We’ve Moved!

Hello there!

Last month, we made some changes to the way the DecoratorsBest Blog is run. Those of you who subscribe via RSS or visit the page in a web browser shouldn’t have noticed any difference (other than an updated design and layout), and if you’re an email subscriber, you should still be receiving our blog posts in your inbox.

However, if you were a WordPress.com follower, you’ll no longer see our posts in your WordPress Reader. We hope you’ll join us at our new home! To subscribe via email, visit blog.decoratorsbest.com, scroll to the very bottom, enter your email address, then click “Subscribe.”

Happy decorating!

Shop New Collections & British Products from Across the Pond

We’re about halfway through Wimbledon, and all eyes are on London as the tournament progresses. To pay homage to all things English, check out our selection of stunning fabrics and wallpapers from our British manufacturers.

Founded in North London, Cole & Son has been creating inventive wallcoverings for well over a century, and we think they’re just getting better with age. Ranging from traditional to whimsical, Cole & Son’s vast product line has something for every decorator.

Andrew Martin’s aesthetic is inspired by a kaleidoscope combination of cultures, and Lost & Found is no exception. Featuring contemporary ikats, vintage paisleys and classic heraldic crests, the collection pulls elements from across the globe, not just the UK.

The Clarke & Clarke Reflections wallpaper collection was inspired by the earth’s natural forms and landscapes and includes trendy metallics made from embossed vinyl. We think it’s about time for a bathroom renovation!

Like Cole & Son, G P & J Baker has been producing fabric and wallpaper for more than 100 years. Following the example set by years of success, the new Langdale collection includes gorgeous embroideries, opulent velvets in shimmering jewel tones, and versatile linens.

Preppy Home Decor: What’s Your Style?

With Wimbledon in full swing, tennis fans and celebrities across the globe are donning their preppiest attire and heading to London to watch the tournament. To join in on the festivities, we’re taking a look at the different types of preppy home decor. Read on!

In various beach locales across the country – Palm Beach, Southampton, Newport – sun worshipers fill their homes with saturated, bold shades of hot pink and emerald green. Brands like Lilly Pulitzer reign supreme alongside palm prints, pom poms and contrasting trim. In this space, designer Anne Hepfer fully embraced the tropical theme, featuring fanned-out leaves in the drapery, upholstered headboard and bed skirt.

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On the more restrained end of the spectrum, fans of traditional preppy decor often employ neutral stripes, dark plaids and limited color palettes. When it comes to preppy brands, Ralph Lauren is king. In this dining area, designer Windsor Smith brightened up the space with white Chinese Chippendale chairs and an unexpected pop of yellow.

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For the preppy decorator who wants to punch things up, take a cue from designer Sam Allen, who shared the room above in honor of Wimbledon.

Sam’s tip: “I love the combination of navy and white because it is so versatile. It goes with just about everything! In addition, stripes add depth and interest to a room. A great and simple way to achieve this is to use the pattern on a headboard and match it to the wall, adding a ton of character to the space.”

To ensure a perfect match, select a striped fabric and ask DecoratorsBest to have it backed for you.

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The garden preppy look shares elements with the Palm Beach preppy style, but it’s a softer version, incorporating floral and chintz patterns, less saturated shades, and generally, a more subdued aesthetic. It’s often seen as a feminine decor style, but as we all know, real men wear pink – and they decorate with it, too!

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So, which type of preppy decor do you like best?

Photo Sources: Anne Hepfer, Windsor Smith, David A. Land, HGTV Magazine

Related Articles:

Bright and Preppy Decor Inspired by Lilly Pulitzer

Decorating Inspiration from the Star Style at Wimbledon

The Preppy Chic Book

You Know Your Decorating Style Is Preppy When …

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The Hampton Designer Showhouse Opens This Month!

The 2015 Hampton Designer Showhouse will debut its fourteenth annual creation to the public Sunday, July 26, and will remain open daily until Monday, September 7. The showhouse will feature 27 brilliant interior designers and architects who have transformed the Bridgehampton home into something truly spectacular. Presented by Traditional Home, the showhouse is benefiting the Southampton Hospital.

Showhouse Information
The 2015 Hampton Designer Showhouse
Presented by Traditional Home
To Benefit Southampton Hospital

This year’s Showhouse is located at:
233 Old Sag Harbor Road
Bridgehampton, New York

Open Daily from Sunday, July 26 to Monday, September 7, 2015

For more information about the Showhouse, visit www.hamptondesignershowhouse.com

Hampton Designer Showhouse 2015 Designers:

Abby Modell Contemporary Art Glass | Art Works & Designs, Inc. | Baltimore Design Group | Barbara Page Home | Black & Poole | Brady Design | CricketsCrush LLC | Denise McGaha Interiors | Dyfari Interiors, LLC | Elise Som Design Studio | Elissa Grayer Interior Design | Flynnside Out | Gasper La Rosa Landscaping | Hagins & Mortimer Design | Katharine Jessica Interior Design | Madcap Cottage | Mancaves | Marlaina Teich Designs | Melanie Roy Design | Meredith Ostrom | Ovadia Design Group | Patricia Fisher Design | Robert Brown Interior Design | Scot Meacham Wood Design | Timothy Brown Studio | Tyler Steven Pankratz Design | Vintage Interior Design Inc.

