Design Inspirations
Trends from the Spring 2010 Runway for your wardrobe and your home…
Nature Inspired Floral Prints
Sass and Bide. London Fashion Week Spring 2010.
The oversized leaves on this wallpaper mimic the nature inspired floral print dresses that prove to be the newest trend for spring.
Amparo Blue + Gray
Tracy Reese. New York Fashion Week Spring 2010.
Mary McDonald.
Wallpaper has made an impressive comeback over the last few years, and proves to be the latest trend in interior design. Today’s prints are bolder and brighter than ever before, and can be used in a number of different ways to enhance the beauty of a room. With a choice of florals, patterns, stripes, textures, and colors; wallpaper can transform a plain wall into a canvas of creativity and style. Whether used in a small space to add interest, on a single wall to replace art, in a foyer to boldly greet guests, or on a ceiling to create a focal point – wallpaper has the power to redefine the aesthetic of a space and bring an entire room to life.
If walls could talk…I wonder what these rooms would be saying?
This large floral pattern wallpaper adds visual interest to an otherwise plain bedroom, and the large yellow flower in the corner compliments the beautiful yellow and white striped silk drapes. I love when drapes are oversized and puddle at the bottom, making it less formal and drawing your eye from ceiling to floor.
Home and Garden. If you don't have a clearly defined entryway, the addition of wallpaper and a few pieces of furniture can turn a simple hallway into a formal entryway.
Domino Magazine. This bold zebra wallpaper creates a dramatic entrance into the living room. Wallpapering the walls and the ceiling makes an otherwise small narrow space appear larger.
The striped wallpaper in this living room creates a bold statement and gives life to an otherwise neutral color palette. By keeping the rest of the space monochromatic, the wallpaper takes center stage and becomes the clear focal point of the room.
If a pattern is overly busy, you can wallpaper only the upper half of the wall and paint the wainscoting. This helps to prevent the space from being visually overwhelming and allows for the use of a complimentary paint color to enhance the beauty of the wallpaper.
Designer Kelly Wearstler. I usually don't like the walls to match the drapery, but in this space it works beautifully. The white moulding and the white furniture help to break up the pattern and bring out the white grid-like lines in the lattice pattern wallpaper.
I love this entryway! Greeting your guests with a bold wallpaper and bright yellow accents is a great way to introduce them to your style and personality. Using wallpaper in an entryway also allows you to make a big statement in a small space.
I love this room! There is a lot of pattern on the walls and the windows, but the use of different shades of lavender brings the whole space together and prevents the patterns from being overwhelming. I like how the patterns are confined to the edges of the room, allowing the sleigh bed to still serve as the focal point of the room.
Apartment Therapy. The peacock feathers wallpaper in this entryway is amazing. The gold and bronze color scheme make for a very warm welcome to this home.
The metallic gold and teal wallpaper enhances the beauty of the antique velvet chair and serves as a backdrop rather than a focal point. The high sheen wallpaper adds another dimension to the many different textures in this space.
The use of stainless steel in interior design is reminiscent of the industrialism, functionality, and simplicity of the Bauhaus style and the Machine Age. Its durability, low-maintenance, and clean streamlined surface makes it a perfect material for a space devoted to utility. Today, stainless steel has gone beyond its industrial roots and can be found in kitchens of many styles and aesthetics. Whether used in appliances, backsplashes, countertops, or furniture; stainless steel is a mainstay of kitchen design. When stainless steel stands alone there is always the risk of making a space feel somber, cold, and institutional. But the addition of white, particularly white marble, can instantly make a space feel elegant and chic. The juxtaposition of stainless steel and beautiful white carrara marble creates an “industrial chic” space that is equally beautiful as it is functional.
Metal accents, streamlined surfaces, and an all-white palette create a bright, clean, and stylish space that would inspire even the greatest of chefs.
Decor Pad. The stainless steel bar stools, aluminum pendant lights, and wooden ladder make this kitchen distinctly utilitarian and industrial, but the addition of the counter to ceiling white marble backsplash and glass-paned cabinets keeps the space elegant and chic.
This kitchen has every element of a commercial grade kitchen...chef's tap, pot-filler faucet, and oversized hood. I love the juxtaposition of the steel caged bar stools against the luxurious white marble countertops. A perfect example of creating harmony between function and artistry.
