Bamboozled

Vignette by Hillary Thomas - courtesy of Lonny


As I continue to work on the conclusion of my latest "Inspiration Interpretation" post, I thought I would feature a favored material of mine in the meantime: bamboo. Usually faux (but never a faux pas!), bamboo can be used in myriad interiors.


Bedroom by Chad Eisner


I just adore the bedroom by Eisner above. How serene: the combination of the pale bamboo bed and the gray-green of the walls. Restrained, but not bland; comfortable, yet polished.

Breakfast room by Kemble Interiors

Don't these chairs add such great texture to this wonderfully fresh and bright room? I am loving the combination of the bamboo with the beadboard walls.


Living room by Kemble Interiors

In another, slightly more formal room by Kemble Interiors, bamboo still finds an appropriate home: here, as a useful secretary.


Design unknown - photo courtesy of Laurey W. Glenn

I like how the criss-crosses in the mirror mimic those on the lively ottoman. Check out the contrast cording and buttons on the sofa, too; it seems to make the piece much less formal and even a bit playful.


Bedroom by Paolo Moschino

What a great bedroom! It seems so cozy and cottagey... but there are slightly more exotic undertones in it, too.


Living room by Jennifer McGee Design

The glass-fronted cabinet above is in the style of the original Victorian and Edwardian bamboo pieces. This type of furniture was first introduced to the western world through trade with China in the 18th century, and reached the height of its popularity during the late 19th century, somewhat due to the American and English cabinetmakers who created more affordable faux bamboo pieces.

Bedroom by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard

 
What do you think about all this toile? I am inclined to like it. It makes the room cozy, and Lawrence-Bullard maintains a peaceful congruity in the room by keeping the other furnishings (a suite - corona included - of bamboo bedroom furniture) homogeneous.

Dining area of unknown design

I like how this last pic of the day shows a more modern side of bamboo: metal, trellis-style bamboo chairs congregate around a clean-lined wood table in a small dining room shrouded in colorful panoramic wallpaper (possibly by Zuber). This really is a material that can go anywhere!

Have a great day and check back soon to see the completion of the latest project in my "Inspiration Interpretation" series!

Anglophilia

Design by Carolina Irving courtesy of Lonny

Due to the overwhelming popularity of my English Country House post, I am working on another similarly-inspired post to come out soon. For now, however, all you Anglophiles out there will just have to sate yourselves with this lovely room above, created by the talented textile designer Carolina Irving.

Have a happy Thursday!

My English Country House

Entry by Eileen Boyd

You are cordially invited to...... my imaginary English country house! Yes, it is only in my dreams (and pieced together like Frankenstein from many different homes), but, if I did have a little cottage nestled among the crags and fells of Northern England, I think it would have to look something like this!


Foyer by Robert Couturier


Does it get more British than a solemn grandfather clock? I love the tidy simplicity of this beautiful foyer.

Design by Michael S. Smith



Apparently toile (and chintz) play a big part in my make-believe getaway! How precious and cozy is this bedroom by Tom Scheerer, though? I love those bird prints and the exposed beams!



Design by Tom Scheerer



Design by Todd Romano

 Of course I'd have to have a toasty fireplace to cuddle up next to! Aren't the contrasts great in this room? I love all that exposed stone paired with the bright and formal chintz. (And check out that brightly striped shade!)

In the home of Anthropologie's Keith Johnson, panels of antique toile fabric are framed and hung as artwork which, combined with the large-scale gingham on the coverlet and the stripes on the chair, create a cozy and casual feel in the room.

Our final photo of the day is the epitome of English country elegance: a sunny room by Jill Morris. Can't you just imagine the Bennet sisters stopping in this anteroom to whisper their secrets, or Darcy staring, broodingly, at himself in that fabulous mirror? (Anyone else a Pride and Prejudice fan?)

I love the globes, those huge sconces, and that patinaed green on the walls! Understated and worldly elegance at its best!

Happy Halloween! Have a wonderful weekend!