Alexandre Fleuren Interiors

Ikat Stripe Wallpaper

This "Ikat Stripe" Thibaut wallpaper is from the Fairfax Collection.  Ikat, by definition, refers to the process of tie-dying individual pieces of yarn before it is woven into a fabric.  Take a look at these photos of Ikat wallpaper, courtesy of Thibaut Design.  Wouldn't this pink Ikat wallpaper look adorable in a young girl's bedroom?Available in Camel, Green, Aqua, Pink, Blue, and Beige, this Thibaut "Ikat Stripe" wallpaper will certainly not disappoint.
Photograph & Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics, & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut, Inc. www.thibautdesign.com

What Magazines Grace your Coffee Table?

This time of year every mailbox is stuffed with Christmas cards, catalogs, and advertisements.  In the mix, homeowners also find magazine subscription offers.

We all love them.  Decorating publications filled with glossy pictures and great ideas--that we never implement, of course!  But nonetheless, magazines serve a purpose.  They expose readers to good design, and over time, help clarify personal preferences and style.  But which magazines to choose?  Our top picks may surprise you: 

HOUSE BEAUTIFUL 
Former Editor In Chief Stephen Drucker catapulted this magazine from ho-hum status to our first choice of design publications.  He cultivated the perfect mix of design giants, new talent, and informational columns to produce a winner.  The magazine consistently showcases good design that is relatable and obtainable to their readers.  Bravo!

Newell Turner is the new editor, and HB has a decidedly different look already.  We are giving him a chance, but our advice to Mr. Turner is don't fix what isn't broken!

Miles Redd designed Library. Note the laquered finish on cabinetry and walls. Photo courtesy of House Beautiful. To subscribe, visit www.housebeautiful.com

TOWN&COUNTRY

This fall, HEARST PUBLICATIONS replaced outgoing Editor In Chief Pamela Fiori with Stephen Drucker of House Beautiful.  While we are fans of Mr. Drucker, we loved Ms. Fiori at the helm of Town & Country.  Her monthly Letter from the Editor was always, well, just plain interesting to read!  She managed to make fine living relevant to the average reader, and kept us thoroughly engaged with her personal dialogue.  She convinced us we were curled up on the sofa sharing a cup of tea, while she told us about her day.  Incredible talent to make the elite classes a part of our daily lives and choices.

We also look to the trends in fine jewelry and other appointments to determine trends in home interiors.  What is featured on the arms of the upper classes is often what follows in the living rooms of the rest of us!  Look for color trends and style predictors throughout each beautiful issue. Photo Courtesy of Town&Country magazine. Visit www.townandcountrymag.com to subscribe.

Teal Accents

Teal was the one color that transcended all the looks at High Point Market. It is a natural addition to the Belgian look, adding color to rugs and depth to antique finishes on mirrors and casegoods.  Teal pairs beautifully with the brights, grounding them in a way that keeps them from becoming too Disney-like. Teal has been a strong trend for some time, replacing the chocolate and soft blues of the last decade. While the color works well with the new greys and taupes, you can also incorporate it with your existing walnuts and chocolates to create a new look.  In this photo, Alexandre Fleuren Interiors uses teal accents to give the room a strong focal point. You get the sense that it is a “teal” room, although there is very little used.  Placement and selecting the right objects is key. What do you think?  Do you incorporate any teal in your home? 

A Wonderful Grey, Neutral Alternative

Imagine this room, designed by Thibaut, with the paisley mentioned in yesterday's post.  It is a great example of the new grey palette mixing flawlessly with what you already have.  Investing in custom wall treatments is the fastest way to connect your custom home to your favorite collections.  What would this room look like with flat, beige paint?  Now mentally replace the metallic grey circles on this paper with any of the other new looks we've mentioned.  They all add character and personality to the space.  Alexandre Fleuren Interiors can prep, prime, and paper the average room in one day.  What are you waiting for?Photograph & Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics, & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut, Inc. 

Dress your Home in Ikat and Paisley

Ikats were still a very strong look at High Point Market, with French Ikat rugs leading the way.  However, if you own the perfect persian or can't let go of your sisal, try this ikat wallpaper from Thibaut.  It combines the new neutrals--grey and taupe--beautifully.  I think it would look fantastic in a man's study, with strong lines of walnut furnishings, and charcoal and putty colored leather upholstery.  A contemporary shaded chandelier would be a must to complete the look.    Another option would be paisley, which is a huge trend we expect to see for a while.  But this is not the paisley you remember from the 80's.  Again, grey is a strong new neutral we love.  It works well with your existing walnut and matte black finishes, and of course, all that oil-rubbed bronze and polished nickel, too!  So you don't have to start all over.  But here's a surprise--try it with shiny brass and rich gold---it looks amazing.  We love this paisley paper.  LOOK TWICE.  The repeat on this new paper from Thibaut is enormous, so it makes a bold statement without a huge color commitment or change.  In a family room--WOW!  And with it's slight texture and vinyl coated washable surface, it is functional, too. Look for us to use it soon for a client's mudroom/laundry.  It is going to be gorgeous! Photograph & Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics, & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut, Inc.

