Welcome to Belclaire House!

After years of reading many amazing design blogs, I've decided to start my own.  This blog is dedicated to my mom who devours my <a href="http://www.google.com/reader/shared/JHadley32">shared items</a> on google reader and has inspired my love of all things blue and white. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bFBufh6Mdc2YpB4VUkaMIjgcBpU7UEKVJWBe_ghnpjYTxjYvFgEVmYsSmi6YW1cV6k6avyKv-QRlmrBaNakTdU-6Vh9P2bG5KMW_WoBwqQMMrY4ow5DuE63eNw7NJdMLJT5UOFNSo8o/s1600/JWw2832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bFBufh6Mdc2YpB4VUkaMIjgcBpU7UEKVJWBe_ghnpjYTxjYvFgEVmYsSmi6YW1cV6k6avyKv-QRlmrBaNakTdU-6Vh9P2bG5KMW_WoBwqQMMrY4ow5DuE63eNw7NJdMLJT5UOFNSo8o/s400/JWw2832.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Suze</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We always joke that if you tell my mom something is French she will like it.  She has always lamented the pronunciation of the "<i>t</i>" in her maiden name <i>Doubet </i>and even went so far as to change it back to its proper French <i>Doubaaay</i> when she was in college.  However, even greater than her Francophile tendencies is her love of all things blue and white.  In Susie's house, blue and white is a constant and a neutral against which all other colors come and go depending on her mood.  After years of wimpering with envy at the sight of blue and white houses, she finally painted our house white and added blue shutters.  It's her passion and one that I share.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyhCO6MZOgjwNKJpDRhBS6XMyN8EC9tlDjF8F_A_BdHHd8Vioi5ymS_Gy66ZwBzMz9IJre2SHK5LRgS9nXmAEcfcZTU24hYUaAmDKg3dIrSxIp0sV1Vd_brKwQXva5sEbPmkjych7uBq/s1600/Belclaire+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYyhCO6MZOgjwNKJpDRhBS6XMyN8EC9tlDjF8F_A_BdHHd8Vioi5ymS_Gy66ZwBzMz9IJre2SHK5LRgS9nXmAEcfcZTU24hYUaAmDKg3dIrSxIp0sV1Vd_brKwQXva5sEbPmkjych7uBq/s640/Belclaire+House.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Just a li' bit of The Suze's stuff</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">{pictures courtesy of Laura S. Watson, 16-year-old photographer extraordinaire and all-around awesome sissy}</span></div><br />Needless to say, there will be a lot of blue and white on this blog.  A lot.  There will also be a lot of The Suze on this blog.  She is the reason I have such a passion for design, and, as you will soon find out, she is unintentionally hilarious.<br /><br />I hope that Belclaire House will be a place to show my design aesthetic and share the fabulous things I come across.  My husband will certainly be happy that I'm just sharing them and not buying them.  Maybe it will lead to a career or maybe it will remain a place for me to collect and share my dreams.  Either way, it is, as Martha Stewart says, "a good thing." Thanks for visiting! Stay tuned ...

Welcome to Belclaire House!

After years of reading many amazing design blogs, I've decided to start my own.  This blog is dedicated to my mom who devours my shared ...

Read more »

