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One of nature's most prominent hues is about to make a welcome return with the start of spring this month. From an interior design standpoint, green can be tricky to work with, often because it takes on so many different casts depending on lighting and the other colors used around it. This is especially true of paint colors. The classic adage, "if it works in nature, it will work in your home," definitely applies to green. Just think of how great live plants look in any room. Depending on saturation, texture, and which variations you use, green can be soothing or energizing. If it's been awhile since you've considered it, maybe now is the time to put some fresh greens on your design plate. Calming Approaches || Sage. Mint. Forest. Moss. Seafoam. Olive. Aloe. Celery. These are some of the greens that nourish and soothe, much as they do in the natural world. Note that many of these can be dark and saturated and still exude calm, much like a dark forest with filtered sunlight through treetops can feel very peaceful. In the same way, mint, celery, seafoam and aqua are often associated with tropical beaches, which can feel both peaceful and visually lively at the same time. In terms of your interior space, almost any type of wood furniture looks great with greens, whether it's a green upholstered chair or a walnut credenza against a mint green painted wall. Or, place a wood cabinet with a green distressed painted finish in a kitchen or hallway to add vintage character. Wake-up Call Approaches || Shamrock. Kelly. Emerald. Chartreuse. Lime. These tend to dazzle the eye, create excitement, and energize the soul with their sharper intensity. They will gain even more strength when paired with other vibrant hues like royal purple, hot pink or the traditional holiday pairing with red, which works well because green and red are opposites on the color wheel. In terms of a room, a modern glass-top table, for example, will pair beautifully with lacquered emerald-green walls in an entranceway. Mixed Greens || Much like a grouping of plants, different greens can blend beautifully. For example, pair two upholstered accent chairs, one in chartreuse next to one in kelly green, and it will make the room look fresh, lively and eclectic. Fabric patterns on throw pillows can also coordinate well, such as a palm frond print pillow mixed with, say, pillows with small-scale green and white stripes. Mix in a pair of ceramic garden stools and live plants, and you can easily create a lush garden feel indoors, even if you live in a city apartment. It's easy using green. Green is everywhere!
Blue & White || From nautical navy and white to chinoiserie patterns, this combo always looks fresh Certain color combinations have truly stood the test of time, none more so than blue and white. When it comes to interiors – outdoors, too – blue and white always looks fresh, cool, crisp and sophisticated. From bold, poolside cabana striped draperies to richly-patterned chinoiserie vases and ginger jars, this timeless pairing works equally well in solid blocks of color or intricate patterns. It's particularly strong in cooling down summer outside settings, but for warmth and zing, add orange, pink or yellow. And, you can use blue and white in any room – think of a guest bedroom covered in French toile de jouy (twal-duh-zhwee) fabric, the aforementioned chinoiserie vases scattered around a living room, or a serene bedroom with muted versions of blue with white for comforters, pillows, and window treatments. However you incorporate it, blue and white just feels right. However you incorporate it, blue and white just feels right. Sky-View Seats || It's not surprising…according to many surveys, America's favorite color is blue. It's almost never jarring, but calm and cool, though it does feel more energetic in saturated versions of navy, royal blue, and turquoise. And, it's readily available on upholstered furniture, from dining and accent chairs to upholstered beds, sofas and ottomans, as well as every kind of accessory. Metal or wicker outdoor furniture is often painted white, with classic navy blue cushions for an inviting summer look. Coastal Connotations || There's nothing better than relaxing by the ocean, lake or pool. Blue sky, blue water, white sand – we're intrinsically drawn to these coastal hues because they are so prevalent in nature. And even though grey is an enduring color go-to, we don't long for a grey sky the way we do blue. You can create coastal vibes in any room using blue and white, especially if you mix in variations like cornflower, periwinkle or powder blue. Sometimes you can find many variations in one area rug that can act as a springboard for creating an oasis of calm. Cool Accents || If you have a neutral-hued room, add some color with blue patterned pillows, and for porch, deck or patio, get them in Sunbrella weather-resistant fabrics. For dining, set a table with blue and white patterned dinnerware mixed with cobalt water goblets, plus blue and white floral table linens for a fresh look. Typically, bathrooms are white, so towels and rugs with blue in them beautifully complement white tile and porcelain. Or, try painting a light blue ceiling in a white room for a tranquil feeling every time you look up. This technique is often used to great effect on porches, where Southern tradition says a "haint blue" ceiling will ward off evil spirits.
