As Ideas Go… It’s A Little Off The Wall

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

So… what comes to your mind when I say – “wallpaper”?

Chances are, you’re thinking about old-fashioned, 80s, monstrously-printed wallpapers and cringing.

Forget that, put it out of your mind. Nowadays when I talk about using wallpaper to my local Houston interior design clients, lots of them have the same reaction. But today’s choices are so much more exciting! In fact, when used tastefully, wallpaper has the ability to utterly transform a space into the epitome of chic!

(Source: Ginger & Gold Design Diary)

Stripes or patterns, big or small – there are so many options when it comes to choosing a gorgeous wallpaper for your home. I love how this subtle leaf print wallpaper has been used with a more detailed big leaf print fabric on the Louis XV chair – and how gorgeous is that white console table?!

(Source: Homesick Designs)

Wallpaper often has the effect of making a room look more formal and imposing. A rich stripe always works well in a bedroom or hallway – here, it’s been used in conjunction with a feminine floral print (a combination that always works!) to create a pretty, fresh country bedroom.

(Source: HomeDecoratingTrends.com)

I have to admit, I like using wallpaper to create real interest and drama in more public spaces like the foyer or dining room, where you make more impact. Even in a bedroom, though, the effect is startling. See this beautifully papered bedroom – it just looks like a study in Parisian chic!

(Source: radioiconica.com)

I simply adore the damask pattern wallpapers, especially in rich, metallic shades. Gold, silver, teal, pink, burgundy and pewter – all these colors look fabulous in damask prints. There’s a real air of regality and grandeur about them.

(Source: Best Home Gallery)

I can’t get enough of the utterly beautiful drawing room above – the elegant sofa, the rich looking wallpaper, even the side table with the miniature lamp is gorgeous! Sumptuousness and glamor and elegance all in one… and I’m sure you can’t even remember anymore why you didn’t like wallpaper!

In Houston, contact Amitha Verma Interior Design for fine wallcoverings.

Posted in Uncategorized, Wallcovering, bedroom, dining room, faux paint, foyer, livingroom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ceiling: A Canvas Not to Be Forgotten

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

Think about a ceiling. Did you draw a blank? If so, you aren’t alone. In many of today’s homes, ceilings are given the once over with a coat of white paint and forgotten. This large expanse can really benefit from a thoughtful design eye. A ceiling is a great place to add dimension, layers and a dramatic design into a room.

Historically, ceilings were once the most inspirational areas in churches, palaces and homes. They played out the drama between man and God, and were representative of an inspiring place, the heavens. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling is maybe one of the most famous ceiling in the world. Domes, murals, frescos, plaster friezes and cornices, thick luxurious wood trims, ornate panels of tin and unbelievable amounts of gold leafing create the magnificent design that inspires millions of yearly visitors.

There was a period when ceiling art and decorations in many countries fell out of fashion and they became an almost invisible architectural element. After a dormant hundred years or so, without the attention they deserve, ceilings are once again being dressed in many glorious ways. Some of my most exciting projects involved making the ceiling an incredible work of art.

Ceilings Interior Design by Amitha Verma
Houston Residence, Interior Design by Amitha Verma
Beams
“In the olden days”…beams were actually part of the structural support. These beams lacked the machine finish and were crudely cut and used as supporting material. Nowadays we spend a small fortune to get this authentic, hand hewn distressed look in our projects. A great addition to add coziness and warmth to any room.


Ceilings 2
Houston Residence, Interior Design by Amitha Verma

I LOVE this mixture of herringbone stone layered with the beams. Pecky-cypress was used here to get a more golden tone in the beams.

Ceiling 3

House Beautiful February 2011

Faux Paint
What a unique ceiling treatment! This gingham inspired design was painted on canvas by Silvere Boureau and applied to the ceiling.

Ceiling 4

Fretwork

I just visited this restaurant and loved the idea of using fretwork to add design to the ceiling, it was so gorgeous!

Posted in ceilings, faux paint | Leave a comment