Dignified Simplicity Reins in the UK

Birmingham, United Kingdom – Since Prince William and Kate Middleton announced the date of their wedding, our interest has once again turned to the UK for fashion inspiration.  The largest design show in the UK, Inteiors 2011, provided design direction that reminded me of why we are passionate about the British.  Design for the next 10 years will return to the aristocratic approach of letting a home evolve over generations.

Here are a few of the trends I spotted and love for their practicality, especially in this economy! 

Stamp Rug licensed by Britain's Royal Mail embossed with the image of Queen Elizabeth

Color comes to the rescue so you won’t surrender to boredom.  The freshest looks have several bright colors used together instead of just one accent color.  Pink, Turquoise and Violet were frequently seen in the mix.

Kelly Hoppen for Halo Home

Neutrals dominate in large furnishings.  Beige and grey in both warm and cool tones look the freshest in textures.  Burlap, linens, wools, and even fur integrate well for most design aesthetics. 

Hemelaer's Chartres Range Collection

Light, bleached, raw or slightly distressed finishes lead with their easy care and ability to take furniture from formal to livable.  Think of it as a Classy Country

Textile Art by Penelope Jordan, UK

Textiles are the newest form of art.  Stitched and hand woven pieces look welcoming and add passion to a room.

READ FULL STORY:

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/536875-Birmingham_shows_how_to_reconnect.php

Behind the Design March 7, 2011

 

The Latest Interior Design Trends from Birmingham, UK

 

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/536875-Birmingham_shows_how_to_reconnect.php

Say “I Do” to Contract Design Fabrics

Katrin Schnabl Inspired by Scassi 1958 using Brentano Textiles

The cross trending of furniture and fashion is being nurtured by Chicago area designers and Brentano textiles.  Once again the Chicago History Museum is holding the FashionNext competition asking designers to use inspiration from the museums costume collection and create new designs using only Contract fabrics from Brentano.  The 2010 competition has a wedding theme, “I Do! Chicago Ties the Knot”.  Here are just a few lovely pieces that will be on loan to the Merchandise Mart for the Neocon trade show June 14-16. 

This is just a sampling of what you will see at the museum.  Join in the fun and go to 

http://www.chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/fashionext

 to vote for your favorite designer creation.

Carla Hwang and Kenneth Park use Brentano's Spring Morning fabric in this wedding dress inspired by a 1958 Scassi

Caroline DeVillo uses Brentano's Eco-Satin in this wedding dress inspired by a 1967 Givenchy.

Getaway to Style

Hacienda San Angel

The courtyard of this chic little boutique hotel was made even  more inviting by 5 little white dogs who run to the entrance when guests ring the doorbell.  Yes, this restaurant/hotel has a doorbell and after anxiously waiting on the back streets of Puerto Vallarta, the proprietor did answer – all part of the charm.   Back home to reality, I am still feeling the spirit and character of this little gem.   It could be time to redesign some of my own spaces! 

A sincere thank you to Aaron Haack, my financial advisor at Chase Bank for recommending the most romantic place ever!

The Next Industrial Revolution

Industrial is hot and provides the perfect little eco-friendly, socially responsible and all-American touch to your rooms.   My Behind the Design column in Furniture Today will explain more about this trend.  http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/455551-The_next_Industrial_Revolution.php 

Here are a few more pieces that will add the Industrial touch to your room.

Aldo Bernardi Italian Lighting

French Heritage Watchmakers Desk

Industrial Chic

see more at      www.industrial-chic.com  

John Beck Steel

Top Interior Design Trends for 2010

The leading trends have a common theme, More More More!  As we look ahead the mood for 2010 is more positive and everyone is ready to replace the feeling of deprivation with an upbeat attitude.  Take a look at some of the furniture pieces that illustrate the trends.

Century Furniture shows us how to be more optimistic with color.

We're looking for value, this dining table/pool table from Fusion Table is the perfect blend

We are looking for authenticity. This table from John Beck Steel and Paper displays honest material and fine craftsmanship.