Man Cave, meet the Haute Haven. Transform your walk-in closet into a style savvy sanctuary where you can sip libations and discuss the latest trends with your fellow fashionistas… The Layout || Maximize the space you have by utilizing your wall space from top to bottom. Line your walls with a mix of angled shelving for shoes, rods for hanging garments, and cubbies for your folded wardrobe. You can even utilize the wall space surrounding your doorway by adding shelving above the door; this is a great spot to store your handbags! The Furniture || Keep your lingerie and jewelry organized by adding a small armoire into the mix. This little organizational gem will fit snug beside your doorway leaving the middle of the room open for seating. Make a statement with a pair of brightly colored accent chairs, a luxe velvet settee, or even just a fun printed bench depending on what your space allows. You’ll appreciate having a place to sit while you sip your morning coffee and decide what to wear. Don’t forget a little side table! The Accents || No walk-in closet is complete without a mirror. Whether you choose a free-standing looking glass or carve out wall space to design your own three-way mirror, this is a must-have for any closet! Cozy up the space by adding a plush area rug and finish it off with a chic chandelier.
It's the heart of the home; the place where casual dining meets entertainment and everything in between. For some of you, the family room is the most used room in the house which is something you want to keep in mind when you are shopping for furniture to fill the space. Area Rug || We always say it’s best to design from the bottom up. Starting with the area rug will help you develop a color palette for the room while providing a cozy treat for your feet. Seating || L-shaped and U-shaped configurations promote conversation and provide a clear view of the television. Oversized sectionals will create the L-shape and sometimes includes reclining seats and/or a chaise lounge all in one piece! Another option is to mix and match a sofa (maybe a sleeper if you don’t have a guest room) with a chaise lounge, accent chairs, or a recliner to create a little dimension in the room. Due to the amount of traffic this room will see, aim for high performance fabrics like Sunbrella or Microfiber as they are both stain and fade resistant. Or if leather is more your style, seek out the pieces with a lacquer finish as they will be the most durable leather when maintained properly. Storage || Beauty can meet function with your media storage. Wall units create a focal point while hiding all of those unsightly wires and consoles. Personalize it by adding your favorite books, picture frames, or nostalgic knick-knacks. Tables || The family room table as evolved over the years, with the oversized ottoman topped with a tray being the latest trend. The ottoman is great because when not being used as a place to rest your drink, it can serve as a place to rest your feet. Some even have hidden storage!
There is no better time like the start of a new season to test out new trends! From fashion to home décor, spring is a time of renewal so refresh yourself and your home with one or all of these budding trends… Pastels || Candy-colored hues like mint green and the ever-popular blush have been flooding the scene in the form of linens, accent chairs, and even walls! This cheerful yet somewhat subdued color story evokes a whimsical vibe that is sure to enliven your home. Botanicals || Bring the outdoors inside by filling your home with plants! Don’t have a green thumb? That shouldn’t stop you from participating in this revitalizing trend. Cacti, succulents, and monstera plants are great for first-time plant owners because they require little maintenance! Textures || Whether it’s macramé wall hangings, distressed or carved tables, or textured ceramics, texture is prominent this season. Texture adds a layer of luxe without competing with existing colors and patterns making it an easy trend to incorporate in your home. Terrazzo || Like sprinkles on an ice cream cone, terrazzo is marble and granite’s playful cousin. From bathroom tiles to accent tables to hardware, this surface can make its debut in your home in a small or big way. Metallics || The element that is so consistently on trend that at this point it is a design staple. However, they remain on “trend” lists because the way they are styled is forever evolving. Right now it’s all about mixing metals to create an effortlessly glam look.
