I’ve been working on creating a really rich, elegant space full of beautiful shapes and textures. You can see my plans for the décor in this presentation that I put together for the client before we began.

The furniture has my favorite classic French feel to it – Louis XVI side chairs for dining chairs, and a custom dining table designed by AVID. The table is two-toned, with a painted base and a stained solid hardwood top that will be both durable and hard-wearing. I love the carvings too – they add a touch of grandeur to a functional piece. As for the fabric, we’ve chosen some beautiful prints by my absolute favorite textile manufacturer Pierre Frey. I simply adore the gorgeous colors and designs they produce, and the client and I both fell in love with the deep reds and purple tones in this particular nature-inspired fabric.

The windows are to be dressed simply yet elegantly with drapery panels, and I’ve chosen some lovely custom-painted barstools with Micheal Smith fabric for extra seating. We also went for a simple arrangement of florals that will add some color but not overwhelm the area. But my favorite find has to be the antique secretary, a beautiful piece with gorgeous hardware and amazingly detailed carving. It opens up to reveal several tiny drawers and shelves, which means even though it’s such a classic piece, it’s perfect for storing all those modern accessories like iPhones and keys and the like!

Intricate ceiling designs can be created in a number of ways, using beams, plaster or a coffer design. Exposed beams are great for the French country look, and I like incorporating this element into more casual spaces with high ceilings.

(Source: Designs That Inspire)

I think coffered ceilings look beautiful in larger rooms, and recently created one for a project I’m currently working on. You can see how the design creates depth and adds a layer of visual interest to the room even before it is furnished.

Amitha Verma Designs

Coffering basically refers to a set of sunken panels in the shape of squares, rectangles or octagons in the ceiling. The tradition began in the Loire Valley in France during the early Renaissance – this probably explains why I love it so much! I think even when subtly done, a coffered ceiling works beautifully with French-inspired furniture and elegant textiles.

(Source: House Beautiful)

I often like to take things one step further and introduce intricate designs and patterns into the ceiling as well. My inspiration could come from just about anywhere. Recently I spotted a gorgeous pair of earrings in InStyle magazine that sparked the idea for my next ceiling (pics of that project coming up soon!)

Essentially I just love the idea of introducing more color and style into an element of the space that often gets overlooked. Ceilings deserve to be beautiful too, don’t you think?

Amitha Verma Designs

I’m so thrilled to be working with this new wave of bright shades – it’s so inspiring! My favorites for this season include purple, which looks rich, elegant and super gorgeous in almost any setting. You can even use it in a small space to stunning effect.

(Source: House Beautiful)

Vibrant yellow is back too, as if to hold on to the summer rays even through the colder months. I’m also seeing a resurgence of chartreuse, which is a difficult color to decorate with but which can look really classy if used in the right setting – like in this uber-stylish dining room with its statement walls.

(Source: Elle Decor)

Think that’s as bright as it gets? Think again! Two of the most eye-popping shades in the decorating spectrum are also really in right now – fuchsia and orange. I love how these colors really liven up a living space or bedroom, creating warmth and an element of fun no matter what the style. And if you’re wary of overdoing it, you can always offset these colors with classic white for a really cozy look.

(Source: Decorpad)

More than walls, however, I’m finding that the trend is for painting furniture in these fun, fresh colors. How gorgeous is this orange bookcase when set against a purple wall with a matching custom bed?

(Source: Elle Decor)

I love the effect of brightly colored individual furniture items, they add pops of color to the room and really establish a character of their own rather than being purely functional pieces. These days I’m dying to makeover a bookshelf in bright emerald green lacquer – wish I had one right now to get painting on!

A lot of clients say to me: Oh, but that’s going to be so impractical! What about my kids/pets/husband with his muddy boots??

So here’s my big secret: outdoor fabrics.

There are so many of these fabulous new fabrics on the market that have special stain and water-resist qualities. They’re practical, durable, easy to clean, and they look great – like the uber-stylish cushions in this poolhouse, made from Sunbrella fabric.

(Source: Elle Decor)

The good thing is, I can indulge my love for light colors without worrying about the fabrics getting soiled right away. That’s such a blessing when you’re trying to create a really pretty indoor-to-outdoor look. One of my current favorites is the Palm Springs house featured in a recent Veranda, with these fabulous pinky-lavender couches in the porch – a real style statement, and practical too!