The Perfect Khaki Grass Paper

Of the new Thibaut Avalon collection, this is it!  Truly the perfect khaki grass paper.  Just what we have been dreaming to find.  It is the perfect color, with just enough warmth to stand strong with golds and oil-rubbed bronze.   With the silver thread,  it relates to chromes and nickels.  Alexandre absolutely love this paper!  It is hard to imagine a color palette it would not work with... Forget your builder grade, taupe, cream or khaki paint. Upgrade to a custom finish in your custom home, and replace that boring flat paint with texture and a glint of shine.  If your current neutral color looks good, this is guaranteed to look FANTASTIC!  Call us for a sample today!

Photograph and Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut Inc.

Lavender Grasscloth

This icy lavender grasscloth, which features a metallic silver thread, looks great with the Belgian look.  Alexandre loves it for its glamorous qualities.  You could use it in a dining room to take advantage of the sparkle, or use it for a master retreat.  It would add just enough color to a muted color palette, and would be great for the client who collects periwinkle blue and white porcelain.  Call AFI for a sample todayPhotograph and Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut Inc.

Market Trends: The Belgian Look

As mentioned earlier, Alexandre Fleuren Interiors recently visited the Atlanta Market to take a look at some of the latest trends in interior design. While we previously noted the popular bright colors this season, which are rasberry, lemon, iced lavender, and tangerine, it is also worth mentioning the ever strong Belgian look.  This look brings to mind lots of limed oak,
barnwood, and antiqued silvers in wood finishes. 

When coupled with greys, lavenders, silvers, plums, putty, taupes, beiges, and lilacs, the color palette is soft and worn. Meanwhile, muted colors in cool tones are a strong contrast to the warm earth tones of the nineties. This color palette complements French antiques and looks warm and inviting. The fabrics are soft damasks, cotton velvets, and beautiful linens--often with a metallic thread to add a bit of sophistication. This look really needs the addition of
metallics to keep it from going flat. Contemporary, clean lined upholstery pieces work well with the antique finishes on casegoods. Even lamps are often wood bases, using the same greyed, washed finishes. Mercury glass and antiqued mirrors look great and give sparkle. I love this look for someone who is seeking calm and rest in their space, as the palette is muted and soft, very soothing. Perfect for a master bedroom for a busy executive, or working mom, anxious to find peace at the end of the day.

AFI has beautiful chests, lamps, and artwork available incorporating this trend. Also, beautiful fabrics and wall covering from Thibaut. One of our favorites is the metallic cork with damask overlay. Available in several colors, it has amazing texture, coupled with a worn metallic glow we haven’t seen in any other paper. Consider it to back a hutch or cabinet, in a dressing area, or above the chair rail in a small dining room. In gold, it would be fabulous in a man’s study, especially with dark leather upholstery. 

What are your thoughts about the Belgian look?  Do you incorporate this style throughout your home? 

 

Both of these Photographs and Coordinated Wallpaper, Fabrics & Wovens Designs Copyright Thibaut Inc.  www.thibautdesign.com

Brights: Interior Design Color Trends

When it comes to color trends this season, think brights.  The four strongest colors at Market, which AFI recently visited, were rasberry, lemon, iced lavender, and tangerine.  Think cool tones...no warm, earthy colors here!  If you struggle to understand cool versus warm, think of a popsicle.  Does the orange look like the clear, icy color of an orange popsicle? Or does it look like the warm, earthy color of a pumpkin?  Use the same scenario for determining greens, blues, and pinks.  These colors are fabulous, and AFI is excited to incorporate them into future projects.  Gorgeous silks, metallic grasscloth wallcoverings, and leathers in icy brights can immediately freshen an existing decor. 
Icy lemon silk taffeta drapery and a raspberry pillow add extra punch to this guest retreat by AFI. Do you incorporate any of these colors in your home?  If so, please share!  We would love to see the way you use these fantastic, bright shades throughout your house.

Painting your Door

Whether it's black, white, red, or hunter green, the color of your front door can say a lot about your style.  Why not add a bit of color to your home and street with a vibrant, unexpected shade that makes neighbors stop and say, "Wow."  Maybe its canary yellow or holiday red.  Use color to make a statement. It's such a simple and inexpensive update that you could do it several times a year.  What's your color?