ENCHANTING INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE - Blog

Wonderful Wallpaper

Fri, 17 Aug 2018 17:38:15 GMT

As today's interior design trends come and go, they also reflect the past and the present. One of the most loved and hated trends is wallpaper.

There was a time, in the past, when most wallpapers consisted of florals, stripes or toile sceneries. But, today's wallpapers have change the game! Not only can you still get a traditional print, you can also get anything from faux bricks to shimmering metallics. In the United States, styles are unique to each territory and/or state, however, transitional and contemporary styles have reached every boarder.

There was a time when you would walk into someone’s house and one or more rooms would have wall-to-wall wallpaper. Not only was it a busy print but also sometimes just way too much of it. Nowadays, the prints have become more tame and beautiful while they can be used wall-to-wall or simply to accent or highlight a particular wall.

Applying wallpaper can be no easy task! The ideal surface will be a freshly painted wall, however, that’s rarely the case. First, you must start with a smooth clean surface. This sometimes requires you to sand (with sandpaper) any imperfections in the walls or patch up any holes that maybe there. If you’re in an older home sometimes washing the wall surfaces with a gentle soap and water is required. Once you allow the walls to dry, you can now begin the process. Applying a primer is always ideal. This gives you the clean surface that you require. You can find wallpapers that are self adhesive (this simply means that the glue is already attached to the wall paper), but normally they do not come with this feature. As an interior designer, I always suggest that you hire a professional to install your wallpaper. Not only is it time-consuming, but it requires a very steady hand and a very keen eye.

With so many diffent wallpapers to choose from, it’s exciting to know that you can change the texture, color & feel of a space or singular wall with glue, paper (or vinyl) & a professional installer...lol.

We’ve come a long way in the world of wallpaper… And the future has yet to unroll itself!

Just Jute

Sat, 11 Jul 2015 00:43:11 GMT

As interior styles come and go, one style has stuck around for a while… natural fibers. Cotton has always been a very popular and durable textile however nowadays you are seeing more rustic fabrics and trends such as jute and burlap. What is the obsession with such a rough textile? Not only is it a messy fiber to deal with but is also kind of rough to the touch!

Those who choose to use it are going for the look more than the comfort factor. The look that jute or burlap gives fits right in with the rustic, natural, refurbished look that is hot in today's trends.

What is jute?

Wikipedia states that jute is "a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. "Jute" is the name of the plant or fiber that is used to make burlap, Hessian or gunny cloth.

Jute is one of the most affordable natural fibers and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses of vegetable fibers. Jute fibers are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose and lignin. It falls into the bast fiber category along with kenaf, industrial hemp, flax (linen), ramie, etc. The industrial term for jute fiber is raw jute. The fibers are off-white to brown, and 1–4 metres (3–13 feet) long. Jute is also called "the golden fiber" for its color and high cash value."

What is burlap?

Wikipedia states that burlap is "a woven fabric usually made from skin of the jute plant or sisal fibers, or may be combined with other vegetable fibers to make rope, nets, and similar products.

Hessian, a dense woven fabric, has been historically produced as a coarse fabric, but more recently it is being used in a refined state known simply as jute as an eco-friendly material for bags, rugs, and other products.

The name "burlap" appears to be of unknown origin, although the word could mean "coarse piece of cloth". The name "hessian" is attributed to the use of the fabric, initially, as part of the uniform of soldiers from the German state of Hesse who were called "Hessians"."

Sisal is also

Rustic Renditions

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 17:06:56 GMT

Credits: Fixer-Upper on HGTV

So a new trend, that is not so new, centers around pieces that look old and antique. This new trend is being called rustic or country. If you've ever seen the show Fixer-Upper, than you know the style that I am speaking of. The host likes to use a mix of old antique furnishings and art with rustic flare that creates a space that is inviting and warm without being overly traditional.

Credits: Fixer-Upper on HGTV

One of my new clients is completely obsessed with the show. She wants to mix medals, antique finishings, and fabrics that display or have a farmhouse quality. I have come to love this design style, as it mixes in my own unique talents of creativity and out of the box design skills that you would not normally use in a Southern traditional style home.

By using reclaimed wood, old metal planks, pipe legs and pipe fittings you can create a unique and homey atmosphere that stays true to Southern charm while adding personality to any space.

Credits: Fixer-Upper on HGTV

While I must admit, as an interior designer, I do not have a particular style that I prefer over another. I love to mix elements from every design style that I have encountered. This particular style creates character, yet is very simplistic and timeless which makes it a great style for not only residential but for commercial spaces as well.

Credits: Fixer-Upper on HGTV