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www.designschematic.com/blog
Please come vist us there.

Thank you
Firoozeh

Door Knobs and hardware

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On my recent trip to Italy I was fascinated by door knobs.  I probably took 200 plus pictures of every door and door knob we came across.  I'm going to share one I liked in particular.  It has a rock n roll quality that I admire, a little edgy and different.  Very inspiring to me I hope to be able to inject a little bit of this in my creative design work.

What you think?

What inspires you?

If you need help with your next design project contact me here for consultation

Firoozeh Khorrami
www.DesignSchematic.com

A Week in Umbria

We were absolutely blown away. Located south of Florence, Umbria is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy.

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Bettona is an ancient town located in the Provence of Perugia, central in the Umbria region, on top of a hill and still retained completely by a circuit of mid-evil stone walls. Inside these stone walls is Palazzo Fiumi-LaPlaca. Our friend Michael has restored his Palazzo, from the 17th century, into the most fabulous, romantic, and stylish Bed & Breakfast.

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There are accommodations for 2-10 people, in 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. All newly renovate with beamed ceilings, rustic stone walls, views of the Spoleto Valley, and furnished with antiques and beautiful art.
Not only is the Palazzo stunning but Micheal is a wonderful host and chef. We were treated to delicious Antipasti, great wine, local specialties, all made with fresh fruits and vegetables from the market. We also visited near by cities, but that is a whole other post.....
You can read Micheal's blog here

Firoozeh Khorrami

DesignSchematic

A Week in Umbria

My dearest husband and I have finally landed in the most wonderful Bed & Breakfast in Umbria. Well, it’s actually so much more than a B&B — it’s an amazing PALAZZO our friend from New York, Michael Laplaca, has restored. We just got here so we’ll tell you more. Right now we’re just blown away and need to get ready for a fabulous dinner Michael has promised us. Stay tuned.

Firoozeh
DesignSchematic

New York

I had a wonderful time visiting friends, and family on my trip to New York last week. I originally had planed this trip to see The Kips Bay Decorator Show House and also 'cause I Love New York during the month of May. Unfortunately I was very much disappointed to learn that the Kips Bay Decorator Show House, has been postponed this year until the fall, so I guess I'll have to go back in the fall. I still had much to see, great restaurants to eat at, and wonderful shops to wonder through. I also lived in New York for about a decade and have many friends and family to visit with. I thought to share some of the pictures with you.

Shopping on Sunday at the Chelsea Flee Market

Street artists creating with colored sand

Pillows, and accessories displayed at ABC Carpet and Home

New York City is so inspiring can't wait to go back

Firoozeh Khorrami
DesignSchematic

Room of the Week

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Michael Smith's new home away from home in New York City
as seen in Elle Magazine this month

Firoozeh Khorrami
DesignSchematic

Chinoiserie Wallcovering

Chinoiserie is the French term meaning Chinese-esque, a style that became popular in Europe from the mid 17th century and peaked in mid 18th century. Chinoiserie was only expressed in the decorative arts, and was used to decorate all forms of furniture, wall covering, porcelain, and even buildings. Since Chinoserie was the work of European artisans it depicted life as they had imagined and not just with the "Chinese taste", but also with influences from India, Japan, and Persia. In France Louis XV style gave a great opportunity to Chinoiseri as it blended well with the Rococo style. Whole rooms were painted with compositions in this style, no court residence was complete without a Chinoserie room.
With the rise of the neoclassic movement, Chinoiserie lost some of it's popularity. In the world of antique and collectibles, Chinoiserie has remained very popular, and Chinoserie wall covering has become somewhat of a craze.

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Kelly Wearstler has used this beautiful blue in BG (Bergdorf Goodman's restaurant)

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The Japanese influence of this paper works well in a contemporary room by designer Windsor Smith

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With so many colors to savor, there are dozens of schemes that are inspired by these wall coverings

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Another gorgeous room brought to life with this beautiful hand painted paper by Gracie

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de Gourney hand painted wall paper, I frequently visit their website for inspiration

Firoozeh Khorrami
DesignSchematic