Two of my very favorite things came together in one very cool contest, fabric and interior design.
Amy Butler and
decor8 joined forces once again to present their annual
mood board inspiration contest. Instructions for entering were simple: design a room around one or more of
Amy’s fabrics from the
Midwest Modern line. It sounded like a challenge my secret inner interior designer was up for.
I decided to design a dining room, a luxury I don’t have in my current home. From there the entire room suddenly materialized in my head. Fabrics would be from the
Ohio Sky colorway and include fresh poppies, martini, honeycomb, and happy dots. Window treatments would have a slightly modern edge with grommet topped drapery panels on shiny metal rods with fabric roller shades for privacy. The table would recall traditional farmhouse style but be kept fresh and modern with both aluminum chairs and Louis ghost armchairs. Lighting had to be mid-century modern.
Paint colors would be pulled from the fabrics. A lovely soft shade of blue for the walls, a silvery white for the trim, and a bold green to dress up the interior of what might otherwise be seen as a boring white cabinet. A chic glass and metal bar cart with an old Hollywood feel would provide additional storage. Hardwood flooring was a must with a deep cocoa stain to visually ground the space. An indoor/outdoor rug provides durability while defining the seating area.
And oh the accessories! The tabletop would incorporate blues and yellows with classic and modern elements playing off of each other. Every table needs place settings, glasses, serving bowls, salt and pepper mills, and a wine decanter. The art would be photographs that evoked a feeling of days gone by.
I present to you Dining in Relaxed Elegance:
In case I’ve inspired you to re-create this room in your own home here is the shopping list.
Paint light touch (walls), ice mist (trim), and meadowlands green (cabinet),
Benjamin MooreGranemo white glass-door cabinet,
Ikea Walnut flooring in cocoa brown,
Lowes 
Hunting for the perfect chairs is hard, very hard. I’ve been to thrift stores, consignment shops, and flea markets. You might find one great chair but what I really want is a pair. Which leads me to think I might need to go retail. The above example is right up my alley. It is classic with a bit of flair. Just like me.
