Underwater Style

With record heat all over the country, it’s only appropriate that we’re seeing a big trend in everything water, especially fish motif.  Being a Piesces I have a strong connection to swimming fish.  As a kid I remember going fishing with my older brother and dad on the weekends.  These weekend fishing trips didn’t last long as I insisted that they put the fish back in the water after catching them.

Now I find myself using fish and the underwater design trend in my projects.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This fantastic silk fabric is from one of my favorite vendors, Jim Thompson.  I could see this used as large drapery panels in a home by the beach.  I love the fluid movement of the pattern.  As the drapery folded in and out from the pleat, you would see fish swimming in and out of the pattern

To add a little splash of this trend in your home, consider 3 small fish statues like these from the fantastic Jay Strongwater.  Place them on your coffee table for a touch of summer color and sparkle

This firescreen is designed by a friend a old neighbor of mine, Philip Nimmo.  Check out his other firescreens and amazing iron work at http://www.philipnimmoironworks.com

Bring fish to the table without the fishy smell with these stylish plates perfect for a casual dinner party.  I would accent these plates with blue glassware and small glass stones as centerpieces mixed in with goldfish in small bowls. 

I am in love with the detail at the bottom of this ottoman.  The wave pattern along with the nailheads is a subtle ode to the sea

For those who have a serious love of fish (and don’t mind the commitment) go for it with Waterworks Goldfish Boarder for a powder room or backsplash. 

Fabric Trend

Ikat fabrics are popping up everywhere.  Ikat, which means “to bind” has a tie-dye effect on fabirc.  They are usually hand woven and are great ways to add a causal vibe to a room while punching in some color. 

I am always buying pillows to freshen up my own sofa.  Right now I’m in love with blues so these are on the top of my list

Stick to one color of Ikat per room (in my opinion too many kills the effect)

Madeline Weinrib wins hands down when it comes to Ikat fabrics http://www.madelineweinrib.com.  I love this fabric for a drapery boarder in a sunroom.

I rarely do a patterned chair, but in this room, the purple Ikat works. 

Not my style, but a beautiful fabric on this sofa.