PATTERN SPY: BIRDS ON THE BRAIN

Who doesn't like a pretty little bird motif? Sarah from Smitten Studio here to present my Pattern Spy series! Today I've pulled together some delicate winged beauties shown in fashion, an interior, and an event. These guys make me want to live in that shirt, sleep in that room, and get married all over again. Enjoy!

While they can poke fun at a bird motif, when done right I can't help but swoon.

*shirt at anthropologie (as well as my closet),  wallpaper from Hygge & West designed by Julia Rothman, and paper birds via this Once Wed tutorial and wedding inspiration post shot by Jose Villa

BLUE + WHITE FLORALS: GRANDMA OR GLAMOUR?

The combination of blue and white - especially come summer time - is nothing new. But this year it seems to be popping up even more, and in all sorts of patterns and trends. The most recent manifestation being of the granny-inspired variety...

Whenever I see blue and white florals, I instantly think of grandma's fine china. It's classic, but is it fresh? Can we make it modern and glamorous? I'm beginning to think it might be possible! With a heavy dose of white combined with clean lines to counteract the antiquated pattern, it could work. Would you try this trend?

*sources: bedroom via designspiration on pinterest, mirror and chaise at house of hackney dalton rose collection, lingere at topshop, bowl by maria kristofferson, paul & joe t-shirt, pyne hollyhock print at schumacher

ON THE HUNT: MARBLEIZED TEXTILES

I'm loving the dreamy effect these marbleized textiles have in two very different bedrooms...


With one suite composed withe elements of unabashed glamour and the other in quiet neutral modernism, the pattern works perfectly in both. Consider me sold (and hunting for resources!).

*rooms via interiors magazine and trad home

INTERIORS TO INSPIRE: SURPRISINGLY NONTRADITIONAL

Let me just start off this post by admitting that I don't speak a word of French. (I promise this will be relevant before you are finished reading!) So, when I was flipping through the Côté Maison site yesterday and stumbled across these provocative images, I assumed I was looking at one big eclectic home...

"Perfect!" I thought to myself, "I'll use this space for my coco+kelley post!" Well, since Côté Maison is in French I didn't realize I was actually reading about several homes - not just one. But I really, really wanted it to be the same home...

Because these rooms are amazing! (like Mary McDonald's dressing room, wearing a flame stitch wall covering, designed by her, for Osborne & Little).

And, it seems viable for all this color to be under one roof, based on bold pattern-play running rampant. So, indulge with me in this fantasy, won't you?

And let's pretend that our nontraditional pied-à-terre be in Paris... with a view of course.

Now some (loose) guidelines to inspire our own room...

Using a French settee as our classical proportion, we flank it with tall luxurious lamps, then add an amazing outspoken coffee table, just to mix things up. The bright rug offers a (much needed) dose of color and pattern, while a Gala chair introduces unexpected texture.

Layer on tons of throw pillows in wild prints and patterns, and, voila! Your own crazy little pied-à-terre is ready for serious lounging and champagne sipping.

xoxo

-Julie

POWER (PATTERN) PLAY

Have you ever found a pattern you loved but thought - there's no possible way I could use this. It's just way too busy to put in my home...

Well, my friends, this is how you do it and get away with it! Keep it simple. If you're going to do this on a traditional sofa, make it a very straight lined mid-century modern style. I love the idea of the bench seats though - the fabric almost appears to float, and all the white helps keep things light!

The fact that the pattern is small scale helps too - the further away you are, the more the pattern blends into a solid. And, did you notice how symmetrical each cushion is? They're exactly the same, helping give order to what could be total visual chaos. That's the work of a professional!  I'm also loving the color punches added to the rest of the room - especially the ceiling! Very well played.

*interior design by alexandra angle

THE MAR A MAR COLLECTION

I am a huge fan of the bold, worldly patterned rugs at Decorative Carpets, and am loving their latest collection - Mar a Mar...

Such a variety of influences here, I don't know which would be my first pick! Aqua zig zags? Blue deco fans? Red medallions? If you've never browsed through their site, I recommend it - if nothing else some major pattern and color inspiration awaits!

I LOVE...

The painterly + modern twist in these pillows inspired by classic designs like doily patterns...

Mexican tiles...

and Aztec rugs...

