Seat of Style

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

Humble though it may sound, the simple garden stool has made quite a place for itself in the homes of the design-savvy. In fact, many of these so called ‘garden’ seats are anything but simple, and they are certainly not all relegated to the outdoors! So many of these stools are now seen in fancy finishes, beautiful designs and eye-catching colors, often making them a focal point of the space they inhabit, rather than simply an extra seating solution.

(Source: Elle Decor)

Some of the garden stools I have come across have been so pretty, I wonder if anyone could actually bring themselves to sit on them! I often see gorgeous ceramic stools which originate from China but which work very well within French-style interiors – whether in an outdoor setting or an indoor one. Since many French styles are inspired by Asian design, the blend usually works really well. See how well these ceramic stools match in a semi-formal veranda setting?

(Source: House Beautiful)

I’m a big fan of versatile pieces, and I love how these stools look just as good inside the home too. I like how these Chinese stone stools look just right in this neutral toned entry hall. The shape and form remind me of the beautiful pottery I saw on my last antique-hunting trip to France, especially the pretty confit jars that are so popular over there.

(Source: House Beautiful)

When stools are this ornamental, it seems a shame to use them just as extra seats. They make very pretty and unusual side tables too, and with such a range of designs and artwork, they can hold their own even in formal rooms. Or how about a single carved stool next to your favorite easy chair to hold your book and a miniature vase of flowers?

(Source: House Beautiful)

Posted in Details, chairs/sofas, greatroom, livingroom, outdoor living | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dhurries to Desire…

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

One of my all-time favorite floor coverings is the dhurrie, a kind of woven rug that is made out of natural fibers like wool, cotton, jute or silk. Though dhurries originate from India, they have been used in such widespread ways and contexts that the product has evolved from a fairly basic, ethnic floor mat to an uber-sophisticated contemporary floor treatment.

I really love the idea of using dhurries for beach houses – they have a fabulous casual feel to them, especially in the striped design that they most commonly feature. Remember the film Something’s Gotta Give with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton? So many design lovers have blogged about the beach house in that film, when watching the film, I just fell in love with the family room, with its gorgeous giant dhurrie!

(Source: Hooked on Houses)

They say the set design for that room was actually inspired by a Hamptons house decorated by Victoria Hagan. The original room also features an oversize dhurrie and dramatic deep blue sofas. Hagan apparently said, “Add a blue striped dhurrie and you are guaranteed a happy room.” I have to admit, the effect is cheerful and inviting, and isn’t that the whole purpose of a dhurrie – to encourage people to have a seat on the floor?

(Source: Elle Decor)

I also think dhurries work great in nurseries and kids’ rooms. Even though I usually source them from antique stock, you can have custom dhurries made to match your color scheme. How perfect does this sky blue and ivory dhurrie look in this charmingly old-fashioned baby boy’s nursery? I think I’m going to get one of these for my boys’ room, elegant, classic and durable!

(Source: Veranda)

Dhurries are definitely a design classic, and the great thing about them is that they can be surprisingly versatile. Before you decide they are only good for casual spaces and playrooms, consider the living room below. The gorgeous custom dhurrie in a pale silk blends perfectly with the eighteenth century French chairs, ornate mirror and elegant column lamps.

(Source: Veranda)

Convinced yet? Why not experiment with a dhurrie in your own home and discover how practical and versatile these rugs can really be…

Posted in Uncategorized, greatroom, kitchen, livingroom, nursery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment