Trend Spotting - Rorschach Ink Blots

I recently saw this metallic version of an ink blot, and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.  It was created by Andy Warhol in the 1980's known as his Rorschach paintings, and it still feels super current and fresh today.  Wonder what came to mind when Mr. Warhol looked at his own inkblots?

Andy Warhol, Rorschach 1984

In case you're wondering, the Rorschach test is a psychological test in which subjects' perceptions of inkblots are recorded and then analyzed using psychological interpretations.  Some psychologists use this test to examine a person's personality characteristics and emotional functioning.  So, if I get a psychologist for a client, you know I'm going straight to these for some unique artwork for their home.

During his later years, Andy Warhol produced some stunning examples of these.  I love this one with black ink on canvas - it would look amazing with a metallic background.

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These have inspired lots of homeowners.  I just love how they look - notice the ghost chair layered in front of the lowest piece and paired with another favorite for me - the silhouette.  clever.

The traditional black ink versions have really been popular as artwork since this image was featured in House Beautiful.   Completely stunning!  Every room (even one with lots of color) needs a touch of black.

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So, I think you know where I'm going with this . . . Even the most artistically challenged should be able to pull off some version of this, right?!  Could be a fun DIY to try with my daughter on a raining Sunday afternoon.  I'll have to pull together some supplies in case we have a moment to try this! M.

Shagreen Goodness

I've had shagreen on the mind lately.  Loving the warmth it adds to a space while still giving you a moment of chic goodness. 

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And for an affordable faux option of this yummy texture. It's only $52.49 at Target.

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Have a great day - week's half way done!  Woot! M.

Emerging Trend - Arrow Design

I love it when I begin to see a new trend.  This one is an "arrow" (also called "feather") design.  It's similar to a chevron pattern, but fresher.  I dare say more youthful and fun.  Have you noticed it as of late?

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I started seeing all different versions of it popping up when sourcing fabrics back in the Spring.  Now, it's more than fabrics - I'm seeing wallpapers and even accessories like trays, jars and bathroom accessories.

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I can see using this pattern just as you would a chevron either as the main accent fabric (if it has several colors in it) or as a secondary fabric (if it's a two color fabric like below). 

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Just love this take on the trend - it feels tribal and modern all at the same time.

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I will definitely be working this into a design plan soon.  Happy Monday! M.

Trend Spotting - Lately I've Notice . . .

lots and lots of images of these vintage style cafe chairs.  They feel so light and summery to me - makes me think of a tiny little cottage at the beach.

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How fun would it be to wake up to this?!

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It's funny how a throw back to a basic french cafe chair makes me think of a light and airy beach house.  Always amazes me what our life experiences subtly add to our impressions.   So, yes, this chair makes me think of the beach. 

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So, have you notice these around and what do these chairs make you think about? M.

PS: please remember to enter my giveaway for the fabulous Shabby Apple Dress - deadline for entering is tomorrow. 

Thinking Outside the Box

The main reason most people stay in the box is because it is oddly comforting.  To step out can be scary.  I think it can be scary because generally people can be judgmental.  But here's the news flash - people will be judgmental regardless of whether you are in or out of the box.  So, think about that the next time you are considering stepping out as it relates to your home.

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If you do venture out, you may find it to be completing liberating!  But you don't have to jump straight away into the deep end.  With my clients, I usually provide little "pushes" that still work with the rest of the pieces in their home.  Just remember, stepping out takes practice.

The trick is to take small steps on occasion.  Then, the occasions will become more frequent; and before you know it, you won't remember where the box was or why you wanted to be in it.

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So, for those who need some suggestions.  Here are just a few ideas to try this Summer.  Let's get your feet wet.  Shall we?

Step 1

Host a gathering, and set the Bar up using your kitchen sink.  Try it, it'll be fun.

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Step 2

Add one unexpected Pop of color - maybe the color of the year?  

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Step 3

Host a dinner party and invite two couples you've never invited to your home.  Don't just stick with your besties on this one - step out.  

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These days most people got out for dinner.  So, believe it or not, the rare occasion when someone invites you to their home becomes very special.

Step 4

Rearrange your family room so the TV is no longer the main focal point!  