The industry’s top home furnishing designers gathered in High Point, NC to showcase their latest collection to prospecting retail buyers and interior designers for the biannual High Point Market. High Point Market is the equivalent to Fashion Week in the fashion world – it is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, providing insight to new products and the latest trends in home décor… Mixed Media || Unique materials like concrete, metal, and stone are paired with more traditional elements like glass and wood to create an unexpected twist on classic silhouettes. Highlights include pieces like a writing desk or sofa table that feature metal bases topped with stone. Va Va Velvet || What once was a textile we only saw in the fall and winter months is now making an appearance in spring and summer! Slightly lighter in texture for the season, this fabric is being shown in both airy pastels and bold brights from pillows to ottomans to add a fun punch of color to your home. Flora & Fauna || While it’s not out of the ordinary to see an abundance of floral patterns for the warmer months, this design staple was spiced up with a dash of fauna this season! Birds and blooms mingle with leafy vines on poufs, bedding, and accent chairs. Nature's Neutrals || Bring the outdoors inside with textural raffia, rattan, or wicker. Furniture constructed of these natural elements provide a lighter look for the season while maintaining a refined look. Go coastal with the addition of shiplap or rope elements. Perfectly Imperfect || The Japanese design aesthetic known as wabi sabi – the art of living with imperfection, was prominent at this market. The trend highlights the inherent beauty of asymmetry and furniture pieces that are designed to purposefully look unfinished.
Do you ever wish you could move a table, chair or sofa yourself, without relying on your partner, neighbor or friend to help you move it? Sometimes you just want a change and feel like trying a different furniture configuration without a hassle, or you want an easy way to vacuum underneath an item. This is where casters can help. From discreet mini casters on a shiny bar cart to large, industrial cast-iron wheels on a distressed wood table, you can make rearranging furniture easy and stylish. Make it Multifunctional || Suppose you need a new cocktail table for your living room but frequently use the room's sleep sofa for visiting guests. A table with casters is the ideal solution. You just wheel it out of the way when you set up your sleep sofa. Or, if you like to entertain guests in the living room, but during the holidays, the dining room holds more people, a bar cart on casters will be the perfect multitasker. Work in a Rustic Element || If you like the vintage industrial look of rustic pieces but don't want to incorporate a total factory into your home, an accent piece on casters is a great solution. Place a multi-drawer console with casters in a home office, for example, and it will add character to your space, and work smarter by giving you more flexibility. An office chair on casters will be an asset, too, and a rich, leather upholstered one can add a warm rustic element to the room. Roll it This Way || First patented for use on furniture in the 1800s, casters were originally made of metal. Today, you'll find casters made of myriad materials, including metal, plastic, glass and rubber. In addition, there are different caster types. In general, rigid casters (like the back ones on a shopping cart) will allow you to move the item forward and backward, and swivel casters (like on many office chairs) let you move the item 360 degrees. Some items feature locking casters, which are especially important on heavier furniture for safety.
Even if your interior spaces skew traditional, there are times when you want to modernize and lighten things up. Sometimes, too, if your spaces are vividly colorful or dark, you may want to tone things down. Here is where clear acrylic furniture or accents can mix beautifully with your décor. Subtle, sleek acrylic drawer handles, furniture legs or even an entire cocktail table made of gleaming acrylic can lift up a room. Clear Benefits || In addition to having the look of glass without the worry of shattering, the benefits of acrylic include durability, easy care, and superior weather resistance, plus it comes in a variety of shapes and colors to make your room look unique. If your room is on the small side, an acrylic piece gives the illusion of taking up no space. And because of its see-through quality, anything you put on top of, say, a table, will draw attention to itself, making it look like it's floating. Acrylic is about 50% lighter than glass, but much stronger and more resistant to scratches. Its superior durability also makes it a fine choice for a porch or other outdoor space because sunlight won't harm its look or function. Also, in today's design world, you can find acrylic items in almost every shape and color. If you don't want all clear, there are pieces with clear tops and green legs or chairs tinted in blue, pink, purple, orange, smoky grey and more. Careful Cleaning Tips || Avoid cleaning acrylic with household cleaners because they often have harmful chemicals. Instead, wipe with a soft cotton cloth and some mild detergent. Avoid using man-made fabrics like polyester or rayon because their fibers can be abrasive. If you do find scratches, there are over-the-counter cleaning products you'll find online or at your local hardware store that you can use to make your items look as good as new. Cool Reflections of Style || As with any other design category or trend, use acrylic furniture and accents strategically. A room of all acrylic would likely look too unsettling in a lost in outer space way, plus you might trip over some pieces that aren't easy to see in certain light. Mixing a piece or two with items in other styles will yield the chicest look. For example, a wooden dining table surrounded by ghost chairs achieves an intriguing balance of cool and functional. Or, add a few touches of acrylic in a bedroom to lighten the mood.
