Can U spot the trends? in room by Colorado Homes & Lifestyles

I know summer is waning and this room is kind of summery but it is so pretty I wanted to share it.

Room designed by Emily Minton Redfield, art by Matti Berglund, courtesy of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles
High Quality Photo

There are many subtle trends in this space.  It just goes to show you that you can enjoy a trend without it slapping you in the face.  Here is the list…see how many you spotted.

1.  The first one that caught my eye is the use of honeysuckle pink in the armchair..very nice

2.  Brass accents can be found in the lamps, drawer pulls, coffee table, furniture hardware and chandelier.

3.  Turquoise is still showing up in many rooms but it is used sparingly here in throw pillows.

4.  Bold floral prints are a big trend for 2011 and you can find it on throw pillows on the sofa.

5.  White painted furniture remains a popular trend.  Here it is found on the frame of the chair, side tables and the sofa.

6.  A mix of furniture styles makes a room feel collected over time and less like a “designer” room.  This room includes antiques, an asian flair, a modern touch in the metal items as well as traditional designs found in the sofa and yellow chair.

7.  The greek key design has been around for centuries but it has been popping up in room designs for the past couple of years.  It is used as an accent on the draperies in this room but you will often find it used as metal accents on furniture, trim on upholstered pieces etc.

All in all, I think this is a lovely room that can easily move into the upcoming fall season with just a few accessory changes.  For example, switch out those summery pillows for some made out of a golden velvet that has been trimmed in the hot pink; toss a cozy throw over the yellow chair and add a floral centerpiece made up of mums and sunflowers.  All of these changes will still coordinate with the custom artwork but look warm and inviting.

Can you spot any trends I missed?

Even more decorating trends for 2011-Part I

It seems like every couple of months or so someone comes up with some “new” decorating trends for us to keep an eye open for.  Before I go on I would just like to remind everyone that these are just trends and the very definition of trend is “a current style or mode”.  Trends come and go (remember rag painted walls?  YucK!) so you will want to choose wisely when updating your home.  Sherwin Williams Paint has come up with 4 different design trends featuring colors that will be available in paint, fabric and accessories in 2011.  Let’s take a look at the first two trends:

The Nomad:  The nomad trend is based on those people who love to or long to travel the world and fill their homes with items that reflect those travels.  Colors for this globetrotting trendsetter lean to the jewel tones of gold, purple, fuchsia and red and can be found in luxurious tapestries and patchwork patterns.  Ethnic fabric patterns such as Ikat and Suzani prints are popular as are animal skins found in items like a zebra patterned rug or even a deer head (faux of course) hanging on the wall.  Hang a few lanterns, add some Moroccan tile and you have an exotic getaway in your own living room.    

Purely Refined:  This sounds kind of stuffy and boring doesn’t it?  But it is quite the opposite.  This design  style  is for those homeowners  who enjoy the peaceful, soothing feeling found in neutral colored rooms.  Soft colors such as celadon green, gray, lilac and sage all contribute to a relaxing environment.  No fussy ornamental furniture for these homeowners.  Clean and classic lines that feature dressmaker details like buttons, pleats, tufting and nailhead trim add to the sophisticated look.  Imagine a dove gray and yellow master bedroom or perhaps an all neutral living room with pale lilac walls highlighting silvered metals.  Yummy!

One of the fun things about trends is that you can mix and match and pick and choose

those items that appeal to you and create a home that is a true reflection of you and your family.  We will review the final two Sherwin Williams trends, Bold Invention and Gentle Medley, in the next post.

Decorating Trends: Y2K vs. 2010-Has anything changed?

Remember all the hype about Y2K  back in 2000?  The fear of the unknown had us all a-tither.  We were concerned that all computers were going to crash therefore affecting every aspect of our lives.  We would have no electricity, all traffic lights would go crazy, planes would come crashing out of the sky.  It was the only New Year’s Eve I was able to stay awake to ring in a new year, a new decade and a new millenium.

Think back to how you decorated your home for the new millenium.  The trend for 2000 was to organize your home and your life; get rid of all the clutter that had accumulated during the casual 90′s.  Neatness and tidiness were all the rage.  Furniture lines were  tailored, mirrors and metal were in and the popular colors were white, lilac and gray.  Sounds like we were going to be decorating for the Jetsons!  But this was all before 911, the war and a new president.

Fast forward to 2010 and a new decade.  Did you follow any of the above mentioned trends?  Did the trendsetters adhere to their own advice?  Interestingly enough, metal is experiencing a resurgence of popularity and purple and gray are still considered to be the new neutrals in home decorating so they got a couple of things right.  But white has gone the way of much softer buttery and creamy whites for a softer look.  Streamlined furniture may be in for some, but upholstered pieces, while not overstuffed, are covered in inviting fabrics like suede and chenille.

We enter this new decade in turbulent times and that certainly affects the way we decorate our homes.  Forecasters are predicting that neutral colors will remain popular.  They have a calming affect and make us feel safe.  They can also save us money because they “go” with everything, eliminating the need to buy new items as trends change.  For a mood lift, use the newly popular turquoise in accessories such as pillows or accessories.  As times get better you can paint a wall in bright yellow or add a red rug to support your feelings of optimism.  And the good news is that history shows us that times do get better so we all have something to look forward to.

Home Trends: Dishware

dishesJust as there are color trends for paint, fashion and home decor fabrics, there are trends for dishware as well.

While we  often update our table settings with new tablecloths, runners and napkins in the latest patterns and colors, many of us continue to use the same everyday dishes we received as wedding gifts many years ago. Similar to fabric and paint trends, the latest tableware trends offer something for everyone:

• Metallic is very popular.  This may appear on your dishes as a golden rim around the edges or used in a lustrous all-over floral pattern. Metallic colors include gold, silver, bronze and even brass tones.  Consider pairing these dishes with a table topper made from shiny satin or a runner edged with metallic braid for a shiny and elegant table setting.

• Hand crafted and “folksy” are popular as many people seek a simpler life during tough times.  Paisley, Ikat and tie dye patterns can all be found on dinnerware now.  Placed atop a burlap tablecloth edged with a colorful fringe, this style will invite everyone to the table.

• Vintage patterns are reappearing in new form.  For example, in place of a gold or silver design, the same pattern is now being offered in bright and modern colors  that include fuchsia, teal or lime green.

• Glam and bling are big!  Dishes are rimmed with silver or gold and a band of “pearls” may be added for that touch of bling.  Beautiful and unusual shapes add to the interest.  The wing of a bird becomes a cup handle or a vase is offered in an elegant and organic shape.  Place a tulle overlay on top of your tablecloth to really “glam” up the table.

With all these beautiful choices available don’t you think it’s time to invest in some new dishes?