February 04, 2013

Fashion and Decor

Two beautiful coffee table books came my way this past Christmas: one on fashion, the other on home decor. My friends and family know me too well.

An old friend from the past gave me “In Vogue, The Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine”. Gorgeous….I’ve enjoyed looking at old images from past editions and magazine covers and reading about the evolution of this world-renown magazine. I’m a self proclaimed magazine-aholic. As a young girl I can remember swooning over the glossy pages of Vogue. (I even have a few issues from the late 70’s and early 80’s somewhere in my cabinets). Then in the late 80’s/early 90’s I started to collect home decor magazines too. (surprise!) One of my favourite keepsakes from the past is my black and gold covered Architectural Digest from 1990, our first year in business.

1990 AD100 Architectural Digest Special Edition

What better teachers could you ask for? Studying thousands of rooms done by design icons over the years can’t help but train the eye. It trains the eye to understand colour, proportion, repetition, contrast, scale…all the principles of design…better than any school course could ever teach.

The fashion and decor world have always been very much intertwined. However, years ago it would take a couple of seasons for the decor trends to catch up to the fashion trends. Now the trends emerge virtually simultaneously. Fashion + Decor, a website that we follow brings us regular updates on runway trends and then artfully pairs them with emerging home decor trends. If you follow Lumar on Facebook you might have seen our re-postings. If you love fashion and decor like we do, then this website is a feast for the eyes! Have a look here.

Keeping your finger on the pulse is easier than ever. On trend this spring is definitely going to be an influx of floral. Fashion + Decor vividly brought this to our attention with the photo below. From the pre-fall 2013 runways, Carolina Herrera dresses are sporting what those of us from the 80’s remember as floral chintz!

Carolina Herrera

And the more we looked around, the more we started to see it pop up in home decor. Below it is paired with a modern herringbone.

Via Pinterest

The back of this wing chair is upholstered in a beautiful green chintz from Lauren Weiss. The front of it done is done in a solid – again a more contemporary feel to a traditional pattern. The florals will look a little different from the ones of the 80’s, of course. Things always come back a little different….the colours, the scale or the base cloths. I’m not sure we’ll be seeing the shiny chintz cloth of the 80’s but many of those patterns will be re-coloured and printed on linen base cloths.

Lauren Leiss Via Pinterest

According to Marisa Marcantonio of Stylebeat blog, the Lee Jofa front showroom in the New York Design Centre has been redecorated to sport happy colours and yes, an iconic Lee Jofa floral print on the love seat.

Lee Jofa Showroom via Stylebeat blog

Now Carolina Herrera and Lee Jofa may be on the high end of fashion and decor…but that’s where the trends always start. So the average person isn’t going to run out and reupholster their sofa in a new floral print just yet, but give it a little time and you will see many more jump on the bandwagon.

If you get the urge to add a little floral to your life, give us a call or [email protected]. Spring is around the corner…..

Stay tuned to find out about the second book I received for Christmas 🙂

TESTIMONIALS

Working with Marisa & team was an absolute joy. Their brilliant design skills went above and beyond what we expected as they helped us navigate a total reno of our main floor. They took our vision and feedback and translated it into creating our dream home! They guided us through all decisions, big and small, with knowledge, professionalism and patience. I can confidently say I would not change one thing.

- HM, Thornhill -

Amazing team of interior designers, we were so fortunate to be referred to Lumar Interiors and worked with Marisa and team, they are professional and creative. We had just completed a home renovation project and needed help with furnishing and decorating our family and living room. The results of our project is way beyond anything we could have imagined. We are totally grateful to these two ladies and their team!!!!

- SC, Vaughan -

When we moved to Aurora, we didn’t hesitate to call Marisa again. She knows what the client wants and stops at nothing to get the job done….looking for that perfect piece of furniture, upholstery, drapery, lighting & accessories, she was able to pull it all together and successfully accomplish our dream. We could not have done this without her expertise, trade contacts and wonderful support staff at Lumar Interiors.

- PW, Aurora -

Working with Lumar for almost 20 years spanning two homes, one of which was a custom build, I have experienced first hand the knowledge, resources, and abundance of talent Luisa and Marisa offer their clients. Professional and never “pushy” ideas are brought to fruition with ease. I highly recommend Lumar for all decorating projects, small and large.

- OL, King City -

I met with Luisa and the team two days after we moved into our newly built home. In the following two years, they have transformed our house into an elegant and welcoming home. It was a pleasure working with them. I valued their creativity, dependability, attention to detail, work ethic & professionalism. I highly recommend them and appreciate all of their efforts in making our home a warm and special place.

- PG, Stouffville -

When we first began the renovating and decorating process, I had a vision of what I wanted our home to look like. My biggest concern was whether I would be able to get my ideas across to the people involved in the process. Thanks for being a crucial part in making “my vision” into a reality, and for all the decorating advice when I just wasn’t sure what to do. It looks great-you made it painless and fun!

- AL, Richmond Hill -

The compliments never stop. It was so nice working with Lumar Interiors. You made everything so easy and understood exactly what I wanted in style and in cost…I had used many decorators before that charged through like a steam roller giving little time to me and my wishes. Working with the team at Lumar was sheer pleasure. I felt I not only found a new decorator but a new friend as well.

- PK, Thornhill -

Marisa Lupo from Lumar Interiors recently helped me update my 1990’s kitchen and make it a beautiful room. I have known Marisa for many years now and together we have also redecorated my family room and dining room. Slowly we have successfully turned my house into a home. Marisa’s patience and knowledge have made working with her a pleasure. I look forward to our next decorating project together!

- MS, Woodbridge -