Holiday Florals - NOT JUST FOR SPRING!

Hello Bloggers!

Happiest of holiday wishes to you all!  As the days get shorter and the night gets longer, how about brightening up with florals?   Florals are not just for spring you know.  Floral wallcoverings and fabrics can lift you right out of the cold winter doldrums...  Have fun, ans as usual, don't be afraid to decorate.                   Enjoy these wallcoverings by Schumacher.   

This fabulous Chinoiserie print would look great in the dining room, right above a chair rail.  These colors are both winter and spring friendly.  

This patter looks stunning in a powder room.  It also makes a great one-wall design, behind the head board in the master bedroom!

How about this for Christmas???  Love the deep reds.  I have a client who used this in her hallway.  Stunning...

This is my fave!  I have this in my own powder room!  Note the usage of browns and taupes.    These are stunning colors for all seasons.  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE FOUR WALLS TO ONE AND ALL!  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER!!!

Warmest,

Robin

Giving Thanks

Hi blog readers,

Generally, the Four Walls blogs are about interior design tips, interesting decor tidbits and examples from the world of decorating.  However, with the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, I just didn't feel like blogging about "all things beautiful and stunning."  Given the amount of tragedy in the news and the world around us of late, I felt the design patterns of Thanksgiving dinnerware just didn't seem to be that important right now.

What is of importance, and needs to be recognized, is the fact that there are men and women of our military fighting to keep our world safe. Many of these men and women will not be home with their families and loved ones this Thanksgiving.

So, while you are enjoying the company of friends and family, and Thanksgiving dinner, give thanks to our military, police and fire fighters, who work continuously to keep us all safe in our imperfect world we live in.

The Four Walls wishes it's clients and friends a very happy Thanksgiving!

Robin

Print Happy Wallcoverings

Vientiane Ikat in indigo

Hello Blog Readers!

One of my most favorite hand print Wallcovering lines is Schumacher &Co.
They have just come out with a new line of Wallcovering called "Print Happy." These exciting prints are suitable for any room in the home, from contemporary to traditional.  This new addition adds a fun, new twist because of the wide variety in color mixes! It is refreshing as an interior designer, as well as store-owner of The Four Walls Design Studio, to see such bold use of color and larger print scale. In addition, their new line has an Asian influence, as well as a contemporary floral flavor.


This new collection is a timeless, non-trendy wallcovering that stands the test of time!
 
Remember folks, playing it safe with wallpaper is boring.

Happy decorating!

Robin

Chiang Mai Dragon in ebony.

Katsugi in tangerine and berry

                                             
                                                               






                                                                                                 

Song Garden in lacquer

The Wonderful World of Fornasetti!

Piero Fornasetti was an Italian painter, sculptor and interior decorator.  He was born in 1913 and passed in 1988.  In the 1940's he created more than 11,000 items, many featuring the face of a woman, operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri, as his main motif.  He heavily used black and white colors, the sun and time as his main frame.  His style is reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture.

Today it is most common to see Fornasetti's style in fashion and room accessories; such as scarves, lamps, furniture and china plates.  His unique wallcovering designs are bold, timeless and inspiring.

Here is a small sample of his work.

Here is a colorful example of his use of faces.  Notice the focus on the eyes. Stunning!

We just used this wallcovering for a fabulous oceanfront property, in a powder room.  Fab!

Look at this stunning depiction of the opera house. Notice the extensive use of black and white.



  These and other fine wallcoverings are available from Cole and Son, fine wallcoverings.
The Four Walls Wallcoverings and design carries a full line of Cole and Son products.
Happy decorating!

Best, Robin

INEXPENSIVE FALL DECORATING IDEAS

Decorating for fall means rich colors, warm, printed throws and a welcome feeling of coziness. No other season can boast this feeling.


Bring the outdoors in by filling unused and decorative jars with colorful branches from your back yard, or even your local florist.

Hello fall!  Add a festive welcome mat to your front door step, with wonderful fall color tones. Fab!  Don't forget to add pumpkins to the entry way as well.  Pumpkins always say... FALL!  The kids will have fun decorating them too!

