DECORATING WITH... SCARVES

Aside from the odd scarf tied to a handbag, I don't wear them much. After all, I don't drive a convertible, I don't wear a lot of suits, and I'm too young to go the cravat 'n pearls route. BUT... I own a lot of scarves anyway. Vintage (a rare White House design, silks inherited from my grandmothers), designer (Fendi, Hermes) and a sentimental polyester number I bought off the street in Rome. Rather than keep these beauties stashed in the back of my closet, awaiting a dream car purchase or the onset of my golden years, I decided to bring them out in the open, and into my decor. Here are a few inspirations for the home, starting with the king of scarves, Hermes.

STUFF YOUR HERMES - PILLOWS

Aren't these colors fantastic? It's actually a very neutral room, but the feeling is sophisticated and lively. There are only four (count 'em) uses of color - and the Hermes scarf pillow (backed in mocha satin) sets the palette for the room. Design by Robert Brown Interior Designs. 

Some lovely Hermes pillow options available from Decorati.

A very adult, masculine palette isn't put off by a little scarf scrollwork.

Very elaborate, and traditional, patterns available from Vivre - similar to the one in the picture above.

More gorgeous pillows available from Decorati. I'm head-over for the pink and red combo with tassels!!!

Hermes on Housewives, of all places. Kelly Bensimone, of the Real Housewives of New York City, has two hot pink couches in her living room, chocked full of Hermes pillows. The pillows are completely fabulous, and I'm so sad I couldn't find more pictures to show you. However, you can watch the video of her house tour (including a giant horse, her washer and dryer, and more pillows) HERE.

Here's a mid-century modern mix with Hermes. Although the scarf is elaborate, the color scheme does match the chair. A little - not totally sold on this one!

Large Hermes cushions - you'll need at least three scarves, one for the front, one for the back, and another for the sides (just be emotionally prepared to cut it up!). The look is stupendous. Not sure about the rest of this room. Are zebra bridles really a great use for your Twillys?

HANG YOUR HERMES

I love the idea of framing and hanging scarves. They often make beautiful, abstract patterns, and you can indulge in color combinations and designs you wouldn't necessarily want to wear. Here, an art deco inspired framed Hermes scarf gives a jolt of color to a quiet living room. This image is, of course, from Domino.

And don't make the scarf shine alone - I love this whimsical, lime green chinoiserie frame, done by Dose of Design!

An Hermes scarf in a traditional frame. Notice how the scarf border creates an instant mat.

A beautiful use of a framed Hermes scarf in Ivanka Trump's New York apartment (from Blue Hydrangea). The various blues and greens in the room all come together in that scarf.

       OTHER DESIGNERS

      Graphic prints with Louis Vuitton...

A bright Vera scarf, courtesy Little Green Notebook.

Pucci patterns are fantastic in a room - here are some options in pillows and as wall art. 

The famous vintage store Decades, located in Melrose Heights, L.A., decorated their walls with Pucci scarves.

Try Ouno Design for pillows made from vintage scarves (including the recent olympics, Japanese fabrics, and Peter Perritt).

SOURCES:  all images, as linked above.

HOUSE OF STYLE

How many times have you visited the domicile of a woman you admired - stylish, coordinated, well put-together - and noticed that... well, her home wasn't so much. Or is that you? Perhaps the only thing your pals find more miraculous than your personal style is how you manage to achieve it in such uninspiring surroundings. Well, I'm not going to feel sorry for you. Not even for the time the UPS man took a look at your apartment and asked how you liked being in a new neighborhood - and you'd lived there two years. If you can match your shirt to your suit, or your heels to a dress, you can accessorize your home. Stop stalling. Start with something small like throw pillows! Don't try to do the whole room! Do you buy an entire year's wardrobe in one go, or do you develop it over time? 

You know what draws you. You know what you like. It's hanging in your closet right now. And if you're willing to wear it, you can probably live with it, too. Here are a few closet inspirations...

Images, companies as attributed.

GEISHA PILLOWS AT TARGET!

