TEXTURE TUESDAY: Style & Texture in All We See!

Hello Friends.  This is the first day of our New Texture Tuesday blog posts by yours truly.  Many thanks to Amanda Bogner, our summer intern, for creating fun and stylish Texture Tuesdays (TT). We were lucky to have her this summer and she’s moved onto a fabulous new job with local Alyson Jon…congratulations Amanda!!

As our small studio prepares for growth in January 2013 (more on those exciting details later this month), so does the list of things to do.  We must  make choices, and the blog is one I’ve chosen to keep.  But I really want to get to know you, and for you to get to know me and our custom studio in Austin, Texas.  That’s why we’re streamlining things and going to only focus on what’s most important to YOU, our devoted readers, and what we LOVE to write about.  This fall I’ve been realizing I can’t do everything and I don’t need to (Thank you FAB Twitter followers for all the great tips!).  But what I do do, I want it to be of the utmost quality just like our pillow creations.  Without further ado, please enjoy our new TT posts every Tuesday!

First off, I want you to know what I love about texture.  In recently reviewing my photos from this summer’s events, family vacations, and misc., I noticed that ALL the photos were great inspiration.  And what I loved about them most was their texture, the variety of shapes and angles, and colors. I even decided to keep some photos sideways because it just looked better….I was able to “see” something visually in it that I couldn’t see when I turned it the correct way.  I think this is because  I see texture everywhere…..from a textured piece of fabric, to an architectural detail….to the ordinary, a woven placemat.

For me, the above photo conjures up small, multi-colored tiles and the opposite textures of smooth, calm water on the left, soft ripples on the right. I also love all the geometric angles. Then right in the middle of all these clean lines, from the pool to the walls, pops out a very textured long seahorse and a glimmer of rough palm trees in the upper right corner.  And finally, there’s a subtle reflective quality in the pool’s layers that make the tiles varying texture even more striking!

As most of you know, I’m VERY long winded, so I aim to keep our TT’s short and full of photos.  So here’s a few more to get your Texture Tuesday style pumped up today!  Enjoy!  XOPG

Romantic & stylish textures all the rage this fall from intricate beading to sheer lace. Find these vintage handbags and hats for sale at Flashback, S. 1st, Austin, TX

Texture’s abound in these uniquely shaped vases made from different stones; antique shop in Stonington, Maine

Notice in this simple Maine window box photo, bursting with colorful cascading flowers, all the textured shapes, lines, and shading -  from the brown clapboard siding to the verticle red window shudders to the angles of the wispy white curtains peeking through.

P.S. And please comment so we can learn more about you!  Thx! :-
NOTE:  All photos are mine except for top one.  I have no source for that and found it on my camera??

 

Texture Tuesday – Houndstooth

Texture Tuesday featuring: houndstooth trends and one of our Limited Edition pillows

Houndstooth has been around the block once or twice, but recently it has come out to play in dramatic ways. Throughout several decades the trend has been reinvented and modernized to include a substitution of different colors, worn on a number of different pieces of clothing, and even as a nail design. And once high end designers like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Emporio Armani, and Moschino started to use the trend in their collections in the 1990s; it became highly popularized and worn by Hollywood celebrities. It’s common in tweed and wool fabrics, making it the perfect pea coat or
blazer. This checkered print is classy and chic with a touch of mystery.

Stop by Feathers Boutique and Moss on South Lamar. We saw amazing houndstooth trends at both of these shops!

Brown and Black Houndstooth Pair

Check out our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com to view this pillow and more. For custom orders call our studio at 512.447.9807 or email us at info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday – Velvet

Texture Tuesday featuring: velvet trends and one of our Limited Edition pillows

Velvet has made a BIG comeback the past couple of years and has stayed in the limelight ever since. The soft textured fabric is perfect for the fall season and when worn right can make any outfit look classy and tailored. Mix it up, sharpen it up, add in other elements of current fashion trends – and you’re well on your way to bringing the crushed velvet revolution out of the 90s and into the now. Let’s not forget how velvet started out life: luxurious, and adorning the shoulders of the regal and the rich. True velvet made from silk falls and drapes with an unmistakable elegance, and that’s the look to go for if you’re going to do classic velvet. Dolce and Gabbana‘s mix of velvet waistcoats and jackets with hot pants or flowing white gowns is a unique way to mix it up.

