to charcoal+ silver metallic- rich and clean in this modern room.

These rooms charmed me from the ceiling to the floor, from the animal skins to the chandelier and all that is going on in between. Quirky. Personality!

Which is your favorite?

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(Script) Writing on the Wall

 As the saying goes...

either by actually writing on the wall

 Love this look!

 

or using one of the cool stencils that are available today, script writing is a definite decor possibility. 

Or, how about script on the floor as Maryam, from Peacock Pavilions in Marrakesh, did in her office? 

Carolyn Quartermaine is my original inspiration for using beautiful script writing. She does it like no other!

She also has gorgeous script fabrics if you prefer your walls to remain "clean."

Check Royal Design Studio or The Stencil Library for stencils. For a custom saying, Modello Designs is great to work with.

For further inspiration, visit Trish's Trouvais blog. Trish often shares with us her collection of vintage letters with their exquisite script writing.

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Bed Backdrops

Looking for a bedroom wall change of pace? Instead of the traditional bed headboard, here are a few ideas to consider.

Just starting out? For those of you who are artistic, paint your backboard and while you are at it, paint in the chair too.

Isn't this a beautiful mural behind the bed? A trompe l'oeil stone panel on a stucco wall. Stunning!

If you have a favorite wallpaper, follow this room's lead and paste up a panel width as the headboard. Or choose one of the new stencils from Royal Design Studio and your bed backdrop can become a custom design by you. This way, you can not only choose a design you love, you can also choose the colors you like instead of settling for what is available. This design includes metallic and regular paint.
 

What have you done as a bed backdrop?

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