I Have The Key and It's Greek!

The lovely and talented Suzanne Kasler 

 What a beautiful bench covered in a Greek Key pattern.

(Definition of Greek Key: A continuous band decoration of interlacing, hooked squares.)

Lately I am loving Greek Key designs.  I think it is the clean lines and the grounding force they seem to make in a room.  A Greek key design can make the ordinary become classic.  I would love to incorporate this design somewhere in my home.  I am not sure where I will put it, but I think it is going to be in my future! My friend, Eddie Ross loves to use the Greek Key pattern in his designs and that might just be where it started looking so handsome to me.  I am a big fan of Eddie's so I study whatever he produces. He did a make-over post on two side chairs for his apartment in New York that turned out stunning.  He has the ability to see the ordinary and invision how he can make it new,fresh and classic with a twist.  You have to go to his post and see the before. The picture below shows the after in his apartment.  I love this room. It is so handsome.  By painting them in a classic gray and keeping the upholstery simple and clean, these chairs have become new! again.  Great job Eddie!

Eddie found another new piece of Heisey glass in the Greek Key pattern at the Alameda Flea Market where I got to meet him for the first time, it was truly a thrill for me.

These are pictures of Eddie's Heisey glass collection in the Greek Key pattern, He and Jaithan were so generous to share these pictures with me for this post. Aren't these gorgeous?

I am going to show you some other pictures of the Greek Key design used in rooms that I find very appealing.

The fabric on this chair is so stunning.

The Greek Key motif in black and white is one of my favorites, not to mention the matching lamps on the console. I believe those lamps are from Restoration Hardware.

Love this bedding.  Are you beginning to see how handsome the Greek Key design can be?

This is the same room as above showing the entire room. This is definitely a WOW! room in my book.

I LOVE this mirror.

What a sophisticated childs room. I would have never thought to use this in a child's room, yet I love this idea. (Note to self, remember this for playroom re-do)

Room designed by Nancy Corzine

This room was done by David Jiminez it pops with the use of yellow and then has the classic grounding touch with the use of the Greek Key design in the pillows.

Here we have the soft curves of antique furniture and then the wonderful structure of the Greek key on the window pelmet.

Hmmmm, maybe I should use a Greek Key in my bedroom? This is very close to the colors I have used and some of the same bedding.  I am starting to see where it might be going in my own home.

Designer Amanda Nesbit

Using it on top of pink is so striking.  Notice it is in the rug also.

Designer Johnathan Adler

I like the use of the rug and then a nod to the Greek design by using a pediment above the door, very clever.

You almost have to search for the Greek Key motif in this picture. It is used subtly on the table legs. I really like this idea.

This is another subtle use in the arm of chair in Katie Lee Joel's living room.

Palmer Weiss used the Greek Key fabric on this wonderful settee.

The Syrie Chair designed by Jan Showers

Last but not least, is a chair by Jan Showers-simple and classic at its best.  Notice the little turned up feet and the classic lines of this chair.  It is a beautiful design and the stunning black Greek Key is a show stopper.

" Enjoy the Process" Of: Thinking of ways to use Greek Key motif in your designs.

Kathysue

For Your Valentine Viewing Pleasure

When I think of Valentines Day I can not help but think of the color red.  Red is a color I do not use in my everyday decor in my own home.  I do enjoy visiting homes that use red .  In fact one of my favorite homes to visit is done in all red,white and blue.  It makes me smile as soon as I walk in.  Red is a very strong and vibrant color and it is not for the faint of heart. Speaking of hearts, back to Valentine Viewing. I hope you see some rooms that will make you smile.

I love this chair and would really like one in white!

Do you think a love letter is being typed?

Just a touch of red in this handsome room makes it feel romantic.

What a fun office and organized beautifully in red.

Bold and Beautiful from Lonny Magazine. If you have not looked at this on-line magazine you should take a peek. It is on its second on-line issue.

A striking room done by one of my favorite TV designers Sarah Richardson

I like the use of the Tynant water bottles in red. The red bottles hold still water but they have a wonderful colbalt blue glass bottle for their sparkling spring water for you blue lovers.

Room pictured in House Beautiful

This picture is more on the pink side of red but I had to post this beautiful bouquet.

Another pinky red in just two blooms, but just enough color to add interest to this bathroom.

Notice the subtle color of blue on the walls with the great sayings, and the the huge pop of color in the chandelier. That is what I call a Wow! factor.

They chose to use lots of different patterned fabrics all in red, very charming.

The chandelier in ths home is an amazing piece of jewelry for this room.

A nice relaxed room.

Another room with several different patterns in red this room is done by Peter Estersohn for Southern Accents Magazine

Another room from Southern Accents, oh how I miss that magazine.

This is for all of you toile lovers out there.

I hope you have enjoyed your Valentine Viewing. I must leave you with one last picture, I could not resist. This is actually a chair named Lesuire Lux Chair.  Now that is very interesting to say the least.

"Enjoy the Process" Of:  Thinking about using a touch of red for Valentines Day!

Kathysue

A B C , 1 2 3!!

For those of you that know me, you know I am slightly obsessed with black and white.  I personally think it is only natural for me to love a letter or a number in black, don't you?  I love the bold look of a letter plaque on the wall. I have an initial in black, of course, on our wall in the familyroom. Not an original idea by any means, but one that I have done for many years.  At one point I counted the the intial that signifies my last name and I actually have seven in my kitchen and family room.  Some might think a bit much but they are scattered about, some in obvious ways, and others more descretely placed.  I, of course, also have monogrammed towels in the bathrooms.  Thanks to the Neiman Marcus Pink sale I keep stocked up on my towels. With all this talk about letters and numbers being used decoratively in a room, I thought I would share some pictures of rooms with letters and numbers used in different ways.

I really like the simplicity of this and it makes me want to go and lay down on that bed!

Love all the different letters and numbers used here.  All different shapes and sizes.  The one large N in yellow is the statement piece here.  It is sleek and contemporary next to the ornate design on the lovely mantel piece.

If I had stairs I would definitely do this, love it!

Simple and easy to do. This would add a little whimsy to a room.

Although I do not know what this rug says, I still enjoy its design.

This is a fun retro design written on the chalkboard! So 1950's

Another easy application done with etched glass.

Look very closely at this placemat. It's lacey pattern is full of numbers.

Found on Etsy

Napkin rings to make any table setting fun!

Nate Berkus' office is so handsome. Notice the numbers on the wall.

Pottery Barn

This is one of my favorite images and one I am keeping in mind for my playroom re-do.

As you can see there are a lot of ways to use letters and numbers to make a room a little more fun and whimsical.

This is my last image and my favorite. I want this somewhere in my yard. It is so fun and whimsical!!

"Enjoy the Process Of: Adding a little whimsy to your rooms with letters and numbers.

Kathysue