IFDA Day of DesignIFDA Day of Design

Porcelain Wood Tile, A Tree’s Best Friend – by Homelink

admin — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 01:02:16 +0000

This new trend in tile is garnering praise from designers and the environmentally conscious, alike. A man-made product, porcelain wood-look tiles offer homeowners and designers a myriad of options for flooring, walls, and backsplashes. It’s versatile, beautiful and durable. In short, it’s everything homeowners are looking for!

Wood-look tiles come in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, allowing homeowners and their designers the freedom to create a custom look that is stylish and long-lasting. Shapes include the more traditional long and short planks, as well as large squares that offer a more contemporary pop. We particularly love using the square tiles for a warm, natural feel on patios and pool surrounds, as in the photo below.

How do wood-look tiles stack up against Mother Nature? Selections range from tile created to replicate the distressed look of your grandma’s old wood floor, to a more highly polished style. Wood patterns are printed on the tile and have all the shading and graining of real wood. Tiles vary in texture, from smooth (like traditional tile), to a wood-like texture. They can be installed with or without a grout line.

As far as durability, these tiles are a clear winner. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is fired at higher temperatures, making it a denser product that protects against moisture and scratching. It will withstand anything the kids, dogs and the slow leak under the dishwasher can throw at it.

Have a project in mind? Consider going green AND gorgeous with a wood-look tile!

Learn more from the experts at Homelink! Click our logo to visit our website. We would love to help you with your next project.

Modern Moroccan 2012 by Shades of Light

admin — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 07:10:57 +0000

Posted by Shades of Light – www.shadesoflight.com

How do you jazz up your beloved neutral palette? Answer: with a bit of color and some ethnic flair! Our latest catalog cover look takes “neutrals” which if left alone can border on boring and lifts them up into a lovely and rich space. Neutrals are the perfect restful backdrop to a vibrant room, the key is to mix in pops of color and rich and reflective metallic tones to keep the space from being boring. For this room I decided to combine the ever popular neutral “gray” with a lively and warm yellow and a twist of the increasingly popular Moroccan trend. The final look was breath taking, inviting and still classic.

I started with a deep hue of warm gray for the walls and a rich walnut finish flooring. To keep these dark tones from closing in the room, my answer was mirrors. I chose our Architectural Wooden Leaner Mirror to keep the warmth in the room. The warm and worn tones of the rich wood instantly opened up the room! The authentic architectural elements they add to the space make the room feel like it has age and a “time loved” elegance.

Architectural Wooden Leaner Mirror

Then I added color and pattern. In order to keep the color and pattern from overwhelming the space I kept all the hues of yellow in the same range and all the patterns in a simple geometric. Our Curved Back Wooden Frame Arm Chair upholstered in cream linen on the front and a yellow lattice pattern on the back is framed in a yellow finished hardwood to give a modern edge to this classic chair.

Our matching Half Round Nailhead Accent Ottoman adds function and a bit of casual coziness to keep the room from feeling too stiff.

Our fabulous Ironwork Trellis Dhurrie Rug layered with our Gray Cowhide Rug combine our color palette together and create a rich layered look.

Gray Cowhide Rug

Ironwork Trellis Dhurrie Rug

Now it was time to turn up the volume, so in came the shiny metallic Moroccan inspired pieces such as our Hammered Metal Moroccan Hourglass Side Table , Pierced Moroccan Lantern , Pierced Metal Moroccan Table Lamp and our Hammered Metal Pendant. All of these shiny polished metals instantly gave the room a jewel-like glisten and added an ethnic flair.

Hammered Metal Moroccan Hourglass Side Table

Pierced Moroccan Lantern

Pierced Metal Moroccan Table Lamp

Hammered Metal Pendant

The keys to keeping your neutral room far from the boring zone is to add color, pattern, authentic architectural elements and some “jewels” like metallics or crystal.
I hope our latest cover look “Modern Moroccan” inspires you to jazz up your neutral color palette and be confident with color, layering looks, and adding some world traveled appeal like this popular Moroccan style.

Touches of Whimsy

admin — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:19:41 +0000

Posted on September 2, 2012 by Tobi

It has come up in conversation a few times this past week that when I first became known in my regional design community it was for the kids bedrooms I had published locally.

The “punchline” of this conversation always ends up being how, though I still like to design bedrooms that kids will LOVE, my signature style is very polished and tailored, so it naturally surprises many people that kids rooms were my hook. It’s funny to me, too, looking back, in some ways. But it also makes me realize that I almost ALWAYS try to incorporate at lease one playful punch into each project. Whimsical details are NOT just for kids rooms! I enjoy the reputation of having a VERY distinctive style (and I know no one is going to accuse me of being an eclectic or bohemian-inspired designer any time soon), but color is not, as you might guess, the ONLY way I know to let my hair down!

Some evidence:

These adorable critters greeted me each and every day when they stood in my entry! Fine paperwork AND adorably lovable!

