The Design Behind Frances Valentine’s Designs
We love the fresh, bold look the wallpaper brings to Warwick’s White House, so we are thrilled that our color and pattern choices were chosen as the backdrop for Frances Valentine’s Spring 2021 catalog. The young fashion company was founded by Kate Spade, Andy Spade and Elyce Arons. The collection’s cuts, colors and prints are so fresh, yet so classic – exactly the vibe we were looking to achieve in our design of the space.
“When we’re looking to find a location for our photo shoots, it’s hard to find a space that has so much personality,” says Maggie Cepis, Art Director at Frances Valentine. “When I came upon Warwick’s White House, the wallpaper immediately leapt out at me. I loved how you can see the wallpaper in multiple rooms through the doorways, each layering and contrasting, but still working very well together. With this interior design, we were able to frame the shoot to harken back to the mood of the collection.”
Never be afraid to play with colors and patterns. Notice how the patterns of the collection play nicely together with the contrasting wallpaper prints. The layering is simply striking. There is a balance in the juxtaposition. It all comes down to effectively layering hues, patterns and scale. This rule equally applies to both interior and fashion design.
As we infuse patterns to curate a space that tells a story and has a distinct personality, Frances Valentine uses patterns to help curate a customized wardrobe for its customers. “It’s so fun to mix patterns and textures to create a unique look,” says Cepis, and we couldn’t agree more.
An Example Where Mixing Bold Choices Provides Big Payoff
The interior design of Warwick’s White House exudes drama and positive energy because of its bold wallpaper choices. We collaborated with the owners, Sylwia Kubasiak and Arek Kwapinski, in the design of the space, selecting colorful patterns from Thibaut and York Wallcoverings that create a wow-factor. The wallpaper is the anchor for the décor of this Hudson Valley lodging destination, with the other design pieces layered on top.
While the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is anything but boring and dated. Its recent restoration infused tasteful elements that preserve the 18th century Georgian architecture while birthing a more contemporary personality through fresh style and color choices. Guests at Warwick’s White House enjoy a sense of history updated with a funky vibe. Each of the wallpaper patterns was carefully selected so that they not only make a statement, but also complement each other, producing a sense of movement from one room to the next. While the patterns may be the foundation of the interior design, we like to think of them as the accessory that enables the overall design to make sense.
“I met Marina when I purchased two historic houses in Warwick, NY and didn’t have any clue where to start my renovations,” says Sylvia. “With her knowledge of the colonial period and passion for work, everything went very smoothly and was very exciting. She has a great sense of style and she taught me a lot and changed my vision on interior design. Marina was always working around my schedule, knew every specialist needed for the work and became my friend. I would recommend her for any project, doesn’t matter how big. She will listen to your ideas and will connect them with hers to make a wonderful piece of art.”
Mixing Patterns in Home Decor
Are you looking to breathe new life into your living space? Adding pops of colorful patterns is a great way to create a rich, timeless and inviting space where you and your guests will want to linger. Whether you are thinking relaxed-chic or refined, layering your rooms with fun prints, patterns and color results in an interior that is special and never boring.
Using this design staple, you can easily create a fresh vibe no matter what your style may be – prints work for traditional to contemporary, minimal to eclectic, and everything in between. Wallpaper, textiles, rugs and tiles all offer opportunities for you to integrate pattern into your interior. Even something as small as a patterned pillow can make a significant impact on the feel of a space.
But how do you introduce pattern without having your home look chaotic? We’ve put together a few suggestions to help you successfully incorporate pattern into your space.
5 Tips for Successfully Using Patterns in Your Home
1. Pay Attention to Color and Scale When Mixing Patterns
To prevent a feeling of overwhelm, when mixing patterns in a space stick to patterns with colors in the same tonal family or palette and be sure to choose patterns that vary in size and scale.
2. Make a Bold, Single Statement
If you are using a single pattern in the room, pick a bold accent color to really create contrast to attract the eye.
3. Remember Balance
Spread patterns around the room. Don’t place all of the patterned elements in one area.
4. Pair Traditional with Contemporary
For visual balance and a more updated look, mix a traditional pattern with something eclectic and unexpected.
5. Combine Patterns with Solids
Too many patterns are hard on the eye. Be sure to use a good mix of patterns and solids in your interior design to break up the shapes and lines.
The Masters of Pattern in Interior Design
Trail Blazers for this style are the gents at Madcap Cottage. The master duo behind the company are Jason Oliver Nixon and John Loecke, two people our lead designer, Marina Case, has the pleasure of calling friends. The trio bonded through collaborations on panels at High Point Market for the Williamsburg Brand and other industry events.
“From the moment we met, I knew we were design soul mates. All three of us share a love of English décor with a whimsical twist,” says Marina. “I’m always impressed by how easily they draw upon their global travels and deep understanding of the history of design to create spaces that are true to a period’s architecture yet invigorated and inviting. Jason and John’s products, particularly their fabrics, always breathe new life into a room in fun ways.”
Madcap Cottage’s pieces create limitless design opportunities. The company’s coordinated collections of prints and patterns allow you to mix and match to create your own unique looks.
Ready to Get Started Transforming Your Space?
There are so many ways in addition to pattern to breathe fresh life into a home. View my Portfolio to see more examples of my interior design projects and follow us on Instagram for more interior design inspiration.
