Daily Designer Deal: Fabrics TDF

Gorgeous handblocked suzanis, ikats and kazak-inspired fabrics at Roberta Roller Rabbit. I'm happy to have some fresh, new patterns in this vein for those clients who don't have John Robshaw in their budget. Their prices are as great as their fabrics and furniture. Take a look at some of the offerings at RRR.

These first two are going to be the main fabrics for the Sherman Oaks nursery. (Yes, I'm doing a third nursery-- That's three in three months!) 

I might be setting myself up by titling this post with "Daily." I plan to make this a regular feature here at MPS, but "Weekly" might be more realistic...Here's to ambition ;-)  

Sources: Stylebeat

Interior Trends 2011 - Re-balancing

 The third aspect of interior design which will be seen this year is re-balancing – the experts believe that we, the consumers, have become tired of being constantly bombarded by marketing and are looking for products which are personal and enable us to turn our houses into homes. Within this 're-balancing' trend the emphasis is on simple structures and soft natural materials such as wool.

The keywords for spring and summer are Soften, Energize and Excite. As we saw in my last post colours are predominantly ash grey or black with vibrant injections of bright colour. These colours are being described by words such as airy, waxy and silky. The materials and fabric you choose for your soft furnishings will embrace these keywords so look for curtain materials online such as voile, silk, wool and organza. The natural materials such as wool can be used with beautifully designed floor rugs which will also help to ground your chosen colours.

When trying to re-balance the environmental issues regarding new products we'll need to consider energy consumption, disposal, waste materials and renewable fibres. Interior design is not purely about aesthetics but is about embracing the content and thinking about the style of your interior, questioning where and how products are manufactured, how you'll dispose of them and whether they'll help to lower your carbon footprint.

There's a lot to think about this year and as always interior designers are at the forefront of what's available on the market and how products and materials can be translated into our lives effectively.

Image:belle maison

Faux Fur Rugs are Right On-Trend This Season

 If you want to be right up to date with the latest interior design ideas then you need rugs – in every room! Not just any old rug will do, the look is all about keeping things in balance along with remembering that although big is beautiful it can overwhelm a room and make it look smaller than it is in reality – sometimes less really is more, so it's worth bearing this in mind with your choice of rugs.

A popular choice for using faux fur fabric is with area rugs - usually the larger the better in this context. Yet there is something so welcoming about a faux fur rug to keep your feet nice and toasty during colder months! White fur is very on trend and is probably one of the easiest and flexible of all colours - in simple white it is far less about adding colour or pattern; it is all about the added texture and warmth which can be used successfully in almost any decorating style. Contemporary monochrome schemes can be given more warmth with a zebra print rug or try a patchwork brown for rustic décor.

Image: Belle Maison

laminating fabric

I have this great little upholstered settee that I have been wanting to use as seating @ our dining table for a few years but can't come to terms with investing in the fabric and the re- upholstery knowing that I have kids that spill five times a day. I have known that one could have fabric laminated but just hadn't taken the time to do the research. Then I came across the above in Southern Living where the homeowner had her ottoman fabric laminated by Custom Laminations. I was so excited to have a source right @ my finger tips that I had to share. I love the concept of not having to sacrifice style for kids. Has anybody ever tried this and how does the process stand up?

Kim Zimmerman used custom lamination for the below kitchen banquette. I also love the below living room pace featured in the Nov '08 Cottage Living. Got to love a good paisley.

{second photo via Peak of Chic}

Did someone say stripes?

I saw this over at Veranda House and it just stuck with me. I think mostly its the fabulous blue and white fabric although the clincher for me is definitely the stripes. My poor Luke has striped shirts, t-shirts and knits galore, I just can't get enough of it! Kellie xx