2019 Trends- geometric patterns

I am a lover of geometric patterns.  I think I would have been very happy growing up in the 70s -minus some of the color combos.  I think what draws me to these types of patterns is that they possess an orderly pattern and typically have clean lines.  Those who know me well know that orderly and clean are two characteristics that will win me over every time.  That’s just my personal preference.

For those who are unsure about geometrics, here are some additional positive characteristics-

-They are versatile.  Geometric patterns can be found in area rugs, upholstery fabrics, window fabrics, bedding, accessories, just to name a few.  You have the opportunity to dabble in them as much as you would like.

-They are gender neutral.  Most men don’t balk at a geometric print fabric being used on their favorite chair.  This cannot be said of every pattern, making geometrics a the great compromiser when it comes to settling home decor squabbles between couples.

-They pair well with other patterns.  Stripes, florals, novelty prints…you name it.  They all can partner with geometrics to create a pattern grouping that makes a space beautiful.

-They can be playful OR sophisticated.  Geometrics can take on whatever personality you are trying to evoke in your space.  When using a geo print in a nursery, you want to accomplish a younger look as opposed to when using in your dining room.  Geometric patterns can be found in printed form, (where the pattern is truly printed on the fabric) OR embroidered on a fabric (making it more elegant), OR woven (typically this is on upholstery).

On the flipside, there are some drawbacks to this type of pattern.  {Although not many.  Can you tell I am over the moon for these types of patterns?? I actually think I am speaking very unbiasedly about the subject ;)}

-Some versions of geometrics can be trendy, thus leaving your room looking dated.  Patterns like chevron, or arabesque (commonly known as trellis or Moroccan trellis) are good examples. Use these types sparingly-in small touches like pillows or accessories- to avoid having to do a complete overhaul.

-Geometric patterns can look busy.  Be mindful of this when incorporating them into a space.  Don’t use too many geometrics in one room, and carefully consider how they interact with the other patterns you are using to keep from overwhelming the eye.

Here are some of my favorite applications of geometric prints in projects we've done.  Tell us what you think about them- would you use these in your home?

-Liz

Embroidered geo fabric on window valances in a dining room.
photo: Veronica Gettinger on behalf of PDR Interiors

Same dining room had a geometric print area rug.  The colors tied in well with the window fabric.
photo: PDR Interiors

Model residence hall at the University of Kentucky.  Geometric patterns used on area rug and throw pillows.  Paired with solids and paisley well to make the room feel welcoming and warm.
photo:PDR Interiors

Foyer with geometric wallpaper
photo: PDR Interiors

Gathering the Facts for your Project- Patterns & Colors

Post 5/5 in the series Gathering the Facts for your Project

Well, we've come to the end of our line of questioning.  After you answer today's questions, you should have a clear picture of your project's parameters.

What patterns and colors appeal to you?  Which ones don’t?

Making a note of the colors and patterns you enjoy seeing within your space like will be helpful in keeping you focused while shopping.  The list of what you don’t like really is more important than what you do like.  This list of “don’ts” is the key to  how to avoid buying furnishings that just aren’t your style.

We’ve all done it- bought that CUTE top because the print looked so good on a friend.  But, ever since getting that shirt home and hanging it in the closet, it hasn’t seen the light of day.  The tags still hang from the sleeve, and likely always will.  Do you know why?  It’s because you bought a piece of clothing based on how it looked on someone else, not on you.    Do not make this kind of mistake when it comes to the pieces for your space.  Don’t get blinded by the way items look in a showroom.  Treat your color and pattern preference as guidelines, and you won’t make a purchasing mistake.

Remember, your home serves as the backdrop to your daily life.  It’s not the star of the show, don’t become a slave to it.  Make the pieces within your home work for you while making the space look good!

Having the answers to the questions we've discussed in the last month makes it easier to move forward with selecting the pieces for your project.  Every time you make a selection for the space, make sure it stacks up against your answers  before purchasing.  If it doesn’t, don’t force it, move on to find something else. You’ll be disappointed if you settle, so don’t!

I would love to hear from you on if these questions were helpful for you when planning your project.  Feel free to comment here OR email me liz@pdr-interiors.com.

-Liz

Our Weekend at The Greenbrier

We had the chance to take the “Dorothy Draper School of Decorating” course at the gorgeous, historic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. The whole experience was certainly one for the books. This blog will take you through some of the major highlights and takeaways from visiting the resort and taking the fantastic course. 

