Unusual Textures
Horse blankets, flat weave carpets, well worn leather, native artifacts, reclaimed wood and natural fibers provide inspiration for the ethnic influence in interior design. This genre has been around for a long time but is enjoying a resurgence right now because of our desire for unique, handmade items that add texture and interest to our homes. Let’s take a look at some new “old” elements for traditional and contemporary interiors.
The new Nomad Chic Collection by Kravet showcases upholstery fabrics in ethnic patterns and colors inspired by nomadic cultures of the Far East. These luxurious textures offer warmth and richness to any interior style.
These handsome wood blinds set off the worn leather chairs and washed old wood table with its unique artifacts. By Hartmann and Forbes.
The marvelous texture of this “snakeskin” wallpaper combined with the horsehair bench is perfect for the new lodge look. Luxe Lodge wallpapers from Schumacher.
Love this reclaimed wood mosaic from Ansum and Ash made of 79% recycled material from timbers, wine barrels, old beams and sunken ships. What could be more textural than this.
These tactile fibers beg to be touched. Sustainable fibers are woven into woven shades by Hartmann and Forbes.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is an award wining interior designer in the Minneapolis, MN. for more info www.letitialittle.com.
Newest Colors in Bold Blues and Elemental Greens
In my 2 previous posts I talked about grays, violets, reds and golds as some new color directions for 2013. Not to be forgotten in the latest color forecast are bold blues and elemental greens.
Bold blues and aquas from Kravet in the Modern Dining Collection.
Fluid Blues color palette from Benjamin Moore with deep water colors.
Poolside cool blues. Teak furniture by Kingsley Bate.
This casual chair shows off New Green in a nubby linen. by Century.
Elemental greens color pallette by Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore Colors are: Jungle Canopy,Summer’s Day, In the Garden, Green Thumb, Lilianna.
For more on 2013 Color Trends visit my 2 previous posts.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is an award wining interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. for more info www.letitialittle.com
Color, Fabric, Furniture, Trends
| 
color, fabric, furniture, interior design, modern, modern trends, outdoor furniture, trends
New Color Directions for Interiors
The new colors for 2013 are simply inspirational. They are complex yet definative with a rich velvety quality. Hues range from deep rich blues and plums to soft creamy golds and yellows to fiery reds and oranges. Sprinkle in some earth tones, many shades of gray and some varied neutrals and you’ve got the whole gambit of the newest colors for interior design. See them in paint, fabrics, and furniture for the most exciting looks from traditional to modern interiors. Here are two color groups in reds, oranges and golds. To see more take a look at my previous post.
Bright fuschia and orange put these luscious fabrics by Brunschwig & Fils front and center for 2013.
The sun filled colors of “Fiery Sunset” are infused with energy and strength. From dynamic fuschia to subtle clay they remind us of warm climates and sunny days. Colors from Benjamin Moore
The paint names alone will stimulate creativity: Peruvian Chili, Egyptian Clay, Hot Tamale, Tomato Tango, and Tropical Fruit by Ben Moore.
These bright, fiery colors really pack a punch in this modern interior by Jonathan Adler.
The nature infused colors of “Golden Fields” from Benjamin Moore are soothing, relaxing and homey.
This lattice print fabric in refreshing greens and golds would liven up any living room or bedroom. by Zimmer + Rohde
Don’t miss my next post on blues and greens.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is an award wining interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. for more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
New Color Directions from Benjamin Moore
I recently viewed the new Color Stories from Benjamin Moore and decided to share these inspiring new colors with you. There a eight new palettes to choose from. I will highlight most of them in the next 3 posts. I love to use Ben. Moore paints for my design projects because the colors are easy to work with. The paint itself is a quality product that goes on easily and is durable (my painter loves it too). Not to mention the paint has low VOC’s so its good for the environment. So take a look and be inspired.
The soft gray curtains and silver traditional desk exemplify the new gray color palette. Paloma cotton satin by Romo
“Shades of Gray” reflects the understated side of gray with undertones of brown, blue and green.
Color names are intriguing: Burnt Ember, Coachman’s Cape, Espresso Bean & Old Soul, Perspective and Smoke & Mirrors.
Rich deep purple and pale violet Paloma cotton from Romo showcases the new purple/blue color palette.
“Violet Twilight” color group is made up of colors of the evening sky that range from deep amethyst to pale violet.
More inticing colors: Approaching Storm, Faded Violet & Elderberry Wine, Pressed Violet and Purplicious.
Crisp purples combined with soft grays typify the newest colors for 2013 in this modern setting. Furniture by Century
Watch for fiery oranges and earthy gold tones in my next post.
Letitia Little Allied ASID,CID is an award wining interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. For more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
FABULOUS COLORS FOR FALL INTERIORS cont.
Here are more exciting textures and colors that inspire me as I design interiors for clients. I see alot of interior product so I am always drawn to the new and unusual in fabrics, furniture and accessories. 
This richly textured chenille fabric has the visual warmth of a hand knit sweater. Looks great on the modern arm chair. By Romo
Thick strands of seagrass are loosely woven into the drum shape of the Nina chandelier by Made Goods. It’s perfect for Mid Century Modern interiors.
Textured, small scale weaves with a luxurious hand add tactile dimension to chairs and sofas. Fabrics by Romo
Is it mineral or furniture? This chunky stool in gold crackle ceramic can be used outdoors or indoors. Talk about unique! by Made Goods
Wool area rugs from the Middle East are in a special category of textures all their own and are always in demand and in style.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer located in Minneapolis, MN. for more info go to www.letitialittle.com.
