Wallpapered Ceiling – Hot Trend for 2010

Wallpaper is a terrific way to add instant personality. Recently, there has been a lot of buzz in the design world about wallpapering your ceiling. The alluring patterns, colors and textures of wallpaper make it a perfect choice for adding an unexpected design element to your rooms.

Lombardia Amati wallpaper from Nina Campbell’s wallpaper collection.

Recently, a client of ours in the Calgary neighborhood of Elbow Park decided to wallpaper the ceiling and walls of her dining room. A coffered ceiling and a tall wainscoting detail wraps around the room. Since the wainscoting is so high, we opted to wallpaper the remaining walls and ceiling too. It will be elegant and interesting and I can hardly wait to see the final result. The wallpaper we chose is the one shown above by Nina Campbell. The silvery metallic background and gold geometric print will be the perfect thing to enliven this room!

Photograph courtesy of Spearmint Baby

This nursery by Rhoney Design is so precious and charming. Much of that is due to the yellow wallpaper a flutter with swallows. This paper is adorable on the ceiling, and really is the thing that makes this room.

Photograph courtesy of Simplified Bee

Suzanne Kasler is an extraordinarily gifted interior designer and one of my personal favorites. This foyer she designed sports lovely red and white wallpaper on the ceiling. Without this detail, the room would be bland and uninteresting. Since foyers are your first glimpse into your home it makes sense to do something bold and show off your personal style.

Photo courtesy of Design Crisis

This application is cheeky and fun! The combination of white, pink and black is youthful and unexpected. This black and white wallpaper would look lovely with many different wall colors. I especially like how the designer chose a pendant light whose shape is similar to the pattern on the paper. Very clever!

Photo courtesy of Country Living.

This simple geometric print is elegant in a foyer. Choosing a paper with a metallic background or print will sparkle up your ceiling when light is cast upon it.

Photo courtesy of Canadian House and Home

Here is another example of a simple geometric print on a bedroom ceiling. I like the idea of papering your bedroom ceiling. How delightful to look up to a pretty print!

These wallpapers would be marvelous on a ceiling too:

Herrick by Osborne and Little is available through interior designers.

Brockhampton Star by Farrow and Ball is available in Calgary through Maria Tomas.

Crown wallpaper represents this beautiful line from Ulf Moritz. It’s a hard to tell from the photo, but the paper is metallic and the pattern is created with tiny glass beads glued to the surface. In person, it is luminous and twinkles like starlight!

This elegant pattern is perfect for a dining room. Topkapi from Crown Wallpaper is also available through interior designers.

Imagine how dramatic a ceiling would be with this high contrast ribbon-like design by Cole and Sons called Sutherland Large Swirl. I would love to use it on a closet ceiling!

There are endless choices for striking wallpapers that would be appropriate for a ceiling application. Ceilings are often forgotten about, so instead of leaving them plain dress them up in rooms where you want to make a lot of impact, like a dining room, powder room or front entry. Also, think about using wallpaper on bedroom ceilings because they are the first and last thing you see every day (if you are a back sleeper of course!). If you are looking for a way to add some excitement to your rooms, think of wallpaper and look up!

Cheers!

Concrete Mantles and Fireplace Surrounds

Fireplace design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

Fireplaces are naturally a very important focal point in any room and therefore the fireplace mantle and surround are something that we get quite excited about designing. Many of my clients are surprised when I suggest a concrete mantle, surround or over mantle. It is not a product that they are aware of or if they have seen a photograph of one it is not obvious that it has been made of concrete. They can often be mistaken for carved stone, tile or antique mantles.

Fireplace design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design . Photograph courtesy of Burke Builders

Using concrete around the fireplace has many benefits. There are certain building code requirements for the design of fireplace mantles which can affect the mantle heights and depths. Certain distances between combustible materials like wood, mdf or drywall and the firebox opening must be adhered to. Since concrete is not considered a combustible material there are fewer limitations to the mantle design. Also, concrete is a much less expensive alternative to a carved stone mantle, and they can be stained a multitude of colors. Designs can be either traditional or modern and most concrete companies that specialize in fireplace details will be able to customize your design for you and build molds to create your fireplace surround.

