Trends

Folding Glass Walls

Looking to commercial designs of residential developments for new trends and ideas that are happening is always a good indicator of the next big thing in home design. We talked about outdoor living rooms in our last blog, and another aspect that we’ve been seeing like crazy are folding glass walls.

Often called Nano Doors (which is actually a popular brand who manufactures them) they are doors that can either be slid into a pocket wall, or into an accordion. At first glance the walls look like floor to ceiling glass windows, but each panel is actually attached to a hidden overhead track that allows the panels to easily slide open. A pocket wall will allow them to disappear from view once opened, resulting in a very cool effect. There are endless colors and finishes to work with including wood and aluminum, making them a great fit for a modern or traditional home just the same!

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Pinterest 

Photo: Pinterest

Home Decor Trends: Paisley

Paisley is showing up in surprising guises, from fashion runways to home accessories. The pattern represents movement, energy and variety which reflects the emerging mood which is bolder and ready for action! If you’re looking to punch up your decor without doing a total overhaul, adding a few paisley accent pieces will make your home look absolutely modern without leaving you absolutely broke.

Photo: DesignSponge.com  

Photo: CostPlus.com 

Photo: Marye-Kelley.com

Outdoor Living Rooms

Expanding the interior

The desire to integrate outdoor living into our daily lives by creating these finished outdoor living rooms often requires a few bells and whistles. We love a built-in fireplace and/or kitchen. Done well, outdoor living rooms are furnished with all weather furniture, accessories and rugs, professional outdoor kitchens, and outdoor lighting- all of which rival indoor furnishings for beauty and functionality. Extras such as pizza ovens and wine fridges are icing on the cake.

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Architectural Digest

Home Design Trends: Geometrics

Nothing adds interest to a space like a bold geometric print. These eye-catching designs can really help liven up your interiors and transform your living space to create a contemporary look and feel.
From an area rug to a small accent such as a colorful throw, find a way to incorporate this trend into your home. You won’t be disappointed!
 

Rug: Vanderhurd.com

Throw, Jonathan Adler

Tray: Apartment48.com

Kitchen Desks

A big trend right now in residential design is a built-in desk in the kitchen. I happen to love this trend because, if you’re like me, the kitchen is the one room in my house where I spend the most time. It’s always where the action is, and who doesn’t like to be apart of the action?

We’re all leading busy lives and those with children still at home can be even busier. In order to get it all done and stay sane, we have to learn to multi-task. Therefore, having a desk in the kitchen where you can pay bills, answer emails, make grocery and to-do lists, all while cooking and doing the laundry, is a genius idea! It becomes the nerve center for all of the household items that you need easy access to. Here are some photos we found of kitchen desks done right:

Photo: Chameleon Design

Photo: Pinterest 

Photo: Pinterest

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Home Design Trends: Faux Bois

Faux bois, French for false wood, imitates the look of real wood and was all the rage in modern design of the 1930’s and 40’s. Today, we’re seeing faux bois wall coverings, place mats, vases and more- all with a fun and contemporary twist. The traditional rustic motif is suddenly very hip, so get your hands on some of these great pieces!

Photo: Devinecorp.net 

Photo: Martha Stewart Collection

Photo: Pinterest

Home Design Trends: Moroccan Magic

Moroccan is a hot new home design style that we are loving right now. Moroccan design is welcoming, warm, inexpensive and relatively easy to pull together- all wonderful traits for the home! Moroccan design combines the best of Moorish and European influences to form a beautiful union of architecture and style. It also adds a note of worldly, well-traveled sophistication to a space. The best part is, you don’t have to theme an entire room- a few simple accessories will do the trick.

Marigold Mirror Featured in Fresh Home

Clean lines with industrial wood make the Marigold Mirror from Studio Chameleon an impressive piece in any home. Featured online and in the Spring 2011 edition of Fresh Home, the mirror hangs in designer Kyle Schuneman’s home office. He says, “It’s handsome and timeless–I love the craftsmanship.” The Marigold Mirror is available from Studio Chameleon in store and online.