I was tickled pink when Stacy Garcia's team asked me about my musings on color for their publication Life-Styled, check out what I had to say on page 8.
I was fortunate to meet Stacy last September at The New York Design Center's What's New What's Next event. I had admired her work for afar and when I was told that I was sitting on a panel with her in the Grange showroom I was humbled and honestly so nervous! The night before the event the panelists got together for dinner to get acquainted and I remember being quite nervous. Stacy gave me the warmest welcome and calmed my nerves. Her personality is as vivacious as her fashion forward designs and she is chock full of wisdom as she owns and runs multiple successful creative businesses. Here are some of my favorite wallpapers of hers, enjoy!
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We are delighted to announce that we are Urban Source Chicago's indie studio of the month! Urban Source has been our Chicago showroom for the past few years and have been a delight to work with. You can always pop into their showroom if you are in Chicago to see our papers in person and chat with their amazing team.
I sat down with April from from Urban Source and updated them on happenings in the studio, next big projects and goals for the upcoming year. Check out the interview here!
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I had the opportunity to recently chat with Decor Aid over in their Makers We Love Series! Click on over to find out about what inspires my designs and business!
]]>I am excited to announce that I will be debuting two new French inspired wallpaper patterns along with new colorways of some of our favorites on September 17, 2015 at the Grange showroom at the New York Design Center at their event What's New What's Next. I have worked with Grange to design and style these wallpapers with some of their heirloom quality furniture for their front windows of their showroom space.
Come see them in person, check out my inspiration and pop over to say hello to me!
New York Design Center
200 Lexington Avenue New York, NY 10016
Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
To RSVP for the event click here.
I am also honored to be speaking on a panel that day at 3:45pm in the Grange showroom. It will be led by Jason Kontos of New York Spaces and I will be chatting alongside Stacy Garcia and Steve McKenzie on progressive design that never goes out of style. This is truly a pinch me moment and I can not wait to see you there!
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Botanical Creatures
I noticed that butterflies and insects adorned many booths and products at the show. Everything from furniture to fabric to wallpaper and art. Pictured above is the Grange Miss Butterfly Exceptions de GRANGE chest.
Rich Peacock Colors
I wouldn't say that this is a new trend as peacock colors and jewel tones have been prevalant over the past few years but it is a color palette that is still going strong and seemed to be favored by many of the designers and companies attending. I definitely felt like I saw more jewel tones out and about in Paris than in NYC so perhaps it is a color palette that has more of a European flair.
Futuristic: Luxe Technology
The 3D printing market is booming and this new technology has infiltrated design aesthetics of many infusing a futuristic look. Think sharp angles with milky whites, the future is now!
Candy Colored Pastels
Pastel colors are packing a sweet and powdery punch. A dose of white gives these colors gave a sweet and feminine touch to many products as seen in the Missoni Home photo above as well as the previous photo.
Pops of Neon and Ombre'd Out
Splashes of neon add energy and are invigorating. This is a trend that sneaking in here and there and seems to be going strong without overkill at least in the home furnishings arena . I really enjoyed the youthfulness of the above booth. I did feel like all of the ombre touches on the other hand are becoming a bit tired. I felt like I was ombre'd out, from candles to pillows to wallpaper, the ombre I saw didn't feel as unexpected as it once did.
Gilded Age
Metallics were shining bright. Copper and brass were abundant as well as polished gold. These metallics were not about a distressed finish, instead shiny and slick was the name of the game.
Check back later this week for more of my France adventures, à_bientôt!
]]>I honestly wasn't quite sure what to expect at Maison + Objet, I have gobbled up the coverage via the internet in the past but walking the show in person was something else. I was blown away by the sheer size of all of the halls, I felt like a kid in a candy store. Everywhere I looked were fabulous products, so many colors, so many patterns. It was honestly overwhelming in the absolute best way possible! I felt like my senses were working overtime, the sights, the smells (yes smells!), and the textures. I tried to take it all in! Despite me being slightly overwhelmed and overjoyed at this coming together of companies and people from all over the world for the love of design I did spot some design trends that I am sure will make a big splash in the coming year. But first lets kick it off with the companies booth that gave me this amazing opportunity, Grange!
I was floored by the size of some of the booths especially the Grange booth, they were like showrooms floating around the trade show floor, crazy!
Jewel tones popped up everywhere as they seem to be trending colors that are holding strong. This cabinet with the butterfly wallpaper front was also a showstopper. These winged beauties were a motif that repeated itself throughout the show as well.
I am obsessed with this aqua / rusty aqua / neutral palette. It is unexpected yet fresh. This collection is part of Grange's new intros and it felt very New England cosy and relaxed yet chic. I love to be daring with colors and this color is one of the many finishes Grange offers.
