May Book-of-the-Month: Tricia Guild Pattern - Using Pattern to Create Sophisticated, Show-stopping Interiors
Book of the Month, Fabulous Design May 6th, 2008Pattern — we see it everywhere yet most of us don’t fully realize how beautiful and uplifting its design and color variations can be. (Or, in some circles, how important: case in point, the Fibonacci sequence, still used by artists today.) I’ve been thinking a lot about pattern lately — from coming up with new techniques for clients to creating updated portfolio samples…I can’t help but be hopelessly fascinated by this important design aspect. The word itself is attributed to the French word ”patron” and it refers to a reoccurring sequence of designs or elements. Ahh, but enough introduction: our May Book-of-the-Month is Tricia Guild Pattern - Using Pattern to Create Show-stopping Interiors.
Tricia Guild is an icon in the interior design world. She established her company, Designers Guild, in 1970 and has since turned it into a multi-million dollar empire encompassing books, fabric, wallpaper, furniture, a paint line, flooring and home accessories. (She employs over 250 personnel — that definitely helps in getting it all done, LOL!) This particular book caught my eye because of its cover — it has an embossed flocked pattern on it and everytime I pick it up, I can’t help but rub my hand on the soft design. Inside, it’s like walking into Willy Wonka’s factory (minus the sinister undertones): delicious, colorful, vibrant and full of new creations and inspiration. It’s a wild ride! She explains how to incorporate color and pattern to create sophisticated yet fun interiors — nothing that’s ever too precious.
The book is broken down by sections including current and historical patterns. She also explores different fabric styles (velvet, silk, tweed) and design elements (i.e., botanical, Asian, Indian, toile, geometric) — really, there is no stone unturned here in the 208-page book. Even its size — perfect for a coffee table but a shame to just leave it there — is fulfilling. Here are some views:
Pattern Kaleidoscope (L) and a perfect place to have a fresh, breezy breakfast (R)
I’m digging the mix of the somewhat similarly-colored patterns…
I like the “angel wings” (L) and the haziness of the stripes (R)
Delicious colors…
An unexpected mix of patterns at the window (L) and a burst of color against white (R)
There are so many more pictures and ideas — I hope you check out and/or purchase the book! It’s perfect for a luxurious way to spend a Sunday afternoon planning out new details for your home. Until next time!
May 9th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I went through your blog and I loved everything but what struck me was that window with the different patterns. Great idea to use many colors to brighten a window. Love it, love it, love it. Keep up the good work and keep adding great ideas in your blog. Thank you.
May 9th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I thought it was a great idea, too! Thank you for your compliments and taking the time to comment — really appreciated. I will surely keep adding info and pics of good design ideas.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:56 am
I´m from Brasil and I like very much “faux finish”, the “old look” paintings, etc. (I don´t know if you can understand me !). My english is so bad, but I want to tell you that you are great, the best, you do beatiful sings and I´m very impressed with your work. Unfortunatly I´m so far from you and can´t have classes with you, because you have a lot do teach to everybody. I wish you a lot of hapiness !!!
May 15th, 2008 at 9:58 am
sorry, things, not sings……..
May 15th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Muito agradecido, Maria!! (I hope you understood that “Thank you!” — did I say it right?) Your comment made my day!!! (And yes, I do understand you, although I wish I spoke Portuguese so that I can write back properly!) I am going to keep trying to put good information and pictures up on the blog — so that even though you are far, you can still have cool faux finishing ideas. You have a friend in Florida! Have a wonderful day — and I wish you much happiness as well!
May 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 am
[…] day items using the “Is it beautiful?” theory…and they are usually patterns. (I really have a thing for pattern this month, don’t I?) Here are just some of the things I noticed around the studio […]