One of A Kind!

I love art! Not prints and the stuff you see everywhere, but true, one-of-a-kind, says-something-about-the-artist kind of art.  I am constantly looking for unique pieces, stuff you won't find at your neighbor's house, and if I can work with an artist to personalize it...even better!

So while I was endlessly and unsuccessfully searching the internet yesterday for a unique media console for our family room I came across an amazing artist! I was so drawn to his artwork that I spent at least an hour (while I should have been cooking dinner for my kids) looking at his endless pieces of art, all unique, all one-of-a-kind. I was so inspired by his talent I emailed him and asked him to call me so we could discuss a possible project. Within 15 minutes we were on the phone discussing his work and my desire for one of his personalized, amazing creation!

The artist is Rick Cheadle. He is based out of Detroit, Michigan, near my old stomping ground, and he is truly talented. He typically paints on furniture, table tops, birdhouses, sculptures, clocks, mobile, logos, t-shirts and more! He paints with vivid color and eye-tricking techniques.  One of the things I love about his work is that he paints thousands of tiny circles together to make one larger, unified object.

It has now been less that 18 hours and we have a plan in the works. I have commissioned Rick to paint a piece that I will showcase above our fireplace.  He is creating a "Family Tree" for us with strong roots and branches, and vivid, happy colors. Additionally, I have asked Rick to incorporate the first letter of each of our names into the design (J,A,C, B, and B) to signify the importance of each member of our family and how they play a part in our family.  I also asked him to add a peacock for a bit of whimsy and a nod to my grandmother.

I am so excited about this project that when I talk about it, I get a little giggle in my voice!  I can't wait to see it! And the added bonus to the whole thing is he is FAST! He is starting it today and I should have it by the end of next week.  I will post a picture as soon as I get it! So keep your eyes peeled!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #11 Change It Up!

I have a dear friend, who every time I go to her house (which is once a week) she has moved everything around! Other than a few accessories that she changes out every-so-often, for the most part the items in her house are the same…just moved around! And I am not just talking about a couple of accessories; I am talking about furniture, art, lamps, even place settings in the hutch! She knows how to re-vamp her house without spending ANY money!

The key to being able to change it up and really see the is to keep you base pieces (ie: sofa, dining table, main dishes, etc.), the pieces you are only going to purchase every 10+ years, keep them neutral and timeless.  And let the smaller investments like lamps, picture frames, chargers, and linens be for colorful, playful and trendy.  Also buy a couple of statement pieces like a funky shaped Bombay chest or a mirrored buffet.

This week when I went to my friend’s house she had her dining table set with leopard print glass chargers, white plates and blue and gold napkins. She accented the room with a leopard-shaded lamp and a piece of art that tied all the colors together.  In her music room she leaned an iron piece of art (that is usually in her master bedroom) up against the wall and hung various framed picture of her loved ones.

So I challenge you! Once a quarter change it up! Move your furniture around, move your accessories, even rehang some art. You will be amazed how much it changes the feel of your home.  Pieces that didn’t show up before are now standing out and making a statement!

Penne, I adore you and you truly are an inspiration!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #10 Things Are Definitely Looking Up



Domed Copper Ceiling with
 Embellishments and Chandelier





Faux Copper Leaf Ceiling

Design is casting the eyes upward. The ceiling will be embellished and noticed more as the "fifth wall," and may be painted or architecturally enhanced to play more of a focal point in a space.  You will begin to see metallic ceilings done with either paint or vintage-inspired ceiling tiles.  Adding to the lighting trend (Trend #9) a large, eye-catching chandelier will be paired with ceiling a medallion to add weight to the fixture and heighten its beauty.  Textured architectural embellishments such as 3-deminsional stencils will add excitement to an otherwise normal ceiling.

So keep your eyes open, and upward, for some awe-inspiring designs overhead!

3-D Stencil on a trey ceiling







Design Trends 2011 - Trend #9 Lighting



Pottery Barn Fixture



Lighting is one of the most essential aspects in home decorating and yet it tends to get ignored more than any other single element in an interior decorating scheme. Lighting can give the illusion of space and depth and comfort and emphasis. It draws the eye and can also be used to distract it. Lighting, when done correctly, can make a so-so room look phenomenal.