A sleek way to hide your tv and electronics, I'm sold! Shown here open...
And with a single push, the two shelves slide seamlessly together.
I adore these pops of color inside the drawers, how fun is that?
A desk fit for a king, I loved the detailing on this desk combined with the chair with a cane backing and leather details.
Customization is king at Grange since all of the products are made to order and handcrafted in France. Stay tuned for a post about their pristine factory that I visited right outside of Lyon, France. I loved the use of texture of the wallpaper in the back of these built ins. A ton of options at your fingertips, something soft and textural like this or the option to go bolder with a not so traditional finish and punchy pattern. All ideas are welcome at the table!
How fun is this moody and sleek console? The front detailing adds a masculine flair with an edge.
Check back soon for more Maison + Objet finds, a sneak peek into the Grange factory and more! A huge thank you again for Grange for this wonderful opportunity!
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Back today with another Wallpaper Memoirs post, today we are chatting with Sarah Sarna, blogger and interior designer and fellow friend of mine! I am really loving hearing everyone's responses so far and can't wait to share more. If you are interested in contributing to the conversation shoot me an email!
Do you have a memory of wallp
Click on over to the Terry's Blinds blog to read their Designer Insights interview with me! I'm sharing my creative process, how I stay inspired, and more! Thanks Terry's Blinds for having me!
]]>Bonjour mes amis! I have some very exciting news today, because of all of your support, votes, and lovely comments I have won Grange Furniture's What colors do you dream in? Blogger Contest! I am excited beyond belief to jet to Paris come January for Maison et Objet and visit the Grange factory in Lyon. Thank you so much for all your support!!
Maison et Objet is the leading European design exhibition that showcases home decor and is often revealing for new design trends in interior design, it is basically an enormous bazaar of style! Sounds grand right? I can't wait to be inspired by the energy, the products, and all of the emerging talent. I am planning on soaking it all in!
I have more amazing news, One lucky blog reader is going to be able to accompany me! Without further ado here is my winning design and more details on how you can win a trip as well!
My design 'Chartreuse Chic' was inspired by the eclectic girl downtown who styles her Grange Directoire console in the brightest pop color she can find. I was unapolagetic in my design and chose the Vert Pomme finish along with a healthy dose of pattern, whimsy, and an edged up Grecian bust.
Grange has designed various other ambiances to show the array of finishes that you can customize your Directoire Console in. Here are a few of my favorites that show the versatility that this powerhouse piece has to offer.
Not only will a lucky reader get to visit Paris in all of its winter glory but they will also have the opportunity to take a tour of the Grange furniture factory in Lyon! Lyon is a city that is very close to my heart as I lived there as an exchange student in high school and have not been back since but have dreamed of visiting again. I remember it being absolutely charming and so full of life! Grange has been manufacturing furniture since 1904 and has established itself as a major influence in furniture design and serves as ambassadors for the French art of living, designing and creating interiors with emotional impact. They deliver an authentic French "Art de vivre" We will be able to take an exclusive tour of their factory on the Monday following the show and see how their beautiful furniture comes to life.
How can you enter you ask? Here are the details!
Leave a comment below as to why you would love to visit Paris and Lyon and attend Maison et Objet the end of January . The winner will receive:
A big thank you to everyone who entered and your responses! I wish I could bring all of you in my suitcase!
Congrats to the winner: Brittany!
Bonne chance!
This post is in collaboration with Grange Furniture
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You can get a virtual tour of the property by clicking here.
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1. Brer Rabbit Wallpaper Classic - William Morris
2. Congo Blues - Clarence House
]]>If you are like myself, then there have been occasions when you have resisted buying metallic décor for fear that it might appear too gauche. Admittedly, metallic is a difficult look to seamlessly pull off, and definitely gives meaning to the phrase “less is more”. Yet, this is not a reason to avoid the trend altogether. Below you will find ways to add some chrome into your design scheme without feeling overly ostentatious.
1. Geddes Square Tray Gold 2. Gold Leaf Wreath 3. Farrow and Ball Ranelagh Wallpaper 4. Gallery Gold Leaf Frames
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Here at Kimberly Lewis we are huge supporters of pattern, pattern, and more pattern. To the geometrically bashful decorator, the prospect of mixing and matching patterns may appear to be an altogether unpleasant, if not impossible, experience. But don’t you worry, we have you covered with easy and fun (did we mention easy?) ways to incorporate patterns into your everyday décor. These featured navy designs a perfect transition piece for the fall and are totally situational year round (nautical chic anyone?).
Elation, flattery and a bit of intimidation – these were just some of the emotions that simultaneously coursed through my mind when I was invited to throw my proverbial hat in the ring to compete in Grange Furniture’s challenge to win a trip for myself and a lucky reader to Maison et Objet in Paris. The mission – create an innovative design scheme that utilized their Directoire console cabinet, which would then be appraised and ranked by a panel of design mavens!