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I did this in my own family room last summer, and we never seemed to watch TV.  The main seating area was on the opposite side of the room.  So, we usually hung out and talked or played cards - very refreshing change for the summer.

Step 5

Consider restyling your accessories for the summer.  

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It's fun to go out and pick up some inexpensive accessories and then blend those in with your other things.  Or, look around your closet for something interesting to use - even a sun hat can be interesting!  I love switching up my accessories for the summer months.  Then, when Fall arrives and I pull them back out, they feel new again.  This also forces you to try them in new and unexpected places.  

Who knows?  If you step outside the box, you may create something wonderful. 

Have a great day! M.

Leather Done Right

There are few materials I don't like to use when designing a space.  However, I do think the style and scale of a piece can make or break the use of a material.  Leather definitely falls into this category for me.  When it's used correctly, it can totally wow a space.  When it isn't, it can kill a space.  Here are some fabulous example of how it can wow . . . 

Using leather on a very traditional french settee - a total wow.  The contrast is wonderful and gives such an unexpected flare. 

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Martha O'Hara does it again with this amazing room - the ottoman is in gray leather.  

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Leather can instantly add warm to a space . . .  I love it here as a bedside table, paired with crisp white bed linens.  

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I adore this layered look with the ottomans under the console table!

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You can even pair leather and fabric on a single piece of furniture like the winged back chair in this image.  Great look.

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Love this winged back chair in a light creamy tone.  The durability you get with leather is second to none.  Short of a ball point pin or a pair of scissors, it's indestructible while looking very sophisticated.  So, go ahead and choose cream - you will not hear me say that very often!

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Normally, I would never recommend this much leather in a space (noticed both sofas in white and the winged back chair all in leather).  But, believe it or not,  it's the wall to wall carpet that makes it work.  When you pull in leather, you have to balance it out with some fabric.  Otherwise, it will begin to feel cold and sterile.    

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Even a small bit of leather, like these low ottomans in Giuliana and Bill Rancic's family room,  help a space feel varied and interesting.   Love the look of this entire room.

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So, are you a fan of leather?  M.

Trend Spotting

I am constantly sourcing things online and seeing lots of interiors.  So, I thought it would be fun to show you some recent trends that have been popping up.  Some of these may surprise you.

First, up the Buffalo Check . . . 

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It's very traditional and many of you may feel it's never been out.  But I am seeing it more and more these days.  In fact the new issue of Traditional Home is featuring a stunning kitchen with upholstered chairs in a large scale check.

I have to say, the more recent sitings have been paired with less traditional fabrics as in this example . . . 

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Up next, black and white interiors.  I'm not sure if this is a mini trend or whether it will have some staying power, but it is hot hot at the moment . . . 

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Last up - Mixing metal tones.  We all know that brass is back - it's actually been back for the last couple of years in an antique version.  However, now I'm seeing the mixing of the warm tone metals with the cooler toned metals.  The best way to pull of this look is by throwing in  the champagne tones in frames and metallic linens to connect the dots.

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Here's the frame color I'm talking about. . . 

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Happy Monday! Enjoy your day. M.

Antique Lesson - Tramp Art

I bet you've seen something similar to this before - maybe in an antique store or flea market.  Maybe you've wondered about it's origin.  It's called Tramp Art.

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Here's the story - Tramp art is carved artwork and it was made in the United States following the American Civil War through the late 1930's.  It is believed to be artwork made by mainly poor, untrained artists from a broad range of nationalities. 

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These artists commonly used discarded wood (such as cigar boxes) to create wonderfully intricate items. 

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While it is argued that most Tramp Art was made by individuals who lived a very transit lifestyle, other experiments disagree as many of the larger pieces could not have been completed by someone who moved around. 

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These larger pieces would have required a great deal of time and space to produce.  

While many artists of Tramp are unknown, there are pieces that can be associated with specific artists.  This really varies from piece to piece. If you have some of this, you may want to have it appraised!    

Here is a very large Tramp Art mirror hung over an upholstered settee.

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I think this artwork is so interesting.  It's highly collectable these days, and I could see it possibly included in a more traditional home filled with English Country furnishings as well as in a more modern space with a knob to the past. What do you think?