Monday, December 31, 2012

Are decor trends important?

I am interested in following the latest  trends in interior design.   I need to know these things to have relevant discussions with clients and to understand where the industry is headed.  Many  trends come and go without ever hitting the average home.



Colour of the year is a good example of a temporary trend.  Depending on which paint company your like, you will have a different colour of the year!   I use Benjamin Moore paint and this year the colour of the year is ....









 Lemon Sorbet 2019-60

This is an interesting fact to know, but I doubt this time next year it will make much difference  because there will be a new colour of the year.

 Then there are broader colour trends that seem to last for much longer, e.g., the change from beige/brown to grays as the predominant neutral in home decor.  This type of information  is  more important to be aware of because it produces whole palette shifts in home accessories including textiles. The  change to grays has moved palettes from warmer and earthy  to cooler and cleaner colours.

 Rather than the burnt orange/rust  of the brown/beige  era


 you will now find  a more true orange mixed with grays.


 Rather than olive/mossy greens of the brown era...



  you will find fresh apple greens.

You can have such wonderful pops of colour with grays and this is reflected in the vibrancy of home accessories available in the market place today. 

 Several years ago I looked for emerald green accessories for a client.  It was almost impossible to find any!  Pantone's colour of the year for 2013 is...


I find Pantone's colour predictions have more impact on fashion and home decor than those of specific  paint companies. This year you will have no difficulty finding emerald green accessories.

 It is important to keep up with trends that will  impact big ticket, relatively permanent products like hardwood, tile and cabinets.  You do not want to select something that will be dated  quickly.  Awareness of these trends does not mean you have to buy into them.  Sometimes choosing exactly the opposite is the the best design solution for longevity.   That is why it is wiser to choose  more neutral  long term items for your home.


Homeowners  who jumped on the dark wood look  for kitchens will probably end up sorry for their selection sooner rather than later.     Extremes rarely work for long periods of time. I predict the patterned glass mosaic backsplash tile that is all the rage now  will have run its course soon too.


That's why classic soft white kitchen cabinets will always work. There are no extremes in this kitchen.   The style is softly traditional, the tiles are plain and the counters are  lighter granite.   I know it isn't everyone's cup of tea.  I am talking about what stands the test of time.

 
Staying with a traditional example, if you don't like white, consider a more mid tone neutral  or  ...


  mid toned stained  wood. 


Stay tuned for 2013 decor trends with staying power. 


New Years Eve with Eddie Ross + Jaithan Kochar












If your party hosts are Eddie Ross and Jaithan Kochar, you know you're in for a fabulous evening!! Can you imagine the two celebrating New Year's Eve?! Well now you don't have to! The December issue of Lonny features this Manhattan apartment designed by the talented duo, all set for a New Year's soiree! I love all of the orchids and the peacock theme (perfect with the walls!), especially the use of Schumacher's Shanghai Peacock fabric! Read all their party tips and see more photos by Patrick Cline right here!

Have a FUN and SAFE New Year's Eve!!!!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Top Ten 2012


It's always fun to comply a little "Best Of" list at the end of the year! According to my site statistics, these were the most popular posts this year. And I'd have to agree with all you guys, they are spectacular spaces brought to us by some insanely talented individuals! If you missed any of them, click on over to see the full posts!

#10 The Glamorous Housewife Bethany Herwegh


#9 Camille Roskelley


#8 Viscusi Elson Interior Design + Rutt of Los Altos


#7 Katelyn James


#6 Home Office for Everyone


#5 Jenna Sue


#4 Virginia Kitchens + Harry Braswell Inc.


#3 Hiya Papaya + Four Chairs Furniture


#2 Viscusi Elson Interior Design


...and drum-roll please!! 

#1 Jeanette Van Wicklen Design - Part 2

What a year!!! Last month I passed my five-year milestone of writing House of Turquoise. Every single day I get so much joy out of searching for beautiful interiors, but it makes it all the more rewarding sharing the beauty and talent with my readers–people who I know truly appreciate it and get inspiration out of the photos! So once again, thank you all so much for visiting my little turquoise world!

(Check out last year's top ten post here too!)


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Margaret Donaldson Interiors
















Years ago I shared a photo of this droolworthy bedroom designed by Margaret Donaldson Interiors out of Charleston, South Carolina. I'm sure so many of you have already seen it! When I discovered even more pics, imagine how super excited I was!! Definitely over the top (in a fabulous way!), the turquoise bedroom in the Southern Living Idea House was inspired by the yummy assortment of Designers' Guild fabrics used for the custom duvet cover. Even the ceiling features a faux-finished pattern interpreted from the bedding. Such luxe furnishings here...that mirrored canopy bed is absolutely gorgeous! What a great bathroom too!! Tour more of the Southern Living idea house here (In the City), it has turquoise throughout!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!


Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Pulliam Morris Interiors






I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!! I will tell you this much, our house looks like a tornado went through it right now (a sign of an excellent celebration!), so it's a treat to see this incredible Atlanta home designed by Karen Menge of Pulliam Morris Interiors. How drop dead gorgeous is that dining room?! I don't think I'd ever be able to dine, my eyes would refuse to stop staring at those walls covered in the magnificent Zuber wallpaper! The kitchen is great too, LOVE all the marble and fabulous blue island! Definitely finish your tour of this amazing home here!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

A little red year round

Red  is a great accent colour anytime, but it seems to be even more inviting at Christmas.  All it takes is the merest hint to bring a room to life. It can be used in small accessories, window treatments or furniture.  In all can't be ignored.

accessories red
A splash of red always works

What a difference a pillow can make.  Remember to have at least three hits of an accent colour around a room to create movement.  

red furniture with black
Black and red are very dramatic

Red and black is always dramatic, and when your throw a bold pattern into the mix it is even more so. 

red patterned bar stools accessories
Stunning patterned bar stools

 Red and gray is refreshing.  I especially like this crisp blue red with a white pattern. Three hits of colour is well displayed in this vignette. 

A sprinkling of red

Red paired with black and white patterned area rug is very eye catching.   What an interesting window treatment for more than one window set close together. Vertical stripes are so commanding. 

red sofa black and white pillows
Who could ignore red with black and white?

 Bold black and white again with a red sofa.  Very commanding.  When you are hanging artwork on a striped wall it is best to keep the mats light and the images simple. 

red and white striped headboard
Red and white striped headboard

A striking red striped headboard with charcoal and white. 

red console
A stunning red console

Red with liberal amounts of neutral always works.




Merry Christmas!!




  
I want to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!! From my own house of turquoise and all of our four-legged (highly photogenic!) little ones–Charley, Gertie, Spencer and Kismet, we hope your day is filled with all things merry and bright! Thank you all so much for reading my blog!!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve with The Visual Vamp
















Without fail, Valorie Hart of The Visual Vamp wowed me with her Christmas decorations again this year! I wondered if she was going to pull out her oh-so-fabulous collection of Tiffany boxes to put under her tree again, but alas, it turns out they are missing! (SO sad!!) As much as I miss the old boxes, I'm absolutely loving what she did this year, photographed here by Sara Essex Bradley. So shimmery and festive! Definitely go and check out even more of her pics right here! I don't know about you, but I am so READY for Christmas!!!

I wish you all a joy-filled Christmas Eve, safe travels and merriment all around!!


Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise...updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!