VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

imagecourtesymarydouglasdrysdale Peeps,   Today closes the series devoted to wallpaper, and judging from the large amount of hits to the blog site, many viewers just couldn't resist the amazing photos and insightful comments that were provided by our featured interiors designers, namely Matthew Patrick Smyth of New York and Connecticut, Beth Webb of Atlanta, Anthony Baratta of New York, and Washington-based Wayne Breeden.  I loved the wide range of aesthetic choices shown, and the innovative manner in which wallpaper, once considered passe yet now so relevant, was utilized.  It makes me wish that as a teenager I had been more understanding of my mother's fondness for patterns, especially florals. Mary Douglas Drysdale,  Washington's most prominent designer, was kind enough to share her thoughts on the use of wallpaper.  Upon receiving her jpeg, it was immediately clear why she is considered the queen of design in the nation's capitol.  A masterful...

imagecourtesygrahamrossalsolovespoero viapinterest Peeps, Wayne Breeden, one of our dedicated blog readers and an enthusiastic student of the decorative arts, was kind enough to share with us his thoughts on wallpaper.   The elite of society during Renaissance Europe were accustomed to hanging large tapestries on the walls of their homes; this was a tradition that could be traced back to the Middle Ages.  Since tapestries were extremely expensive, only the very rich could afford them, and the less affluent when unable to buy tapestries because of the prohibitive cost or scarcity--prolonged wars had severely hampered international trade, turned to wallpaper.  Introduced into England by Flemish craftsmen, the first papers were decorations for wood panels, in the shape of small squares with images first printed by wood blocks, and then hand-colored.  Patronage of the decorative arts and the desire to make one’s mark (or castle) the envy of one’s peers made ...

imagecourtesyaliciabdesignsblogspot Peeps, Any discussion on the use of bold colors, exuberant patterns, and the masterful combination of the two decorating elements invariably concludes with a nod to the work of interior designer Anthony Baratta.  Never content to simply remain within the realm of the mundane or expected, he always pushes the limits of the pattern-on-pattern-on-pattern interplay.  In the hands of a less experienced designer, this sitting room (today's visual treat) could have proved disastrous; Anthony achieves cozy, relaxed, and visually compelling.  Indeed, a purview of his portfolio reveals projects that are balanced, practical, and spirited.  And all this while having loads of fun with color and pattern! On the use of wallpaper, he shared his thoughts;   " I have a love-hate relationship with wallpaper. Believe me, I have tried everything at least once.  It's the over-use of certain patterns that kind of bugs me. How many tim...

photocourtesybethwebbinteriors Peeps, Like a illusionist, wallpaper(s) can mimic the composition of granite/marble/onyx and other stones.  As well as the effect of walls that have been marbled, stippled, dragged, combed, feathered, stried, sponged, ragged, washed, or stenciled.  If the budget allows, hand-blocked scenes can be commissioned from venerated artisans, and of late, the rage for high-gloss papers that mirror or reflect one's interior continues to fill the a renewed demand for anything lacquer-like.  If you love the look of Japanese and Chinese lacquered furniture, or Burmese lacquered urns and bowls, then slicker-than-slick walls are just the thing to satisfy the urge of many who thrill at the opportunity to reside within a jewelled box, a Venetian fantasy, or, an Anish Kapoor art installation.  Beth Webb of Atlanta has been quite instrumental in introducing a new, modern aesthetic to Atlanta and other southern parts.  In an area known for...

photocourtesymatthewpatricksmyth Peeps, I truly believe that every home needs a least one papered room, if not two.  Entry halls beg for the impact of oversized patterns running up and down stairways, and usually need a greater degree of warmth than other rooms.  An inviting entry-hall transforms that sometimes awkward moment of transition from public to private space into the perfect a-ha moment when visitors can wordlessly receive your well-meaning intent of welcome and hospitality. Since this area is not one in which you will daily inhabit for extended periods, throw caution to the wind and go bold with colors or patterns that sizzle and dazzle.  Provoke the senses, especially touch, through textured papers which are now embroidered with gem-stones, shells, bows, and beads.  Grass-cloths have been reintroduced with varied weaves, and colors ranging from Inca-gold yellow to endless-death black to Chinese blood-red.   Stripes run the gamut from sporty casu...