And they're on sale!!! Behold:

Yes, and what does this remind you of? Only one of my dreamiest of dream pillows, 

one I've been stalking online for sometime. Yes, the Thomas Paul Chinoiserie Pillow. Even better, the Target pillow you see above reverses - the other side is yellow, with white scenery, making it a dead ringer for the Thomas Paul version. Normally, I'm an advocate of investing in quality for the generations. But I've invested in so much pillow quality my future generations are in danger of suffocating to death (as you know, I have a Throw Pillow addiction). So, I'm cheating:  the Target version is on sale for $16.99. The Thomas Paul version is $100. One you can purchase with the change in the bottom of your purse; the other one costs as much as a purse. You're welcome great-great-grandkids!

Thomas Paul pillow. Target pillow, target.com.

Mini Me: Match Your Decor

This silken scarf from COACH reminds me of the patterns of Rubie Green - a favorite fabric purveyor. Visit founder Michelle's website or blog for more fresh home choices. The only disharmony? The signature - but I'll bet if you asked Michelle really nicely she'd sign a pillow for you!

Coach scarf, $168. Pillow fabric by Rubie Green, East Village. Pillow image from http://www.vidastyle.com.au/?page_id=22.

Fall Texture at West Elm

Cords, chunky cable knits, a few stray studs - I'm not talking about the fall collection at J. Crew. For its new pillows, West Elm borrows heavily from the threads you normally like to wear, but these textures will feel just as cozy on your couch as on your back.  All are cast in cool neutrals that subtly play up the fabrics.  Especially this honeycomb pillow.  It's this, me, and a cup of tea snuggled on a couch while the snow comes down - that's comfy! 

Lovely honeycomb knit pillows, designed by sweater-makers Tina Lutz and Marcia Patmos. To see some of their other work, click here. $54.

It's like a big snuggly sheep rug, without the massive dry cleaning bill.  Mongolian lamb pillow covers, $59 - $129.

Cords! Doesn't this bring back memories?  For me, it's college days - long walks in the leaves, going to a game, new textbooks, and apple cider! $18 - $28.

Flannel + studs = Fall fun.  $39.

 What reminds you most of fall?

all images, westelm.com

Green Zebras and Other Fanciful Creatures at Pieces

I have a real thing for zebra, and this lime green version is too much fun. Look below for more from Pieces of Atlanta. 

Green and GOLD zebras.

The cutest penguin ever!

Taupe zebra. A more neutral version.

What happens when ceramic animals are slaughtered.  Very, very sad.

All pictures, Pieces.

Redesign: The Green and White Chinoiserie Desk

I have a quaint little fold-top desk that has been with me since childhood. A writer must have a desk, however small, and this one has followed me like a devoted little dog through a series of apartments and houses, frequently squeezed into awkward corners, dragged up stairs, or stuffed in the back of my SUV. My faithful desk needs a face lift, and I've decided to do it in green and white chinoiserie. 

It may look average now - but wait till we're through!

THE PROJECT

1. Replace the handles and knob with brushed brass bamboo hardware.

2. Decoupage the interior of the desktop in a green and white trellis paper.

3. Paint the foot and crown of the desk in a green matching the paper.

4. Fill it with beautiful things!

THE PIECES

A few favorite items I'd like to use in my re-design (clockwise):  

1. Thomas Paul crysanthymum pillow. 

2. Iomoi personalized paperweight. 

3. Brushed brass faux bamboo hardware. 

4. and 6. Iomoi pencils. 

5. Jasper Conran for Wedgwood china (for paper clips and odds and ends). 

6. Lucite green and white chinoiserie tray, by Iomoi. 

A Jonathan Adler chippendale style faux bamboo chair, accented with a Thomas Paul pillow. While I'm concentrating on renovating the desk right now, a new coordinating chair is in the future. I may get a green version instead of white - Adler makes both!

A bamboo trellis pattern wallpaper I'm planning to order for the interior decoupage. I'd love to do Wearstler's Imperial Trellis (see below), but it's a bit pricy for an amateur project. I need an affordable paper available in less than a single roll, in a green and white trellis pattern. Do you have a great suggestion? Send it on!!!

THE RESULTS...  stay tuned! 

In the meantime, here's a little of my inspiration. ANY mention of chinoiserie can't overlook the stunning blog Chinoiserie Chic, the authority for this subject in the blogosphere. Check out Beth's recent post on the Blanc de Chine Office, as well as a detailed how-to on chinoiserie decoupage, with stunning results like this:
Maybe I should do filing cabinets next?

