Le Colonial Toile in ceylon/aqua is a modern Main Liner's dream. It trades the standard large-scale toile scenes (think horses and pigs) for a smaller, less kitchy print. This fabric blends the uber-popular two-tone color scheme with classic chinoiserie to create something that is truly special. It's delicate enough for a bedroom (maybe even a sophisticated nursery?) while still being elegant enough for a dining room.
In this Newtown Square dining room the print is featured on the drapes. These aren't your average pinch pleats, however. I chose a box-pleated "waterfall" style drapery to elongate the room. They break right at the floor, creating the world's smallest "puddle".
Le Colonial Toile is an intriguing print. It's the kind that surprises you each time you look at it. That being said, a small-scale print like this should never be overused. To balance it out, I chose to dress the other windows in the room with cornice boards covered in a simple basket-weave linen. The finishing touch? A two-inch band of Le Colonial Toile inset on the treatment. The result is charming yet sophisticated.
Le Colonial Toile is available at Calico Home for $72.99/yard.
Do you remember how I told you not to fret? This fabric compliments our modern toile perfectly: Fretwork in aqua.
I used it on the seats of the dining chairs in this Main Line home. It lends the modernity of a geometric print while still looking completely polished. It is also available at Calico Home ($82.99/yard).
This room shows us that, while toile may not be all over the pages of Elle Decor these days, it can be used in a modern way.
If you still love a classic toile, have no fear. In my opinion, it will never be completely off the radar-- especially on the Main Line. It might be wise, however, to keep it in kids' rooms... just for the time being.
