Home Accessories with Staying Power- a How To

There is nothing worse than finding a trend you love only to see it panned the following year. The key to staying on trend without constantly changing your world is to catch the flavor of the trend, without a full out embrace- you need to "side hug" the trend!

Brass is a great hot trend right now. It gives a space warmth by reflecting warm light better than any other metal, even mirrors. However, going Brass-tastic on the family room will be disappointing when the next trend comes around.

The solution in three options:
Choose one brass piece, perhaps a table with brass legs or a brass top and place it prominently.

Find it here!

Find it here!

Find it here!

TIP: Hit local estate and tag sales for vintage brass items.

Fine it here!

Find it here!

You can truly give brass a side hug and use a gold leaf or mixed metal accessories.

Find it here!

Lastly, you can second guess the trend. Go one step beyond it. Say to yourself, if brass is hot now, what might be next, bronze, which is like brass. Or, is it time for the trend to swing in the opposite direction? If a trend just took a turn- from stainless steel to brass for example, then it will probably continue along the path for a bit. If we have already progressed down a trend path- red in the new black, pink is the new red, orange is the new pink, then we might be swinging to the opposite direction where green is the new orange. Opposite on the color wheel- green and orange. Try your hand at trend spotting! Even better, be an early adopter and the envy of your friends. Soon, you will be the trendsetter!

New "wood" floors- great ceramic tiles

I am in love with the versatility of the new floor tiles with the look of wood. They have come along way and the variety of patterns for each color way, as well as the size of the planks, enhances the look of real wood.

So, why would you want tile that looks like wood instead of wood? The are more durable that wood with insect resistance- including termites, resist staining, scratching and are easier to clean than wood. Additionally, they can go in places that traditionally are not recommended for wood, like bathrooms.

Granted the grout lines are a giveaway, however, you are not trying to deceive people that they are not tile, you are making an investment in durable construction!

Typically they come in a 6 inch by 24 inch length and can by cut like any ceramic tile. Lastly, some brands are 100% recycled content. So, no trees were harmed and waste was prevented from entering the landfills! Best of all no refinishing, no gassing off sealers, no warping or cupping!

Luxetile's porcelain wood grain plank tile in Chocolate



Fabrics for men- the perfect recliner

A recent study found that women recognize color variations more than men and men recognize pattern variations more than women. This could be explained by the primitive brain needing to hunt by recognize animals and gathering with recognizing ripeness for fruit and vegetables.

 

I have been thinking a lot about this and how it could pertain to design. Additionally, how to take this knowledge and harness it in working with men and women clients, both couples or singles. Recently I took this in consideration while working with a client couple on fabrics for a family room. I choose colors in her palette with a variety of patterns for him.

This Magnolia Fabrics is reversible.

Duralee taupe branches on a blue sage background

 

 

Below is my pick for his recliner. I love the combo of houndstooth and a men's silk tie print. It has the feel of a Dapper Dan made modern. The houndstooth is perfect for the recliner and the "tie" fabric would make a perfect lumbar pillow. Love the cool brown and light blue-green in both of these fabrics. As always, if you would like more information on this fabric, you would like to order it, please contact me! I love doing online consultations.

 

Durable KravetSmart and pretty cotton/ poly blend fromJF showroom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peach and Mint- Summer colors

According to Etsy's extensive research, peach and mint are THE colors for the summer. Fortunately, they are also easy to add to any decor. Here are a few suggestions on great peach and mint accessories for your home!

Great Kantha throw from One Kings Lane!

Set of Peach and Mint clothes pins from Owl and Thistle on etsy

Mint green paint can be grounded with earth tones and white from House Beautiful

Arrows are my secondary trend for right now! And they are so fun in peach from Fletcher and Fox on etsy!

Mint green can look dated, however once it is paired with a crisp white, it goes fresh!
From House Beautiful

Peach is great for warming up a space with out heating it up! What a great private space from Design Sponge!

More More Moracco

I have been following the design trend of Moroccan designs for a couple of years. With the inclusion of more tribal prints and Moorish design entering the market place, now is a great time to start on the front of the trend. Early adopters tend to get more bang out of the style and have the opportunity to live with the trend longer that middle and late trend adopters.We are still on the early side so let's look at some great items to add a bit of Moorish to your living space!

Hallmarks to look for- repeating patterns, geometric patterns, white with intense brights like royal blue, and arabesque patterns!


From One Kings Lane  Flat-Weave Rugs

Neid Trellis Rug, Tan/Chocolate

Moorish Mango side table- great modern interpretation of Moorish design

 


Egyptian Moroccan Mother of Pearl side table

Moroccan Shade pendant light

Large Moroccan pendant light

Jennifer Delonge Moroccan Pouf in Metallic Gold