Just as each New Year invariably brings resolutions, so does it deliver forecasts of home fashion trends. And in terms of color, Pantone—a color research and information center—is arguably the premier predictor; when they talk, anyone who uses color in their profession listens, including interior designers.
Image Courtesy of Pantone
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says turquoise is the color of the year for 2010—specifically, PANTONE 15-5519. “In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” she explains. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that turquoise represents an escape to many—taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Additionally, the Pantone color experts note that turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It’s universally flattering, appeals to both men and women and translates beautifully to interiors. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.
By Louise Lange
Fun with Faux: A New Kind of Area Rug
/in Tips /by decorativetouchA faux rug is cheaper and easier to clean than a real rug and you can customize the pattern and color to match your room. Courtesy of HGTV.com
Ever feel like there’s just something missing from a room despite your best decorative efforts? The space is furnished beautifully, some of your favorite contemporary art work is peppered throughout and you’ve even recently put that fresh coat of Lemon Meringue paint on the walls.
Yet, still, the place craves something fixed, something permanent that surpasses the mobile ornaments. If this sounds like you, check out one of the newest home décor trends that’s sure to solve the problem of filling that empty space: painted faux area rugs. These splendid little creations bring depth and character to any area imaginable, be it a front porch stoop, a pool patio deck or a game room. Using a variety of different techniques, the patterns are usually created by an artist or designer on paper, scaled to fit the desired floor space and then, using a number of materials including tape, stencils, fabric, wood or even string, are painted on virtually any flat surface to create an impressive “rug.” And the best part is that it’s permanent, and customizable to fit your taste! Click here for more information on painted faux area rugs.
By Natasha Khairullah
2010 nursery style alert: birds, owls, giraffes oh my
/in In Style, slider /by decorativetouchExpectant parents have so many decisions to make when designing their little bundle’s nursery. One of the first decisions that parents must make is choosing a theme. While themes can range from the ultra modern to the understated traditional, some of the trends hitting the scene have included nature-inspired themes such as birds, owls, and the newest addition: giraffes.
Jennifer Sbranti's giraffe-inspired inspiration board
Though giraffes might be all the rage now, Jennifer Sbranti, Founder + Editor-in-Chief, Hostess with the Mostess blog, suggests making the nursery personal by incorporating those special pieces, like a piece of art or mural, alongside the more trendy decorations to avoid that “matchy-matchy” look of the past. She also advises that those little touches such as unique throw pillows or adding colorful trim to a lamp shade can help personalize the room and make the nursery a comfortable haven for mom and baby.
Interested in learning more? Click here to read more from Jennifer Sbranti’s post featured on the Stroller Traffic blog.
By Jessica Scheufler
Design News: Chair Adoption?
/in In Style /by decorativetouchView the Blu Dot experiment here.
Houndstooth, modern and classic
/in In Style /by decorativetouchPopular in the 60s, this mod trend has been recently spotted on trendsetters Gwen Stefani and Emma Thompson. It’s no wonder that it has made its way from fashion to linens and textiles. While the pattern is modern, houndstooth can also add that extra pop to a neutral palette. Here are just a few examples of how you can incorporate this trend into your own wardrobe and home:
It would be easy to imagine the ever-so-posh Peggy Lipton of the Mod Squad sporting this Michael Kors trench coat.
Michael Kors Houndstooth Coat
Who knew duct tap could be so fashionable?
Fortis Design Duct Tape
Dress up your living room with a houndstooth-patterned pillow.
2 Modern Pillow
By Jessica Scheufler
In Style: Wood Wall Coverings
/in In Style /by decorativetouchBeadazzled Relief Marquetry™by Maya Romanoff
It’s not your mother’s paneling. Today, coverings made of wood—from highly textured cork to intricate marquetry—are some of the most stylish wall treatments you’ll find. Many are so paper-thin that you can wrap columns and turn corners. Depending on your choice, you may want to use them sparingly; by limiting a wood covering to a feature wall, you’ll create a focal point in the process. Keep these tips in mind, too:
By Louise Lange
Material Possessions
/in In Style /by decorativetouchWith the arrival of the New Year, you may well be thinking about how to freshen up your interiors. One of the best ways is with today’s wealth of fabrics. But it’s important to know which one is best-suited to what use.
Silks, chintzes and lightweight cottons work well in formal environments, where there’s less risk of stains or everyday wear and tear. They’re especially desirable for window treatments, due to their hand and drapability. But these fine fabrics aren’t limited to public areas; they can also be good choices in the bedroom for linens and decorative pillows.