Accessories, Color, Fabric, Furniture, Lighting, Texture
| accessories, color, furniture, Mid-Century Modern, modern, rugs, texture
FABULOUS COLORS FOR FALL INTERIORS
One of my favorite seasons is almost here. There is something about the fall colors of rust, orange, gold, and red that make us feel ready to come inside. Add some interesting textures and you’ve got an interior design that feels all warm and cozy.
Silk stripe in “hot” orange gives this classic sofa a fresh feel. Pair it with the linen print pillows for a wonderful contrast of textures. Suzanne Kasler for Lee Jofa. To me this look is the perfect marriage of “modern” and traditional. I love it.
Want to mix things up a bit? Add this funky stool in teak and amber mirror squares. Talk about texture! by Made Goods
Color updates a crewel fabric by Lee Jofa.This centuries old type of woven fabric was traditionally done in cream or off white. These vibrant colors add richness while the wool embroidery provides the texture. Stunning!
This fabulous textural wallpaper by Zimmer Rohde begs you to touch it. Love it in rust and gray-an updated color combination.
This wood frame mirror is covered in silver then hammered and etched to create marvelous texture. Tiny round mirrors complete the ethnic style. by Made Goods in gold finish.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is a licensed, award winning interior designer located in Minneapolis, MN. for more info go to www.letitialittle.com
Bold, geometric shapes are everywhere in interior design this year. They make strong statements in fabric, wallpaper, furniture design and even lighting in modern and traditional styles. Here are a few examples that caught my eye.
This glass front console with the white fretwork is so crisp and modern and the orange geometric fabric on these classic Chinese chairs gives them a fabulous update.Chin Hua by Century Furniture. Wonderful, bold colors!
This chic, modern wall sconce is like a piece of jewelry all done up in silver circles and blue silk shade. by Vaughan Lighting.
Love this little loveseat in the blue, white and black pagoda print with its shaped back. This new Chin Hua collection by Century is so exciting and creative!
The linear quality of this nickel chandelier is softened by the flower petals. And there’s that blue again.(can you tell I like blue?) Very lighthearted! by Vaughan
This gray and white geometric fabric is very popular right now. Looks great on this chair by Century and would work for curtains or bed coverings too.
The red, white and blue color scheme works with the Chinese furniture to create a new twist to an old style. How American! Chin Hua by Century.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer based in Minneapolis, MN. for more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
Color, Fabric, Furniture, Lighting, Trends
| Chinese, color, furniture, interior design, lighting, modern, trends
COOL COLORS FOR HOT SUMMER DAYS
New inspirations for interiors range from tile to lighting. Here are just a few selections.
Black and white is a summer favorite. Add lavendar and you’ve got a new color combination that automatically brings the temperture down. Furniture by Century.
White stone tiles and mosaics for floors and walls feel cool to the touch and are so “in” now.
What could be more refreshing than this crystal table lamp with Prune silk drum shade by Vaughan Lighting.
Upholstered bed with biscuit tufted headboard in cool white linen by Pearson
The shape of this hanging lamp with its geometric bronze iron overlay is very now. “Toledo” by Vaughan
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is an award winning, licensed interior designer in the Minneapolis, MN. for more info go to www.letitialittle.com.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
We are moving along in the design process for the dining room in the ASID Showcase House for May 2012. Sheree Vincent and I have been busy making selections for this traditonal room and are pleased with our choices.
The green and gray linen print is the color source for the room and will cover 2 lounge chairs. Gray silk curtains will grace the windows along with the creamy sheers. The green “lattice” fabric reinforces our garden theme & will cover the 2 host chairs at the dining table. All fabrics from Kravet Inc.
The designers hard at work. Sheree and I have found the perfect chairs for the linen print.
And here it is. I love the elegant, updated take on a wing chair.
This fabulous glass fronted buffet looks handpainted, but that is actually fabric behind the glass. What a find this is and it will be stunning in the dining room. A real conversation piece. By Marge Carson
Here is the floor plan for the dining room showing furniture and lighting placement.
The focal point of the room is this custom designed dining table. It is 54″ wide and will seat 20 people with all three leaves in place. This was a specific request of the clients as they will really use the dining room for entertainment, large parties, family gatherings and board meetings. It had to be elegant yet durable for lots of use, so we added a “bar top” finish and light distressing. The result is a gorgeous “antique” style table. Table by Sterling
For more on the Design Process see my next post.
For days and times and to purchase tickets go to www.mspmag.com/hometour.
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is an award wining, licensed interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. For more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
And now we’ve reached the After phase of my interior design for the Victorian guest bedroom suite in this ASID Showcase House Historic Renovation.
The completed space shows off its soothing seafoam green and gold color palette and elegant formal furnishings. Makes you want to step into the past and stay awhile.
I fell in love with the home owner’s antique brass bed. It’s so perfect for the room all dressed up in its custom silk bed coverings. The delicate little chandelier adds just the right amount of sparkle. Dramatic swagged valances and tie back curtains in striped silk are perfect examples of Victorian interior design.
The cozy corner between the two windows is completed by the gold velvet slipper chair. And the restored antique Eastlake dresser feels right at home. Details like the silk and wool area rug, ribbon hung pictures and antique books add important design elements.
The elegant custom vanity is the focal point of this small bathroom. Set against the authentic subway wall tiles and William Morris wallpaper it ”says” Victorian. The shower on the right has a full glass door to keep the bathroom “open” yet functional.
The corner toilet was the only solution for this bathroom. Its a great little space that fully coordinates with the bedroom.
This design project won an ASID Honorable Mention Award for Showcase Home Room. I sponsored 3 students from Dakota County Technical College in Rosemount , MN to work on the project with me.
Letitia Little is a licensed, award winning interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. for more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
Accessories, Before and After, Design Elements, Fabric, Furniture
| antiques, bath, bedroom, fabric, furniture, historic renovation, interior design, Victorian
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