Decorating with Color: Black and White are Colors Too

Previously we discussed that the use of color when decorating can be an important and personal choice and that we really needn't fear using it. One thing, however, that I feel I neglected to mention is that black and white are colors too.

Once again, I'm going to mention that the misuse of white in a room typically occurs when the only thing that is actually white, are the walls. They do not look intentional. Typically it looks purely like we couldn't choose a color so we left the walls white. A great color palette comes from the repetition of whatever colors we choose, but most importantly, white. That being said, I want to move on to talking about decorating with black and white.

Black and white can be a strong, contrasting color statement. It can be bold, contemporary, and have a lot of energy. Strong geometric patterns are sure to make visitors stop in awe.

But perhaps your taste is more traditional. You love the beautiful contrast but want to lose some of that strong, bold statement. that certainly doesn't mean that you have to give up this palette. Your choices are going to be less graphic and perhaps less obvious. This photo demonstrates a somewhat restrained use of black and white.

This photo strikes strikes me as more of an eclectic look. It seems to have items that have been collected over time and much of the room's owner's personality is interjected throughout the space. The decor feels updated and modern, yet has a slight art decor period feel to me.

One of my favorite decorating techniques when using black and white, is choosing one color that really stands out in the room. This is a great way to use a bright, bold color in a very restrained way. Sometimes 2-3 accent pieces in the color are all that is needed to make quite a statement.

This room might almost be considered boring if it weren't for it's
bold splashes of yellow.
I love this soothing aqua blue and the choice of both modern and
traditional furnishings.

This room starts with a soft grey-blue and interjects bold
choices of black and white pattern.

I love that this room, despite the strong black and white color
choices was warmed up with blues and green,
giving the room a more tropical feel.

Bold Floral in Black by Studio E

Baroque Scroll in White by Studio E

Iron Scroll in White by Studio E

Wire Rose in Black by Studio E

Stylish Storage

Magazine Holder Craft

I found this craft from Martha Stewart while searching for stylish storage solutions. The directions call for wallpaper, but why not use fabric instead? Have scraps of your favorite fabric that you just don't know what to do with? Or use coordinating fabrics from a designer coloway. You can find magazine holders at your local office supply store.

Or buy this pack of 5 from Ikea for only $2.99!

Decorating With Color - Don't be afraid!

Yesterday I said that in today's decorating world, anything goes. Granted, there are trends that will make us look back and remember the decade, but we are not as restricted as the "mauve and country blue", "hunter and burgundy", or "avocado green and harvest gold" of the past. Here are a few examples of rooms exploding with color that I found while browsing the Better Homes and Gardens website. I think just about every color of the rainbow can be found among these pictures.

First is the classic white room with beautiful punches of color. In this case, the choice of white for the walls certainly isn't due to a fear of color. It makes for a soothing neutral backdrop against the bright bursts of color. One important thing to note, and what makes these walls work, is that they are not the only white in the room. Too often, homeowners choose to leave their walls white, but then do not repeat that white anywhere else in the room. White works, and can be stunning, but you must repeat it throughout the room.

This room is nearly the exact opposite of the first one. Every single corner is bursting with bright color. Repeating the colors throughout the room is what makes it feel more soothing and less like a jumbled rainbow.

This room demonstrates more restraint, even through the bold color. The palate stays in the warm tones of orange, yellow, and red, and again are repeated throughout the room. A small splash of aqua blue adds interest and a cool contrast.

Compared to the warmth of the previous room, this one is cool and airy. It has a monochromatic feel with it's shades of bluish lavender in light, medium, and dark hues. This is a great choice for a room that gets a lot of sun and heat throughout the day.

This room's ultra urban industrial style is well balance with rich jewel tones. The cool lavender brown walls are warmed up with punches of bold red and orange.

So what do we learn from these pictures? Don't be afraid to use color! Find your favorites and balance throughout the room through repetition and pairing them with classic neutrals.

Decorating With Color - Finding Inspiration

Today I'd like to begin a new series that focuses on how to decorate using fabric color trends. There are so many bright, beautiful color combinations available and choosing the right one for the right project can be intimidating.

One of the great features about using color today, is that there are virtually no rules. Thanks to the advances in technology, we are free to discover color combinations from around the globe. We can take color inspiration from cultures all over the world and adapt them to accommodate our own style and personality. From the sun drenched Italian countryside to the vibrant, rich colors of Morocco, you are limited only by your imagination.

