A Mural is described as “any piece of artwork painted directly on a wall, ceiling or other large permanent surface”. Murals have been around for centuries and were first noted in cave paintings in France. They have survived Egyptian Tombs, Minoan Palaces of the middle ages and Pompeii. Of course Italy was extremely influential as large religious Fresco’s were painted on the walls of churches which replaced tapestries. One of the most famous murals painted was the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican by Michelangelo, a Renaissance artist.

At first, only the churches and  wealthy patronages such as royal Kings and Queens  could afford to have murals painted in their castles. As murals proliferated so did the rise of secular painting themes in and outside of buildings. These  Italian paintings often featured scenes of every day life as well as scrolling decorative leaves, animals, birds, musical instrument’s and fruit.

Murals brought art into the public sphere and were often used for political and social agendas.  For centuries, murals were painted in public arenas where political statements could be made  by the government or by its people.  As murals spread across Europe and Asia they began to take on different stories depending on the country of origin.  Chinese murals started to appear on paper as early as the 15th century in China. These Asian murals were different from the Italian Frescoes as the images reflected birds, foliage, butterflies, insects, animals and grasses.

At first, Chinese murals covered the walls of temples and private homes but as they developed they started to be painted on silk and canvas panels. This was important as they could then be transported to different countries. The fascination of Chinese murals spread across Europe. Oriental style papers became extremely popular during the late 17th century.  At the time, England grew a passion for these murals which was enhanced because of the increased trade with China. The export of tea from China had a huge impact on England, Europe and America. Tea production had such an influence that even the subject matter of these murals displayed farming, planting, harvesting and the trading of tea.

There is a story of Lady Herdford in England, who once received a mural as a gift from an admirer, the Prince of Wales. Legend has it that she hung the mural but to cover up the imperfections and bare spots, she cut out pictures of Audubon birds and butterflies to fill the empty spaces. As the Chinese murals were all hand painted, often areas in the design were missing, so one would have to fill in where necessary.  Royalty often had an affect on trends and this influenced the popularity of murals  for home decoration during that time period. The same style of hand painted murals continues today and are frequently used by interior designers, like David Kaiho. Here we see a classic Chinese mural used in a master bedroom.

By the late 1800′s, hand painted murals began to wane in popularity and were being replaced with wood block printed murals. Paris and England had a big influence on these block printed scenic murals. With Paris being influential in design, companies like Zuber Cie began making exotic murals with images of far away countries like India and Asia. People dreamed of traveling afar to these foreign lands. Many murals consisted of  hunting expeditions, oriental motifs and Asian temples, pastoral countrysides, battles and  sailing ships at sea.

England really influenced America when it came to wall decor but as it moved into the 19th and 2oth century, American murals often depicted political and social paintings of their own homeland.  Many famous murals are painted in New York and in Philadelphia, such as the Lincoln Legacy Mural by Josh Sarantitis .

During the 1980′s, Murals and ilusionary wall painting experienced a renaissance revival. Faux architectural scenes and natural scenic views became highly popular which promoted smaller vignettes in homes of Tromp L’oeil painting. These scenic visions of columns and gardens often contributed to making a space feel bigger or a room appear taller.  Today, murals aren’t just used on walls but also on ceilings. They draw the eye up visually which usually makes a room appear taller and  more spacious.

Murals for interior design today express individuality and exclusivity for owners. They can be very elaborate or extremely simple depending on the image and budget.

Today, private commissions prevail for dining, bedroom, foyer and childrens rooms.  Interior designer  Bunny Williams used a classic tree scenic mural for this elegant traditional dining room. Murals tell a story, making each space unique.

One of the latest trends, inspired from Britain, is to create a feature wall in an interior, often popular in homes but also in commercial spaces. The feature wall  when covered in a mural can become the focal point of a room or act as a backdrop. Many murals are custom digitally printed but you can still buy hand painted Chinese murals on paper which are frequently  used by interior designers.  You don’t have to be a traditionalist to enhance a room with a  mural. Many tree scapes as I call them, are popular  today. These tree murals are a simplified modern twist on nature yet have an earthy quality to them even though they are often used in modern decors.

They often make a space feel larger visually and often transport the voyeur to another place. The unique thing about murals is that they are very personal and make a dramatic impact in a room no matter what your design style.

