How to decorate with embossed leather

 Are you looking for a way to give your home a touch of the exotic?   Do you want to add a luxurious texture to your decorating style?  Take a look at some of the beautiful embossed leather patterns I discovered at a local leather furniture manufacturer and beyond.

This platinum leather is spectacular!  

Leathers come in a variety of metallics.  Some even have patterns.

Paisley is a favorite design for embossed leather.  Wouldn't this pattern be fabulous on a chair or barstool?

The colors on this faux alligator hide add a new dimension.

This is one of the most unique "skins" I saw.  It would look outrageous on a sofa!

This collection of "skins" is in a shiny finish that really brings the design alive.

While many embossed leathers replicate animal skins such as lizard, elephant, alligator, crocodile, ostrich etc. there are many designs available like geometric, floral, aztec, and even patterns like those found in ceiling tiles.  You can even custom design your own with a company called Barbarossa Leather.

This motif is similar to those in ceiling tiles but I have never seen them in  these rich exciting colors!
(Images from Barbarossaleather.com )

Leather in a lacey pattern though less exotic would still have a lovely impact where ever it is applied...maybe on a wall?

Let's explore some of the ways embossed leather can be introduced in home furnishings.

An antique chair upholstered in teal embossed leather with an alligator pattern takes on a whole new look.

I don't like to use the word stunning very often but that's what I would call this faux alligator chest by Ralph Lauren.  I would also describe it as elegant and dramatic. It is definitely a statement piece.

Embossed leather can be found on contemporary furniture like this incredible Yarelli accent chair.

This artful chair designed by Gary Knox Bennett also incorporates embossed leather on the seat and back.

You might think this executive chair is new on the market however, it is a Paul McCobb Mid-Century Modern piece dating from the mid 1950's.

Incorporating a leopard patterned fabric with an aged alligator leather certainly lends an exotic feel to this chair.

Embossed leather does not have to be exotic.  The soft French blue medallion embossed on the chair seats of these dining chairs is so pretty.  

What if you don't want to cover your sofa or chair with embossed leather but you still like the look?  How can it be used in other ways to add interest, texture and style?

The Spanish screen above is hand painted as well as embossed. 

Here is a close up of a similar handpainted embossed leather. How elegant!

Sometimes an entire piece done in embossed leather might be overdone, but what if you used it as an accent like the cabinet above?  This would be a fun way to refinish  old furniture.

Above is a console/desk by Butler Specialty that combines wood and embossed leather. Great mix!

Ottomans like these from Napastyle.com bring a warmth and texture where ever you place them.  Add them to a contemporary or traditional style, Use them in an office, family room,  or living room.  They actually remind me of an old saddle.  

Though these tables have an antique quality, embossed leather can be used on any table top. 

Morrocan painted embossed ottomans are a colorful way to brighten up any space.

These Karl Springer tables from 1stdibs.com are sold but I found a pair in red faux lizard at a local consignment shop.  I bet these were a lot more expensive.  The pair my client bought are going in her den as bunching tables in front of a sleep sofa.  Perfect!

I wonder if this croc would be so playful if he knew what that lampshade is made of?

It is not uncommon to find trunks covered in embossed leather but this 17th century antique Spanish Colonial treasure would set you back $5,900 on 1stdibs !  Now that makes me want to dig through my local consignment shops to see if I might find a suitable imposter.  If I came across something that was not so aged or intricate perhaps I could add some shoe polish or color it with paint or stain.  Hmmm....

Look closely and you will see the wall is upholstered in embossed leather.  Brilliant!

A gold Fendi embossed leather pillow?  It makes a statement all on it's own.

So where would you use embossed leather in your home?  Would you add a few accessories like this pillow, a covered box, picture frame or ottoman?  What about using it to recover the back of a wing chair or the doors or drawer fronts on a chest or armoire, or maybe a headboard?  As you can see the possibilities are endless. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between; exotic, elegant, fun or fabulous introducing embossed leather is bound to add that one extra layer that will make your space special.

