FROM THE RIGHT BANK

Technical Difficulties

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Wed, 23 May 2012 06:15:32 PDT

Our internet has been down since yesterday afternoon and I’m having a total crisis because (sadly) I live on the internet. Thankfully I have the iPad and iPhone but blogging is just too awkward on those, not to mention all my photos are on my computers. So sorry, guys, no post today. A technician is coming out here tomorrow (the earliest appointment I could get) so hopefully I’ll be back in action by tomorrow afternoon. Fingers crossed!

Fabric Finds and More Orange and Blue Rooms

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Tue, 22 May 2012 06:15:24 PDT

So I was on my way to Forsyth Fabrics yesterday to get the blue velvet but decided to stop in one more time at Lewis & Sheron (they’re practically next door to each other) just in case I missed something last week. And sure enough, what do I find in the remnants section but the exact amount I need of this fabric in the perfect shade of blue:

It’s more chenille than velvet but not too chenille-y, if you know what I mean. Like if chenille and velvet had a baby. And it’s the exact shade of blue I wanted with the orange that’s in there!

Here’s another great orange and blue inspiration room:

I also found this teal blue velvet in the remnants section:

I’ve been wanting to redo our dining chairs in teal so this will be perfect.

Now that’s what you call a good shopping day!

(Photos: 1.via Pinterest as linked 2&4.FROM THE RIGHT BANK 3.Katie Ridder)

Settee In Progress

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Mon, 21 May 2012 06:15:50 PDT

As promised, I have some updates around the house to show you. First up, here’s where I am with that settee for the living room. To refresh your memory, here it is:

I wanted to lighten up the wood frame so I thought I’d try stripping the stain. I found this stuff which was supposed to be less toxic than most so I decided to give it a try:

You just brush it on:

leave it on for 30 minutes then scrape it off. I got a stripping brush for the job:

It then looked something like this:

Some parts were lighter but overall it wasn’t light enough for me. So I brought out the Annie Sloan chalk paint left over from painting my dining room chairs:

and ta-da:

Much better!

And after searching for fabric all last week, I narrowed my choices down to these:

and the winner is….. the light blue on the left (from Forsyth Fabrics)! I think it looks great with the new ivory frame. I’m going to pick it up today then it’s off to the upholsterer. Progress! Thank god!

(Photos: FROM THE RIGHT BANK)

Parisian Style Apartment

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Fri, 18 May 2012 06:15:32 PDT

Here’s a Parisian feeling apartment for you to enjoy today only it’s in Dallas, not Paris.

Lovely, isn’t it?

There are lots of projects in progress chez FTRB but I’ve been so busy I haven’t had time to photograph any of it. But I am going to find some time this weekend so I’ll see you with some updates on Monday! Have a great weekend!

(Photos: D Magazine)

Art Walls, Part 16

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Thu, 17 May 2012 06:15:10 PDT

I realized the other day that all of my current clients are big fans of art walls – which totally makes sense considering I’m just a wee bit obsessed with them. I could seriously spend every day sourcing art and assembling gallery walls. Like these:

I also got the nicest note from a reader the other day who found this wall at the Bedford Spring Resort and was nice enough to send me a photo:

Don’t you love the stripes? (Thanks again, Jenny!) If you see any great art walls and want to send them my way, I’d love to see them!

(Photos: 1.New York Times 2.via Apartment Therapy 3.via Viva Amore 4.via Red Online 5.via Riazzoli 6.House & Home)

P.S. The winner of the Paris, My Sweet giveaway is ….. #25. Jen! Congratulations, Jen! You’ll be contacted shortly by email.

Plenty of Pretty Green Inspiration

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:15:20 PDT

No one doesn’t like green, am I right? Along with blue, it’s the one color you can always default to, especially when designing for couples. All of these pretty designs using green caught my eye over at Norwegian Elle Decoration the other day.

I especially like the mint green. It’s such a pretty, soothing color, particularly when mixed with other pastels.

Homes I Love: Colorful 19th Century Villa in Beirut

FROM THE RIGHT BANK — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:15:21 PDT

I haven’t changed my mind back to lavender but I’m completely and utterly obsessed with designer May Daouk’s home where she uses lavender brilliantly throughout.

This is the most expert use of colors I’ve seen in ages – so many unexpected touches but everything working in total harmony. Interestingly these are the colors of my dining room right now:

(Which reminds me I need to show you an update.)

Don’t forget today is the last day of the Paris, My Sweet book giveaway!

(Photos: Architectural Digest)