Decorating News
May 2008

Hello everyone! Happy Spring! It's so refreshing to finally welcome the warmer weather. The lawns are a pretty lush green, the trees are filling in, the dogwoods are in bloom, and the azaleas and other colorful bushes I observe bring so much beauty to one's landscape.

As I've mentioned before, I've been active in the NJ Assn. of Women Business Owners for many years. I was recently honored as one of their "NJAWBO 30", which was awarded to the top 30 successful businesses in the state. I was very excited to receive this award, which was awarded based on several types of criteria.

In March a group of my designer colleagues and I attended the Architectural Digest Home Show in NY. It is a fascinating show. The products on display there are very interesting and generally very high end. We saw beautiful lighting and chandeliers, interesting wall applications, moldings, and cabinetry for kitchens and built-ins. It's great for adding new and unusual resources.

Last week I visited the Princeton designer show house, sponsored by the Junior League. The show house is featured every other year, and one is always more spectacular than the next. It's always interesting to see the mix of products and colors that are selected for these rooms. The library was an oval room, which had an interesting use of light, color and mirrors. The living room was done in calming aqua and cream tones, and had a spectacular view to the grounds in the back. The master bedroom was done in deep grayed tones with purple and heather and shimmery gray linens. The elevator was striking and the teen girl's room, mimicking the '60's, was fun.

The grounds in the back, along with the round pool and pool house, were beautifully landscaped and peaceful. I went on a warm, sunny day so it was nice to be able to enjoy the grounds.

 

My Window Coverings Association group held a presentation with the Benjamin Moore representatives in February and it was very interesting.

First, we discussed a new paint deck that combines Benjamin Moore colors with Kravet fabric colors. Kravet is a wonderful company that features furniture with very clean lines and a wide array of fabrics. They feature designer Barbara Barry, and their fabric and trim collections are among the most elegant and classy. Kravet is located in the Design Centers in both New York and Philadelphia. I'll give you a few examples of some color palettes, with the Benjamin Moore color names, that are popular now.

One very soothing group of colors is Marble White, Mochachino, and Driftscape Tan. Another is Moroccan Red, Copley Gray, and Fresh Air. Another group of "fall-like" colors is Roasted Sesame Seed, Pirate's Chest, and Potters Wheel. And yet another is Night Train, Quiet Moments, and Aztec Yellow. There are 75 color palettes in all, and of course, I can't list them all here. But I'd be happy to show you when we meet to give you ideas on new color schemes.

The new Aura paint is doing very well. It is considered the next generation of paint and has many wonderful benefits. It is mildew and odor resistant, it is self-priming, it dries in 15 minutes, and you can add a second coat of paint after an hour. My family room was painted recently using Aura, and it went on so easily.

 

What else is new? Wallpaper is making a comeback. Are you surprised? The designs are definitely more upscale. There are very elegant large-scale designs with vines, scrolls, and diamonds, to name a few. I saw many wide stripes in two or three color palettes, stamped papers, and a wide variety of textures. Why not think about it for even one room that you might want to make a statement? I'd be happy to show you some books or get you a sample or two.

The March 2008 issue of Draperies & Window Coverings, a trade publication, reported on trends relating to window treatment fabrics and colors that are being used at the window. Hunter Douglas reports that texture in fabrics continues to sell the best. Today, color needs depth and complexity. Complex color is very important - whether it is layered finishes, metallics, or worn and weathered looks.

Gray is an upcoming neutral on its own or paired with color. It is more of a slate like color with a blue cast. Red has become a classic color. Red is present in every major culture and symbolizes heritage and national identities.

Green is a best seller in most product categories. It spans from yellow-green to true spring green to more blue-green, aqua families. Brown has become a standing neutral - a softer black. It is paired with almost every color family. Antique golds are very important also in the home palette. The influence of gold continues to build.

Some emerging color palettes through 2009 are:

Cobalt Blue paired with Black
Plum hues with dark silver and gunmetal gray
Periwinkle Blue mixed with raspberry and crisp white
Chocolate Brown with gold or red accents
Skin-tone neutrals with soft green and aqua

With the upcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Asian design themes are a surfacing trend. Ring and circle patterns inspired by the Olympic rings and medals suggest clean, elegant lines. Rich silks with intricate embroidery, trim and beading are used more readily than ever before in our draperies and custom treatments.

As a reminder, I can assist you with any of your design needs, including the following:

Custom window treatments - Beginning with design, to the perfect fabric and treatment selection, to the sewing and finally, installation, your new treatment will be the finishing touch in your room. Furniture - not sure where to find the perfect piece? Furniture stores are scarce now. Let me help you plan and manage the purchase and delivery process of your new furniture, freeing you up from the stress of dealing with stores.

Paint consultations - We'll look at large paint chips to help you visualize the final wall color. Renovations - Are you overwhelmed at the thought of starting a kitchen or bath renovation project and afraid to make a mistake with your cabinet, countertop, floor or backsplash selections? I will shop with you and guide you to the decision in a calm, stress-free manner so that you will be ecstatic with the final outcome.

And remember - other resources available include: lighting, flooring, upholstery, bedding, artwork and wall accessories, wall coverings, and personal or escorted shopping.

Don't forget to check the design gallery periodically for updates and new ideas. You may even see your room posted!

Enjoy the spring and summertime warmth, and I look forward to hearing from you when you're ready to begin your next project!

Linda

Phone: 609-799-6529
Email: Linda@LPInteriors.com