Do you have anything in your home that is made with embossed leather? Are you tempted to recover

something with this unusual material?  

However you might choose to incorporate it, I invite you to share your ideas and experiences in the comment box. You can even email me photos at the address below.  I look forward to hearing from you.

                                        Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a interior decorating project of your own, please email me at

pictureprettyint@aol.com

(While the first photos are courtesy of Picture Pretty Interiors, the remainder are courtesy of Pinterest and Houzz.)

Decorating with Marsala, Pantone's Color of the Year 2015

Radiant Orchid was a winner in 2014.  Can Pantone's Color of the Year for 2015 be a big hit, too?

How does Pantone select the Color of the Year?  According to their website they comb the world looking for what they call color influences, meaning what is going on in the world that is having an impact on our lives.  They take inspiration from film, art, travel, socio-economic conditions, technology, upcoming world events and beyond.

When I look at some of Marsala's predecessors I see more vibrant and exciting color choices so it is interesting to me what drew Pantone to this rich more earthy hue.

            

Pantone describes Marsala as "a naturally robust and earthy wine red that enriches our minds, bodies and souls."  It's "impactful fullbodied qualities make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on it's own or as a strong accent to many colors".

(Photo collage above is courtesy of eastcoastcreativeblog.com.)

 Marsala lends itself to texture such as rugs, upholstery and bedding.  

Here you see it in a new carpet by Oriental Weavers as shown in Home Accents Today.

So as we see Marsala start to emerge in home furnishings, how would you like to see it used?

Would you like it as a main color in your pallet such as on the walls?

(Photo courtesy of KitchAnn Style)

Marsala definitely has a brown under tone.  See how well it works with an accent of turquoise and balanced with a healthy dose of antique white.

(Courtesy of Georgiestclair.com)

Marsala seems to play well with any shade of blue. (Courtesy of houseofturquoise.com)



As you can see from the image above from bridalmusings.com there are many colors that compliment Marsala.  So now I am interested in finding more ways to see how it works in home furnishings.




This bouquet combines several of the colors  shown above.  Look at how pretty marsala shows up against blush, olive and gray.




Here we see shades of Marsala in wallpaper Askew-on-Sterling-Sliver-Guilded found on materialgirlsblog.com.  But I love it combined with golden ochre, another earthy color.  The rustic finish on the cabinet adds an additional layer.   That one small dab of green is perfect.

In a neutral setting of black and white this area rug in Marsala becomes a welcome addition and serves to define the seating area and tie in with the colors in the art. (Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy)

(Photo found on Chrislovesjulia.com)

Charcol is a fabulous backdrop Marsala and deep hues of blue pair well with it too.

(From the Zoe Report)

Of course Pantone's Color of the Year is to be found in all facets of our surroundings, especially fashion.  When I look at this photo I see a color scheme for interiors similar to the images above.

(Photo courtesy of Houzz.com)

What fun it is to see Marsala on this kitchen island.  I like the way it is repeated as the back drop for the book case and in the stripe in the draperies.  The red colored mixer is not exactly Marsala but it works in this room!  

Marsala is a favorite among Bohemian and Moorish inspired interiors. Paired with golds and turquoise this color can be soothing and rich says Ann Porter of KitchAnn Style.com

It's hard to pin down the true color of Marsala.  It's not burgundy, or brick, or even maroon.  I would call it wood rose which is a brownish rose.  Though not as vibrant as Radiant Orchid, it can see it's appeal.  I have scoured  images in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and Veranda.  Marsala is not to be found in those photo libraries most likely because fabrics and finishes in Marsala are just now beginning to make their appearances but pretty soon you will see it popping up everywhere.

Here's what HGTV's David Bromstad had to say about Marsala: 

 "I was a little shocked that the Pantone color of the year was 'Marsala'. When I looked up the previous 'Color of the Year' and saw what their trends were, it made perfect sense! Red has not been a part of the 'Color of the Year' since 2007. This is the color that is going to be seen everywhere. It's universal, it's sexy, and who doesn't love sexy?"

