iStyle

Your iNterior Style Your Way

So, are you following the design rules? We hope not! Today it’s about knowing when to break the rules and express yourself. Mix it up. Have fun. Unlock your soul and make your environment your own.

iStyle is your iNterior style your way. It used to be that we took most of our interior design cues from magazines, store windows and television. It’s different now! When asked, “Where did you get that idea?” More and more of us respond, “I got it from me!” My lifestyle. What’s your style? Let’s catch up on the leading trends that are emerging from today’s lifestyles.

“Simply Refined” is soft and organic with an ecological edge. Colors are spa-like soothing dusty blue greens and teals. Shapes are rounded and appealingly asymmetrical. Natural patterns abound featuring updated sketchy florals and simple botanical silhouettes. Eye-catching exotic woods pare well with fabrics that are dimensional and tactile – a pleasure to touch. Call it casual and comfortable to live with and appealing to many, especially in the Pacific Northwest.
 
“Orient Express” is a trip on the soul train tracking from Morocco to Shanghai to India and back to the Pacific Rim. Key colors include red coral, pink, teal and chartreuse. This is an adventure in travel that leaves typical Asian designs in the past. Blend the obvious Asian characters and symbols with graceful cherry blossoms, wisteria and stylized floral blooms. Bamboo is key. Both lacquered and natural finishes complete the furnishings scene.
 
“Country Sophisticate” leaves the kitschy approach in the dust. Cleaned up lines satisfy the urbanites’ desire for cottage living and the country lifestyle. A palette of neutrals accentuated by fashion-forward colors of clear sky blues, sun-baked celadon greens and cheery perky pinks flourish with touches of red and orange. Look for a green wash on metal surfaces, handcrafted techniques of crochet and lace, rubbed paint on furniture detailing, rustic iron with touches of crystal and polished or tumbled pewter.
 
“Urban Loft” shows the influence of the Scandinavian Schools of Design and a more livable contemporary style. Colors are deep and bold with cool neutral accents. Spanish red, inky blue, deep chocolate and coffee tones come to mind. Stainless steel gives way to warmer hues like pale copper. Leather, high gloss and menswear patterns fit right in. The new news is ‘feminine’ detailing to balance the mix, adding a softer side to this sharper edge.
 
“Hollywood” glimpses of vintage glamour from the 40’s and 50’s (think Nat King Cole, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow…) and the exploding interest in cocktail culture. There are two color stories here and both pair with shades of brown. Ice-like tones of blue, misty aqua and pale pink intertwine with rich colors of emerald, teal and scarlet. Movie legend’s coiffure colorations come to mind when one sees the use of champagne, platinum and gold leafing on surfaces ranging from lamps to table tops to accessories. In addition, mirrored furniture is back in a big way. The use of cut crystals, jewels and beading are completing the look. Mahogany is the preferred choice on this set.
 
“Old World” takes tradition from Italy and France creating a sense of history. Oh yes, you can make history. If you love fringe and envision tassels in your future, this more formal sensibility may be yours along with silk, damask and brocade. All the best is at your fingertips -- marble, gold, and mahogany. Champagne, persimmon and teals reign. Pale peach and fawn are dewy cosmetically inspired color companions.
 
In today’s everyday life lots of things happen…when do you call the expert?
You know your style but run out of time to put it all together
iStyle and iNterior are seemingly off track, in other words, not blending.
Your iStyle and your significant other isn't blending. Or you've combined two households into
one or you've downsized...
Nothing seems just right - too light; too dark; too small; too big...
The answer to any or all of these questions could be a customized or personalized iStyle. Call the expert and let us help you get your iStyle back on track.
 
Break the rules, but most importantly, have fun doing it as you define your iStyle!
 
Richard Bloom, owner of R. Bloom’s, a retail store specializing in fresh and faux floral arrangements, home interior accessories and gifts, and interior design for both residential and commercial establishments, with two locations in Vancouver and Lake Oswego, appears monthly on “AM Northwest”.

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