The importance of the right kind of lighting in your house cannot be overstated. What is the first thing you do when you get home in the evening? Switch on the lights, right? And what if you want to set the mood? Don’t you head towards dimming the lights? Having the right lights can proverbially make or break a home. Use the right lights to highlight your favorite piece of art or downplay a paint inconsistency that only your eye can see.

Light fixtures, if used in the right way, can transform the entire look of your home and it is definitely less expensive than a new coat of paint or even the husband-dreaded word, ‘remodel’!



Ikea Fixture



This year lighting is either going to make a statement or disappear.  You will see a lot of bold and art-like fixtures or out-of-sight recessed lighting.  When you are selecting lighting think about what you need it for, task lighting, ambient lighting, focal lighting or decorative lighting. Then decide it you want to make a statement or if you want it to disappear.  Finally, think about the reflections and shadows it will cask on your surroundings.

Remember, make a statement, have fun with it, and give them something to talk about!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #8 Upcycling

“Upcycling is the process of converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value.” - Wikipedia

Upcycled house goods will be even bigger in 2011, according to those at Etsy, the online marketplace for handcrafted materials. Look for plastic bags turned into bowls, wine bottles into mini lamps, wine bottle corks into cork boards , vintage silk scarfs into pillows, neckties into throw blankets, old barn wood used to make furniture and as the canvas for artwork, 1980s speakers into a sofa table and bike parts into clocks. A turquoise mini file box made with vintage record album covers by FreeStyle Gifts of San Francisco ($38, www.etsy.com/shop/FreestyleGifts) could be used for coupons, recipes and the larger sizes could be used for kid’s artwork storage.

We are seeing more recycled-content building and remodeling materials such as countertops and backsplashes, and reclaimed wood floors (Trend #4).

I am proud to say that we as a whole are really becoming more environmentally conscience. With all the vintage style, upcycling, and recycling, “going green” is more than just a short-lived fad!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #7 Coming to a Wall Near You!

Can you believe it? After all those countless hours we have all spent peeling duck borders and fruit wallpaper from the walls of our kitchens and baths, wallpaper is actually making a comeback! In 2010, we saw one wall accents and recessed niches hung with graphic designed wallpaper the latest trend for 2011 is to wallpaper two, three and even four walls in a room. Fewer accent walls and more fully papered rooms are cropping up in homes and magazine spreads as of late, along with a handful of "mini trends" in wallpaper design. While we started to see some of these trends at the end of 2010, experts bet they'll pick up even more steam in the months to come.

Paintable Wallpaper-It's the perfect hybrid between painting a wall and wallpapering it, and for the non-committal decorators among us. Big box stores like Target and Home Depot, carry over thirty designs including Martha Stewart's collection.

Tone-on-Tone & Metallic -If 2010 was the year of large scale patterns, a wide range of colors and quirky, highly individualized designs, then 2011 is definitely dialing it back a bit. Think subtly bold designs, such as the textured, paintable ones mentioned earlier, as well as tone-on-tone patterns and shiny metallic (see Trend #6!!).

Fabric and Wallpaper Combos-This is a trend is popping up in all the interior design magazines issues of the New Year. Interior designer Windsor Smith used Bennison's Roses wallpaper and then covered the home's dining chairs in an identical fabric, in a feature for House Beautiful magazine, above. Interiors magazine's January 2011 issue features the same technique by designers Silvia Oliveira and Daniela Martins who matched window treatments with wallpaper in a bedroom they outfitted in Brazil.

So while the trends of statements walls of 2011 are still holding strong, wallpapering the entire room is making a comeback.  So keep your eyes peeled for the wallpaper that fits your style!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #6 Sparkle and Shine

First let me say, "Happy Birthday Lauri and I love you!" Today is my sister's birthday!

Now back to design...

Lately, I've really been embracing the trend of adding just a little touch of something metallic. A pillow here, a candle there...it gives me a happy feeling inside, like I am fantasy! I have an obsession with mercury glass and now that I have started searching for it, I am seeing it in everywhere, light fixtures, frames, candlesticks and dishes (which of course if faux mercury)!

