Be Inspired No. 76 - The Lumbar Pillow

Be inspired to change your outlook on the accent pillows for the sofa, banquette, or settee. A simple long lumbar pillow in a wonderful fabric could just be simple perfection! This lumbar pillow is not for any style, it won't work and shouldn't be part of just any seating style. But when the match is found it is done so beautifully.

As with any accent pillows, the lumbar pillow shouldn't have to be taken off the seating piece to achieve comfort, rather it is part of the comfort. And scale is important in determining the right size.

This might just be the wow and unexpected accent on your seating. It could be constructed using a fabulous sari, batik, or kilim rug for that matter that holds memory from a favorite trip.

The lumbar pillow can be the only accent pillow on a seating piece or in addition to other accent pillows. This will depend on the piece and its scale.

The more I see this design element, the more I love the idea of it. It gives all the right reasons to use that dramatic fabric in a room's design. 

Reminds me of a trendy pair of shoes that are so fun you must have them. And then you try them on and they are one of the most comfortable footwear ever! Double bonus! Be inspired!

Image Sources: Elle Decor, Etsy, Decor Pad, Pinterest, Little Green Notebook, Amber Interior Design

At the Window No. 10 - Portiere

What a beautiful treatment over a doorway or an entrance to a room! Portiere is a Victorian-era treatment that, lightened up for today's home creates a fabulous room entrance or divide.

The architecture of a home will define where the portiere is appropriate. While the interior design of the space will define the perfect fabric for the treatment.

When I recommended a portiere treatment for a design project, it was also to meet a need for the client. A reading room off a Master Suite could be enjoyed even while an on-call professional slumbered.

It is important to keep the design element of the portiere treatment at the forefront. Both over-dressing or under-dressing a doorway or room divide can happen if one gets too wound up in the selection of the materials for the portiere treatment.

The portiere can be an elaborate Victorian-inspired treatment, while a simplistic version can be just as dramatic. Don't make it messy!

There is a romance and lure into the space the portiere frames. Could be one of the best welcomes into the spaces of our home.

Just as an archway beckons, so too can the portiere treatment. It just might be that last layer that finishes and frames the space. The best piece of "framed art" for the room.

I'm seeing doors coming off their hinges in your home! Take your time and do it right!

Image Sources: McAlpine Tankersley, John Saladino, Pinterest, Tumbler, Cote de Texas, Lucinda Giannetti, Kathryn Stoehr, House Beautiful, House and Home

At the Window No. 9 - The Italian Strung Drape

Just as in the fashion world where we have all learned you just don't mess with classic style, be it the hard way or by wise advice, so goes the design of window fashion. At some point it all comes back to it being the choice of fabric, hue, and accessory that keeps a classic on trend.

I find this to be the case with the classic styling of the Italian strung drape. Graceful and sophisticated. Best only when well-tailored. Never sloppy, and only suitable when paired with the right layers in a room.

The Italian strung window treatment is a refined look, yet gives the appearance of a relaxed sweep of the fabric. As with any classic, this treatment can be a fail when put in the wrong hands. But oh so right, when done to perfection! I sometimes wonder if there are rooms where this would be so fitting, but the standard stationary panel is presented instead. 

Like a classic, the Italian strung treatment can be so at home in a number of ways. It can be the "Chanel look" jacket with its matching skirt or designer jeans, both with pearls, and still looking amazing.

When the Italian strung drape is tailored correctly, it will look just as beautiful on the back as it does on the facing side.

Pulled high or pulled low, its gracefulness won't falter. Sheered on, board-mounted, or on a beautiful rodding, the Italian strung treatment at the window is still open for your style interpretation. Or in other words, a bit of free form or finely tailored?

Personal Ad: Window where fused sunlight is necessary, but closure is an undesired effect? Meet the Italian strung drape. Match made!

Silk is my fabric of choice for the Italian strung drape, but then again, it is a classic fabric!

Image Sources: Traditional Home, Nicky Haslam, R. H. Rowley, Pinterest, Cote de Texas, House Beautiful 

Gotta Love No. 52 - Agate

There is something about an organic element in our home that adds balance like nothing else can. Gotta love agate as one of these elements. What is agate? Classically it is associated with volcanic rock, and may also be found in other varieties of rock as well.

Agate can be introduced to a space as an accent wall, as a fabric, as an art form, or an accessory. No matter how this element is introduced it is dramatic. Because, whether a bold or subtle introduction, it lures the eye to its beautiful complexity and movement.

I absolutely love the book matching of agate on an accent wall. Whether it is done with a slab of agate, an agate wallpaper design, or an upholstered fabric wall it is truly stunning!

An accessory or other small accent, like agate hardware on a cabinet, is one of those elements in a room that you walk by and give a smile of admiration to.

One thing I do know about agate is that I cannot decide whether I love it more when it is illuminated or au naturale. Though, highlight may not come from illumination, but rather from what it has been formed into or what media it is paired with.

Does a drink refresh more when presented with an agate coaster? Do fire flames choreograph a more refined dance when performed inside an agate fireplace? Are the treasures stored more special when stored in a stack of agate boxes? I'm going to say most probable to all questions. 

Agate takes restraint. It is an art form that is appreciated in moderation. Suited best as an accent wall, rather than the entire room's walls. Presenting best when a small part of a tabletop story. Used as an accent fabric design, rather than the main fabric. You'll know when just enough is accomplished.

Be brave, because that accent wall may look overwhelming, but all it might take to present agate in all its beauty may be to book match or mitre the panels. It can be amazing when a tilt or angle of a piece is all it takes to reach perfection.

Gotta love agate. So go rock it out!

Image Sources: Cole and Sons, Groundworks, Houzz, Pinterest, Elle Decor, DKOR Interiors, Roche Bobois, Dans Le Townhouse, Interiors by Studio M, Emporium, Fine Art America, West Elm, Kravet