It’s time for a little fun. Test your knowledge of basic fabrics with this short quiz. I will have the answers in my next post.

1. The name of a classic pillow covering fabric. _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2. A cool textured summertime favorite. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
3. Sheer cotton fabric used for baby clothes and embroidery. Popular for heirloom sewing. _ _ _ _ _ _ _
4. This fabric has wales. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
5. A favorite for jeans. _ _ _ _ _
6. Think feed sacks. _ _ _ _ _ _
7. The bride wore white _ _ _ _ _.
8. A basic cotton fabric. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
9. This material stretches with you. _ _ _ _ _ _ _
10. Sheer material popular for special occasions. _ _ _ _ _

Remember this?  Well it’s back in style.

Color blocking is just what it sounds like…blocks of color are used throughout a room, often with no pattern in sight.  A perfect example of color blocking is this dining room designed by Todd Klein.  Each chair and the window seat pillows are done in a different solid color fabric.

photo by Simon Watson for House Beautiful

 Elle Decor shared this color blocked bedroom featuring ottomans and throw pillows as well as a colorful throw tossed against the solid white bedding.  Even though the colors are bright it is a restful and inviting room.

photo courtesy of Elle Decor

This living room is color blocking at its best.  Set against a white backdrop the colorful chairs, ottomans and even the accessories really pop.

photo courtesy of Elle Decor and abramowics

What do you think of this everything old is new again trend?  Is it something you will incorporate into your own decorating?

This orange lampshade really adds a pop of color to this casual living space (courtesy of Southern Living)
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Lime green paint and fabrics make this a fun room for kids and adults alike
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Combine the fresh citrus colors with a summer motif, such as the pineapple in this Robert Allen @ Home Fabric and you have a winning combination.

A romantic look is achieved through the use of textural fabrics, soft colors and heirloom quality furniture and accessories.  Check out these photos and see what you think:

I think any man would be comfortable in this romantic bedroom courtesy of Country Living.  The rough brick wall, distressed iron bed and bench and neutral colored bedding all come together to create an inviting and relaxing space that certainly falls into the romantic category.

Another romantic bedroom, this one courtesy of Pottery Barn, that features dark wood furniture but the romance comes from the wonderful textures of the bedding and the “surprise” of chandeliers as bedside lighting.

This bedroom courtesy of High Gloss Magazine is the ultimate in romance.  Soft pink colors, floral embroidered bedding and that mirror!  What man doesn’t love a mirror by the bed? (naughty!)

While all of these photos show romantic bedrooms, it is possible to bring a touch of romance to other areas of the home as seen in this photo from pinterest.  The selection of fabrics and the addition of wonderful trims such as ruffles, tassles and appliques will add just a hint of romance to a sitting area, dining room or bedroom and the colors should please both men and women.

Isn’t it time to add a little romance to your home?  I can’t help you with the hubby but maybe some of these decorating ideas might reignite a spark, you think?

True Grit:  This modern version of an old time western has sparked interest in rustic design, aptly called “cowboy chic“.  (everything seems to be “chic” these days)  Elements of this style include distressed leather furniture, animal skins and horns, hunting gear and a general ease of living.

Wouldn't you like to meet this sophisticated cowboy? Love the nailhead trim and embossing on this dresser (by Houzz)
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The King’s Speech:  For some reason movies that take place in jolly old England always garner interest from designers.  This is an easy look to copy if you like chintz, clutter, antiques, gold leaf , heavy draperies and red velvet.  Seriously though, a home that has been decorated in a traditional manner can be lovely if done right.  I, personally, enjoyed looking at the crazy wallpaper and design of Logue’s home.  If designers pay attention we may see a resurgence of art deco design in the coming months.

Social Network:  There is no question that Facebook has changed the way we communicate today.  But I am at a loss as to how it is going to influence interior design.  The good news is that our computers and electronics are getting smaller and smaller with fewer and fewer wires and that makes this interior designer very happy.

Black Swan:  Black Swan has already had a major impact on women’s fashion.  After all, every woman has a hidden ballerina inside, don’t we ladies?  While pink is the color of the year and pink and black have always been a sophisticated palette I don’t think we will be seeing too much influence from this movie.  But if the girly look is something you desire, use feminine fabrics like tulle, organza and velvet, frame a pair of old toe shoes or seek out vintage dance posters and playbills.  Ostrich feathers can be a fun accessory when placed in a tall cylinder vase and don’t forget the sparkly tiara!

The Kids are alright:  I have not seen this movie but I would assume that any home decorated by two loving women who are moms must be warm and inviting and that is no trend, that is a must-have for any home.

Grab your popcorn, soft drink and junior mints and take a few moments to enjoy this annual pasttime.  And have fun spotting the movie influenced interior design trends in the upcoming months.

Kids big and small will love this lips pillow from the sofa garden shop on Etsy.com
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Nothing subtle about this pillow from Alexandra Ferguson.com
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This cute vase could be used year round and is available from firecat on etsy.com
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And don’t forget all the pretty fabrics available to make throw pillows, basket liners, gift bags, picture frames, etc., etc.  You guys are more creative than I so share any Valentine’s Day ideas you have with us.

• Metallic surfaces have been popular for a while now.  Wallpapers and fabrics featuring a metallic sheen are available and brass has been making a comeback.  Switch out that tired old wooden coffee table for a pretty brass and glass table or add some brass lamps to your design.  Replace your dusty window coverings with a fabric that has a touch of shine or add some throw pillows to your current sofa.
• There are so many shades of purple available; deep rich plum, pretty violet, saturated grape or a rich burgundy that has a purple tone to it.  These various shades make it possible for you to introduce purple into many different color schemes.  A simple purple vase or an entire accent wall painted purple–you choose the amount of purple you want to use.  Remember, it is supposed to be a lucky feng shui color this year.
• Gold is another color that is recommended for this year of the rabbit.  As with purple, there are many shades of gold to choose from.  Again, introduce it in small doses as a casual throw on the back of a chair or paint an entire wall a rich golden tone.
• Just for fun, add some rabbit accents.  Not too many!  How about a cute rabbit pillow tossed on a chair or a collection of rabbit figurines you have collected over the years?

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  How fun is this little rabbit pillow from www.velocityartanddesign.com?
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It is always fascinating to familiarize yourself with other cultures and to introduce just a touch of their customs into your own home.  So hop on out (sorry for the pun, couldn’t help myself) to the paint, fabric or home decor store and see what you can find to help you celebrate the year of the Rabbit.