Parisian Inspired Design

What could be more glamorous than a Parisian inspired room? Even the name itself sounds glamorous. Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world and one of four host cities for the semi-annual Fashion Week. Last year I remember reading about one of Lynda Reeve's (founder and publisher for House & Home Magazine) trips to Paris for Fashion Week. She explained how Paris is not only an inspiration for clothes, but for interior design. Quite often, not long after a look has been seen on the runway, we see similar patterns and colours popping up in fabrics for furnishings.

Come Fall 2013, if the interior design trends follow fashion's footsteps, we may be seeing high contrast black and white fabrics.

Biggest trends for fashion for fall/winter 2013 was contrasting ebony and ivory. 

 If there has been one thing I have learned from years of reading design magazines, is that the best way to get longevity from a room, is to treat it the same way you would an outfit. Pillows and accessories are the jewelry of a space. If you keep the major pieces neutral, you can easily reinvent a room with different coloured pillows, etc. that can be changed with the seasons. And if Parisian's know anything about fashion, they certainly know a thing or two about design.

Parisian style for me is all about sophisticated opulence. When you think of sophisticated glamour, I bet the last person you would think of is Mick Jagger. But the Paris home he shares with L'Wren Scott (well known fashion designer and model) is a example of jaw-dropping style. In 2009, their home was featured in VOGUE and this blog shows some of the photos. Here are my favourites...

Mouldings add sophistication that Parian design is known for. 

The buildings in Paris, as with any European countries, have a long history. Parisian style is traditional, classic... and pays unbelievable attention to detail. Furniture is tailored, drapery is custom made. Touches such as silver or gold leafed furniture, and mirrored pieces are what this style is all about.

Need some more ideas? Restoration Hardware is all about the Parisian style...

Here are some tips to create a Parisian look in your own home:

• Use neutral tones for the walls. If you want a more bold option, go for a soft peach or pink...or add a patterned wallpaper with a bit of sheen. 

• Add a crystal chandelier, sconces or table lamps. Crystals reflect light and gives the room some sparkle. Mirrors or mirrored furniture is another way to add instant glam. 

• Black and white vintage photos  set in metallic frames add elegance.

• Don't forget the mouldings! It's not a necessity, but adding this detail will take your Parisian room to the next level. They add instant character to a space and will give your room a completed look. 

Remember, if anything, keep the look, soft and delicate. The look should be slightly feminine and romantic. After all, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world.

The Deluxe Suite at the Le Meurice Hotel in Paris.

Links:



http://houseandhome.com/blogs/about

http://bellevivir.blogspot.ca/2012/04/lwren-scotts-parisian-pied-terre.html

http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/lwren-scott-and-mick-jagger-parisian-perch/#1

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/afc8dec6-864a-11e2-8f47-00144feabdc0.html#slide0

http://www.restorationhardware.com

http://lawnmoweroil949.wordpress.com/2011/09/15/help-to-make-your-home-feel-and-look-parisian/

http://www.swell-group.co.uk/town/paris/apartment/bedroom/

http://www.lemeurice.com/deluxe-suite

Modern Country

I'll shamelessly admit it... I'm a Pinterest addict. I can't help myself. Whatever your love... you can find the best images of whatever you are looking for, and organize it for easy reference later. I've spent more hours than I would like to admit scouring pictures of interiors, and I can't help but notice that one style has been popping up more than ever lately. I dug a little deeper and was surprised that this style that had been catching my eye is called "Modern Country".

I will admit, I cringe when I hear the word country. I know many of you may love the laid back style, but for a modern loving gal like myself, it feels cluttered and messy. My childhood home was stylish at the time... frilly aqua and teal floral print curtains, mixed with burgundy leather couches and dried flower arrangements and little knick knacks that made dusting the worst job on the chore list. Seriously. Although the style was definitely not country, it had many of the same elements that I have come to detest. There was no way I would (or could) like something labelled "Modern Country".

So what is modern country? While searching for images, I stumbled upon a great blog that sums up Modern Country perfectly... A mix of natural wood, whites and creams. Fresh and modern mixed with some rustic elements. I can see the appeal... Just the right mix of modern and cozy. It's the perfect kind of interior to put your DIY projects into. It's not too precious or perfect... a "real" home for the modern-ish family. This is not the country style I love to hate.

This dining room was featured in Style at Home's Top 12 interiors of 2012 and fits the description. Light, bright and airy, natural wood tones with antique light fixtures to add charm. 

Another appealing aspect to a Modern Country interior is the ability to use furniture you already own. For example, a mini DIY project can instantly change the look of grandma's chairs you inherited. The plus side of Modern Country is that it's not supposed to be perfect, which means anybody can take it on! Once again, Pinterest can supply an endless amount of inspiration and links to tutorials. How about this picture which shows random chairs painted a single colour to unify them. Set in an all white room, the greenery outside shines and adds to the charm of the room. 

