(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)

Amitha Verma Interior Design

The counter set the tone for the rest of the décor. I designed a palette of rich golds and pale creamy tones to complement the red, and had a custom Louis XV-inspired cabinet made especially for the room. The hardware was so much fun to select – we were like kids in a candy store! Eventually we settled on this beautiful mismatched antique brass hardware with a natural patina.

Amitha Verma Interior Design

We decided to wainscot the wall to get in a little more stonework and used this amazing border from Walker Zanger with our vulcan red onyx tones and deep gray coloring. It was so decadent, it really fit in with our overall look. On the walls we worked with Segreto Finishes to apply venetian plaster, and this ever-so-slight motif was sprinkled on top of the plaster. Finally, I picked a really subtle Rose Tarlow print for the small window covering, something that would blend in rather than detract from the dramatic red. And here’s the finished effect!

Amitha Verma Interior Design

It’s funny how often the same question comes up; it seems that is people’s main concern when it comes to experimenting with darker wall colors. Which is a shame, because many times I feel the introduction of a dark shade can add a real element of drama, elegance or sophistication to a space. As to whether it makes the room look smaller – well the answer to that is, it depends on the room. Large rooms can afford to be painted in dark colors; it creates a feeling of richness, of enveloping coziness. This can be really useful in an overly large reception space or foyer.

(Source: House Beautiful)

In a smaller room, a dark color can still work well when paired with the right furniture. Too many pieces, and the room starts to feel cluttered and cave-like. Instead, a few simple, tailored items can contrast beautifully with a dark wall paint and make a real impact.

(Source: Veranda)

I love the effect of crisp ivory pieces like the classic Louis XIV chair in the picture below against a deep charcoal wall. With all the furniture and furnishings in such a clean, fresh shade, the walls look elegant rather than overpowering.

(Source: House Beautiful)

Of course, the less furniture you have in the room, the greater the impact. How perfect is this deep, dark chocolate shade in an entrance hallway that boasts only a hot pink statement sofa and a few pieces on the wall?

(Source: House Beautiful)

If you like the idea of creating a space with dark walls, but are not sure if you could live with it in your main areas of rest and play, how about experimenting in a powder room?

(Source: Windsor Smith Room in a Box)

A dark color like black or navy blue is perfect for creating instant drama in that small space, and if you contrast the color with a marble sink and shiny fixtures in gold or polished nickel, you’re sure to love the look!

Myth #1: Gray is depressing

When people say to me, “Oh, I could never live with a gray room… it would be too depressing,” I just want to prove them wrong. Gray can be light, playful, ethereal – it all depends on the way it is used. Take a look at this gorgeous room which makes use of lots of natural light and several different shades of gray.

(Source: Veranda)

I love the elegance of the draperies, the classic charm of the Louis XIV chairs, and the sheer drama of the chinoiserie screen in pewter and ivory. Depressing? Not even a tiny bit!

Myth #2: Gray looks cold and uninviting

It’s not in the spectrum of conventional warm colors, true, but gray doesn’t have to look cold. I came across this darling little window seat dressed with very cozy looking – and extremely inviting – cushions in shades of steel gray. A little bit of tufting, texture, rich fabrics and clever setting, and you have a cozy little nook that is anything but cold.

(Source: House Beautiful)

Myth #3: Gray looks dingy

It’s a common misconception that gray walls look old or tired, but I’ve found that nothing could be further from the truth. Case in point: this ultra-fresh, sleek-looking bathroom with classy gray limestone walls. Set against the aged granite floor, and complemented by simple monochromatic paintings, the overall look is modern and bright.

(Source: House Beautiful)

Myth #4: Gray is boring

Why is it that people insist gray is a ‘boring’ color? I love the idea of using gray in a foyer to create a sense of elegance; in a bathroom to enhance light and space; in a bedroom to keep the ambience calm and serene. I love this quirky, cozy bedroom with its lush dove gray taffeta curtains.

(Source: Elle Decor)

With the fresh white bedding, gilt French mirror and vase full of cherry blossoms, the effect is so charming. No one would dare to call this bedroom boring!

Myth #5: Gray doesn’t make a statement

Some of our clients are used to seeing bold colors in other people’s homes, and they assume you would have to paint a wall deep red or rich blue or vivid green to really make a design statement. The truth is, gray can be dramatic too! It all depends what you contrast in with. In this foyer, the white sconces and tulips really stand out against a deep gray background, and the simplicity of the French console and the mirror help to emphasize the play of color.

(Source: Veranda)

So – are you convinced yet of the merits of gray? I hope I’ve gone some way towards showing you the beauty and versatility of this great shade. Till next time…

Bold and luxurious and almost indecently decadent, gold has a real wow factor to it when used in interiors. We’re not talking tacky glittery gold here, but gorgeous textured gold surfaces, dull gold finishes, and soft gold prints. It’s just a little bit showy but still oh-so-elegant…

(Source: Eclectic Revisited)

The foyer above is an extreme example of the use of gold, but I still love how the textured gold walls look, especially with the mirrored console. Such richness and depth! For my Houston interior design clients though, I tend to create more subtle gold tones, like in this kitchen I worked on last year. The stone in the kitchen backsplash had a lovely gold hue. See how the overall look is very ‘gold’ though the surfaces are mostly a warm cream color, and the extra glow is created with clever lighting?

Amitha Verma Designs

The wonderful thing about gold is how luxurious it looks. I adore using gold in the bedroom, for a truly ‘Parisian boudoir’ feel. Wouldn’t this bed heaped with gold cushions just make any girl feel like a queen?

(Source: French Interiors)

I often find that a subtly decorated space is instantly glamorized by the addition of touches of gold. This powder room I designed for a client was mostly decorated in shades of gray and blue, but the addition of a gold carved antique mirror really added a touch of style, I felt. I really love how the gold is echoed in the sheeny scrollwork of the faux finish on the walls too, and in the accents of the moldings on the vanity!

Amitha Verma Designs

In fact, gold mirrors and gold chandeliers are perfect accessories for just about any space – brightening up a foyer, finishing off a formal drawing room, even adding a touch of decadence to a bathroom. What do you think?

(Source: Veranda)

As an interior designer, people love to ask, what are some of my favorite paint colors?  Selecting paint is one of the many things we do to create beautiful interiors in our projects. Here are a few of our faves:

Revere Pewter-Benjamin Moore

We used this in a boy’s room to create a classic look that would “grow up” with our young client.

Joa’s White-Farrow & Ball

A Beautiful off-white without the  green undertones that we tend to see in creams. We used this on a piece of custom furniture and it turned out so lovely!

Lamp Room Gray-Farrow & Ball

I could paint everything this color…

Plummett- Farrow & Ball

A new color for 2011, I cannot wait to use this one on an upcoming project!

Clay Beige-Benjamin Moore

A beautiful grayish beige.

Harbour Gray-Benjamin Moore

A sophisticated gray with a hint of blue, inspired by documented colors used in 18th and 19th century architecture- and you know me, I love furniture and the colors from the 18th century!

Moderate White-Sherwin Williams

A very pretty neutral…

Mediterranean-Sherwin Williams

I love using this on shutters for exteriors.

Paint is one of the best ways to quickly and completely transform a room. So if you’re looking for a quick change, pick up a gallon of paint and have fun with it!

Cheers,

Amitha

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.