TRADITIONAL DESIGN ELEMENTS
These beautifully updated products are perfect for today’s master bath.
This free standing, cast iron tub with solid base is a beautiful example of the newest trend in traditional style bathrooms. “Vintage” by Kohler.
These handmade tiles by Adex have a special glaze that gives them a unique, yet timeless look.
I love the slender lines of this graceful faucet set. The polished nickel gives a crisp updated look to the tradtional feel. by Moen
Any one of these beautiful patterned fabrics by Mary McDonald for Schumacher would make elegant window coverings in a master bath; or anywhere else in the home for that matter.
This graceful rendition of the beaded chandelier would bring any master bath up to date. By Hudson Valley. Would look fabulous in almost any room.
Letitia Little, Allied ASID, CID is an award wining interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. for more info www.letitialittle.com.
Design Elements, Fabric, Kitchen and Bath, Lighting, Tile, Trends
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bathroms, faucets, lighting, tile, Traditional, tubs
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.
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.
TRIMS, TASSELS AND BEADED FRINGE
Design is in the details and all manner of trims and fringes are part of the multi layered look so essential for today’s interiors from modern to traditional styles. Trims are one of my favorite ways to complete a design project and add a touch of individuality.
Tapes and beaded fringe highlight bold patterns and solids in the Urban Loft Collection by Kravet. And yes you can use fringe in modern interiors.
These yummy beaded trims were inspired by haute couture fashion houses from the 50′s and 60′s. The rich jewel tones will enhance the most luxurious fabrics and textures. by Kravet
These bold tapes from the Hamptons Collection by Bargia, can add colorful detailing to pillows and bedding.
The subtle nuances of menswear tailoring are brought to life by the use of raffia and suede in these wonderfully textured trims by Joseph Abboud for Kravet.
For a change of pace try multi shaped glass beads combined with velvet and metals for some Vintage Romance. Colorways come in Opera, Castle, and Venetian. Just the names evoke luxury and riches. by Kravet.
More luxury is seen in these richly detailed trims by Bargia. Covered beads combined with jewels and silken bows in deep rich colors make these little goodies irresistable.
Letitia Little, Allied ASID, CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer located in Minneapolis, MN. for more info go to www.letitialittle.com.
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
The 2012 ASID Showcase House is in its third week of the Tour and the Dining room is getting rave reviews. Everyone loves the casual elegance of this room and its soothing green and gray color scheme.
The large window all dressed up in soft sheers and silk panels is a perfect backdrop for the custom dining table.
The unique buffet complements the handsome, original wainscoting and the silver mirror and wall sconces add shimmer.
White paper flowers and mercury glass candle sticks add drama.
These bird plates are the perfect finishing touch to the table scape.
The ASID Showcase House Tour is in its 3rd and final week. Don’t miss it.
Be sure to check out the previous posts on this topic: Before and After ASID Showcase House parts 1-6.
2012 ASID SHOWCASE HOUSE-PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER
Letitia Little Allied ASID, CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer in Minneapolis, MN. for more info go to www.letitialittle.com.
DESIGN COMPLETION
The interior design for the Showcase House Dining Room is now complete. Our design vision for this traditional room has come to life. It is elegant, functional and the clients love it.
The subtle garden theme brings the outdoors in. Its a perfect spot to reflect the glorious spring colors. The elegant gray & silver tones completment the green walls and dark wainscoting. And the nickel drum chandelier ( Global Accents)is an unexpected finishing touch.
Here’s the before space. Quite a transformation!
A view of the table settings and the client’s Audubon prints that inspired the entire design.
The linen print chairs are so inviting in front of the soft sheers and silk curtain panels. More inspiration from the garden.
The Home Tour is open Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Stop by and see this beautifully transformed historic home. Visit the dining room and register to win a free interior design consultation from Letitia. Purchase tickets at www.mspmag.com/hometour.
Letitia Little Allied ASID , CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer in Minneapolis. For more info go to www.letitialittle.com.
DINING ROOM SET UP
Its time for installations and deliveries as we start the set-up process for the Dining Room in the ASID Showcase House located on Lake of the Isles Parkway in Minneapolis. Sheree Vincent and I are working hard this week to complete the interior design for this space in this historic, remodeled home.
The custom wool area rug from Woolshire is being laid on the newly refurbished wood floor.
The custom silk window coverings are being installed and the furniture is being put in place. It’s all starting to come together. Custom dining table from Sterling.
The new wall sconces have just arrived and are ready to be installed.
And we love the way they look! The elegant polished nickel with the white linen shade complements the custom gray silk curtains beautifully. Fixture-Hudson Valley
The green/gray linen print fabric looks fabulous on the lounge chairs. Kravet chairs.
For information on days and times for the Tour and to purchase tickets go to www.mspmag.com/hometour
Watch for the final completed photos of the Dining Room coming up soon in my next post.
Letitia Little is a licensed, award wining interior designer in 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.
HISTORIC RENOVATION /REMODEL
I am very excited to be working on the interior design for the dining room in this turn -of- the -century home on Lake of the Isles Parkway in Minneapolis. This traditonal home will be on the ASID Showcase Home Tour which runs May 19 thru June 10. I partnered with fellow ASID designer and good friend Sheree Vincent of fusiondesigned LLC. I will be sharing with you our design process during the remodeling of the home and our progress to completion, in ensuing posts.
The elegance of this 1899 home was captured perfectly in this watercolor by one of the current owners, who is also the architect in charge of the remodeling. Its location on one of Minneapolis’ beautiful downtown lakes makes it a real showpeice. Thirty ASID interior designers worked on the many rooms in the house.
The house is getting a facelift and a new front porch. It is a Minnesota Greenstar Certified remodel project. It will have geothermal heating, roof mounted solar panels and other eco -friendly attributes.
Most of the historic details were preserved during the remodeling process inside and out. Note the dentil molding along the roof line.
The stately dining room has so much potential. Sheree and I are excited to bring its elegant proportions to life with color and pattern. We plan to respect the home’s heritage and incorporate the wainscotting as is into our design. It will be restored to its orginal luster and not painted. This will be a challenge but we are up to it.
The homeowners plan to use the dining room not only for family gatherings and dinner parties, but for meetings and board games as well. So it needs to be comfortabe and functional as well as elegant and beautiful.
Watch for the design inspiration in my next post.
Letitia Little Allied ASID , CID is a licensed, award wining interior designer in Minneapolis,MN. For more info visit www.letitialittle.com.
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