I love the combination of textures in this kitchen...the white washed rustic brick, high sheen white lacquer cabinets, unfinished paneled floors, and stainless steel countertops. Placing the cooktop on the island makes it a space for both cooking and gathering.
Living Etc. The exposed ventilation system gives an added touch of industrialism to this space. The separation of the sink, range, and butcher block allows for numerous work spaces within the kitchen.
Designer Mick De Guilio. I usually don't like the clutter created by leaving pots and pans in plain sight, but by keeping the cooking utensils all stainless steel they become accent pieces that are part of the decor. I love the hanging scale on the pot rack, it adds a very authentic feel to the kitchen.
The stainless steel chairs and pendant light creates an almost laboratory-like feel in this kitchen. The white walls and glass cabinets help to soften an otherwise stark industrial space.
House and Home. In this space the stainless steel is not as much an industrial accent, but rather provides a touch of shine to this very elegant chic kitchen. I love the marble island and slate gray upholstered bar stools. Notice how the chandeliers are encased with sheer drum shades...a very unique and beautiful light fixture!
The white on white walls, cabinetry, and countertops create a beautiful monochromatic background that allows the black wolf range and stainless steel accents to take center stage.
Living Etc. I love the contrast of different textures and styles in this kitchen. The modern sleek stainless steel cabinets and chrome office chairs are softened by the textured stone floors, white beamed ceilings, and chic reflective chandelier. A perfect example of how stainless steel can work with any style or aesthetic, whether modern, rustic, traditional, or all of the styles combined.
Decor Pad. This is my absolute favorite kitchen, combining all of my favorite design elements in one space...bamboo chairs, slate gray accents, subway tiles, white carrara marble countertops, neutral upholstery, and high sheen maple wood floors. An absolutely beautiful kitchen that is both elegant and functional.
Portland Monthly. The pendant lights, exposed brass hinges, and wooden lab chairs add just the right amount of industrialism to this bright all-white kitchen.
Trends from the Spring 2010 Runway for your wardrobe and your home…
Bold Pink
Lanvin. Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010.
Modern Coastal Living.
The Return of Baby Blue
New York Fashion Week 2010. Baby blue seems to dominate the return of pastels this spring.
Elle Decor.
Tribal Inspiration + Ikat
Dries Van Noten. Paris Fashion Week Spring 2010.
Thibaut Ikat fabric.
I have always adored a guest room or child’s room with twin beds. For me it is not so much about the utilitarianism of two beds, but rather the opportunity it affords to have double the impact with design and décor. Even if you don’t need the additional sleeping space, using two beds in a room allows for more patterns, textures, colors, linens, and pillows. The mirrored reflection of the beds creates a perfectly balanced space of visual symmetry and equal proportion, and allows you to play one bed off the other. Surprisingly, decorating two beds is much easier than one because you aren’t restricted by the confines of a single focal point. With two focal points and two statement pieces you are afforded a much larger space for the expression of your personal style and aesthetic.
As the bedrooms below demonstrate, two is better than one…
Melissa Rufty. I love this space! It is a beautiful blend of antique charm and modern elegance. The orange and fuschia toile wallpaper emphasizes the unique shape of the headboard, and having two creates twice the impact.
Brook Gianetti. The combination of soft Tiffany blue and natural linen creates a very serene and relaxing guest room. In this space, the headboards, linens, and artwork mirror one another creating visual symmetry and balance.
Elle Decor. This is such a simple monochromatic space, and yet the uniquely shaped headboards and feather centerpiece immediately give the space an Arabesque style. I love the use of different shades of whites, creating a serene neutral setting without being boring.
I love these red nailhead headboards. Using a bold colored headboard creates a distinct focal point and becomes the central color around which you decorate.
Amanda Nesbit. I love the tufted scalloped headboard and the matching scalloped coverlet. Not only do the beds mimic one another, but the detailing on each bed mimics that of other pieces in the room. Notice how the green and yellow detailing on the bedskirt and headboard matches that of the roman shades, pendant light, and dollhouse.
This twin bedroom features do-it-yourself projects by designer Jenny Komenda. She added turquoise ribbon to a white comforter cover to add a pop of color, upholstered muslin heaboards from Ballard Designs, and spray painted an antique bedside table to match the turquoise in the rest of the room. Such an easy way to create a beautiful space! Check out other projects at littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/.