(Source: Veranda July-August 2011)

The wonderful thing about the new generation of stain and water-resist fabrics is that they look so good! Forget the canvas-type fabrics of the past – these new materials come in all kinds of finishes, including linen, jacquard, even chenille and velvet. You really can’t even tell they were designed for outdoor use. And so, why not bring them indoors? I’ve started using them in high-traffic areas like mudrooms, kitchens, breakfast rooms – they’re so perfect for banquettes and casual seating nooks.

(Source: House Beautiful)

The end result: beautiful soothing color schemes without the stress. What more could you ask for?

A relatively small item like a side table is a good place to start, as it can be integrated into an existing seating arrangement. This elegant round table caught my eye at the fair, with its pretty marble top and arcade detailing. I really like the fact that it’s been stained a dark color, as that makes it look more formal. A darker wood shade like this one really adds integrity to a space! Also, it’s so practical – see there’s even enough place for a good-sized lamp.

This secretary would also have been a great buy – it has all the curves and scallops characteristic of the Louis XV period, and I just love the fresh, pale cream and yellow. The hardware looks great too; new hardware like that would cost a pretty penny on its own! And again, there is a real practicality factor here: the chicken wire in front makes it perfect for showcasing beautiful old books and accessories, and it’s not a very deep piece, which means it would work in a variety of spots.

What I liked about this display is the way the dealer showed how to pair an elegant chair with a secretary, tying the two together with a toile print. The colors, the style – they look so good together! If you find yourself falling in love with two pieces that don’t seem to go together very well, or like the idea of a chair to complement a larger piece, you can always have your designer select a frame and reupholster according to your color palette. All it takes is a bit of vision!

I also couldn’t help but be drawn to the ceramic dogs on display (I’ve always had a thing for dogs!). These adorable Staffordshire dogs looked so cute and were in mint condition – just right for a pretty bookshelf.

There were lots of slightly less conventional designs too. Here’s one that stood out: a wrench chair! I don’t know how comfortable it would have been to sit on, but it certainly has dramatic impact value!

Feeling inspired? Why not check out the next antiques fair that comes to your area? You might find yourself pleasantly surprised by all the little gems on display!

You might be thinking, how do you know what to look for at a fair like this one, and even more importantly, how do you know what to invest in? For newcomers to the antiquing field, I always suggest starting with a small piece to get your feet wet. Start small, and then work your way up to your ‘antique comfort zone’. Antiques are a wonderful investment and the true quality pieces more often than not tend to retain their value.

With an eye out for really special pieces, I wandered around the fair. One of the first pieces that caught my attention was this lovely bench. I simply love the amazing carving, and the gorgeous green patina is just beautiful! This would be a great piece in an entry hall, at the end of a twin size bed, or in the midst of a seating arrangement.

Another great piece to start out with is a secretary. Oh, how I love secretaries! This was my first antique purchase, and I just adore this type of furniture. This is a great piece that can be used as dropzone or even as a substitute for a nightstand by a bedside.

I love that beautiful metal arcade around the top of this secretary! These are the kinds of details that I usually look for when hunting out a quality piece. (Note: Gatorade not vinage). I especially love the gilded chair that’s paired with this secretary. Oh and that stripe – so pretty, classic but a bit geometric.

I also really liked this elegant console with the matching tremeau (mirror)- just perfect for a sophisticated entry hall.

There were so many other pieces that I fell in love with at the fair… more details next time!

One of my crazes is for foo dogs, Chinese inspired figurines that symbolize guardians or protectors. They come from the original Chinese lions that traditionally stood guard outside temples, estates and grand homes or palaces. Nowadays they are much more attainable however, and should always be bought in pairs.

(Source: Circa Who)

My favorites include the Cloisonne foo dogs, which are made of beautiful decorative enamel and turquoise foo dogs. Though you might think the turquoise ones are only a passing fad – they can be seen just about everywhere right now – I really feel they are more of a design classic.

(Source: Carnaby Home)

Foo dogs are often designed with fairly frightening-looking faces, sometimes looking downright appalling, but that is really just a part of the beauty and appeal for me. They may be unconventional, but they really help to make a statement in an interior space, as in this entry hall.