Images:elledecor.com;chinese-wallpapers.com;bunnywilliams.com;graciestudio.com;time.com;www.zuber.fr; housebeautiful.com

Shabby Chic Haven

Incorporating  white painted furniture  always brightens a room while  showing  off your fabrics.   I love how  Heather Cameron varied her rose vintage pillows,  making this outdoor room  feel cozy and romantic.  Adding lighting really sets the mood and the crystal chandeliers make this greenhouse very glam.

Monochromatic Patterned Spaces

Creating a clean, fresh environment is easy if you stick to using a  monochromatic  color scheme like this chic black and white patio. The  lime accent is a pop of color to make the seating areas stand out.   Transform your outdoor space into a decorated room by surrounding it with draperies and mix and match your cushion prints  to spice it up visually. Ottomans are the perfect  accent piece of furniture as they can be used for  more seating or as side tables, extremely versatile whether your entertaining or relaxing.

Pergola Perfection

Why not add an outdoor room on to the corner of your home? A pergola is a perfect choice as it makes a cozy space. Add  some  climbing vines and florals to create a garden retreat.  White or patterned drapery panels  placed in the corners helps define your outdoor space.  Corner benches have dual purposes as they add lots of seating while tucking away nicely in a corner making the patio area feel bigger than it is.  Add tons of garden print pillows, a table and some chairs and you automatically have a new dining area….perfect for early morning coffee or cocktails with friends at night!

Fanciful Designer Prints

I love these lush floral designer prints from GP & Baker. It’s easy to be inspired by mother natures blooming beauties and lush colors if they surround you but if not, infuse your space with decorative fabrics. It will make the room feel like summer  all year round. Why not use a medley of different patterns , it  makes each chair stand out on their own. These director chairs are perfect for porches  and patios as you can comfortably  watch the world go by.

Stripe it Rich

Nothing makes a more elegant look that stripes.  Designer Michael Smith used a wide gray moire print stripe to make this New York patio fabulous. I can’t help notice  the view from the seats is spectacular as well!

Designer Fabrics with Flare

It’s easy to create a sumptuous outdoor look with Verdmont Fabrics by Lee Jofa. You can’t go wrong if you mix classic  patterns together like a stripe, a floral and a plain woven. Just remember to keep the color flowing throughout your choices like above. Sunset corals, fuschia floral pinks and moss greens are a a delightful mix for pillows and cushions on this classic outdoor bench.  It’s bright and luxurious.

New Classics

One of the newest color selections for outdoors is brown and white mixed with orange. The wide, bold  striped brown cushions on the white canvas backdrop helps define this space to have a more modern sleek look about it. I love how the  orange coral patterned pillows are the main accent to this outside room. Adding  topiary’s are a nice touch as they instantly make an area more formal and structured. Clean, crisp and modern. Love’n it!

French Blue and White

Blue is one of the most popular colors favored by Americans and when mixed with white, it is definitely a classic color scheme for outdoor spaces.  The French blue and white toile mixed with the coordinating check  infuses a French flare to this space.  The indigo blue glassware and bowl, blue and white china and cobalt blue Marrakech table finish off  the look and tie it all back to the decorative fabrics. Once you have selected the fabrics for your space, don’t forget to complete the look with accessories that fit the theme as they are the finishing details to complete your outdoor room.

Images: www.bhg.com;www.veranda.com;elledecor.com;www.gpjbaker.com;www.realestatemsn.com;www.housebeautiful.com

Various styles are abound when it comes to the coastal look. Some of the favorite looks include decorating with  blue and white, cane, wicker,  sea shells and boats.   It all depends on how far you want to go with the look. If you want to change out  your decor and create a summer coastal mood,  adding a few nautical accessories can easily bring about a blissful beach house look without spending a fortune.

Putting the look together is easy if you carry through with a specific color scheme for each room. Starting with some classic colors like  blue , white and red  or blue and green is a great way to create a stunning coastal environment. The simplest way to make an impact is to add some fun novelty  crab and lobster pillows to highlight your seating areas.

Introduce decorative  boats onto book shelves and mantles to make the water theme more prominent while also creating a focal point in the room.  Add some fun coastal designed stemware, china and other novelty items like wine buckets and trays to carry the theme into  your dining area but also for outdoor entertaining.

If you really love the boat theme and want to make your beach home special, hang a novel designer wallpaper to instantly create atmosphere. Use a classic blue and white  ticking fabric for the bed skirt and finish the look with a custom matching duvet cover to pull the room together.  Continue the theme with a custom  upholstered sitting chair by mixing and matching  prints to make a whimsical designer statement to finish the look.  Creating a  theme for each bedroom in a cottage is a good way to make each guest feel special while separating the look from the main living area.

Classic elements such as white bead board, natural sisal rugs mixed with white canvas slip covers and  nautical inspired accessories and art tend to be used for creating  a relaxed coastal style. Its clean, fresh and revitalizing.  Coastal style is world wide and doesn’t just resonate with the USA as we see from this English seaside home above.

Boat patterns look fabulous in any room of the house. Love how this Yaughting Days wallpaper from Jaima Brown Home  transforms this master bath to have an  elegant ocean flare.

A fabulous designer like Barclay  Butera loves to use a lot of blue and white in his beach interiors as well natural bamboo furniture and grass cloth as seen on  the walls  above the wood paneling.  This is a more formal traditional coastal style than the casual interior above.

Every one loves to bring the beach look home but it doesn’t have to be all white!  I love the bright colored furniture Main Cottage offers so you  can really add  color into your  decorating scheme for your  retreat.  A fresh new color combination for the beach is aqua and shrimp. Don’t you just  love the crab rug as  it really adds a pop of color to a powder room or to a front entrance.

Of course, we don’t want to  leave this fun summer look to home  interiors, it also expands to fashion. Tory Burch and Kate Spade love to give us great whimsical and  bright colored accessories. Leave it up to them for giving us  lobster this season!  They both have a great sense of humor, and why not….its summertime!

Images via: pronto.com;katespade.com;toryburch.com;jaimabrownhome.com;seasideinspired.com;elledecor.com;housetohome.co.uk;maincottage.com;

barclaybutera.com;neimanmarcus.com

Myth #1: Large Patterns are for large spaces.

There are no limits anymore when it comes to design rules.  Turn a  boring white walled decor into a stylishly bold space by using a large scaled pattern on one wall.  I love  how the designer took a traditional floral motif  transforming it into a grand sized print,  instantly creating an urban beauty.   The look  is simple yet  dramatic and reflects how old ideas are revitalized with  new technology  in today’s design world.  

Myth #2: Small Patterns are for small spaces.

Designed by Amanda Nisbit

Most people think you can’t use large patterns in small spaces but the opposite is true.  Nothing makes a room more attractive than bold and stately  patterns.  Small powder rooms and baths are great  for these types of  prints.  When decorating a small space, remember to keep the decor simple and then add the perfect backdrop, a bold print. This can be accomplished by hanging an over sized large  piece of art  in the room or preferably with a  grand scaled wallpaper as it will have more impact.  Large designs instantly set the mood and often make an impression with visitors. Color of course has something to do with it but as you can see above in this elegant bathroom; the large  pink designer paper by Manual Canovas for Cowtan & Tout is the key element to making  the space special.

Myth #3: Large Patterns tire easily on the eye.

Bliss Living Home

Not so in design as larger patterns can be quite soothing visually as small prints may appear busy in contrast.  No matter what scale of pattern  you are living with, if you don’t like the pattern,  it won’t last in your home.  If you aren’t  quite ready to be daring enough to go with a large print on the wall, then start with something that isn’t so permanent like bedding. Large prints such as this Bliss Living Home duvet set  create instant design drama.   First of all,  you can change it out easily if you feel you’re not sure about living with a large print. Sometimes, like anything, it just takes time to get use to a new look.  Shedding old design beliefs are hard. Many of us grow up with  styles instilled  into us from our parents  but that doesn’t mean  their taste is your style!  Trust your instinct when it comes to trying out new patterns as it  will tell  you if your moving towards a  new look and are liking it.

Myth # 4: Large prints are hard to incorporate in a room.

Tricia Guild Designs

False.  It’s easy to mix large prints with smaller patterns in any decor.  Large scaled designs tend to draw the eye visually creating a focal point.   As seen in this  modern Designers Guild interior, the largest pattern is the  area rug  making it the center  of attraction. If your drawn to large print patterns but don’t know  where to begin,  start with accessories.  Large patterns on pillows bring a lot of impact to a plain couch or chair while giving you a start to love bold patterns without taking over entirely.  The larger the area you choose to cover with a big print will decipher  how much of a  design statement you are willing to make. Like above, I love the huge rose area rug and drapes as they add a certain pop of color and drama to this white infused interior.

Myth #5 Decorating with big patterns adds drama.

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YES!  Big is better. So live LARGE with BIG PATTERNS.  It’s the only BOLD way to go!

Images via:trinaturk.com;designersguild.com;beautyhouse4u.blogspot.com;blisslivinghome.com

What better time to unfurl “Old Glory,” not just on the front porch or in the yard, but as picnic decorations and, more enduringly, in a kids’ bedroom or the guest room?

Teens revel in independence. Surrounding them in stars and stripes shows that you do, too, while also helping to put the real spirit of independence in historic perspective. At the same time, the bold stripes and bright stars of America’s most recognized symbol will enliven their waking hours.   Guests, too, will appreciate a room dressed up in  Old Glory decor. It  is easy to create: design a  flag chair  by mixing star and stripe fabrics, then add a novelty flag paper on the wall and finish it off with  pillows and comforters in different coordinating patterns of red, white and blue and voila…. you have designed  a room-size tribute to American tradition.

Don’t forget the center piece, using red flowers, available in abundance this time of year, make the ideal centerpiece, shown at their best in a vintage Americana earthenware pitcher.

Follow the hot dogs and corn on the cob –or your more elevated dinner fare –with Martha Stewart’s mouthwatering, color-coordinated fruits of an American summer: blueberries, red raspberries, and maybe a dollop or two of frothy white whipped cream to complete the picture.

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!

images via:saragilbaneinteriors.com;jaimabrownhome.com;marthastewart.com;celebrating4thofjuly.com

I love the fact that one can finally branch out and have some fun with pattern outside the home.  If your a little more conservative like most of us,  why not use  pattern to enhance your decor?  Pattern adds value to your home while making a personal design statement. Here are a few tips to inspire your decorating whether it be  a room, a dresser or even a car!

Tip #1 Update Vintage Pieces

Ever own an antique cupboard that you loved but wanted to update the look from country to  traditional chic?  Just add some vintage or new wallpaper or fabric to the insets on the cupboards.  Suddenly this antique cabinet  becomes the focal point of the room while stylishly  making a personal design statement.

Tip #2 Decorate Doors

It’s easy to make a designer statement in a home office.   Osborne and Little’s wallpaper “Hothouse from Arizona”  was wallpapered onto  sliding doors  to  hide a closet.  The large scale pattern adds a splash of color while making the doors disappear into the room, conveniently  hiding the storage area for this designers office.

Tip#3 Paper  Cabinets Inside or Out

Kitchens are meant to be personal and should be as we spend over half our life in them!  Over 76% of all meals are made at home but now in less time as compared to a few years ago. Even so, why not make this room special, just like above.  If your really daring, bring the garden inside and put the pattern on the  cupboards instead of  the walls, chairs and tables.

One easy way to show off your china or collectibles is by adding a colorful backdrop.  Small paw prints, stripes and checks are the perfect prints  to be used in display cases or cabinets to help draw attention to details, like  your collectibles.  Placing a colored print  behind your featured pieces automatically makes them come forward visually.

Tip #5 Create Art with Patterned Furniture

Does one of your interiors needs a lift?   Decorating with painted or decopaged patterned furniture instantly adds a designer look to any space. MacKenzie-Childs furnishings are a  classic example of  maximizing  the number of patterns on a   piece of furniture; bringing print to an entirely new visual appeal. They are all about pattern and how it definitely can make or break a room depending on how much or how little one can live with. Even using one patterned chair or dresser can  be the  piece that completes the  interior, finishing the look.   Brighton Pavilion  loves to bring pattern into the home through painted pieces like chests, chairs, dressers and beds. When patterns and prints are mixed and matched on furnishings, its  an easy way to add drama into any space.

Images via:mackenzie-childs.com;paintedfurniture.com;samaxwell.com;trendhunter.com;elledecor.com;housebeautiful.com

On ABC recently,  the classic black taffeta dress worn by Princess Diana at her first appearance  with Prince Charles, fetched $335,000 at a London auction. Classics like Audrey Hepburn and Princess Diana have encouraged our love affair with black and white through  their elegance of  style which resonates into home decor. Home fashion’s recurring appetite for the clear-cut distinction of black and white decorating is back in style. One reason is a growing taste for classic modern style, which originated in Europe in the 1930s. Black and white provides an ideal complement for the clean lines of modern furnishings.

Another reason, however, is the versatility of black and white. Perfect as it is for contemporary rooms, it also adds clarity and sophistication to more traditional surroundings.

Sonata, a graceful damask from the Sarong collection by Jaima Brown Home, proves the timelessness of black and white. This pattern provides an unobtrusive backdrop for furnishings and architectural details, but becomes increasingly interesting in close-up. It makes an especially grand entrance of a two-story foyer, for instance, where it connects the décor of the first floor with the hallway and rooms above.

Like the little black dress, black and white décor is comfortable in any surrounding –formal to casual, vintage to cutting edge, urban penthouse to country cottage and everything in between.

The combination of black and white is also right for any room, by itself or accented with color –from bright to subtle. In kitchens and halls,  black and white walls, ceilings and/or checkerboard flooring present the perfect counterpart to black appliances, white beadboard while also accenting colored walls for any room.

Black and white in a hall makes an easy transition into adjoining rooms.  And don’t count out the drama black and white brings to a kitchen, living room, dining room, bedroom and master bath. In the latter, the contrast of a positive/negative effect works especially well.

Using a black and white awning stripe not only complements any other pattern, but also, installed vertically, makes a short room seem tall, or, installed horizontally like in this bathroom, broadens the vista of the smallest of rooms.As Mitchell Owens states “Patterns give any room a graphic punch, but few do it more boldly than stripes—they’re clean, crisp, simple, and effortlessly glam.”  Especially true for black and white stripes.  The only decisions you need to make are vertical versus horizontal, wide versus narrow, colorful versus muted, and hand-painted versus wallpaper.

The timelessness of black and white makes an instant statement no matter how little or how much you use!

Images via:elledecor.com;jaimabrownhome.com;crateandbarrel.com;katespade.com;contemporaryflooring.com

Keep your pattern count to 3. Three sounds like an odd number, it is but it isn’t when it comes to placing  patterns together for a  visually  appealing space.

Getting the look in 3 easy steps.

1. Use a solid colored or tonal colored fabric for the larger pieces of furniture in a room.  This highlights the main color you want to feature. (like  the lime cushion above)

2. Select  a stripe to coordinate with the solid fabric. Stripes add dimension and  structure. You can use simple stripes, ticking stripes, loosely painted or wide stripes. It is recommended if you do bring in a   multicolored stripe into your color story,  make sure it has some of the main color in one of the stripes so it coordinates with  the other two patterns selected.  In the lounge chair above,  the multicolored stripe brings  a variety of color into the picture but also features the main lime color  of the chair cushions unifying the entire look.

3. Pick an accent print for the third pattern. An accent fabric  tells a story and makes the overall design statement. These types of prints can include a novelty print, like the parrot fabric featured above from  The Walfab Company, a modern graphic print, a floral, a paisley, a Jacobean or even a damask. What ever you choose, you should love it. Just make sure your accent pattern has  some of the colors from your other two fabrics in it to finish  the look. Always take your swatches with  you when selecting your prints to  make sure they all co-ordinate together.

Balance the scale of patterns and colors in a room. Scale should also be taken into consideration when mixing patterns. When you walk into a well designed interior, one  pattern should stand out and make a statement. A usual guide line to go by is use one  pattern & color scheme for 3/3rds of the rooms space, then  another pattern & color  for 2/3rds of the room and then the final pattern and color should be 1/3rd.   It is important to keep one pattern and color the main focus so to visually ground the rooms decor.  A good example of this is  in the Traditional Homes interior above  by  Toby Wells Fairley. Aqua is the main color with the large scaled graphic screen and  ottoman acting as  the main focus of the room.   The patterned curtains in  red are secondary to aqua but they add a visual pop to the space, making it exciting and colorful.

Give your patterns some space. You don’t have to use a print in every corner of the room.  In the room above  the patterns  are  featured in the center of the room. Sometimes it works better to leave some space around your patterns.  Notice again the balance of pattern. Three chairs are in an orange leaf print  to one small sofa in zebra and the accent zebra rug. The rug draws the eye to the center of the room. If you can’t live with to much pattern, then use a tone off your fabric or a neutral shade to surround the room in so the main focus is on your favorite prints you have selected.

Mixing prints is Easy. Animal prints  are always stylish and they definitely add  pizzaz to any decor.  This is one pattern that is universal and  almost becomes a  graphic print.  Animal prints can  also be tonal and  can be considered  a plain fabric, acting like a texture.   They mix easily with stripes and floral’s.

Mixing prints is fun. Geometric prints,  stripes and plaids coordinate extremely well with  floral’s and paisley’s. Just remember, when blending  various prints, use the 3-2-1 rule when it comes to scale. One pattern should be large scale and the main focal point;  then the next coordinating print should be medium sized and then the third  print smaller. This way, it is more pleasing to the eye and creates a visual balance amongst patterns. As in the room below by Erinn Valencich, the wallpaper is the larger scale pattern where the pillows are medium scale. Of course, a plain is mixed in to act as a calming agent to the entire look.

So mix a little pattern into your  lifestyle today, whatever your style may be!  Enjoy!

Images via: omniartedesign.com;traditionalhome.com;decoratingwithpattern.com;jaimabrownhome.com



When I was little, we had a bird  fly into my parents home one day.  I think it came down the chimney but no matter how it entered our home, it certainly did create quite a commotion.  My mother was  running around opening all the doors  and windows to let the  swallow out.   Lots of birds have many meanings and with  our bird incident, I like to think positive and believe it meant “new life taking flight” which is a  symbol of hope and of new things to come.  Most people are unaware of all the hidden meanings behind bird images in design.

It is a fascintating world of birds. Remember the  famous Alfred Hitchcock  movie “The Birds”. Who wasn’t  frightened after that?  Well, as it turns out I overcame my fear and  am now a proud owner of an African Grey named Lily.  I inherited her from my mother in law, Alice.  She loved this little talkative bird so I decided to carry on the tradition and continue to love Miss Lily.   With  summer almost here,  we see birds re-surfacing into the  home decor market like   Pottery Barns Spring Sparrow Bedding.   The bedding features blue birds which  symbolize happiness;  sparrows  represent companionship and good luck for lovers while the cardinal represents beauty.

Birds have often been tied to some of the most profound meanings since  ancient history and their symbolism  has crossed many cultures worldwide. As  birds travel in the air, they are often connected with the Divine, symbolizing the human spirit and soul. I am sure  you have heard the saying ” a little bird told me so” well this quote is from ancient folk lore  when birds flew ahead to forewarn a hero from danger.

Beautiful flights of fancy  like Peacocks were popular throughout history and  Religion.  Peacocks were a symbol of immortality, royalty, nobility and  spirituality during the Byzantine and  early Roman Churches. Today, in Hinduism the Peacock represents kindness, patience, compassion and good luck.  For thousands of years, peacock feathers have been used for spiritual healing energy to help  with balance and harmony  in peoples lives. Mostly everyone knows that peacock feathers are used  to bring luck to oneself and reflect beauty, strength but also reflect vanity.

Today, peacock feathers are  being brought back into fashion this year by designers like Tory Burch and  Zang Toi.  As usual, what is in fashion is now often found in home decor.  As featured in  InStyle Magazine “This spring, stylish stars are strutting their stuff in peacock-print dresses. And it’s no wonder—the retro print has what designer Tory Burch calls a “ladylike, but eccentric and quirky” flavor.”  It certainly adds drama to ones wardrobe.  It is amazing to see  how bird images have graced so many items in today’s  lifestyle products and in event  planning.  Depending on the style, birds can  present a high end luxury look as well as a cottage style feel  with warmth and charm.  Coasters, plates, cakes, ring pillows, fabrics and furnishings are just  a few of the things found with  bird motifs in the home  lifestyle catagory.

Most people are unaware of the hidden meanings of birds. At  weddings, often newly wed couples will  release two white doves after the ceremony, this is to  bless  the couple and wish them hope and peace (the symbol of doves).   Other birds  found in designer fabrics are  roosters (pride),  cockatoos,  peacocks (pride and vanity) and  parrots (Ostentatiousness).   Below is a bedroom featuring a bird fabric on the wall with a parrot in the cage and a peacock on a branch.

The classic  American Eagle  represents power and strength.   Herons mean self reliance and hummingbirds symbolize joy. It is easy to get inspired when decorating with these visually  stimulating  motifs as they make spaces unique and bring deeper meaning into a home. Using patterns in general always make a home more interesting but when you add the hidden symbolism, whether it is from folk lore or history,  it just makes your story telling for your home interior more fascinating.
Here are a few ideas on how to use bird motifs throughout your decor.

1. Use them  to create a focal point in a room.  This can be done by using accent pillows  on  couches or beds. Coverlets on a bed can carry the theme of the room and add a color story. Use a dramatic shower curtain to accent a small bathroom.

2. Hang a large bird painting  or print above a  sitting area,  fireplace or in a foyer to make a substantial impact when one enters the space. If the art is smaller,  group 2 or four prints together.

3. Surround yourself with a beautiful wallpaper or fabric. Hang it on all four walls or only on one wall to create a feature wall in a room.

The birds in fabrics above like the Chickadees symbolize optimism; pheasants mean harmony; quails means family;  Ravens mean shifting but a Robin means new growth.   Of course,  the list of bird meanings is extensive. There are many famous bird quotes as well, one  I really like is by Salvador Dali  “Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings”.

So add a little flight of fancy to your interior and fly away with meaning…..

Images via: jaimabrownhome.com;blisslivinghome.com;lindamackenzie.net;thesorrellcompany.com;potterybarn.com;walnutwallpaper.com;

History had a huge influence on the subject matter used in fabric designs.   During World War II, textile production was limited yet women and children often wore  patriotic prints  as it was a popular theme amongst the home and clothing markets. Even today in fashion, designers like Ralph Lauren love to use patriotic images to create the  look of American style.  Many emblems are found in  items as  wallpaper, bedding, glassware, accessories and more.

Around the 1930′s Disneys Mickey Mouse and many of his friends like Snow White and the Seven Dwarves were so successful, it spurred on the commercialism of these characters onto fabrics and various home goods. Comic strips had a big part of influencing novelty  designs. One popular comic was Archie as well as Popeye and Olive Oyl. We remember these now as classics but back then, it was  a fun brand  to market.  Many of these images were printed on feed sack as consumers loved the characters and what would be more fun than finding them on clothing or  home items.

Even food got into the branding act and went from the kitchen onto  clothing.  Many products like the  Jolly Green Giant and  the Planters Peanut were popular icons.  Do you remember  the commercials on television with Tony the Tiger? They had the saying “Put a tiger in your tank.” Well, I remember having that faux Tiger tail hanging from our gas tank on our car. It certainly made life fun.

As soon as television was invented  it became the  hottest new visual medium and totally changed how we looked at everything. Important things were happening in America: Hawaii  became the 50th State in the United States of America and  space travel had started.  One of  President John Kennedy’s goals was to send a man to the moon.   There was Sputnick in 1957, John Glenn, Alan Sheppard and Neil Armstrong’s famous walk on the moon. Of course the quote of the day from Neil “ That’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind” all impacted design and  famous world events were instantly being translated onto fabrics documenting history.

During the 1950′s and 60′s  the wild west theme became  extremely popular and many images of cowboys and Indians were featured on television shows as well as in fabrics.  Do you remember Gun Smoke? Well, I remember my brothers having cowboy and Indian dress up outfits  as well as wild west pj’s.

That trend faded for a while and then  the wild west style came back into fashion  with the help of president Ronald Reagan, uniting Hollywood and politics, once again.  Hollywood certainly did its part in branding famous singers, dancers and actors.  Singers like Elvis Presley even joined in becoming a design phenomenon.

Other  major influences in design came about with Jackie Kennedy; the style goddess!  Yes, even after her trip to Paris, she influenced many vintage fabric designs to include French poodles, The Eiffle Tower and hats  to name a few.

Today, many top designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren use vintage fabrics to inspire  their fashion and home patterns.   Fashion designers of scarves like Faith Austin of the 1950’s was known for her whimsical novelty hankerchieves; below is the hatbox print hankie that inspired the   5^th Avenue design  for Jaima Brown Home.  A classic example of how vintage fabrics are incorporated into today’s lifestyle products.

The themes  for  novelty prints from the past was extensive and still continues  today. Travel was and  still is popular in America. States  and destination places were often featured on vintage fabrics yet they still are found, updated mind you, in the home market usually found in accessories like bags, bedding, pillows, towels and even mail boxes.

Other  vintage conversational prints included sports such as  baseball , golf , sailing and football. Today, we see novelty prints being used differently as they have moved into the luxury home and fashion marketplace.  These unique patterns are being intermixed and used  on pillows to make a small statement or in a wallpaper to make a grand effect in a room.  Trina Turk, Brunschwig & Fils, Thibaut, Jaima Brown, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein are just a few of todays designers that use vintage fabrics to be inspired for today.

Get some conversations going with your patterns today, no telling what they will say about the past or future!

Images via:trinaturk.com;jaimabrownhome.com;brunschwig.com;Thibautdesign.com;secondhandrose.com;allpeoplequilt.com;pierrefrey.com

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