Travel the Globe without Leaving Home

Last week the gals at the office took a field trip to the Washington Design Center to attend a talk by Martyn Lawrence Bullard – one of our favorites from Bravo’s show: Million Dollar Decorators.  MLB has teamed up with Schumacher to introduce a new line of luxe fabrics inspired by old world history and exotic travel.  The fabrics have a gorgeous, global feel – ancient world inspiration with modern day sex appeal.  Here are a few of our favorites:

We love the modern twist on the Ikat. Ikats are enormously popular right now. Pronounced “ee-cat”-  they are simply fabrics made from yarns that have been tie-dyed before weaving. ElleDECOR has a great article about fun ways to add some to your space. 

This tree of life has a more historic feel, but with fun colors to give it a modern edge.

We already have some pillows in this vibrant geometric pattern. They add a nice dash of spice to a neutral sofa. As MLB said, “Daaaarling, I don’t DO boring.”

This chevron delivers color pizazz in some of our favorite shades.  It would be fun to mix this with a solid linen in a variety of colors, like green, orange, or navy . “Mix, but don’t match.” says Martyn and Melanie.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard is not the only one inspired by international travel.  Global inspiration is big in the design world right now.
West Elm is serving up some sassy Moroccan accents found at markets in Marrakesh. 

We installed this Fortuny inspired chandelier in a client’s dining room a while back.

We love the silk-screened fabric and the mix of silk, leather and metalwork – giving it an Asia-meets-Africa vibe (yet inspired by an Italian).  Mixed with the bright, contemporary art and the more traditional furniture, you get an exotic feel without needing a belly dancer to deliver your meal.

All this global inspiration makes us want to take a trip a bit farther than the Design Center.  MLB told us “you must go to Istanbul!”  Guess it’s time to renew our passports.

Istanbul, Marrakesh, or your local design source – wherever you wander there is no question that travel can produce fabulous ways to color in your life.

P.S.  MLB told a story about getting his start in the design business.  He said he only had a budget of $30,000 to furnish a 5,000 square foot home (admittedly, not enough) and “now he buys lamps for $30,000.”  We are dying to see that lamp!  Here are some of MLB’s portfolio pics – we wonder if any of these lamps cost $30,000?