As technology advances, more and more companies are promoting a healthy work/life balance by offering their employees the flexibility to work from home. This can be both a blessing and a distraction so it is important to create an ideal space that will delight and inspire you! Find your space. || Maybe you don’t have an entire room to dedicate to your home office and that’s ok. A nook or even just an empty wall where you can position a desk is enough to keep you organized and focused. L-shaped desks are a great way to create a space within a space that looks clean and deliberate. Make it your own. || If you are able to dedicate an entire room, find a design aesthetic that speaks to you. Are you an Art Deco diva or are you the Rustic Chic queen? Whichever décor suits you best, be sure to include personal touches such as pictures of loved ones, nostalgic knick-knacks, or maybe even a few of your favorite books so it feels like your own private space. Your work will only be as good as your environment – make it beautiful. Keep it organized. || Whether it’s a nook or an entire room, no one enjoys looking at clutter and working around it proves to be counterproductive. Having storage space is key, so if you’re working with a nook it is important to choose a desk that can accommodate all of your supplies. As mentioned above, an L-shaped desk is great for creating space, but it is also great at keeping you organized because of the amount of drawer space. Throw in a few draw organizers and you are in business. If you’re designing an entire room you could take a more minimalist approach to your desk and add a credenza or a shelving unit to organize your supplies. Take a seat. || Office chairs tend to be a little unsightly and if you’re working with a nook then you want your chair to blend in with your furniture as much as possible. Thankfully, beautiful leather chairs that have the same functionality as office chairs do exist! Do you sway more towards fashion over function? Try pairing your desk with a fun accent chair! Just remember comfort is important if you will be sitting for any length of time. Now that you have a fabulous work space it’s time to get to work!
Clearly Cool || Acrylic furniture is like the unicorn of the home design world; often seen in blogs and magazines, but rarely spotted in real life. This ultra-modern look is a great alternative to traditional wood and upholstered pieces especially if you are a small-space dweller or even decorating a small room. These clear pieces blend with their surroundings, visually decluttering your space making it look less full. Similar to mirrors, acrylic furniture also creates the illusion of a larger and brighter space due to their ability to let light pass through. Trend Lightly || Too much of a good thing is never a good thing so trend lightly. If you’re decorating a room, don’t fill it with acrylic accents or it will look like everything is floating like you’re in space. If you’re decorating an apartment, be sure to style your pieces in different areas. If you opt for a waterfall cocktail table in the living room then try ghost chairs at your dining table, this will create a balanced, cohesive look. Clean with Care || With acrylic you get the look of glass without the fear of it shattering, but don't clean it the way you would glass! Best practice is to wipe it down with a soft cloth and warm soapy water (no chemical cleaners). Be sure the cloth is non-abrasive, absorbent, and lint-free. Disposable cloths are the best way to go to ensure that there is no debris embedded in the material that could potentially scratch your furniture.
