Fun Fall Trends

Living Well

Fun Fall Trends

My segment on fall trends for the home is airing TODAY, October 19th, on NBC-13 Daytime Alabama at 11:30 AM. I have to say, I adore this season’s looks! If I had to sum it up in one word, I’d say — lush!

Here’s a preview for what’s in for fall 2011:

1. Brass — It’s back! Whether it’s lacquered or unlacquered, this is not your 70s flashback. The shapes are uber-modern, and the color is rich and refined. I’m also loving bronze right now — see the large handle below.

2. Driftwood — The gorgeous shape and color of wood touched by the sea is showing up in homes all over. It acts almost like a piece of sculpture, and I’ve found some amazing accessories made out of it. What better way to bring a bit of nature into your home, while still keeping it chic? Check out the chandelier below to see what I mean…

dana fall trends — unhung chandelier made from driftwood

The wall below makes a bold statement, but check out the crafty yet chic driftwood lamp next to it. Driftwood in the home is definitely a trend, so a little goes a long way.

3. Colors — We saw a lot of turquoise last spring and summer, but as it cools off, the deeper hue, teal, is popping up in its place, and it is beautiful! I especially love it as an accent with warmer neutrals and even grays…. Other colors to pair with gray are the softer purples that I’ve been talking about, as well as eggplant.

Here is a great example of grays and purples by Susan Ferrier:

Another color that is a must for 2011 — saffron!

4. Wool — As far as materials go for fall, wool cannot be beat. Softer wool is making its way into homes and fashion this season. The look is draping, feminine, and sophisticated. In homes, it is being used as upholstery as well as on pillows, rugs, and throws.

Tune in tomorrow to NBC-13 — that’s Friday, October 7th– for more on these amazing fall trends!

Living Well

Falling for Fall Colors

I know it’s hard to believe because it is still hot hot hot outside, but fall is around the corner! And what’s hot hot hot right now in design are color schemes that reflect the season.

Warmer tones are a no-brainer when it comes to fall’s inspiration. I love how designer Vincente Wolf used these beautiful colors in his own loft.

: a gold and cream dream

Gold, caramel, taupe, tan, rust. Notice how he tosses in gray here and there to cool it off a bit — on the pillow, coffee table, and in some of the artwork. Subtle and beautiful!

So yes, gray is definitely another hot color I keep seeing everywhere — and loving! So sophisticated. Think of it as the new softer black.

Here’s Donna Karan’s take on a light gray dress from her Fall 2011 collection. For more shades of this season’s grays, visit her website here!

I’ve also been gravitating towards purple, as it is big this fall. Not the Mardi Gras purple that may come to mind but something a little more sophisticated. Here are some fabrics I’ve recently pulled to use through a client’s home:

I love the depth purple gives — it’s full of confidence, yet these more discreet shades whisper rather than shout.

So this fall’s tones are rich yet chic, a bit audacious but within the realms of taste. And I have to say — I’ve fallen!

Living Well

I Feel Like I’m On Trading Spaces

Maybe having three daughters of my own has something to do with this…but I love designing girls’ rooms. I also love that girls’ rooms give me the chance to be playful with color schemes and whimsical patterns.

I am excited about one of my latest projects, as it’s a bedroom for a precious nine-year-old girl who loves the color blue. What makes this project so fun is that it’s going to be a surprise installation for the entire family. Full rein to design as I see fit as long as I stay on budget! I kind of feel like I am on an episode of Trading Spaces…

Here are my inspiration fabrics as I am in the beginning stages of planning the room. I absolutely adore the combinations!

fabrics, girls room, aqua n brown — turquoise & chocolate!

What do you think? What colors do you love to use in children’s rooms?

Living Well

Color is the New Craze

Color is hot, hot, hot right now. I’m mostly a neutral girl, but I’m finding myself integrating more bright color, such as citron, purple, turquoise, and hot pink into many of my interiors. Color attracts attention fast, so the key is to make sure there is a place for the eye to rest. I personally like to use light walls, neutral upholstery and pull color in through pillows, artwork, and accessories. This way it is not too trendy but definitely makes a statement.

Check out this kitchen from the Beneckis out of Atlanta–

I love how color is used an an accent in this kitchen, as it pops against the crisp white. Not too trendy, just clean and fresh.

Below is an older image from Southern Accents, but it is still one of my favorites to this day. Absolutely gorgeous!

When trying to decide where to place color in a room, find an inspiration. Whether it is an accessory, a fabric, or even a paint chip, you need a starting point.

The Trina Turk line for Schumacher is my latest obsession as far as color goes. The prints and patterns are — in a word — incredible.

Here’s something beautiful in blue. Talk about fresh! Looking at this photo makes me breathe deeper, which is always a good thing!

2011-01-latestofferings-s_r1_c3 — adore the blue and white colorway here

…and check out the purple, pink, and red. This print is a great catalyst for a girl’s bedroom, as I see it used for pillows and a bedskirt. It would be fabulous with white or light lavender walls and an upholstered headboard.

A great way to pull in color is through painted furniture. Check out this piece from Bungalow5:

Just because I am incorporating more color into my interiors does not mean I am leaving neutral behind. As I mentioned in an interview for Design File, gray is the new black and is THE neutral to use right now.

gray jpg — i love this pattern from schumacher

I have never considered myself a yellow person, but the way gray and citron play off one another has me sold.

See what I mean?

duralee

Color can give a room a finishing touch; mixing it with neutrals will keep it modern and fresh. So go bold and give your home the surprise it’s been wanting.