March 29th, 2010
It has been a very long time since neon colours were on trend. Some people believe this is as it should be. However, the rest of us are delighted when we get to revisit items from the past that have been locked away for so long that they feel fresh and new now. I was a child of the eighties and loved every minute of my neon bracelets, shirts and belts.
Now, personally I am integrating neon into my garden entertaining practices. What I mean is that I have stocked up on bold plates and cups in fluorescent shades that fit in remarkably well. I also splurged on some pitchers, candles and garden decorations all of which are very in style.
Of the lot, my favourite are the adorable neon butterflies that I got at a local outdoor festival. In fact, admittedly I do not believe I will remove them from my garden until they have completely faded and are barely recognizable. I am ever so happy to have a blast of neon in my life once again. But lets be completely honest, neon will never be worn by me again.
March 8th, 2010
Kensington Gardens has an inspired lounge that can be replicated in your home. After a recent visit to the Kensington Gardens Rooftop, I decided I want a mini lounge like environment on my outdoor deck. I had such an awesome night, and very little alcohol was involved. Instead the environment was so relaxed and comfortable that it was exciting all on its own.
Also, I am a bit tired of my buddies and their gals coming over to my place to hangout and leaving a cluttered mess behind. By entertaining predominantly outside I minimize the area in which a mess is made. Plus, the furniture will be weatherproof, which in my situation will come in handy with my sloppier friends. I will not cringe every time a drink spills. And less formal glasses, plates and bowls will be required, so should anything be dropped or cracked, I will not even flinch. The whole idea of creating ones own great garden lounge cannot be beat.
February 13th, 2010
Due to the economic climate, it continues to be trendy to entertain in ones own home instead of stepping out on the town. So, by choosing to stay in and to invite your pals over to join you, you have already taken the first step to being sensible. The plan is already in action, but here are some additional tips for keeping costs down when you stock a bar.
First, determine which of the alcohols really need to be premium. For example, gin is a liquor that is often mixed with other ingredients. Thus, you can cut back on the cost of stocking you bar here. The next liquor in line to cut back on price with is vodka. Many agree that the less expensive brands do not standout like rum and bourbon.
Once you have saved on these staples, compensate with decent mixers. Bottom of the barrel fruit juice and inexpensive alcohol is taking things a step too far. You probably do not want to cross that line.
February 7th, 2010
When you here the words pay attention to detail, thoughts of painstaking steps come to mind. However, I dare say that this is not the only spirit of this statement. In some instances, details can be a few little extra additions to the standard approach. For example, when you put out things like a cloth tablecloth and napkins a vast improvement can take place to the appearance of a table setting. Without these additions, the meals experience may be completely different.
When you place flowers throughout a house, just simple little floral arrangements, a new vibe sweeps over the whole place. These are relatively small changes, but those details make a world of difference. So, my point is to remind you that sometimes it is the little things that really count. Try a few special touches during the course of your day, and reap the benefit.
January 10th, 2010
As is apparent, recycled furniture is one hot trend right now. Several designers are using their talents and gathering from inspiration to create beautiful upholstered furniture with recycled fabric. These artists are gaining motivation from the fabrics themselves. Some draw on the textiles patterns or that of the combination of several different patterns on multiple remnants.
Such custom pieces are outstanding additions to living areas in both the visual sense and environmentally. One of the most fascinating parts to this approach to design is to understand what the original source, or sources looked like, and then to see the recycled furniture.
Often a major metamorphosis has occurred, and the rebirth of a chair, couch, bench, pillow or ottoman is glorious and unexpected. To say the least, the before and after photos are mesmerizing.
December 2nd, 2009
If the place you call home is limited on outdoor space, then you may want to consider placing images of euphoric landscapes up inside as wall decoration. The artist Natasha Kissel is one artist who creates utopic scenes that are likely to capture your attention. Pieces such as hers allow for the viewer to witness art that exists in limbo somewhere between reality and fantasy.
Miss Kissells work will be on exhibit February 11th through March 13th at the Eleven Gallery in London. Expect to see hyper-intense colours, elements of nature supersized, and surprise fundamentals of modern everyday life. Her work has been described as having the ability to transport the viewer. As such, such art is paramount for the homeowner who is denied personal landscape in the physical sense. Good art can work wonders.
With the proper placement of thought provoking art, your accommodations limitations are counterbalanced. Not to mention the super-saturation of colour that is launched into your environment, much like the impact of nature itself. Let the balancing act begin.
November 9th, 2009
Home design and runway fashion do not diverge greatly when it comes to trends. That said, the forecast from Vogue is that this summer is all about a lack of colour, and a lack of coverage that will be translated to home trends too. The word from the street chic is that undergarments will be making more of a public appearance this year than any other. Peeps of lace and ruffles are to be expected, and even on display underneath see through mesh dresses.
As for interior design trends for 2010, expect a return to the neutrals for walls, carpet, and furniture. Like the balance occurring with the safe trendy colours and immodest combinations in clothing, so will be the trends in home decoration. Layering of similar shades, with pops of brilliantly sexy undertones. Inject a romantic airs into your abode that you will be both admired and remembered for.
