An Exuberant Take on Classic Artistry

While I have been a fan of British Designer, Martyn Lawrence Bullard's wallpapers which are offered to the design trade from Schumacher for quite some time, his latest papers and fabrics are by far my favorite!

Photo from Schumacher

His collection is "inspired by the dramatic interiors of legendary decorator Renzo Mongiardino, the trompe l'oeil techniques of Italian palazzi, and the fine art of Venetian marbled paper". 

Capulet in color carnelian shown above is reproduced from classic Venetian marbled papers, it truly embraces the traditional expression of this historic art form. The difference this time is that instead of being the inside of a books cover it is fabric. Imagine the possibilities, drapery, lamp shades, pillows, I could go on and on...

Romeo in color lapis shown above is meant to imitate stylized marble.  This intentional effect, to look like trompe l'oeil, gives an  instant personality to this playful paper.  It hearkens back to the Far East, when hand marbled papers reached the Venetian Republic on Renaissance trade routes before instantly becoming a sought-after commodity.

This paper, Florence in color carrara references Italian craftsmen with the art of Scagliola- a plastering technique that imitates the look of marble. This art form has been used for centuries from columns to console tables. 

The entire collection is just as enchanting.  I look forward to using one of these papers in an upcoming project!

A Weekend of Chocolate...

It being Valentines Day weekend has me thinking of chocolate... Obviously the kind you eat, and yes I've consumed my fair share already... but more so I'm thinking of chocolate lacquered walls... 

In this photo we see Chocolate Lacquer used by the late Albert Hadley, a renowned American Interior Designer. Combined with an iridescent painted ceiling, this brown study will stand the test of time.

Albert Hadley's Southport, Connecticut house

 

 

 

 

This Connecticut dining room also by Mr. Hadley is lacquered in the deepest and most delicious chocolate one could imagine.

 

While Mr. Hadley did not do this Brooklyn interior it certainly seems like an homage to him. The Chocolate Lacquered walls combined with the Moss Green & Black "TIGER" Italian striae silk cut velvet fabric on this chair and ottoman is so very chic!

 

Photo from The Interior Archive

 Miles Redd another great American Designer brings us chocolate lacquer here on the walls and ceiling of this study. I was honored to meet him at a recent book signing in Manhattan for his new book, The Big Book Of Chic.

 

 Last but certainly not least we see a sun room before and after from Southern Living Magazine. While it may seem counter intuitive to paint a room that's meant to enjoy the sunlight in a rich saturated color, I think this room relates more to the outside than ever. What is so successful is that your eye is drawn right out to the similar elements on the exterior (unlike before when the stark walls were creating too much contrast with the views). The new brown color, (Benjamin Moore's Mink 2112-10) creates a sophisticated and subtle transition on the eyes to the exterior of the home, while the roman shade fabric Flying Ducks Velvet in color Sky by Mulberry Home sets the tone that this room is for enjoying nature. Well done!