Autumn has officially arrived. While we still have those pops of warm days here and there, most of us have swapped out our airy, barely-there summer wardrobe for a cozier look filled with silky cashmere and chunky cable knits. Just as your wardrobe shifts for the season, your home should also take on a more layered look that evokes a sense of coziness for the crisp days ahead… Introduce Earthy Hues || Burnt orange, mossy green, golden yellow… foliage-inspired tones that emulate the season will create a warming aura in your home. A new piece of artwork is a great way to incorporate these colors without negatively impacting your existing palette. Layer on Texture || Chunky cable knit blankets are having a moment right now and for good reason – it’s like wrapping yourself in a giant cozy sweater! Swap out those linen toss pillows on your sofa or bed for richer textures like velvet and chenille for a luxe look that won’t break the bank. Soften hard surfaces like dining chairs or entryway benches by draping a plush, sheepskin throw over them or place it on the floor beside your bed! Autumn Accents || Get creative with your autumnal décor this year. Adorn your home with “undone” floral arrangements in dark, moody hues that look as if they were freshly foraged from the wild. Give a subtle, classy nod to Halloween by creating a vignette of mini sugar pumpkins. These creamy white pumpkins are perfect for painting too so if you’re feeling crafty paint some black for a witchy touch!
Europe is like that unequivocal cool kid – they don’t follow trends, they set them. While diversity in design ranges from country to country the one adjective that best describes them all is: chic. From minimalism to opulence each design evokes a sense of effortlessness that transcends the test of time. Posh Parisian || Deemed fashion capitol of the world, Paris, has mastered the art of effortless sophistication. Their evolving interior design style strikes a balance between old and new, opulence and minimalism. Vintage accents like an ornate chandelier is paired with a clean, modern sofa. Light walls offer a blank canvas for decadent texture like a velvet accent chair in royal blue or a tufted ottoman. Merry Mediterranean || Inspired by the cheerful hues of the sun, sand, and sea, Mediterranean design is as carefree as the people that inhabit the area. Capitalizing on their perpetually mild climate, Mediterranean architecture blurs the line between the outdoors and indoors; bare picture windows and sliding glass doors dominate design making dining al fresco a seamless transition. Patios are filled with cushy outdoor furniture that is as cozy as their living room set. Simply Scandinavian || Built on the Scandinavian design philosophy that less is more, minimalism is characterized by clean simplicity and functionality without compromising comfort. Clean lines like leggy, tight-back sofas are juxtaposed with rich texture like a sheepskin rug to create a crisp-meets-cozy vibe. Void of any bold primary hues, this design aesthetic was made for the lovers of all things neutral.
By now, you know about the many benefits of indoor plants – they help purify the air, reduce stress and background noise, and improve your mood, in addition to being naturally beautiful. You can also add life to your space with other naturally occurring items like coral, seashells, petrified wood, geodes, plus textured fibers like macramé, abaca, jute, grasscloth and sisal. Adding these natural elements brings earthy textures to your décor, and increases the tranquility of your space. You can use these elements in subtle or big ways, and they work especially well in casual, boho-inspired interiors. Fish tanks and fountains optional. Natural Found Collections || You can easily add natural beauty to your home by gathering your seashell or beach rock collection, putting it in a woven basket, and placing it next to a group of plants. A branch of coral is another classic touch, often displayed atop glass coffee tables or on book shelves. Other shore items like starfish, sea urchins and sea glass are inexpensive, readily available collectibles that can be gathered in groups or scattered randomly to charming rustic effect. Furniture & Rugs || There are plenty of ways to use natural elements to make a bigger impact. In addition to natural wicker, rattan or rope accent furniture, you can complete a seating group with an eye-catching geode-topped accent table or tree stump table that's anything but cookie cutter. Each one will feature unique variations in color, pattern and shape. Ground your space, inside or out, with an environmentally-friendly natural fiber area rug that's both resilient and easy to coordinate with most design schemes. Accent Pieces || Geodes in their organic form can be striking, and appear in many gorgeous colors, including purple, blue, pink and green. Arrange them inside an open clam shell for an artful presentation. The aforementioned coral makes a great decorative accent, maybe on a tray with other objects or under a glass cloche. A natural woven sunburst mirror adds coastal charm when placed above your dresser, or use it to embellish a bare wall in an entranceway. Finally, if natural elements aren't your favorite décor go-tos, framed botanical prints work especially well in a formal grouping on your wall.
