Time to Revisit Laura Ashley?

Laura Ashley has not been on my radar for many years. In fact, the last time I really gave any serious thought to the line was back in childhood when I wore those long printed dresses (yes, we cringe now, but they were very cute "back then"). I also remember having some sweet Laura Ashley lamps in my childhood bedroom. Fast forward to a few years ago when a designer friend had some pillows made for me in a seriously chic solid black chintz- I was shocked to hear that the fabric was Laura Ashley. After the shock wore off though, I didn't give the line a second thought.

Well, perhaps we should take a fresh look at Laura Ashley. Yes, the line is still quite heavy on florals, but they have so many other prints that could work well in more sophisticated interiors. In fact, many of them look a bit like Robert Kime prints. The thing about Laura Ashley prints is that they're quiet- they don't scream for attention. But after years of having bold prints in the headlines, perhaps it's time for something a little more subtle. And really, what is more subtle than a Laura Ashley print?

(Laura Ashley fabric available through Kravet)