Trends for 2008

I have been looking at the design "trends" for 2008 while we source new products. I've tracked the "hot news" from Europe back to the states. What I find really interesting is how the new products are presented - it's a treat to take a look at what's coming next. Since I love color and furniture I do like to see what's new; but I still prefer to do my own creative thinking; so I am using the list of trends for a creative jump start instead of fully embracing and copying them. So here's a glimpse of what I have seen for design and color in 2008.

Expect more color

We're seeing products that run the color spectrum - these are more vivid colors than we've seen in 2007. In fact, 2007 was all about neutrals, so the industry has almost done a complete revamp when it comes to colors. In a trade preview, we noticed that Pottery Barn has completely dispensed with the darker neutrals and features a rainbow of bright and bold color in their 2008 product line, using white and ivory as the backdrop to let the colors pop. We've also noticed a trend to use color in combination with greys and silvers.

Benjamin Moore has a paint line that corresponds with the Pottery Barn Products. So if you're interested in doing a feature wall in a bold shade, check them out. They still have more blues and greens, than they have reds and yellows; so don't worry about going with a color that is too overwhelmingly bold for your space. The greens and blues are still relaxing colors to use. I am anxiously waiting for the Yolo Colorhouse 2008 color collection to see what they are up to.

Graphics

Ok, so if you haven't noticed in 2007 there were a lot of graphic patterns everywhere. This continues into 2008. They are lovely, but this is an area that I think has the potential to be compared with the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchen appliances from the 70's. So, because I do like the graphic patterns, I may invest. But not in a carpet - I'd go for the wall decals in a bold but removable graphic.

Eco-Friendly Design

This isn't going anywhere, at least as long as there is a threat of global warming - so I'm not sure it can be called trendy. Still I thought we should highlight this here as it is a growing segment of interior design. To highlight, we should be demanding that our products are:

1. from sustainable, reclaimed or recycled sources
2. energy efficient
3. chemical and pesticide free
4. fairly traded
5. comfortable and beautiful

Eclectic Looks

When we hear the word "eclectic" in design we may think of a collection of unmatched furniture, and personal decorative items which are brought together to create a stylish room. Though I think it also encompasses global fusion and the melding of design styles like country and urban. This is the preferred way to design in my book - turn things around and make a personal statement; so I am glad it's being highlighted in 2008.

Ok so back to my remark about the Avocado Green and Harvest Gold kitchens. At one time or another someone decided this was trendy. hmmm. I'll just wrap by reminding you that there are no rules, do what you love!

Happy New Year!

Lise

Inspiring Design Travel

We have been working diligently on creating some new things for you. I'm very excited at all the progress the team has made. All of this has taken me away from blogging regularly, but to whet your appetite before the launch, I thought I'd tell you about our series of inspirational shopping excursions around the globe.

This whole idea came about when I realized that I am guilty of having too narrow a focus when it comes to design and creativity. Although nature is inspiring, I won't always find the inspiration I seek in my own backyard. I have not only a desire, but a strong need to go out and explore; and I figure there are others like me. So, you're invited too.

These trips we are planning are primarily intended for interior designers, decorators, creatives, and DIYers. Together we will discover the unique characteristics of each destination from a design and creativity perspective - we will explore foods, fabrics, textiles, and assorted handmade goods - and of course, we will do some major shopping.

Now, one of the trips I am most excited about will be to Peacock Pavilions in Marrakech. One reason I am so excited by this trip is because I love architecture. Maryam and her husband are in the midst of creating a fabulous place. Take a look . Even though it's not finished, it is utterly breathtaking right? Then take a look at all the unique finds.

All of the plans for each of the trips are still firming up, along with some other plans for design classes and destination events throughout the US. We would love to have you along. So feel free to email me if you are interested in joining us!

All the best,

Lise

acoupalathings

Hi everyone!



This has been a long week - and I am so looking forward to spending some time off at home next week shopping, researching some new recipes, baking, prepping and cooking.

