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Sunday, July 14, 2013

Harlequin in your Home

In 17th century northern Italy, the theater of Commedia dell’Arte was born and nurtured. These theatrical groups consisted of stock characters performing in stock costumes and masks. Of these characters, outside of the theater, the most recognizable is that of Arlechinno, or Harlequin. He was a buffoon, but a very colorful one, with his costume composed of red, blue, brown and yellow diamond-shape patches. It is this diamond-shape pattern that defines Harlequin décor, along with the colors popular in that era and that place and the masks. Interpreting Harlequin in Your Home You can interpret the diamond-shape Harlequin theme in a variety of color combinations, fabrics, flooring, lighting, and accessories. The traditional Harlequin colors of red, blue, brown and yellow can be expressed in a myriad of hues, from soft to brilliant, or in black and white, or any two-color combination. You can carry out the scheme in draperies, carpeting, rugs and linens, as well as continue the theme with lighting that reflects the diamond pattern. Harlequin Themed Bathroom Either do your entire bathroom in Harlequin or simply use it as accent walls or floors. For example, choose Harlequin glass mosaic tiles in your favorite color combinations for the floor, and line the shower enclosure and walls with larger tiles in the same pattern. Or, select black and white Harlequin floor tiles on the floor and only three-fourths of the way up the wall. To complete the look, install Harlequin lighting fixtures. Harlequin Theme Master Bedroom Because Harlequin is such a strong design pattern, you want to use it moderately in your bedroom. Employ the colors of Venice, often associated with Harlequin, in your color scheme. Imagine your bed floating on a sea of carpet, with a rich coral-on-coral small Harlequin pattern for warmth cooled by walls painted in a serene green. Paint one wall to repeat the coral of the carpet in a large Harlequin pattern. You’ll want your accessories in silk and gold. Harlequin Accents There are Harlequin accent pieces and accessories to be found for every room. For the bathroom, there are Harlequin bath mats or rugs in a number of color combinations, glass mosaic bathroom accessories, wallpaper and borders, and porcelain masks. For the bedroom, you can find sculptures of the Harlequin character in bronzes and porcelains, gorgeous silk bedspreads and pillows in the Harlequin pattern, and reproductions of 17th Century Italian furniture.

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