There aren’t many homes with a curvaceous, fabulous lamp sitting in the middle of the kitchen island, right? I was very pleased with this fun detail.

Stripes painted on hardwood? Feline chair legs? Beaded chandy for breakfast? Yes, please!

If this doesn’t shout fun and frisky, I just don’t know what does!

This master bedroom is part of my MOST whimsical project to date. The family is just lots of fun, and they encouraged me to get flirty and fun with their interiors.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of my MOST playful design moments! Enjoy your weekend, and no matter how polished you are as a rule…don’t be afraid to occasionally get quirky!

xo,

Sneak Peek at the Butler’s Pantry in the Upcoming 2012 Richmond Symphony Show House!

admin — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 07:10:41 +0000

Kathy Corbet is designing the Butler’s Pantry for the upcoming Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer Show House. Here is the work in progress. As you can see there is a lot to be done!

Kathy has been hard at work to transform the space. Check out this computer rendering that will become reality in just a few days.

The colors are inspired by the home’s exterior and surrounding landscape—plus it’s a great opportunity to showcase the Kelly green color trend. Kathy loves this lush, floral print which will be featured in the window treatment.

Kathy is using this room to highlight a new multipurpose room home trend called the “drop zone”—a mudroom, craft room, eating nook and dog den in one. Yep, it’s pet friendly, child friendly and dirt friendly, all at once!

This project is also giving Kathy the opportunity to collaborate with some great local talent. The Closet Factory is providing great storage in the closet.

Local artist, Sarah Gayle Carter, is also providing a colorful, stylish pet portrait. There’s no better way to show pet love!

And a custom table by Woods Refinishing and Restoration of southern yellow pine salvaged from the 1800 block of East Franklin Street in Shockoe Bottom.

Make sure you come check out the finished room and meet Kathy in person. And visit Kathy’s website and blog at www.kathycorbetinteriors.com

Show House Love by Tobi Fairley

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 07:35:19 +0000

It’s hard to believe, but this time last year my team and I had just completed a room for the Hampton Designers Showhouse. Talk about an amazing experience! Now a new class of truly phenomenal designers are showcasing their work — and, WOW, there are some fantastic ones to see.

LOVE this bedroom designed by Robert Passal Isn’t the wallpaper by Black Crow Studios to die for??

I also fell hard for this vision-in-blue dining room designed by the talented duo, Jennifer Mabley and Austin Handler of Mabley Handler Interior Design.

I could go on and on, because there are so many fabulous rooms, but don’t take my word — get the details and go see it before the it closes on September 3.

Speaking of Showhouses….

I have to admit all of this talk about showhouses and design made me a bit nostalgic for the experience! Which is all the more reason why I am thrilled to announce that I will be designing a room in this year’s Holiday House in NYC!!

Holiday House is going to be such a fun experience because each room is based on a holiday or an occasion. In past years, they’ve had everything from a traditional Easter room to a room built around the television-and-film awards season to an April Fools Day surprise!

[Traditional Easter Room by Jennifer Duneier]

[April Fools Day room (which gives the illusion of a Paris Apartment) by Marjorie Sobiloff and Cathy Yohay of SY Interior Designs]

This year the proceeds will benefit an amazing cause that has helped thousands of women, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

So, please consider this an official save the date card…

Holiday House 2012

October 25 to November 18

2 East 63rd Street, NYC

But…you’ll have to wait to see which room I’m designing and which holiday I chose to celebrate!! Stay tuned!!
xo, Tobi

Sneak Peek at 2012 Show House Living Room Featuring Jennifer Stoner Interiors

admin — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:27:25 +0000

Pinifer Park
2012 RSOL Show House

Every two years, I am presented the opportunity to submit proposals to be included in the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League’s Designer Show House. This is always a fun and inspiring time as I get to dream up my own personal vision for a space. And, it is always nerve-wracking to await the committee’s acceptance of your design proposal and then the public’s acceptance of the finished product.

Living Room “Before”

This year, I have been asked to design the living room of the 2012 RSOL Designer Show House. This home is a lovely southern plantation style home dating back to the early 1900s. It is in desperate need of some TLC from the very talented crew of designers, artisans and contractors that will bring it back to life this summer and present it to the public beginning September 10, 2012.

“After” Rendering

We’ve got some pretty big plans for this living room! We are bringing in some bold colors and design choices. After all, I’ve never felt like a Designer Show House was the place to “play it safe”! The bright tangerine and teal tones and the soft aqua are such an energizing combination for this once dreary space.

I’m excited to be incorporating some unique pieces showcasing the work of some very talented local artisans. I’ve designed a great cocktail table with an acid washed concrete top by Artisan Concrete Decor and a custom iron base by Maurice Beane. I’ve also got a trio of very different lighting fixtures created by Wendy Umanoff. I can’t wait to see my plans come to life.

