Continuing the recent theme of symmetry, grass cloths and natural and silk fiber panels create a unique installation demand. Natural panels always show a seam and usually show shading between panels. Tricks like reversing the panels and using the material in numbered sequence from the factory help, but individual panels still show. Installations always look much more planned when panel symmetry is maintained.
The Phillip Jefferies “Bermuda Hemp” 5286 Cocoa made it easy. One trick is to make the end panels a little smaller then the field as the corner shadow tricks the eye, here giving 5 symmetrical panels along the focal wall. Big modern art is on the way for this beautiful Bethesda Dining Room. Keep the symmetry flowing around corners and pay attention to headers and above doors. We think of these rooms as tailored suits when laying out and hanging natural fabrics.
Installers Notes: Roman 880 thinned about 20% with clean water to shampoo consistency. With A 3/8 roller apply a nice thin even coat on the back and book paying attention to getting no adhesive over the edges onto the fabric. Book for 10 minutes and hang to the wall overlapped on yellow tape. Trim and make the seam immediately and remove the tape on a 45* angle to the panel to avoid fraying the cut edges. Work steadily as the tape on the surface will oxidize the panel and create a shadow line. Consider panel symmetry when measuring and installing. Use panels off the rool and maintain factory roll sequencing, including cuts at headers and doors. Will tolerate a damp sponge during install but “BLOT ONLY”, do not scrub.
Sidenote: Lunch today is Raku in Bethesda MD. Be sure to try the cold noodle soup on their summer special menu, it’s a meal by itself. My go to lunch at Raku for the last 10years is the Soba Noodle Red Curry with chicken or beef. Wok fired soshito peppers in fish sauce and soy was also a great appetizer special today. My partner always gets the tuna Tartar with the Kale salad as an appetizer.