Stunning Chevron Floors

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We’re the first to admit the chevron pattern isn’t a new trend per se, but at the rate we’re still seeing it, we think it’s here to stay. As a matter of fact, chevron stripes have been spotted all over the web, and we’re especially floored by… well, chevron floors. Here, we’ve gathered a few of the most stunning examples from around the design blogosphere:

Is this rustic chevron wood floor not to-die for? We love the simple look of the finish.

This lovely chevron floor appeared in the 2011 Princess Margaret Oakville Showhome.

And this bedroom features another wood floor boasting the chevron pattern.

But chevron isn’t reserved for wood floors alone. We’ve also seen many a chevron rug that added that finishing touch to a space.

What do you think about chevron floors? If you could’t tell, we’re smitten!

Photos: 1 Mires Paris via Greige; 2 via Verdigris Vie; 3 B&B Italia via House & Home; 4 by Angus Fergusson via House & Home

How to Let Patterns Intermingle in Design

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Incorporating multiple patterns into a single room can go really well or really badly, depending on the colors, size and location of the patterns. But as long as you understand the “rules,” you can let patterns easily intermingle in design for a visually pleasing result. We love Elle Décor, and the magazine offers a wonderful how-to piece on “mixing patterns stylishly.” Here are a few of their suggestions we’re right on board with:

  • You don’t have to use patten in only the accessories. Why not incorporate a patterned chair or ottoman, like we did in the space above?
  • Use patterns of different scales. One big pattern can be complemented with other subtle patterns.
  • Make sure the intensity, or brightness, of colors in the patterns is similar.

If you’re looking for a designer in Johnson County, KS who can bring many patterns into your space with a beautiful, layered effect, contact The Decorative Touch. We’d love to help!

Photo: Interior design by The Decorative Touch

More of Next Year’s Hottest Hues

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We recently told you about the Sherwin-Williams 2012 color forecast, but recent color outlooks haven’t stopped there.

The Editor at Large recently reported that the director of Heimtextil and the president of the Color Marketing Group have given people a glimpse at their predicted color trends, which fall into four distinct palettes. The first is Colour Riot, which encompasses bright shades ranging from warm oranges and pinks to cooler blues and greens. Dark Lux is a palette including deep blues, grays and burgundy, and it has a glamorous edge. Then there’s the Craft Industry Palette, featuring rustic neutrals and warmer tones, as well as the Split Clarity Palette, which interestingly was inspired by not only nature, but also technology, The Editor at Large explains.

Colour Riot, Dark Lux, Craft Industry and Split Clarity

Furthermore, global color authority Pantone has just released its Spring 2012 Fashion Color Report coinciding with New York Fashion Week, and we know the trends will appear in the home design industry as well as fashion. The Pantone report also includes multiple palettes: one for women and one for men.

Pantone's women's palette.

Pantone's men's palette.

So, which of these many 2012 palettes are striking your fancy? Do share!

Images: 1-4 via editoratlarge.com; 5-6 via pantone.com

Fall in Love with Pinterest

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If you haven’t heard of Pinterest, you need to. It’s perfect for home decorating enthusiasts searching for inspiration and a place to keep all those photos of things you love. As it describes itself, “Pinterest is a virtual pinboard.”

Think of a pinboard as just that—a digital bulletin board you can pin images to. Beneath each image, you can write little notes to yourself to remind you what you love about the picture—maybe it’s just the lamp in the background, or maybe it’s the entire space! Regardless of which, your explanation is sure to ring a bell. Here’s a look at the Home + Furniture section of Pinterest:

Of course, you can also use Pinterest for other hobbies as well—make additional pinboards for cooking, baking, reading and so on. Head over to pinterest.com to check it out, and let us know what you think! We’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.

Image: Screen shot of pinterest.com

Predicted Color Trends for 2012

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It’s only September, but Sherwin-Williams has already come out with its color forecast for next year. Curious which shades will be in vogue in 2012? The Sherwin Williams Director of Color Marketing, Jackie Jordan, had this to say:

“Colors that are analogous, or adjacent on the color wheel, are a dominant trend. We discover a fresh array of combinations within color families—be it fiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic neutrals.”

The colors featured in the Sherwin-Williams colormix™ 2012 forecast are sorted by the color families she mentioned above—neutrals, reds, blues and greens. All four of the palettes relate back to nature.

The neutrals tie in with materials like wood, grain and stones, and the reds relate to fire and fresh flower blooms. The blues have a clear tie-in with water, as do the greens, which also refer to gardens and forests. Visit sherwin-williams.com to see the 10 shades in each color family.

I love attending the color forecast seminar that Sherwin Williams puts on here in Kansas City for the design community. Just like you, we interior designers sit on the edge of our seats and wonder what’s going to be the “hot” new thing for the next season!

Jackie Jordon is amazing; not only does she give us great insight, but her presentations are always inspiring and uplifting, allowing designers to leave her seminars with a feeling of excitement for the new season. It’s kinda like getting to open a new “present” at Christmas for those of us who work with color!  I hope you see something that inspires YOU with the upcoming trends in color — remember, paint is a reasonable way to change the entire mood of a room. Enjoy!