Fireplace design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

This residence in the Calgary neighborhood of Mount Royal sports a fireplace mantle and surround that has been stained a soft ivory color to mimic a limestone. The light mantle and over mantle (the part above the mantle) is very dramatic against the dark library shelves. This house was built by Burke Builders and they did a fabulous job of making our design come to life. One other interesting fact about this fireplace is that the artwork rolls up to reveal a hidden flat screen TV! Mountain Technologies was the audio visual company that supplied this remarkable feature.

Fireplace design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

This is the fireplace in my own home. I chose to stain the concrete a warm shade of grey and create a detail above the mantle that mimics large scale stone tiles. I love how it looks against the warm walnut cabinets. Thanks to the team at Sculptural Design, a Calgary concrete company, my fireplace turned out magnificently. This spring, I am planning to have them do another one for me on my back patio.

Fireplace design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

This very traditional fireplace was designed for one of my clients who wanted a French country feel throughout their home. We chose a pre-cast concrete surround design from Tartaruga. It is a spectacular feature in this two story family room and my clients were thrilled with the result.

This fireplace is simple, but beautiful. It could fit into a traditional or contemporary setting and it looks superb stained a dark charcoal color. The Vancouver company, Solus Décor manufactures this lovely surround.

Here is a modern concrete fireplace also by Solus. It is very modern and restained but makes a huge impact!

Your fireplace is a wonderful spot to add architectural interest and drama. Concrete mantles and fireplace surrounds can be varied in design style and color making them a great choice. Think of concrete when designing your fireplace!

Cheers!

Open Shelving in the Kitchen

I have always thought that open shelving in a kitchen was such a fresh idea. Including this kind of storage in the kitchen breaks up the upper cabinets and can be used to display not only your dishes and glasses, but also interesting objects and artwork. Here are some fabulous kitchens that all incorporate open shelving.

Reena Sotropa, who is also a principal designer of our Calgary interior design firm, Corea Sotropa Interior Design, included open shelving in her own kitchen. The walnut shelves float against a wall of marble mosaic. She has kept it simple on the shelves, choosing to display only some simple white dishes and clear glasses but she’s added an Alessi juicer that looks almost like a sculpture. I also adore the drawing that she has hung on the backsplash. The chandelier over the marble island adds a touch of sparkle and glamour. Absolutely fabulous!

Thanks to one of my favorite blogs, Things That Inspire, I was introduced to the work of Atlanta design firm Turner Davis Interiors. This particular kitchen blends a traditional aesthetic with a modern twist beautifully. Several of my clients have brought me this photo as an inspiration for their own kitchen because of its’ many superb details. The open shelving breaks up the heaviness of the closed cabinets and paneled appliances on the left wall. In addition to the open shelving, the hood fan, island seating and modern lights over the island are some of the other delightful details to note.

This modern kitchen in the Shelter Island, NY home of designer Suzanne Shaker is sleek and simple. The long linear shelf really accentuates the length of the clearstory windows. A single shelf like this would work really well in a bar area, or if you had plenty of other storage for odds and ends somewhere else in your kitchen. This photo is via Remodelista.

Most Canadian design aficionados have seen Lynda Reeves of Canadian House and Home fame’s kitchen. She has incorporated some ornate brackets holding up the shelves in her kitchen.

This whimsical cabinet was also featured in Canadian House and Home but I am not sure who the designer was. The back of this brightly painted cabinet is lined with wallpaper by Osborne & Little. White dishes look great against the busy pattern and turquoise shelves. This look would be too much for an entire kitchen but would work wonderfully for an adjacent coffee station or storage unit next to the dining area. What a fun idea!

Tiny kitchens would be completely overwhelmed by too many closed upper cabinets. This small space kitchen by designer Patrick Wade was featured in House Beautiful Magazine. The shelving opens the space up and keeps it from being overwhelmed by overhead cabinets.

The open shelves in this kitchen are backed with bead board and extend down to the countertop making this part of the cabinetry look like a piece of furniture. This kitchen is by designer R.Roman Hudson and was also featured in House Beautiful Magazine.