The Resort

The Greenbrier is an absolutely stunning, expansive resort that truly has something for everyone to enjoy. As soon as you step into the doors you feel like you are stepping back in time. Everywhere you look there are details you won’t see at any hotel these days. Just one small example of this is the old-fashioned mail shoot they have.  The collection box is placed just as you are walking on to the main elevator and every floor has access to a mail slot. They have kept this feature not just as an interesting showpiece of another time, but as a fully functioning mail system!

Walking into The Greenbrier it is truly sensory overload. There are bold colors and patterns as far as the eye can see. You go from an aqua blue room, into a deep burgundy space, and then mint green beyond that. These just simply are not things you see anymore. There is something so magical about the feeling of visiting The Greenbrier that is so hard to put into words. 

The room we stayed in had bright, over-the-top wallpaper with blue and white vases holding coral and yellow tulips. The bright daylight poured in through the windows and bounced beautifully off of all the bright colors in the space. As you step into the bathroom, yet another bold wallpaper, this time pink flowers, along with a hand-painted flower on the shower tile. This just gives you a small snapshot of what it was like to stay at this amazing property.

The Dorothy Draper School of Decorating

The main event of the weekend and our number one reason for going was to take the “Dorothy Draper School of Decorating” course that is offered on site. This course was taught by the legendary Carleton Varney who has been the President of Dororthy Draper Co. for 50 years now. He mentored under Dorothy who was America’s first Interior Decorator. Yes you read that right, she was the first to professionalize interior decorating, how cool?

The course itself was a mix of walking through the thought process behind the “Dororthy Draper style” of decorating which dismisses all that is drab and neutral and welcomes everything that is bright, bold and most importantly comfortable. One of our favorite Dorothy quotes they shared with us is “If it looks right, it is right”. What a simple yet powerful statement? It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking interior decorating is a science that can be broken down into a bunch of rules to follow. While this can be true, it is so important to know when and where to abandon the rules when need be. Your home should be a place that you love where you are surrounded by colors and items that make you happy, it’s as simple as that! 

The Colors of Spring - How to Decorate with Floral Patterns

Start Small

studio-mcgee.com

When it comes to introducing florals into your decor, start with just a little here and there. Things like a simple throw pillow, or a piece of art are a good way to add florals to your space without feeling overwhelmed by them. Florals have gotten a bad wrap in the past for feeling a little “grandma-ish” so for some, it will take time to get that perception out of their heads. 

blog.purehome.com

Try Floral Wallpaper (Gasp!)

mydomaine.com

Can you believe I said it? Floral wallpaper? Thats right, in the right space it can work beautifully! Don't be concerned, these are not the florals of the past I am talking about. These florals are both chic and on trend. Some places to appropriately use floral wallpaper is in a nursery or as an accent wall. 

shop.projectnursery.com

When in Doubt, Go Large-Scale

studio-mcgee.com

One of the things we picture when we think old, outdated florals are tiny patterns. This was part of the problem that added to our distain for these patterns. The new florals that are back and better than ever are mostly large scale patterns which differentiates them from the others. These photos show two great examples of large scale florals that added to the spaces in a major way. 

entirelyeventfulday.com

Houndstooth Heaven

Bear Bryant & Alabama got it right.  At least when it came to houndstooth!  A classic pattern that looks stunning in a simple black & white color scheme, or when jazzed up in brighter hues.  I am a huge fan of this design in home décor as well as fashion.  It’s a perfect accent for solid colors and shouldn’t be overdone.  I have seen more and more of it lately in furniture stores when out shopping.  Here are some of the coolest pieces I ran across:

Comfy side chair in stylish shades of green.

Chic ottoman in the tried & true black and white.

Throw pillows are also widely popular for this pattern.

Whatever your fancy, happy houndstoothing!

Create Your Own

When I’m in line at Qdoba, I can "craft" my own meal, at Panera I can pick and choose different items to create my lunch, too.  A cute little boutique down the road called Caught Ya Lookin let's me take any of their fabrics and they will create one of their bag styles for me.  Call me spoiled, but I love being able to customize things to better suit me.  That’s why I am absolutely in love with the option to create my own fabric design.  I read about it in a newsletter from a fabric vendor and it peaked my interest.  A few weeks later I saw an article about it in a Sherwin Williams publication.  That hooked me, I had to check out this Spoonflower site. 

You can upload your own photo and then play around with the layout to end up with a unique piece that no one else can duplicate.  After exploring the site and creating my own look, I held my breath when it came time for the price tag.  I was pleasantly surprised that the cost was under $40/yard.  You can be hard-pressed to find mass-produced fabrics at that price.  I see a flurry of fabric designing in my near future!  Hope you will try it, too!