Wallpaper and Fabrics from Crown

I frequently attend seminars, workshops and trade shows related to interior design to ensure that I am keeping current in all aspects of my industry.  Recently I went to a seminar to view some wonderful wallpaper and lovely fabrics by Crown, who are celebrating their 75 year anniversary.  Happy Anniversary to you!

Some vibrant colours and prints with an 'organic' feel

Pictured above and below are the latest Asian inspired prints by John Robshaw that are exclusive to Crown.  Johns' prints are famous for his 'block printing' style and the way that he layers  designs onto fabrics.  For more information on John Robshaw, click here and tour his website to see where in this fascinating world he finds inspiration.

To me, these complimentary blues and oranges have an earthy feel to them.

Crown have 3 main fabric lines: Duralee; Highland Court and Suburban Home.  The latter is their economy line, but the prints are still chic and very much in fashion.  They offer many linen look fabrics with detailed embroidery such as this one below.   This colourful fabric would be the perfect jumping off point to inspire an entire rooms' decor palette.

Colour 23 - Peacock. 

Here are some more lovely prints from the 'Enchanted Collection' of Suburban Home Fabrics.

The representative from Crown told us that they are seeing a lot of dots in fabric designs.

Cheerful Cherry Blossoms.  Pattern #71050. Colour #165 Bordeaux

If you like a specific pattern you may find that it is available in other colours as well.  When you are looking at fabrics in a book, always read the label as there is a lot of important information provided here. Ask a store owner or your Decorator to break it down for you into a language that is easier to understand if you are not familiar with the terms that are used.

Double Rub Count refers to the durability of a fabric. The higher the count, the more durable the fabric.

Crown is well known for their fabulous wallpaper collections too.  My favourites are from the Crown Studio 465 Collection which are themed by different famous cities across the world.  Perfect for either residential or commercial applications, these wallpapers can help you set the tone with cultural influences from a certain place.

From the Lisbon collection

This textured paper is also from the Lisbon collection and resembles tree bark for a more natural feel.

For some more edgy designs, the London or Las Vegas lines are very cool...

 

Too contemporary for my own style, but the Union Jack always puts a smile on my face.

The wallpaper behind the strong and impressive Union Jack Canvas mimics the map of London's underground subway which is referred to as the 'tube'.

The Las Vegas books have funky patterns & also incorporate classy styles as well.

Viva Las Vegas

This wallpaper name is 'Jubilee'. I really like the subtle difference in the 2 colour tones of the design.

Wallpaper nowadays comes with a 'no fuss no muss' application compared to years ago when you had to play with the paste.  Although if you are still uncomfortable at the thought of doing this yourself, it may be a good idea to have an experienced trades person do the job for you.

Wallpaper can be pricey so be sure to take correct measurements of your required square footage, as with anything it's better to have extra than not enough.  Be adventurous and use a wallpaper you absolutely love for an accent wall or for an entire room - I dare you!! Please send pictures of a project you have done, I would love to see them.

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Passionate about Patterns - Part 1

Whether you are looking at wallpapers, fabrics, wall tiles or flooring, there are an abundant amount of patterns to choose from.  But what do patterns say about you and which styles are best for each application? 

Let's start by looking at some of the more traditional patterns used in the past that are making a comeback in today's modern world.

Paisley - a twisted teardrop or a droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Persian and Indian origin (wikipedia).  The paisley pattern for me was always associated with my grandfathers' suit ties, but this funky little shape is working it's way into home decor once more.

I like the shape and detail of this headboard. The matching green rope piping is a nice added touch.

Above -  the white and green paisley fabric on a pastel blue backdrop gives this headboard a fresh, clean and updated look. 

Damask is typically known as a more traditional and elegant pattern often used in wallpaper and for fabrics.  The motif design is generally raised against the background which is usually a different colour.  This isn't always the case, but as with any design it helps make the pattern pop more when the colour scheme is not a monochromatic one.

What an unusual and refreshing way to see this pattern used in a space!

Because Damask is quite a busy pattern, it tends to work best on larger applications like bedding and drapery.  Wallpaper is also a great place to use damask patterns.  I always remember when I was younger one of my mom's friends had a raised velvety black damask pattern on top of a gold background. How I loved to touch that wallpaper!

Modernised Damask with pops of colour for today's trends.

Scroll Designs are great if you are looking to add some movement to a space.  This type of pattern is ideal for adding softness to cold and hard surfaces.  The picture below is a perfect example of this.

Source

Geometric shapes are popular in today's contemporary design.  There are so many varieties and colours that there is no excuse for boring or uninspiring spaces anymore!  Here are some pictures of pattern styles seen in current home decor trends.

Moroccan

Black and White Moroccan styled pattern on a contemporary ottoman

Greek Key

My current favourite colour combination is featured here- Orange & Purple, very fun!

The area rug pictured above has a Greek Key pattern and the mirror on the wall behind the couch is Moroccan inspired.   I like how the decorator has repeated the same same purple and white hues for consistency but mixed up the pattern styles on the chairs and throw cushions.

Garden Gate

Classic contemporary setting - the side lamp repeats lines found in the 'Garden Gate' pattern.

When using patterned fabric for upholstering, be sure that the scale of the pattern is appropriate for the size of the furnishing.  A large scaled pattern will not work on a small stool for example. 

Also, if you are taking a piece to be re-upholsterered by a professional, they should know how best to place the patterned fabric on the piece of furniture so it complements it in the best possible way.  Discuss this with them first though to be sure.

Mixing patterns look fabulous when done right



There is such an array of patterns that I decided to have this be a Part 1 in my series of my 'Pattern Talk.'  Otherwise, this post would be never ending! 

Puzzled by all the possibilities of patterns?  Contact me and I will help you choose the best patterns in the best colours and for the best applications.  e-mail me:  claire@creatingcontrastdesigns.com

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