wallpaper borders

It has been wonderful to watch the partnership between Jennifer at The Pink Pagoda and artist Kerry Steele with commissioned art for Jennifer's home for the One Room Challenges. Although each painting is unique, using the same artist for major works of art in the home has given it a wonderful cohesiveness and flow. These photos show the painting Kerry created for Jennifer's teen daughter's room for this last One Room Challenge.



The pink and blue piece in the upper right of the gallery wall is by Kerry Steele.




This is the piece Jennifer commissioned for her family room One Room Challenge.




These two paintings were actually commissioned for the family room, but Jennifer decided she loved them in the dining room.




Visit Kerry Steele to see the works she has available now, to learn more about commissioning a piece of art for your home, and to learn about her new Patron Installment Program.

People love "interior designer secrets" like hanging a mirror 7" above the mantel or hanging the chandelier 30" above the dining table. My number 1 tip would be to invest in original art for your walls. In so many beautiful homes I see, the entire level is brought down by ill chosen reproduction art. Wonderful original pieces of art can be found at local auction houses. There are many amazing emerging artists on Etsy. I love the giclees of artists like Harrison Howard and The Pink Pagoda.

The work of Kerry Steele is among my very favorite. I have posted before about how her stunning abstracts pieces go beautifully with Chinoiserie and with any style, including traditional, bringing a sophisticated and elegant modern element into a room.

Original art is more of an initial investment, but if you buy what you love, you will have pieces that will always bring you joy and that will be of real value. Works of art are more than decoration for your home. Some experts say that art is second only to real estate as the best place to put your money.

Some galleries and artists have started special purchase plans, and I am happy to announce that Kerry Steele has begun a Patron Installment Program. For art over $300, you can have the piece removed from inventory and held for you while you gather the necessary funds and make payments on it. Once the painting is paid in full, the piece is shipped to you. Commissioned work is included in this program. There are no fees or interest added. This is a courtesy to customers to make investing in these major pieces easier. You can read all the details here.

Visit kerrysteele.com to view her portfolio, to inquire about commissioning a piece of art, and to learn more about this exciting and innovative new Patron Installment Program.

Today only, Kerry Steele is offering free shipping on her canvases. The code to use is Friday1. For inspiration, I thought you would enjoy seeing some of her works in real people's homes. I think it really helps to visualize to see how beautiful they are in actual settings and how amazing they look with Chinoiserie!

Also, if you are an interior designer or an individual interested in commissioning a piece from Kerry, her cutoff to receive it by the holidays is October 15th. Kerry has also started experimenting with some petite canvases that are perfect on a tabletop easel or in a gallery wall. Below you will see a few. Stop by Kerry's store now for Free Ship Friday here.

5x7 Blue and White Abstract

8x10 Small Floral Oil Abstract

5x7 Oil Painting

Phoebe Howard

Yesterday I posted on a lovely foyer from New England Home with a subtle and understated approach to the use of Chinoiserie. The room above by Phoebe Howard is in the same mode, with lots of neutrals and brown woods accented by soft blues. The Chinoiserie gives this room flair, with lots of blue and white Chinese porcelain and a bamboo altar table. Note the abstract art above the mantel. Here are ideas on creating this look yourself.

Style Canoeing by Kerry Steele

Pair of Custom Finished Linen and Down Spool Chairs from Charlotte & Ivy

Columbus Round Tufted Cocktail Ottoman form Charlotte & Ivy

Sedona Luxury Down Sofa from Charlotte & Ivy in Brussels Linen

Pair of Greek Key Etched Tall Glass Candle Holders from Charlotte & Ivy

Farmington Custom Cocktail Table from Charlotte & Ivy

Blue and White Dragon Ginger Jar from The Pink Pagoda

Ginger Jar from The Pink Pagoda

Blue and White Octagonal Planter from The Pink Pagoda

Blue and White Beaker Vase from The Pink Pagoda

Midnight Blue Double Gourd Lamp from Furbish

Amanda Serving Table is a great deal at $349 at Ballard Designs

Blue and White Linen Chinoiserie Pillows on sale at Gumps

Sapphire Ribbon

If you are a lover of Chinoiserie, is there anything more classic or more beautiful than a blue and white room? I have three blue and white rooms in my home and they are my favorites. As you know, I love to mix Chinoiserie and modern abstract art. Kerry Steele has done a beautiful series of blue and white works on linen. These pieces are painted on clear primed linen that lets the natural flaxen color show as an element of the work. They are the perfect choice for the blue and white room or any room for that matter.

Kerry's work can be seen at Blue Print in Dallas, Texas and at Art First Gallery in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Her canvas pieces are also available through her own shop here. She sells her works on paper in her Etsy store here. She also works with interior designers and clients on commissioned pieces.

Kerry is also the newest independent artist to be selected for The Nearby. The Nearby is an iPhone app that hand-selects the best local boutiques and designers selling women's clothing, jewelry, art, and home accents.

Below are some of my favorite blue and white rooms and some of Kerry's blue and white on linen works currently available.

Ruthie Sommers

Be Cool

Gerald Pomeroy

Jumping Someone Else's Train

Betsy Burnham

Six-Four Impala

Carolyne Roehm

Bluestocking Babe

Carolyne Roehm

Blue Study 1

Mary McDonald

Blue Study 2

Michelle Nussbaumer

Isn't this stunning? The Chinoiserie screen is amazing, but don't miss the detailing on the floor, chair, bench, console table, and lamp. Note the abstract art as well. Speaking of abstract art, you'll want to check out Kerry Steele's new work. She is now selling her canvases through her own online store and galleries, and continues to sell her works on paper in her Etsy store. The pieces below are some of my new favorites. I really love her use of color.

The rest of the room

"Cotillion" - 20" by 24" oil on canvas

"Elemental Memory" - 24" by 30" oil on canvas

"Sweet Tea" - 24" by 30" oil on canvas

"Perhaps to Bloom" - 18" by 24" oil on canvas