The Ultimate Timeless Style...Patriotism

How do Stars and Stripes fit into your home?  If they are not already present in some form, maybe you should consider the addition of a little patriotism into your space!  The next top style trend for 2012 is "Made in America."

eclectic exterior design

Americana is an aesthetic that should hold some meaning for all of us!  Fortunately, there are many ways to incorporate this casual and comfortable concept into our homes.  When I think of Americana and home, the first name that comes to mind is Ralph Lauren.  As you know, Ralph Lauren created a lifestyle brand that became the defining concept for American Style.



Classic American Style is casual and unaffected. It exemplifies quality and its treasures are meant to be handed down...Pendleton blankets, weathered leather chairs, antique trunks, American Flags, whitewashed wood, old family trophies and a warm fire in the fireplace.

                                     traditional kitchen design by dc metro interior designer Sroka Design, Inc.


Your concept of "American Made" may include lighter colors and simple style and my idea of it may be a little more rugged...like a log home or a ranch.

                     traditional family room design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

                       traditional exterior design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

Or maybe, your choice for Americana is as simple as adding some red, white and blue!

                                                                        eclectic artwork design by rusticdecorating.com

                                                                     eclectic living room design by Horchow

                                                                   traditional serveware design by Wisteria

                                      traditional kids design by grand rapids architect Visbeen Associates, Inc.

Isn't it about time? Patriotism and honoring good traditions should never go out of style.  Go ahead and become a trend setter in your own neighborhood... make sure that you have an American flag hanging somewhere in your home or in your yard.  How do you show your tribute to Americana style?  What are your favorite sources for vintage American finds?

Finding Farmhouse Flair! It's an Etsy Treasury!

Does the Farmhouse style appeal to you?  If so, then you should take a look at Etsy for some beautiful finds that help to define that aesthetic...

Farmhouse Flair in 2012

"Wide Open Spaces" and good ole cowboy boots are required for this next "Top 2012 Style Trend."  Well, maybe you can get by without the wide open space if you have to, but I would recommend a pair of cool cowboy boots....for Farmhouse style.

traditional exterior design
by burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

I really began to notice the prominence of this aesthetic when my design magazines started to include articles and photographs of chicken coop plans that are nicer than most family homes!  Hey...I am ALL for chickens having a beautiful place to live but do they really need a replica of The Biltmore House?

Well,  it is true that many families around the country have embraced the tradition of raising livestock in even the most "suburban" types of neighborhoods...and they are doing it quite successfully.  My feeling is that this style trend has gained popularity for reasons beyond the "look."  I believe that this trend encompasses a little more... like the idea of embracing our roots in these tough times and the importance of finding pleasure in the simplest of tasks like getting your hands dirty in your own garden and cooking fresh eggs for your family in the morning.

contemporary dining room design by boston architect ZeroEnergy Design

It just so happens that farmhouse style is pretty fabulous and we all know that every farmhouse is full of old stories- when we include items in our lives that have a history, life becomes a lot more interesting indeed.

Farmhouse is a state of mind and a way of life in many cases, but it is also possible to incorporate special items into your home without going the way of the coop!  Often the look includes lighter, neutral tones and  distressed furnishings- with the occasional bright antique quilt or bright painted tin sign.

                              traditional dining room design by austin architect Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects

Many would say that the kitchen table is the heart of the home in a farmhouse...the place where every day would begin and end and where a lot of those famous stories were told.  If you ask me this is not a bad tradition to uphold and certainly, it is not a bad look.

                               traditional dining room design by atlanta interior designer Yvonne McFadden LLC

The good news for our wallets- there are many items from which to choose that have a beautiful patina and that is a key word to remember when it comes to farmhouse.  Take a look at your regional flea markets and make sure to visit the next Country Living Fair  in Ohio or Austin and you will find everything you ever dreamed would be in a traditional American farmhouse...but don't forget to wear your cowboy boots.

                                  traditional kitchen design by san francisco design-build Canyon Design Build

Farmhouse style is whatever you decide that it is for you and for your home.  There are so many possibilities and so many sources. Inspiration is all around you and if you are lucky enough to live in the country, then get in your car and take a drive.  You won't believe the things you see when you are paying attention!

                                                              traditional serveware design by piperclassics.com

                                                         eclectic dining chairs and benches design by Factory 20

                                                       contemporary bathroom sinks design by WS Bath Collections

                                                                      eclectic storage boxes design by Etsy


So here is the plan...wait for a pretty day, put on your jeans and cowboy boots, put a Rascal Flatts disk in the car, roll down the windows and head for the hills. You will be sure to find your inspiration and you might just find a little adventure as well!

It Is Time For A Little Vintage In Your Life...and I Don't Mean Wine!

