Cool Coastal Serene

Maybe I have the seaside on my mind because I'm off to the beach in a few days or maybe it's because I'm jazzed about a new shore-inspired design project.  Either way - breezy and serene - coastal decor is at the forefront of my mind and creative spirit.

Now let's tell the truth...beach decor can be theme-y, matchy and downright cutesy.  Right?  So, I'm after a more sophisticated, upscale version that is textural, serene and reflective.  

Seacottage.blogspot.com & pinterest.com

Uh huh...that's what I'm talking about...

luxeandlillies.blogspot.com

...and this, too.  Order and simplicity, natural light, organic silhouettes, woven textures 

and a neutral palette create that upscale coastal feel.

pinterest.com

   And you can't do beach decor without the collected elements a day at the beach offers...collected elements that are fanciful, timeless and interesting.  They draw us in and inspire us
to interpret their stories, or romance us into making up lovely ones of our own.
Collections - whether they consist of seashells, coral, driftwood or seaglass - bring richness
and sincerity to a decor.
 

The beach causes us to close our eyes, breathe deeply and slow down just a bit.  The beach is calming and contemplative, refreshing and reflective.  The beach is a place of haven and memories.  I'm envisioning a home's decor that feels like that.

Ok, I'm inspired.  Now for a little salty sea breeze, a nice chilled white and a steaming plate of mussels!  

- Amy

"We Got The Funk..."

Gotta have that funk!  

We are getting all kinds of funky here at Retropolitan....Check out some of our newest pieces:

A super fun love seat with floral cushions and fabulous carved arm detail.  Who would you cozy up to?  My 2 year anniversary is today, so I know who I'd pick!

A set of 2 arm chairs and matching side table....The black and white palette is perfectly cool while the 70's details glam 'em up. 

Fantastic red velvet armchair and stool!  Please, someone come take this home and put it in your Hollywood-esque bedroom (complete with a mirrored vanity and champagne!).  It's just begging you to drape your vintage Chanel bag over it's arm :>)

Oh, and don't forget to turn on your Vintage Grundig Record Player for ambiance....can anyone resist the sound of your favorite song on vinyl?

I can't.  Count me in!

-Kate

These Windows They Are A Changin'...

 After last week's enormously successful Fall Sale, it was def time to freshen up the windows.

August is a month of excitement and energy. School is starting, Sales are happening, 

and people just seem to be running around in general. Like really, really fast. 

So we made sure The August Windows captured that high energy and vibrancy of life. 

Pops of bright colors and quirky vintage pieces made the windows super fun
and hard to look away from. I'd like to credit the recent fender benders
on 21st to our eye catching windows...but I'd better not.
Not sure if we have insurance for that. 

But these times they are a changin'...and so the windows must, too! 

We are now well into September and things are starting to settle in a bit.

 School is back in swing, the pools are closed, the weather is beginning to chill. 

Soups and hot chocolate are getting ready to take their seasonal reign at the table. 

Everything that is green is on the verge of turning brown, and while that may sadden some,
we see an opportunity to be inspired by it! 

So, without further ado, The September Windows!

Layers of white provide a clean, soothing environment.
(Maybe a hint at the winter to come?)
The mid-century pieces bring in sophistication from years past,
adding a little bit of the beloved Mad Men factor.
(Can't you just picture Don Draper perched in that white leather chair?)
Absolutely in love with the prohibition inspired hide-away bar.
(Does The Patterson House have on-call mixologist services? Prob not, but here's to hoping)
And that glossy white lacquered deer head (oh yes, he is the real deal)
well, he just keeps it a little weird.

It's all so very, dare I say it... Retropolitan?

                                                             

-Fig

Before and After: Green Room Design

A few weeks ago, Retropolitan was thrilled to design and make over the ladies locker room at Lipscomb for a very special guest.  Dr. Bernice King, Martin Luther King's daughter, was in Nashville to speak at the Youth Life Learning Center event.  Amy had been asked to design the green room for Dr. King; a place where she could rest and relax before giving her keynote speech.  

Behold: how to turn a plain, bare ladies locker room into an oasis of calm :>).  

BEFORE:

And AFTER: 

White + Grey + Turquoise

Source: procrastinationmama.blogspot.com via Retropolitan on Pinterest

This room popped up on Pinterest today, and I had to share it!  Isn't it so calming, soothing?  The palette of greys, whites, and that pop of turquoise keep it feeling fresh and fun.  A glamorous chandelier can never be wrong, and how about that shag pouf?

Why not spruce up an old piece of furniture with turquoise paint this weekend?  Or better yet, stop in at Retropolitan and let us help stylize your life!

Cheers!
Kate

Pinterest

Be sure to follow Retropolitan on Pinterest!



A few of the "pins" you can find on our page...

Source: splendidsass.blogspot.com via Retropolitan on Pinterest

Source: livecreatingyourself.com via Retropolitan on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Retropolitan on Pinterest

Source: photoarchive.1stdibs.com via Retropolitan on Pinterest

Come on over and get inspired!!!!




- Kate

Design Study: White on White Part 4

Adding Pops of Color

Start with a white base and throw in your favorite colors - wild fushia, bold cerulean, deep purple - and watch them jump from their blank canvas. Even nature’s colors from right outside your door, when brought inside and set against a white background, immediately show off their intricate shapes, textures, and grain. Notice how the white also acts as a unifier, giving order to even the most diverse collection of accent colors. 

With white as the stage, let your colors do the talking!

sources unknown

- Amy

Design Study: White on White Part 3

Uplight With White

I’ve often joked that everyone needs their own personal “uplight” to accompany them throughout their day.  We all look fabulous when uplit, you know?  Dressing a room in white achieves the same effect.  Why?  Because white reflects the entire visible color spectrum; whereas all other colors only reflect a portion.  So a white on white palette bounces the most light possible around the space.  And when you use that white on the floor as well…wow. You get that uplit glow from every angle and an infinity effect that makes the corners of the space recede.  It’s clean, enchanting, inspiring and once again, your textures and patterns pop with modern sophistication.  Of course, you have to keep the dustpan handy, but you just can’t have everything now, can you?

- Amy

Design Study: White on White Part 2

Benjamin Noreiga-Ortiz's "Emotional Rooms"

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is one of my favorite designers. He has a gift for creating emotional rooms (hint, hint: check out his amazing book aptly titled Emotional Rooms). Here are a few photos from his body of design work. These spaces are blanketed with a certain serenity, achieved by his diverse use of texture and material. Note the mix of natural woods, slick lacquers, lucites, organic cottons, wools, capiz shells, marble, and glass. The unifying factor is the sophisticated white palette. 

photos here

- Amy

Design Study: White On White Part 1

Layering Whites

White on white is catching my attention these days.  Maybe it’s the need for something bright and fresh after a long, chilly winter.  Maybe it’s that my sophisticated side needs to flex its muscles a bit.  Either way, I’m captivated by the layering of beige on white, cream on bisque, and soft taupe on flax.  Texture and pattern become intriguing, and the subtle palette creates sophistication.  The overall effect is quietly stimulating.  

People often have difficulty with whites, feeling like they all have to be the same tone.  But don’t be afraid to play with it.  Use the “whites” section of a paint deck as your guide, with all of its various shades. Gather up an armload of accessories and pile them together.  Rearrange.  Add things with textures and different levels of opacity.  You’ll create an interesting vignette like the one we’ve set up here in our design office.  It’s a great way to expand your design eye and inspire yourself!

- Amy