architect design™: Do you layer?

Monday, April 14, 2014

Do you layer?

I think the most interesting rooms are layered with finds, accumulated over time, and not 'designed' all at once. This past weekend I picked up a pair of antique Italian gilded wall brackets to hang between the windows in my living room and display some white porcelain.

The treatment of this large set of windows has been kept simple to maximize the view of the park across the street (just one large bamboo shade to cover all 3 windows). I think the brackets add some interest to a rather window treatment -what do you think? too much?

My hope is that the simple lines of the porcelain detract from the ornateness of the brackets. But it's my own house so of course I can be as fussy as I please ;-)

21 comments:

A Perfect Gray said...: love to see layered spaces. you're right; it's best done over time. looks great! donna; April 14, 2014 at 7:22 PM
Blue said...: I like layering but my husband is intensely irritates by it so ..... we layer infrequently and for short periods. I like your combination of vase and bracket.; April 14, 2014 at 9:05 PM
Karena said...: Stefan the brackets are gorgeous with your white porcelain and I think absolutely perfect for the space!

xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena; April 14, 2014 at 10:02 PM
David said...: I like the simple vs. the ornate quite a bit.; April 14, 2014 at 10:16 PM
Thomas Hogglestock said...: I think you have it nicely balanced. To me layering is the only way to go.; April 14, 2014 at 10:40 PM
Paisley Curtain said...: The brackets with the porcelain vase look good, and obviously add interest. And of course layering effect.; April 14, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Row homes and Cobblestones said...: Yes, yes, yes I layer and my design has evolved over time. Much more interesting when a place creates it's soulful feel as it evolves through time.
Vera
PS Enjoyed the cherry blossoms on Saturday and Sunday, absolutely stunning!; April 14, 2014 at 10:59 PM
Chronica Domus said...: Yes, absolutely agree. It takes time to build a room/house. I've never understood just buying everything at once to be done. The brackets and vases look lovely!; April 15, 2014 at 12:07 AM
Woodside Park said...: Beautifully done!! Very sophisticated Stefan!; April 15, 2014 at 8:20 AM
Foodie said...: Brackets and porcelains look nice.
You might want to consider, when your budget allows, so cut your shade down to window width. The idea of having one shade is good, but eliminating the overhang will make it look custom, and more expensive.
The apartment is becoming more personal over time.....; April 15, 2014 at 10:47 AM
home before dark said...: I think layering is the only way to go and I do love a good mix. I also think that personal is the only style of decorating that speaks to me. Love the way your home says it's you.; April 15, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Divine Theatre said...: You are right! I love the brackets! I also adore the juxtaposition of refined modern and gilded baroque.
Frankly, you can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned!

xo

Andie; April 15, 2014 at 1:43 PM
Mark D. Ruffner said...: No, no, don't second-guess yourself — I think the white porcelain and the ornate brackets look perfect together!

I don't know if the right word for my house is "layered," but I do find that the houses that I enjoy most have many hidden surprises. Maybe for that reason, I'd have a hard time living in a minimal house.; April 15, 2014 at 2:08 PM
Windlost said...: I love the brackets. They add a certain je ne sais quoi. They are very sophisticated. I love the single blind treatment too and so lovely that you have a view. Perfection!!!

xo Terri; April 15, 2014 at 10:30 PM
Karena said...: Oh and Stefan , yes, I do layer, layer, layer!

xoxo
Karena
Feature:Decorate Fearlessly; April 16, 2014 at 12:45 PM
Anonymous said...: I totally agree that the best rooms evolve over time and don't look designed. Love your window with only the wood shade and the brackets. Perfect amount of accessories. You should shoe more of you home photos. How did your chair reupholstery come out?; April 17, 2014 at 3:51 PM
Anonymous said...: Layered and collected over time make for the most interesting and exciting rooms. Love what you're doing!
xsxs; April 21, 2014 at 1:06 PM
Eric H said...: I like the look but you have to be careful it doesn't go too far towards hoarder.

I can't help but think about the practicality of this placement. Doesn't it keep you from closing the shades? It also looks a bit precarious. You never know when you'll have an impromptu pillow fight on the couch and those porcelain vases will be toast.; April 22, 2014 at 10:48 AM
Slim Paley said...: I think they look really great Stefan.
Can you close the blind without having it hit the vases though? If not, you might consider cutting the blind to just cover the window and mount the brackets on the far sides. Or perhaps as you are right across from a park (score!) you have no need to ever close the blind, in which case I like them where they are.
I'm for layers all the way!; April 22, 2014 at 11:52 PM
pve design said...: Layering and juxtaposing the ornate with the mod, adds texture and interest. Lovely.
pve; April 28, 2014 at 12:58 AM
Unknown said...: I love the brackets and porcelains. They look like an art piece and are a perfect addition to your beautiful room! xo Nancy; April 28, 2014 at 2:26 PM