Think pink in 2011

For more than a decade, Pantone's Colour of the Year declarations have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries including home  design.  This year's Pantone colour is.....<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNuX5Wy1M5j6MJ74al4XtdYVWrlPdKFI9OfbE9BFKewxZ6PhCSrFsOH_E9PWhKldqh4OhpyegT4HmfIuiLSLGSiwSD8qzCV7iOdC-X2UojQTeqS9kPYQds6dT3MmfkJp6cWCk5DCIqZaL/s1600/0pcoloryear2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNuX5Wy1M5j6MJ74al4XtdYVWrlPdKFI9OfbE9BFKewxZ6PhCSrFsOH_E9PWhKldqh4OhpyegT4HmfIuiLSLGSiwSD8qzCV7iOdC-X2UojQTeqS9kPYQds6dT3MmfkJp6cWCk5DCIqZaL/s320/0pcoloryear2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH8qUhrGQAQq1EdKpd8jxNSSNm2_OOxLSNX0dxAjhqBFpcQgTSculZqKED97h5N8xhoQZbvKs9gZfTGO_TODctNOHJBN1oYgGSkDohRsztF2XSzwGAG_T4lVPIy2meRqI81rXchs4_Y7r/s1600/reddishpinkallures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfH8qUhrGQAQq1EdKpd8jxNSSNm2_OOxLSNX0dxAjhqBFpcQgTSculZqKED97h5N8xhoQZbvKs9gZfTGO_TODctNOHJBN1oYgGSkDohRsztF2XSzwGAG_T4lVPIy2meRqI81rXchs4_Y7r/s1600/reddishpinkallures.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=20824&ca=10">Honeysuckle </a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pantone Colour Institute Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman says, "In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating colour that gets the adrenaline going-- perfect to ward off the blues."  Yes indeed, Honeysuckle is that kind of pink, but there are many  tints and shade of pink that are options in decor.Perhaps there's one for you.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvJuUIMvHZli6fnYtpym6vyKEojGKXLqAQkBuQvrjQ5ZdL-yAGFptO67SDqOb5QQUrUEZmiEB4iHgJM8kbbgqN4TpL-Tw9Qv-4PsJpOl3vx4cqQ-5GQ8AIJupERQ0lFNlo1D13rL4AtZw/s1600/staw-room.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUvJuUIMvHZli6fnYtpym6vyKEojGKXLqAQkBuQvrjQ5ZdL-yAGFptO67SDqOb5QQUrUEZmiEB4iHgJM8kbbgqN4TpL-Tw9Qv-4PsJpOl3vx4cqQ-5GQ8AIJupERQ0lFNlo1D13rL4AtZw/s400/staw-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Vibrant all the way.  You couldn't help but feel upbeat in this room.  Some rooms have so much colour energy they are difficult places to relax.  Personally, I love a room that soothes and this space would not be my first choice.  How about you?  <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FhH6vbir2c1qwrwrAJTfpjgke4YSQgr1lQ4zCSf18XhZpVfoGawK8W8LcZdx7Vd3nhv1iuQTA4Km_MDR_Axvi3W9srKlumCwxwce8vWGiD8HvGc9E-gvaA12pep6hjz76SemZq3KvzsM/s1600/port2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FhH6vbir2c1qwrwrAJTfpjgke4YSQgr1lQ4zCSf18XhZpVfoGawK8W8LcZdx7Vd3nhv1iuQTA4Km_MDR_Axvi3W9srKlumCwxwce8vWGiD8HvGc9E-gvaA12pep6hjz76SemZq3KvzsM/s400/port2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/category/browse-by-color/pink-browse-by-color/page/4/">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A subtle and understated pink creeps quietly into this decor and settles in place. It produces a quiet, relaxed environment that calls you to curl up with a nice book. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT0WDKH0QWD5ritCaQZd42aCbyUHyP56GsChuzlINnbe4d3tLC2DsaSJ6jKGxhn9vAEBqQVPeY3kE_7LOA4Mod-iMmbs-CS1IwcJpDISA2T1pViAn0Eb7psw2k4Vvy9YgHzMuWnMghegn/s1600/gu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRT0WDKH0QWD5ritCaQZd42aCbyUHyP56GsChuzlINnbe4d3tLC2DsaSJ6jKGxhn9vAEBqQVPeY3kE_7LOA4Mod-iMmbs-CS1IwcJpDISA2T1pViAn0Eb7psw2k4Vvy9YgHzMuWnMghegn/s640/gu.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/category/browse-by-color/pink-browse-by-color/page/6/">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Another quiet pink combination that  works well for  relaxation.  The pink/ brown combination is one of my favourites and recently it is a popular  colour scheme for children's rooms.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JwUdPWrMLTdENp5wh1gTNgSdG8Rp2hh__9g0JPE2CnJQDU35YMuTyDxqhWOApws0JpDUmJVd4y_4KzaQb5ESU75HAdAciZsRDyrtZi89u57A2DO9hnVp3ofTASziul8fWxPFB6J7RAYS/s1600/lounge_living2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JwUdPWrMLTdENp5wh1gTNgSdG8Rp2hh__9g0JPE2CnJQDU35YMuTyDxqhWOApws0JpDUmJVd4y_4KzaQb5ESU75HAdAciZsRDyrtZi89u57A2DO9hnVp3ofTASziul8fWxPFB6J7RAYS/s400/lounge_living2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thelennoxx.com/category/browse-by-color/pink-browse-by-color/page/7/">source </a></span><br /><br />Anything with gray is bound to be a favourite with me. I love the way grays are  the supporting actors in a room , letting other colours do their thing.  