Fresh Southern Summer Fabrics

What fabrics keep your design (and your body!) cool during these hot Texas summers? Does your Dallas interior design work well with these hot Dallas summer days?

Certainly, cotton fabrics are divine in terms of quality, cost and coolness, and are a natural fiber with tons of organic variations. Any savvy interior Designer knows this. But - the design industry is also utilizing the newer cotton/linen and hemp combinations in fabrics.

Perhaps the most important aspect of designing with fabric to consider during these hot summer months is your bedding. It needs to cover you, be stylish - but not smother you - especially here in the South.

Image Credit - from Southern Living - A Cottage White master bedroom.

Of course - color therapy plays in as well. White for that 'light airy' feeling, anda shabby-chic southern antique feel. Distressed milkwashed walls and a some flea-market-perfect accessories really romanticize this space. The whimsical chandelier over the bed seals the deal. What's important to note, is that the bedding is that light, fluffy (both in color, weight and texture) feathery down comfortable. Summer-cool, and Southern-chic.

Summer Color Inspirations

Let Summertime guide your color choices this year - and you'll be pulling nature into your home, and creating your own 'happy place'. Certainly, you could consider these palettes anytime of the year - and painting is the perfect quick change for an interior space.

Of course - Chromotherapy, sometimes called color therapy, colorology or cromatherapy, is of itself a way to effect your mood, and balance "energy". And, on a more practical application - light therapy is used in medical circles to treat SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

So - you will want to consider the room you're going to paint - the color, and the lighting. Depending on the size of the room and the color, a test patch on the wall is always a great idea. If it's well lit with natural light, you can generally assume that any inspirations from Mother nature that you pull in will be reflected similarly. If it's not well lit - then you'll want to utilize lamps and artificial lighting of course. Make sure the color works with the space, the accessories and furnishings - and that it's what you want it to be, and has the desired effect on your mood and sense of well being. Colors always can 'feel' different once they cover a large space.

The Beach
Teals, deep blues - these cool colors are sure to keep the mood light, relaxed and fresh. Utilize stark whites along side the bold walls - with lamps, drapes and accessories - couple with soft lighting.

The Meadow
"The Meadow" theme is frequented by all shades of yellow, and works well with almost any space. Yellow is one of those colors that is generally considered a 'happy' color, and goes especially well with nearly any floral print, or pattern - and looks great with whites or woods (even really dark woods!).

The Desert
You don't need a mesa to feel on top of the world, just paint your walls the color of a hazy gray-blue sky, and accent with the colors of pink sunlit sands. You'll really be bringing nature indoors, so make sure to consider and review the actual desert at different times of the day - and notice the differences in hues between early morning, and late evening. Be your own Yogi in minimalistic style, with colors you might have thought only God could paint.

Starry Skies
The darkest blues and violets call for bright white accents or rich furnishings. Be careful with patterns and use of other colors when using dark blues and purple hues - in fact - monochromatic accents are safest here if you must use a color other than white or a metallic accent.

Don't be scared though - this is another cool combination that can really soothe the senses if done correctly.

Just don't ruin this one with complimentary colors - it won't work. In fact, it might make you sick. Could you imagine this cute little powder room with orange anywhere - ? It's miss the mark.

Observe your world and figure out what moves you. Then - grab a can of paint and go to town. Bring your love of life into your interior design.

A King's Throne

Father's Day is June 19th

What is man’s best friend? We think a dog might actually be a close second, and a fine chair the winner of this war! And with Father’s Day coming around we’re sure that dad’s old recliner is getting to be a bit out of date – so why not get him a new one? In fact, why not go even further and make him feel like a king with a new throne for his office, or perhaps a fine piece of seating?

Of course, J. Douglas Design is the exclusive retailer in Dallas for Marge Carson fine furniture. (both chairs pictured in this post are from Marge Carson) We not only have many different types of chairs for every day use, but more specifically, we have chaises, super-manly wing back styles, executive desk chairs and sets of chairs and foot rests.

Chaises, while not a traditional recliner, certainly act like one. They are long chairs for reclining that not only give your dad – or any family member – the capability to recline, but to recline elegantly at that. At first, chaise lounges were neither easy nor inexpensive to create. The metal hand of the chaise was actually curved by hand, which made the chaise lounge unavailable to the public. It also had to be shipped in full assembly, which presented transportation troubles. Now, though, chaises (like ours) are put out into our stores so that anyone – with a good eye, of course – can have one to complete their home décor.

Father’s day is an important day to be celebrated and revered, and we know that you only want your dad to have the best – so let us help you! J. Douglas Design sends well wishes to ALL the Father's out there. Still not sure what he might love? Come down or call J. Douglas Design any time and we will gladly help you pick the best gift for your father and his tastes!