2010 RSOL Show House

We’ve been very fortunate over the years to have participated in several great Designer Show Houses. The dining room that we designed for the 2010 Richmond Symphony Designer Show House was recently featured in the May issue of Traditional Home Magazine. This is probably my favorite Show House room that I’ve completed thus far.

Here’s a few reminders of some of my Show Houses of the past. Which one is your favorite? The Show House opens with the gala on September 7th and regular hours beginning on Monday, September 10th. For more information, visit www.rsol.org.

2006 RSOL Show House

2008 RSOL Show House

Ikat Prints: Hot or Not?

admin — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:39:00 +0000

Reprinted from www.tobifairley.com/blog

Here at TFID, my entire staff (including me!) is still in love with Ikat. Spaces like these are just a few of the reasons we are still falling for it…

[image]

[image: via Pinterest]

Not to mention there’s a wealth of options out there for everything from clutches to candles!

candle/ blue-and-green fabric/chair /rug /clutch

So, tell me, are you still in love with Ikat?

xo, Tobi

10 Clever Ways to Add Color with Paint

admin — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 14:21:09 +0000

By Tobi Fairley

From ceilings to floors and all the details in between, there’s almost nothing in a room that can’t easily be made more exciting with a glorious hue.

If you know my brand at all, you know I love color! And one of my favorite ways to achieve a colorful design is with paint. My husband says I will paint anything and everything—he’s even afraid to stand still for long, lest he turn out a great shade of orange or a perfect pink. Here are my favorite ways to use paint when I want to cleverly add excitement in design project:

Remember to Look Up: The ceiling is the most forgotten part of a room. Why not paint it a fun accent color? If you are really daring, try a stenciled-on pattern, such as stripes or geometric shapes. Want to go a bit more sophisticated? Lacquer your ceiling in a shiny white or a bold navy!

Go Fancy Underfoot: The floor is another overlooked surface. Don’t forget it! I love to paint fun patterns like diamonds or Greek key borders on floors to spice things up. Your home doesn’t have to be country or shabby chic to pull this off, either. If you find that paint is too bold a contrast, add the pattern with a darker stain…I promise you’ll love it!

Take It to the Table: Painting your favorite antiques or flea-market finds a bright color can make your project a ton of fun. And don’t forget about the not-so-antique pieces. I’ve turned many boring late-1980s and 1990s reproduction pieces into showstoppers with just a few coats of my favorite hue. You can also bring pattern or accent striping and borders to drawer fronts and tabletops. This trick can turn a not-so-exciting piece in to best-of-show!
Accessorize with Style…and Color: Remember all those small urns, vases, balls, boxes, Asian-inspired statues and African animal figurines you’ve picked up over the years to use as bookcase filler? Don’t be afraid to paint them all a glossy white or a pale aqua to create a “collection” that will have your friends wanting to rush home and do the same with their accessory misfits!

Frame It Up: Highlight a photo frame or the molding on your artwork with a striking color. You can unify an entire gallery wall with a fabulous and trendy set of colored frames that give your room just the pop it needs.
Light It Up: Nothing brings a dated fixture into the modern day like a few coats of your favorite shade. Don’t have an old light to spruce up? Consider buying an inexpensive one with a lovely shape and then jazzing it up with a fun color, crystals, and all the works. You may just love it more than a pricey alternative.
A Shade Above: Lampshades can be super boring. Do you want white, or white? Why not create your own yellow high-gloss topper for your favorite lamp? You could even add stripes in a trendy color combo to take your shade to a new level. A paper shade and a few coats of paint are a budget-friendly way to give your room personality.

Knock Knock: Many people pick fun colors for their front doors but overlook the ones inside. You can liven up your house by painting your interior doors a color, too—and I’m not just talking black. I think Kelly green or Hermes orange could make for a fabulous door color that unifies and enlivens your interiors.
It’s All in the Details: Painting small details, such as the interiors of cabinets and furniture pieces, is an unexpected (and inexpensive!) way to take your space from ho-hum to gorgeous. Take a critical look at your interiors and find all those little places that could be enhanced with paint. The subtlest differences are often the most memorable.
Hardware Made Easy: You know how hard it can be to find unique and interesting hardware for furniture and drapery? The next time you are stumped for ideas, just take your usual sources and give them a new look with paint. It’s another way using paint can save you time and money while making your project shine.

[All photos courtesy of Tobi Fairley]

___
Tobi Fairley is a nationally-acclaimed interior designer based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Named by Traditional Home Magazine as one of the Top 20 Young designers in America in 2009, Tobi’s work has graced the cover of House Beautiful and been published in Traditional Home, Southern Living, and At Home in Arkansas numerous times. Tobi recently launched her own fabric line and will release several other products lines in 2012. Her DIY design service InBox Interiors and her Design Camps have been wildly successful. Tobi recently launched Tobi Fairley and Associates, a consulting group dedicated to helping firms with the business of design. She also blogs at Tobi’s Blog.

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