A unique and fashion-forward fabric and wallpaper company, Quadrille Home Couture based out of New York, is worthy of mention especially as Fashion Week gets underway here in Ottawa this week. Quadrille includes exquisite patterns, typically large in scale and bold in color not to mention all of which are hand-printed and of exceptional quality. For those who are not familiar with this company, perhaps you might remember the sofa from the movie “The Devil Wears Prada?” The Melinda pattern in black and white linen was featured in this chick-flick favorite and reflects the company’s playful deigns and unique use of patterns and fabrics.
As an interior designer, I was thrilled when Quadrille chose to feature my work, the playroom of the Colonel By residence, in their editorial portfolio. The chair (above left) I chose to use in this project highlights one of Quadrille’s fantastic fabrics – Island Ikat in Royal Blue.
The process of designing this particular room was both challenging and fun. Here is a step-by-step account of the creative process behind the project:
The client’s bookcases and drapery were existing and slated to stay while an antique Louis Style daybed used in another part of the house was re-purposed for this room. The client was originally inspired by Quadrille’s Ikat fabric after seeing it in Elle Decor magazine and since we both loved it, it was decided that the fabric would act as the’ jumping off’ point for the whole color palette. 2 vintage swivel tub chairs were sourced out, re-upholstered and re-shaped in order to juxtapose furniture pieces that were more retro, curvy, and modern with the client’s traditional and clean-lined Louis-style daybed. The daybed was re-upholstered in indigo velvet with contrast piping in vanilla velvet to complement the royal blue ikat. This is a great example of mixing furniture pieces together of varying periods, which is easy to do with the right fabric! However, this example also illustrates how one bold printed fabric can add drama and impact to what would otherwise be a conventional room.
The playroom walls were painted an “unexpected” shade of purple in order to honor the two girls who spend the most time in this room (purple being one of their favorite colors). In turn, the colour palatte continued the chic yet bold styling consistency throughout the rest of the house. Gold floor lamps designed by Jonathan Adler for Robert Abbey were added to warm up the cool tones.
For those of you interested in purchasing Quadrille’s fabrics or wallpapers here in Ottawa, you can check out their collections from my shop page at: http://tanyacollinsdesign.com/shop.html