More and more, interior designers are choosing velvets for curtains, furnishings and accessories. Why? Because the new velvets aren’t the formal fabrics they used to be. Innovative cutting methods and fresh colors make velvets perfect for every room in the house. Designers are using velvet in family rooms, bedrooms – even kitchens. It’s not just for your grandma’s dusty drapes. XO PG

Olive and Gold Silk French Cut Velvet on Dupioni

To find this velvet pillow and more, check out our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. For custom orders contact our studio at 512.447.9807 or info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday – Suede

Texture Tuesday featuring: suede trends and one of our Limited Edition pillows

Suede has made its appearance once again this upcoming fall season. Soft and tactile suede is making a statement in the fashion and home decor world. Offered in understated neutrals or soft hued colors, suede really hones in on the relaxed feel to the season’s fashion. But don’t just stop at neutrals and soft colors, bring it on in neon and bright shades as well. Suede these days has become a big player in Spring runway collections and now the appearance of suede in stores usually means that spring is right around the corner.

For suede to look appropriate in summer, it needs to feel light.  Colors like tan, beige, and light gray are great in the summer. So are strappy open styles that expose a lot of skin or lightweight suedes that drape on the body and are truly comfortable and wearable in warmer months. We love suede shoes with brightly colored summer dresses as well has suede jackets, which can spruce up every warm weathered outfit.

Suede furniture has become a staple in many homes and is easy to clean and soft to the touch. We love curling up on our suede couch and relaxing while staying out of the Austin heat! XO PG

Golden Antique French Doily on Brown Suede

Check out this suede pillow and more on our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders contact us at 512.447.9807 or info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday – Floral

Texture Tuesday featuring: floral prints and a pair of our Redbrick Modern pillows

This summer has been beautiful and full of blossoms and wildlife here in Austin. In honor of the flowers blooming everywhere, floral prints are our favorite trends this week. Vivid island colored flowers have hit the runways and now homes. Vintage fabrics are popular on many different home decor goods. Our favorite is upholstered on chairs or couches! So buy some fresh cut flowers today and enjoy the rest of your summer! XO PG

Aqua Silk Floral Brocade on Gold Italian Linen

We have tons of floral options on our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at 512.447.9807 or info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday – Linen

Texture Tuesday featuring: linen trends and one of our newest Limited Edition pillows with textured rope trim from our vintage French trim collection.

Linen, an exceptionally popular and flexible fabric, is always in style. People tend to favor this natural fabric over other textiles because it is made from natural fibers.  For clothing styles it permits the body to breathe and is so easy to wear in the summer…and of course it offers a simple and light look in the home. If it is maintained properly and taken care of, it can be an everlasting fashionable wardrobe and home accessory essential.

Summer is fully in swing and linen is a great material to wear to beat the heat! Linen looks clean and fresh in natural/oatmeal color palettes. This year we have seen it mixed up quite a bit and used as a base to play off of other design elements. Linen also provides an excellent foundation from which to build a wardrobe or room. We have even noticed linen to be popular in weddings nowadays, with the decorations and even the clothing. Mixing traditional linens with new exotic colors and patterns is a hot trend right now too. Our personal favorite this season are linen pants and of course our new linen pillows. So remember comfort is a luxury! XO PG

Limited Edition Linen Pillow with Vintage French Trim

Check out our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at 512.447.9807 or info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday Trend – Red, White and Blue

Texture Tuesday featuring: red, white and blue trends and one of our Limited Edition pillows

