Livin’ in a Material World…

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

And I am definitely a material girl – that is, I love gorgeous fabrics! A rich, dramatic print can transform a room, brightening up a pale palette, injecting life and color, and drawing the eye to focal pieces within the space. I adore upholstering sofas or chairs in an unexpectedly vibrant print to add contrast in a room of neutrals, or experimenting with bold curtains or bedlinen. And these days I’m loving the kind of prints and patterns that are just screaming out to be noticed!

(Source: Tulu Textiles)

The fabrics on the bed above come from a design house called Tulu, which specializes in bold, bright prints and hues. So many of these beautiful prints are inspiring me these days. I especially like the rich shades they use. Used against a crisp white background, the colors ‘pop’ even more, creating a really spectacular effect.

(Source: Tulu Textiles)

One of the other companies I’m really loving right now is Les Indiennes, which produces a line inspired by the colors and shapes of India.

(Source: Les Indiennes)

The great thing about prints like these is that they can really infuse a room with personality, even one with a simple, rustic décor. I’ve fallen for the rich, saturated hues, the beautiful patterns, and the pretty linen-like backgrounds.

(Source: Les Indiennes)

I love the patterns too – especially the paisley prints, which are so reminiscent of traditional Indian designs. Even in the simplest of color combinations, they look so elegant!

(Source: Les Indiennes)

Posted in Details, Wallcovering, bathroom, bedroom, dining room, fabric, greatroom, kitchen, window treatments | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Chairs With Flair

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe famously said: “A chair is a very difficult object. A skyscraper is almost easier.”

I’m not entirely convinced by his reasoning, but there’s no denying the importance of chairs in our interior design spaces. They happen to be one of the most functional and practical pieces – and you know this once you have spent an evening sitting in an uncomfortable chair – and yet are often, in themselves, objects of art and beauty.

(Source: Veranda, May/June 2011)

Given my love for all things inspired by French history, I have a particular love for the elegant, sophisticated chairs that characterize European furniture styles, especially those from the Louis XVI period. One of my favorites is the classic Sheraton chair, a neoclassical design that is known for its straight lines, and its delicate and light construction.

(Source: Elle Decor)

The style was actually named after an Englishman, a cabinet maker and furniture designer called Thomas Sheraton. Although he was not the only designer producing chairs in this style during the eighteenth century, his name became synonymous with the design and he was remembered for being one of the few who shaped furniture trends during a period of innovation and experimentation. I often get asked if I only have a love for French furniture and imagine that- I love something aside from French antiques!

(Source: Country Living)

I always believe that one of the marks of a classic design is its relevance to modern spaces, and I love how the Sheraton chair can still hold its own in any space-traditional or modern. It’s simple yet elegant lines are perfect for any foyer, dining room or even bedroom, and I love it equally well in an original dark wood or with an artfully aged paint finish.

(Source: Home Design @ Martha Stewart)

Sometimes this is all it takes to make a real design statement – a classic style, shown off to perfection. Don’t you agree?

Posted in Details, antiques, chairs/sofas, dining room | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment