Using Patterns
The trick to combining many patterns in a room is to choose a common color scheme. A variety of bold patterns won’t clash when linked by a limited palette.”To avoid overwhelming the space, use no more than two large-scale prints and keeping other patterns geometric.
Interior Design Tips from e-how.com
We are setting up our new home and thought of decorating our living room the English way. It’s not so hard to tell that English rooms requires vibrant designs. Flowers do a main make up to make a room an English country style. But of course, you have to choose an era. I am still not knowledgeable when it comes to different eras. Once I see a design, I just know it’s English. That’s all. While I was surfing the net for English interior designs, I stumbled upon this article from www.e-how.com: (i took the image from e-how.com also)
# step 1
Select furniture that represents many styles and eras, from Chippendale to Queen Anne and Sheraton to Victorian. Traditional should dominate. Oriental influences may exert themselves strongly, either in the style – as with turned-bamboo wood spindles – or with lacquered Oriental finishes. Also consider painted landscapes, a Queen Anne table or a Chippendale highboy.
# Step 2
Use primarily wood furniture in the living room – a traditional-style secretary, sideboard, lowboy, bookcase and sofa table. Oak, pine, mahogany and walnut are all popular choices.
# Step 3
Choose soft and cushy sofas, love seats and chairs so that you sink down into the seating – down cushions are ideal. Pillows, rolled arms and slipcovers fit right in, as does floral upholstery in subdued colors.
# Step 4
Consider a butler’s table or a tea table with pull-out trays for your coffee table. For a more casual look, an old trunk or Chinese chest (carved or lacquered) with a glass top also fits the bill.
# Step 5
Pick end tables from a simple Sheraton, curvaceous Queen Anne or block-front Chippendale style. The tables can be mismatched. A drop-leaf table can be pushed against the wall as a console or look great in a bay window.
# Step 6
Cover windows with floor-length drapes that are loaded with gathers and match some of the upholstery in the room.
# Step 7
Anchor the room scheme with a graceful faded and worn Oriental or Aubusson area rug.
# Step 8
Choose knickknacks from Asia, Africa or other parts of the former British Empire. Achieve a look that is pleasantly cluttered. Traditional English collectibles include old china (Oriental-influenced Blue Willow designs are typical), lead crystal, silver and an abundance of framed pictures.
# Step 9
Embellish the mantel with candlesticks, china figurines (possibly Staffordshire dogs), a picture or framed mirror, dried or fresh flowers, and a clock.
# Step 10
Light the room with traditional china or metal base lamps.