So what do you think of this years pick?  Can you warm up to Marsala?  Where would you be tempted to use it?  The reviews I have read are mixed but after doing my research for this post I am feeling more confident about using it in a color scheme.  How about you?

As always I invite you to share your thoughts and inspirations in the comment box.  I look forward to hearing from you. 

Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a decorating project of your own please contact me at

pictureprettyint@aol.com 

What's new in kitchen appliances....or should I say what's old is new !

As an Interior Designer I can find myself at any given time in all kinds of places.  Just last week a project I am working on with my business partner, Ellie Caimano, took us to a plumbing showroom, a custom mattress shop and a local appliance retailer.  What we discovered there was unexpected and delightful.

These red vintage style appliances are showstoppers.  The black and white tile just adds to the "retroness"

This stove appears pretty authentic, but look closely and see what current feature it has.

How fabulous would these look in a modern day "retro" kitchen?  The refrigerator is the same inside as most current standard refrigerators but when they put the fancy red vintage door on it the price went up to $5,000!  We are actually working on renovating a condo built in the 40"s and this would be perfect. But we are making it look contemporary.....all white...very sleek...so I guess I will have to wait for another day to bring these beauties home.

Does anyone remember cooking on a stove like this....or maybe there was one in your mother's or grandmother's kitchen?  This oldie was on display in the store, but not for sale.  Don't you love the advertisement?

Look at that double oven!  What a  nice work space by the burners too.

Not only does this beauty have a "Sensational new quick-set automatic timer", but it also has a spectacular built in "Jiffy Griddle".  I think it is behind "door #2" on the right.  When you open the door the 2 burner griddle slides out.  

We did spot something new there.  It's a new finish called slate.  It's very cool.  What do you think?  I don't know what goes into creating a new color/finish for appliances.  It could be a very risky investment for manufacturers but it is so nice to see something different!

In the yellow shaded lighting the finish takes on a bronze tone, which is something to remember when selecting the lighting for your own home.  Slate is softer and less obvious than black while still adding a rich tone to go with darker cabinets.

I don't remember the avocado being this bright and cheerful, but I do remember wearing bell bottoms !

Remember Harvest Gold, Avocado Green and Copper?  I remember having to base decorating schemes around the color of the appliances.  I am not kidding!

I think the second photo may be my own kitchen from the 70's!  And look they even made avocado green sinks to match the appliances too! The light fixture in the top photo is back in style.  Maybe there is truth in if you hang on to it, it comes back?

We have probably all seen what they call "integrated" appliances in kitchens.  That is where the appliance has a panel on the front that matches the kitchen cabinets.  The appliances blend in so well that sometimes you don't even realize what you are looking at!

This built-in could almost pass as a pantry with drawers below.

I saw this at another showroom.  It  is a combination of  a freezer, wine cooler and refrigerator.
Can you guess where the freezer is?

This would be great for a wine conoseur but if not, you can have a refrigerator on both sides.  Yes, the freezer is on the bottom.

As we left the first appliance store we spotted this cutie.  Do you know what it is?  Did you know someone who had one?  I think I saw one once on someone's back porch years ago.  Gosh, how far we have come.  This bit of nostalgia was such a treat.  Hope you enjoyed seeing what's new, what's old is new and a few throw backs to a bye gone time.

Yes, I think this old faithful deserves it's blue ribbon!

What do you think about decorating in a "retro" style?  What touches of nostalgia would you like to use in your decorating?  Even in contemporary design a nod to the past can give depth to your decorating, don't you think?

What ideas do you have for a new feature or color in kitchen appliances?  How does the color of your appliances effect the way you decorate or design your kitchen?

As always I invite you to share your experiences and inspirations, or questions, in the comment box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.

                     Happy Decorating!

If you would like assistance with a decorating project please email me at pictureprettyint@aol.com