From Pantone to Sherwin Williams to Behr the color curators have chosen what they anticipate to be the most popular hues for 2018. Ranging from deep and saturated to muted and serene there is certainly a color for every design aesthetic… Pantone: Ultra Violet || The most talked about color reveal of the year might be a tad too cosmic for your walls, but this invigorating hue can be great in small doses! Abstract artwork or an area rug are good ways to experiment with this bright color. Behr: In the Moment || This watery-gray hue evokes a calming vibe that would be great for a bedroom, a master bath, or any other room you want to turn into a tranquil sanctuary. Right at the crossroads of saturated and muted this tone works well as the neutral in the room. Sherwin Williams: Oceanside || A jewel tone that perfectly blends blues and greens to create a hue that is reminiscent of the serene coastline of your favorite beach. Whether you paint your walls with it or find a similar hue in an accent piece like a side chair or ottoman you can’t go wrong! Benjamin Moore: Caliente || This fiery red has purple undertones giving it a rich saturation that is a little more soothing to the eye than an orange-based red. Try it as an accent wall in your living room – this color really pops when paired with a cream or white sofa! Pinterest: Sage || While Pinterest technically isn’t a color expert, it’s certainly the leading forum of inspiration for life in general and the most pinned color is sage. Step aside griege, because sage is stealing your thunder as the new neutral. Out of all the colors listed this hue has already made its debut in the form of walls, sofas, bedding, even kitchen cabinets!
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4th of July is upon us which means BBQ season is in full swing! Make your backyard stand out among the rest with a stellar set-up and fun DIY tricks… The Set-Up || Turn up the cozy by creating a lounge complete with an outdoor sectional, poufs, and a fire pit so your guests can relax between games and enjoy s’mores around the fire at the end of the night. Need more seating? Lay down a rug (an indoor rug can work as long as you bring it in at the end of the night) and throw down some oversized pillows. Pump the Jams || Curate a playlist of tunes that range from laid-back summer jams to fun throwback beats that will evoke nostalgia and get people to dance! Kiss the Cook || Think outside the box with your BBQ cuisine – maple bourbon burgers anyone? You don’t have to get crazy (it is still a BBQ after all), but offering those BBQ basics with a twist will certainly make your backyard bash the one to remember. Game On || Life-size Jenga is a fun DIY yard game that is always a crowd pleaser. Simply buy 3 8ft long 2x4 wide wood planks and using a power saw cut them into 8.5 inch blocks. Each plank should make about 11 blocks then you stack and play! If you want to get even craftier you can paint them with glow-in-the-dark paint to keep the party going well into the night. Buzz Off || Keep unwanted guests away with DIY citronella candles that will double as decorative accents! Using however many mason jars you feel is necessary, fill each ¾ of the way with hot water and 10 drops of citronella, eucalyptus, and peppermint essential oils. Add a thick slice of fresh lemon and a couple sprigs of fresh rosemary and lavender and top off with a floating votive candle. Another way to keep the insects at bay is adding sage to your fire pit!
Step aside crisp white because bold black is about to steal the show. This dark color trend has been growing subtly from accents to furniture to walls and it certainly has not peaked yet. Now we’re not suggesting you go full on Addams Family and paint your entire home black, but we will dare you to take a walk on the dark side. Flirt with these deep, sultry hues and you will create a whole new level of cozy in your home that is mysterious and intriguing… Accents || Fearlessly experiment with dark colors by sprinkling them throughout your home in the form of accents. Seek out an oversized piece of artwork, drapes, or a rug in deep tones and style it with the décor you have now. This is a great non-committal way to play around with these bold hues to see if you really like them. If not, then they are easy and less costly to remove. Contrast || If you inherently like dark colors, but your walls are lighter try painting an accent wall to start. Pull the look together with a sofa or side chair in a shade that is a little lighter than the accent wall to create dimension and cohesiveness. Immerse || Imagine dimming the lights and curling up in a plush throw blanket… that’s the feeling you get when you walk into a room with four dark walls. This daring design trend is great for the bedroom, as dark colors have been known to promote a healthy sleep environment, or in any room that is flooded with natural light.
