Amitha Verma » library

Hand-Painted Charm

Past & Present — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:46:53 +0000

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

Crazy for Color Series, Part II: Olive and gold

Past & Present — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:54:38 +0000

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)

The Classic Roman Shade

Past & Present — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 08:31:36 +0000

While there are many, many types of window treatments to choose from, some the most popular styles have actually been around for centuries and remain classics. One of my favorite treatments is the classic Roman Shade.

Why do they call it a ‘Roman Shade’? One theory is that the style and mechanism of the Roman Shade is the same as that of the retractable shade used outside of the Coliseum in Rome. Another theory is the Roman Shade was first invented in Rome out of necessity. Ancient Rome was a design Mecca, with many awe-inspiring wonders being built – the Coliseum, the Pantheon, numerous Basilicas. Homeowners of the time period needed a window covering to prevent dust from coming in. At first, damp cloths were used to cover the windows until design took over, and window coverings started to be made using luxurious fabrics and textiles.

Roman shades are still a very classic way to cover a window, and add a design statement! I love how you can use a gorgeous fabric, or even a simple fabric and a bit of detail to create a classic, timeless look.

A lovely French inspired design by Suzanne Kassler (via)

I love this modern geometric print used in the Roman Shade over the sink. This is a fantastic use of a modern design in Louis XV inspired room. The curves and organic shapes are so perfectly in tune with the style that was in vogue during that time period!

House Beautiful. Jan/Feb 2011

A Roman Shade is a GREAT window covering for a kitchen window. You can keep it up so you don’t have to worry about water ,(this window doesn’t usually need privacy) sneak a little softness into the kitchen, and add a pop of color and texture!

House Beautiful March 2011

Gorgeous!! This Roman Shade is the perfect addition without looking too ‘busy’. One of my own personal favorite design tricks is to add a contrasting border or stripe into a solid panel to create a classic look. I especially love the color of the bookshelves – who says cabinets must be white?

Custom window coverings and draperies, and fabric available through designers, In Houston, contact Amitha Verma Interior Design.

Lovely Home Libraries

Past & Present — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:57:57 +0000

Libraries are one of my most favorite rooms in a house, maybe even more than the kitchen. Once reserved only for nobility, these rooms were often the meeting places for the great thinkers of the past. Books were a treasure and treated as such. With the iPad and Kindle, maybe books and libraries will become a thing of the past? That would be a tragedy, as there is nothing like the feeling of a crisp page in a new book. I love buying, gifting, receiving and reading books, but often run into the problem of where to put them.

One of my favorite things to do when designing a study or a family room, is to create a library type ambiance. I do this by adding built in bookshelves along the perimeter walls of a room. This gives the homeowner a chance to display their prized treasures, and collections of books.

by Amitha Verma Interior Design

This was a great double story library. If you are able to do so, take advantage of a two story library. The built in credenza was outfitted for a computer. We left space on the left and right for books and objects of interest. The second floor of the house accessed the second floor of the library. We designed bookcases up there for the kids to line with their books.

by Amitha Verma Interior Design

Another double story library. We used beautiful hand- scraped beams in the ceiling. We used glass shelves on this wall to showcase the homeowner’s blown art collection. This is a more traditional walnut colored stained paneling.

DecorPad (via)

I love using ladders in my libraries. The designer in this photo included a rolling ladder to access the bookshelves. One day when my baby boys are older, I will surely add a rolling ladder to our library room!

Architectural Digest Photo (via)

This is a beautifully appointed great room designed by Alexa Hampton. She states, she carefully planned the design of the bookshelves to fit into the ceiling design. The combined bookshelves and coffered ceiling give a library effect to this great room.

Architectural Digest Photo (via)

This elegant room is a combined library and living room. And in an apartment, no less! The designer was able to efficiently utilize this room to create a reading nook, storage for book, and a cozy sitting area.