(Source: Evie’s Independent Living)

But if foo dogs are too severe-looking for your taste, why not opt for alternative dog figurines with a little more homely charm? Staffordshire dogs, which originate in England, are definitely a cuter, more palatable kind of dog. These too started out as decorative pieces for upper class homes, but by the end of the nineteenth century they were amongst the most coveted of English-made porcelain figures. Today they are still a real collector’s item!

(Source: Old Sweetwater Cottage)

Another coloration that you might see around is the pretty red and white colored staffordshire pieces like the dogs in the center.

(Source: Cottone Auctions)

What do you think: would you decorate with dog-inspired figurines in your home? And which style would you prefer?

(Source: Chelsea Textiles)

Chelsea Textiles has these amazing little classic check patterns I love to use on benches, chairs, drapes, in breakfast rooms, mudrooms and bedrooms. It’s a classic favorite, and there’s no denying that a strong geometric print never goes out of style. See how it looks on this bench – just charming!

(Source: Chelsea Textiles)

I found so many unique prints, I could hardly decide which I liked the most! They are especially known for their embroidered fabrics, such as this  beautiful embroidery  – graceful floral sprays and cheerful yellow blooms…I have such a fancy for all these amazing hand embroidered textiles, and we use them to create accessory pillows in our projects.

(Source: Chelsea Editions)

(Source: Chelsea Editions)

The furniture collection is equally stunning. Many of the pieces are Swedish- and French-inspired, with gorgeous painted finishes. I find myself tempted to include them in my latest project…

(Source: Chelsea Textiles)

I especially love this little writing desk. I found a similar antique one a few years ago, and the style and the shape really attracted me. This is a great piece to put in an entry area as a drop zone, to store keys, mail, cards, stamps and so on.

The gorgeous lacquered pieces are really appealing to me too. Just one of these high-glamor items is enough to add a really modern, stylish touch to a room!

(Source: Chelsea Textiles)

(Source: Quatrefoil Design)

I find these carved ivory discs so beautiful – they add instant prestige and integrity to a room. Before I use them in any of my current clients’ homes though, I am getting ready to put some up in my own house and office! There are so many lovely ways to display them… I wonder if mounting them on a dark background, as in the bedroom below, would work better? I have to admit, the contrast of ivory and chocolate is so elegant and yet so warm – just right for a cozy bedroom!

(Source: Amy Morris Interiors)

Another display of intaglios that caught my eye – and my imagination – is this gorgeous cluster of intaglios set in ornate blue and gold frames. The placement of the intaglios, along with the shape of the frames, creates the impression of two oversized brooches on the wall – so pretty!

(Source: Cote de Texas)

I’m so inspired, I can’t wait to see how they look on my own walls! Off to do some decorating…

1. Decide on your style. Do you want to highlight artwork, use a combination of accessories and books, or create a library-type effect? I am a big, big fan of books, so I really love the old-fashioned library style, with a shelf packed full of all kinds of books, like in the picture below. Even with books of different sizes stacked clumsily on top of each other, the overall look is charming and cozy rather than chaotic.

Amitha Verma Designs

2. Create a ‘focal point’. One of my favorite approaches is to work around a focal color, using objects and ornaments like vases in the same shade to create a cohesive, stylized look. See how the unusual shade of the bookcase below is offset by carefully-chosen pieces in deep chocolate and earth tones?

(Source: House Beautiful, Feb 2011)

3. Assess your purpose. Are you looking to create extra storage for your books and knick-knacks, or simply hoping to add a stylish design feature to a particular room? If your purpose is the latter, you can afford to experiment with a range of shapes and designs that draw the eye and make a style statement, like this elegant, little nook filled with a neat assortment of colorful artwork.

(Source: House Beautiful, June 2011)

4. Get creative. Why stick to only one thing? A great approach to accessorizing is to use a combination of books, artwork and accessories. I love to use different objects, artifacts, old antique books and coordinating accessories. Develop a color palette and try to find pieces that are in the palette. That’s what I did with this sweet under-the-stairs shelf, which echoes the blue and white décor of the hall.

Amitha Verma Designs

5. Leave some negative space. Edit, edit, edit! You don’t want too much empty space – that could make your shelves look barren – but resist the temptation to put up every single vacation souvenir you’ve ever bought. The same goes for family photos. Pick the top five and use those to create focus and interest.

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