4 Creative Ways to Use a Red, White and Blue Color Palette

It doesn’t take much for a red, white and blue color scheme to turn cheesy. One wrong turn, and you’re in Uncle Sam territory. But the good news is: when done right, this combination can be fresh, fun and invigorating. And we’ve got tips to help you to pull it off!

Crisp blue and white is the primary pairing in this dining room, and cherry red is incorporated via a subtle herringbone fabric that echoes the rug’s border. This space would have screamed patriotism if it weren’t for the light coral and gold chandelier, which adds an unexpected element and softens the more traditional decor.

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We asked designer Keith Baltimore for his advice on red, white and blue decor, and he shared this creative kid’s room with us. The stripes on the walls are paired with a simple bed frame and nightstand and then repeated on the bedding and in the bathroom.

“When presenting a theme, think classic lines and select the accessories carefully [so you don’t] overdo it,” Keith suggested.

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Designer Jamie Meares is the queen of eclectic decor, and her living room is no exception. The red, white and blue color scheme is anything but Americana when mixed with a tiger print throw pillow, a Moroccan pouf, a cow hide rug and a playful zebra hiding under the coffee table.

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In this bright and cheerful living room, the red, white and blue palette is downplayed with the addition of warm yellow. The driftwood coffee table, textured rug and themed throw pillows create a beach vibe that instantly relaxes the room, despite the presence of such strong blue and red shades.

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Photo Sources: Lonny, Pablo Corradi, Jamie Meares, Domaine Home

Related Articles:

Tasteful Red, White & Blue Decor: Not Just For Independence Day

Mood Board Monday: 4th of July in The Hamptons

Coastal Colors: Red, White, & Blue

15 Red, White and Blue Rooms That Are Impressively Patriotic

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Brighten Your Home With Bold Blooms & Fabulous Florals

When Dorothy Draper, one of the top interior designers in America from the 1920s to the 1960s, decided that big florals in bright colors were the pattern du jour, word spread quickly. Now, half a century later, we still love them! Shop some of our favorites below.

Casabella means “the beautiful house,” and this new collection by York Wallcoverings strives to create just that. Featuring fresh, inviting florals, metallic textures and clean stripes, Casabella II is the perfect set of products to start off your summer.

As you can see from the powder room above, designer Erinn Valencich is a master of pattern. Erinn shared her exclusive advice with DecoratorsBest, suggesting that using traditional patterns on flat items instead of pleated or gathered pieces is a great way to keep florals modern and avoid a “Grandma” look.

Floral patterns in deep hues were all over the runways this spring, and we’re already seeing them pop up in stylish, modern interiors. We love the way that a colorful, feminine floral becomes almost masculine on a black background – the ideal way to satisfy all the members of your household.

Photo Sources: House & Home, Melissa Valladares, Lisa Cohen for Vogue Living

Modern Meets Historic: Shop the Brooklyn Brownstone Look

For young, creative New Yorkers, there’s no better place than Brooklyn. And with the influx of hip residents has come a flood of design inspiration, featuring statuesque brownstones full of style. Check out a few below, and shop our products to get the look!

Above, ornate moldings are brought into the 21st century with contemporary furniture, clean lines and pops of color. Neutral furniture and a visually-light glass coffee table allow the focus to remain on the stunning architecture.

Featuring geometric patterns and bright colors, Jonathan Adler’s new collection of fabrics for Kravet provides the perfect counterpoint to classic paneling and soaring ceilings. For a unique juxtaposition, try upholstering a traditional piece in a bold, graphic print.

In the graceful parlor of this Carroll Gardens townhouse, the designers at McGrath II embraced the age of the building and incorporated antiques and quality pieces to complement the majestic pre-war details.

In contrast, the designers at The Brooklyn Home Company completely gutted this Park Slope brownstone to reveal original beams. They layered rustic textures with modern pieces and botanically-inspired fabrics, topping the marble mantelpiece with a monochromatic sculpture.

Photo Sources: Audra Canfield Interiors, The New York Times, The Brooklyn Home Company

How to Mix Styles for the Brooklyn Brownstone Look

As a historic borough and the epicenter of the affluent artisan movement, Brooklyn is home to a unique design style that effortlessly combines pre-war architecture and organic, modern décor. Interested in recreating the look in your home? Read on for our tips!

In this Park Slope brownstone, The Brooklyn Home Company highlighted the wall paneling by lining each rectangle with a tone-on-tone Greek key wallpaper pattern. Though all the original moldings are preserved, the space feels fresh and current, thanks to graphic prints and bright colors.

