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Rooms from the Runway: Manly With a Side of Aqua
One of the things I’m asked most to do as an interior designer is to help couples merge their looks into one cohesive home that reflects both of them while still maintaining some semblance of style. Not always an easy task! But, when I saw this photograph taken by a new blogger that I stumbled on a few weeks ago, it instantly reminded me of one of my favorite spaces that I think perfectly projects a casual masculine look with a feminine touch…
It’s that little touch of pale aqua in the room that really does it for me. The sheets and the lamp (a very feminine choice) take the room from simple to interesting – especially in contrast with those rich wood tones! And, of course, a flannel blanket just adds that bit of classic masculinity. Rough textures like the wood nightstand give it a rugged feel, and the dark blue accents add the perfect final compliment. I know I’d happily call this a room of my own!
Rooms from the Runway: Sweet Dreams
Sometimes what we really need in our homes is a sanctuary space–for me, it’s my bedroom. A neutral palette of greys and whites helps me clear my head and calm my nerves at the end of a long day. When I saw some of the dreamy piece from the Chloe Spring 2010 RTW collection, I felt that same sense of dreamy relaxation…
Fresh whites and creams in loose, billowing fabrics lend themselves perfectly as inspiration for a peaceful bedroom like this one from Kara Mann. The layers of textures here mimic those of the Chloe look–all in a palette of creamy whites. That plush throw is especially fantastic, and I love the use of light woods and silvers with a dark floor to ground it all. Anyone else ready for a nap?
Rooms from the Runway: Just Add Pop
In case you haven’t noticed–these days, grey is the new black. But black is also back. So with all this grey and black coming from fashion and decor. . . we have got to add a bit of color somewhere from keeping things from getting to dull! One of my favorite shades of the moment to inject into all these dark neutrals? A gorgeously rich indigo blue that’s just light enough to provide a pop of color without it seeming too out of place. . .
The runway example we have comes from Devi Kroell’s Fall ‘09 RTW collection. A well put-together ensemble of simple but classic lines, with almost a deep indigo blue to keep add a luxury. The same can be said for this room featured in Australia Vogue Living. Layers of beautiful greys and touches of black, but just the addition of the throw pillows in blue make it ever so much more interesting. You could also try one of the hottest colors of the moment for fall–a burnt orange–and it would look fantastic.
Rooms from the Runway: So Fresh + So Clean
Sometimes all you really need in a room is a fresh white palette to work from. And, while white invites so many possibilities and opportunities to switch up styles and palettes, it can often look best with just that one shot of color…
This all white ensemble from L’Wren Scott’s spring collection practices this theory to perfection as does this simplified interior via Simon Watson. Using different textures of white in an interior adds interest and warmth. From the paint to the sofa and rug, the color unifies and softens this modern space. Even the addition of white flowers adds a welcome touch to the room! And, all it really takes to keep things from being too boring is that simple shot of chartreuse green. A perfect contrast in a rich velvet – or in the case of Scott’s ensemble a bold ruffle – that additional color is the finishing touch.
Rooms from the Runway: In Reverse
While my posts here have so far only reflected rooms based on runway looks, it’s very obvious that runway designers also get their inspiration from the interior design world. Whether through textiles, color and style trends, or materials like this…
The runway look from Brian Reyes‘ Fall collection clearly takes its inspiration from the natural pattern of marble– a smart way of creating a luxe look even out of the most simple material. After all, what’s more luxe than a bath that takes full advantage of head to toe dramatic, cool, glamorous marble?
Rooms from the Runway: Neutral Layers
While color is always a wonderful thing in a room, I have to say that layering neutrals in different textures and tones always creates such a soothing space, which is why I’m loving this look from Celine’s 2010 Spring Collection paired with one of my very favorite dining rooms scanned from an older issue of Elle Decor.
