Are decor trends important?

I am interested in following the latest  trends in interior design.   I need to know these things to have relevant discussions with clients and to understand where the industry is headed.  Many  trends come and go without ever hitting the average home.



Colour of the year is a good example of a temporary trend.  Depending on which paint company your like, you will have a different colour of the year!   I use Benjamin Moore paint and this year the colour of the year is ....

 Lemon Sorbet 2019-60

This is an interesting fact to know, but I doubt this time next year it will make much difference  because there will be a new colour of the year.

 Then there are broader colour trends that seem to last for much longer, e.g., the change from beige/brown to grays as the predominant neutral in home decor.  This type of information  is  more important to be aware of because it produces whole palette shifts in home accessories including textiles. The  change to grays has moved palettes from warmer and earthy  to cooler and cleaner colours.

 Rather than the burnt orange/rust  of the brown/beige  era

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 you will now find  a more true orange mixed with grays.

 Rather than olive/mossy greens of the brown era...

  you will find fresh apple greens.

You can have such wonderful pops of colour with grays and this is reflected in the vibrancy of home accessories available in the market place today. 

 Several years ago I looked for emerald green accessories for a client.  It was almost impossible to find any!  Pantone's colour of the year for 2013 is...

I find Pantone's colour predictions have more impact on fashion and home decor than those of specific  paint companies. This year you will have no difficulty finding emerald green accessories.

 It is important to keep up with trends that will  impact big ticket, relatively permanent products like hardwood, tile and cabinets.  You do not want to select something that will be dated  quickly.  Awareness of these trends does not mean you have to buy into them.  Sometimes choosing exactly the opposite is the the best design solution for longevity.   That is why it is wiser to choose  more neutral  long term items for your home.

Homeowners  who jumped on the dark wood look  for kitchens will probably end up sorry for their selection sooner rather than later.     Extremes rarely work for long periods of time. I predict the patterned glass mosaic backsplash tile that is all the rage now  will have run its course soon too.

 Reynolds Architecture- Northfield, Illinois

That's why classic soft white kitchen cabinets will always work. There are no extremes in this kitchen.   The style is softly traditional, the tiles are plain and the counters are  lighter granite.   I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea.  I am talking about what stands the test of time.

 

Staying with a traditional example, if you don't like white, consider a more mid tone neutral  or  ...

  mid toned stained  wood. 

Stay tuned for 2013 decor trends with staying power. 

Love it in 2013 and Leave it in 2012

Hi again...See me and a number of tastemakers over at La Dolce Vita blog today sharing my thoughts on what I'd like to leave behind in 2012 and what I predict will be hot in 2013!

What I learned in 2012 + Cheers to a Happy, Healthy 2013!

I often try to sum up my year with what I've learned and accomplished. So here it goes...

In 2012 I learned:

1.  Change is a good thing. If you don't like the direction your life is heading, change it! Take a risk, move, leave your job..etc. there's nothing worse then doing nothing at all!
2. Time heals most wounds. My thoughts go out to all of those who have suffered tragedy in their life this year. If you have your health and a warm home most everything else will fall beautifully into place.
3. If something good comes along, grab it and hold on tight! I'm trying not to over think my life, it's a waste of time, just go for it.
4. Some things do happen for a reason. I'm pretty excited about the new opportunities in my life right now. If my ex-husband had not cheated on me and our babies, and I had not ended our marriage, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't feel as happy, empowered, strong and at peace as I do today.
5. I've learned that after I speak my mind, letting it go is really the answer.
"Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else, you are the one who gets burned." Buddha
6. Think positive, think positive, think positive...it works!

Have a safe night, I'll be lounging in an outfit like this with my sick children, and dining on a dinner of sesame chicken and crab rangoon..

Cheers and repeat after me...

Wishing all my readers a truly happy, healthy and prosperous 2013!! I love fresh starts and new beginnings! Cheers

xx,

Julie

Shelter Loves 12.28

I took a much needed day off from blogging and working yesterday! It's amazing what one free weekday will do for the soul! I'm back today with my "shelter loves" series. I'm all about clean color, spaces and design right now! I love the holidays and have had a great 2012 but I love the cathartic feeling of a fresh start and new year!

1. I'm not jetting away this winter, I need to save, save, save but I still love all the inspiring, colorful resort lines. These sandals would work with almost any look. I'll have to keep them in mind for summer!
2. Yes please to fresh white, lace details and tassel sandals. I love everything about this photo.
3. Loving Ankasa's ikat print for Beacon Hill.
4. + 6 A brass vintage lotus leaf lamp is certainly on my new home wish list. Look at these stunners.
5. A recent client pick for a teenage girl's bedroom. These extra cozy blankets come in an array of colors.
7. A little bling for New Year's Eve and 2013. I predict you'll continue to see the dynamic mix of lady like details with an edge in 2013!
8. I wear scarfs all year round. This new Tory Burch one with the pom pom detail is adorbs...
9. How pretty are gold tasseled balloons? They're perfect for almost any festive occasion. Buy them here, or make them yourself!!

