Sorry for the silence, everyone! Summer has such a mischievous way of luring me away from my laptop. Well—that and multiple projects that have us running ragged when we'd rather be in the garden. Speaking of, if you're looking to bring the outdoors in, consider this sophisticated, summery print called Portobello from Carleton V. The whimsical birds, butterflies and flowers remind me of the lush butterfly bush I just planted this week!
A traditional print like this I might turn into pillows paired with a more clean-lined sofa. It could also be the inspiration for a dazzling bedroom redo with a fully upholstered head and footboard board on a chrome, four-poster bed, flanked by mirrored demilune tables with Chinoiserie ginger jar lamps. The duvet might be a rich, monogrammed turquoise with peacock blue and white hotel bedding, together with Euro shams and X-benches at the foot of the bed covered in the coordinating damask, La Reine in Teal. To finish off the room, I'd paint the walls a pretty robin's egg blue with deeply plush wall to wall carpeting in navy. Come to think of it, birds and butterflies would look right at home all winter long!
Two more new fabrics at Carleton V include Tiburon, an unusual, embroidered silk perfect for draperies and Chelsea, a linen ticking stripe in colorways that easily mix into multiple schemes.
In our newest window for Carleton V, more of an homage to the fabrics themselves than a view into the life of an imagined character, we used multiple fabrics in unconventional ways. Take the ticking stripe our talented friend Susan Schneider turned into lampshades.
Now pair them with these chic, lacquered Chinoiserie tables from Lindsey Harper of Lamshop, available in a variety colors and finishes.
A quick stop at the Goodwill for a 1960s faux carved clock ($4), then to Jamali for a round table mirror ($2), and suddenly it's the chicest, most expensive looking sunburst mirror that's completely one of a kind!
The walls of the window I covered in the embroidered silk to suggest curtains that might play up the height of a room, while the lamps our friend Susan made from old bed balusters. I loved the rustic wood finish of the lamps and floor paired with the lacquered side tables from Lamshop. A neutral linen settee I paired with a slip-covered cushion in the damask with pillows made from the same ticking stripe as the shades. Swap out the cushion and pillows, and the settee gets a whole, new look!
We'll be back Tuesday with more ideas from my story in the Easy Decorating issue of Woman's Day. Have a great weekend, everyone!
I just discovered you today and adore your work! I can hardly wait to read more. I had the honor of meeting Carlton V. at the Grand Hotel on Mackinaw Island years ago when he did a seminar. I love his work, also! ....wishing you the best from a little ole "Granna" in Tx
Posted by: Phyllis | July 18, 2011 at 05:38 PM
I just love that clock! It would fit so well above my fireplace mantel.
The fabrics are just gorgeous and are in a perfect harmony with the entire design.
Eddie, hope the butterfly bush you just planted will grow for you. I love mine and it really attracts lots of butterflies. It's a focal point of my garden.
Posted by: PJ @ Home and Garden Decor | June 11, 2011 at 01:18 PM
Am adding that ticking to my WANT list. Love the sunburst mirror!
Posted by: Jean | June 10, 2011 at 04:04 PM
The Tiburon is so chic and summery. Love it!!
Posted by: Richard | June 10, 2011 at 01:55 PM
just beautiful! i love the ticking stripe! xo susan
Posted by: susan | June 07, 2011 at 07:48 AM
Eddie,
Love the Summer styling suggerstions in the recent Woman's Day.
Cheers!
Posted by: Carole | June 06, 2011 at 08:30 PM
Eddie, you are the best!Love your blog..xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy braswell | June 06, 2011 at 01:25 PM
Don't feel bad, Eddie ... summer is a tempting mistress! I find it hard to stay in the studio, as well! Love the ticking stripe lamp shades!
Posted by: sandy@oohlafroufrou | June 06, 2011 at 11:55 AM
I saw your post on craigslist for an intern and since I've never heard of a proper design studio in our neck of the woods I thought I would check you out. I've been on this website now for over two hours reading and looking at everything.
Your work is truely beautiful.
Posted by: Kyrsten | June 05, 2011 at 11:39 PM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan: My oldest daughter worked for Lindsey, and I saw the Lambshop product at High Point. It is seamless, well proportioned and perfectly finished. It is a well deserved splurge.
Best,
Liz
Posted by: Dovecote Decor | June 05, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Wow, that first fabric on the left from Carleton V looks just like an antique toile piece I have in my stock. Love the silk fabric you used for the walls in your window and those lampshades are to die for and so summery. Another fabulous window and you have to love the price of everything, amazing what you can do on a budget. I hope you and Jaithan had a wonderful weekend!
