Winter Design Trends

I was preparing for an interview last week on Winter Trends and it got me thinking about the changing of the seasons, snuggling in and the whole concept of Trending.

For those of you that know me, you will know I am not the trendy type and neither are my clients.
While our politics might not reflect it, when it comes to design, New Englanders are a pretty temperate bunch. There are no, "just becauses". Each decision comes with a platter full of practicality. 

So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that when I started researching the most recent trends in design for this fall and winter, that I was indeed on trend, merely by virtue of my natural design style.

Go figure!



A natural mixture of organic materials and ethnic inspiration 

photo credit: trendy.com


It stands to reason that organic, natural, and sustainable materials are always trendy.

Rich, nature inspired colors, heavy in texture and weight will always be in style, but this year don't forget to balance them with a bit of the whimsical, ethereal, and lighter weight. 




photo credit: justbesplendid.tumblr.com

Balance never goes out of style either.
Winter naturally brings about more layering. Heavier weight materials and faux furs (always faux!). 




photo credit: punktse.tunblr.com

Winter whites with undertones of brown and gray work any time of year, but as the sun struggles to muster up the energy to rise overhead, these lighter tones will invite the rays to stay just a little longer before retreating.




This parquet wood tile is from ADKO's Mansion Porcelain Library 

Barn elements continue to be popular with "wood" tiles and sliding barn doors leading the fashion pack. 

I find myself suggesting tile flooring that mimics wood to many clients looking for a great textured element but with the ease of water clean up and no refinishing. Add some radiant heating and big faux fur pillow and you might find me curled up on your kitchen floor. 



photo credit: bluebergitt.wordpress.com

The fashion world has promised us more distressed denim. You know, the kind your mom said, "Why should I pay good money on something that looks it just went through the chipper?!"


photo credit: writeontrend.com

Fabrics and tiles seem to be trekking the globe from Tribal to Ethnic with influences spanning from the middle east to Europe.




A recent bathroom we did incorporating Moroccan and Italian tile

And a the juxtaposition of color is always a personal favorite of mine. Pairing of unassuming colors is like that great couple that people can't figure out, but they just click. 
Think ballet slipper pink with cobalt or a whisper of gray with the rich aplomb of eggplant.




www.designseeds.com

Finally, mix well with the loose and blousy look of Bohemia. This style is forgiving in both fashion and design. It says, "Come as you are. Bring me your grandmothers couch, your favorite scarf from beloved travels and no worries about the cheesecake you ate last night, we can make that work too."
Who doesn't love that!

photo credit: ecosalon.com

So, welcome this wintery season with open and forgiving arms. Embrace contrast, change, and even purple. 

Take a chance!

Best,

Renee

For more inspiration check out our Winter Trends
pinterest board 

Is it Spring yet?

March is a tricky month for New Englanders. We can hear the birds begin to chirp early in the morning, days are longer, the sun (when it decides to join us) is brilliant. However, it's still cold. The snow is no longer bright white, but an unappealing brown. We long for the buds to start to appear on the bare branches in our yards. Yet we all know, it's still weeks away.

So, for the moment, I'm hanging on to this poignant quote by Hal Borland, as I await springs arrival.

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips it's turn." 

Hence the reason I am so happy that one of the hottest design trends of 2014 is Window Sheers! Let the sunlight shine in without compromising your privacy! Try a different kind of window sheer, but using some of the new fabric options out there, like woolen and linen.



Photo from Fresh Home



Pop on over to Fresh Home's website to check out all of the predicted trends for 2014. 2014 Design Trends

What to do when the sun just won't shine through? Add your own pop of color.

Turquoise is one of the hottest color this season. And if there's any color that would remind me of warm sunny days, like the ones spent on a tropical beach, it's the color turquoise! And I especially love it when it's paired with pops of orange! A few years ago, I worked with Stephanie Morrison of Morr Interiors to design a model home for Seaglass Village in Maine.  We used lots of oranges with a pop of turquoise for a really fun and bright interior.






To see more pictures of this model home click here:  Mr. Drew Photography


So put a little spring into your step, and some color in your life. A new season is upon us!!

Thinking warmer thoughts,

Renee