The single best way to incorporate color into your decorating is to find inspiration. Whether it's a picture of a room from your favorite decorating magazine or a photo taken on a summer vacation, find inspiration that moves you. Colors are able to evoke emotion, so by incorporating them into your decor you can take yourself to any destination imaginable.

Take a look at these inspiration pictures taken from Sherwin Williams 2009 Forecast Influences. Can you see your room decor evolve from on of these breathtaking scenes?

Global Tapestry

Techno-color

Conscious Luxury
Local Momentum

So Excited!

I have been posting about the upcoming fabrics that will be coming into FabricFlair on Etsy and Fabric Flair on Artfire and I am really excited about them. Here's why. Until now I have been buying up fabric at clearance prices and reselling with not much profit. I have always had limited yardage of everything I carry.

But, my first 2 actual bolts arrived today! It has been the first tangible step (other than a credit card bill) toward moving to the next level. Thus far I have been kinda playing with different fabric types, seeing what sells and what doesn't, and overall just becoming educated about this whole wonderful textile world.

I received the first 2 bolts from Art Gallery Fabrics, the first 2 of many from them and several other fabric manufacturers. They are from the original Alhambra collection by Patricia Bravo, and I can't wait until October to get in the Alhambra II line! I haven't been able to find any names for these fabrics and it's making me nuts. I think Art Gallery must have only numbered them early on, and are naming the later collections.

AH - 123 on ETSY

AH - 123 on ArtFire

AH - 121 on ETSY

AH - 121 on ArtFire

Coming Soon to Fabric Flair Part 2

Okay, so yesterday I think I got a "lucky". The very nice lady from Studio E called me to let me know that some of my latest order had been backordered or discontinued completely. While I was on the phone, I decided to change several of my order items. Originally I was planning on carrying several patterns from the Deja Brew line, which is a cute, blue and brown, coffee themed collection. I really liked it and it put me in mind of a comfortable little coffee house.

However, the more I thought about it and literally tossed and turned thinking about it, I decided to try several patterns from their Natureology line instead. Thankfully, it wasn't too late and these great patterns will show up at Fabric Flair soon!

Studio E describes Natureology as "tranquil elements of nature".

Birds of a Feather in Brown

Blowing Leaves in Neutral

Birds in Brown

Through the Forest in Turquoise

Birds of a Feather in Rust

Blowing Leaves in Ivory

Birds in Gold

Through the Forest in Grey

Coming Soon to Fabric Flair

I am making the transition right now from buying cut pieces of fabric from suppliers, to buying straight from the manufacturer. It's a move that I have been hoping to make for some time, and decided that it's time to take the leap. My first shipment is expected any day now from Studio E. I fell especially in love with their Natureology and Essentials II in black and white. Here is a sample of what's to come at Fabric Flair:

Bold Floral in Black

Bold Floral in White

Iron Scroll in Black
Iron Scroll in White
Wire Rose in Black

I went a little crazy!

In order to make room for the new fabrics that are coming in, I have marked EVERYTHING down at FabricFlair.

Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, Home Decor, Quilting Weight, it's ALL on sale!

Check it out while supplies last!

Summer Sale Down!

Fabric Flair is having a summer sale down. Tons of fabric just marked down.

Heavyweight, lightweight, quilter's cotton, upholstery fabric

Yardage is limited so don't miss out!

FABRIC FLAIR SUMMER SALE!

New Fabrics Just in!

I'm always so excited on the days that fabric arrives.  Ordering online when the photos are so-so always makes you a little unsure of what the fabric is truly going to be like.  Is it soft?  Is it strong?  Is it stiff?  I usually try to take detailed pictures of the fabrics that I know customers may not be familiar with.  I want them to see the same thing I get to.  

I have been stalking the Greenhouse Fabrics website, waiting to pounce on their sale fabrics.  Today I had these pretties delivered.

Robin's Egg Frame and Medallion

This fabric's features surprised me when I got my first sample of it a few weeks ago.  It has an absolutely beautiful weave.  It is strong and able to stand on it's own for great decor.  What a beautiful statement.

Cameo Jacquard  

This beautiful jacquard took me by surprise as well.  Sometimes an online picture just doesn't say enough.  It is a classic pattern, but in a softer, more contemporary color scheme.  So pretty!

Brick Chinoiserie

The intricate detailing of this patchwork fabric is fascinating.  It is warm, spicy, and definitely something I am going to keep in mind for fall.  It would make a gorgeous table runner or placemats!