And while we're at it, here's an example of Kelly Wearstler's Imperial Trellis used in decoupage and the green Jonathan Adler chair. I'd already thought up this scheme when I stumbled on the picture, and it was nice to see how well it could come off. Here's hoping for a happy ending!

Movie Credits:  All "pieces" as listed above.  File Cabinet Photo, originally Domino via StyleCourt, via Chinoiserie Chic. Trellis Decoupage Cabinet Photo, an unknown, online find. If this is your picture, please email me so that I may give credit where credit is due!

Shopping with Eddie Ross, Part I

I'm back! Thanks to everyone who offered such sweet well-wishes for my trip. After a fabulous week touring around Georgia, visiting antebellum mansions, antiquing, and hanging out at Flannery O'Conner's home, I am blogging again, loaded with memories and marvelous pictures (you'll see all in good time). 

However, the FIRST thing I have to share with you is a wonderful trip to Atlanta's Scott's Antique Market yesterday with former Martha Stewart designer, House Beautiful editor, Top Design contestant, and all around fabulous guy Eddie Ross. Eddie and his partner in crime, Jaithan, led myself and some other very lucky ladies on a treasure-hunt through the market. What fun! While we ooohed and awed over finds, Eddie dispensed practical tips and inspiring ideas for designers-in-training.  

First lesson: looking beyond the surface (of mustard horror). Eddie demonstrates how to find a piece of furniture with good lines and turn it into something special. This chaise would suit a smaller room, and as Eddie pointed out, it had lovely wooden legs (a good reason to nix the skirt when reupholstering).  P.S. Be sure to save any nailheads when you reupholster - new ones won't have that lovely patina.

Eddie called mantel accessories "fireplace jewelry." There's certainly plenty of bling to choose from here!  I asked Eddie about other uses for fireplace accoutrements in the South (while we like our fireplaces, we don't really need them) and he suggested using fireboxes as planters.  The firebox in the lower RH corner would be charming lined with moss and planted in bright daffodils to contrast with the dark metal. 
I also had fun meeting blogger Susannah (blue dress), and her sister. Susannah is starting her own customized jewelry line, Goods To Adorn.  Also joining was fellow blogger of the Blue Hydrangea who came all the way from NC to be part of the fun. The members of the tour were as inspiring as the market!

One of my favorite stops was at a vintage clothing booth, loaded with Lilly Pulitzer, saris, and bright baubles. Here, Eddie shows how to evaluate fabrics for use as one-of-a-kind decorative pillows around the home. 

He pointed out that with unique fabric and some light beading (costume jewelry!) you could come up with a completely unique look - and avoid big cost on a small item. Said Eddie of the high cost of accessory pillows: "it's offensive - it's called a throw pillow!" I would have to agree.
I asked Eddie to pause for a pink and pink picture - but he advises reupholstering that headboard!

A booth full of beautiful linens. There are so many uses for textiles - window hangings, table decoration, throw pillows, cut and hemmed into napkins, etc. And, they make wonderful presents!

Jaithan peaks over the edge of the narrow textile stall to keep an eye on the action.

A lovely group of monogramed hand towels. It's all but impossible to find a monogram that matches your own, but Eddie suggested collecting sets of three towels, one with each of your letters, and hanging them in order in your bathroom. A great way to make a unique piece work for you. 

Atlanta designer Sarah Youngblood (standing closest to Eddie in a French antiques booth) and I tried this idea out on a pre-monogramed tote bag later in the day - but decided to have the letters stand for a funny favorite title or motto. It turned out that the ALM monogram on her zebra patterned-bag stood for "A Moxie Lady." As Eddie said, "make it your own!"
P.S. Don't you LOVE the gray and cream chest of drawers in the center of this picture? Beautiful. This dealer dealt exclusively in French pieces, most of them painted in soft grays and creams. She also had shelves stocked with uncut 19th century French books.

As you can see, it was a great day, loaded with inspiration. Stop by tomorrow for a few more of Eddie's hints and tips - including glassware, using printed fabric, and framing!