Floor dilemma

This is more Miz M, who works from home and has concrete floors in her office space. She wants color and style. I wanted to post them in a private album on FB so I didn't have to worry about citing sources-but the facebook is being uncooperative. So here you go:

A diamond pattern, perhaps in Apple and Black tones would add green (for prosperity :) and tie in the black furniture. We should also add cool hanging black lights/lanterns.

this is on wood, but you get the idea

This must be done with a STENCIL do not attempt to freehand :) for more ideas see design sponge blog

You could paint an area rug!

Another great option is staining the floors a warm tone. It's pretty easy if you are wanting a mottled/organic effect. See the DIY instructions here.

And last but not least, this floor was done by a professional artist and we would probably have to sell your firstborn  to pay for it, but isn't it fun?

See you Wednesday!

Historic Interior Design in Portland, Maine (Part 2)

(See yesterday's post on Francis Fassett)

119 Pine St. in Portland Maine was the home of this famous, historic architect. He was also the mentor to John Calvin Stephens. Together the influenced Maine and New England architecture. One of the things I love about 119 Pine St is the consistent attention to detail. The laurel wreath you see above in the original stained glass...

...can also be found in much of the original door hardware.

Speaking of door hardware...wow!

I felt it my duty as an Interior Designer to use authentic decorations-antique books, historical artwork, hand knotted rugs, etc.

Ralph Farnham Blood was a photographer in Maine in the 1930's. His family members recently added color (by hand) to his work. The result is exquisite, a marriage of artistic vision and Maine history-so I HAD to work these pieces into the decor.

Cape Elizabeth Light - 1930's

Winter Enchantment (Stroudwater River, 1930's)

Portland Head Light, 1931

At Anchor, Portland

Unknown Paths - B&W

To see 119 Pine St go here. For the Maine Heritage Photos contact VOX For more information on awesome (one of a kind) hand knotted rugs used in the project, see Bradfords Rug Gallery in Portland.

For more information on Interior Design or Home Staging, contact Fiore Interiors.

Historic Interior Design in Portland, Maine (Part 1)

Warning-will be directly quoting history books :)

I was asked to help prepare the Francis Fassett house in Portland for sale. It was quite an honor considering the prestige and history of the property.

Francis Henry Fassett (June 25, 1823 - November 1, 1908) was an American architect in Maine who built as many as 400 homes and buildings throughout the state... he especially influenced the look of Portland.

He built this duplex in 1876. The right side was for his son, Edward, and the left side was for himself.

Let me show you why he kept the left side...

The light! Oh what glorious light this home has. I began working on it in snowy February. What a fabulous setting in which to be creative and inspired. The challenge was to show the home without distracting from the features. Clean, elegant, non-competitive. :)

The home is on the Historic Register in Portland, so I tried to bring in elegant but timeless touches.

Note the original decorative painted accents throughout the house.

Can anyone else imagine the parties in the roaring twenties? Double Foyers are spacious. If these walls could talk..

I particularly love the enclosed sun room. All of the windows open, there is a radiator to heat the room during winter months...more celebration of light. How appropriate.

During the 1870s, Fassett was the leading architect in both the city and state. I consider it a bit of a miracle (and a testament to the Maine Historical Society) that this house was not torn down in favor of condos. They simply don't build houses this solid anymore.

MLS Listing #1006259 or view it here.

NEW at Fiore-Thibaut Wallcoverings and Fabrics

I just received my order of wallpaper for a project I am working on in the west end of Portland.
We are transforming a short, awkward wall in an entry into an airy, welcoming space.

The pattern is called Waterbury Trail in Aqua by Thibaut and was suprisingly affordable!

Wallpaper can be used in large or small amounts. An entire room, a wall, an simply an alcove...when designer properly the results can be stunning.

Other great offerings from Thibaut:

This would be fun in a little girls room. I would probably mix some modern furniture to balance it all.

Modern Elegance

Tranquility

I love wallpaper combined with wainscoting!

A highly textured grasscloth is both elegant and simple. This is great for those not interested in seeing pattern on the walls, or have pattern in OTHER rooms and want to balance out the overall design.

More texture...

and last but certainly not least, heavy texture combined with spa colors...ahhhh

For more wallpapers and fabric from Thibaut, see their website: They are to the trade only, so call or email info@fioreinteriors.com for pricing, availabliity, AND GUIDANCE from a professional. A simple consult can make a world of difference.

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday

(click to enlarge)