It’s been brought to my attention that I have yet to provide any formal fabric combinations. Lest you think I am anti-formal (although I sort of am), I shall now remedy that situation!
Let’s get one thing clear: “formal” does not have to equal “stuffy,” in which case, formal and I get along just fine. When I think “formal,” I prefer to think “DRAMATIC!” Like so:
Fabric Combination 007
When working with bold colors and patterns, like, oh I don’t know, black and rust for example, it’s best to keep things simple. Don’t get carried away with a half-dozen fabrics. We’re going to pretend this is your super-fabulous dining room, since that’s one of the few rooms of the house where a modern family can get away with this level of formality.
I’d start with a pair of fully upholstered host chairs in the black embroidered floral. Something sexy, like this:
Slope Arm Chair
For the side chairs, I’d like something with a wood frame, but still with an upholstered seat and back. I’d use the black floral again for the seat and the inside of the back, and the rust moiré on the outside of the back. Let’s keep the sexy going, shall we?
Yum... Hickory White
I’d like to see the moiré repeated on the draperies, which should be a simple pleated style of some sort… no funeral parlor swags please. Something like this would be hott. (Yes, with 2 t’s, for extra hotness.)
Not-Your-Momma's-Tab-Top Draperies: Photo from Great Windows and Walls, Meredith Books
The small-scale stripe would make wonderful napkins at your beautifully set table.
Surround the room with wainscoting on the bottom half of the walls, and a simple black wallpaper – maybe with a gold bamboo trellis – on the top half; give me a super-glamorous, slightly-modern-ish crystal chandelier above, and sure, I can be there about 7:00. I only drink red.
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About these posts:
To my clients (past, present, and future!): These are new, unused combinations, that I would dearly love to make a reality, so if they move you, contact me, and we’ll make some magic! We can create a room (or several) around them, or you are welcome to order fabric by the yard for any project you may be working on.
To my fellow designers: In a time crunch, or stuck for inspiration? Send me an email, and for a measly $20, I will provide you with the source list (including alternates, when available), saving you hours of time and effort!
I can be reached at kristy at kninteriors dot com.
