how to explain layering in design

 Situations have recently come up wherein I need to explain how "layering" works in interior design.

Sometimes clients just don't understand how "layering" can create balance in a space by using dissimilar things to swing from opposite to opposite in a pleasing way.

I start by explaining that it consists of many juxtapositions, like rough vs. smooth or shiny, traditional vs. modern, curved vs.angled lines, neutral vs. vibrant, saturated colors. 

Texture is no. 1 in my style book. So, for instance, I might pair a grasscloth wallcovering with velvet upholstery and lacquered finishes on wood. Perhaps a bit more shiny with mirrors or smalls to round out the texture story.

I like to use color as part of the layering picture but mixing periods, while being very stylish can be tough to convince a client to do.

If you can talk to someone in  simple terms of textures and finishes, i.e. rough vs, smooth and of traditional vs. modern the conversation gets easier.

It recently came up with a client that actually had wonderful taste  but could not find her balance between "mother's traditional" and a not too modern updated chic version of something that had relevance to her, like her mother's home.

I showed her a few classic fretwork patterns, mixing color, scale and purpose while keeping her hardworking  needs in mind for finishes and it made sense.

finding inspiration anywhere

I am often driven to a new idea or inspired by an image or things I see out and about. By that I mean, that the visual bookmark in my mind is jogged when I see things I like and I am reminded that I wanted to find the perfect fabric for my dining room chairs, for instance.

I often find inspiration in colors of fabrics...

and design motifs.

  and their shapes in general.

Patterns in nature inspire my love of symmetry.

Texture is one thing that I don't always use as a jumping off point in an over all design although,

I can't help but notice it.

 Art is a huge source of inspiration for me.

The color, texture and shapes all get my creative mind going.

Where do you find inspiration?

My tax refund fantasy

Just for fun, I put together a few things that I might spend a tax refund on if I had one and was totally impractical.

The first thing that came to mind was Brunshwig and Fils "Le Lac". I'd want enough for curtains in my formal living room or about 15 yards at approximately $6000.

I realize that there are finer chandeliers out there but I like this $1400 one from Ballard, darnnit.

These dining Chairs by Ralph Lauren, $1398 each from Horchow.

Phillip Jeffries silk wallcovering for my formal dining room. No price listed.

You know what that means.

I'd also love an aubusson rug that would cost more than anyone's tax refund.

Enough with fantasy-- I'm off to paint a room before the movers get here.

What I think is wrong with RH

Many bloggers have taken their swipes at Restoration Hardware's new look and for the most part I think they are right. The look is nearly past and and its contirived.

Small retailers who source the "real thing" are angry that RH is mass producing this look. It's annoying, however, I think the market of discerning buyers will prove that RH made a bad bet. Sure, Suzie-suburban-homeowner will open the catolog and recreate a room using her hubby's credit card. 
The real problem that I see is their price point. The prices are affordable for people in urban and large metro areas where the cost of living is much higher than in smaller cities and towns. The fact is that most of America lives in those small cities, rural areas, and tiny towns.

For much of America $3000 is too much to pay for a dining table.

I hate most of it.

Especially this floor lamp.

I have a resale account with RH and would not dare use most of their products in a project.

I say most because there is one notable exception-- lighting, well some of it.

This is one area that the prices aren't way out of line and much of it looks good.



I would happily use this sconce knowing that it is interesting and a decent price.

I will say that I adore the Chesterfield sofa...

but I've seen the real thing in antique stores for less.

Does anyone else feel the same? Or do you think I am totally wrong?