Katie Ridder Rooms

I couldn't have asked for a better weekend: a fun cocktail party hosted by neighbors; a leisurely Sunday night supper at a friend's house; and reading the soon to be released Katie Ridder Rooms. I have long been a fan of Katie's work, so I had a feeling that I would enjoy this book. Still, I didn't realize just how much I would enjoy reading it.

There is much that I admire about Katie. She has an amazing sense of color, an ease with both traditional and contemporary furnishings, and a keen eye for detail. (In fact, the book has pages devoted to details like upholstery, lighting, and wallpaper.) The result, I think, is that her rooms are layered and full of life. They are rooms that you want to pore over, soaking in the details. And fortunately, the book's photos really capture the beauty of Katie's work. The colors leap from the page.

The book's text is interesting too, giving the reader a sense of how Katie works and what her design philosophy is. In addition, Katie's tips on things like "The Ideal Dining Chair", "What Every Entry Needs", and "The Best Bookcases" are all highlighted. It's informative and inspiring too.

And going back to what I said about Katie's eye for detail. Take a close look at the book and you'll see that it is decorated with some of Katie's great fabric and wallpaper prints including Wave and Attendant. Very clever!













Katie's Attendant print appears on the book's spine.


Take off the dust jacket and you'll see that the book's front and end boards feature her Wave print.


Images of interiors from Katie Ridder Rooms by Heather Smith MacIsaac, Eric Piasecki photographer (Vendome Press).

Katie Ridder Collection Wallpaper

When Katie Ridder debuted her textile and wallpaper collection a while back, it generated a lot of interest in the blogosphere. No surprise, really, as the charming prints were a breath of fresh air. Didn't we swoon over Attendants with its turbaned men? Well, Katie is back with a new wallpaper collection that is just noteworthy as the last one.

There are a few favorite prints that have been rendered in new colorways, like Attendants which now comes in a metallic background. That's it at top. I bet those men didn't know that they would someday be placed in such a glamorous setting.




Beetlecat now sets sail against a Stone colored sea, one with a few teal waves.




Crane is a new addition to the collection. The regal looking bird is perched on a branch while keeping watch over a basket. Could it be filled with eggs? The print- which is really so beautiful- comes in Sky (soft, smoky blues) and my favorite, Birch.





Life at sea- or rather, in the sea- is captured in Crab. The crustacean and coral print comes in Coral and Fog.




And I've saved my very favorite to last. Is Wave in the Cinnabar colorway not absolutely stunning? I am dying to use this somewhere. Boy, is it good looking.




If you prefer green, Wave also comes in Moss.

Katie's website will be updated soon with these new prints which will also be available in fabrics too. And there are other colorways that are not seen here. The Katie Ridder Collection is available through Holland and Sherry showrooms as well as Harbinger in Los Angeles. I urge you to check out the papers in person; my photos don't do them justice!

Katie Ridder Hits a Home Run

Just this past Monday, I was waxing poetic about vintage prints from the 1920s and 30s and was wondering whatever happened to the unique prints of yesteryear? Well, I just received some samples from Katie Ridder's new wallpaper line, and I think that I found those unique prints. To me, Katie's designs are vintage in spirit, but they're completely "now" too.

One thing that really struck me about the entire line is the color- it's so rich that it practically jumps off of the paper. Don't get me wrong, though. The color nor the prints knock you over the head. But these are the kind of prints that make you stand up and take notice, and isn't that nice for a change? Oh, and they're exuberant too. I think it's time for some exuberance in design. We certainly could use it!

(I scanned my samples in hopes that you could get an accurate idea of the amazing colors. For more colorways, visit Katie Ridder's site. I really recommend getting some samples so that you can see the paper in person. It's gorgeous stuff! The wallpaper is available through Holland and Sherry showrooms.)


"Leaf" in Black. Wouldn't this look great in an entryway or a powder room?


"Beetlecat" in Blue. Such a charming print, and to me it's evocative of those great 1920s and 30s prints.


"Peony" in Pink. Sweet, but not at all saccharine. A great option for those who are on the fence about florals.


"Attendants" in Pink. I think this is my favorite print- I adore it!! Those wonderful shades of pink against the gray background are stunning.


"Moon Flower" in Red. Great color combination, and the metallic pattern on the moons adds some gleam.


"Oiseau" in Chocolate. For those who like more subtle prints, this one is for you.

Image at top: "Seaweed" in Green. This print has a Deco vibe to me. Beautiful!