Working beyond the usual triumvirate of furniture, wall color and window treatments, we are adding some unique touches to the structure of their new home. Texture is a key element in creating a warm and cozy space, especially in homes with larger square footage. Their home has upgraded elements such as picture frame molding in the Second Floor Hall and in the Dining Room, and while these are beautiful on their own, we decided to kick it up a notch.

The upper section of the Hall, above the chair rail, was painted Tavern Taupe from Sherwin Williams. Normally I am a fan of leaving the entire lower area, moldings and all, high gloss white, and we did this in the more formal Dining Room. But the Upstairs Hall needed that all important texture. Unconventionally, I chose a lighter shade, Stone Lion, for the bottom beneath the chair rail. And here comes the fun part: JoDee, at my suggestion, upholstered the framed area with batting wrapped in burlap.

Although I have yet to see it, here is what she said as she sent these photos from her iPhone. “Perfect!” “AMAZING!!!” “You have GOT to see this!” Yea, I think she likes it.

I confessed way back in May to recommending paneling to a young male client who I promptly never heard from again.  Well, guess what?? I did it again.  This time I am more confident my recommendation has fallen onto favorable ears. 

The DC condo will sing with paneling.  Not everywhere, but just on the wall opposite the curved bank of windows.  And not white.  No, this is not a country home, but will be urban contemporary in style.  Deep stain will serve to draw attention to the view, and will form a backdrop for the television. 

So many things from the past are now wholeheartedly dismissed, simply because of too many horrid memories.  Memories of wallpaper that refused to come off.  Memories of harvest gold appliances way still running well  past fashion.  And memories of paneling that was not even real wood. 

I refuse to throw the baby out with the bathwater.  Not many would scoff at a wood ceiling.  So why discriminate against a wood wall??

These photos illustrate how important texture is to a design scheme.  In this room, the color story is tight.  Basically three colors, the blues, greens and tan are close in saturation as well.  Texture is what makes this room shine. 

Notice how evident the weave on the furniture upholstery is.  The grain on the fabulous credenza leaps in joy.  The silver shiny hammered metal practically grabs your hand.  The throw, bumpy and soft, contrasts the tight weave of the chair.  The plush rug and the reflection of mirrors invite you in.  The feathery flowers add even more contrast.  Even the candle looks so matte and mottled.  It is just begging to be lit. 

My client, Bonnie, chose all of this.  She is fabulous, isn’t she?  I swear she hired me to be nice!

Mary’s guest bath was featured last month in my newsletter. Since then, the wonderful Master Bath has been finished. Weeks ago still a jam-packed closet, it now illustrates how texture can make a tight color story exciting.

The colors in the bathroom are many, but all are within steps of each other in tone. This slight differentiation serves to further accent the textures. A mosaic tile listello repeats each color, and borders the tile pattern on the wall and serves as a bridge between the deeper tone on the tub surround and the lighter tone on the wall.

Slick Granite, oil brushed bronze, smooth porcelain, and rich warm woods. All the textures dance together and the colors become secondary, creating a relaxing spa.

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