Hand-Painted Charm

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

One of the projects we’ve been working is the interior design for a custom Mediterranean style new construction. We just finished designing the kitchen and we’re now working on the outside kitchen, loggia and pool water line. Now, I know I always talk about something being “one of my all time favorites” but I have to add another item to the list- hand painted tiles. Oh how I love the charm and elegance of a hand-painted tile. Nothing brings to life a backsplash or outdoor area like a hand-painted tile. I adore that each piece has it’s own character, color and imperfections, like little pieces of artwork. The slight nuances and differences in each piece adds to it’s charm and appeal.

This is the one we used in the Mediterranean Kitchen. I cannot wait until they come in! We had a luscious granite slab of cool greens and blues. The island was painted this pretty pale green and accented by dark green glazing. To contrast, we found this lovely hand painted tile with a pale yellow background, with cream and olive green highlights.

Here are a few options we’re playing with for the outdoor kitchen. We’re always attempting to blend modern and classic elements to give our homeowner a timeless look, and we’ve added some glass to the waterline to give it a modern touch. Which palette do you prefer? I’m so torn, I could easily live with both.

Here are a few others that I just fell in love with and will have to find a home for in our next new construction.

In the project below, we had a very pretty vestibule before the master bedroom entry just yearning for details. The flooring into this room were wood floors, and we thought this would be the perfect place for a gorgeous hand-painted tile!

Custom Residence by Amitha Verma Interior Design

Posted in Uncategorized, bathroom, library, outdoor living, tiles | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Crazy for Color Series, Part II: Olive and gold

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

Warm and inviting and luxuriously rich – olive is one of the prettiest shades in the interiors palette. The effect of a deep olive wall, or an entire room painted in olive, is undeniably dramatic and utterly charming. I love the way the dark walls in this room contrast with the pale floor and the deep gold upholstery. The gorgeous chairs are Louis XV – would you have guessed that they were bought at a Paris flea market?!

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)

Olive and gold is actually one combination that works really beautifully in most settings. Even with a reversal of the palette – pale walls and deep olive furnishings – the look is just as sumptuous.

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)

I love to use olive for wood paneling in many of the homes I design; it makes a nice alternative to simply painting the cabinetry white. In this beautiful double-story library, we created a built-in space for a computer and books in a delicate green that looks so pretty with the warm-toned wooden floor. In contrast, we used a rich gold-hued cream color for the ceiling design that popped against all the lovely green!

By Amitha Verma Interior Design

Green is also a shade that shows up a lot in homes that are decorated in the French country style, especially in the kitchen. I love the combination of olive, cream and gold with pine. See how the sunny yellow flowers and earthenware brighten up the more subdued green and create a fresh, rustic look – so cozy!

(Source: houzz.com)

And if olive walls and paneling equal a little too much green for your taste, try incorporating it into your décor with olive accents and upholstery. See how a deep green armchair looks perfect in a neutral living room? I love that organic side table with the branches, so Rococo!

(Source: Elle Decor, May 2011)

Posted in Uncategorized, antiques, ceilings, chairs/sofas, greatroom, kitchen, library, livingroom | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment