For the love of prints...

For me printed fabrics are like chocolate. I don't need to consume the entire Dove bar, I just need a little square to feel content. Every space needs at least a taste of pattern for interest. Think pillows, an accent chair or perhaps even window treatments. Every now and again you run across a real, "sweet tooth," space which requires layers of pattern creating the illusion the room has evolved by collecting over time. There's not a better medium for a bold pattern than natural linen and cotton fibers, and no one knows better than Quadrille, China Seas, Alan Campbell and Home Couture. China Seas Lysette Reverse Navy on Tan. Soft but not too whimsical.
China Seas Double Cross, New Shrimp on New Blue. Simple and bold with striking colors.
China Seas Balinese Batik, Orange Cream on White. Like a Dreamsicle but calorie free.
Home Couture Principessa, Tomato on Tan. Not your Grandma's damask.
China Seas New Batik, Jungle Brown on Tan. Perhaps best described as an ethnic paisley.
Alan Campbell Cap Ferrat, Multi Salmon Green Gold on Tint. One word, FUN.
Alan Campbell Cintra, Multi Rose Turquoise on Tint. Ikat fabrics hold a special place in my heart and this is no exception.
China Seas Lyford Print, Dark Rose on Tint. A fresh take on toile.
Alan Campbell Criss Cross, Taupe on Tint. A modern check.

For more inspiration visit Quadrille's slide show of recent publications. For ideas on how to incorporate print into your space brooke@brookevossdesign.com.

Creating Texture (& a notable sale!)...

So many facets of interior design to consider when pulling together the perfect space. Each piece of the, "design puzzle," just as important as the next in exceptional design. Among the puzzle pieces to consider is the element of texture. Texture is an important visual and tactile que which defines noteworthy design. Architecturally texture can be felt through dry, rough timbers crossing the ceiling or the buttery smooth feeling of a honed limestone fireplace surround. The texture can be sensed through the low lustre depth of French waxed floors or a surprising architectural antique like time aged, robin's egg blue shutters. If a major remodel is not in the cards fear not. Roll out a sisal rug or add a pair of tailored panels or a roman shade to an open window. Simply stated texture can be added by draping an antique tapestry over a bare wall, by tossing some cotton velvet or embroidered crewel pillows on a sofa or reupholstering a tired pair of chairs in a slubby linen. There is no time like the present to update your personal space with custom windows, pillows, bedding or reupholstery AND save money.

March (tax time!) is the month to update your home and save some dollars!

February 20th, 2009 - March 31st, 2009 take 35% off labor on custom window treatments, pillows and bedding. Take 25% off labor on custom reupholstery. Deposits on all orders required by March 31st, 2009 to receive the discount.

Contact Brooke Voss Design for a complimentary home assessment and discuss how to take advantage of these unprecedented savings!

The Mystery of Fortuny...

Nearly a century ago Mariano Fortuny developed a unique, artistic process for printing textiles. Fortuny's fabric adorns the finest churches, museums & palaces including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC, the Carnavalet Museum in Paris and Blair House in Washington D.C. Fortuny used his own formulations of dyes and pigments based on ancient, time honored techniques. The fabrics created in 1907 were so mystifying, rumors began to swirl that sorcery and magic must have been used to create pieces with such authentic antiquity. Fortuny's intricate process is still held secret withing the island factory walls. Countess Gozzi of Italy was a generous host welcoming guests to Guidecca's gardens but no one was or ever has been allowed to witness the production of these exquisite Italian textiles.

Fortuny is a truly incredible fabric deep and rich with pigment and elegantly printed with simmering, yet subtle, intricate patterns. While owning your own Fortuny piece comes with a significant price tag, if cared for properly it will age and preserve beautifully for generations.

To read and learn more about the history of Fortuny please click here to visit the official website.