vendredi 28 janvier 2011

Ancestral Accessories

This is a subject I have wanted to write about for a while.  So when I kept coming across booths with these ‘special’ items at Maison Objet, I thought it was about time that I attack it.
The use of Tudor to Victorian style portraits as accessories in the contemporary home.  I’m not talking about people buying a portrait from an antique dealer and hanging it on their wall  -  But actually placing the image of Tudor/Victorian portraits on cushions, trays, wallpaper etc. etc. etc.!
It is everywhere here and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it.
It’s not that I’m criticizing it at all – in fact I find it somewhat fascinating. 

These cushions are from Vox Populi.  The faces of these Victorian women are creepy and amazing and I think they are…..a little hilarious.  Some may disagree with me, but I think they would add some sort of whimsical humour to a space.  They are serious women that are supposed to be appreciated as a serious Victorian portrait, and instead their face has been stuck on a pillow!  Yes, quite hilarious.


In some cases these accessory portraits have undertaken the odd replacement of humans for animals dressed as Tudor figures.  Perhaps this is a certain take on the Tudors obsession for animal symbolism in their paintings but who really knows?  I must say thought that I find these ‘oh so fun’!  There is something, woodsy and ethereal about them.  They would be great in a library or study if you want to keep up their mock formality, but really they would look great in any space!  Especially where the main colours are light neutrals so they will stand out and grab your attention!
The design company, IBRDE makes a number of objects with images like these including trays and wall hangings. 

 These designs are quite ‘weird’, but will definitely add interest and intrigue to a space.  Everyone likes a conversation starter!

jeudi 27 janvier 2011

The Written Word


The writings on the wall
There is something beautiful about having special lines of poetry and favourite words stuck up on your wall for all your visitors to see.  You know magnetic poetry?  Same idea, but bigger and better.  The wall covering designer, Tracy Kendall, has really made a name for herself plastering larger than life decals on her clients’ walls, and more recently sticking a whole bunch of words up there too!
The two wallpapers below were featured at Maison Objet and I just LOVE them - Especially the black and white creation (below, left) that has a 3D element to it.  Sure we could just put up woven grass wallpaper to add texture to our walls, but this is taking it to a whole other level!
 The paper on the right I find produces such a beautiful old worldly feel yet is contemporized with the bright orange font colour.  The script is lovely imagery and even though busy, has a calming sense to it.
 These are different and innovative and will give your guests something to read while you’re mixing drinks! 


 Ok we’ve all seen mass produced canvas pictures, tables etc. with names of cities all over it.  There is something about this chair (From Now's HomeleBrun) though, that grabbed me.  The size, the shape and contours – there is something regal about it.  The contrast of the black and white really got my attention.  I think it could be very interesting as a pair opposite a sofa in a sitting room.
It would certainly reach your quota of ‘loud’ for your room.
 Note: Fabrics in white with black cursive writing on it are NOT so loud.  The contrast is not so stark and it allows for a more gentle imagery.  Where all caps letters are bold, flowing cursive lower case letters are not. 


 Stating the obvious – Is it really so bad?
I noticed quite a few pieces that had the object’s name emblazoned on them.  For instance a plastic chair had the word ‘chaise’ plastered all over it.  
Here is another option.  A little white table lamp from Exnovo with ‘light’ printed all over the shade.
Cute?  Yes.    Busy?  Quite.   


To have items like these in your home, you need to be a person who doesn’t get bogged down by brain pollution when you ingest too much media and graphics.  Negative elements aside, I still think it adds something very unique to a space.  But do be careful, too much will make the room loud and crazy.  You must always appreciate the delicate balance of too little or too much.  In other words, don’t reach your word limit!

Everything Maison Objet!!

If you haven't heard Maison Objet just passed through our little town of Paris.  Maison Objet is a HUGE, annual interior design show where the best and brightest from all over Europe (and a few from Asia as well!) exhibit their collections.
So stay tuned, I'm going to be churning out blogs like never before - there is so much to show you!
Get excited - I know I am!