Pantone has released it’s Colour of the Year 2015, Marsala! Pairing Marsala with shades of violet and grey helped bring life to this past project’s ivory upholstery. #aheadofthetrend
-BB
Brooke Butler Interior Design
Colour of the Year 2015
October marked the passing of creative genius Oscar de la Renta. The Dominican born designer oozed elegance and inspired the world of fashion starting from his young years apprenticing with renowned couturier Balenciaga. Dedicated to his craft throughout six decades of innovation, Oscar’s home and fabric collections came about much later in his career. 2002 marked the launch of an entirely new business venture, furnishings. Featuring both upholstery and case pieces, this seemed a natural progression for the designer. Oscar’s keen eye and great level of taste were later brought to interior textiles in 2010.
Renowned in his own right, decorator Miles Redd, director of Oscar de la Renta Home, explains that the fabrics were a natural progression, reflecting the sensibility of the designer’s fashion combined with an understanding of practical living. Not for the budget savvy, Oscar’s fabrics are luxe to say the least. Saturated colours with great attention to pattern and scale, silks juxtaposed with high quality wools and linens…these are some of the things Oscar is best known for. With a clear distinction between the edgy, ephemeral colours of fashion, Oscar’s home line tends more to the day-to-day, enduring taste. In his own words, “I would never try to dress a woman like a couch – or a couch like a woman.”
Oscar’s countless acclaims and impression left on design will continue to shine far beyond his 82 years.
-BB
Returning from a two week honeymoon in Italy & Croatia, it was a trip full of excitement and adventure! Captured by Sicily’s surprisingly rugged landscape and historically ambivalent influences, it stands apart from mainland Italy. I felt inspired by my senses: from taste to sight, being most overwhelmed as I marveled in the grand and beautiful architecture. Using readily available limestone to construct entire towns and cities, the attention to details, patterns and motifs was mesmerizing.
Dubrovnik, Croatia is, without a doubt one of the most unusual and beautiful cities I have ever visited. A turbulent and colorful history, the Old City is a unique reflection of the cities perseverance and past. The walled city is laden with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches and fountains. Again, using readily available limestone as well as clay, the burnt orange tiled roofs seem to go on forever while walking along the ancient city walls.
Sharing with you a few of my most memorable and inspiring moments!
-BB
Once in a while I find a brand or boutique worth sharing.
If you are like me…a sap for luxury, beautiful products, Oakville’s soap & water is a haven – famous brands and quality goods galore!
Best experienced in person, with an online store, finding the perfect hostess gift is made easy! Visit soap & water everyday to learn more.
-BB
Last weeks cottage photoshoot truly felt like the icing on the cake. Years in the making from our initial meeting reviewing renovation plans to the fresh-cut flowers for photography. Stay tuned to see more of this cottage photoshoot in the pages of…
-BB
In true, patriotic fashion, artist Charles Pachter captures my love for everything Canadian. For those who do not know Pachter’s pop art portfolio, it is quite likely you have seen it before. What strikes me most from Patcher’s enormous range of works is his thoroughly Canadian subject matter. From paintings of the nations flag, to Mountie’s to his popular moose, Patchter’s pop art style is both unique and unmistakable.
Pairing with another Canadian icon, Hudson’s Bay, Pachter lent his painting Baywatch as the motif for a rendition of the Bay’s wool blend throw. Essentially Canadian, through and through.
-BB
Creative minds are often trying new challenges. A natural collaboration between designers and fabric houses is on the rise. Be it interior designers, clothing designers or product designers…designers alike have become increasingly prevalent in the realm of textile design. A perfect pairing as designers are able to boost their brand while under the guidance and support of an established fabric house.
Kravet Fabrics is at the forefront of this growing trend. Back in January I posted about a textile collaboration between Kravet and Sarah Richardson. Most recently the company has paired with one of my fashion icons, Diane von Furstenberg. Bringing her legendary sense of print and colour, as well as her confidence and boldness in mixing unexpected patterns and scales, to an exclusive collection of fabrics.
This is one meeting of the design minds I am most excited and thankful for!
-BB
A picture is worth a thousand words…
Visit BB Design’s pinterest and find your inspiration!
http://www.pinterest.com/brookelebutler
-BB
Every designer has a process. Mine usually begins here…with beautiful fabric! Selecting the best fabric for the application is key – be it a loose weave natural fiber like linen (suitable for drapery or toss pillows) or blended (natural and synthetic) heavy-weight fabric (suitable for upholstery).
Think of fabric as the glue, it binds different elements of a space together. Through colour, pattern and purpose, fabric can single-handedly set the mood of a room. A bold print or color can be used in a big way (on an upholstered headboard or armchair) or in a little way (on toss pillows or roman blinds) – how daring are you? I call it design dessert because not only is fabric the glue but it is often the icing on the cake! That beautiful, unique element adding loads of style and interest to a space.
Looking for your design dessert? Give me a call!
-BB
Paying kudos to standout mid-century industrial artist and designer Frederic Weinberg. I was taken with Weinberg’s horse figure wire bar cart for its playfulness and functionality. Doing some homework I learned of many other unique and beautiful designs this Philadelphia based designer is known for. Relief wall art has come full circle with on-trend retailers like Crate & Barrel. But if you are looking for that uncommon element to set your home apart, try searching vintage or consignment. There is no substitute for authentic mid-century pieces like this horse trio wall art!
-BB