This photograph via Domestic Notions is also by designer Patrick Wade. I love the display of cream pitchers along the top shelf and the combination of sunny yellow, white and carrera marble. This would be a fabulous look for a butler’s pantry.

Including open shelving in your kitchen adds charm and personality. As you can see by these photos they work best when the china is simply white and there are other items incorporated for interest and color. Instead of covering all your dishes up, show them off!

Cheers!

Dramatic Bungalow Renovations- before and after

Everyone loves a good before and after renovation project! In fact, my favorite projects are renovations. It is so rewarding changing a space and reconfiguring it so that it is not only more beautiful, but also more functional. A couple of years ago my business partner and I decided that our Calgary Interior Design firm should try flipping a house. The plan was to buy a dilapidated shack and turn it into something amazing. We decided that we would handle both the design side and the project management (general contracting). Soon, we found a great bungalow that was completely original and completely run down. We fondly nicknamed the project “the Genevieve” and got down to business. The transformation is shocking. I hope you enjoy it!

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The exterior renovation included removing a car port and adding a new garage, replacing all the windows and doors, re-facing the chimney, adding some cedar details, as well as replacing the front railing, light fixtures, post box and house numbers. Luckily, the roof had been very recently replaced, so we were able to work with the existing shingles. We also added a new deck on the rear of the house and removed a concrete parking pad (not shown in photos).

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The front door was replaced with a new fiberglass door with an opaque glass insert. All of the light fixtures throughout the house were also replaced.

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The existing red oak hardwood floors were patched, repaired and re-stained a dark color. We chose wall colors that were soft and unobtrusive and would appeal to a broad number of buyers. This one is Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore. A house that is staged always shows better then a vacant one, so we used furniture and accessories that we had in storage and from our own homes to make this house feel lived in. We also added drapery in most of the rooms to soften the look. This particular drapery fabric is from Kravet. The area rug was supplied to us by Indo Designer Rugs and all of the upholstered pieces of furniture were custom made by Whittington Furniture.

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One of the most dramatic changes we made to this home was adding a new window in the small dining area. The window really opens this space up and brightens the entire kitchen. We extended the hardwood floor into the dining room and hung a sweet but affordable chandelier from Cartwright Lighting . The before picture of this dining area gives me the shivers!! This photo was taken on possession day, and we had not started renovating anything yet. It shocks me knowing that the previous owner lived with the wallpaper peeling like this. Yuk!

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The old kitchen had the original mustard colored appliances in it and no dishwasher. We kept the layout of the kitchen basically the same so that we could save some money on plumbing costs. The new kitchen sports white custom made cabinets and Caesar Stone countertops from Icon Stone and Tile. We achieved the striped backsplash by layering rows of inexpensive white subway tile with rows of glass and marble pencil mosaic from Universal Slate. The effect is fresh and fun but did not break the budget!

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We reconfigured the bedroom closets and bathrooms so that we could add an ensuite. Now there is a nice sight line to a wall perfect for artwork at the end of the hall.

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Originally, “the Genevieve” had only one bathroom on the main floor. We split this bathroom into two small baths so that there could be a full bathroom off the master bedroom. This turned out to be a great selling feature for the house. We used subway tile for a wainscoting detail in the main bathroom and a simple pedestal sink from American Standard. In the ensuite bath, we tiled the floors with carerra marble and installed a pre-made dark chocolate vanity from Ronbow. We also used white subway tile in the ensuite shower but added some tiled niches for storage and finished them with the carerra marble too.

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In all the bedrooms we increased the size of the windows and replaced the light fixtures. Typically, in houses built in the sixties, the windows are not very high. Since we were changing the windows anyway, it made sense to increase their height. This made an enormous difference in these rooms.

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At the staircase, the old wooden banisters were removed and replaced with a simple stub wall. At the top of the stairs we removed more railing and added a linen closet.

