TRENDSPOTTING AT THE AMERICASMART ATLANTA

January ushers in a new year as well as new trends in home and fashion. Along with the excitement of something fresh comes the dilemma of making these styles approachable and livable. Doing what I love best, I spent the day at the AmericasMart Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market and The Atlanta International Area Rug Market. What a mouthful — and the multi-building complex told the same story. You would have to possess super-human powers to complete the tour in one day, but I saw enough to say that you are already on the right track and on-trend. Here's what's happening now:

Dillard Design Group, LLC

Gray paint is still a consumer favorite for walls, and now it is finding a home on ceilings. This neutral base allows for any color combination you can dream of while maintaining a look of easy sophistication.

 Barbara Chambers

Fill your home with investment pieces. Consider purchasing one or two items each year at the best quality you can afford. Furniture like this timeless Louis XV style has maintained its popularity for eons and will only vary in color and/or finish.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

Textured wallpaper was also a big hit in showrooms. Seagrass is still all the rage, but I do believe creamier tones are on the rise. Remember, you heard it here first!

Zuniga Interiors 

Fiery red-orange invigorated displays in the form of paint backdrops and small-scale accessories. Notice how this hue plays well with all finishes, from the studded mirror to the warm wood tones.

To read this article in its entirety, head over to houzz to see 4 more popular trends for 2011.

What decor trends have you spotted in your city?

HOUZZ IDEABOOK: 7 HOME TRENDS: REPORT FROM HIGH POINT MARKET

This fall, High Point Market released seven exciting, new home trends. High Point Market is what New York Fashion Week is to the world of fashion, so watch for the looks below emerging in showrooms and retailers across the nation. Head over to Houzz to read about my favorite five!

7 Home Trends: Report from High Point Market

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ICONIC MID-CENTURY DESIGN | NOW AND THEN

Following trends in interior design is a gamble. What is on trend can be off trend in just a year. Even the it color (turquoise for 2010) changes annually.

So, I wonder if iconic mid-century designers like Eames and Knoll knew their designs would outlast trends decades later. The time was Post War 1950's when designers were optimistic about the future and looked for ways to establish harmony between natural and man made design elements. Furnishings tend to be well-built, have clean lines, and have smaller scale, perfect for apartments or small spaces.

I've paired spaces (below) that feature the same iconic furniture piece.  The images labeled NOW are straight from the Design Within Reach website. The images labeled THEN are from Practical Encyclopedia of Good Decorating and Home Improvement circa 1970. FYI, there are a total of eighteen volumes!

The Barcelona® Chair / Designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, produced by Knoll®

 

Eames® Lounge and Ottoman / Designed by Charles and Ray Eames for Herman Miller®

 

 Saarinen Tulip™ Armchair and Round Dining Table / Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll®

 Wassily Chair / Designed by Marcel Breuer for Knoll®

Womb™ Chair - Fabric / Designed by Eero Saarinen for Knoll®

Kura Reversible Bed / IKEA

Swan Chair - Leather / Designed by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen

A couple of weeks ago my aunt invited the family over for dinner. I hadn't been to her house since I was a kid and was surprised to see the decor was still pretty much the same.  In the dining room (left), she updated the window coverings and added a few accessories. The tablecloth was there just for dinner.  In her rec room (right) I was shocked to see this bar and the wallpaper.  Believe me when I tell you all of her "classic" pieces are in excellent shape!

I asked her if I could return later to take more pics. These were the only two I could snag before everyone sat down to eat. My Aunt and I had a brief conversation about her downsizing to a smaller place which meant her getting rid of this furniture.  I would be interesting in knowing the value of these and other "vintage" pieces found in her home.

Do you know anyone who decorates their home in Mid-Century Modern decor? I feel a sense of nostalgia when in homes of this style. What mood does it evoke for you?

Finding Beauty in Burlap

Recently during my visit the the AH&L Christmas House, I came across this room styled by Stanton Home Furnishings and became smitten with these accent pillows made from coffee sacks. The room has an eclectic mix of vintage, traditional, and rustic elements that I find common in room designs featuring burlap...

...and this dining room further illustrates my point. The designer saved tons of money by using burlap for these pinch pleated drapery and infused this room with a dose of casual elegance.


I shopped around a bit to see if anything out there tickled my fancy. Here are a few of my favorites from Pieces and Ballard Designs.

Here are a few more ways to introduce burlap into you home's decor. Use burlap to create an organic dining experience. This table setting is so welcoming and thoughtfully prepared with its burlap runner layered with (appears to be) a sage green sailcloth...and the dining room (left) boasts tailored burlap roman shades and an accent pillow for the guest of honor.

Blogger Jen Jen from Tatertots & Jello loves this fabric and has an array of tutorials that will send you well on your way into your next DIY weekend project.

...and speaking of weekend projects, I purchased 2 yards of burlap fabric to see what all the fuss is about. Perhaps I'll cover a drum shade I recently purchased for $3 from a local liquidator...we shall see...

See you Monday for more design chat, and hopefully some photos of the finished lamp shade project. Have a great weekend!