Just in case you didn’t get enough red, white and blue last week, here are some more ideas to get you through the summer. The fourth of July always brings out these three symbolic colors all over the country. The celebration of our nation’s independence is associated with sizzling barbeques, dazzling fireworks and our beautiful flag can be seen waving freely in the wind. If there was ever a time to get decked out in red, white and blue — not to mention stars and stripes — it would be for the fourth of July. All manner of apparel, accessories and home decor are available in bright to muted shades of these colors and patterns this time of year. Whether you’re at a beach front home or on your way to a splendid vacation, remember to add a dose of colorful flair to an outdoor dining area with an accent or two. Whether traditional or modern in style, these colors can add a crisp and energetic look that’s simple and fresh.  Stripes and linen have been a big look this season, and with holiday sales, now’s the time to swoop in and snag a top or two, or that perfect accent piece for your home. So channel your inner Uncle Sam and flaunt that red, white and blue this month and all year long! XO PG

Limited Edition vintage red and blue linen pillow; last pair just sold.

My daughter displaying our first flag cake! (Yes, a tad flat….but another layer next year will be perfect!)

Limited Edition red and blue floral linen fabric available for custom order in various sizes and quantities.

Check out our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at 512.447.9807 or info@deborahmaindesigns.com.

Texture Tuesday – Chain Link

Texture Tuesday featuring: chain link trends and one of our Redbrick Modern pillows

There is no denying that bold prints are all the rage this season! Chain link prints are equal parts party girl and Park Avenue princess. From Louis Vuitton to Stella McCartney, cheeky chain prints are having a moment, linking everything from accessories and ready-to-wear to sporty shoes. With a nod to ’80s hip-hop, the bling-heavy print adds a touch of glam with a slyly ironic wink. We’ve seen the look on the runways and on the streets of the hippest US cities. We love when this print is added to homes as well. So remember chain link prints are as good as gold this season! XO PG

Retro Mustard & Chocolate Brown Chain Link

You can find the pillow shown above, as well as others with trending prints, on our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at info@deborahmaindesigns.com or 512.447.9807.

Texture Tuesday – Yellow & Gray

Texture Tuesday featuring: yellow & gray trends and one of our Limited Edition pillows

Our latest obsession: yellow and gray! This trend has stuck around in the fashion and home decor world for a couple years now, yet continues to be fresh. Nothing goes better with gray, in our minds, than yellow. Adding a bright color with a dull neutral creates a beautiful color palette that looks good on all aspects of design. We cannot resist a yellow and gray pattern on anything! It looks classically chic on items around the home, yet looks exquisitely elegant on the runways. Mixing this trend with cream and black can also add some vintage spunk to the palette. So think bright and lively as you shop around for yellow and gray this season. XO PG

Vintage Gray & Saffron Linen Curtain Panel

 

European Golden Yellow Floral with Vintage Brooch

You can find both pillows shown above, as well as other variations of yellow and gray, on our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at info@deborahmaindesigns.com or 512.447.9807.

Texture Tuesday – Mint Green

Texture Tuesday featuring: mint green trends and one of our Luxe VIP pillows

Mint green is classically chic and trending this summer! This pastel shade is bold and that perfect combo of blueish green. I would make sure to not overdo with this color, but focus on just one piece for an ultimate statement. If you’re hesitant of how to incorporate it into your wardrobe or home, think pastel shades as updated neutrals. Mint green is an easy way to freshen things up. This trend is not limited to just clothing, it’s popping up in home decor as well. This cool green hue gives all your fashion and beauty basics a refreshing twist. So go grab yourself a carton of mint chocolate chip ice cream and sprinkle your life with a touch of mint green this season! XO PG

Vintage Aqua and Cream with Faux Pearl Brooch

You can find this pillow above, as well as variations of mint green, on our website at www.deborahmaindesigns.com. To place custom orders, please contact our studio at info@deborahmaindesigns.com or 512.447.9807.