When it comes to upholstery, synthetic blends incorporate the best attributes of several fibers, resulting in materials that are all but indestructible—a real advantage in homes with children and pets. (To take it to the next level, look for fabrics with stain-resistant finishes, too.) Other options include leather and microfibers. They’re not only good-looking but also easy to clean; a damp sponge and soapy water is often all you need.
Given the vast array of fabric types today—not to mention the wide variety of patterns and colors—making a decision can be daunting. And that’s why we’re here. Let us help you with the editing process; we’ll find something that works for your home and your budget.
By Louise Lange
Photo courtesy of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Magazine
Tips from Janine: Kitchen Remodeling
/in Tips /by decorativetouchDecorative Touch, Leawood kitchen remodel
Are you considering a kitchen remodel?
Kitchen remodeling can be one of the most rewarding renovations a homeowner can do! Not only does it add the most value to your home, but it is the most used space in the home and you see immediate personal results to your renovation. The experts tell us the return on investment is highest on a kitchen remodel. However, if you live in the home during your renovation, be prepared for some challenges. It can be very difficult to “give up” your kitchen for 2–3 months during your remodeling process. And no matter what your best plans are, there are always one or two small challenges along the way and being without your kitchen does seem to be the hardest on all homeowners.
What to expect
That being said, we suggest that you find the right contractor. Someone you are completely comfortable with and discuss all your expectations and deadlines upfront. Also, be sure to have an interior designer involved so that all your beautiful finishes compliment each other and your kitchen functions exactly the way you are hoping it will. Designers make the process much less stressful and help guide you along the way.
As a rule of thumb, it’s reasonable to spend about 10%–15% of your home value on your kitchen renovation. If done well, you can expect to get 75–80% of that investment back when you go to resell your home.
It’s a big step to remodel a kitchen, but also a BIG reward! Have you got the courage?
Call your designer today!
Janine
Featured project: Leawood Kitchen Remodel
/in Our Projects, slider /by decorativetouchThe 14’x16′ kitchen was the weakest part of this beautiful Leawood home. But the homeowners had dreams of gathering around a large center island and entertaining friends and family in a more open and welcoming space. Our main challenge was to keep the roof line the same and work within the existing foundation. We removed one of the two 1/2 baths and expanded the opening between the kitchen and hearth rooms. Our feature of the stone opening and large center island gave the owners the open, functional space they were hoping for. The high-end Wolf stove and steamer are fabulous appliances and the Sub-Zero refrigerator is secretly hidden behind the beautiful new cabinetry.
Check back on Thursday for some useful tips on kitchen remodeling.
By Janine
Turquoise: The Talk of 2010
/in In Style /by decorativetouchJust as each New Year invariably brings resolutions, so does it deliver forecasts of home fashion trends. And in terms of color, Pantone—a color research and information center—is arguably the premier predictor; when they talk, anyone who uses color in their profession listens, including interior designers.
Image Courtesy of Pantone
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, says turquoise is the color of the year for 2010—specifically, PANTONE 15-5519. “In many cultures, turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” she explains. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that turquoise represents an escape to many—taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”
Additionally, the Pantone color experts note that turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It’s universally flattering, appeals to both men and women and translates beautifully to interiors. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.
By Louise Lange
Gifts That Will Keep On Giving
/in Tips /by decorativetouchOne of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season is a new piece of furniture, something you’ll enjoy for years to come. Before setting out on your shopping expedition, though, it’s important to do your homework.
Decide what you need
Save time, money and frustration by starting with a solid plan. Take an inventory of what you’ll keep, what you’ll get rid of and what you’ll need to add or replace.
Measure your space
Carefully measure your space from wall to wall and floor to ceiling. With your measurements in hand, draw a to-scale layout of the room (in which 1 foot equals ¼ inch), including every opening and architectural element, including doors, windows and fireplaces.
Measure your furniture
Once you find a piece of furniture you love, be sure to measure it, too. Compare it to the size of your room’s doors (or windows) to be sure that you can get it into the room.
Make everything fit
Using the same ¼ inch = 1 foot scale, cut out templates that represent your existing pieces of furniture as well as those you intend to buy. Move them around on the floor plan you’ve drawn, playing with different room arrangements. Not only will that let you see what works and what doesn’t, it will save your back, too!
By Louise Lange