Selasa, 28 April 2015

High Point Market Trends

Sorry for the MIA last week!  It has been one of the busiest Springs I can remember.  The weather here has been absolutely wonderful, and it's been super hard to focus.  But I have lots to share.  Kicking off the week - I wanted to show you some trends I've been seeing on Pinterest from High Point Market.   A few are a continuation of previous trends while others are brand new.  

First up, brass is not going anywhere!  This trend has been big for the past several years, and now it seems to be on steroids.  I'm not sure how much farther it can be taken.  Most of you know I love a good trend as much as the next decorator, but I like it in small doses (i.e., a lamp, or accessory).  This allows your home to feel current without being saddled with a large something something once the trend fades away.  So, a word of caution before diving into this pool!  

Brass Casement Furnishings
Bernhardt Interiors

This fantastic console table for E.J. Victor.  This seems to be a bit easier to switch out when the trend fades.  We are only talking a console table here and not a bed!

Another by Bernhardt

Use of Non-Traditional Materials
While we are on the subject of furniture pieces, I'm seeing lots of unique materials being used for large furniture pieces.  

Loving this table made from cut velum.

Look at this stunning example - mahogany with faux bone accents.  Again, just mixing up the tones and textures will create a more interesting space.  Love the based on this table - it could rock an entry way.

Loving the shape of this cocktail table in shagreen.  Talk about adding some amazing texture.  Shagreen has been on my radar for awhile now.  I've seen it on smaller side tables, boxes and lamps, but now it's on larger pieces.  Really love this trend and think it will continue.

Love the contrast of the black tones and the shell shape.   The modern shape of these tables is super fun, but mixing it with a traditional wood tone makes it the perfect piece for adding some modern style to a traditional home. 

Completely love this one!  Again, a new material which adds tonal contrast and a completely different texture.  This is always a goal when developing a design plan for a space. 

Creative Shapes On Basic Pieces
This is an interesting trend I've just noticed coming on the scene.  I think we are truly on the front edge of this trend.  The idea of making a space more interesting by mixing up the actual design of the upholstered pieces.  Love the look of this three legged chair.

This is another great example of a unique design adding to the overall feel of a space.  The colors are neutral, but the design is anything but.  It's a total wow. 

I am loving this piece.  It reminds me of the Flintstones, but in a very chic, sophisticated way.  I also think of the tooth fairy when I see this piece.   I think the high end feel of the cut velvet fabric puts this little ottoman over the top for me.  I would love a pair of these in my living room - it's the perfect way to inject some fun, less serious style into a formal space. 

Notice the simple curved arms on this modern example of a winged back chair.  Again, subtle unique lines to a tried and true piece.  

Lastly, I'm loving the soft curves of the sides on this backless chaise.  Just enough to make this piece feel fresh without being too trendy.  Simply gorgeous.

Fresh Materials for Lighting
This is my favorite of all the trends I'm noticing - the use of unique materials on wall sconces and other lighting.  As I always say, lighting is like the jewelry of a room.  

These are calling out to me - daily.  I will not confess how many times I've already visited this image on Pinterest.  A little obsessed -  leather and nail heads (like cinnamon and sugar, the perfect combination).  


And these - again - lucite (with hints of brass just to draw you in).

Another by Ro Sham Beaux Lighting.  It's hard to see in the image, but it's metallic.  This entire line of lighting makes me swoon.  It's to the moon and back - like this gorgeous thing.

The wave sconce by Dune and Duchess in ceramic and comes a lots of color options.


Last but not least, most if you know my disdain for bunk beds.  Mainly because they gobble up all the visual space in a room, and they are not an attractive focal point.  Well, that is until now.  Feast your eyes on this beauty.  (No, I never thought I would use the words bunk beds and beauty together).

I was not able to find any source information on this piece.  So, if you know, please share!  I'm more than happy to give credit where credit is due.  It feels completely custom. 

Hope you have a great start to your week. M.
















Senin, 27 April 2015

Alumna, Shaina Hedlund Offers Photography of Artwork & Events

Our alumna, Shaina Hedlund expands her career as photographer. Shaina Hedlund Photography provides photography of engagements, seniors, model portfolios, kiddos, families, headshots, bands, live shows, and graduates. Ms. Hedlund’s recent work and more information are available on her blog at http://www.shainahedlundphotography.blogspot.com/


In addition, please contact Shaina Hedlund for UNT students’ special at shainahedlund13@verizon.net

Laptop Forum 2011

Current Juniors, please use this blog to give feedback to the incoming juniors about the laptop requirement and also answer questions they may have since you've had a year of experience with this. Sharing the following information will be very helpful.

