White Spaces

White is defined as the absence of color. But what can be more refreshing in an interior space on a hot summer day than soothing white? It adds coolness and freshness to a space. Use it when planning special events. It makes everything else in the room pop! White calms an otherwise frenetic event and cools temperaments in a crowded room. It's the color of purity in a wedding. It's the opening of spring when added with shades of green. White walls, white floors seem to make furniture recede in a large space. Use it liberally to add contemporary flair and open up a small space. When you want to warm up white add a hint of color...such as Linen White and Navajo White...These whites are great in bedrooms, because they aren't stark. Color is great...but, when decorating with white use pillows, throws, seat cushions and art to add a punch of color. If you are looking to update a room white may be the best way to go.










Images:
Australian Vogue Living
Elle Decor
Metropolitan Home
Traditional Home

Green Hot !

Adding green to the kitchen just became easier. The most beautiful green countertops I've ever seen come from IceStone. Why is IceStone green? That's the question I always ask. It's made of 75% recycled glass and 25% concrete...Wow! IceStone is perfect for projects seeking an LEED certification. An excellent benefit to users of IceStone countertops in the kitchen or a bathroom is....It will not stain. All it needs is a no VOC sealer to protect the surface after installation. If you're considering a kitchen revamp IceStone can be the perfect Green Hot solution!

Image: Traditional Home

Image: IceStone - Ice Pearl

Discount Designer Fabrics

What' s new at Red River?
We now offer customers in the U. S. discounted designer fabrics!
We will discount from 30-40% off the regular retail price.

You find it, price it and email us at:
fay@redriverinteriors.com

From there we will email you a quote. When you're ready we will place the order for you and have the fabric directly shipped to you at your office, home, or your decorator's studio. It's simple... SAVE Money... Enjoy top quality fabrics for your window treatment and upholstery projects!!

Highland Court - Azalea - 180513H-91

Highland Court - Robins Egg - 80584H-210

Duralee Fabrics - Devon Printed Sheer 50612-254Save on: Duralee, Highland Court, Kravet, Lee Jofa, Robert Allen, Scalamandre, Stout, Strohem and Roman, R M Coco .... and more

Sustainable Living

Nothing says sustainable like these hot new products by some of our favorite retailers. In their quest to go green for the summer season they offer beauty, sustainability, and chic. Pick your favorite item and it will add a cool green element to any space whether inside or out.

Pottery Barn’s new Seagrass Round Occasional Chair ($349) applies the organic material to a more modern silhouette. The piece comes with the seat cushion, whose cotton cover is removable

Hand-woven rattan in a basket pattern wraps a wood frame to create Williams-Sonoma Home’s new Mandalay headboard, available in queen ($795) or king ($995).

West Elm gives modern lines to the woven look with the Random Weave chair ($599) and ottoman ($349), both come with cushions in a linen-cotton blend. The pieces are made from the bark of the abaca plant, a relative of the banana tree.

IKEA’s PS Gullholmen chair ($59.99), which is wrapped with banana fibers.

At 26 1/2 inches long, Pier 1 Imports’ Hanging Teardrop wicker lamp ($75) is the largest of a new pendant lighting collection whose woven finish lends a nautical vibe

Don't I know you?

When you work in the area you grew up in, the it's-a-small-world-moments just keep on coming.

The person tapping me on the shoulder at a recent Cantor Center exhibit was my high school English teacher Shannon Griscom. I said the first thing that came to mind: "'The Cherry Orchard' is still my favorite play." Hey, if you can instill a love of Chekhov in just one student, you know you've done something right.

Then there are the unexpected connections. Earlier this spring, I walked up the steps of photographer Mark Tuschman's house, all set to interview him for a cover story. When he opened the door, this time I came out with a surprised "Ohmigod, I used to babysit your kids." It's always good to make a professional first impression.

For last week's cover story, the connection -- which we didn't realize until halfway through the interview -- was that sculptor Maria Koretz used to work with my father in biotech.

The other nice connection this month is that Janelle Brown, a friend from elementary, middle and high school, is coming to town to speak about her first novel. She'll be talking about "All We Ever Wanted Was Everything" next Monday at Kepler's, and is a terrific writer with bylines in the New York Times, Vogue, Wired and others. Congratulations, Janelle!

Pictured: Janelle Brown

Bamboo Power

We all know about the sustainability of bamboo. But, do you also know about it's versatility? Bamboo floors have been around for awhile. It's highly durable as a floor product. Bamboo grown on plantations, mostly in South Asia, has found new uses in the world of home decor. It is being woven into lovely functional roller shades and further processed for wallpaper. If you like lots of texture on walls and looking for ways to go green opt for bamboo. To me the newest and most interesting use of this woody grass is in bedding. Bamboo threads are steel like in strength but are soft, breathable, absorbent and fast drying. Bamboo sheets and blankets are light weight and durable. They are comfortable enough to use year round.... So, in your quest to go green... try a set!

Bamboo Window shades and Bamboo sheet set

Bamboo Sheets

Bamboo and cotton blankets

Bamboo Wallpaper

Inspiring Home

Everything about this home inspires me. It's exterior leans to no one's convention. The front yard is lush, with tropical plants, and is used to lounge. There are twin chaise lounges and a hammock to do just that... and it's not in the backyard. It's in the front!... Know what else is in the front yard?...the pool. Don't you just love it? Now we all know exactly what to do with all that space in the front of the house... How devine!!

images: LA Times

Front yard swimming pool

Patio off the living room

View of the backyard from the master bathroom shower