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CHALLENGE: I am working with a client who is located in a historical town that offers many rich links to the past. This client is demanding an upscale fabric that is reminiscent of the early 1800's era. Fresh blue hues are part of a collection of colors she would like to use throughout the home.
The client also is asking for a new and exciting motif that has not been seen throughout every historical home in the area. Can you offer some fresh and new ideas?
SOLUTION: Fabric suppliers offering detailed fabrics with a rich, historic past most certainly will meet your need. Usually, they also will offer special collections that are historically linked to the past, some even have patterns and motifs licensed from museums.
For example, Brunschwig & Fils has just introduced its 1999 collection. Folk Motifs that bring color and charm from the past are included in the collection. The photograph is an excellent illustration of the historic blue your client is demanding, as you mentioned above.
Moving from the warmth and color of Mexican design to the rustic grace of early American art, the folk theme also can be seen in its collection Forefathers Cotton Print. Hailing from the Winterthur Museum, this print is based on an appliquéed bedspread made in 1853 that depicts all nine United States presidents elected up to that time.
This piece was adapted by arranging portraits of the first four presidents in a patchwork format, which simulates quilting, that most American of textile traditions. Stitchery-style tracery behind the main figures, as well as the graphic star-crossed borders, add to the illustration of depth and evoke the surface texture of different fabrics sewn together. This fabric has been rendered to preserve the naïve charm of the original. The presidents upon their horses are both primitive and historic. Quilting the fabric is an option, both in terms of the patchwork layout and the design's heritage.
This early American palette of russets, blues and dusky greens adds to the overall period feel. The stripe is named Salem Tavern Stripe. This also is a cotton print that may be used in many different ways.
This fabric, Forefathers, would prove charming as a window treatment, or simply draped on the wall as shown. For a window covering, lining would be recommended for added strength and to ensure complete light control. This collection also boasts matching wallpaper and border to accent and pull together the room's charm and personality.
I'm sure your client will fall in love with this charming print from this new and fresh collection. The colors are fresh and the historic appeal will complement the home's interior personality to the rich past it demands!
Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years
experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator
at Moorpark college in southern California.
She is a published author and frequent public speaker.
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