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Originally we thought we would make the basement family room smaller, and create a laundry room where the old bar resided. Once this area was framed in, we had a second look and decided to keep the family room here and move the laundry room down the hallway. Even designers change their mind during construction! This room had a tiny window on one side and on the other side some plumbing valves that had to stay accessible. Draping both of these walls gives this room a cozy, media room feel and hid the ugly pipes and awkwardly placed window.

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The basement bathroom is the largest in the house. We created a huge shower with a bench and a frameless glass enclosure and used another pre-made vanity by Ronbow. The rest of the basement included a laundry room, a mechanical room, a bedroom and a flex room that could be used as a home office, exercise room or for storage.

After we were complete, we had a big party and put it on the market. My wonderful husband, Sam Corea, happens to be a genius realtor and he got us the highest price on the street! Thanks honey!

In the end, we didn’t make much on our investment but we gained some valuable insight and had an opportunity to walk in our client’s shoes. The final product looked great and is something that we are very proud of. I think the new home owners like it a lot too!

Cheers!

Luxury Closets

Eva Longoria-Parker’s Closet photo courtesy of Instyle Magazine (celebrity closets)

I go gaga over closets like this one. And who wouldn’t? Having an exceptionally beautiful closet with customized shelving that displays your fashion treasures is the ultimate indulgence. Imagine drifting into a closet like this one every morning! It feels like your own personal boutique. Perhaps I love closets so much because I have a bit of a shoe/purse/clothing obsession and I adore how all these gorgeous items are displayed. Or maybe it is because a luxury closet is a complete extravagance. It could be that the main attraction is the sense of calm and order that these closets embody. For all of these reasons, a luxury closet is one of the best things you can treat yourself to!

Photo courtesy of decorpad

As interior designers, we are being asked to design custom closets for our clients more and more frequently. A lot of thought and ingenuity goes into luxury closet design. When we begin a closet design project we spend time finding out how the client likes to store their clothing, how much space is required and what kinds of items they have. It is ideal to have a place to sit, a counter space for folding, a mirror, some natural light and a variety of drawers, shelves, hooks and rods. Special attention is paid to the length of pants and shirts and the heights of the rods especially for taller clients so that the clothing hangs nicely. Over the years, we have designed several amazing closets that include packing islands, built in bench seats, cherry or walnut cabinetry, coffee stations, and specialized storage for unique items. Some have been massive and others are small but well-organized. All of them turn out wonderfully, and I am always in awe of the space and efficiency that is created with good closet design. Here are a few images of my favorite inspirational closets.

Closet design by Corea Sotropa Interior Design

One of my favorite websites to visit for inspirational closet designs is Clos-ette. They have some wonderful examples of gorgeous closets of all styles and sizes.

Photo courtesy of Clos-ette.

This photo illustrates how you can have fun with the design of your closet. The cabinets are fairly simple and clean lined, but it’s the gilded mirror, the chandelier and faux upholstered wallpaper that give the glamour.

Photo courtesy of Clos-ette.

The lit glass shelving is terrific in this closet. I also adore the attention to detail in the coved ceiling and the clever peg board storage solution.

Photo courtesy of Clos-ette.

Clever storage for jewelry and accessories is featured in this closet. The drawers are divided into smaller compartments to keep everything organized.

Photo courtesy of Clos-ette.

This modern streamlined closet feels crisp and gallery like. The glass details add drama and sparkle.

Check out the beautiful leather handles on the double dresser islands and the sculptural glass lamps. This closet it ultra chic! This closet is by SR Gambrel in New York City.

This closet also by Steven Gambrel is accented with large upholstery tacks. This detail is so unexpected and unusual, but very fitting for a closet. It is reminiscent of a piece of antique luggage.

Of course, there is no reason why you have to keep the cabinetry to a neutral color or a wood finish. Here, Christina Aguilera shows off her pink closet complete with sliding ladder, leopard print rug and sumptuous silk drapery. It is over the top, but it is totally her!

Recognize this closet? The iconic closet from the series Sex and the City is large by New York City standards, but has lots of well thought out storage. When I went to see the movie, I actually gasped when Carrie’s newly renovated closet has revealed! What a dream!

Hope you enjoyed these marvelous closets!

Cheers!

