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

Art Deco

What is the first thing you think of when you think of Art Deco design? I bet it wasn't this!

It certainly wasn't what I thought of... But the "Christ the Redeemer" statue that overlooks Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is considered to be the largest Art Deco statue in the world.

So if this is an example of Art Deco, what exactly is Art Deco?

Art deco style graphic posters are becoming popular art for interiors spaces.

Art Deco is a design style that began in France in the 1920's, but took off internationally in the 1930's and 40's. Typical Art Deco style contains bright colours, bold geometric shapes and ornamentation. Art Deco embraced modern technology by using materials that had not been used previously.

The Chrysler Building in New York city is an incredible example of art deco architecture.
When it was built, the Chrysler Building was the tallest skyscraper in the world until it was surpassed by
the Empire State Building a mere 11 months later!

Art Deco furniture is typically laid out in symmetrical patterns and often uses inlays and lacquers.

Components of Art Deco style have been popping up in design magazines over the past few years. The Chevron pattern, also called zigzag or herringbone, can be found on fabrics, rugs, tile patterns and paint treatments.

Chevron pattern.

Modern take on the classic Sunburst mirror, an iconic Art Deco design element. 

A few years ago, my mom and I took a trip to Florida and spent a day in South Beach, Miami. Having seen the iconic buildings on movies and TV over the years, I had a fairly good idea of what to expect. It did not disappoint! Miami is the Art Deco capital of the world followed by Mumbai, India.

Sunny South Beach

The Marriott in South Beach

New India Assurance Building in Mumbai, India

Beautifully lit Hotel Dasaprakash in Mumbai, India

Art Deco was forward thinking for the time and embraced modernity. The clean lines and geometric shapes used in Art deco design make it easy to blend with mid-century modern design... a personal favourite of mine. :)

The art deco inspired chevron patterned rug blends seamlessly with this mid-century modern chair. 

I've often associated Art Deco design with Old Hollywood Glam. Old Hollywood glam design is very plush (think velvets in deep, moody colours), mixed with fur throws and lots of bling (mirrored tables, sparkly chandeliers, silver or gold leafed furniture). Art Deco blends seamlessly with Old Hollywood Glam since Art Deco itself is definitely meant to show off.

If you would like to incorporate some Art Deco elements in your own home, SF Girl by Bay blog has some great ideas! The overall pink, gold and black colour scheme is decidedly art deco. I love how she seamlessly incorporates mid-century furniture (dresser in bedroom) with some Moroccan flair (those lovely poufs that are popping up everywhere). Here's a peak at her girly space with some great Art Deco pieces!

The mid-century modern dresser blends seamlessly in the space.

To me, Art Deco is fun, playful and sometimes a bit wild. It's a style that doesn't seem to take itself too seriously. Today's interpretation of Art Deco tends to incorporate a few key pieces to a space without being overwhelming. It ups the glam factor without being gaudy and has great energy... a space I would be right at home in!



Links:

http://homeklondike.com/2011/03/01/wonderful-art-deco-inspired-penthouse-by-phyllis-harbinger/8-wonderful-art-deco-inspired-penthouse-by-phyllis-harbinger-buffet-cabinet/

http://wonderfulworldreview.blogspot.ca/2011/05/statue-of-christ-redeemer-is-located-at.html

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/tags/scraper/interesting/

http://www.furniture.ie/community/discussion/617/wanted-art-deco-furniture/

http://www.getintravel.com/adventure-travel-to-miami-south-beach-in-florida-united-states/beautiful-houses-in-art-deco-style-in-south-miami/

http://pinterest.com/pin/101894010291233611/

http://pinterest.com/pin/258534834828880805/

http://www.globaleventforum.com/hotels/south-beach-marriott

http://www.veniceclayartists.com/demolition-and-buffalo-karma-in-chennai/