The Reston-Great Falls Interior Design Corner:

Last year when we designed our front yard, I knew I wanted lavender bushes in it. I have tried many times to grow lavenders here in Northern Virginia-without success-but I was determined not to declare defeat. Last summer they bloomed for the first time, but what about the future? Somehow in my mind, I was sure that if the lavenders would thrive another year, everything was going to be fine.

A long year went by, and here they are again in all their splendor! The bushes grew bigger and stronger, and so did my spirit. Every morning when I start my day with a cup of tea, I enjoy watching them as they swing graciously with the breeze. What a treat to be greeted by their fragrance every time we come back home! I believe, I can proclaim victory.

Lavenders have captivated many generations over the centuries imparting a sense of freshness and relaxation. Although they were first grown in the Mediterranean region, I always associated them with England. I wondered why. As I was slowly breathing in the fragrance of my garden, I closed my eyes. I saw my mother and her favorite lavender bush at my parents' home. She always made sachets with the dry flowers to put in the linen drawers. And she loved the English lavender cologne. I believe it was Yardley, the old Yardley of London established in the early 1800s.

As an interior designer, I am always thinking about how a color may impact a design, a client or an ambience. Colors trigger memories and thus, they are very personal and subjective. Many times, they also remind us of fragrances. I realized how pleasant I find the light purple color and thought, maybe I could use it in my master bedroom design.

Lavender was a very fashionable color during the Victorian era and was a symbol of elegance. Furthermore, the soft purple color inspires a soothing atmosphere. There is no doubt in my mind that after last year, we all need a relaxing bedroom where we can escape to for a retreat.

No wonder that the pastel colors combined with white and ivory are among the color trends for this year! Yes, we are taking a break from the grays, or at least, the grays are lighter.

As I was having my second cup of Earl Gray, I looked at the Roman shades in my bedroom and, though still nice, I thought I was ready for a new look-a different window treatment. Our colonial windows would look very nice with draperies and sheers. That would bring interest to the room and give us the perception of larger windows. Since it is on the first floor, sheers would provide privacy and for the night I would need black-out lining. A simple top treatment would give it a finished touch. It was settled, I started sketching and the new bedroom design was in progress.

The main piece of wall art is a print featuring water lilies that reminds me of Monet's water lilies at Giverny but in a purple and blue analogous color scheme. In order to achieve the best effect, I would need to alter the intensity and value of the colors in the fabrics to create a harmonious design. After a thorough search, I found the just right fabric: an embroidered neutral linen with a touch of lavender and purple, ideal for custom pinch-pleated draperies. For the sheers I chose an ivory voile.

My husband fell in love with a 100% wool plaid tartan from Yorkshire; thus, we have the fabric to reupholster the chair by the window and the bench in front of the bed. This would be the perfect choice to balance the color palette, and the right texture to add softness for our new master bedroom design.

I still need to work on the bedding, the area rug and the lighting, but that is for another cup of tea...

Please feel free to send topics that you are interested in and I would be happy to include them in my articles (ameliavinteriors@decoratingden.com).

Amelia Vallone Interiors will offer summer virtual events events free of charge.
Next Virtual Event: "Color Trends for 2021."
Thursday, July 15 2021 at noon
Zoom meeting
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Amelia Vallone Logan, Ph. D.
Interior Designer
ASID Allied Member
Virtual complimentary Initial Consultations (phone, facetime and zoom)
Virtual Design presentation (zoom)