Behind the Scenes of a Kitchen Photo Shoot

When we have finished a project we like to snap a few photos for our portfolio, the blog and also to send out to different media outlets for potential publication. These photo shoots are fun to do but very time-consuming. Each scene is carefully laid out, lit and accessorized to draw the viewer’s attention to the details of the interior. We have a lot of fun when we are doing a shoot and I thought I would share what goes on behind the scenes with you.

These photos are from a very recent shoot we did to document a French Country Kitchen we recently completed.  The kitchen is spectacular and a cooks dream! We are going to enter it into a kitchen design contest hosted by Sub Zero and Wolfe appliances. This contest recognizes not only the best kitchen design in Western Canada, but across North America too. This particular kitchen really is a miraculous transformation and one that was a lot of fun to design. Our client had a vision of a traditional but updated style and was thrilled with how we managed to capture that in our kitchen design.

Here I am arranging some flowers before the shoot. Flowers are a must in a photo shoot! There is just nothing better to add instant colour and texture. One of the arrangements for this photo shoot was featured in a previous blog post I wrote called “How to Make and Easy Floral Arrangement” .

Miriam and Meghan, who are associate designers at my Calgary Interior Design firm, Corea Sotropa, are placing some accessories on the mantle above the range.  Nice job ladies!

A final clean up before the bulbs start to flash!

Every detail has to be just right. Here I am adjusting the blinds behind the kitchen table.

Because we are entering this kitchen into a contest, we need to clearly illustrate where the appliances are. We wanted to prop open the fridge so that you could see where it was in the kitchen. Miriam had to get down on the floor and hold open the door.  Talk about dedication to your work!

Thanks Miriam! The shot turned out great! We even go so far as to organize the contents of the fridge so that it looks nice in the picture.

I hope you enjoyed this little sneak peek behind the scenes!

Cheers!

Selecting Artwork for the Novice Collector

Most clients of ours who have not purchased original art work before find it an intimidating and daunting task. Even entering a gallery can cause nervous jitters. I believe this is because original art tends to be a high ticket item, and clients are afraid to make a wrong choice or have little experience in the art form itself. But here’s the secret. You don’t need to know a thing about the technique, and biography of the artist before you enter a gallery. You don’t need a degree in Art History or personal experience in creating art. All that you need is to follow your instincts and look for something that moves you. There is no wrong choice if you like something. The first purchase is always the most painstaking and frightening but after you buy your first piece, you may find that collecting artwork becomes a new hobby and a passion. You will look at your blank walls and have the uncontrollable urge to adorn them with something amazing. Here are a few of my tips to help you gain confidence before taking the plunge into purchasing original artwork.

Painting by Timothy McDowell available at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary.

Before shopping for art work, find out where the galleries are in your area. Ask your interior designer or friends whose collection you admire for a list of their favorite haunts. It’s also great idea to spend a bit of time researching the kind of art you are drawn to. Most galleries have amazing websites now featuring pieces from the artists they represent. Take a look at the website and see if you can pinpoint a few artists that you are drawn to. If you are looking for a piece for a particular spot in your home, snap a photograph that you can bring with you to the gallery with the dimensions noted on it. Your interior designer or the gallery representative can help you determine the overall size that the piece should be if you are not certain.

Painting by Aleksandra Rdest available at Newzones Gallery of Contemporary Art in Calgary.

Art galleries usually have a show going on – a collection of work from a particular artist or group of artists with a common theme. Most galleries carry several artists, and if you are not enamored with the pieces in the show, then ask to see work by other artists. Galleries often have a room which stores additional art work that is not currently on display so don’t worry if what is on the walls doesn’t appeal to you immediately. There will be tags beside the pieces or sometimes a price list nearby for you to review. A dot beside a tag means that the piece has already been sold. Ask lots of questions, gallery owners and representatives love it when you are interested in the art work, how it was created, the inspiration behind the piece and the artist themselves.

Painting by Ronald Boaks available through the Weiss Gallery in Calgary.

