The Rule of Three

Just as lucky as seven, the number three is so popular it has made its way into almost every aspect of our culture, including interior design. Many people rely on the number, believing that objects in threes are more appealing and memorable than objects grouped in other numbers.

In interior design, the rule serves as a tool in building progression and creating drama. A grouping of threes can alter the aesthetic flow of a room and can determine the focal point and balance as seen by an observer. In the photo to the left, the lamps bring symmetry to the wall by making the mirror the focal point. Something even as simple as grouping photos, framed prints, or shelves in threes brings balance to a wall space by instantly creating a collection.

The rule of three also applies to furniture, especially when creating a sitting or dining area. Seating arrangements with three pieces of furniture add harmony to a room, as shown in the photo below. The chairs on both sides of the chaise create the gentle boundaries of this sitting area, while the wall sconces draw attention to the entertainment center.

So whether you’re decorating an entire room or just a small space, remember that you can achieve balance and harmony by simply following the rule of three!

Chet Pourciau in New Orleans "Where" magazine

Hey guys,
Chet Pourciau Design headlines the shopping section in "New Orleans Where" magazine's august issue.  The editor applauds Chet's ability to balance traditional and contemporary styles to offers readers a "fresh look for fall".  A large picture of the interior of Chet's store, located at 3650 Magazine St., provides a perfect visual example of Chet Porciau's design work.
Click here, to view the article.

How to Stencil

Hey guys,

Stencils are a great way to achieve an interesting motif or design on a wall or piece of furniture without spending much money and over time it can easily be painted over and wall papered over as well. The great thing about stenciling is that you can create your own stencil by drawing a stencil by hand; using Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator to create one or you can even buy one from a craft store such as Hobby Lobby or Michaels. Figure out exactly where you want to stencil on your wall and envision how it will look on your entire wall. Make sure the surface to be stenciled is clean and painted with a non-glossy paint. You should always practice before you actually paint directly on to the wall. Lightly mark the area to be stenciled to coincide with guidelines on the stencil. Blot off excess paint onto paper towel until your brush is “dry” and seems almost out of paint. Place overlay of your stencil in correct position and adhere to surface using repositionable adhesive spray. Hold your brush as a pencil with bristles flat on surface and handle straight. Start at the outside edges of the cutouts and paint in a circular clockwise motion toward the center. Hold your stencil with the other hand. Begin with a light touch. Now reverse direction to a counter-clockwise motion, building up your color. You control the color in 2 ways-the amount of pressure applied on the brush and the number of times you go over an area of the design. Lift the stencil corner and check the color before removing the stencil.





Cheers,

-Chet

The New Orleans Design Awards

Some think that floral can only be feminine and girly but it really depends on exactly how and what you pair it with. Larger floral prints seem to be less frilly and also more modern. Floral prints on pillows and throws also can be more masculine if paired with a dark gray or brown wall. Darker colors always appear to be more “manly” also try greens, blues, and dark purples. This way the floral is just an accent piece and not taking over the entire room. If you are looking for something to place on your walls besides just paint then try a black and white framed photograph of flowers, if the photograph is zoomed in on the flower this helps the image to look abstract and interesting as well. Colorful floral print wallpaper can also add a graphic element to your walls that other motifs and patterns can’t. This is more of a modern twist that is very affordable and can take a once girly idea and make it masculine.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

We’ve been seeing them everywhere in fashion trends, so why not decorate with them? Animal prints are a naturally wild pattern that can give any room an instant “Wow!” factor. Many people stray away from animal prints in fear that they will look tacky or the print will dominate the room and take away from other decorative elements, but when used tastefully, animal prints can add sophistication to a room. Whether you want a more subtle approach to the wild or a bold choice like the zebra-inspired wallpaper in the photo above, you’re sure to find an option to suit your taste!

Zebra is a great print to start off with if you’re more wary about animal prints. The black-and-white color scheme works well as a complement to other color schemes and also looks great when adding a visual element to a monochrome color scheme, as the rug does in the photo below.

If you’re looking for a bolder approach, choose a leopard, tiger, or giraffe print. Accents with these prints look trés chic in rooms with a more neutral color palette. However, you must be careful that the print does not compete with the rest of the room. A good rule of thumb to follow is to use only one print on one item in the room.

Before you venture over to the wild side, decide what print suits the room you’re looking to decorate and what statement you’re trying to make. If a printed rug is too much of a statement, opt for an upholstered chair or ottoman like the one in the photo to the right. Bedding, throw pillows, or a throw can do wonders in a bedroom or living room (remember only one print in one room) and towels, a bath mat, or even a shower curtain can revamp a bathroom!

West Elm has great rugs and throw pillows!

Check out these other home décor accessories from Anything Animals

New Orleans Design Awards Nominations

Hey Guys,

Do you know a designer who's worthy of some media coverage and attention? Nominate them for the 2010 New Orleans Design Awards, and get them the recognition they deserve!

New Orleans Design Awards Nomination Form
Nominations are due by July 23rd so take a few minutes and promote your favorite designer.

Designing your own Home Spa

Hey Guys, 
 
Everyone likes a trip to the spa but going weekly or even monthly can get expensive.  What if you had a spa in your very own home?  With small changes to your bathroom you can create a spa like atmosphere for you to relax in.  Opt for a lighter paint color for your walls.  Try pale blues, light mint greens, light grays, and of course a white or off white.  The same thing goes for the shower curtain.  A light colored canvas material looks amazing as a shower curtain and can brighten up your space.  Try to not clutter your bathroom with too many accessories on the walls and counter tops.  Large simple prints placed on your walls will help to soothe and relax.  Also to enhance some spa-like features, customize your shower with steam options and showerhead and wall and wall-mounted sprays, though always opt for the water-saving fixtures such as energy star products.  Warming drawers in the bathroom are becoming more and more popular these days.  With warming drawers you can get out of the shower and wrap a warm towel around your body just like you’re at your favorite spa.  Some items that help create an atmosphere resembling a home spa that we have in our showroom are the environmentally friendly potpourri by Hillhouse Naturals called Purify.  At Chet Pourciau Design we also sell Wild Cotton all natural bath salts and glycerin soaps which are created by Rain.  Some other great items from Belladonna are the bath salts, candles, and lotions by Elizabeth W in a lavender scent which helps relax and soothe you in your bath.  Light colored prints and accessories are also great for the bathroom such as this silver print from Source and the translucent glass dish from Dwell will add sense of serenity.  

Cheers

Chet