And we will be focused on making connections with our past and our community. This settee from Hickory Chair has such an appealing historical connection.

My new fabric obsession: felt

There are so many products I am loving, all using the very versatile felt.   More details are in current Behind the Design column for Furniture Today: 

http://www.furnituretoday.com/article/391219-Felt_New_fabric_of_our_lives_.php?rssid=20041&q=felt 

A few more impressive felt pieces. 

Fluttery felt petals on this area rug from Portugal

 

Fabulous felt details on this toss pillow from Cushlab

 

Satin stitched fabric from Osborne and Little: Lorca Taniore made in Italy

Romantic Ruffles

Global Views Carnation Wall Flowers

It is the little tailoring detail that can impress, inspire and seduce: the ruffle.  A long time feminine touch in clothing, now has a presence in the home fashion industry. 

Badgley Mischka uses delicate white ruffles for high fashion flutter.

 

Just as a ruffle lends a fresh feminine air to the runway, it translates to the home with captivating results.   Formed in wood, glass, fabrics and leather, ruffles are the ideal counterpoint to typical smooth surfaces found on  home furnishings.  

The Caperana Lamp Table from Century Furniture suggests Tudor linenfold paneling, which feels gathered and ruffled.

 

This pillow by Karmic Goodness will stand out from the grouping as it rustles in the breeze.

 

The Ruffled Glass Vases from Tesco UK would add fashion flair to the tabletop.

This is a versatile trend that can work with most interior design styles.  The unexpected ruffle detail is a tempting way to add interest and update a room.

Casual Furniture Market Favorites

The Collioure Sunlounger from Fermob

Are you in love with color, but hesitate to actually buy colorful pieces of furniture?  While neutrals provide a soft and safe canvas for creating home interiors, you can take a walk on your wild side with the fabulous new outdoor furniture being introduced at this weeks Casual Furniture Market in Chicago.

The Re-trouve Advanced Collection from Emu

The most successful outdoor spaces will be an extension of your home’s interior style and color scheme.   It should be designed as if it were another room in the home in order to maintain a visual and emotional connection.   However, with the outdoor colors of nature, you have the perfect backdrop for more exciting and colorful outdoor rooms.  And with the current innovative fabrics from companies like Sunbrella, the durability is amazing and the patterns are lively.  Take a look at some of the new introductions from Joe Ruggario, he demonstrates how fashionable these fabrics can be by actually having them walk down the runway!

Decorating on a Budget

Decorating in phases is a great way to start a design project when you are on a budget.  It is best to pull together your complete plan, and then take a step by step approach in order of your priorities. 

 One of the best ways to accomplish this is to go back to basics when you are selecting style, color and materials.  The basics work as building blocks for future phases in a design plan.  Furniture pieces that can act as a bridge between the existing look of a room and the future vision will be highly desirable.  This means style must incorporate the familiarity of tradition with a clean modern touch. 

 Neutral colors and solid or textured pattern are the perfect elements for building a good foundation.   With the colorful neutrals that are now on the market, the opportunity for fresh impact can exist without making a commitment.  The right neutral can refresh the existing room while providing a delightful bridge to a future updated color scheme. 

 

These slipcovered dining chairs from Stanley Costal Living can be swapped out for a whole new look

But neutrals do not tell the entire color story.  There is a great attraction to bright colors that will add zest to the neutral foundation.  Trendier small purchases like toss pillows and table top accessories are the perfect place for these more adventurous colors that will bring energy to the room.  

A console is one of my favorites for flexibility. The Alante by Sligh would be appropriate for home entertainment, dining room or bedroom placement.

Always go for quality over quantity.   Quality furniture that is practical, flexible and multi functional is the best value in the long run.  Also the scale of furniture must allow for flexibil options so you can reuse it throughout your changing lifestyles.  Whether updating, downsizing or creating a new space;  careful choices will be you best budget savers.