Another tip that is not well known is that most galleries will bring the art that you are considering to your home for you to look at in your own environment. They will even hang the paintings for you. Also, they frequently can work out a payment plan for you over a period of time. One more piece of insider information is that if you like a particular artist but the pieces available are not the size that you are looking for the artist can sometimes create a custom piece to suit your needs. The gallery will coordinate this for you.

When you are selecting an original piece of art, go with your gut. It should evoke a strong reaction, remind you of a time or place, intrigue you, or just please you when you look at it. Don’t worry about the painting matching your interior design scheme. Sometimes the most successful art installations are the ones where the art work is in stark contrast to its surroundings. This accentuates it and can create a really interesting tension in a room. If you are selecting a piece for a particular spot, think about how you would view it. A painting above a fireplace needs to be seen from a distance so a highly detailed piece that is best viewed up close wouldn’t be the best choice. Save the detailed piece for the powder room or hallway and go for something more graphic over the fireplace.

Painting by Charles Malinsky available through Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary

Artwork is an investment and its value will increase over time. Ask the gallery if the artist you are interested in has pieces in any national or international collections. Also, ask about other galleries that represent the artist. If their work is included in notable collections the value of the piece will be higher. The gallery should provide you with a biography of the artist, an article on the inspiration behind the art and a list of notable collections that the artist has been included in. Keep this information somewhere safe, and have your artwork insured.

When hanging your artwork, the center of the piece should be around 5’ off the ground. If you are hanging a painting over a sofa or other piece of furniture you may need to hang it lower then this. The artwork should be viewed in conjunction with the items around it, and too much space in between them creates a disjointed vignette.

Although beginning an art collection may seem overwhelming, think of it as an adventure. As with any high priced investment, you want to make an informed decision so ask questions and take your time to decide. Art is meant to be enjoyed and it brings people together to discuss it, appreciate it and savor its beauty. Relish the hunt for that piece that speaks to you; trust your instincts and you can’t go wrong.

Cheers!

Interior Design Colors Trends for 2010

For a long time, interior designers in Calgary were stuck in a taupe and beige rut. Now, Calgarians are embracing color in their interiors, and I can’t be happier! Color really injects personality and life into your home. Some of the hottest colors that I am seeing and suggesting for our projects are coral and teal. Expect to find them everywhere in 2010. These colors are vibrant, happy and not for the faint of heart, but when used properly look absolutely incredible! Here are some photographs of interiors that utilize teal and coral and I hope that they will inspire you to try these saturated, energetic hues in your home.

This room is actually fairly neutral, except for the jolt of teal on the wing back chair. We had the chair custom made and covered in sumptuous teal velvet from Kravet. The accent pillow is a fanciful, colorful Asian toile from Brunschwig and Fils. This chair is regal, whimsical and a conversation piece – just what an accent chair ought to be!

Here is a wider shot of that same room. The amount of teal used in this room is fairly minimal, but it adds impact. The wall color is white and the sectional and drapery is a neutral camel color. This is how we would suggest using a hot, new hue because it could easily be removed and replaced with something else if you got tired of it.

Now, if you are not faint of heart and love teal, this is the way to go! This room is by interior designer Jan Showers. She has coupled teal with acidy chartreuse and the effect is exhilarating! I love the commitment to the color in this library! The bookcases, walls and ceiling are all painted teal in what looks to be a high gloss finish. Even the drapery is teal. The only neutral things in this room are the wood floor, ivory lamp shades and chocolate sofa. It is important to add some neutral into a colorful scheme like this to ground it to give your eye something to rest on.

Designer Frank Roop has created a modern, sophisticated room complete with two retro teal armchairs. This photograph is via Metropolitan Home Magazine.

Jonathon Adler’s interiors are characteristically quirky and fun. This room uses both coral and teal together with dark neutral paneling. Photo via Metropolitan Home Magazine.

Coral is basically a pinker shade of orange. It is extremely flattering to the complexion, and reflects a warm soft glow in a room. In this room, we utilized an amazing, large scale damask from Kravet, designed by Barbara Barry for the drapery. I know, I sound like a broken record mentioning Kravet again, but we use their fabrics all the time because they have thousands of incredibly, beautiful fabrics to choose from! The two accent chairs are also upholstered in a linen by Kravet and the area rug from House of Persian Rugs has a combination of coral, red, green and teal flowers on a neutral background. Again, there is not an overwhelming amount of the coral color in this room, but just enough create a backdrop that is warm, feminine and glamorous.