If you don’t happen to reside in a 200-year-old building, you can still get the look! Molding panels are relatively easy to install, and using them to frame out wallpaper is a budget-friendly way to add a luxe, custom element to your home.

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Blair Harris Interior Design kept the parquet flooring and marble mantelpiece in this Cobble Hill townhouse, but modernized the space with mid-century elements like a wood and brass wall unit, a brass six-arm chandelier and a Danish-inspired coffee table. The neutral armchair and linen-slipcovered sofa keep the room from going too mod, and the botanical wallpaper provides a light and airy contrast to the dark built-ins.

Mid-century modern décor looks fabulous paired with pre-war details, but if you don’t want to dive all the way into the 1950s/1960s look, transitional furniture (a mix between traditional and contemporary) will even things out.

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This relaxed-chic home is technically in Chelsea, not Brooklyn, but it so clearly personifies the traditional-meets-organic vibe that we had to include it anyway. The 1950s rattan ottoman, Scandinavian chairs and custom marble coffee table are perfectly balanced with an antique mirror, oversized original windows, and a white oak sofa.

When mixing different styles of furniture, it helps to unify the pieces with at least one element. In this case, it’s the height – everything is low and laid-back.

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When the color palette is limited, it allows for more creativity in patterns and styles, as seen in this sun-kissed townhouse. Natural light pours in from both ends of the building, and the warm woods, antiqued gold tones and soft yellows feel right at home. With only black and white as accents, it’s easy to combine a tribal rug and a crystal chandelier. They’re united by the consistency in hues.

To replicate this look in your home, choose one consistent color family for your furniture and finishes, then layer in contrasting elements like art and throw pillows to your heart’s content.

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Which one of these stylish spaces is your favorite?

Photo Sources: The Brooklyn Home Company, Blair Harris Interior Design, The New York Times Style Magazine, Domino.

Related Articles:

How to Mix Bold Patterns to Express Your Individuality

Charlotte Moss’ Exclusive Tips: How to Combine Design Styles Like a Pro

A Grown Up Brownstone in Brooklyn Heights

Roman and Williams-Designed Brooklyn Brownstone is an Eclectic Mix of Curiosities

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Get 5% Off and Free Shipping on All Ralph Lauren Fabrics & Wallpaper!

When we think of a classic, all-American man’s man, Ralph Lauren immediately comes to mind. Who better to provide timeless fabric and wallpaper for your home this Father’s Day weekend? Shop the sale now*!

We asked designer Sam Allen for his tips on dad-friendly decor, and he recommended making the bones of the room masculine, much like the wood paneling and mossy brown grasscloth in this study. To integrate the room with the rest of the house, he layered in artifacts like a hand-loomed ikat rug.

Mulberry Home’s new Bohemian Romance collection brims with sophisticated style, combining rich, masculine plaids and moody hues to create an effect that’s simultaneously mysterious and comforting.

For a Father’s-Day-appropriate bedroom, designer Timothy Corrigan told DecoratorsBest that he enhanced this space’s masculinity with charcoal-painted trim and classic artwork. The red diamond-patterned wallpaper has a continental, urbane 1930s feel, and the colorful area rug and neutral bedding ensure that the whole household will feel at home.

Photo Sources: Keith Scott Morton, Eric Piasecki

*5% discount valid on Ralph Lauren fabric and wallpaper orders of $200 or more through 11:59 p.m. EDT 6/21/2015. Free shipping promotion applies to all domestic orders of $200 or more within the continental United States and excludes international orders, international manufacturers’ products and expedited orders. This is not valid for members of the DecoratorsBest Trade Program. Select manufacturers are not eligible for free shipping: Alan Campbell, Andrew Martin, Boussac, Braquenie, China Seas, Clarke & Clarke, Clarence House, Cole & Son, Designers Guild, Dessin Fournir, Donghia, Ellitis, Fadini Borghi, Hill Brown, Liberty, Nina Campbell, Nobilis, Osborne & Little, Pierre Frey, Phillip Jeffries, Quadrille, Rose Cumming, Rubelli.

Enter the Dragon: Shop Asian-Inspired Products

Here in NYC, we’ve been enthralled by “China: Through the Looking Glass,” a stunning exhibit at The Met that juxtaposes high fashion with Chinese art. The gorgeous gowns inspired us to round up some of our most popular Asian-inspired products. Shop below!

2015 may be the year of the goat, but dragons never go out of style. (And they just so happen to be on our minds this week.)

Red is a symbol of happiness in Chinese culture, and it’s also trending this season, as we saw at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House. The room above employs it in both the toile drapery and a statement throw pillow made with Schumacher’s iconic Chiang Mai Dragon fabric.

Blue and white porcelain china was all the rage in Asia long before it made its way west, and it’s still a foolproof combination for timeless decor.

Photo Sources: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Betsy Burnham, Decorcology, Rachel Reider Interiors, House Beautiful