Gray is the new neutral, but it has been my neutral since the mid 80"s <br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/65181/Tineke-triggs-contemporary-bedroom-san-francisco"><img alt="Tineke triggs contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="333" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/65181_0_8-9159-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6849/tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">tineke triggs</a></small><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR2dwAJSwk9Nup00rZoZSA7Ya9t5CPS29JcIS5IpgP3Peb_3rTxsxABNxROmxaGGeA59JgjXc-lALCIkghWwxpLbeckaTQ61Yht1CyiOnjwZyq9206VWK6KNc-Y81k0teHAZimrYyluQc/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">Orange and pink are a somewhat unlikely pair, but they work well together especially when one dominates.  </span><br /><small><br /></small></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUQgSflkfLxGzXXNZkIvFL9HJkamFg5cTZZOcJLkew4UXJskw5Y7kh4XhvfI_LptI3kWR1atqJWuwG2zeguZzo6BAu3IMfvKqxOkMHrQLd2A90PPEZpf3_CSNWzgPD8LXD1G8mWi3eh02/s1600/viadecorpad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUUQgSflkfLxGzXXNZkIvFL9HJkamFg5cTZZOcJLkew4UXJskw5Y7kh4XhvfI_LptI3kWR1atqJWuwG2zeguZzo6BAu3IMfvKqxOkMHrQLd2A90PPEZpf3_CSNWzgPD8LXD1G8mWi3eh02/s640/viadecorpad.jpg" width="481" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oatmeal and pink  which is moving subtly toward coral  makes a fantastic duo in this Sarah Richardson design.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1AacRlYd3aCFy7RhRzJ5D_rN-a2afOE8qIgJ25DiF2oEXOkbjTonrP5XH8fAH5022r2EMpaYtc7U1RP5aydTium2XGxgCSc-0798wMT1Lag7H0_MwiNysen36A19F0eF5_u57Ht1hGW/s1600/pink-living-room-1-0307-xlg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1AacRlYd3aCFy7RhRzJ5D_rN-a2afOE8qIgJ25DiF2oEXOkbjTonrP5XH8fAH5022r2EMpaYtc7U1RP5aydTium2XGxgCSc-0798wMT1Lag7H0_MwiNysen36A19F0eF5_u57Ht1hGW/s400/pink-living-room-1-0307-xlg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplyeverythingblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/pretty-in-pink.html">source</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8QhrtGd8bFgLRFELx9T7MpUSrpwkwkNMMMifif8AuaAO7YgziHfiTCvetP3d1HoU43_-8i63U5nEEaZyHiaSlK_n4itBj5YdFKBH4RzLZfU-8meHDR0grJLLsmou5k2orgz8uhzkVj-Wi/s1600/Thelennoxx+pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yellow is another colour that you don't often see paired with pink, but it is one of my favourite combinations. The addition of orange makes this an energetic combo without being too much so because of the light colour on the walls. If I could make one change in this room,  I would paint  the walls a more neutral colour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/65175/Tineke-triggs-contemporary-dining-room-san-francisco"><img alt="Tineke triggs contemporary dining room" border="0" height="695" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/65175_0_8-9201-contemporary-dining-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6849/tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">tineke triggs</a></small></div><br />I love the chairs.  Enough said.  <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhruZfGcG9zhtSENCsx71feTUeCJYl1ikXCYiIeottLQFThO89esfowZMVVU9XPOHhdKmdVImwhUuYOGA_3hNNsHSJT_Ht6IyhUteZUaTTZhHpmfEtnoO2EwLcTqgBjYulMNTtdGTjLL7DK/s1600/71.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/73208/Kitchen--bath--office-contemporary-kitchen-seattle"><img alt="Kitchen, bath, office contemporary kitchen" border="0" height="332" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/73208_0_8-8162-contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/9884/Ventana-Construction-LLC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Ventana Construction LLC</a></small></div><br />This room combines two 2011 trends, honeysuckle and pattern.<br />  <br />What's your tolerance level for pink in decor?</div>

