And this is where the Urban Toile begins…

Standard protocol of a blog…why am I blogging. Having recently hit the ground networking for business purposes and attending networking seminars, everyone I’ve spoken to has said it was key to have a blog. And recently, in an intimate networking environment, I found that people were even more interested in what I had to say about design. Whether it be weekly or monthly, I look forward to sharing with you design tidbits, everyday inspiration and a home to update you on my on going design projects.

And this is where the Urban Toile begins…

I’d like to think that I am not your stero-typical Interior Designer. I did not grow up rearranging my bedroom as a child, I seldom flip through the latest Architectural Digest, cut out my favorite pages and store them away for later. When it comes to design, I align myself with the ‘live in the movement, design in the moment’ approach. Which should strike you as odd because I will not deny that I am a Type A planner and organizer. More about the inner workings of my designer brain to come…

An Urban Toile, Part 1:

Toile pronounced ˈtwäl or some times known as Toile de Jouy is one my most beloved fabrics. As for application, toile is not just for fabric, I have see this application on plates, wrapping paper and even wellies.

A little history:

Toile is the name of a fabric that entered the English language around the 16th century from a French word meaning “linen cloth” or “canvas” — particularly cloth or canvas for painting on.

Classic toile depicting a fairly complex scene, generally of a pastoral theme, set on white or off-white background.

Don’t ever be afraid to walk to the wild side of toile, like this…

Or this…

Or this…

It must be the romantic in me, because I just fawn over toile. Or maybe it all harkens back to a past 16th century life I once lived. And as I’ve said for years, one day I will have a room in my home entirely dedicated to this fabric.