From the Floors Up

Design Inspiration: Blue and White China

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Design inspiration can come in the form of many things.  You can find rooms to inspire you on blogs, on TV, Pinterest, and in magazines. Taking inspiration from different elements in a designer room allows you to create a room that’s uniquely you.  Other design inspiration can come from objects.  A painting, a fabric, a piece of china can all inspire a room design.  One classic source of design inspiration is blue and white china.

Blue and white china has been inspiring interiors for hundreds of years. First imported from China, blue and white porcelain was coveted throughout Europe. It created a design craze that resulted in Europeans replicating the porcelain and colors into their own unique designs.  You’ll find blue and white porcelain, ceramics and pottery from a number of European countries, including Holland, England and France.

Both the color and patterns of this famous china can inspire design throughout the home. Textiles and rugs are two of the many design elements influenced by blue and white china.  Patterns and colorways replicate the designs on the china. Wallpaper is another place you’ll find blue and white inspired designs.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles used for floors and backsplashes are other materials inspired by blue and white china. Delft tiles from Holland date back hundreds of years and are still being produced today. These can be used in kitchens and baths as accents or backsplashes.

The classic combination of blue and white can work in any decorating style from traditional to transitional. Look around your home for objects that inspire you.

Unique Antiques add Personality

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200210063-001Have you seen various antique stores in your life but have been hesitant to step in? Don’t be; they’re an interesting window to the past.

Whether you visit a small and simple shop with a few antiques and lots of things that are just old, or a place like this one with special items from earlier days well displayed, it can be a design eye-opener to see furniture and accessories from other times.

8775628Many people think antiques are expensive, and some are pretty pricey. But it really depends upon the era, the item itself and its’ condition. For example, an old Mickey Mouse train from 60 years ago in good condition with its original box might be surprisingly costly. On the other hand, someone’s old family photo from the same time simply framed could be purchased for a song.

As you start spending more time with antiques, chances are you will find yourself interested in one era, style or item. For example, one homeowner discovered the art of antique fishing lures. Inexpensive and attractive, she hung them together along one narrow space in her den. Another person developed an interest in skeleton keys and keeps them in an old basket for guests to play with when they visit.

86809985When you explore antiques, you get the opportunity to expand your design view of the world. By adding the dimension of time to your understanding of furniture and accessories, you have the chance to enrich your appreciation of other days and add the personality of the past to your home.

Beach Inspiration

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24010315When you plan your patio, have you considered how you want it to look and feel? How about using the beach as your inspiration? With a few modifications, this lovely image can be translated to an appealing patio. Let’s take a look at what we can do to build this feel in your own backyard.

Of course, shipping bags of sand will not accomplish your goal. However, travertine pavers set in a layer of sand can provide the same natural light colors and gentle contrasts. The simple rectangular pattern suits the patio while reminding you of the beach.

In the same way, while it has a natural charm, you may not want this rustic twig furniture at home. Instead, how about oiled teak? The finish matches the standards that most people want on their patio but the tone and material echoes the beach tables and chairs.

Colorful flags work well on the beach but seem a bit odd for a back yard. To capture the same pops of color, let’s add some throw pillows. Thanks to today’s weather-resistant fabric and pillow forms, you can leave them out in the weather and they will continue to look inviting.

Finally, bring in the lighting. As the sun sets, set candles or lanterns on each table and add some strings of outdoor lights to add light and charm.

So be daring and let the beach come to you during those times when you can’t get to it. Without sand and surf, you can still create the coastal mood you want in your own home.

Take a Moment to Stop and Look

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22231427We can learn a lot about this particular scene from this photo. You can tell the street and buildings have been there for a long time, and are still regularly utilized. It’s also easy to appreciate how lovely the view is through the archway. For the people who live here, however, they probably just walk through without noticing the details.

How many times do you walk through your own doorways without looking? Let’s get inspiration from this photo to make sure we’re paying attention to the views our home provides.

First, notice the focal point of this photo – the doorway at the end of the street. Everything in this photo pulls us toward that door. The street, the sidewalks and the building lead our eyes to the back. In the same way, your flooring can draw the eye into a room, particularly when tile or wood provides a line for the eye to follow. Be sure the room has something worth looking at, a focal point.  It could be a piece of art or a fireplace.

Another reason this photo is inviting comes from the contrasts. A white building, a dark door with all of the shadows and textures along the way come to life as your eye ventures down the street. Are your rooms designed to be interesting to people as they walk in?  Consider having contrasting colors to give your room more character.

We may not have the cobble stone streets and old world buildings to garner attention, but our homes can take inspiration from this photo. If you pause in your own archways or doorways, you will see what kind of view your home provides.  We sometimes forget to stop and take a good look at our surroundings. Even the smallest details can make a big difference in your room’s appearance.

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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