Remember that old "foil" wallpaper from your grandmother's house? The stuff you may have helped rip off the walls when she redecorated? I do! Well it is BACK! Maybe not all over and definitely not the same colors, but yes metallic and in smaller spaces, in niches or on one statement making wall. The designs are better, the colors are current and you will be seeing it everywhere!

This decor used to be reserved for holiday decorating, but now we're spotting shiny metallics and even sequins year-round, in nearly everything from throw pillows and serving ware to tile and wallpaper. It's a nod to Hollywood Regency and sophistication. You only need a hint of metallic to make a bold, glitz-and-glam statement, so be careful not to overdo it!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #5 Kitchen Design

As 2011 arrives, a few design trends have emerged into the forefront of kitchen design. Particularly as the economy continues to improve, homeowners are expected to invest more money in their homes through remodeling, rather than buying completely new houses. Here are 5 top predicted trends for kitchen design in 2011:



Cork Flooring



1. Going Green

As we are becoming more aware of the impact their lives have on the environment, they look to more eco-friendly product options. This holds true in kitchens as well. Natural design options, like cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood are experiencing a surge in interest, as well as decorating essentials like low-VOC paint and varnishes. Eco-friendly appliances like induction cooking and those with an Energy Star rating are continuing to be popular as well.

2. Hidden Surprises

Even while appliances may be increasing in size, new building trends and design technologies can allow them to be essentially hidden within a kitchen behind custom cabinetry. This provides kitchens with all of the regular functionality, but also with a truly seamless appearance that we are just beginning to be seen in kitchen design.

3. Sleek vs. Mod

Although some homewoners may desire to hide their kitchen appliances, another trend for 2011 kitchens is the continuance of the sleek and modern look. Most homeowners will do this with stainless steel appliances, and pair them with a darker wood cabinetry for a sophisticated appearance. A new trend in cabinetry that we’re seeing for 2011, particularly in kitchens with stainless steel appliances, is white cabinets and countertops. This combination creates open and airy kitchens while still retaining full functionality.

4. Multipurpose Room

Speaking of open and airy, kitchens have long been a gathering point for family and friends, especially during the holidays. The increasing number of multipurpose islands being created and installed in kitchens shows that more consumers are both cooking and gathering in their kitchens. Homeowners are also gravitating towards open floorplans, which allows the kitchen to be connected to a living or dining room, and provides even more space to cook and entertain.

5. Pops of Color

While it might feel a bit like a return to the colorful kitchen days of the 1950’s and 1960’s, one of the biggest trends designers are predicting for this season is for kitchens to include whimsical and often unexpected pops of color. Usually, these will come from appliances, like the traditional KitchenAid stand mixer in a bold cherry red hue. If clients express their wishes to include such bright bits of color, consider your material choices in the rest of the kitchen design and you can provide the ideal kitchen experience!

Design Trend 2011 - #4 Hardwood Flooring

Although espresso and dark hardwood floors have been the norm for years, the trend is going towards a little lighter look for the surface you walk on. You will start to see two-tone and gray finishes, like driftwood (I have also seen this finish popping up in furniture as well).  Another trend is faux vintage hardwood flooring that is distressed to provide a convincing, naturally worn appearance. Additionally floor finishes are trending away from the high-gloss, minimal grain look to more natural, unvarnished, waxed finish with higher graining and imperfections.

The eco-friendly woods like bamboo, rubber tree and salvaged wood floors (which can be pricey) are also still all the rage. While green hardwoods don’t always offer the variety you can find in your typical hardwoods, in a town like Austin, Texas, eco-friendly products are starting to slightly outweigh design. Oak hardwood floors will continue to be popular because they are seen as timeless and can be molded to work with a variety of design schemes. Homeowners can install an oak hardwood floor and five years down the road, redecorate their homes without needed to touch the wood.

No matter how you look it is though, hardwood flooring, whether vintage, oak or bamboo, is the #1 flooring choice for most homeowners.

