Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Take Me to the Keyes.....Please! (Key West Interior Design)



I have had enough!
My beach bag is packed and I am ready to head South! 
After two days snowed in here in Northeast Georgia,
it is time to think about an escape.
I can't think of a better place to go 
than down to the Keyes. 

After I saw this gorgeous photo it really made me 
ready for another visit to Key West. I also
got to thinking about how the interior design 
of the islands really defines their area.

The Key West Cottages always have a charming look to 
them on the exterior. Lots of porches, fences and 
bright colors. 

You will find beautiful courtyards and cats everywhere!
There is even a breed of cat associated with the Keyes.
To find out about the six toe Hemingway Cat CLICK HERE

One of my favorite design styles, is shown in this British Colonial
Study. The West Indies Style is a popular one. I love 
the ceiling detail and the turquoise stained bookshelves.

This dining room has the characteristics that you think of as the
West Indies Style with the white table and walls, ocean maps,
dark stained floors and director chairs.

I like everything about this West Indies Style room with the Clarence
House fabric for the window treatments, animal print chair, leather sofa
and the antique English trunk. Notice the paneled walls and ceiling with 
bright white trim and the sisal rug with the smaller oriental 
on top!

Many homes have wonderful patio areas off the bedrooms. This 
Master bedroom seems to flow right outside. The beautiful 
painted piece is by Patina. 

A very dear friend of mine sent me this wonderful picture several years ago. 
The blue and white parrot fabric on the chair, tile floors and wide
shutters speak Key West to me. 

The people of Key West never fail to take advantage of their 
outdoor spaces when thinking of their decor. Notice the
antique bamboo pieces on this porch.

Just like other places in the South, they believe if you paint 
your porch ceilings blue, it will keep the wasp and the 
spirits away! You can use variations on the color blue. 
From sky blue, green blue to turquoise, I always recommend
painting your porch ceiling!

This former artist studio was turned into
a guest house. I'll volunteer to stay there!

If there is not a pool, I don't think any of us would object
to a nice water view!

You also find, right in the middle of Old Town, porches
completely hidden from the street. This one has vintage
Heywood Wakefield bamboo furniture with blue cushions 
trimmed in white. 

You will see palms used inside as well as out. Windows are usually
covered with simple panels, woven shades, shutters or left uncovered.


Key West is also know for its bright, saturated colors!

It also has a very retro look!

Notice the blue ceiling again with the vintage rattan 
furniture and lime green accents.

You will find lime green used on the exterior and the interior 
of their homes. The use of white trim and dark stained floors
help calm the green down and give it a great look.


Lots of bright white in the bunk room even the sailfish
gets a coat of white!

Shells are a motif often used with the Key West Style. This kitchen
has a back splash where each shell has been hand placed.
 What a great idea!

This quirky room has shell colored walls, bold artwork and pillows.
The sofa has been slipped covered in white with sheer panels.
Notice the use of shells on the top ledge too.


As the sun sets on Key West....

I will leave you with the words of one of  my favorite philosophers!


source: Coastal Living, Florida Design, Traditional Homes, Pinterest, Google Images,
WSAZ Huntington, WV

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

What do the Golden Globes have to do with Interior Design?


All Right, All Right, All Right! 
I will tell you exactly what the Golden Globes
and Interior Design have in common!
But you are going to have to scroll down past
Matthew McConaughey!

In years past, the fashion industry always was about a year ahead of 
the interior design industry in trends and colors. But now they run about 
neck and neck with what is new and happening! 
Take the design trend in color blocking...
Sandra Bullock
Amy Adams
What did we see on the red carpet last night?
Sandra Bullock in a bright color blocked dress and 
Amy Adams in a gown with red color blocking.


Another trend that is shining bright is the use of metallics.
Gold is overtaking nickel and bronze this year in lighting,
hardware and accessories. Metallics always work as
a great neutral.
Kate Beckensale
Rashida Jones
Kate is stunning in a gunmetal metallic and Rashida's dress is
adored with gold metallic palm trees!


Geometric designs are going strong and as the economy improves, so
does our confidence. We will be seeing more graphic and geometric patterns
in design textiles.
Jenna Dewan
Jenna Dewan, Mrs. Channing Tatum, goes graphic and geometric
 in black and white.



Full Bloom makes you think of Spring, brilliant florals 
and a luxurious garden.
Drew Barrymore
Heidi Klum
Tina Fey
I think Drew, Heidi and Tina all need to keep their
flowers in their homes and not on their clothes! 


Radiant Orchid, the color of 2014, is showing up
on furniture, fabric, wall covering and all types of design accessories.
It is everywhere!
Aubrey Plaza
Julie Bowen
Aubrey and Julie walked the red carpet in different shades of 
Radiant Orchid. Julie's dress had a red velvet top. Velvet
is also big in design fabrics for 2014.

Orange may have been the new black at the Golden Globes, but
blue is the new black in Interior Design. Always a design
favorite, blue can be nautical, robin's egg, or just plain navy.

Kristin Chenoweth
Amber Heard
Kristin and Amber know you can't go wrong with any shade of blue!


Kerry Washington
Then there are the classics
like all white....


Sofia Vergara
Magical Black
Black and White with Radiant Orchid accents
Gwyneth Paltrow's black and white guest bedroom
And Julia Roberts who walked the Red Carpet in 
the black and white ensemble that her 
children picked for her to wear???
Did I hear that right?

There you have it, my dear readers, the 2014 Golden Globe picks 
and the Interior Design choices for what is Style!


If you want more on Red Carpet Interiors go HERE

If you want more on Golden Globe Fashions and Style go HERE

Source: E-online, Enchanted Home, MSN, Decorative Touch Ltd, Brunschwig & Fils, Thibaut