A cheerful Bedroom could be too nice

The colours of this bedroom are cheerful - there is no doubt about it. They are reminiscent of lazy sunny summer days spent near a lake with nothing but a natural panorama, serene and soft, no noise that tortures your ear besides the one or other bird that quarrels with his neighbour, a place simply to doze off.

Maybe this is the meaning of a bedroom but sometimes we also spend some time there without sleeping and it would be nice to have something in the room where your thoughts and inspirations could focus on - a piece of art is certainly such a focus.

If this were my room I would add this silk scroll. It is not enervating to disturb the calmness but it sends enough vibes to fill you with dreams of a different world and possibly some inspirations and ideas...

The silk scroll is part of a small series about the workmanship of southeast Asian artists and artisans.
The Weaver belongs to a series which portrays the most striking characteristics of people and cultures of the world. These characteristics should not be reduced to common prejudices but simply reflect an impression through the artist's eye: undoubtedly you can find some of the most beautiful people among Indian people combined with the abilities of outstanding craftmanship and artistry for thousands of years not only in the textile category but in many other areas too.

The means of the portrait is a medium which has been used for hundreds of years in countries such as China and Japan: painted scrolls made from paper or silk but another component has been added to this modern and personal version: quilting. The materials used here are silk top, poly batting, viscose/poly backing; painted, machine quilted with silk.
Additionally the patterns on the top and bottom of this scroll have been hand painted and are reminscent of the batik techniques in Indonesia...

"The Weaver"

65" x 21", hand painted silk scroll
©Petra Voegtle

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A Touch of Exotic in the Living Room

My attention was drawn immediately to the gorgeous window arches of this room and the amount of light that would be guranteed by this fact. I absolutely love large windows because then you have a plethora of possibilities for decoration, even converting half of the room into something like a sunroom - especially with plants. But this is not the theme here.

The room has been kept very simple - what can be seen from the photo section here - which leaves the opportunity to add some major objects and of course a  sophisticated piece of art such as this large silk scroll rather than the original picture which looks a bit depressing in this context (see below). The scroll would definitely add an exotic touch to this room.

 original image source and with courtesy of 

http://www.livingetc.com

The silk scrolls has been inspired by the dramatic stone architecture in India. If you would like to read more about the "making of" this extravagant piece and see a lot of large detail images please check this link.

"The Palace" 

( from the Ornaments series)

75" x 23", silk scroll
©Petra Voegtle

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LUXURY FANTASIES: Ornaments which make you drool

I was not quite sure whether I should put this really under LUXURY FANTASIES because normally the objects I describe here, are hardly accessible for "normal people" with an average income - but this time I use it in a different sense, the LUXURY of FANTASY. I am talking about the work of Melanie Royals from  the Royal Design Studio and her crew and some ways to turn your home into a luxury accomodation.

Melanie is the highly talented artist who makes this luxury accessible to anyone who has a bit of artistic talent and - if not - at least supplies you with the necessary resources i.e. materials and potentially the professionally trained artisan in your area to fulfill your dreams of a luxury home.

I can show you only a very small collection of images from her work and I recommend you to check her official website of the Royal Design Studio and scroll though hundreds of images and let your fantasy go bonkers.

For example there are
Allover Production Stencils: "Production pattern stencils allow you to complete allover wall stencil patterns quickly. Each Production stencil pattern contains multiple repeats of the allover pattern, meaning that you will not have to reposition your allover wall stencil as frequently" 

Ceiling Motif Stencils: "These ceiling stencils are the perfect way to add stenciled color and pattern to the "fifth wall"."

Nature Harvest Stencils:  "This stencil collection features classic fruit and foliage stencils that are ideal for adding stenciled accents to kichen and dining room walls, as well as stenciling on fabric and furniture."

And various ethnic collections - which I love specifically - such as the
Moroccan Stencils: "This collection of Moroccan stencils was created for, and inspired by, three painting trips to Marrakech, Morocco."

But this is not all. There are stencils you could use for slipcovers - imagine how to give your old chairs a complete renovation with just a stenciled slipcover.

And what about stenciling some simple boxes - they could be turned into some precious vessels for your little secrets...pretty little Christmas presents that do not cost you a fortune but are handmade with love.

(all images with courtesy and copyright of Melanie Royals)

But this is still not all: Melanie also offers various books and videos, on-line workshops as well as DVD's where you can train and explore your own artistic talents including several free How-To's about the basic techniques.

Melanie Royals is a self-taught artist and entrepreneur who re-discovered and updated decorative arts stenciling beginning in 1984 and founded Royal Design Studio in San Diego, California in 1991. The first catalogue of pre-cut designer stencils was released in 1994. In it, the studio introduced an entirely new concept, "free-form" stenciling, which is now a much-copied, industry staple. Melanie and her crew continue to create new looks and inspirational techniques.

And if you would like to know more about Melanie's personal views and experiences - she also writes a wonderful blog: Designamour that says it all...

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