Every neighborhood has one it seems, the garish purple (or pink) house that all of the neighbors complain about, and that the HOA seems powerless to resolve. Yet, while bold design choices need not overwhelm or offend, the question must be asked: Which is the right choice for your client, bold or subtle?Additionally, one might ask, how bold? Or how subtle? And of course, who decides?Clients often look to make a statement when they ask you to help them reimagine a space I their home. It’s the nature of that declaration, combined with the personalities involved, that will determine just how audacious or delicate a pronouncement your client will wish to see you offer them.While none of the examples below are particularly outrageous, the differences are certainly clear, and telling. The key to success will often be to present your client with degrees of differences that address their inclinations and vision. That way, if you happen to move beyond their comfort level, you will be able to easily pull back.Which kitchen speaks to them most clearly?Though the only difference between these two kitchens is the palette used on the walls, they have clearly different feels to them. When you consider other possibilities such as alternate flooring, lighting, and appliances for example, the opportunities for making a bold or subtle statement become much more obvious. (ParadeOfHomes.org)Which feel fits?
What would you change in these family rooms?While the layouts are identical, opportunities abound for personalizing these similar spaces, based on the desires and personalities of your clients. You could easily shift the feel of the first with different flooring, while a splash of color would transform the second. Then again, perhaps each of these homeowners made deliberate choices that reflect their lifestyles to perfection.What would you ask to learn more about their bold or subtle choices?
Personal choices like these are extremely individualized and, as we all know, homeowners can be very protective of them. Yet, if they’ve asked for your help, they are seeking alternatives and must be coaxed gently toward the direction you think best, based on the vision of the space they’ve presented. Keep in mind though that moving too far in either direction, whether bold or subtle, may cause problems in the long term.No matter how bold you believe they wish to be, it may be best to offer relatively subtle choices at first, until they tell you to “Go for it!”
Colors and Accents – When Just a Splash is Enough
White remains the most popular color for rooms in most homes, mainly because they are versatile and “feel” clean (even when they’re not!). White rooms might create a modern sophisticated feeling of serenity, or make a fun artistic impact on the energy of a space when you add a splash of color.If your goal is to avoid overwhelming a space with too much color, the use of colorful accents may be exactly what you, and your client, are looking for.The examples below may begin with a pure white canvas but, with the judicious and intriguing use of colorful textiles and accessories, these clean and simple styles are accented to create gorgeous central focal points within the spaces.Pencil in some colorWhether a home office, child’s playroom or an artist’s studio, the way these colored pencils are used to add color to this space is far more than just creative – it is inspired!
Clever accents for a white bedroomAdding color to this white bedroom, along with enhanced spacial definition and character, could not be simpler, with the addition of a colorful Mexican weave blanket. (HomeDesigning.com)
Off-targeted, focused accentsOff-center yet still a clear focal point, this splash of yellow at the window in this room helps to balance the other colorful accent pieces in the room.
Good morning rainbows in the kitchenIt’s hard to argue with the colorful kaleidoscope that have been added to enhance this otherwise simple kitchen space.
While many clients will ask you to add color to their spaces, and their lives, many will also fear overshooting the mark. This is when a splash of colors and accents is just enough to keep them happy.
