Abstract Art Blasts Color and Pattern into Accessories

Janet Ramin - Are you one of those who want to break the rules, color outside the box, and do the opposite of whatever everyone else does? Then abstract patterns might be up your alley.  

Abstract prints are the complete opposite of geometrics. Geometrics are based on basic shapes of circles, squares, and rectangles - whereas with abstracts anything goes. Abstract patterns play well with contemporary and modern style interiors. They’re usually fresh, wild, and won’t remind your friends of your grandmother’s taste. 

Pictured above is a smattering of abstract print pillows. Starting at the top right, clockwise, the orange pillow is from Bliss Living called Humanity for All – Freedom. The next is Ecco Blue Leaf from Koko Company, Bamboo Leaves by Josey Miller, Humanity for All – Dream from Bliss Living, and Metsan Kuningas by Marimekko, available at Crate and Barrel.

Abstract prints can be created in two ways: you can take something real, i.e. a leaf or a flower, and take out the details or “abstract it”. Above are examples of an abstraction of a flower, the Metallik pillow was a sunflower, the Aquamarine in Pool fabric from Duralee was a rose, and Orange Fusion pillow came from a daisy. There’s still some detail left to recognize what it once was, but now the emphasis is on lines and shape – the design – rather than the flower. 

Abstract prints can also come out purely from the imagination. Designer Amy Helfand who creates beautiful modern rugs from her studio in Red Hook, New York, credits her inspiration to the landscapes around her. She first captures her surroundings through photography and from there transforms it to abstract patterns for her colorful rugs. Below are Blue Ridge Voyage and Ragged Wandering.

(Blue Ridge Voyage, courtesy of Amy Helfand)

(Ragged Wandering, courtesy of Amy Helfand)

Once again, you'll use these abstracts to freshen up an interior and add shockingly fresh accents to any room. We'd love to see Clinton Stewart's exciting Holey-Poley conceptual daybed, a student design project from this Aussie studying in Copenhagen, in full production one day - and we'd put some abstract pillows as pops of pure pattern against the stark black of his playful, interchangeable modular design. Watch how the daybed works in this stop-action video from Designboom.

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This post was reprinted with permission from the Sheffield School, New York, NY. Sheffield began as an Interior Design school in 1985, and then expanded their course offerings to train people in other design-related fields, including Feng Shui, Wedding and Event Planning, and Jewelry Design. With thousands of active students and more than 50,000 graduates, Sheffield has trained more design professionals than any school in the world.

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Update on September 20, 2011 by Design2Share

Super King Size Leather Beds: We just found a great collection of sleek leather bed designs. They add sophistication, whether your bedroom decor is traditional or modern. 

FEATURED PROJECT: DIY PAINTED HEADBOARD

Now is the perfect time to think about freshening up your interior space. With a splash of color here and a new piece of furniture there, it's easy to redecorate. Here's a quick, budget-conscious DIY design idea to help get you started.

Paint Your Own Headboard

Chances are if you if you purchased your bed frame as part of a bedroom set, the headboard is already included. If you don't want to put forth the extra cash, especially after paying for a pricey mattress, no problem! Painted headboards are a great way to add a pop of color to your bedroom.

Step 1: Measure the width of the head of your bed and mark it with blue painter's tape from floor to ceiling. Now, choose your color based on your desired color scheme. You obviously don't want it to be the same shade as your walls, but it should complement that color.

Step 2: Once you have your color, paint the wall, staying within the blue painters tape. Once the paint dries, if you choose to do so, you can detail with paint or with some removable wall decals from a company like Blik. For as little as $40, Blik makes easily removable wall decals in fun shapes like bookshelves, chandeliers, birds, etc. If this sounds like too much work, don't worry and leave your wall a solid color.

Step 3: Simply position your bed up against the painted wall, prop up some decorative Euro pillows in coordinating colors and patterns, and you have yourself a headboard. You might want to take this opportunity to invest in a new comforter or duvet in fun, light, spring colors. You'd be surprised at what a little bit of paint and some new bedding can do for your space!

Contemporary vanities and more at Decor Planet for your bathroom needs.

Designer Jonathan Adler "Faces Off" with Morgan Fairchild!

 Irwin Weiner ASID - We all have our design muses, and in this video, master interior designer and potter Jonathan Adler was inspired by his husband's window store mannequin head ... and Morgan Fairchild's classic facial features. Jonathan was the first of our Design2Share Designers We Love, truth be told, back in 2007, and he's continued to delight us. Enjoy this Plum TV video interview where he discusses his unusual inspiration.

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Designer Susan Marinello Takes Us On a Sky-High Tour

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - I really do love privacy. That's why I'm a bit hesitant to jump onto the urban floor-to-ceiling glass walls trend in luxury condo and apartment living. What do you think? Is it comfortable to always be conscious of walking around your space and knowing that someone might be watching you? Just say no-no-no to walking around in your skivvies, nighties ... or the barely there. Keep those curtains or blinds drawn if you want to let it all hang out.

There are open plan fans and those who are addicted to loft living, but I'm a privacy guy myself, and there are times when you want to isolate some areas of your home off from the crowd, as in sleeping children in their bedrooms while you're having an adult party.

With that old-school kvetching aside, when open plan spaces combine function and beauty, I don't mind. And to have a simpler open plan kitchen and living room/great room space for entertaining is terrific.

I liked this video with Seattle designer Susan Marinello talking us through all the amenities of a high-rise Seattle condo, Fifteen Twenty-One Second Avenue. And there are many beautiful details; you'll even be drawn down to the decorative hardware. You'll get a strong sense of how skillful an interior designer needs to be in order to adapt to open plan spaces, window walls,

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Plan Perfect Playdates for Your Kids

Megan Gates - There’s no doubt that playdates are beneficial to kids. No matter how old your children are, playdates encourage sharing, taking turns, and socializing with others. But when it’s time for you to host the playdate, it can be challenging to know what to do! While there’s no need to throw a party-like atmosphere, a little preparation can go a long way.

There are a few things you’ll want to handle prior to the playdate to ensure that you get started on a good note. First, make sure your child puts away any toys that he or she doesn’t want to share. You may also want to place a few activities within reach for the kids, such as those that encourage them to play together. Good examples include arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. And of course, make the playdate suitable for the ages of the children. If you’re inviting a toddler, 45 minutes is adequate. Even older kids can get overtired, so limit the playdate to 2 hours or less.

One of the best places for a playdate is outside! Not only do you minimize a messy house, but being outside always seems to make kids play better. Don’t think you need to arrange an outing at the park, either. Open up the sandbox, play a round of catch or drag out the soccer nets. This fall, it's fun to

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