I love the versatility of the decor in this space. By keeping the headboards white and using natural bamboo stick blinds, you can change the entire style of the room by simply changing the pillows and the quilts. It provides a beautiful neutral palette to work from.
Barrie Benson. I love the juxtaposition of the dark geometric pattern headboard and the very feminine Pierre Deux bed canopy. The addition of modern accent pieces adds a nice element of surprise and keeps this guest room from being overly feminine. The table lamp is the "white bel air lamp" by Jonathan Adler.
Cococozy. The velvet bolster pillows, sheer bed canopies, and petite slipper chairs create a very elegant, romantic and relaxing guest room. The addition of a canopy can immediately transform a space and can replace the need for a headboard.
Pottery Barn. I love the Nautical theme that seems to be dominating spring fashion and home decor. The quintessential bold blue stripes and sea grass accents are an easy way to make a space feel nautical.
Living Etc. There are so many different patterns used in this space...stripes, bohemian, and paisely...and yet having two of everything and keeping within the same color palette creates perfect harmony. I love the coverlet with the corner pleats and the use of overhead lamps to save space on the nightstand.
The pairing of classic understated black, set off by a pop of glitzy gold, is one we never get tired of in both our homes and in our closets. Much like accessorizing an LBD, the addition of gold to an all black palette can instantly make a space feel sophisticated, luxurious, and chic. Characterized as both glamorous and modest, seductive and practical, chic and versatile, and elegant and powerful; black and gold are a timeless pair that can adapt to any style or aesthetic. Whether you are making a bold glitzy statement or adding just a touch of antique glamour, the combination of black and gold has the power to instantly transform a space; creating a level of sophistication and beauty that is equal to the ever-classic LBD and iconic gold buttoned suit.
As Coco Chanel has proven, black and gold are a classic pair that will surely stand the test of time in both fashion and interior design.
The white chandelier and touches of gold glitz instantly make this space glamorous and ultra-chic. The graphic pattern on the wallpaper and the sidechair gives the space visual interest and adds a touch of modernity to the otherwise traditional space.
I love the juxtaposition of the traditional antique gold mirror against the modern black lacquer dresser. Notice the unique combination of different textures and finishes used in this space....the high-sheen walls and lacquer dresser, soft black velvet drapes, gilted mirror, and matte white floors.
As with fashion, gold is a perfect accessory to a black and white color scheme. The small elements of gold instantly makes this master bedroom feel elegant and chic.
The combination of gold, zebra, lucite, and plush creates a very feminine, modern space. But the use of deep black walls adds an element of masculinity and prevents the space from being overly glamorous or "Hollywood."
Even in the absence of furniture, the combination of black, white, and gold instantly makes the space feel elegant and sets the stage for very sophisticated and chic decor.
Decorpad. I like the modest use of gold accents in this office space. Although your eye is drawn to the oversized gold mirror and beautiful gold cane chair, the brushed leaf finish keeps the gold pieces understated and prevents them from being the dominant features of the room.
Badgley Mischka. The deep black walls, bar tray, and antique gold frame with art lighting creates a very handsome "men's club" feel.
Country Living Magazine. This is a perfect example of how black and gold can be applied to any style of aesthetic. In this space, black and gold create a very traditional Victorian-inspired master bedroom. The black and white striped walls are not wallpapered, but upholstered in fabric!
There is nothing understated about this master bathroom. The deep black walls and glitzy gold tiles create an oasis of glamour and elegance.
House Beautiful. In this space the sconces are the only touch of gold, and yet they still stand out amidst the all white and black palette. This combination of black, white, and gold creates a stunning and dramatic entrance to any home.
Designer Bob Collins. I absolutely love Chinese lattice wallpaper! It works particularly well in a hallway or entry way, allowing you to create a bold statement while still confining the rather busy pattern to a small space.
After reading the book The Well-Dressed Home by Annette Tatum, I was inspired to introduce a weekly installment about “Runway Inspirations” for your home. Much like your wardrobe, living spaces are a clear expression of both your personality and style sensibilities. Whether romantic, couture, classic, casual, bohemian, retro, or modern; defining your own style can help to inform the way you create and adorn your living spaces.
I hope that these beautifully fashionable spaces will inspire you to incorporate some of the colors, fabrics, textures, and patterns characteristic of your wardrobe and the fashion world.
Spring 2010 fashion trends…
Orange and Graphic Prints
Spring 2010. Marc by Marc Jacobs, Oscar de la Renta, Brian Reyes, Vivienne Westwood, Jaeger London.
