As Ideas Go… It’s A Little Off The Wall

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

So… what comes to your mind when I say – “wallpaper”?

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.

Posted in Uncategorized, Wallcovering, bedroom, dining room, faux paint, foyer, livingroom | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Art, Pray, Love: Ex-Votos as Objets d’Art

by Amitha Verma Interior Design, www.amithaverma.com

Growing up, I was fascinated by a book my Dad used to have in his waiting room, which I used to look at anytime I was at his office. It was devoted to art inspired by the heart. On the cover, I remember, was a beautiful object which I did not recognize but was intrigued by nonetheless.

Later, I found out that the object on the cover was an ex-voto.

An ex-voto is an offering to God in a material form. These objects are given in fulfillment of a vow, or in gratitude or devotion – like a personal thank you note to God. Ex-votos are designed to be placed in a church or chapel where the worshipper seeks grace or wishes to give thanks. In many cases, they are signed and dated, with an explanation of why the giver is offering thanks.

These artistic objects are very personal, but also quite public expressions of faith in God and thanks for blessings received – which makes them really quite fascinating.

A stunning collection of ex-votos, so beautiful and inspiring! (Source: Veranda, Nov 2007)

Ex-votos come in many forms, from candles to paintings and metal objects. My favorites are the heart-inspired ex-votos, which are often made in silver or gold and encrusted with jewels.

French antique silver ex-voto (Source: alhambraantiques.com)

Ex-votos, in all their different forms, were intended not only for the worshipper giving thanks, but also as testimony to later visitors of the received guidance. The ex-votos would often be collected at a shrine, where pilgrims would gather to pray.

Like so many of my inspirations, these pieces too have strong ties with old Europe, as part of a religious tradition. Even today, collections of ex-votos can be seen at famous sites like the church at Montmartre in Paris.

From a design point of view, the ex-voto holds endless possibilities. I love the idea of collecting lots of these beautiful objects, and creating a lovely showcase.

French antique mother-of-pearl, glass and gilt ex-voto. (Source: alhambraantiques.com)

This is the original ex-voto that I had seen on the cover of my Dad’s book, symbolizing a perfect triangle of emotion – faith, love and beauty.

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