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #3 Vivid and Bright

Bright colors are another trend for 2011. With the economy still suffering, people are relying on youthful, bright colors to cheer up their homes, and their moods. Whether in a new wall color, lighting, occasional tables or accessories adding bolder hues makes even traditional pieces seem more unique and adds an eclectic element.  Experts say intense turquoise and vivid greens can play up a dull and dreary looking room.

Aspiring to restore balance to society and the economy has initiated a return to the way it was when life was easier and less complicated. A return to simplicity coupled with our search for certainty has us learning to live with less and embracing an uncluttered lifestyle. White offers a fresh start with a focus on re-building and re-evaluating personal and professional growth, as well as encouraging self-sufficiency. White evokes the feelings of a safe place, the nostalgia of old-fashioned values, innocence, and the protection of a white picket fence.

Neutrals play a leading role in the color story. These low chroma colors of brown, gray and beige may be clear, or grayed, and may have a very distinct undertone of color. There is an attraction to the more complex neutrals (the colors you can’t pin down with a single word- described as bluish, greenish, gray or pinkish beige), which signals a higher level of sophistication and sensitivity to color.

Collectively color is being used more confidently.  The key is to keep it simple and use neutral colors to balance these bright hues out. White furniture and curtains would certainly do the trick.

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #2 Vintage, Vintage, Vintage

Not just furniture but art, accessories, dishes, and fabrics too.  Give the new life to old treasures.  If you are lucky you have pieces you have inherited from your grandparents and great grandparents, pieces that you may think are dated or out of style but sometimes just adding a coat of paint and repurposing your treasure is all you need to not only have a conversation piece but also bring some history and maybe even childhood memories into your home. The green buffet shown to the right was my grandmother's.  She actually painted it herself in 1970's (hence the olive green finish) but it fits perfectly into my turquoise and green color scheme, plus people ask me about it all the time, which is great way to remind me of  how special she was to our family!

If you aren’t lucky enough to have family heirlooms, go to flea markets and estate sales.  Look at the shape and lines of the piece not the finish or the fabric, those can be changed.  Not only is it green to buy and reuse vintage furniture but they are usually built better, made of solid wood and much sturdier (I am not sure they knew what particle board was back then!).

Don’t store you grandma’s dishes and only get them out once a year for that prefect occasion, use them, enjoy them, hey if they are really cool, hang them on the wall.  If you have some really unique vintage fabric but don’t have much, have accent pillows made for the sofa or placemats for the dining table. If you have at least 3 yards, you could have an accent chair recovered for your room. 

A lot of the time old artwork looks terrible because it is framed terribly, but don’t let that deter, trash the old frame and pick a frame that is more fitting to the piece of art.  Be creative, think outside the box and if you can’t, let me know and I will do it for you!

Design Trends 2011 - Trend #1 Creating Personal Style

Now that everyone is settling in to 2011, the kids are back in school, you’ve returned to work, you’re holiday décor is put away (hopefully) and everyone is getting back into the swing of things you are probably feeling not only a sense of peace but also a little restlessness. For most people the start of a new year means new beginnings, refreshed work-out schedules and meal plans, and a dedication to realigning yourself, whatever that may mean to you…to me that means looking at my home and giving it a fresh new look. So starting today 1-11-11 and continuing on for the next 11 days I will bring to you the latest trends for 2011 in hopes that it jump starts you to energize yourself with your surroundings…make your home a reflection of you and your family!

Trend #1 - Creating “Personal Style”

As a designer, people always ask me, “What is your style?” and I always answer with, “A little bit of everything…” In 2011 design is pulling away from specific styles like “Rustic”, “Old World”, and “Modern”, and style is becoming much more personalized. Your home shouldn’t look like you went to a furniture store and pointed to a display “room” and said, “I’ll take that whole room!” Your home should consist of treasures collected over time, items handed down, great random finds, and collections from your travels as well as new purchases. The true trick is finding the balance. Like in cooking you need to find the right recipe, a whole house of rustic with one modern acrylic chair just won’t make sense. So mix things up a bit…put your great grandfather’s handmade dining table with modern, upholstered dining chairs.

Additionally, have your home reflect both masculine and feminine elements, don’t alienate anyone. You should have light and dark, old and new, and have it all in equal amounts.

What is your “personal style”?