Decorate your entryway with topiaries, pumpkins and fresh fall foliage.  This example shows an evenly distributed blast of fall colors on both sides of the door. Stunning!

Inside decorating is a snap with some candles, dried fall flowers and a few pumpkins. Remember, don't be afraid to decorate, AND bring in the kids and have some family fun!


    HAPPY FALL DECORATING!




                                                              Best,  

                                                                       Robin

What about that contractor??? They did what????

Welcome blog readers!

We've all heard that question before.  have we not?  Picking a contractor can be one of the most daunting and nerve wracking tasks facing interior designers and clients alike.

Over the past 31 years of being in the industry, many of my clients have come in with horrifying war stories about their experiences with contractors.  In addition, many designers have also told me some good ones!  When my mother Sheila founded The Four Walls 48 years ago, she instilled upon me the importance of affiliating with reliable, honest contractors, who would represent the store well.  Over the years, since I have owned the store, I have maintained that axiom.

Although I'm not saying that every contractor is without a flaw or two, The Four Walls is committed to the outright satisfaction of the client's needs.  The prerequisites of a good recommendation from The Four Walls are skilled technical capabilities, fabulous communication skills between client and contractor, reliability, punctuality, cleanliness, respect for the client's property and dedication to fair-pricing.  These are some of the requirements needed for a successful design project.

In addition to the contractor prerequisites, the client must also have some responsibility.  They must openly and clearly communicate their needs to the contractor BEFORE the project begins.  Deadlines, any possible issues and/or concerns are just some examples.

Keep in mind that contractors will be in your home for a period of time and preparation and trust are paramount to the success of any good design project!!!

Keep in mind, you can always call me with questions or concerns about YOUR project.  Have fun decorating!


Best,

Robin

Not Done With Summer Yet Folks!!!

Hello Blog readers.  

We have just transitioned our display window for you.  Look closely at our photo.  You'll notice that our beach coral is sporting fall colors.  After your boat has docked and your beach house is closed for the season, come to The Four Walls and allow us to show you our new fall collections!

As you know, we carry a full line of wallcoverings, upholstery, fabrics and window treatment concepts.  We look forward to seeing you soon!  


Best,

      Robin

Wallcovering courtesy of Sanderson &Son.

Chinoiserie design by Sanderson

Coral and bird patterns by Sanderson

Weathervanes Not Just For The Outside Anymore!

Hello blog readers!  

The following is from New England Home Magazine:

Weathervanes, move them into the home:

Ah, the weathervane. Traditionally known for predicting weather on barns, churches and homes, since the 1800's, these iconic pieces of art are now being used as interior design elements. Think a cow on the kitchen table instead of flowers. Use a rooster on the mantle in place of that painting of Great Aunt Matilda. Try the dresser, the hallway, even the bathroom. New England Weathervane Shop has the largest collection of working antique weathervane molds in the country. From historic to custom, traditional to modern, our 100% copper weathervanes are crafted by hand, the old fashioned way: First hammered into molds, hand trimmed and soldered. So, if you're looking for a new piece of art, think outside the cupola!

I found these beautiful and classic weathervanes featured in New England Home Magazine. They are the product of New England Weathervane CO.  They may be contacted by either;

TEL:     978-815-6189     or     Email:     news1853@gmail.com

Are We Vain?

Hi blog readers!

Hope you are enjoying your summer thus far! Today let's talk about one of my favorite items: mirrors for the home. Not that we are vain and like to look at ourselves, but I find decorative mirrors have always made a great statement in room design. One of my faves is a company called Carvers Guild. These wonderful mirrors are made in the United States and are available through interior designers. They are simply unique and a matter of fact, I have used them in my own home, and my client's as well. These hand made gilded mirrors are great for any space. For a recent design project a Carvers Guild mirror was the added touch in a powder room!

With that said, hang a fabulous mirror in your home and, oh by the way, being a little "design vain" is a good thing!!

Happy decorating and enjoy you summer folks!
Best,
Robin

Not a lost room!!

Hi blog readers!

Hope you all enjoyed your 4th of July holiday.

