Trends

January 3, 2013

Home Design Trends: Brass

Just when you’ve gotten caught up with 2012’s trends, ideas new and old for 2013 are here. One new old trend we predict you’ll be seeing a lot of is brass. It’s making a major comeback in structural elements, hardware and other embellishments for the home.

Its warm amber tone looks richly elegant in designs ranging from traditional to mid-century modern inspired. Here are a few that we approve of:

Brass and Marble Lamp: ArteriorsHome.com

Brass Bowls: DwellStudio.com

Brass Kitchen Fixtures: Pinterest

December 11, 2012

Home Design Trends: Emerald Green

Each year Pantone polls designers and brands about colors they’re featuring to aid in its decision for what hue will tinge the next 12 months. For 2013, the company has bestowed the honor of “Color of the Year” upon Emerald Green.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature- the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a press release. “It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity- no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.” Eiseman said that emerald is easily applicable to fashion and to interior design and we’re excited to see more of this beautiful color!

Lamp: LampsPlus.com

Pillow: Pinterest.com

Coasters: Anthropologie.com

Rug: MadelineWeinrib.com

November 27, 2012

Home Design Trends: Velvet

There’s no denying that velvet is luxurious and beautiful, and this season it has home decor designers under its spell. You’ll find velvet fabric being used in chairs, pillows, drapes and more. Because it can be a bit showy, be careful to only add touches of it throughout your entire home. More than one or two velvet pieces in a room can begin to look overdone.

November 6, 2012

Home Design Trends: Designs for the Digital Age

Furniture designers are finding many creative ways to adapt to new forms of technology and the common household uses of devices like the iPhone and iPad. The traditional alarm clock of yesterday has become irrelevant and there’s always a need for another USB charging station. Welcome to the modern home!

JonasDamon.com

This alarm dock turns an iPhone into a nightstand alarm clock.

Rich Neeley Designs via Etsy.com

The book acts as housing for a charger (it’s a solid unit), and means there’s no losing the cord behind your nightstand or desk.

cb2.com

This table flips open to store a laptop or iPad inside, and is low enough to use as a work surface while sitting on the couch.

October 24, 2012

Home Design Trends: Colorful Front Doors

Homeowners are less afraid of color these days. Experimenting with color on your interior walls is one thing, but a little pop of color on the exterior will give your home an instant splash of style. We’re talking about the front door! And you don’t have to worry that it will turn off the neighbors, or potential buyers if your home in on the market. If you’re not sure where to start, look at your plants and pots for color ideas. Also consider your architecture, as not every color works with everything. Lastly, always use a high-gloss finish if possible.

October 9, 2012

Home Design Trends: Argyle

An argyle pattern is made of overlapping diamond shapes, and comes in any color combination you can dream of. It dates all the way back to 17th Century Scotland where it was commonly used for kilts and socks. Today, though we still love a good argyle sock, the diamond design is popping up in everything from light fixtures to landscaping. We love the sense of three-dimensionality, movement and texture it lends to any space.

Photo: Houzz

Photo: West Elm

Photo: Houzz

September 26, 2012

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

September 26, 2012

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

September 12, 2012

Outdoor Living Rooms

Expanding the interior

Never my as a home sanctuary beyond the backdoor by designing and creating lush, relaxing, outdoor rooms is huge right now in home design. Home buyers are looking for private outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the indoors and builders are responding to the demand. These are especially perfect for Southern California where our weather is enjoyable more often than not. The addition can be used for outside dining and entertainment year-round.

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

September 5, 2012

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