Jackye Lanham's Transferware Wall Collection

Designer Jackye Lanham is known for her luxurious interiors that combine both color and comfort.  She believes that a successful design not only includes collections, but has layers of details that encompass a room.  Wallpaper, drapes, furniture and finally accessories are all layers which if carefully chosen and edited can make a grand impact and a bold statement.  Lanham suggests to start with a color palette.  I always suggest to include a color which you adore the most and work around that color using the color wheel.  Fabrics should flow from one room to another and objects should be interesting.   Lanham is known for her extravagance so it is no wonder that she suggests collecting silver, pottery and porcelain which all reflect the light and are brilliant all on their own.   Think about layering in collections which have exquisite ornate appeal such as transferware, tortoiseshell, walnut burl, and ebony.  Consider limestone flooring and detailed marble counter tops that pull the eye to the detail of the natural beauty.  Tantalizing textures such as gold and silver in vases, frames, or cutlery can go a long way to adding in the splendor of the room.  (Read More.....)

Decoupaging Transferware

It is a shame when a beautiful piece of transferware gets separated from its family.  If you are a transferware collector then you know all to well  how common it is to find a singular saucer or dinner plate on its own at a garage sale or thrift store that you don't know what to do with.   Have you ever heard of decoupage art?  Decoupage is simply the art of hand cutting graphics and decorating an object such as a plate, vase or a piece of furniture by gluing paper cut-outs onto it.  Decoupage is an inexpensive way of spicing up an old chest or extra china collection that you may have around the house with simple old fashioned paper, and glue.  With a little patience, you can cover a set of mis-matched plates with beautiful wallpaper or prints in no time.  (Read More.....)

Ralph Lauren's Navy Le Grand Hotel Collection

Ralph Lauren's Le Grand Hotel Collection is an inspirational response to the coastal elegance of a Riviera.  Coastal decorating has become one of the most popular decorating styles, as it evokes a calming refreshment from the hectic and stressful lifestyles we all find ourselves stuck in.  Although marine decorating is most commonly seen in conjunction with distressed paint finishes, natural textiles and shabby finishes, RL shows us that we can have the city lifestyle in a serene setting.  The Grand Hotel collection sweeps the beauty of the maritime with beautiful rich palettes of navy, cream and white with touches of gold. When we think of the coast lines of Italy and the frontier of France, we get the spender of a rich lifestyle that encompasses the best of food and romance.  Today many coast lines are lined with marble skyscrapers and tremendously beautiful views that it has become an attractive escape for many people. Ralph Lauren shows us the luxury side of nautical decorating, and how to richly incorporate transferware pottery along side other accessories for a classic blue and white home.     (Read More.....)

Blue Willow Transferware

Blue WillowBlue-Willow-Transferware From Country Home MagazineDuring the 18th century there was a wave of popularity of Chinese hand-painted chinoiserie. The many patterns of Chinese landscapes and scences made their way on hand panted wallpaper, chinoiserie furniture, and of course on the china. Themost famous transfer ware pattern was developed in the late 18th century by Thomas Minton of the Caughley Factory in Shropshire, England. His Blue Willow pattern combined Oriental images into a romantic scene that has been manufactured for over 220 years . The Spode factory produced the pattern in England in the late 1790s that turned to be popular in England, but also in America. It was found that Blue and white were the most popular colors for dishes in the 19th century from historical sites. In fact many people are avid collectors of the Blue Willow Pattern today. The Blue Willow pattern is not an exact copy of a Chinese pattern but features several traditional Chinese designs. The pattern has changed in variations over time but the basic elements are the temple or palace, a footbridge with three people, a boat with another figure, a willow tree, and the two birds. (Read More.....)

Blue And White Decorating

Blue-and-White-Chinoiserie-Pillows-HorchowBlue and WhiteSome of the most absolutely stunning rooms have patterns influencing the the overall design of the room.   Transferware is known for their intricate details and ornate style.  18th Century design is often filled with ornate chinoserie patterns which you can replicate today in your home.  If you are considering a room that reflects your transferware collection, consider toile wallpaper, throw pillows or drapes in a pattern that is take off your favorite plate pattern.  Work with the same colors of your plate pattern, but also consider bring in the opposite colors of the color wheel to give it that extra pop!   (Read More.....)