Elle Decor.
Sweet Pastels
Derek Lam. Spring 2010 pastels.
Southern Accents. Designer Eric Prokesh.
What better way to celebrate daylight savings and the coming of spring than to add a splash of yellow to your décor. Yellow is a great color for decorating because it has a wide variety of pigments and tones; making it suitable for any style or aesthetic. There is amber, butter yellow, citrine, golden yellow, lemon, and mustard yellow; each one exuding a different personality and emotion. While bright citrus yellows can add an element of drama and allure, pale buttery yellows can make a space feel elegant, warm, and soothing. If, like me, you are apprehensive about adding yellow to your decor, then perhaps start small and confine yellow to a single accent piece or use a pale yellow that can function as a neutral. No matter what shade you choose, yellow has the power to bring new life to a space, making it a great color to ring in spring and celebrate the promise of a new season.
Goodbye gray skies, hello sunshine...
Carolyn Barber. I love this vanity space. The stark white and yellow striped wallpaper immediately brightens the space and adds an element of fun. The mirrored vanity and tailored ottoman keeps the space elegant and chic.
Steel gray and yellow make a beautiful pair. Adding a pale yellow to the walls and accent pieces adds warmth to the space and serves as a great complement to the blue tones of the gray headboard.
Reserving yellow for just one piece in a room adds just the right amount of color without being overwhelming. It also helps to draw your eye to the beautiful console table and sconces at the centerpiece of the room.
Southern Accents Magazine. I absolutely love this kitchen! Yellow looks particularly beautiful against an all white palette and can instantly make a kitchen feel fresh and bright. Using lemons as decor is an easy way to add a splash of yellow.
When using both a bold color and pattern on the wall, it is wise to keep the rest of the space within the same neutral palette. I like how the area rug mimics the pattern of the wallpaper.
Using yellow on your front door is a very bold statement, but it remains sophisticated and chic when paired with steel gray and black.
I love the stark contrast between the white high sheen floors and the French style painted yellow chairs. There is a beautiful dichotomy between alternating yellow and white walls.
This is a perfect example of how yellow can suit any style or aesthetic. In this space, yellow serves as the sole modern piece in this otherwise traditional and monochromatic space.
I love so many elements of this bedroom...the uniquely shaped headboard, the playful striped wallpaper, and the beautiful graphic fabric on the roman shades. Notice how the white moulding on the wall draws your eye around the entire room, forcing you to take in every intricate detail of the space.
I love this sliding farmhouse door. By painting the door yellow you can't help but notice its unique design and architectural detailing.
There are a lot of different colors, textures, and patterns in this space, but the use of yellow in various accent pieces helps to unify the space. Framing wallpaper is an inexpensive way to create oversized artwork for a wall.
Yellow tulips are emblematic of the arrival of spring, and they can instantly change the mood of a space...adding a dose of color, happiness, and warmth.
For me, the beginning of spring means warm weather, longer nights, and late night bike rides.
Nearly everyone has a wall in their home that remains blank because the size of the space is just simply too overwhelming. And while using one piece of artwork seems inadequate, the idea of creating a gallery of artwork on your wall can be daunting. Despite its challenges, a gallery wall has the power to completely transform a space; adding visual interest, geometry, and a personal touch. Whether you choose family photos, mementos, or artwork, what you display in your gallery says a lot about who you are. While some people might prefer an eclectic look with all different shapes, sizes, and subject matters, others might favor a more uniform and symmetrical display. No matter what your aesthetic preference is, a gallery wall provides a wonderful opportunity for self-expression and creativity.
This wall gallery is perfectly symmetrical and balanced, giving geometry to a space filled with soft edges and curved lines. The white mat of the artwork emphasizes the beautiful warm tone of the wood paneled wall.
Judith Miller. A gallery wall isn't solely for displaying artwork, but can also showcase your collection of treasured items. The dark blue wall creates a beautiful background, almost as if the wall has become a page out of a scrapbook.
Although this wall gallery displays a variety of different sized frames, the continuous use of black silhouettes and the repetition of the black and tan palette gives the space uniformity and order.
This office is a great example of how a wall can become a space of self-expression. The variety of colors, artwork, and frames is emblematic of the homeowner's eclectic style and bold aesthetic.