Image via kbbcollective.com

Home Decorating Magazines Go International

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Although the U.S. decorating-magazine industry has been rocky in the last couple years as favorite titles such as House & Garden and Domino have folded, shelter magazines are actually booming internationally. The Los Angeles Times did a great article on this phenomenon recently, explaining the main catalyst for these publications’ success:  The middle classes in countries including China, Russia and Brazil are becoming wealthier, thus purchasing new homes that need to be decorated.

The renowned Architectural Digest has launched Architectural Digest China, and an India edition is predicted to come out next year. Interior design blog The Editor at Large also reported on a new Middle East edition of Good Housekeeping, which is set to come out in November. But in addition to these American spin-offs, many other shelter magazines are springing up as “home-grown publications,” according to the L.A. Times.

Interestingly, a number of these titles are getting design ideas and publishing projects by American designers. What do you think about the success of décor magazines around the world? What’s your favorite shelter magazine, here or abroad?

Image via lanecrawford.com

The Decorative Touch Clients Share Their Experiences

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We know we have a great design reputation in the Kansas City area, but we figure you’d probably prefer hearing it from our clients than from us. Here’s what a couple of our clients had to say about working with The Decorative Touch, our Lenexa, KS interior design firm:

“Before I met Janine @ The Decorative Touch, I used to make so many costly decorating mistakes. Now, having been a customer for over 10 years, I am consistently impressed by Janine’s professionalism. I can trust that she has my best interests in mind, and I know we are making the right decisions for me.”
–Amy M.

“In this day and age, it’s hard to find a company you can trust. The Decorative Touch Ltd. was recommended to me by a friend, and now I know why – the quality of personal service I received was outstanding. Janine really listened to my needs. Now I am recommending her to my friends too!”
–Mary B.

Find us in the Exclusive Interiors Design Studio or give us a call at 913-888-1388 to find out about how we can help you with your Kansas City-area design needs.

Photo: Design by The Decorative Touch, Ltd.

Take Note! 3 Great Products from NYIGF

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The New York International Gift Fair took place Aug. 13-18, and the biannual show featured thousands of exhibitors displaying their home and lifestyle goodies. We’ve been keeping up with coverage of the event from around the blogosphere, and compiled a few of our favorite product finds. Check these out:

Tord Boontje’s lighting was featured on the Oh So Beautiful Paper blog, and the globe lights with garlands inside are full of beautiful, intricate detailing. The metallic sheen adds to their charm.

Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic highlighted Lance Wovens’ leather products, and we think they’re great, too. These orange throw pillows are perfect for fall.

Speaking of orange, Habitually Chic also did a post on the orange trend at the August NYIGF, and this bedding from Peacock Alley also caught our eyes.

We are a huge fan of adding great throw pillows to change the look of your sofa or bedding as the seasons change, or just because your need a lift! One of our bedding lines has just added a great collection of pillows that are very affordable. If you need a pop of color and want a great resource, try peaking at the Villa Home Collection. We can order you new pillows for fall that will change the way your feel about your tired old sofa!

Happy Inspiration!

Photos: 1 via Oh So Beautiful Paper; 2-3 Heather Clawson for Habitually Chic

Pillow Arrangements for a Picture-Perfect Sofa

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Have you ever wondered about the secret to achieving picture-perfect sofas worthy of appearing on the glossy pages of a gorgeous magazine spread? Oftentimes it’s less about the sofa itself and more about its main accessory: toss pillows. We loved how House Beautiful featured one sofa with a variety of looks, showing how different pillows can change—and make—the look of a sofa in a second. Here are a couple of our favorite pillow arrangements from the magazine’s slideshow:

This arrangement includes toss pillows featuring a variety of textures. It’s a great idea for a monochromatic color scheme.

But bringing in color can work just as well. If you have a neutral sofa, pillows are a great way to bring in your favorite colors.

Visit House Beautiful to see all of their simple sofa’s various looks. Then let us know: Which is your favorite, and how are the pillows arranged on your own sofa?

Images by Lara Robby/Studio D via House Beautiful

Decorating with Trays

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Trays are a hugely versatile design accessory that we’ve been hearing about from a number of different shelter magazines. Not only does House Beautiful suggest using a tray and ottoman in the place of a coffee table, but the House & Home blog also did a post on using trays for attractive organization. Better Homes and Gardens recently included advice suggesting the use of a tray to contain accessories on a coffee table, and we think that advice could really apply to any table or room in the house.

In fact, we at The Decorative Touch have incorporated trays into a number of our designs. Here are a couple of examples:

Here we have a neat flower-shaped tray on an ottoman, just like House Beautiful discussed.

A tray on this round table complements the wood floors while keeping the flower pots looking orderly.

Visit our website to see more examples of trays in our interior designs.

Photos: Designs by The Decorative Touch Ltd.