This post is about my favorite room to decorate, the dining room! It is the room in the home where family gathers for holidays or just for an informal dinner. When designing client's dining areas I really like it to be informal not over done or too fussy. It shouldn't feel like a place that is unused in every day life. If you feel like making it more formal take out your fine china and silver.

I personally have china that I use every day. Having a dining room that never gets used is a wasted space, so put out some nice china, silverware and informal table linens and invite some family and friends over for dinner!  Oh, don't forget candles!

Happy decorating!
With all the best,
Robin

Client dining room which features Farrow and Ball Wallcovering 

Exciting new selections just into the store!!!

 
Stunning Thibaut wallpaper for a new client, in her kitchen and breakfast room.  Love the GEO blue and white!  Crisp and classic. 

My clients are tired of EVERYTHING floral!!!  Don't be afraid to decorate!!!

Grasscloth for relaxing decor!  Come in to The Four Walls and let us design YOUR dream room!!!  Grasscloth is great for any home
style.  Don't be afraid to decorate!!!
p.s.  Stunning!!!






NEWSFLASH:  The Four Walls is now on Twitter.  Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at
@fourwalls1001!!!   

Windows and walls

Well hello blog readers,

Hope your Memorial Day was a restful one. Today, I would like to talk about window treatments and wallpaper. Nothing completes a room like these two elements. For most folks, when redecorating a space, they come to a dead end when trying to tackle this concept. I always like to suggest that my clients keep the treatments simple and tailored. I suggest panels; either stationary or functional, and I like them full and not skimpy! Another favorite of mine are Roman shades, and a lot of the time wallcovering even comes with the matching fabric! This is always a plus because it keeps the space simple and stunning. 

With so much to choose from in the decorative hardware lines; the rods, rings and finials become the "jewelry" of your window treatments. It is so much fun to let your "gutsy side show!"                                                                                                                           

 

In conclusion, if you are afraid to express your decorating ideas and put them in motion, the space will never represent your sense of style. The Four Walls, or your interior designer, can guide you with any questions you have, as to the "right and wrong" within your taste!

 

If you have any questions, or need advice, call me at the store. And, like I always say: “don’t be afraid to decorate,” change can be a good thing!

Happy decorating folks!

                                                                                                                            

Best,

Robin

Deck And Patio Design - Urban And City

Hi Blog readers,

With Memorial Day weekend approaching, it's time to think about our decks and patios. Beautiful Decks can be found in the city too!  Don't be afraid to spruce up your deck, no matter where it is! 

Today's deck furniture can withstand the elements like never before.  Faux wicker is one example of durable, yet beautiful deck and patio furniture.  Faux wicker comes in many designs and colors.  It is easy maintenance and cleans up very well. 

Sunbrella is a new fabric line.  It resists fading and is easy maintenance as well.  Their pillows and cushions are very pretty and are available in a multitude of design selections. 

I personally like bold prints and have them on my deck furniture.  They can often make a small deck look larger.  Furniture placement is easier than inside furniture placement because deck furniture will always be moved around. 

Don't forget to hang plants and keep them well watered.  Choose plants that are more maintenance free.   Decks should be fun.  They should not be a high maintenance area that requires frequent cleaning!  With today's deck and patio decor, manufacturers are producing high quality, low maintenance area rugs and carpet.  Your outdoor space is as important to design as your indoor space. 

Have fun and as I always say, Don't be afraid to decorate!





Best,


Robin

Classic Style Home Meets Contemporary Flair!

Hi Blog readers. 

I have been very busy helping my clients get ready for their spring redecorating projects. One of the most recent has been a foyer in a Brookline, MA home. Here was an exciting chance to give this foyer and hallways a contemporary flair, given the fact that all of the woodwork and moldings were painted in a medium gloss white, and the floors are a dark wood stain.  This contemporary, damask pattern was chosen because my clients wanted to introduce grey as the accent color.





 


 Given that design task, a brushed silver background was the perfect application for this large space and grand ceiling height!





Next on the list was a powder room, where a hand painted, cork wallcovering, in matte silver with gold flex, made the perfect statement in this small space. A few pieces of art and the room is complete!

One should never be intimidated by wallpapering a large space or a small one, with what I like to call a "sexy wallpaper! "

Happy decorating!

Best,

Robin