Random Loveliness

 I hope you all had a peaceful but jolly holiday! I'm pretty spent myself. Here's a round-up of some visual, audio and healthy goodies for you.  I'm getting pretty excited for an exciting 2013 filled only with progress, positive energy and creative endeavors. I vow to follow my heart, and head and say what's on my mind next year!! Wishing you all the same! Cheers!

Here's a quick snapshot of my Christmas Eve outfit. I ended up going with sequins and faux fur instead of what I pictured below on Monday's love the look post! I've posted about this jacket before (plus it's seriously marked down right now) I love it and you can't beat the price. The boots are old, similar bracelet here, and the cords are from The Gap, (also on sale) the sequin tank is J.Crew.

Slightly obsessed with Lulu Frost jewelry right now. Here's how she stores her vintage finds.

Adored this photo shoot and classic look on Atlantic-Pacific this week. Always such great fashion inspiration Bee!

Hello Lovely...Bunny Williams knows how to set a table doesn't she?

Because who doesn't need a good detox right now...ugh if i don't fit a run in today I may lose my mind.  via A House in the Hills.

We're starting my sister's 40th birthday celebration off right with The Roots tonight!! Whoo hoo.

Hope you have the rest of the week off!!

xx,

Julie

A little red year round

Red  is a great accent colour anytime, but it seems to be even more inviting at Christmas.  All it takes is the merest hint to bring a room to life. It can be used in small accessories, window treatments or furniture.  In all can't be ignored.

A splash of red always works

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What a difference a pillow can make.  Remember to have at least three hits of an accent colour around a room to create movement.  

Black and red are very dramatic

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Red and black is always dramatic, and when your throw a bold pattern into the mix it is even more so. 

Stunning patterned bar stools

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 Red and gray is refreshing.  I especially like this crisp blue red with a white pattern. Three hits of colour is well displayed in this vignette. 

A sprinkling of red

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Red paired with black and white patterned area rug is very eye catching.   What an interesting window treatment for more than one window set close together. Vertical stripes are so commanding. 

Who could ignore red with black and white?

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 Bold black and white again with a red sofa.  Very commanding.  When you are hanging artwork on a striped wall it is best to keep the mats light and the images simple. 

Red and white striped headboard

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A striking red striped headboard with charcoal and white. 

A stunning red console

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Red with liberal amounts of neutral always works.

Love the look: Casual Christmas Eve

No need for me to dress up too much tonight but a bit of festive attire is in order, especially my red skinny cords. Here's about what I'll be wearing and drinking! I'm also going to make a little holiday sangria. I adored the look of layering in a tartan plaid shirt with the leopard, but I don't own one and the tartan I liked at J. Crew is sold out! I also love the Hermes belt (don't own one of these either but will be placing one on my pinterest wish list) the brass fox from C Wonder has sort of won me over for now. Have a wonderful holiday everyone!!! Wishing you all things peaceful, merry and bright! xx 

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Candy Cane Chic

Pink and red, pink and red. I love stripes in pink and red! They're so graphic and fun!

Find this adorable dress at Kate Spade. I may need to try pink and red stripes in my new home! They would be fabulous in a mud room with oversized brass hooks! 

Wrap it up

Trying to be earth friendly is an ongoing battle especially at Christmas.   I hate the fact that all the pretty gift wrap ends up in the landfill because  it isn't recyclable.  paper gift  bags work for me and I always reuse  those I receive. I  also purchase fabric bags when I see them and hope the receiver  passes them along to another person. When the last of my gift wrap runs out (probably this year), I plan to use brown paper (Kraft Paper) which you can recycle.  The options for dressing it up are endless. Here's a few nifty ideas to get you thinking about the possibilities:

  Braided wine, a bit of greenery  and a pine cone.  What could be simpler than that?  Wrapping the twine around the package off center adds to the design element.

 What a great way to share old photographs.  Copying them is so easy these days.  

Love how the black satin ribbon looks with the green and the stamped gift tag.  The splash of cedar finishes the job. 

 The name of the recipient becomes the major design element in this wrapping idea. 

  Have you seen the lace tape that is so popular now ? I've been on the look out but haven't found it yet.

Cutting snowflakes from different coloured paper and adding them to the plain paper works to add a spalsh of colour.  Simple butcher twine manages to look elegant with this pairing.

 Who know the pages from old books could make such pretty wrapping material.  You can sew paper to make bags or else glue the edges together.  Adding red string makes it all so festive. You can do so much with so little!

