What's Bridget Beari Dreaming About - Layering?

I love the idea for layering different wallpaper patterns on top of one another to create "layers". Layering is one of the most important techniques in the interior design profession. It gives the room interest and depth but I'm wondering if I can layer a wall without it becoming busy and chaotic. 

Similar size patterns or various sizes? I'm not sure which is best. I think the best layering of a room is Kit Kemp's hotel design. Full of pattern- fabrics and wallpaper. 

photo from SFgirlbybay

This is Suzanne Shade who created wallpaper from photos. The geometric pattern holds the images together as a grouping. Toile, photos and color. 

Rough Luxe Hotel in London

We could look at the old masters. Texture and pattern in a vintage feel. 

Or Howard Slatkin in a more Moroccan feel. The patterns are purposely placed between moldings not necessarily layered but adjoining. 

I am toying with this idea for a Spring Bridget Beari Collection. Mixing the patterns together in one paper or for a showhouse. I think it could be a brilliant idea! 

Changes for the New Year

Well, here we are....  going into a New Year 2015. I've decided that this year will be the year of "Refining." I've become slightly obsessed with details - for myself and my design style. 

I want to design products and rooms that create interesting dynamics the between objects. It always takes so much time searching for the final details of room to get it just right - artwork and accessories. It's not about going to Home Goods and throwing some cheap stuff around. These are the critical details. 

Interior of HDG Architecture Office

It may be minimal but the details matter. So the first order of business will be to change some major rooms in my house. With the addition of my new courtyard I feel like the spaces are complete but now its the details.

 The second order of business will be to renovate some of the office spaces. Of course we are running out of space but we need a new look and a revamp. 

The third thing will be to refine me. I've been off coffee for 9 days now and feel great. I'm sneaking in the raw but hope to get back to 60/40 at least by March. Also more exercise since loosing my trainer last summer. I'll start polar bear swimming in March hopefully. 

Interior by Jenny Wolf

The fourth action item is to focus completely on details on my upcoming projects. I want to take more time on just the design aspects. I can do that now with the addition of my new team members. I'm freed up to design!!!  

and I love it !!!!

Even though last year was full of ups and downs, turmoil and uncertainty. 

2015 is looking up already! 

This will be the year for travel as we leave tomorrow for Europe. Two weeks in London, Milan, Florence, Canale, and Rome and then again in February for Tulum Mexico for another project and a photo shoot. 

I want to soak it all in and be inspired by the great ones. My camera and sketchbook are ready for new ideas and inspirations

Interior by Piet Boon

 The fifth item will be to refine the details of the products we are selling. 

The wallpaper line is growing with new patterns coming out this year. We are shipping orders all over the country which still amazes me. We are working on a true wallpaper book not just loose samples. 

We have had offers to showcase our product in various places so this year is the time to decide on representation - showroom, retail store etc. 

Interior by Kate Hume 

I want to be inspired by others. I love our collaborative teams of graphic artists and writers. I couldn't do it without my fabulous team. 

The sixth action item and the final one will be to start some of the new product projects with vigor. The Color Rules Book proposal and the fabric line. We scraped the first attempt in total as I wasn't feeling it. There are always highs and lows but I love the journey. 

So follow along with me in 2015 or become a client and see what amazing things we can do for you!

Richmond Symphony Designer House 2014

 The 2014 Richmond Symphony Designer House is now open for viewing. Bridget Beari is showcasing our new wallpaper line in the entry foyer. 

The wall pattern is called Loki in Bastille Brass. Normally a vertical paper we ran this one horizontal withe a painted stripe between. The stripe and ceiling are painted our color Space M28 from the Modern deck. 

Thanks to H.J. Holtz and Son specifically Jeff, Logan, Brian and Ray for their expert hanging and painting skills. They are truly the best. Jeff never says no to all my crazy ideas! 

On the ceiling we enlarged the Loki pattern and hand trimmed it to apply the starburst pattern. Also our newest wallpaper Wellington is on the stair risers. 

The antique mirror transom was a great addition to the space. It reflect the chandelier and gives a softness to the wall. 

This is our newest case piece, the black cerused Greek Key chest with the metal base. It's a beauty! 

The smokey Madonna is a photograph digital altered by a London artist. 

The chandelier is the focal point of the design. Custom made by Doug McDonald with 1800 ft. of gold chain and LED lighting. It is a stunner! 

The upper hall showcases our Buscemi pattern on the wall behind the bar chest, Andi Helfant fire nude and antique sconces with acrylic backplates designed by BBD, Aerin Lauder pendant hangs in this space as well. 

All wallpapers and paints are available at Palette both here in Richmond and Charlottesville. 

Antique bench and mirrored wall panels set off the corner. We have mixed antiques - sconces, intaglios, and the bench with contemporary pieces like the bar, Indonesian pot, urns, hand blown glass, wallpaper and hand made pieces like the chandelier and chest. 

I love the mix!  

The effect of the wallpaper on the walls and ceiling gives off a Deco feel  - Great Gatsby  - Hampton's white party. The white draperies are 18ft. long! Beautifully detailed on the bottom with 2 grey stripes of varying widths and lined in a separate fabric. 

Hand painted motifs on the sisal rug. 

Succulent planters

Virginia beach Artist Andi Helfant-Fryes nude pastel on black paper. 

Gorgeous hand blown vases by Ryan Golthrup. One is up for the raffle! Check out our Winston Charcoal MT11 metallic paint on the baseboards. 

We can't get over the complements and wow's over this chest! 

Our Indonesian pot painted in Bridget Beari Snowball No2 from Fine Paints of Europe. 

Beautiful paint urns from South of Market in Atlanta. The perfect contrast to the wallpaper and the white draperies. 

A look back to the front door for the wallpaper detail over the double doors and the wood block screen prints in black and white

So many details and so many people to thank who made this beautiful foyer come to life! 

Come out it for yourself and check out all of the other spaces!