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 – Snakeskin

 

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

Snakeskin can be worn in many different ways these days and we love it! This past spring, we saw a sudden resurgence of serpentine prints in neutral hues on all kinds of accessories, and were delighted to note even more snakeskin for fall, albeit with a twist. This time around, snake prints are available in a slew of bright hues, and can be found on everything from beautiful blazers and skintight pants to wallpaper and pillows. Of course, no matter if you’re a risk-taker or prefer a more classic look, you can always punch up your wardrobe (and home!) with some colorful snakeskin accents. We think clutches, and even jewelry, blend well with any seasonal outfit.

Used in moderation, snakeskin often adds a chic sense of style and intrigue in
both fashion and design. Because of its natural origins, snakeskin may often be
used as a textured neutral, making it an extremely versatile choice when styling fashion for your home of workspace.   Depending upon its color and surroundings, snakeskin can translate as sophisticated, edgy, sleek, and confident. However…be warned…too much snakeskin inserted in the wrong context may also translate as tacky. XO PG

Golden Yellow 1950's Silk with One-of-a-Kind Vintage Brooch

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

Austin Addiction – The Greenbelt

Austin’s very own nature preserve is a great place to explore nature and join in on
numerous outdoor activities that Austonites enjoy. The greenbelt is miles and miles long stretching over 800 acres. We enjoy hiking along the running streams (when it’s not too hot out!). There are numerous swimming holes to check out with friends or your dog. The lush vegetation is truly beautiful to see and people come from all over Austin to walk through the terrain. We love snapping photos on top of the many cliffs; the views are breathtaking.

Hiking, biking, climbing and swimming are just a few of the options you have if you
need some outdoor exercise. But, there are also plenty of areas to relax as well. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day in the Greenbelt with your family!

We recommend entering from Loop 360, since the Zilker Park entrance can sometimes be crowded. There is a great parking lot that is rarely filled up off of 360. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes if you are hiking to the nearest swimming hole. They are farther than you think! Maybe you will run into us at the Greenbelt, it’s one of our favorite places to go in the summer. XO PG

Photo courtesy of www.austinbike.com.

 

Austin Addiction – Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

What’s a better way to enjoy your favorite flick than with dinner and drinks served right to you!? The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has been an Austin tradition since 1997. Tim and Karrie League started these chains of movie theaters and there are several Austin locations now. Our personal favorite is the South Lamar location. The waitresses are all so nice and the food is great! We recently saw Moonrise Kingdom there and loved the display they had outside of the theater (pictured below). We recommend going to see this movie, Wes Anderson created another great one!

Moonrise Kingdom display at Alamo Drafthouse

Not only does the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema play all the hits, but also classic movies and even old silent films. They also feature sing-along and quote-along events. Don’t forget that Mondays are Music Monday! You should definitely consider renting out one of their venues for your next private or corporate party.

Check out their website at www.drafthouse.com for times of all the showings. Right now they are playing The Dark Knight Rises, Klown, Ted, Moonrise Kingdom, Jobriath A.D. and Beasts of the Southern Wild. So, make tonight a movie night and head to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema! XO PG

 

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 Trends – Diamond Print

Texture Tuesday featuring: diamond prints and two of our Redbrick Modern pillows

Trending this week are diamond prints! From rhinestone textures to colorful prints – and a bedroom headboard to your fingernails -  this trend can be seen in a wide variety of interesting designs. It’s no secret that bold prints, and even pastels, are all the rage this season, so naturally diamond prints fit right in and must be next on our trend list. We like to think of it as a modern take on the classic argyle pattern that your seeing in fashion clothing and styling for the home.  Around for years, this pattern features a lot of textures and variation in coloring and size. Sometimes even a traditional pattern like this can be slightly twisted and elongated for a more modern take.  It adds a bit of jazz and brilliant texture to any object, yet remains classic and simple. We love quilted diamond prints on anything. So remember, diamonds are always a girl’s best friend! XO PG

Vintage Brown, Caramel, and Cream Scarf

Lavender Geometric Silk

You can find both of these pillows shown above, as well as other diamond 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 – 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.