Design Faux Pas or Fall is in the Raw?
The edginess of Fall this year is raw with use of bold, poignant materials. I do not know if I could live with the unfinished look of plywood for my dining room. Not to mention the splinters. I see the need for contradiction in this space with the dramatic crystal chandelier, and the most forgotten flower, the Carnation. While the red makes a statement, the tufted leather office chairs look misplaced. Like Couture Fashion, some designs are meant to be looked at, not lived in. You be the judge.
Sometimes being bold means adding the pop of red with a tray, a practical hard surface for ottomans instead of coffee tables. Perfect for serving drinks, and sometimes we can only be as raw as a vase of flowers. No splinters, and they make me smile.
Fall into the Must Have Colors for Autumn
If Oprah trusts his design expertise, then we all can take a cue from Nate Berkus. Accoring to Nate, the must have Fall Colors are Navy Black, Rust, Jade, Asparagus, and Pumpkin Orange.
These rich jewel tones can be represented by lush velvet upholstery, herringbone rugs, and Missoni inspired throw pillows. It’s all about visual and actual texture, just like comfort food this combination of textures and bold colors will be chicken soup in you hands on a crisp Fall day.
The Element of Surprise
Let the drooling commence. Grab your bib and watch your chin hit the floor when you see what DDG has to offer. As Developers, they offer more to their clients such as Design Expertise that has future homebuyers in awe.
From innovative thinking to clever and star-worthy design, take a look at how they made ordinary objects look extraordinary. I have a major crush on this yellow island wrapped with molding details. The clean white cabinets let the island shine, and the fabulous low profile red chairs add an extra pop of color.
Orange you glad I showed you this photo? This wallpaper is not your run of the mill paper; it is absolutely stunning in this foyer and adds an element of surprise.
How gorgeous is this stone backsplash? The Herringbone mosaic adds special interest that catches the homebuyer’s eye. If you like what you see here, check out DDG’s site for some more surprises!
He Said, She Said
If you are coupled up and going through the experience of mixing your stuff together in your place, you may be faced with a battle you were not expecting.
First things first, think like a designer and approach your side like you are going to explain your color theory and décor ideas to a new client. Pull paint chips, fabric swatches, even create a collage from home décor magazines and online design blogs. If you go to battle prepared, you could walk away with a peace treaty.
Your stuff, his stuff…chances are they do not mesh well. I’m a firm believer in reusing old pieces of furniture and sprucing them up to suit both of your tastes, so do not get discouraged and feel like you have to start from scratch. A little paint goes a long way, plus it is a project you both can work on!
Communicate your ideas like Einstein, but be sure to embrace his ideas too. Figuring out how to represent both of your tastes is simple. If you are butting heads, hire a designer to bring out both of your styles, or get on board with his ideas too. Before you sabotage a good thing, remember why you love your significant other and why you decided to live together. Not everyone sees eye to eye, but “our place” should reflect both of you. Just like every other adventure you both engage in, make this experience fun and your end result will be nothing short of LOVE.
2 CommentsCuckoo for CocoCozy
I love the styling details and vintage finds on Coco’s Blog CocoCozy, and now she has textiles that offer graphic and patterned details that create dimension and a fun factor!
Add a little interest with her Oxford Design Throw Pillows, or mix and match the designs and stick with one color. Especially if your pad is a blank slate, you can create interest with patterns and pops of color that evolve your space from cardboard box to plush instantly!
Check out Coco’s shop, and remember if you accessorize your bod, your maison deserves a little love too!
How To Think Like a Designer
Don’t Be Afraid
Have no fear, the color fairy is here. Embrace color that reflects your personality. As it goes with your wardrobe, wear and live in the colors that positively affect your mood. Your style should also reflect your personality, so if you dig the organic nature of driftwood, but love sophisticated vintage pieces then go for an eclectic look where the two or three styles can blend, not clash.
Be Odd
When accessorizing, be sure to group pieces in odd numbers. Major designer fav’s would be groupings of three and fives. If you group more than three pieces at a time, be sure to represent the same hue in your group. For example, if you love the look of glass vases in the sunlight, group five or nine vases in the same color of your choice.
Don’t Let Your Ceilings Become Spider Apartments
Almost everyone neglects the ceiling. The color of the ceiling can create warmth, continuity, and allow for a complete customized space. Incorporate color, a pattern, or both, and your space will feel more like an environment, and less like a room. Just remember one little Designer tid-bit, glow in the dark stars are only for ten year-olds and Neil Armstrong.
Do not be inhibited by the emotional investment, just go with it, and let yourself shine through in the design!
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