There has been an ongoing debate in the Design world about the prevalence of grey in interiors. Is it an enduring trend or past its expiration date? Truthfully, grey never went away. As with any color, it appears and resurfaces at different times. And, unless you intentionally use grey as a monochromatic color scheme, it will have more impact if you mix it with other colors like yellow, lavender or pink ¬– even saturated citron, emerald green or peacock blue. However you decide to incorporate this hue, it can create a sophisticated feel that will stand the test of time. Keep It Neutral || As an alternative to beige, tan or white, grey can either be a great focal point or soothing background to other colors. When you choose a super light value of grey, it can have an ethereal, cloud-like look and feel that even mixes well with other neutrals. For example, your rug can feature only values of grey or include soft blue, white and beige mixed with grey for a more interesting neutral palette. Add a textured throw and pillows along with furniture in shinier finishes to keep your neutral color scheme from looking flat. Power It Up || Amp up the elegance and grandeur of your space by using deeper greys like graphite, charcoal or wrought iron. Contrast them with pale pink, soft lavender or mustard hues, or make a bold statement by mixing grey with amethyst, hot pink or citron. For a more masculine approach, try using grey with brown or burgundy, perhaps on an upholstered chair or with accent pillows. Gold, silver and black in either matte or shiny finishes will also keep grey from feeling too sedate. Finishing Touches || Change up your greys anytime with colorful accents in other colors like red, black, blue or green. For example, incorporate a lamp with a jade base, or a patterned chair with rose, turquoise and terracotta hues to create a beautiful, rich complement to your grey foundation.
Caring for your new little bundle of joy is going to be your first priority so having your nursery perfected before they arrive will give you peace of mind and your baby a peaceful haven to grow. Nursery Necessities || Give your baby room to grow by purchasing a crib that will convert into a toddler bed. Seek out a changing table that provides ample drawer space below so you can forgo the chest of drawers and have more room for other fun accents. Consider investing in a good quality glider chair. Your baby isn’t the only one that will be spending a lot of time in this nursery so go for a chair that will embrace you in absolute comfort while you rock your baby to sleep. Whimsical Walls || Whether you know the gender of your baby or not, there are fun alternatives to the traditional pink and blue walls. Modern, gender-neutral nurseries are having a moment right now and it’s a wonderful, minimalist trend that will blend your nursery with the rest of your home. If you’re painting the room beige, grey, or white experiment with a subtle playfully printed wallpaper in the same hue to mix it up! Not a fan of wallpaper? Design a focal wall of art that features pops of color and whimsical scenes; this will brighten the room while still maintaining the calm vibe set by the neutral wall color. Awe-inspiring Accents || While your baby won’t completely appreciate this until they are a little older, adding a teepee to your nursery is a chic way to create a little wonderland for them. Another playful touch is to design a reading nook complete with a bookshelf and a shag rug for your little one to roll around on. Not only will it add style to the nursery, but your baby will love the soft texture!
Whether you define your style as traditional, contemporary, minimalist or "something else," it's that "something else" part that really makes your home yours. There are many ways you can augment or change a room's perspective, and two ways are by incorporating glam or rustic elements into your space. Often inspired by antiques, glam or rustic furniture pieces, when combined with the right accessories, give a room more eclectic character. It's really how you mix all the elements of a room that defines your personal style. Glam || Whether it's a mirrored nightstand, shiny metal table or whimsical accessory, these are the pieces that always look on the bright side. Metallic finishes, gilded accents, ornamental fabric trims and glossy paint surfaces can add a touch of chic opulence, especially if you contrast them with traditional pieces and rustic surfaces. And, when you include sensual curves, animal prints and intricate textures, you'll elevate the glam factor to superstar status. Rustic || On the other side of glam are rustic furniture pieces that exude an industrial, down-to-earth vibe with matte distressed finishes, knotty wood grains and straight-lined geometrics. They have an authentic lived-in look, and they're often in darker colors. Think of natural brick or stone walls, exposed ceiling beams, nailhead trim, and corrugated metal. One of the easiest ways to achieve rustic style is with a leather sofa, chair or sectional, which will just get better with age! Extras || To make your space truly eclectic, add personal items like photos, artwork, antiques collections and one-of-a-kind pieces that you've gathered from your travels. The way you mix, arrange and display these elements will reveal your true style personality – your blueprint for living your best curated life.