But before that, I still have a few details to wrap up for the painting project for the wall

above.

We'll get started on painting this project at the end of the month. It is a very cool curved wall created for an upscale salon in this area.

I so wanted to do a Moroccan theme with a beautiful pattern bringing in various earthy colors with a subtle glaze over top. But alas, we are probably going with a Venetian plaster finish in a warm ochre color. Yes, I think the color is a good choice for the dark wood finishes in the space - but I still fancy the other theme better.




And in other breaking news...


I also ran into my local Barnes & Noble this week and spotted a copy of Amy Butler's new book, Midwest Modern

pictured here -------->

What immediately caught my eye in the first few pages was Amy's description of Art & Life.



"I think that in everything we do, in every style of life, there is art to be found. Not just in the studios of talented artists, but in the gardens, homes, relationships, spirits, voices, and fashions of people you see every day."



If you know anything about my creative passions, you can see immediately why that quote resonates with me...




So I'm looking forward to reading Amy's book; and learning more about her approach to art and living.

What are you reading?

Windows on the World

Last weekend I started a dining room redesign project. A love of diversity and global perspectives makes me choose certain elements for a design based on those qualities. The entire design is urban/country with a touch of swedish simplicity. Here's how it is coming together...

Swedish Design Elements

Swedish design is often very sparse and clean. Swedish window treatment designs are good for quick projects. So inspired, I decided on an unlined panel designed to be fixed in place on the window and hung on a tension rod inside the window. This was the quick and simple pattern that I had in mind when I went shopping for fabrics.

Urban / Country Elements

When shopping I was drawn to a very tactile burlap fabric. Yes, burlap. The lady at the fabric store looked at me sideways when I told her it was for a window. Despite the funny looks, I knew that burlap would be ideal for this window treatment project - it was just the unexpected, edgy urban quality I was seeking. And frankly I think people may be afraid of working with it because of the tendency to fray and maybe the cost stigma? I think though, that when you're designing multiple looks for each season, you should feel free to experiment. Nothing has to be permanent!

The color I chose was the natural burlap color:

Because of the open weave, burlap won't provide complete privacy unless you include a privacy liner which in this case was not important to the design. But if you want something that you won't see on the windows next door, give it a try as a valance cover or fixed panel. I don't recommend using raw burlap as a drape, but there are other fabrics which mimic certain qualities of the burlap with better draping qualities.

So, the next urban element is the black, amber, and crimson beaded trim for the hem. As you can imagine, the beading was actually more expensive than the fabric. It's urban because of the color, unexpected qualities, and subdued sparkle from the beaded trim + country for the use of the hard-working burlap fabric, hardware, leather, and twine.

Here's a detailed view -------------->

I also love that the burlap will make a great contrast to a more upscale fabric such as raw silk - which in this case is the next layer on the windows. The silk is a crimson color picking up on the color of the beaded trim.

The silk panels will be lined and fixed in place also - just providing that color pop against the earthy burlap color. I will hang the fabric panels in a non-traditional way too. I have narrowed the hardware down to two choices - grommets and hooks, or wrapping the top of the fabric with twine or leather cording and hanging on a hook or nail. I am growing tired of the traditional rod and clip, plus because this is a bay window with decorative trim in inconvenient places it calls for a bit more creativity.

I like the country rustic look of hooks and nails I found online at Rustic Hardware. The selection reminds me a lot of the Southwest style of furniture I fell in love with in Texas and Mexico. Love that look.

So there it is - How does your interior design reflect a global perspective?

Lise

Our Lifestyle & Design Approach

We believe in an unconventional, individual, creative, outsider, design approach - the idea that your home is a manifestation of your thoughts, feelings and creative ideas.

We embrace diversity with regard to people, culture and perspectives.

We love to create spaces that are highly functional, thought-provoking and original.

We are a green company and use products which protect the environment.

We deliver text materials in digital format to reduce waste.

We source the work of talented independent artists and craftspeople.

We remember to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Redesign.