Those worn in campaign chairs get me every time! Celine’s runway looks consisted of layers of neutral leathers, suedes, chiffon, and more – this ensemble was just one of many with a similar style. The dining room does the same, layering different wood tones with those leather chairs and neutral accessories to create a simple palette that is all about shape and texture. Without too many colors to distract the eye, the lines on the floor, created by the chairs, inset in the table, the bookshelves, the cabinets… all the way up to the ceiling. We see it all, just like the shapes in the runway look stand out without being highly contrasted. Don’t you just love going back to basics?
Rooms from the Runway: Bold Peach + Red
I love when designers aren’t afraid to take risks… especially liveable risks. The second I saw this peach and red ensemble from the 3.1 Philip Lim Spring 2010 collection, I knew I had to pair it with one of my favorite rooms captured by the talented Paul Costello. What do you think? Could you live in either one of these designs? I know I could!
For most, both the ensemble and the room would be a bit much. Over the top. Intense. Saturated. But for the brave souls willing to give in to a dose of color, I think this combo of a peach and red is just genius. Imagine how the room would look with white paint. Or the ensemble with a white dress? It changes the tone completely. The peach makes these designs warmer, and actually neutralizes the red a bit, making it easier to take in. The only difference here is that Lim’s designs tend to be very uncluttered, while this space has layers and layers of accessories – but that’s a decision best left to personal style. Which do you prefer? While I’ll shy away from patent leather in red, I do love the dress… and just about everything about the room.
Rooms from the Runway: A Little Wild
Today’s room happens to be one of my favorite fresh little corners, and the ensemble from one of my favorite designers, Chriz Benz, who is known for his amazing use of color in his collections. What draws me in to both of these photos is bold use of a little leopard print and black with such a bright color and white space. So effective and so glamorous…
Naturally, a room with too much yellow and leopard print could easily go overboard, so an exact interpretation of this ensemble could be a bit much. But, a little touch of leopard in the pillow, and a few gold and yellow accents on a mostly white palette makes it work perfectly, while the warm neutral walls and floor keep it from being too cold. A perfect Room from the Runway translation.
Rooms from the Runway: Seasons Change
I don’t know about you, but when the weather starts to change, so does my decorating style, and that goes for the sources of inspiration as well. Right now I’m in the process of redecorating my bedroom, and the fact that we’re heading into fall has definitely influenced the design! But, it’s important when we’re seeking out or translating inspiration not to get caught up in the seasonal details…
To show you exactly what I mean, I’ve taken this Fall runway look from Aquascutum and translated into a room that would be a more predictable match- Kate Spade’s beautiful bedroom whose color palette of neutrals with a pop of yellow and rich green is one of my favorites. (Love the wall treatment. Love that chair. Love the drama a bit of black adds to the space.) The textures, colors and fabrics in the room definitely have more of a layered fall feel to them… but just because our inspiration is all bundled up, doesn’t mean that the room has to be…
We can take the exact same palette and turn it into a simple beach house room, and it translates just as well. So, when looking at your inspirations, don’t throw out an idea just because the season doesn’t suit your style – dissect the entire look, figure out what it is you really love, and you can apply it any space!
Rooms from the Runway: Masculine Modern
After last week’s shamelessly feminine room, I had to balance things out with a space that seemed a bit more appealing to both sexes, at the very least. With grey acting as ‘the new black’ in fashion and interior design, it’s no surprise that it’s become a very popular decorating color, and one that both men and women can agree on. As for me, I prefer my grey with a little warmth to it, which is why I’m loving this match up…
From Carlos Miele’s fall 09 collection we have a bit of ‘tough’ femininity showing through in this pairing of rich, silky teal blue with a warm grey (albeit ruffled) leather jacket. And from designer Sherrill Canet, we have a transitional dining room that takes these exact colors and turns them into a space that reflects the same sophistication and bit of edge. While my own designer instincts would have led me to select a rich neutral tone for the walls in this room, I have to say that the white is a braver choice–it allows the shape of the dining chairs to truly pop, and emphasizes the artwork as well. Both of these styles are keeping things simple, but luxe, which is what truly makes them work.
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