White Rustic Dining Room

I believe Pottery Barn may have a little something to do with Modern Country gaining some serious popularity. Another amazing blog I discovered shows you how to get Pottery Barn looks with Ikea finds, for a fraction of the cost. For example, the image below can easily be created by throwing a coat of white paint on an oak table that can be bought for next to nothing at any second hand store. Or maybe you already have one sitting in your kitchen just waiting for a makeover. Paired with these chairs from Ikea, and you have your very own Modern Country dining room. 

I love this idea for small entrances... White walls, a rough board, modern brackets and voila! Instant Modern Country on a dime. 

Whether you love or hate country (or thought you hated country), I hope this blogged inspired you to create a Modern Country look of your own! I know it inspired me. :)

Links:

http://practicalenrichment.wordpress.com/2010/10/28/all-time-favorite-design-theme-modern-country/

http://www.curbly.com/users/diy-maven/posts/1688-ikea-country-can-this-modern-marriage-last

http://www.housetohome.co.uk/dining-room/picture/white-rustic-dining-room?room_style=country

http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/top-12-interiors-of-2012/a/45930/8

Contemporary Asian Design

Asian design encompasses styles from many countries and cultures. By combining elements from each of these countries, you can create a seamless design.

Japanese design uses simple lines and pale colours to create a calm space. Traditional Japanese homes use Shoji screens (wood framed screens with rice paper inserts) to separate spaces, and still allow light to flow from one room to another.

The window panels mimic the look of traditional Shoji screens.

Chinese design very different from Japanese style. The interiors are known for their red and black interiors, and furnishings are used as showpieces. Chinese culture is rich in tradition and superstition. Red symbolizes happiness and good luck which is why it's used liberally in interior design.

Red is the symbol of luck and happiness. 

Vietnamese and Indonesian style is influenced by the tropical climate, but maintains the Asian feel.

More and more, western culture is embracing the elements of Asian design. When I think of Contemporary Asian design, I think of Zen, or Feng Shui, but what does that really mean?

The walkway at the Cactus Club Cafe in Abbotsford, BC is inspired by Asian design.

Zen is a Buddhist word which means "a meditative state", and a Zen space is a place to help you reach a state of relaxation. So how do you achieve this? By removing distractions, visual and auditory. A zen space has minimal furniture, and is a place to reconnect with your spirit. It's no wonder yoga studios are opting for "zen" styled spaces!

Feng Shui is the placement of a building and the placement of objects inside a building to optimize the flow of Qi (pronounced "chee"). Qi is energy, or life force. By optimizing the flow of energy in your surroundings, you create harmony between you and your environment to improve your overall health, wealth and relationships. Feng Shui typically uses horizontal lines which are calming, whereas, vertical lines are very dynamic.

Surprisingly, Donald Trump is a well known Feng Shui user. After losing many Asian clients due to the "bad" Feng Shui in Trump Towers, he hired a Feng Shui master, Pun-Yin, to reorganize his offices. Her video on Fox news describes how you can customize a location to your specific needs, using natural materials such as wood, water, and plants.

"The Donald"

The Lobby at Trump Tower Chicago

Contemporary Asian Design uses natural materials to add to the calming feel. Whether you believe in the powers of Feng Shui or not, there are some basic principles that are just plain common sense. For example...

1. Clear clutter. Only keep objects that you need or you love. Clearing visual clutter helps calm your mind.

2. Surround yourself with beautiful things regardless of it's monetary worth. If you have photos, or objects that remind you of happy memories, display them. This is an easy way to boost your happiness as well. Vice versa, if something triggers bad or sad memories, or if you just don't like something, give it away.

William Morris, influential designer from the early 20th century once said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful".

3. Bring in air and light. In Feng Shui, this prepares a space to receive good energy, but having fresh air in your home is healthier for you, regardless of it's Feng Shui appeal. Studies have shown that the air in a home is often more polluted than the outside air. Adding bamboo is an easy way to help cleanse the air, but using an air filtration system is also a great idea. As for light, we all know the best way to get Vitamin D, which helps improve happiness, is from sunlight, so open up the curtains and let the sun shine in.

This home uses a neutral colour scheme and adds a "lucky red" accent wall for interest.

It's not hard to see why Asian design elements are influencing western design more and more. Contemporary Asian design is well thought out to create a space that is calming. At the end of a busy day, your home should be a sanctuary and a contemporary home is the perfect place to wind down and relax.



Links:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDO7F6lqbmU/UDIJlC-163I/AAAAAAAACcI/7dZjbRWlG3s/s400/Home+Interior+Design+Ideas+Japanese+Interior+Design++15.jpg

http://bs2h.com/modern-chinese-interior-design/classic-modern-chinese-interior-design/

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_does_red_symbolize_for_Chinese_culture

http://upload.spottedbylocals.com/Berlin/normal/yoga-school-berlin-berlin-(by-yoga-school-berlin).jpg

http://www.white-ibiza.com/wp-content/uploads/8029546517_a93e4a3a53_z.jpg

http://www.healthclubandspa.com/images/slider/zen-yoga-room.jpg

http://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/03/top-10-feng-shui-myths-debunked/

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/William_Morris

http://www.commonsensehome.com/practical-feng-shui/

http://www.actonostry.ca/news/ccab-opening/