Slipcovers for Your Walls

There were plenty of Showrooms that had lots of style at this year’s spring High Point Market. I couldn’t capture all of them because there are so many and just so many hours in the day for visiting them. I’m showcasing the ones that stood out using eye-catching wallpaper and backdrops that set the stage for their furnishings.

I’m always happy to see another female, family owned business take center stage. Lucy is the furniture designer and her sister, Holly, helps manage Lucy Smith, custom metal furnishings made in Anniston, Alabama, good ole’ USA. Kudos ladies to a great High Point showing!

Lucy Smith in her showroom. Like the wallpaper and LOVE her slide under chair table.

Worlds Away Showroom - color block accent walls with 3-d illusion vignettes

Elaine Smith - Venetian vignette - clever 3-d illusion

Tozai - Makes dripping paint decorative - darn right cool

Global Views - yellow room with mirrored wall and concave features

Global Views - mirrored wall with practical shelf inserts

Global Views - dark gray walls make these coral, white and black with silver colors pop with sophisticated-hip elegance

Finally a theme that I thought was totally unique was Cyan’s chicken coop comparing your home to your coop. Who would have thought fake grass could be fashionable? What can I say, I love chickens and yes, I used to raise them in my backyard. At one point, we turned the family play gym into our chicken coop. It was the perfect a-frame structure. I tended little cute chicks to full grown chickens there with fond memories.

Cyan - Carries the Coop theme throughout - totally unique + I love chickens

More inspirations to come….

 – Ashley

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Have you got spring decorating fever?  Ready to make a change, but not sure what or how?  In the April issue of House Beautiful, Susanna Salk said when talking about her new book, Be Your Own Decorator, (click on the book name to see the you tube trailer)  “Designing our homes is one of the few creative ventures where we can-and should-draw ideas from the pros without fear we’ll be branded a plagiarist… I want you to be inspired rather than intimidated by my most favorite rooms from some of the best designers and tastemakers around.”  She continues, “Unlike many artists in other mediums, interior designers never hoard their secrets.  They are a gloriously generous bunch, much more concerned with making the world a more beautiful and livable place than worrying about whose idea it was to put that vase over there.”

So be inspired and not intimidated. Here are a few tips from designers to get you started.

When it comes to collections, adopt a museum approach.  Gather all of the collection together in one spot.  A large grouping has more impact than lots of small pieces spread throughout the home.  John Loecke, designer

Page Price's collection of English ironstone and Red Cliff pottery-Decorating Shortcuts

Bigger is better.  One large piece of art or mirror creates a “Wow!” factor in a room.                   Donna Talley, stylist

Designer Emily Summers' CA home-Architectural Digest-April 2012

Put out fresh accents for a seasonal change.  Whites, seashells, light, airy objects are perfect summer accessories.                                                                                                                                                Jessica Savage, designer

Casart Karen Robertson Collection Oyster Stripe, Karen Robertson pillow and marine-themed art

Throw pillows can make an instant impact in any space.  I’m a big fan of 24″ square pillows.  Look for bright colors and bold graphic patterns to make the biggest statement in your room.            Tobi Fairley, designer

Looks like Kerry Ann Dame and Layla Altman of Pillow Folly are “fighting” over their pillows but you can see there’s so many to choose from you won’t have to fight over them.

Kerry Ann Dame and Layla Altman with their Pillow Folly pillows

A stylist’s trick to a sumptuous bed: layering.  A coverlet; large European shams; crisp ironed pillowcases; folded duvet at the end of the bed; one long pillow (not a bunch of tiny throw pillows).  And don’t forget a bench at the end of the bed.  It’s a must!                                                 Donna Talley, stylist

Suzanne Kasler's Atlanta home, April Architectural Digest

Use wallpaper in an unexpected way.  Paper ceilings.  Your eye travels upward and it’s a nice surprise.                                                                                                                                                                            John Loecke, designer

Casart Custom Ceiling Map

Casart Custom Ceiling Map

If you want even more tips from the experts, head to the May issue of House Beautiful to learn 101 Designer Secrets.

-  Lorre Lei

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Sooooooo simple and easy that we thought we’d let the pictures do the talking.

Check out the many sizes and enticing colors from the Karen Robertson Collection of Solids and Stripes offered by Casart Coverings. These removable, repositionable and reusable stripes are a great option for simple, elegant and classic designing. Check out our stripes featured on One Kings Lane! Sale ends in about 24 hrs!!!

- Lindsey

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