Folding Screens

How's that for a catchy title?

I tried all the obvious puns but, well, the straightforward approach was probably best.

I was sourcing folding screens today for a project and looked at a bunch before realizing it would make the most sense to just have a custom upholstered one built.  But before I closed out all those tabs, I thought I would share my finds.

It's a: ROUND UP!

But first, some inspiration.

Homes and Gardens via Apartment Therapy

The Selby via Apartment Therapy

Domino

Martha Stewart

Domino

Lovely.  So, tomorrow: ROUND UP!

Also.  Do you have a visual memory?  I took one look at the green image above (found on a google image search) and went, "oh right, that's when Domino did that story about how to do monochromatic palettes."  And then I saw that last image and went "Shalom Harlow on the cover of Domino's green issue.  Madeline Weinrib textiles."  Curious to see if my memory served, I looked it up.

Boom!  

I have to say, I'm sort of impressed that I got this even when the shot was at a different angle (though maybe the angled shot was inside the magazine).  This issue is more than 6 years old.

I have lately been re-watching that show Felicity, and last night's episode had an annoying swim team friend of Ben's sharing his theory that everyone has their 3 things that they are the best at of anyone.  It's a pretty stupid theory when you think about how many people are in the world, BUT, this remembering of magazine decorating stories could be one of mine.  Useful, I know.  I guess I found my way into the right business.

So, two questions:

1.  Do you have a visual memory?

2.  What is one of your three things?

I guess this post should have been called something like "smokescreens" after all.

But if you actually want to make your own folding screen, do as Martha does.  Or check out the altogether reasonable tutorial from Ms. Jenny Komenda.

Go Vertical

Let's forget, for the moment, about the "art wall."  It's a thing these days.  I know them and love them.

But there are lots (and lots) of ways to hang art for impact.

Do you remember this cover of Domino?



I have always loved the way it made use of that sliver of vertical space between the windows.  Those drawings are so simple, and the repetition packs a graphic punch.

Interestingly, when searching for this image in lieu of scanning it, I came across another version which leads me to wonder if the good people of Domino edited in those extra frames for impact.



Taking the arrangement to the top of the window treatments makes a huge difference, doesn't it?

You CAN try this at home.

Over Christmas break, I had a few days home alone, and I decided that the upstairs hallway needed some BIG art.  Like the 4 foot by 5 foot Smashing Pumpkins poster that my husband bought at a concert in 1993.  The six smaller frames marching down the hall felt a bit staid.  I knew they could have more impact somewhere else.

Like the dining room.  In a room with tall ceilings, a vertical column can add drama and emphasize the ceiling height--win/win, if you ask me.  For an added bonus, fill the frames with something small and intimate.  I love watching people get drawn in to these images, which are small scans of vintage African stamps that I (randomly) collected in Junior High.

Want further proof ?  I went digging for additional examples of vertical arrangements.  Here's what I found.

Formal: gold frames, stacked one on top of the next.

Source: homedesign.marthastewart.com via Heather on Pinterest

Modern: small, colorful abstracts in clean-lined frames.  Taking it to the floor makes it very modern.

[via Lonny]

Traditional: collections grouped in simple frames, evenly spaced for balance.

[via Arianna Belle]

Warm: a little movement within the rectangular perimeter takes the edge off, as does the eclectic grouping of images.

[via Arianna Belle]

Bohemian: mixed frames, rustic finishes, COLOR, and a haphazard edge take the edge of the structure here, giving it a little bohemian flair.

[via in your back pocket]

Gallery wall!  Okay, even the ever popular salon-style wall can work in a column!

[via in your back pocket]

See?  Works with any style home.  What do you think: are you ready to go vertical?

A loose end, and an award

I have been asked how I keep track of all the tearsheets (and sources!) that I pull from magazines, and while I have no real system, it helps that I tend to recognize the shape of the page and the font of the page numbers to identify the magazine from whence they came.  Usually I can find what I'm looking for.  But sometimes not.  (Anyone have a good secret they want to share?)  A long time ago, I blogged about choosing curtains for the dining room, and the way my preference was wavering between a parisian pleat and a more structured (and more formal) box pleat, only I couldn't find the Domino image I had in mind for the box pleat.

Well, all these months later, I found the picture.  Here it is.

Isn't it lovely?  I'm still digging the lavendar and sort of pale silver palette, the scale of the pattern on that rug, and the texture and detail in that Moroccan wedding blanket on the sofa.  Also, Breakfast at Toast just did a round up of the English rolled-arm sofa, here, and it's feeling fresh (and classic) to me.

And while all this may not make for the most interesting blog post, I have to say I feel pretty satisfied.  You may think it's crazy, but it was really bugging me that I referred to that image here and then never posted it.

Also, a big thank you to Susan at Project Balancing act for awarding me the Kreativ Blogger award!

This award comes with the mandate that you get to know me a little better.  I've already posted my "seven things you don't know about me", here, and while I could come up with seven more they would likely try your patience more than this post.  Instead of that, you should go check out Susan's blog, here.  Thanks for the shout out!

Fun Quiz

Two of my favorite's in one place: Deborah Needleman and Home Goods!
The former editor-in-chief of Domino has created a style quiz on the Home Goods website. It only take a few minutes, it's fun, and I actually thought my results make sense. Here they are:

Bohemian Classic

You have a refined sensibility and bring a sense of history and tradition into your decor. You appreciate how symmetrical arrangements and beautiful, well-crafted pieces create a solid foundation to a room. But you like to shake up this restraint with objects and accessories that express your personality and your love of other cultures. When traveling, you seek out unique objects that reflect what you love, and you use them in a sophisticated way. You want people to feel comfortable in your home, and cozy chairs, ethnic fabrics, unique pieces, and even a little touch of quirk or humor give your house a laid-back, Bohemian flair.

You value creativity. You are stylish and fun loving, and can be an inspiration to others. You have a natural sense of drama, and you know you have to be willing to take risks—whether with colors, finishes, furniture choices, or ideas—for your home to stand out. Your home can be happy and lively and the place all of your friends want to be.

So. What's your style?