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Blue Willow & Blue Canton Patterned China
For centuries, blue and white porcelain has been collected by those with a discriminating eye for fine objects of art. Patterns in Blue Canton and Blue Willow dominate this pursuit. Blue Canton and the later pattern Blue Willow both have their roots in the Chinese export trade of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Blue Canton was manufactured in inland China then transported to the port city of Canton, hence its name. Pieces then were exported to Europe and America. Although many designs...
Grasscloth: What is it and How Can I Use it In My Home?
Creating a warm and inviting room begins with the walls. This is the key to setting up the backdrop for artwork and precious family pictures. Grasscloth, made of woven plant fibers, is a stylish option when you are wanting to add texture and depth to a room. The color palette is endless from timeless neutrals for a more traditional feel to shimmering metallic for that statement room. Grasscloth it is! My personal favorites are the printed grasscloths. They have a rustic texture and then add a...
2013 Color of the Year – Emerald
Since 1999, Pantone Inc., a well-known worldwide authority on color, designates a color of the year for design professionals. The color of the year named for 2013 was Emerald Green (Pantone color 17-5641). This beautiful shade conjures images of the countryside of Ireland, the famous city in Oz, and of course, the stunning and rare gemstone that bears its name. Green, a color so dominant in nature, soothes the soul, but Emerald Green bursts forth with new energy! One only needs to think of...
When is it time to call in a Designer?
Many people dwell on this topic. Are you overwhelmed? Has your little renovation project become a whole house makeover? Do you know the difference between plaid and paisley? People often think... "I can do it myself", "What will my friends think if I use a Designer?", "I don't make enough money to hire a Designer", "How will the Designer know what I want?" All of these points and questions are valid, I hope I can make the answers a bit more clear. "I Can Do It Myself" Yes, you probably can,...