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Friday Find :: Schumacher 125th Anniversary

October 10, 2014 · Comments { 2 }

Schumacher turns 125! In celebration, the legendary American textile company is pulling from its archives some of its most iconic patterns and reinterpreting them for today. Schumacher’s 125th Anniversary collection consists of a wide variety of patterns that span different influences, periods, and styles. It’s fabulous and I can’t pick a favorite, but have narrowed a few to share for this week’s Friday Find:

Citrus Garden – Based on an archival botanical pattern that acclaimed midcentury architect Josef Frank designed for the house in 1947

Valkyrie Flame Stitch – First introduced in 1972, this classic motif traces its roots to 15th century central Europe

Shengyou Toile – Hand drawn toile based on an 18th-century Oberkampf document by Jean-Baptiste Pillement, a court painter to Marie Antoinette

Indian Arbre – Featuring the timeless tree of life pattern, this hand-painted fabric is inspired by traditional Indian palampore that was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century

Congratulations Schumacher and here’s to 125 more fabulous years!

happy decorating,

cristin

Read full story By Cristin on October 10, 2014 in antiques, chinoiserie, Features, Friday Finds, mid-century modern, textiles, upholstery

Beautiful Southern California Home Tour

September 8, 2014 · Comments { 1 }

It’s a new week and I’m thrilled to be sharing a beautiful project by Corona del Mar, California-based interior designer, Ohara Davies-Gaetano. The emerging designer (recently published in Veranda) helped a family remodel and settle into their new Newport Beach home (downsizing from their previous one in Virginia). Ohara created an inviting, comfortable, yet elegant space reflective of her clients’ casual lifestyle. She also wanted a very open feeling where all areas of the house seamlessly flow into the next. Because the home was much smaller than what the owners were used to, each room had to serve its purpose and be functional. European antiques found throughout the home add small but elegant touches, which epitomize Ohara’s passion for mixing a little old with the new. I also love how her design embraces the gorgeous light, landscape and outdoor living Southern California is known for.

*images published with permission via Ohara Davies-Gaetano Interiors

Read full story By Cristin on September 8, 2014 in antiques, Bathroom, bathrooms, Bedroom, bedrooms, dining rooms, Garden, interior design, Interiors, Kitchen, lighting, living rooms, patio furniture, tile

San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2014 :: The Master Bedroom

May 9, 2014 · Comments { 0 }

Like fashion shows for clothing designers, showhouses offer a platform for interior designers to incorporate cutting edge products, set trends and push boundaries. One such space that exemplifies this in the 2014 San Francisco Showcase is the master bedroom by Antonio Martins. The San Francisco-based interior designer boldly mixes traditional Portuguese tile, contemporary art and a 18th century antique bed passed down through generations. The result is simply stunning as it captures history and celebrates Portuguese culture in a modern manner.

To honor his heritage, an antique Portuguese Bilros bed, carefully preserved by Antonio’s family since the 18th century, commands attention and is the primary inspiration for the space. Made of “Pau-Santo,” an exotic rosewood, the design of the bed adheres to the strict guidelines of the period. “I have always loved this bed, which incorporates our family crest, and the Showcase was the perfect excuse to bring it to San Francisco,” says Antonio Martins.

In a bold move, Martins covered the wall in blue and white Portuguese tiles known as Azulejos. The 243 hand-painted tiles are a faithful copies of 18th century patterns and designs. To deliver a 21st century twist on traditional form and pattern, Antonio has expanded the tile size and shuffled the images to become a modern piece of art. Incredible.

On the sleek fireplace mantel sits two lucite boxes filled with personal letters (see below). Who knows what they say, but the romantic in me assuming they are all love letters passed down in the family. What a fun way to display such special notes!

displaying love letters

Need some more does of the color blue? Here’s a tour of the little boy’s bedroom in this year’s showcase, in case you missed it. There is also plenty of time to still tour the estate and is open now through May 26th. Here’s more information on purchasing tickets.

Next week marks a BIG milestone for the Simplified Bee Blog. It’s turning 5! In celebration, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite companies, LampsPlus, Serena & Lily, Wayfair, Truffle and Driftwood Interiors, for some amazing giveaways. You’ll have to drop by and tell your friends!!!

Happy decorating,

Cristin

* all showcase images provided by Antonia Martins and cake image via 100 Layer Cake-let

Read full story By Cristin on May 9, 2014 in antiques, Bedroom, bedrooms, beds, Features, Giveaways, interior design, Interiors, pattern, tile

Design Reveal :: California Casual Chic Living Room

January 6, 2014 · Comments { 8 }

disclosure: This post contains an affiliate links, which means Simplified Bee receives commission if you make a purchase using this link.

Open to the kitchen with a view of the backyard, my client envisioned a casual retreat that could stand up to all the kids’ play, yet still be chic. The result is an inviting, kid-friendly space that incorporates a fresh twist on traditional, mixes the old with new and features worldly accents. I’m thrilled to give you a tour of this California casual chic living room.

California casual-chic interior design - simplified bee

The color palette, of blues and gold was predetermined by the room’s wall color and roman shades. A pair of existing skirted sofas were reupholstered in woven golden fabric – although still a tailored look, they have a warm beachy feel. The seating area is anchored by a steel blue rug with a fresh pattern inspired by ancient Aztec tile.

A demilune table found at a local consignment store was placed behind the sofa and is flanked by a pair of elegant Rococo style chairs. The heirloom antique chairs were reupholstered in the beautiful Sinhala Linen (stone) by Martyn Lawrence Bullard for Schumacher. The traditional tree of life pattern really complements the chair’s ornate pierced splat back and curvy cabriole legs.

Between the sofas I placed a Moroccan inspired octagonal side table topped with a beautiful brass ring lamp, turquoise foo dog and a succulent that brings the outside in. The sofas’ custom throw pillows in Sikar Embroidery (flax) also by Martyn Lawrence Bullard features an exotic ikat pattern that pulls together the color palette beautifully.