So it was decided, the Directoire console (above) was to be my Bridgitte Bardot, my Girl with the Pearl Earring – through it’s geometrically blessed construction and functional opulence I was to find my muse. However, my road would not be an easy one given Grange’s 29 finishes, not even taking into consideration their additional three levels of antiquing – how was a girl to choose? Using their MyGrange design tool (think the electronic closet from Clueless), I was able to mix and match my options until I found a combination that perfectly communicated my desired aesthetic, vision, and personality.
The resulting installation was something that can perhaps most accurately be described as Chartreuse Chic. This design scheme is intended for the downtown girl who says no to neutrals, and is unapologetic in her utilization of color as a means of testimonial. Her Directoire console is distinct enough to stand as a statement piece, yet it flows seamlessly into a graphic wallpaper and an edged up Grecian bust (a girl needs her jewels!). After all, what’s the point of decorating if you can’t have a little fun?
I am excited to announce that I am one of the new Interior Design contributor's over on my friend Sarah Sarna's blog Live the Life You Dream About. I will be contributing monthly and my first post went live this morning! I share 10 of My Favorite Modern Toile Wallpaper Patterns. Click the image above to pop over and read it!
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A wallpaper's “repeat” determines both how often the pattern repeats itself horizontally. It is technically the vertical distance between where the pattern is identical again and repeats itself. This distance can be very small if the pattern is tiny or it can be the entire width of the wallpaper. There are a few different types of repeats: The most common repeat in our collection is a Straight Match. Every panel of wallpaper hung will look exactly the same. The wallpaper will match horizontally creating a pattern sequence. Some wallpapers have a random pattern match, this is the easiest to hang because there is no pattern sequence and the wallpaper can be hung with no waste. Another repeat is called the Drop Match. Every other strip of wallpaper installed will have the same design at the ceiling line and it will form a diagonal pattern sequence instead of horizontal like the straight match. Here is an image from The Wallpaper Collective that illustrates the difference:
Lets connect!
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I often get emails asking for a paperhanger recommendations for XY&Z cities and while I don't have a running list of every paperhanger in the country (or world!) my answer is usually always the same. I do highly recommend hiring a professional paperhanger when hanging wallpaper. While you could potentially do it yourself hiring a paperhanger will save you a lot of frustration now and down the road especially if you end up installing it wrong. This is an area that you do not want to skimp on. A reputable wallcovering installer will will carefully prepare a comprehensive plan, estimating costs based on material, labor and experience specifications. They will also be able to help you determine how many rolls you will need to order and any questions you may have about the installation. I always recommend people take a peek at the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers website and find someone that way. All members of this association are craftsmen and women who install wallcovering for their living. It is important to find someone that comes recommended and has a reputation for excellent work. If you are in the NYC are I am more than happy to send over info for reputable paperhangers in the area.
]]>Happy Valentine's Day! I'm still catching up on emails and sample orders since I took a long weekend off to get in some New Hampshire skiing but I wanted to pop in today to share these lovely photos of the ever so talented Christine of Bijou and Boheme that are up on Style Me Pretty Living, take a peek! Its official, Christine is my official Valentine's Day Design Crush! Christine definitely has a keen eye for design and her home simply blows me away, it is GORGEOUS! I love her use of wallpaper throughout the home, as well! Hello Ostrich wallpaper in the hallway, I think I love you. Christine has been ever so kind to feature my wallpaper on her blog over the years and I've loved reading her blog and seeing her grow as a designer. I am madly in love with her home and just about everything she touches! A huge congrats Christine on the feature! What are you crushing on today in honor of Valentine's Day? Tell me in the comments section!
Lets connect!
]]>Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that over the years I've pretended to not care much about but deep down inside secretly love. Even for the years that I have celebrated without a Valentine I love seeing the the blooming bouquets of flowers, the candy hearts that everyone seems to hate besides myself, and the softer side of people all around.
Don't we wish that all of the days on the calendar could be viewed through rose colored glasses like this one special day of the year?
1. Love Your Selfie Racerback by JQLovesU Give as a gift to yourself, because if you can't love your selfie then how else is anyone supposed to love you back?
2. Pave Open Hearts Bangle by CWonder Everyone deserves a little Pave in their life
3. Chamomile & White Willow Bark Clay Face Mask by Astrida Naturals Self care = self love, give as a gift or for yourself
4. Love Struck folded note cards by Inslee by Design Love notes aren't just for your sweetie, seal with a kiss and send to your bff's near and far
5. Gingham Bow Tie by The Tie Bar Add a wink of pink to any man in your life's wardrobe, real men DO wear pinkSending you much love!!
Lets connect!
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