1. Your laptop computer specification
2. Good and bad experience with your laptop
3. Software programs that you recommend to incoming juniors
4. Tips or advices about digital design

Design Inspiration - Teen Bedroom


A week or so ago, I was asked by Chairish (one of my favorite websites) if I wanted to create a design board for them with color as the inspiration.  I just happened to be in the middle of designing  a very fun teen bedroom with color (namely purple); so I jumped at the chance.  As you can see from the board, my client requested purple.  So, I took one look at the Chairish rugs on their website, and knew exactly what I wanted to do in this space.  


For a bit more background on this design, we were working with a couple of existing furniture pieces - a high poster bed and long Regency style dresser.  So, I simply filled in the rest.  Since my client sews, the fabrics I've selected could be used in several different combinations of pillows, bed scarfs, or even bed skirts.  By using a basic coverlet and then adding pops of color, the entire room comes to life.  The rug from Chairish was the perfect jumping off point for my purple accents.  I love how it has a traditional feel, but the overdyed look speaks to the more modern elements on the board. 

This was a fun project and hope my client and Chairish love the results! M. 

Mid Week Craig's List

We are having horrible weather today with 80 mile an hour winds.  We awoke to the sound of falling trees in our neighborhood (not a good sound, and I hope you never hear it)!  So, this is a quick post.

I haven't put together a Craig's list post in quite awhile so I thought a little mid week search was in order.  I found one really great find.
Brass & Glass Console Table ($60)

Here are a few ways to utilize a table like this.






For those of you in our area, please stay safe and dry!! M.

Yearning for Cozy

We've had lots of stormy, rainy weather this week, and it's really spurred my need for a cozy spot.  I'm so looking forward to curling up and relaxing a bit this weekend.  Hope you carve out some time to do the same!


Happy Weekend.  See you Monday.  M.

Things on the Brain Lately

I've got a completely random assortment for you today.  Sometimes that's just how it rolls around here.  I get something on my brain, and I can't stop thinking about it.  In no particular order . . . 

Wouldn't this be a fun gift for someone who is into photography (and coffee)? 

I've been obsessing over table settings with combinations of blues and oranges - from watery turquoise and pumpkin orange. . . 

to navy with a sherbet melon like color.  These colors always seem to work well together.

I discovered this product before the holidays and just adore it.  In fact, when I get home in the evenings I immediately start thinking about getting to wash my face with it - long before bedtime!  My skin has been super dry this season and this stuff has lots of moisture.  It also removes my eye makeup all in one step.  It has a wonderful girly smell, but not too strong.  I think that's what I most look forward to at the end of the day - the wonderful smell.  I can tell my skin feels softer and smoother - no more dryness.   While it may seem expensive, you only have to use a tiny amount.  It has these micro beads in it that foam like crazy. So, a little goes a long way.

I'm working on a couple of spaces where we are trying to achieve the perfect soft turquoise color.  I sort of feel like soft turquoise is an oxymoron, since turquoise is anything but soft.   Short of yellow, I think this color is one of the most difficult to get right.  You see, turquoise is a great combination of green and blue.  Then when you start to water is down to a soft hue, the color seems to read either blue or green.  I thought we had it at one point but then realized it looked like a blue in a boy's nursery - NOT what we were going for in the least.  So, I'm beginning to think I need to create a custom color.  Here are a few we tried that are lovely colors but just don't seem to work given our lighting in the two different rooms. 

Ben Moore Quiet Moments 

Sherwin Williams Copen Blue

Sherwin Williams Sea Salt

Behr Lime Light 

Behr Reflecting Pool

So, I would love to hear from you on any that you think are tried and true and continue to maintain the perfect blend of blue and green in a light intensity!

Got this candle from a close friend for Christmas, and it's already gone.  The autumn undertones mixed with a smokey thing (I can't tell if it's an outdoor fire pit/smores smell or something more like a man's pipe smoke, but it's a sweet wintery aroma.)  Must. Have. More. Of. It.  

I just discovered Stitch Fix.  

Not sure where I've been, but I'm now on board and super excited about this clever company.  Have you heard of this?  You go online and fill out a very detailed survey of your likes and dislikes along with your measurements.  Then a stylist pulls items specifically for you and sends you a "fix" of items you might like.  You try it on and only keep what works.  You can decide how often you would like the "fix" and the stylist select things accordingly.  I've not received my first box, but I have to confession, it's pure curiosity that is driving me here.  I'm dying to know what someone else would pull for me to wear.   I'll keep you informed - no selfies on this one, I promise!

So, that's it for now.  I've got a couple of redesigns this week.  So, posting will be sporadic.  My goal is to be better about photographing my projects.  I get so into the project, I completely forget to photograph it.  Happy Monday! M.