Karen Fron Design Lesson | Blog

The colour revolution continues

admin — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 16:28:00 +0000

It’s gotten me bad. Everywhere I look, I see colour and I want it all. Lilly Pulitzer has suddenly become my new hero. Which is funny, because just a few years ago, I was researching her life and wondered who would dare wear or decorate with her fabrics? Well, never say never.. seems we can’t get enough of Lilly’s style since we’ve overdosed on black and brown.

via lillypulitzer.com

Lilly Pulitzer is a socialite and fashion designer. She is known for founding Lilly Pulitzer, Inc., which designs and produces clothing and fabric. Bright, colourful and over-the-top floral prints, hers is a very unique look.

from the lilly pulitzer collection by lee sofa

In 1950, Lilly Rousseau married Peter Pulitzer, and settled in Palm Beach Florida. They owned several citrus groves, so Lilly began selling juice. Because squeezing the juice made a mess of her clothes, she designed a sleeveless shift dress made of bright, colourful cotton. Eventually it was her dresses that became popular, so she focused on fashion design. Her bright colourful clothing became popular with Palm Beach Society, and today it’s enjoying a revival both in fashion and home decor.

lilly pulitzer swatch via lee jofa

Rafael de Cárdenas from Elle Decor

via elle décor

Unleash your vibrant side. Whether it’s textiles or paint, get some colour into your home. Find out the colours that make you feel alive and surround yourself with them. This will be the start of the authentic you. If you had to describe yourself by colour, not too many of use would be a black, brown or the ubiquitous beige. Myself, I’ve always been a closet chartreuse, with a dash of tangerine. What’s your colour alter-ego?

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Karen Fron Interior Design is a Calgary based design firm. We believe that a well functioning and beautiful home makes life better. It’s not about how much you have, it’s about using what you have to create beauty.

Colour is showing up everywhere

admin — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:08:00 +0000

Have you been to the stores lately? Bright colours are everywhere! In both fashion and interiors, the colours are bright, clean and eye-popping. Love this photo from the spring collection at Crate and Barrel. If you want to add some brights, try a few accent pieces such as a grouping of vases, cushions or a pair of lamps with a bright base. This year it’s all about colour. Even the gowns at the Oscars were exploding with bright colour.

via crate and barrel

via house beautiful

via getty images

getty images

March will soon be here, but spring is still a long way away. Try adding some colour to your home and feel the mood change. Orange, yellow, pink and turquoise…pick one, or use them all!

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Retreat from the craziness

admin — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:06:00 +0000

Do you ever feel that the world is just too much – the instant access to information, the buzzing noise, the speed and the endless to-do list? Sometimes it makes me crazy. That’s why it’s so important to have a peaceful retreat. Master bedrooms are often the last room of the house to be finished, yet it is probably the most important room for your sanity.

Never underestimate what some paint and a good de-cluttering can do. Add a nice coverlet, some toss cushions and beautiful lamps. Relax and enjoy your oasis.

via decorideas.com

Barbara Barry designs

via centsationsalgirl.com

Have a peaceful and relaxing weekend!

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Feel at home in your place

admin — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Hope everyone had a wonderful family day and was able to enjoy all the good things in their life.

Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the best. For me, it’s a cozy room in the house that we can just hang out in. It’s about making that room the best it can be, with what we have already. Balance and scale are more important than having the trendiest furniture. An important tip is to have a focal point, such as a fireplace, a large window or an interesting book shelf. Please don’t make it the tv. That’s just ugly.

A few well chosen accessories to bring colour and texture, always help. Need artwork? Frame photos of your travel, kids, pets or architectural details of buildings you have visited. This adds the personal touch to make the room more you.

via elle décor

via house beautiful

via elle décor

Don’t wait until you can have the best of everything to make a room beautiful. Do it now. If you can’t see the beauty in what you have, then a few hours of a designers time is well worth it. There is nothing nicer than having a place that you feel at home in.

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Roses are red…and blue red and orange red

admin — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

It’s that time of year again when the colour red is in the spotlight. Red is a vibrant and stimulating colour. It brings passion and excitement to people’s lives. Some think red too strong a colour and shy away from dressing in it or decorating with it.