I love this one with red yarn and kraft sticks with holes drilled in them. Of course it is the repetition that makes the design.

 Love this look with red raffia ribbon and strips of black and white printed paper.  What you add between the raffia is up to one's imagination.

 Coloured tape and a button on a string.  How colourful and simple?

 To get this effect I would use scraps of tulle or netting  and then over tie it with twine. 

Wondering what to do with that left over burlap?  Wonder no more.  I made burlap bags years ago to package driftwood Santa's I hand painted.   When you ravel out the tops and include a colourful yarn for tying , it looks very festive.  Burlap will also take a simple stencil using  paint.

 Over wrapping newsprint with burlap and adding a lovely gift tag and pine cones looks very finished and inviting.

 Find the links to these and lots of other gift wrapping ideas on my Pinterest  gift giving page.

Holiday Happenings....

 So like you I've been running around like a lunatic all week, client meetings, conference calls (good things only going on!!) and of course getting ready for the holidays. I wanted to do something special for the teacher's who take care of my daughter. I was inspired by this idea and decided to try it myself. I'm happy with the results, plus after a long day who doesn't love a little spiked hot chocolate? I think I'll have one this weekend, myself. Hope your weekend is merry and bright!

 On another note. I actually don't know how to sew, sad to say, I'm sure I could figure it out but in all honesty don't have much time. I'm more likely to be seen wildly spraying furniture or creating a new painting. But I wanted to share the latest stocking that my Mom made for my sister's little baby boy. My mom began making these stocking for us when I was a baby in the 1970's. She has since made one for all the new little ones in the family. They're made from felt, we worked on this polar bear design together! Turned out sweet didn't he?

And FINALLY. It's high time, I need to invest to a great camera, so I can take amazing vignettes and details shots to share with you! I'm going to do a little research on a Canon EOS, I had a 35mm Rebel and I've heard only great things about this model.

Inspired: New Home

image via

Hello loves, So I've sort of put my house hunt on hold for a few reasons; one being that everything in my price range in the towns I want to live in are absolute DUMPS. Holy shiz it's depressing. I'm trying to stay positive, but this single mama can only afford so much if I want to keep my sanity. I need to maintain a bit of a social life! Yes, in a perfect world I'd just stay in with my hubbie and sip cocktails as we painted walls after the kiddos have drifted off, but that's not the case and TRUST me right now I'm okay with that. I'd rather lose a creep of husband early on than spend twenty miserable years with him. I mean don't get me wrong I wasn't a fool, I didn't marry a creep (he had us all fooled), some guys just can't keep it together after you have a family. They stray and become detached in every way possible and that's precisely what happened to me. So in all honestly if Santa could bring me anything in the world it would be a charming little house at a reasonable price. I'm OKAY with a little elbow grease I just can't buy a money pit nor can I live in a money pit with two kids under the age of six. Anywayyyyy onto my post! :) I've shared this top photo before. (My apologies because I don't remember the source, but I'll find it and link back, promise). A little cape like this would be perfect, I'd even be open to a little house that I could eventually add on to. I love the glassed room off of this home and adore the classic simplicity of the black + white facade and the beautiful bucolic approach. This would be my little dream pad. See??  I'm not asking for much am I? A little pretty like this would cost quite a bit in the Boston area. I've been collecting images via the web and started a pinterest board, new home, it's full of a bunch of dis-jointed goodies, but I guess they all make sense to me. I've assembled a mini-inspiration board below showing the overall feel of the space. It'd be fairly simple with graphic details, patterns and pops of brownish-grey, pink, tan, cream and white. And of course splashes of other accent colors like emerald green, brass and yellow. The agate stone was really the impetus and inspiration around the color palette. I love it! I like fresh clean kitchens and bathrooms, and am undecided on white or black cabinets but I guess I have some time to think about that!

This marble wrapped counter, brass hardware and glass door cabinet are beyond amazing! I will absolutely have ALL of these in my kitch! image via 

A little sunny, happy banquette would also be perfect and makes such efficient use of space in a small home. I'd switch out the fabrics and colors and would plump up that seat cushion a bit but you get the idea!

I'd love to have comfy seating area and a lounge worthy sofa like this!

My daughter's room will be a mix of pink, yellow and charcoal and no matchy, matchy concepts here.

I can envision my son's room but I have yet to find a photo that comes close to my vision. A little reading nook like this would be dreamy though! I read multiple stories a night to my children, they love it. I think it's one of the most important things you can do for your child besides smother them with hugs and kisses!

I can't deal with a big yard but I would love a small garden path and patio area for outdoor cocktails and alfresco dining. 

Anyway, that's all for now, it's way past my bed time.... I just wanted to keep dreaming...and share my thoughts and ideas. I'll make this all come true and promise to share it with you all on my little ole' blog! 

xx