Alexandre Fleuren Interiors

Holiday Gift Wrapping

Get inspired to use unique wrapping for all of your holiday gifts!  We used teal embellished foil papers with silky silver and gold ribbon for these Christmas treasures.  Adding some pearlized grapes and glittered  greenery completes the look.  Taking the time to add the extra touches that show we care is what AFI is all about.  We love the chance to share even more during the Christmas season!  

Flat Screen Televisions

Gone are the 80's and 90's when every TV was "properly" hidden in either a French country armoire, or a large wall system housing the stereo, VCR, and eventually DVDs.  Now every home is equipped with an even larger (albeit thinner) flat screen, and those massive french cabinets are obsolete.  There are many schools of thought about hiding or showing the TV.  AFI believes it is simply a matter of personal preference.  Like it or not, TVs are part of our daily life, and we are fine with letting them show. That being said, they should be integrated into the room properly.  Look at this room:

BEFORE The family's heirloom sideboard and chairs are nice, but this arrangement is lacking any personality or interest. Look what happens when we add one element:

AFTER
Placing the TV in front of the art creates a layering effect.  And, even though the art is monochromatic and light, the frame size is in proportion with the large screen TV.  Why place the picture behind the TV?  Several reasons: 

1. It makes the TV seem like an addition, instead of making the room look like it was designed around it.
2. It can be removed if the TV is ever mounted to the wall.
3. It remains a complete set of art, should the homeowner rearrange the furniture and float the sofa beneath the art on this wall.

This collection of American Cup Photographs (each frame measuring 32x36") is available through Alexandre Fleuren Interiors.  Priced at $325 each piece, they can be delivered and installed quickly.

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? 

Elegant Entryways

AFI enjoys creating very special entries for clients.  Here is a look at some of Alexandre's work:  

 Very soft & very simply, but makes a strong statement.  What does your entry say about you?

Create a Special Entry for the Holidays & Beyond

We all think of gathering with family and friends during the holiday season, but with todayʼs busy lifestyles, sometimes we only make it to the foyer, as we quickly stop by with a gift or receive a quick, “Happy Holidays” at our own front door.

Whether you manage to host a holiday gathering or not, your entry is the most important part of the seasonʼs setting.  For the friend stopping by for a quick hello, the children rushing in after a busy day at school, or the postman receiving the basket of goodies you made for him, your entry is the first and often only opportunity to set the stage for warmth and giving during the holidays.

At Alexandre Fleuren Interiors, we believe the entry is the hardest working part of your house.  It must convey the warmth of the holidays, and still do the job of immediately establishing your style and needs all year long.

You should be able to quickly add a few items to make it special during the holidays, and skip the major project decorating.  After all, who has time?!

We are excited to bring you some amazing signature pieces this month, all of them perfect for the foyer.  Whatever the size of your entrance or style of your home, we have amazing pieces that will complement holiday decor, yet still look fabulous all year!  And with prices that range from $300 to $3000, we have something for every budget.  

With any purchase, receive complementary delivery and installation through December 31st. AFI offers the option of a complete entry installation, including rugs, mirrors, art, lighting, and accessories.  Whatever your needs---we create a statement customized for YOU.Call today and let us make your entry.....Breathtakingly...You.  All of these featured items are new from Market and available at AFI.  Delivery to the Charleston area only.  Call for pricing or info: 843-437-1396.

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.

Creating Homes that are 'Breathtakingly...You!'

This great room, designed by Alexandre Fleuren Interiors, is especially cozy and inviting.  The natural colors, luxurious rug, and comfortable leather chairs are quite welcoming, while the silk draperies are the perfect solution to frame the windows overlooking the marsh.The framed photographs add the perfect touch to the clean and polished room, making it feel incredibly homey.This kind of room is exactly what AFI seeks to create: a room that is both stylish, elegant, and functional. 

Please visit us at www.alexandrefleureninteriors.com to see if we can help make your home...Breathtakingly....You! 

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? 

Cozy up next to the fire

The weather is going to be rather chilly in Charleston this weekend.  It might not be freezing, but with temperatures in the fifties, you certainly will get a taste of what is to come this December and January.  Instead of adjusting the temperature in your house, why not make a nice, warm fire one evening and curl up with a good book or cup of tea. Don't overlook your fireplace this season.  A fire can light up a room, literally, while adding a sense of coziness and warmth.  AFI made this space even cozier with a custom-designed cushion.  What do you think?  Take a look at the details...details are the show! 

The Fall Season

With the arrival of November, we are bound to have Thanksgiving on the mind.  What are your special Thanksgiving traditions and when do you like to start planning the menu?  Please share any traditions or recipes on our blog. We would love to read them! 

Please also keep in mind that Alexandre Fleuren Interiors can assist you with all of your design needs this holiday season.  We love designing homes that are a true reflection of you and your personal style.You can contact us on our Web-site at www.alexandrefleureninteriors.com.  Follow us on Twitter at AFInteriors.