If the west coast had a personality type, it would undoubtedly be that of a free-spirited nomad thoughtfully cozy without trying too hard. Get that laid back boho-style of the west coast on any coast by incorporating a few of these design elements into your home. Color || This design style focuses on a warm color palette much like the environment it was derived from. Rich jewel tones are balanced out with muted earthy hues to create a look that visually feels like the warm embrace of a hug. Don’t be afraid to layer your colors, but be mindful of their undertones. A cool color will clash in a room of warm colors taking your look from laidback to careless. Furniture || Think texture… like a buttery-soft leather sofa in whiskey brown that is just begging to be broken in. Boho-style embraces imperfections and like a fine wine, leather furniture just gets better with age. Pair leather pieces with well-worn woods, like a reclaimed coffee table to add a little structure into the mix. Finish off the look with a rattan accent chair for an unexpected touch of whimsy. Plants || Bring the desert inside by incorporating a few cactus plants into your design! Not only are they incredibly easy to manage (only needing to be watered once a month); they also come in so many shapes and sizes that you can mix and match them! For a more Cali-cool look, try a ponytail palm. Contrary to its name, it is actually a member of the succulent family, which means it can go long periods without water making it perfect for first time plant owners. Textiles || Just like color, layer your textiles. From throws to pillows to area rugs, these elements are meant to be layered to achieve that cozy, carefree vibe. Layer a Persian area rug with a cowhide. Mix your knit pillows with embellished pillows. The one common thread of all boho homes is their ability to encourage lounging. Layering your textiles is the easiest way to evoke that come-in-and-stay-awhile vibe.
What once was a faux pas has now become an edgy home design trend that we like to call the art of mixing patterns and textures. Much like fashion, the common fear when it comes to experimenting with design trends is the fear of the unknown. You see it in a magazine and think “I love the way this looks, but this won’t work in my home” but it COULD as long as you keep these tips in mind… Variety in Scale || Think in order of large to small when picking your patterns. The larger patterns should be chosen in the form of your rug, drapes, accent chair, or any other large scale pieces in the room so the entire print is visible. This pattern will be the most impactful one in the room so be sure you pick one that you won’t get tired of or in an element that can easily be switched out such as drapes or an area rug. Once you have the large pattern you can start to layer in those smaller patterns or textures; three is ideal but no more than five depending on the size of the room. Layering in Texture || If your two patterns are the main focal point in the room, incorporating texture for the third layer will not only add depth to your design, it will also thread everything together. Just be mindful when choosing the intensity of the texture so it doesn’t compete with the prints you’ve chosen. The same rule applies if you decide to focus on two bold textures; keep the pattern light and subtle so it enhances the overall look. A Common Thread || Fluidity in design is key when mixing patterns and textures. This can be achieved by establishing a solid foundation and threading each layer of your design together with a common element whether it is color or theme of print. Example: a geometric printed rug paired with a heavily textured sofa decorated with floral pillows; staying within a common color scheme will harmonize the prints and texture flawlessly.
Trends from fashion’s runway are making their way into the home, one furry piece at a time. Mongolian fur is the latest interior design craze and for touchably good reason. Incorporating fur into your home décor will create a cozy, inviting ambiance while adding a touch of opulence to the space. Trend lightly though too many fur elements will make it look as though you’re styling an igloo instead of a home. Try adding it to a room that needs texture. Clean lines can be softened with a fur rug, throw, or pillow. While fur elements are great way to warm a modern space, it doesn’t mean that they won’t pair well with other sumptuous textures too. Elevate your bedroom by adding a fur bench to the end of the bed or creating a little reading nook with a fur director’s chair. Aim for lighter hued fur so when summer rolls around it will still feel luxurious, rather than seasonal.
