Interior Design Inspired by Fashion
What do you think of when you hear the names Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein and Adrienne Vittadini? Your first response may be clothing but think again. All of these fashion designers have ventured into the home decorating realm. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren were the trailblazers of home fashion and a legion of designers have followed their lead.
Go Nude
One example of runway fashion colliding with interior design is the popular nude trend. The nude look encompasses beige, cream light brown and everything in between. These understated and sophisticated colors are seen everywhere in clothing, shoes and accessories—even makeup and nail polish.
Fashion industry experts say this trend will survive for quite some time. And why shouldn’t it? Nudes look fabulous on everyone. It's a trend that can go from glamorous, edgy or hippie boho chic depending on your personal style.
The nude trend transitions perfectly into interior design and the home furnishings arena. Neutrals soften the hard edges of a space and exude a relaxed, tranquil feeling. An important note: if you have kids and pets make sure your neutral upholstery items have removable slipcovers or are easily cleanable.
Just look at this exquisite nude dining room. Feel free to get carried away with this trend. There’s nothing stopping you from doing the entire house in shades of nude. Just stick with complimentary hues and intensities in each space to avoid a jarring contrast. This will ensure a calm visual flow from room to room.
Use Visual Trickery
Let’s say for the sake of argument that you were not blessed with the stature of a supermodel and your home is not a villa in the South of France. In reality you are petite and so is your house. But don't worry. You can overcome these perceived shortcomings. The same visual trickery we use to fool the eye with fashion works equally well with interior design..
Dressing in a dark color from head to toe gives the illusion of height and slims the body. You achieve the same results in a room. If your kitchen has floor-to-ceiling cabinets get rid of the light oak or white and go with a dark color to draw the eye up. Even if your house has standard 8-foot ceilings this little bit of fakery from the fashion world will make the cabinets appear taller. This trick works the same as a perfectly tailored black jacket, pants and pumps.
Take Cues From the Closet
If you are stuck coming up with a design direction for a room look no further than your closet. This will help you find interior design inspiration based on your fashion sense. By simply examining your favorite clothing and accessories you can bring a personal touch and unexpected sense of style into your home. Take a cue from the colors and designs in your closet and use them as a starting point for your next home decorating endeavor.
This concept is seen in the office of renowned interior designer Barbara Barry. It is a great example of the confluence of fashion and interior design. This tailored outfit perfectly matches her classic design style. She feels that design comes from all of the five senses emerging through discussion, texture, color, pattern and emotion.
Identical Interiors and Fashion
In the 1970s Diane von Furstenberg introduced the iconic wrap dress to the fashion world. It has been a favorite style for many years. Now this businesswoman, former princess and fashion doyen has embarked on a career in interior design. Her first major client? None other than the iconic Claridge Hotel in London, featuring her decor and home textile collection. This room literally mirrors her runway creations.
Weigh In
Who’s Your Favorite Fashion Designer Turned Home Designer?
© 2011 Linda Chechar