Wallpaper is Making a Comeback

From CBS to the Boston Globe, and from Houzz.com to FineHomeBuilding.com, wallpaper is in the news. Why? Because wallpaper is making a comeback!

For more than 20 years now, wallpaper has largely been a thing of the past. With memories of garish designs and patterns from the 60s and 70s wreaking havoc on youthful memories, by the time Baby Boomers became old enough to own their own homes, hanging paper on their walls was frowned upon. Walls of old homes were stripped bare, while new homes received a quick paint job – and that was it.

Wallcovering Trends 2016

Today though, wallpaper is back in style. Reimagined for a modern eye and used with restraint, the latest wallcoverings lend personality and style without being overwhelming. “We all love paint, but sometimes you just need a little bit more. Wallpaper can add dimension, it can add a sparkle, and it creates a really warm, layered feeling,” says Dee Elms of Boston firm Terrat Elms Interior Design.

Wall coverings have once again come into vogue. Leading trends include murals, coverings with an aged elegance or gentle worn look, and especially textured looks. Others are pushing the design envelope, adding all sorts of tactile dimensions. In fact, some cutting edge wall coverings are made of anything but paper.

Subtle organic details in this muted-tone print make for a soft look that won't overpower a room.

Here is an example of the many patterns that evoke an old architectural style without feeling dated.

Depth can be added through shading – no 3D printer required.

Wallpaper for the kids – and the folks, too!

Innovative styling for the kid’s room, which may encourage them to get creative!

A similar style works just as well for mom or dad.

The key to an up-to-date look using wallpaper is in the application. Encourage your clients to view it as an amazing piece of art or a gorgeous accessory. Plus, new formulations make wallpaper less permanent, relieving them of a “lifetime” commitment. Removable adhesive treatments are available in an ever-increasing range of wallpaper designs. How cool is that?

Looking for more wallpaper design tips? Get in touch with TD Fall today.

New Collections from Kravet for Fall 2016

Founded by Samuel Kravet and his four sons nearly 100 years ago (1918), Kravet, Inc. is an industry leader in the home furnishings and design trades. Now in its fifth generation as a family owned and operated business, they have also become one of the largest distributors of fabrics, furniture, wall coverings, trimmings, carpeting, and accessories in the world.

Simply stated… Where Kravet goes, the industry follows. Here, we offer a glimpse of new collections for Fall 2016 from Kravet.

Ralph Lauren Home Fall 2016 Collection

Perhaps the most universally recognized name in the fashion industry, Ralph Lauren offers iconic designs for a discriminating clientele. Similarly, the Ralph Lauren Home is recognized as the first fashion designer to present an all-encompassing collection for the home, offering a distinctive vision and unwavering commitment to craftsmanship that enriches the places we live.

Hoxton - Translating the eclectic sensibility of East London’s artist lofts, Hoxton showcases a diverse mix of painterly florals, wool plaids and ticking stripes in a fresh palette of warm grey, cream, and sepia for a vintage-inspired collection grounded in a modern, bohemian spirit.

Camel Book - Evoking the refinement of the iconic camelhair polo coat, a diverse mix of wool, cotton and linen celebrate the versatility of this classic neutral. From a rustic sophistication to a feminine elegance, camel adds a heritage touch to any home.

Modern Chalet - A highlight of the Fall 2015 womenswear collection was a modern look at winter white. Texture and form become the focus in this Zen-like study of luxurious cream on cream. Touches of stone and taupe firmly ground the collection.

Barbara Barry Fall 2016 Collection

Elegance, Barbara Barry’s new programmed rug collection for Kravet Carpet, is simply that. Three of her most popular Kravet Carpet designs – La Vie En Rose, Line Dance and Renku – balance tonal and textural elements for a subtly refined appeal. Each pattern is offered in three soft, natural colorways reminiscent of Barry’s signature simple yet sophisticated style.

La Vie En Rose - Colorways: Cypress, Moonglow & Oyster, 100% Wool

Line Dance - Colorways: Buff, Hazel & Tea Leaf, Wool & Viscose

Renku - Colorways: Cashew, Ink Brush & Spruce, 100% Wool

Hand Tufted in India, Available in 6x9, 8x10, 9x12, 10x14, custom size

Gastón y Daniela Fall 2016 Collection

Offered in the U.S. through Kravet, Gastón y Daniela is one of the most important fabric houses in the Spanish high-end textile industry. The collection includes an array of opulent textures, colors, and styles that combine to create cohesive sophisticated interiors.

Tierras - Inspired by different periods and places in the Spanish history, each motif in Gaston y Daniela’s Tierras collection is based on a blend of influences, though all of them have been designed to capture the geometric pattern and distinctive color scheme typical of Spanish tiles. The new collection features re-workings of historical elements taken from the decorative arts as well as inspiration from the 1960s pop art aesthetic.

For more on what’s new from Kravet this season, get in touch with TD Fall today.

