Trending- Pineapples and brass pineapples

Trend-spotting is one of my favorite things to do. It is not like doing a craft project, where you have a specific thing to do and do it until it is completed. It is something that is always "on." You see something that reminds you that you have seen this a few more times recently, then you see it again and realize you have a trend brewing. then you wait to see if this is a micro-trend or has legs!

In my Etsy shop, and on many of the online "user driven" shopping sites (like One King's Lane, Etsy and Ebay), I have noticed a trend for brass pineapples. It started last fall where they were being purchased on One King's Lane quickly and at a great price. I found some last October and they were quickly bought from my Etsy store. Then I was contacted by German Cosmopolitan for an image to run in the Magazine's February issue. (I mean, what?!?! super excited!)

Look! There I am above the gorgeous kelly green chaise! 

Then my sources dried up, until recently, when I was able to source about three more! I think they are great for nesting together on the mantle, adding warmth to a modern space, or just saying welcome! You can store change, candy, matches, etc. inside and they can hold a taper candle. Truly a design milti-tasker!

The "big blogs" are picking up on this trend as well! I commented on a post yesterday from Decor8 regarding the Pineapple "micro-trend" which had a variety of pineapple themed items from wallpaper to lamps.

Are you spotting any awesome trends? Do tell!

Early weekend picking- the campaign desk

Found an awesome campaign desk today at a sale. It needs a little work, but once I'm done... It will look like this. Love the little tambour side pieces and the faux brass x legs.

This picture is from Pinterest and is not mine.

Trend spotting- color in 2014

I have always loved trend spotting- be it for color, style, or trinket! In going though the trade magazines, I started to notice the many shades of yellow and it is a natural progression from the oranges in the past few years... though I still get compliments of my orange hand bag at least once a week since I purchased it about five years ago. (Perhaps it is time for a new handbag after five years of hard labor!)

Back to yellow. Sure there are signal yellow home accessories out there (see below), but they are sometimes hard to bring into an already designed space. They tend to look very graphic. So if you space if stark black and white, contemporary, or low on "knick- knackery", they might be just for you.

Karen Robertson yellow sea fan

Yellow on yellow houndstooth pouf from Surya

Glossy yellow bust of David

However, if you have a "traditional" space, stark yellow can be a bit harsh. There is still a yellow for you Trad' folks as well!

Circa table fiesta lamp

sunny yellow tray from Etsy

Yellow mini trunk from Hunter's Alley.... and a perfect remote box if ever there was!

 

Then, for those who would like a little yellow, but just cannot do YELLOW, there is yellow metals a.k.a. brass and gold. Always a great way to add warmth to a space. Especially great for the contemporary spaces that can look cold!

Frank Flush Mount lighting fixture from Circa lighting

Gold and white Florentine tray from my collection on Hunter's Alley

Hawes Sconce from vanCollier

Chilewich placemat is the perfect gold contemporary! It's how to do glitzy austere... in a good way.

What trends are you spotting? Do tell!!!

Trending- Kantha

I love to trend spot! This month I am seeing an increase in Kantha a traditional  method for making blankets from India. The Hallmarks of Kantha include layers of fabrics, running stitch quilting and stitch rows very close together.

Kantha throw from one Kings Lane!

As Kanthas are traditionally blankets, they are an easy addition to your home as a simple throw for the sofa or bed. They can also be table coverings, drapes, pillows and accessories like handbags! Here are some great Kantha pieces I have found on the web.

Kantha pouf from One Kings Lane.

Kantha Blanket from By the Sea company on Etsy!

Kantha Sachel from Luxury Lanna Crafts on Etsy

Back to School: The Dorm - tastic freshman room

I had the best dorm room on campus when I was in college- a large corner room in the dorm with bathrooms in the room. Though the dorm was on the periphery of campus and had gross light green metal furniture, the attached bathroom trumped everything else. I made a quilt for my bed the summer before my freshman year from a dress with a full skirt and a coordinating fabric that was purchased at the time the dress fabric was purchased.
To celebrate the back to school spirit and the joys of leaving home... combined with the sadness of missing home. I have collected a group of dorm must haves for that first year of college. Hopefully the rising freshman will find some great ideas to help bring a bit of home with them to school.

Kindles and Nooks are great, but you will probably have some real books, too!

Great for future heroines, drama queens and art deco fans. The leaning ladies book ends.

Fun signage for the dorm door or as a reminder for when deadlines get tight and dances are coming up!

Pink and Green and Happy! Great dorm collecting of duvet and pillows!

Ferocious, that you! Attacking homework, devouring books, dominating on the Dean's list.. no? Not you? How
about dominating in your dining hall, devouring rush week and ferocious in your school colors!  Plants help
to clean the air, which is nice in a dorm and succulents are easy to care for.

Pin notes, keep up with papers, decorate your bulletin board! Clothes pins are also handy for clipping bags closed!

Dorm keys, car keys, or lab keys- you have to keep up with them! Great to start the new school year
and perfect for the college care packages from Mom! Great gift for you roommate, suite mates, or sisters!

This little guy will be the best college boyfriend you'll ever have! You can never have enough plugs...
Maybe you are like Mr. Weasley and you collect them! This would be a great addition to the collection.