This is a room in a designer showcase that we did for a local charity event. We used coral and a springy green color as an accent. You can read more about this project in my first post called “Ready, Set, Blog” .

Amanda Nesbit from New York is a designer that I am constantly inspired by. She uses color in bold and imaginative ways but her interiors are still elegant. This room also uses a coral shade for drapery. I adore the sharp contrast between the drapery and the lamp because the solid color highlights the sculptural form of the lamp. This room must be dreamy to be in!

Here is an overview of the same room by Amanda Nesbit. Notice the cream color that is neutralizing the coral and pink shades used throughout this sitting room. This really is beautiful.

This is another living room by Amanda Nesbit using a coral in an otherwise very neutral room. This is gorgeous as well. The color in this room is only provided by the accent cushions, lamps and flowers, but they are used very effectively and provide punch.

Designer Victoria Borus designed this home for Aerin Lauder and it was featured in the July 2009 edition of Elle Décor. Of course I find this room irresistible – it’s got a leopard print sofa and coral walls!

The colors teal and coral can be used to great effect in interiors. Don’t be afraid to go for it and use these intense, vibrant hues but remember to pair them with some neutrals. I hope you enjoyed these examples of colorful interiors! Perhaps they have inspired you to brighten up your rooms with these hot colors for 2010.

Cheers!

White Ceramics

Trends come and go, and generally, I don’t advise jumping on the band wagon unless it is something that can be changed easily. For instance, I would recommend using a trendy fabric on your accent pillows instead of on your drapery. That is of course unless you change your interiors every five years. In that case, go for it – you are fabulously reckless (in a good way) and your interior should be too! However, that is not the case for most of my clients. If you want to have trendy items, accessories are a great spot to inject that “of the moment” look since you can change them without difficulty. One trend that I have been seeing everywhere lately is white ceramic. I must admit, I have jumped on the band wagon too and recently bought every white ceramic vase I can lay my hands on from HomeSense and Chintz & Company for some niches I have in my kitchen. I had a lot of fun purchasing my collection and mixing crisp graphic shapes, cheeky sculptures and an array of textures. Here’s a look at the finished product.

Here are some more great white ceramic pieces to enjoy!

These Easter Island-esque sculptures look great with the vases. When creating a collection, remember that the pieces should be a variety of heights. Picture via Decorpad.

The texture on these vases is really interesting. A collection should contain pieces of various textures and patterns if they are all the same colour. Picture via Apartment Therapy.

White ceramic collections don’t have to be ultra modern. These vessels have a vintage quality. Photo courtesy of Country Living.

You can also go a little bit country too. I adore the simplicity of using white flowers in this arrangement. It’s all about form and texture here. The fireplace mantle and crackled urns are charming and casual. Photo via Country Living.

Add the ceramics to a bookshelf for interest, extra storage and as bookends.  This photo is courtesy of Terramia.

How about using simple white china and flower vases for dramatic impact in your dining room? This photograph is from California Wedding Wave and I must say that this blog has some astounding inspirational photos for flower arrangements.  Check it out!

You’ve got to love Jonathon Adler’s white ceramic animal collection. He is the king of pottery! I love the cool shapes that he creates with these pieces. Think about adding an unexpected piece of white ceramic sculpture like these in your collection. You can purchase Jonathon Adler’s ceramics at Sojourn in Calgary.

Now this is a model I would like to add to my collection!  Chanel makes this gorgeous white ceramic watch and it is completely dreamy! Interior design trends usually follow fashion so I wonder if this is the piece that started the movement.

White ceramics come in such a variety of styles that it is easy to add to either a traditional or modern interior. If you are creating a collection of white ceramics, or any item of a single colour for that matter, remember to use a range of sizes, shapes, textures and items. It is this variance that makes the collection appealing to the eye. Follow these tips and your white collection will be anything but boring vanilla!

Cheers!