All by artist Leah Duncan and available in her Etsy shop. (PS - her website is full of lots of other inspired goodness, so check it out!)

WAKEUP CALL

Let's start our week off with a little jolt of interior inspiration to get the heart pumping, shall we...?



Awake yet?? If these layers of pattern and detail don't get you up on a Monday, I don't know what will!

*rooms via lonny mag, albert hadley, carla lane, rachel whiting, gary spain

THE CHARMING STYLE OF TILE

One gorgeous feature of some of my favorite kitchens is the use of beautifully patterned tile. While many home dwellers are constantly ripping out floors like these in favor of a more modern aesthetic, I happen to find them quite charming and warm...

I love how the pattern lends to a little color and enhances the gothic qualities of this sweet but dramatic dining nook by Jon Vaccari...

Designer Shannon Bowers let the beautiful palette of these reclaimed French tiles dictate the design of the entire kitchen (which you can see more of right here). And on the right? A fresh space by Tom Scheerer where modern updates meet Scandinavian design in the tile and chairs.

I think this kitchen from Nuevo Estilo might be my favorite though. It seems to strike the perfect balance of new and old to create a cozy, light-filled space.

Have any of you chosen to work with or highlight older tiles in your own kitchen?

Bright On!

Maybe it's the grey Seattle skies, or the fact that the boy and I just booked our trip to Mexico this spring, but I'm craving a little color and pattern injection in my life...
All you need is one little kick to jumpstart the energy (like those adorable calling cards!). The options are endless! And speaking of vacations... today's my boy's birthday so we're off to enjoy the day together! See you tomorrow luvies!

*room by jamie drake, dress by tracy reese, calling card at iomoi, rug via rosenberry rooms, pillow at burke decor, bag by cynthia vincent

Design Trend: Off The Grid

With the resurgence of plaid comes a new trend - the always fresh and architectural grid pattern. A fantastic alternative to those who don't want to get too traditional or country with their accent pieces, the grid pattern gives that same classic structure with a clean, modern and somewhat masculine feel.
I love how chic the grid can be in luxurious velvet fabric and gorgeously gilded pieces. Or, you can opt for something a little less heavy with accents like this copper vase, personalized stationery, or pillows. It's the perfect way to tone down an overly feminine space, or add simple pattern to any design.

*rooms via bamo and tom scheerer

Freshening Up

While white spaces are still very much calling my name, I find myself being more and more attracted to those rooms that take advantage of the fresh palette to inject layers of color and pattern...
To me, these spaces refresh and calm all at once - even with layers of pattern, they allow for breathing room and an energizing atmosphere!

*images via {this is glamorous}, tobi fairley, canadian house&home, domino,

India In Black+White

With all the rich color that comes from eastern cultures like Morocco and India, there's something to be said for a little inspiration in black and white...
I find these selections refreshing and bold in a way that's not too overpowering, not to mention I love the way that the patterns really take center stage.

*wallpaper by julien macdonald, bedding by amy butler, interior for aussie vogue living, via apartment therapy

The Need For Tweed

I love tweed. Well, not real tweed (I mean, unless it's Chanel...) but more like the idea of the tweed-like pattern as expressed in the following pieces...
So so summery, yes?? YES! Love the blue. Love the sunglasses (have no idea where they're from, so don't even ask because they're probably vintage!). But the skirt and top are both Lina Rennell and very available.
Still in love with these pillows from Henry Road that I've been coveting for years now. Perhaps they will be a purchase for the new condo?
A skirt to wear into early fall for sure... this one is from Urban.

Room of the Week 9.18

A fantasy of white on white, this room via Skona Hem is an amazing example of texture and pattern using a single shade. Like a modern day ice palace, what should feel like an incredibly sterile space becomes intriguing with all these elements adding depth and interest. Is it livable? I'm not sure. Do I love it? Absolutely. I'd take the chandelier and chaise in an instant! And maybe some artwork too...

To Toile, Or Not to Toile?

Usually my answer would be an emphatic "no" to toile... but I kinda love the pop of orange in this otherwise simple bedroom....

A splash of tradition in the wallpaper, bedside table and pillow cases is balanced by the clean lines of the bedframe, bare wood floors, and modern lamp. I think I could actually love this!

room via skona hem