Posted by: Acquired Objects | June 05, 2011 at 07:22 PM
Fabulous lamp shade. I love that ticking stripe. Can't wait to see the reveal!
Posted by: Carla@DesignintheWoods | June 05, 2011 at 06:53 PM
Love the mix and the oh so creative way you put it all together. Hope you are having some fun this summer too. Mona
Posted by: Mona Thompson | June 05, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Fabulous idea, this clock, and love the lampshades- just great! Yes, summer is a busy time, so enjoy your projects and bargain hunting :-))
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | June 05, 2011 at 08:43 AM
Hi Eddie. Glad to hear all is well and that you have enjoyed life away from the computer. x
These fabrics are very versatile for sure and I truly enjoyed your virtual style board for that very first swatch.
xx Charlotta
Posted by: Charlotta | June 05, 2011 at 07:47 AM
Hi Eddie, what fun and exciting fabrics. I adore the lamp shade, screams fun and whimsical. Your thrift shopping always pays off and shows us how we can incorporate more of that into our homes. Home you and Jaithan are having a super w/k.
hugs ~lynne~
Posted by: lynne@lynnesgiftsfromtheheart | June 04, 2011 at 11:46 PM
The Tiburon silk fabric is stunning...dreaming of this for draperies in my living room...so elegant ~
Posted by: designchic | June 04, 2011 at 08:40 PM
I love the way your mind works. You are so creative!!
Posted by: Janette@the2seasons.com | June 04, 2011 at 08:10 PM
Terrific fabric and what a find at Goodwill! Great vignette. Enjoy the fun and sun:)
Posted by: Carrie Waller | June 04, 2011 at 07:54 PM
Hi Eddie! How do you find all this amazing stuff at Goodwill? I'm traveling to the States soon, and thanks to you I'm looking forward to visiting flea markets and Goodwill more than anything else! ;)
xoxo
Ana Elizabeth
Posted by: Ana (Confessions of a designer) | June 04, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Eddie Love that ticking stripe, so fresh and classic, it looks great on the lampshades. Boy that mirror was a steal!!!! Great find. This is what inspires us! It all seems doable and possible. That is what we all love about Eddie!!!xo Kathysue
Posted by: kathysue | June 04, 2011 at 10:36 AM
The lamp shades are to die for! Gorgeous as always! xo
Posted by: Marianne {Style For Living} | June 04, 2011 at 10:29 AM
wonderful mix you put together! Happy weekend
Posted by: Design Elements | June 04, 2011 at 09:57 AM
Think anyone would notice if I slipped in and kicked back on that sofa, clicked on the light, and settled in with a good book?
Have a great weekend E&J!
xo Cathy
Posted by: Stitchfork | June 04, 2011 at 09:54 AM
Love these ideas, Eddie...I love finding items at thrift that can be reworked to fit with the current trends...and anything to do with gorgeous fabric has my attention immediately.. :)
love the idea of slip covering the sofa cushion and adding matching pillows for a quick change...
fabulous ideas...
maureen
Posted by: eclectic revisited | June 04, 2011 at 09:31 AM
You are amazing! Mixing GW with high end fabrics and furnishings and it works:) happy Summer.
Posted by: lizziefitz | June 04, 2011 at 09:17 AM
oh, I loves me my Carlton!
and if you find me m.i.a. ... I'm in the garden
hugs
cityfarmer
Posted by: savvycityfarmer | June 04, 2011 at 08:36 AM
What a great window. Love the mix you put together.
You know that purple is my thing.
Loved making the shades for you.
xoxo
Posted by: susan | June 04, 2011 at 08:35 AM
Eddie and Jaithan- That $7.00 mirror is just too clever! But it's the Tiburon embroidered silk that is stealing the show. What a beautiful, unique fabric. Please show more, soon!
Loretta
p.s. I have three Master plans for my house up at http://www.APPLEsandRUBIES.blogspot.com, would you have time to come over and tell me your favorite?
Posted by: Loretta Fontaine (APPLESandRUBIES) | June 04, 2011 at 07:21 AM
I love the lamp shades, but that clock for $4 is a deal! I've been searching for one similar but nada... nothing.. so far.
Posted by: Tonia | June 04, 2011 at 01:32 AM
Eddie I love these ideas!! The Tiburon fabric is just gorgeous!! Love the lacquer table in white as well!! In fact I could use that!
Hugs to you and Jaithan!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Come and enter my Amazing $250 Giveaway from Tracy Porter!
Posted by: Karena | June 03, 2011 at 10:54 PM