Think pink in 2011

For more than a decade, Pantone's Colour of the Year declarations have influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multip...

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Consider pattern in 2011

 The latest edition of Style at Home and most design forecasts proclaim that what you need for your home this year is pattern.   There's no limit to the ways pattern can be added to a room. Where you place it and how subtle or bold the  pattern choice will  dictate your unique look.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Walls </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"> There are many ways to add pattern to your walls.  </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rTvHWco9hg9FARfMqn9pZv6-qlG_v77_xMinmLn438KGr3NkKe6aKzasEckIgKr_t9shZXf7XGpKZbETtuOr-l6GprMqdEAnWjQhV45gIgEV5rq75p6vfVDVtVIVh9wN42AmKPjDaJqM/s1600/3819494961_71e422caa5_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rTvHWco9hg9FARfMqn9pZv6-qlG_v77_xMinmLn438KGr3NkKe6aKzasEckIgKr_t9shZXf7XGpKZbETtuOr-l6GprMqdEAnWjQhV45gIgEV5rq75p6vfVDVtVIVh9wN42AmKPjDaJqM/s640/3819494961_71e422caa5_o.jpg" width="513" /></a>  <span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">This graphically  designed wallpaper  in two colours is the perfect backdrop to an otherwise white decor. It adds interest without being overwhelming.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83417/Modern-Guest-Room-contemporary-bedroom-"></a> </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Trellis patterns seem to be popping up everywhere. It's a little busy for me but it has it adherents. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/36727/beach-bungalow-8-houzz-tour-eclectic-living-room-los-angeles"><img alt="beach bungalow 8 houzz tour eclectic living room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/36727_0_3-8665-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="468" /></a> </div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/3587/megan-arquette-co-beachbungalow8" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Metal wall art is a great way to add subtle texture and pattern to a room.   </span><small> </small><br /><small>  </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83965/family-room-contemporary-family-room-los-angeles"><img alt="family room contemporary family room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83965_0_3-1713-contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11254/twenty7-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">There are many kinds of appliques you can buy for walls or you can make your own from contact paper. </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/32142/Design-Public---"><img alt="Design Public " border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/32142_0_3-2907--.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/32142/Design-Public---"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Pillows </b></div></div></div></div><br />Pillows never lose favour as a way to bring pattern into your decor. Ikea offers a range of inexpensive cushions with ethnic influences. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrqWe3apbS3c1CWh_1kzcgKY4BfRWZ0ZW2h1_sXde0RCZdP-gQC4sFHwgipo5KAq6TEsnyju9bvdUQNMDJvUVP_PB1VqAbuIpJI6xzr3fhlXT5Xj8a0ObSHgrcdB8mRmgiye1z8S_EoXg/s1600/ikea-ethnic-ambiance-textiles-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGrqWe3apbS3c1CWh_1kzcgKY4BfRWZ0ZW2h1_sXde0RCZdP-gQC4sFHwgipo5KAq6TEsnyju9bvdUQNMDJvUVP_PB1VqAbuIpJI6xzr3fhlXT5Xj8a0ObSHgrcdB8mRmgiye1z8S_EoXg/s400/ikea-ethnic-ambiance-textiles-2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Layered bedding is also a strong trend with mixed patterns used both boldly and subtly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhT6GhynwHKTckSnr_N3Q4HWasoX3941O8jJ0-qWUS1CRfWs4l15JXlhex2h0kRkUd6Q-IYlb1JgOP8DPix4znUO3LnsQEf5OUD_7pAkOcA_kDrcNKAABlHN4_l1bXMW_hdtPe-hWYn4F/s1600/211496-40029e1bc483bbd2532248ca3fb91c8cb13446ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhT6GhynwHKTckSnr_N3Q4HWasoX3941O8jJ0-qWUS1CRfWs4l15JXlhex2h0kRkUd6Q-IYlb1JgOP8DPix4znUO3LnsQEf5OUD_7pAkOcA_kDrcNKAABlHN4_l1bXMW_hdtPe-hWYn4F/s640/211496-40029e1bc483bbd2532248ca3fb91c8cb13446ec.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://decorati.com/inspiration/25198"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> source</span></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83417/Modern-Guest-Room-contemporary-bedroom-"><img alt="Modern Guest Room contemporary bedroom" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/83417_0_3-9248-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6850/Judith-Balis" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source </a></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5dLBvb35vMJaCQwnMmtz1SoNXrP08sLzOF4nEwbhr1dy4K_VHvTw7czCgps_WymJ8anPIA4eWSktM8G8F6sOnSxzOXQ3ItrELx54g_JKzfy0WC6PJhNToY2WzqhsElTdOUVMP1qXuBrU/s1600/Coffee+Table+Book+Decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b>Furniture </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Choosing one piece of furniture  to  designate a star in a room is another great way to add pattern.  If you choose this route, keep the pattern in check  by painting the walls  a shade that is  slightly darker or slightly lighter than your fabric. Sometimes the pattern lies quietly and just adds subtle interest. <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/66706/living-room-contemporary-living-room-san-francisco"><img alt="living room contemporary living room" border="0" height="300" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/66706_0_3-0456-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/313/Mark-English-Architects-AIA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source</a></span><br /><br /><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/35244/dining-room-modern-dining-room-other-metros"><img alt="dining room modern dining room" border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/35244_0_3-3891-modern-dining-room.jpg" width="426" /></a></small><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/dining-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/4484/nate-fowler" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">source </a></small></div></small></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdNGO2ZnSMVpylpIC7k6QUWLdqY7VF5GIhnmUoIBBhKKf8f0OCnsu3SXohjVYGOlDC-9-Ncd_Deno7h7SD5c4YE_oDJdMe3ksFm-Soy9WQwF4iPZNmuB53RKxPsjE2cB9ViWyZjtJyv51/s1600/Tobi+Fairley+wall+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGdNGO2ZnSMVpylpIC7k6QUWLdqY7VF5GIhnmUoIBBhKKf8f0OCnsu3SXohjVYGOlDC-9-Ncd_Deno7h7SD5c4YE_oDJdMe3ksFm-Soy9WQwF4iPZNmuB53RKxPsjE2cB9ViWyZjtJyv51/s640/Tobi+Fairley+wall+art.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.coastal-style-living.com/"> source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rTvHWco9hg9FARfMqn9pZv6-qlG_v77_xMinmLn438KGr3NkKe6aKzasEckIgKr_t9shZXf7XGpKZbETtuOr-l6GprMqdEAnWjQhV45gIgEV5rq75p6vfVDVtVIVh9wN42AmKPjDaJqM/s1600/3819494961_71e422caa5_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;">This stool might be small but the pattern helps it to hold its own in this room.  The wall display is a pattern in its own right.  Tobi Fairley's love of unusual colour schemes is in full swing here. </span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">When choosing furniture how much pattern is too much for you?   </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/27135/chair-eclectic-living-room-london"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBWxePlVKru07smHDqvE1m-7j-ZidDEdpdWEV-MtPEUMSaojjN60Te5WcgJmc9xGg6kqUXdqe2Cil0FqahhSA55Cbo0gF-sthrwnW5eEqKXDHsIHGYM1Ihm03eiOrK9RRzDM82qaVdL_/s1600/HCH3WHB_mj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4yBWxePlVKru07smHDqvE1m-7j-ZidDEdpdWEV-MtPEUMSaojjN60Te5WcgJmc9xGg6kqUXdqe2Cil0FqahhSA55Cbo0gF-sthrwnW5eEqKXDHsIHGYM1Ihm03eiOrK9RRzDM82qaVdL_/s400/HCH3WHB_mj.jpg" width="319" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://exoticinteriors.wordpress.com/2009/05/">source </a></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PXr3pZbjIk9VrGHeJ88IsanS7kzXsOdTByBHMIQx8nkx3_oPpiLBiSvoyXDd_hOfRCOoTULYXlc-4PCH5G9_8sc4piiq6YaMdPmHSB8Hnv_4mS8ftMQID4LCUA2rxYTyic0qX0bJEEph/s1600/1-9-lulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0PXr3pZbjIk9VrGHeJ88IsanS7kzXsOdTByBHMIQx8nkx3_oPpiLBiSvoyXDd_hOfRCOoTULYXlc-4PCH5G9_8sc4piiq6YaMdPmHSB8Hnv_4mS8ftMQID4LCUA2rxYTyic0qX0bJEEph/s400/1-9-lulu.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/seating-sofas-armchairs/green-leaf-pattern-on-the-lulu-chair-and-willa-platter-039977">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>Floors </b></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCHe4JxogshDVPzUGtgBFlWeNWhm58YxEXkqoF9kcWwnMVlwFx4l_J5VIIDt9YnGbAtL7ouL9hdZWtULl2XXOFxa9qKI9ZjXukiO3Fx2cx0XKx_T3o110f96g7q24mPQsbCtEss90rlNn/s1600/46583-01f66f89d07feea99bad3fb4bba981def37567a7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCHe4JxogshDVPzUGtgBFlWeNWhm58YxEXkqoF9kcWwnMVlwFx4l_J5VIIDt9YnGbAtL7ouL9hdZWtULl2XXOFxa9qKI9ZjXukiO3Fx2cx0XKx_T3o110f96g7q24mPQsbCtEss90rlNn/s640/46583-01f66f89d07feea99bad3fb4bba981def37567a7.jpg" width="476" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://decorati.com/inspiration/5488">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And don't forget the floor.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But sometimes things for the floor can be found in other places....  This is a very effective use of an area rug to create subtle colour and textural variation.  The pattern works well with the floral on the chair. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHun7tlTpkjhlHQbMr22kiuT2a8X6MIFZ-F71YoUPKzv_wKXvSPZ1MxTjJ6Hu3m9HDtl7Hlqr7WWR7ZDLmZUXCQuQR_4EwOB-tCQMgcobBqzrHM1QP-ApPqUn7JTLVxLjIyDO61myNTr2E/s1600/97568-338aceb15e0a7684e8a95f8e25804f67e785184f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHun7tlTpkjhlHQbMr22kiuT2a8X6MIFZ-F71YoUPKzv_wKXvSPZ1MxTjJ6Hu3m9HDtl7Hlqr7WWR7ZDLmZUXCQuQR_4EwOB-tCQMgcobBqzrHM1QP-ApPqUn7JTLVxLjIyDO61myNTr2E/s640/97568-338aceb15e0a7684e8a95f8e25804f67e785184f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://decorati.com/inspiration/13525">source</a></span><br /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Personal preferences</b></div><br /></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes you can overuse  a pattern and produce a room that is more static than interesting. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabPvldafAC1Zzwed2I5GQzl7rSVCWgyOxA0stymxU10h2rBI-W62ovmu4-HY9pvNzMWIDs1p9NwzR8TymO3Ty75OTmkXzpnzO9u2HSZBIPALvMnm2nz6xu2SsqmQO9voFP6gMPUj7SXYC/s1600/blue-and-white-bedroom.+the+lennoxx.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabPvldafAC1Zzwed2I5GQzl7rSVCWgyOxA0stymxU10h2rBI-W62ovmu4-HY9pvNzMWIDs1p9NwzR8TymO3Ty75OTmkXzpnzO9u2HSZBIPALvMnm2nz6xu2SsqmQO9voFP6gMPUj7SXYC/s640/blue-and-white-bedroom.+the+lennoxx.jpg" width="566" /></a></div>This design could do with an injection of a different pattern in my opinion. Perhaps the intent of the designer was to create a more static look by repeating the same pattern in a number of places.  I admit it is a busy pattern that does have a quiet feel to it. Once again the use of white produces its magic. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5dLBvb35vMJaCQwnMmtz1SoNXrP08sLzOF4nEwbhr1dy4K_VHvTw7czCgps_WymJ8anPIA4eWSktM8G8F6sOnSxzOXQ3ItrELx54g_JKzfy0WC6PJhNToY2WzqhsElTdOUVMP1qXuBrU/s1600/Coffee+Table+Book+Decor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5dLBvb35vMJaCQwnMmtz1SoNXrP08sLzOF4nEwbhr1dy4K_VHvTw7czCgps_WymJ8anPIA4eWSktM8G8F6sOnSxzOXQ3ItrELx54g_JKzfy0WC6PJhNToY2WzqhsElTdOUVMP1qXuBrU/s640/Coffee+Table+Book+Decor.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.coastal-style-living.com/search?updated-max=2010-10-15T01%3A41%3A00-04%3A00&max-results=15"> source</a></span></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/83965/family-room-contemporary-family-room-los-angeles"> </a></span></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11254/twenty7-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The amount of pattern that a person can live with is a very individual thing.  This room has pattern used in multiple ways.  While there's too much going on for my personal taste, my taste is mine, yours will probably differ.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6849/tineke-triggs" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small>The room below also has a range of patterns, but the overall effect is quieter and more put together. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCgadXBZZXvYRvzwL5c4HlXF7Vge0LVZrYwo6v9NzkGiiI5w-RedYyU6xdhnTg9PqdMR7Oaurc1FJ_4m8QqCrb4vPtXOijJZI7D0CPE0Ro0lJ2kUBTe-YXetTtTLnc56FV-b1wIvZtay/s1600/picture-518.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCgadXBZZXvYRvzwL5c4HlXF7Vge0LVZrYwo6v9NzkGiiI5w-RedYyU6xdhnTg9PqdMR7Oaurc1FJ_4m8QqCrb4vPtXOijJZI7D0CPE0Ro0lJ2kUBTe-YXetTtTLnc56FV-b1wIvZtay/s640/picture-518.png" width="627" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCgadXBZZXvYRvzwL5c4HlXF7Vge0LVZrYwo6v9NzkGiiI5w-RedYyU6xdhnTg9PqdMR7Oaurc1FJ_4m8QqCrb4vPtXOijJZI7D0CPE0Ro0lJ2kUBTe-YXetTtTLnc56FV-b1wIvZtay/s1600/picture-518.png">source</a></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFCgadXBZZXvYRvzwL5c4HlXF7Vge0LVZrYwo6v9NzkGiiI5w-RedYyU6xdhnTg9PqdMR7Oaurc1FJ_4m8QqCrb4vPtXOijJZI7D0CPE0Ro0lJ2kUBTe-YXetTtTLnc56FV-b1wIvZtay/s1600/picture-518.png"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">What's your pattern preference?</span></small></div><small> </small></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/32142/Design-Public---"><br /></a></div>

Consider pattern in 2011

 The latest edition of Style at Home and most design forecasts proclaim that what you need for your home this year is pattern.   There's...

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