Emily A. Clark Design. A wall with tall ceilings can be very daunting, but hanging frames both vertically and horizontally helps to fill the space and gives visual interest to what would have been a large blank canvas. I like how the gallery continues beyond the ceiling beams.
I love this space for so many reasons! I not only love the striped settee and beautiful blue paisley wallpaper, but also the way in which the artwork is hung to fit the furniture. Rather than hanging the frames in a geometric pattern, the frames hug the outline of the chair...creating a beautiful vignette.
Ellen Silverman. A gallery wall displaying your favorite artwork is great for an entryway, greeting your guests with an introduction to your style and interests.
A gallery wall can serve as both a complement and a counterpoint to the rest of the space. In this case, the floral paintings and antique frames serve as a counterpoint to the more contemporary bold striped couch. Also notice the juxtaposition of both modern and traditional artwork within the gallery.
Jeremy Samuelson. The floor to ceiling gallery of artwork emphasizes the height of the space and makes the furniture appear small and insignificant. The wall itself becomes the focus of the room.
Elle Decor. I love how there are no rules to this space. The mix of colors, styles, and textures merits a wall gallery of equal variety and eclecticism.
Keeping within the same neutral palette allows the artwork to blend into the wall and makes them one with the space. Because of the softness of the pencil drawings, your eyes are drawn to the frames rather than the artwork itself.
Orange is a color that I tend to shy away from in both fashion and decorating. For someone who loves neutrals, it is not surprising that orange would be a color less favored. However, orange seems to be popping up everywhere in fashion. Some of the greatest fashion houses have been showcasing orange in their collections for years, including Lanvin, Chloe, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Christopher Kane, and Dries Van Noten. It is often said in the fashion world that “orange is the new pink,” bringing an edginess and freshness that immediately brightens any wardrobe. Orange is also a great alternative to pink in the home, providing the same energy and happiness without the distinct femininity. Much like your wardrobe, orange is best when paired with brown and white, creating an equestrian look that is reminiscent of the illustrious Hermes ads. Perhaps it is time we take a queue from fashion and invite orange into our homes.
No matter what your color preference is, it is hard to resist the beautiful orange of an Hermes box.
There is really no other way to describe this beautiful hue of orange than to refer to it as "Hermes orange."
Elle Decor. Orange and brown are a perfect pair. The orange gives a pop of color, while the brown helps to maintain the masculinity of the space. I love the Hermes throw on the back of the couch.
Nate Turner. I just couldn't resist this charming orange phone. As with any bold color, orange makes an even stronger statement when contrasted with bright white.
When using a busy pattern on the walls it is wise to keep the rest of the pieces in the room within the same neutral palette. I like how the geometric lamps and nailhead headboard stand out against the orange wallpaper. Notice another version of the Hermes blanket.
David Jimenez. The stack of lacquered boxes are an exact replica of the Hermes boxes. The collage of black and white items allows the orange boxes to serve as the focal point of the space.
Elle Decor. This living room designed by Kelly Klein is reminiscent of the equestrian inspired Hermes ads. There is something about the combination of orange, brown, and white that merits an equestrian accent piece.
Hermes Ad, 2007.
Domino Magazine. Much like books, a stack of Hermes boxes can serve as part of the decor and add geometry, color, and dimension to a space.
Metropolitan Home. Orange not only looks great with brown, but it also pairs well with black and tan. I love the solitary orange leather arm chair at the head of the dining table. Adding an upholstered chair to either end of the table adds a pop of color and gives prominence to the "head of the table" (much like royalty).
Princess Grace carries "the Kelly," the legendary Hermes bag named for her; image from a July 2007 Harper's Bazaar spread celebrating the 170th anniversary of Hermes.
I love this all white office with white high sheen floors. The orange Hermes boxes makes the space ultra-chic and fashionable. I love the added detail of using Mandarin orange trees outside; coordinating beautifully with the orange and greenery used inside.
Another great way to introduce Hermes orange into a space is to frame one of their beautiful scarves. They make for great wall art!
I love the idea of hanging twin beds! The orange Hermes blankets look beautiful against the natural undertones of the space...the wood paneled walls, linen chair, and thick rope. The Hermes blanket and vintage Louis Vuitton trunk adds an element of glamour and elegance to the otherwise rustic space.
The Hermes blanket featured in this ad is a perfect example of the beautiful combination of orange, brown, black, white, and tan. These color combinations are not only beautiful in fashion, but also in decorating.