Hot Design Trends - Outdoor Furniture 2016
Spring is upon us, which of course means that your clients will soon be heading outside to enjoy warmer weather. With that in mind, it’s time to take a look at the hot design trends in outdoor furniture and patio set-ups for 2016. From clean and simple to elaborate and colorful, the trends in outdoor design and patio furniture this year are as diverse as the latest interior design trends.For many, the design of their backyards, patios, and decks are as important as the rest of their homes. Whether for entertaining or simply enjoying relaxed family moments, many homeowners choose to continue the opulence and style they love within their homes to their outdoor environment, as well.Then too, many consumers have realized that they can custom build their backyard dreams and enjoy being able to create and realize their unique, personalized vision for outdoor living.Outdoor Lounging Reaches a New Level of ComfortOutdoor daybeds provide an ideal place to kick back and relax, whether it be on the porch or by the pool. A daybed is the perfect place to nap, read, sunbathe, and just enjoy the outdoors. Add some colorful throw pillows to cozy it up and an umbrella to provide some shade. Many daybeds come with a built-in shade structure making it a superb spot to lounge all season long. (HayNeedle.com)
Move the Living Room OutsideThe Antalya Outdoor Collection allows your clients to chill in an outdoor living room. A patio becomes a very cozy space when a few home comforts are brought outside. Roll out a rug, plump up the couch with extra pillows and keep a soft throw within reach. If you're short on outdoor furniture, haul a few pieces out from your living room temporarily – sitting on real furniture while outside feels decidedly luxurious. (Houzz.com)
Get More ColorfulThis year's trend in outdoor fabrics have something for everyone; from bright, bold colors to warm, subdued hues. Look for quatrefoil prints and wide stripes, emboldening toss pillows, rugs, umbrellas, and more. Carry color themes across the patio with planters and ottomans interspersed between foundation pieces. (HayNeedle.com)
Mixed Materials and Year ‘Round Outdoor LivingIf the space you're reimagining for your clients can accommodate an indoor/outdoor transition throughout the year, then it goes without saying that modern outdoor furniture made from a combination of materials will help make it a lot easier. Design trends for 2016 will see a focus on mixed material furniture that enables contrast to promote a dynamic fusion between your indoor and outdoor entertaining space. (GardenAndPatioHomeGuide.com)
Have you seen a trend toward more outdoor living in your market? What have you done to accommodate the need to spend more time outside for your clients?
Creations Metaphores
The brand encompasses four great families of furnishing silks focussed on several periods, from the XVIIth century through today : - refined lampas featuring delicately shaded colours
The Veral de Belval brand encompasses four great families of furnishing silks focussed on several periods, from the XVIIth century through today : - refined lampas featuring delicately shaded colours.
Bermingham & Co.
Bermingham & Company is the largest importaer of silk Adaras ikats in the world. They offer the widest selection of colors and patterns. Their weavers in Uzbekistan are in constant production with dozens of new examples arriving monthly.
Gastón y Daniela
The new 2014 Collection of Gastón y Daniela is urban, bold and stylishly serene. It pays sparkling tribute to the use of color in its vibrant palette and shapes.This collection invites us to create new urban spaces playing with colors and leaving all the decorative rules behind.
Ralph Lauren Fabrics
Ralph Lauren Fabrics are woven by skilled artisans around the world, ensuring that the yare of heirloom quality.With thousands of fabrics in the collection, including everything from Italian jacquard to Scottish wool tartan and Belgian linen, a wealth of possibilities for the interior has been created.
Brunschwig & Fils
From grand rooms in the White House and the Palace of Versailles to romantic country retreats in cottages and seaside homes, Brunschwig & Fils fabrics, wallcoverings and furnishings have appeared for more than a century in the world’s most beautiful and iconic interiors. Brunschwig & Fils is the canon of high quality decorative textiles in the home furnishings industry, and today its many other products include wallpaper, trimmings and upholstered furniture.
GP & J Baker
Founded in 1884 by brothers George Percival and James Baker, GP & J Baker has been producing beautiful prints, weaves and wallpapers for over 125 years. More than a century of discerning collecting has resulted in one of the largest and most exciting privately owned textile archives in the world. Designs from this rich resource are skillfully adapted to meet with today’s transitional tastes and colour palette and are complemented by luxurious and eclectic weaves.Today, in addition to developing its own traditional style and unique “handwriting”, GP & J Baker continues to grow its reputation as one of the world’s innovators of fabric design.The company continues to expand globally with world-wide representation of its brands which include Threads, the first new luxury brand to be launched within the industry in over 10 years and Baker Lifestyle, the younger brand of the Group. Responsible too for the distribution of Kravet, Brunschwig & Fils, and Lee Jofa, GP & J Baker also produces Mulberry Home fabrics, wallpapers and accessories under license.As a holder of the Royal Warrant since 1984, G P & J Baker provides fabrics that are used in Royal residences both at home and abroad.
Lee Jofa
Lee Jofa is a premier resource for luxurious traditional to contemporary fabrics and home furnishings.