When done right, red can make people feel empowered. It brings warmth and comfort to a space. What you don’t want is the candy cane look of red and white. It can be harsh, not to mention Christmasy. Whether it’s blue, orange or violet based, find a shade of red that works for you. Frank Lloyd Wright loved using a brownish red called cherokee red so much, that it is known as one of his signature colours.

Don’t be afraid to go bold and add some red to your decor. Red really pops against the blues and greys that have become so popular. And yes you can mix it with pink and orange. When I was growing up this was the biggest no no. Now it looks current and fresh. Aren’t you glad all those rules have gone out the window?

Enjoy these inspired red rooms.

via elle décor

via house and home

house beautiful

via elle décor

Have a sweet February 14th!

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Colour inspiration for modern looks

admin — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:29:00 +0000

I’ve had a love affair going with fabrics since I can remember. The colours, patterns and textures are so lovely to look at and collect. Considering I don’t really sew, I’ve quite the collection.

Often I’ll look to fabric for my inspiration for a room. Some may think this is working backwards because usually fabrics are picked after the design of a space. But from a beautiful piece of fabric I can imagine how a space should flow, what renos need to be done and exactly how the space should feel.

ikat fabrics from kravet

zoffany fabrics

Funny thing is, sometimes I don’t even end up using the original piece of fabric – it’s simply my jumping off point.

What inspires you?

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

It may be small, but it won’t be boring

admin — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0000

Right now I’m working on a kitchen redesign for a couple in Ontario. They recently sold an acreage with a large split level to move to a bungalow in town. This home had almost everything they were looking for, as well as a large yard, which sold him immediately. She’s an amazing cook and for her, the tiny kitchen was a let down.

A complete gut of the bungalow was not an option, so we’re moving forward working with what’s there. My theory that any space can be functional and beautiful has become our mantra.

move in day

The space is small, so we’re going with white cabinets, stainless appliances (including a wall oven) and a cambria countertop in Torquay, which is a carrera marble look. The space has been reconfigured to function better and move the stove away from the door. To keep the look clean and simple, the backsplash will be a white subway tile.

Bamco Kitchens

Next is the flooring. Since there are beautiful hardwood floors throughout, we won’t try to match, rather we’ll pick something that co-ordinates. Maybe something with a little punch. When doing a small space, it’s important that the surfaces add colour and texture. Because there’s no island and very little counter space, there won’t be any place to add accessories or textiles. We’ll choose a fantastic floor, bold paint and great light fixtures. The choice of faucet takes on more importance as it’s one of few chances to create a look.

Construction is scheduled to begin first week of March. Will post the before and afters.

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Bold colour in a relaxing space

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:28:00 +0000

Here’s another example of strong colour and texture flowing together creating a peaceful, relaxing space. By using one strong hue against dark brown, the bold chartreuse doesn’t overwhelm. There is also an abundance of texture to create interest and depth.

freshhome.com

Bedrooms need to be peaceful and calm, but that shouldn’t equate boring. Often the master bedroom is put low on the priority list and this really is a shame. Move it up to the top of the list. A splash of colour and loads of texture will create a beautiful room. The wall behind the bed is a perfect place to hang wallpaper. A tone on tone pattern doesn’t become the focal point, but rather enhances the visual experience without being overdone.

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

Pop some colour into your life

admin — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 15:56:00 +0000

A pop of colour adds style and drama to a room. Many of my clients want their home to be soothing and relaxing and think that bright colour will make it too vibrant or edgy. Colour done right will give a room stye and interest.

freshhome.com

Don’t you just want to leap into this chair and swivel around and around? Because of the predominance of neutral colours, the room exudes a sense of peace and calm. It’s relaxing, but not boring.

As we head into the cold dark months, see if your home could use a burst of colour.

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.

A clean and crisp new year

admin — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:06:00 +0000

With Christmas 2011 behind us, it’s time to focus on ringing in the new year. After the busy hustle of the holidays, new year’s eve is a chance to celebrate with a clean, crisp palette and grown up glam.

Ikea

I love to keep the decor dramatic, yet simple. A few stunning pieces will do the trick. Polish the silver and use the white linens. White, combined with silver or gold, is classic. Add in black for drama or leaf green for a fresh effect. Single bloom arrangements make a bold statement.

via lennox.com

As 2011 draws to a close, I wish you a peaceful, comfortable and interesting 2012!

If you would like to make good design a part of your life, email me.