Tuesday, December 18, 2012

The Italians Have it!


 We couldn't help but feel like Cary Grant and Grace Kelly in the classic  1955 movie "To catch a thief"
 
 
Sure they were in the French Riviera

 
and we were careening around the hills of Tuscany
 
 
The sights, the sounds, the food all conspire to make one feel Italian or even Grace Kelly for at least a little while
 
 



 
Dining on the coast
 
 
Simple, elegant meals.  How do they take a few simple ingredients,
flour, tomato, cheese and sea salt and turn it into a mouthwatering feast!



 
 
 
 
Oh yes, The Italians have it! 
 Whether it's jewelry, fashion, furniture or the Fiat!
 
 


This quiet spot in the Hotel was so beautiful.
The chandelier took my breath away.
The fireplace and draperies pulled elegantly to the side.



soft and lovely



We saw the most amazing lighting everywhere we went.


This piece is so much fun!



Oh Santa please?


A wall of greenery as fresh as spring


The shapes and curves of Italian furnishings provide
inspiration to take back home.





 
 
Design Statements everywhere provide a feast for the eyes






A wonderful blend of old world and new world 






Ancient frescoes rest quietly above a wedding just outside
 


What a lovely spot for a celebration!








 
 

 
 
 
 These draperies were as light as air, billowy and full
 
 

Though it's holiday season here, I'm dreaming of the lights of the Italian Coast.
 
Oh yes, the Italians have it!
 

 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Summer - French Style!

 


The french really know how to make the simple sublime


Simple abundance of food, family, friends, and wine


The french country home of Kathryn Ireland in this month's Veranda is the summer home one dreams of. 



 Ireland has created a home where friends are always welcome!






What a lovely way to spend a summer evening, preparing simple meals of summer vegetables and cheeses





The weather today inspires a trip to the farmer's market







What a beautiful setting for a summer meal


via Cote de Texas


  Fields of Lavender delight passersby




The french embrace statements of natural beauty




A tangled retreat with simple french ticking


quiet, peaceful, simplicity


Fields of lavender make their way back home







A grand entryway




The french have it - they know simple beauty!





A shaded path welcomes you back home





A simple, elegant, farmhouse meal






"Life slows down here and the days are very long. 
 You get to do things everyone used to do." 
 Kathryn Ireland

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Get Framed!

We're currently working on a project with framed wall paper panels similar to this look by Barry Dixon

 This contemporary take on a classic design element really makes a statement.  The look is simple, uncluttered and airy.


Alessandra Branca adds excitement with this traditional paper.  The clean lines on the sofa adds a more contemporary touch.  Imagine this setting with a heavy traditional sofa.  It just wouldn't have the same effect.


The fur throw adds a bohemian flair to this traditional paper.


Classic Chinoiserie, so timeless


via Chinoiserie Chic



via the painted room
Framed Wallpaper at the DC Design House  provides the same effect




via domicile

A punch of color!



via Domino
More Classic Chinoiserie!  with a pug just like our Remy!


via Velvet & Linen
We love this framed panel with more contemporary motif paired with classic furnishings

via House Beautiful
It's plain to see that adding a framed panel can set the tone for design

via Martha Stewart



via Little Green Notebook

How clever!  These panels were framed with Acrylic.


via Chinoiserie Chic

This one is Gorgeous!  Love the Mossy Green.



via Houzz


via Houzz

Are you ready to get framed?

we have several wallpaper rolls and remnants ready for framing

 ($5    21" w x 41" long)


Manuel Canovas (1 roll $50)  21 1/2" wide

Zoffany  (2 pieces 27 wide 108" long and 97" long $20)

Studio Printworks  $20  (30" wide x 172" long)

Osborne & Little  (20.5 wide full roll $50)

Osborne & Little (2 pieces $50.00   20.5 wide 206" long and 162" long)

Gaetano (2 pieces 21" wide 81" long and 219" long  $50)

Osborne & Little  ($50 1 roll 20.5 wide)

Osborne & Little ( 1 roll 20.5 wide  $50) pink available too 1 roll!

20.5 wide x 42" wide $5.00

20.5 wide x 39" long  $5.00
Osborne & Little  35" wide x 147" long  $20


20.5" w x 48" long $20

Get started on your own panel or frame project!

Please email maryann@kate-designs.com