Decorating for the holidays is: Fun? Daunting? Mystifying? Stressful?
Got a mixed up family full of: Hanukkah? Christmas? Kwanzaa? Newtonmas? Festivus?
Wanting to make it: Classy? Fun? Youthful? Colourful? Taseful? Cheery? Cozy?
Paint above: Benjamin Moore
Welcome to the new age of design. As the new generation starts to move into their new homes, condos, apartments and swanky lofts, they long for something different than what they grew up with. They want to spread their fashion wings, and let their individuality shine. We spent most of the 80s and 90s saturating homes in greens and burgundies. One of my first jobs, as a designer, was to help a client who spent a fortune on a turquoise leather sofa in the late 80s. Yes, you just read that.
Newport style defined: classic design that lends its origins to Newport, Rhode Island, a seaside city along the east coast of the United States. The city boasts beautiful sunsets over the Atlantic Ocean, and is well known as a summer resort destination. Not as beachy as Cape Cod, or neon as Miami, Newport has its own niche style. A style that has been coveted by today’s homeowner. But it’s not super easy to create a space, in Canada, that reflects the vibe of this lovely city, while not looking like you’re trying too hard. Design that looks too conspired never truly feels like a comfy home. And if nothing else, Newport style is comfy, calm, organic and natural. Maybe even a little, teensy bit, Ralph Lauren.
It’s back! It’s been back for quite a while, and although most of us associate wallpaper with the 1970s velvet flocked granny papers, modern times have propelled wallpapers into the future. No matter your design ethic, wallpaper can add anything from some simple texture, a splash of colour or an artistic element. Use it to complete your design, add sophistication or even frame it as an inexpensive, yet unique, piece of art.
What’s your personality? Laid-back? Super-charged? Fun and vibrant? Zen?
Are you sure? Is that how others would describe you, or is it what you wish to be?
It’s just like your clothing. You know, how some people always look so perfectly styled? And it’s never the typical stuff that we all shop for. It’s always bohemian chic, or classic tailored or the like. Those people have already figured out what their story is, or at least, what they want you to believe it is.
The colour trend Guru of the design world is Pantone, a company offering up their “decision” of colour trends for the year to designers of fashion, interiors, textiles, accessories and so on. We, like bees to coveted honey, lie in wait until the big announcement. So, in the very end, what, exactly does this mean for you, our clients? Well…
Let’s examine the last two years of trends announced by Pantone. In 2012, it was Tangerine. I seem to remember everything being turquoise. Ah…maybe with a hit of Tangerine. In 2013, it was Emerald. Things were still turquoise. Maybe with a hit of Emerald?