Interior Design Tips – Yes, Sustainability is a Thing

As mentioned in a previous post, Know Your Marketplace - Millennials Influencing Interior Design Trends, the influence of millennials is growing, in many ways shifting the focus and goals of the interior design industry. Of the many ways in which this demographic is influencing our market, sustainability may be the most important – and enduring – as it become ever more important to other age groups and market influencers.As explained by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), sustainable design encompasses more than simply “thinking green”. Sustainable design goes beyond being just efficient, attractive, on time and on budget. It is a design that cares about how such goals are achieved, about its effect on people and on the environment. An environmentally responsible professional makes a commitment to constantly try to find ways to diminish design's impact on the world around us. It is also a smart way of doing business: sustainable design is the fastest growing segment of our industry.Green Design PracticesRather, sustainable design reflects an all-inclusive approach to a designer’s professional responsibilities, by employing:

• Integrated building design developed by collaborative multi-disciplinary teams
• Indoor environments that support occupant well-being and productivity
• Resource and energy efficiency
• Social equity at local and global levels
• Protection of the natural environment
• Positive economic impact of optimized operational and maintenance practices, and life-cycle cost assessments

Whether the ultimate design goal is decoration, renovation or architectural detailing, all interior designers must stay abreast of current trends in the field.In the design industry, today’s fastest-growing segment is the incorporation of sustainable, or “green”, interior design. From the use of rain water collection to supplement waste water needs, to using sustainable materials such as bamboo, innovation is high when it comes to designing a sustainable space.ASID offers a series of reports on sustainable design practices, materials, and products. To learn more, click on the links below:

• The Sustainable Suite (PDF download)
• Interior Design and Global Impact Series (PDF downloads)
• Part 1 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (453 KB)
• Part 2 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (481 KB)
• Part 3 - Environmentally Preferable Coverings (342 KB)

Have you begun to see this trend? Is sustainability a thing in your marketplace? How have you responded?

Bold or Subtle Interior Designs - Often, the subtle will draw the eye better than the bold

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.

Interior Design Trends – The Backsplash is Making a Comeback

In addition to being the place where meals are prepared and eaten the kitchen remains the social hub of most homes. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that many interior design choices begin here, in the kitchen, and work outward from this hub of family activity.A great way to refresh any kitchen is to update the backsplash, which is why the backsplash is making a comeback as an interior design trend today.To help you visualize what can be done with this often ignored area of such an important space, simply think of backsplashes as accessories for your client’s kitchens. This area presents you with a wonderful opportunity to use the blank space between the counters and cabinets to add a flair of personality and panache to your client’s new kitchen design.An innovative backsplash design offers you a wonderful chance to imprint your client’s vision and sense of style on one of the most used, most important spaces in their home.One of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to alter the look and feel of a kitchen is through the creative use of the backsplash. Here are five of our favorite trends in kitchen backsplashes, which we found at Pro.com.Natural Stone BacksplashNatural stone isn’t anything new in kitchens, but it’s becoming increasingly popular as a backsplash. Whether in an affordable tile pattern or easy-to-clean slab, stones like granite, marble and slate pair well with any kitchen. Feel free to mix it up. If you have stone countertops, they don’t have to match.Sustainable BacksplashYou can “go green” with an environmentally friendly backsplash without sacrificing style. Sea glass and recycled glass are just two of the options available to you. Beautiful mosaics have been created with bits of broken or leftover tile, and many stone yards have discounted slabs they can’t use for various reasons that would otherwise go to waste.Matching Wood BacksplashFor a fresh new look, look to wood. It’s no stranger to kitchen floors and cabinets, so using it as your backsplash brings in a forward-thinking take on the traditional material. It’s extremely interesting as a backsplash with the added benefit of being easy to install, and can be painted any color to accent your kitchen.Stainless Steel BacksplashIndustrial-chic is a current trend, and stainless steel is the perfect nod to it. It’s dramatic, durable, cleanable and comes in tiles or slabs so you can get whichever look you want.Wallpaper BacksplashDon’t shy away so quickly because this isn’t your grandmother’s wallpaper. Wallpaper is making a huge comeback with modern and fashionable styles, patterns and textures, and manufacturers aren’t leaving the kitchen out. You can easily find easy-to-clean vinyl wallpapers unique to your style.Have you noticed the comeback of the backsplash in your market? How have you used the backsplash to make a statement in the kitchens of your clients?

Hot Home Design Trends for 2015

Wallpaper is making a huge comeback this year!

According to Zillow.com, and Zillow Digs designer Jamie Beckwith of Beckwith Interiors, everything from digital prints to textured wall coverings have created a powerful trend toward the increased use of wallpaper for 2015. Thanks to this trend, interior designers should expect to see a rise in available color and texture selections in home stores to accommodate the increased demand for patterned or textured accent walls.

Graphic Wallpaper Design

Textured Wallpaper Designs

Hot Home Products for 2015

Especially useful for the city dweller who has little or no space for a garden, the Urban Cultivator is an incredibly appealing new feature you can offer. While not exactly an appliance in the strictest sense of the word, this little gem offers your city-bound clients the opportunity to enjoy freshly harvested organic greens and herbs, taken from their indoor garden just minutes before serving.About the size of a dishwasher, the Urban Cultivator will not overwhelm the room, yet is a great conversation piece – as well as a wonderful tool for creating nutritious meals for anyone who lacks the space for an outside garden.What are the Hot Home Design Trends in your neck of the woods? Have you seen new wallpaper designs this year? Are there hot new appliances available in your market?

Winfield Thybony

From the early seventies to now, Winfield Thybony Design has enjoyed the reputation as one of the leading innovators and manufacturers of creative, elegant, sophisticated, and distinctive wallcoverings.To keep pace with the outcry for unique, cutting edge, decorative wallcoverings, now more than ever before Winfield Thybony Design is creating wallcoverings which add comfort and luxury to your interiors, that have never before been seen.Equally as important as producing these beautiful wallcoverings, is the emphasis of addressing our environment and today's stringent fire codes. With this in mind, Winfield Thybony Design offers unique collections of 100% linen, silk, authentic wood veneer wallcoverings, and timeless collections of bamboo, cork, grasscloth, mica and sisal wallcoverings.

Cole & Sons

Cole & Son continues to produce innovative and beautiful designs; our current collections reflect our long and distinguished history as well as our continuing passion for new and exciting wallpapers.