Today I want to display some fun ideas for vintage items that can be added to your home!  In addition to the resources I mentioned in my last post,  Etsy has become another website to check for hot vintage finds!

So..it is time to freshen up with a little vintage for the home...consider mixing your flatware and dinnerware to use many different patterns that you enjoy, rather than the "matchy matchy" route!  Or add a quilt to the bottom of your bed, stack several pieces of luggage to use as a nightstand in your bedroom or add a globe to your desk in your home office.

VINTAGE VA VA VOOM

eclectic bedroom design by media and blogs Dreamy Whites

Next on the list for 2012 style trends is...Vintage!  Yes, we all love vintage.  It is always a little more interesting to incorporate items with a story into our spaces.  Whenever I see an old metal and wood school desk/chair combo, it immediately brings up old memories of days gone by, not to mention it sparks my curiosity as to the specific history that resides within that particular chair.



Vintage items are those that have been "loved" and passed on for others to "love."  Whether we are talking about Levi's, old industrial lighting, teacups, or linens... Vintage just makes our lives a little more interesting.


Even better...many vintage items can be extremely affordable!  Start your Saturday with a visit to some yard sales and a flea market, peruse some thrift shops and end the day with a quick dumpster dive (Of course, check Ebay and Craigslist before bed). - You never know what you will find!

modern living room design by los angeles media and blogs Dabito

contemporary family room design by boston media and blogs Justine Hand

Mothology always features beautiful vintage items. You will never be disappointed when you visit this site!

www.mothology.com

 

www.mothology.com

Three Potato Four Shop is another fun website that is constantly changing and adding to the inventory of  unique finds.  Some of my favorite discoveries at www.threepotatofourshop.com, are the depression-era mugshots!  What a great conversation starter...talk about an item having its own story!

www.threepotatofourshop.com

And don't forget RELIQUE!

www.relique.com

www.relique.com

Where do you find your vintage?  What other styles do you incorporate in your home with your vintage items?  Any secret "go-to" vintage websites?

EMBRACE ECO-CHIC !

Take a look at some beautiful items on Etsy that really embrace the Eco-Chic style!   And remember, often it only takes a few items to refresh a space and add warmth...carefully chosen and strategically placed items have more impact, so take a look around your space and decide upon 1 or 2 items that look at little "tired" and make the decision to replace them with warm selections that appeal to your sense of style.

You have a plan and some ideas, so get started!  

WHAT IS IN STYLE FOR 2012...ECO-CHIC.

Happy New Year!!  I am happy to be back on the blog and I have a lot to share in 2012.  You will see some changes in the way the blog looks over the next month, as well as some new features, but it is all coming from the same source, Me!

I want to introduce a new series of blog posts that will focus on the top design trends for 2012.  I was inspired by an article that I read in Romantic Homes magazine and I wanted to share the design styles with my own perspective and additional sources.

modern living room design by los angeles interior designer Carlos Alberto


The first style trend that will continue to dominate in 2012 is ECO-CHIC.   This trend has continued to gain momentum over the past several years and the concepts and products to support this trend have increased 100 fold!

To some, eco-chic means using less paper towels and to others it is a comprehensive lifestyle choice.  To me,  it means being aware of the products in your home, making conscious decisions in your selections and incorporating natural materials into your space to the extent that it reflects and enhances your personal style.

Interestingly, the addition of natural materials into a space can often make the difference between a warm space and a "chilly" space.  In addition, many options exist that are extremely cost effective and in some cases, free.  And remember, it is not about creating a space that is simply eco-chic...it IS about embracing your own personal style and adding natural elements that you enjoy and that complement your style.

You can start with a set of organic white sheets, or a reclaimed wood cheeseboard.  Beach glass is a beautiful element to include a glass jar or dish... as well as burlap or hemp.

www.seasideinspired.com

www.seasideinspired.com

www.seasideinspired.com

Driftwood is one of my favorite elements and can be incorporated in many beautiful forms.  These 3 photos include driftwood items from www.seasideinspired.com.  Driftwood adds warmth and is a natural element that can be utilized successfully in rooms of all styles, including more modern settings.

www.nettletonhollow.com

Nettleton Hollow is a great resource and you can order individual pieces of driftwood in multiple sizes and use them on coffee tables or console tables for a very affordable price.  You can also order birch pedestals that can be used as risers in your home.

www.nettletonhollow.com

Another versatile product that can add beauty and interest to any wall or space is the 3-d wall panel.  There are multiple manufacturers of these products so it is best to take a look and see what company offers products that fit your style and budget. Most are made of biodegradable materials- essentially you receive a pack of 8 or 12 panels that you adhere to the wall, and you can paint them any color as well.

www.mywallart.com

www.mywallart.com

Are you enjoying that hunting lodge look without the real looking carcass on the wall?  Or perhaps you have one too many mirrors in your home and you really need something else on the wall that shows your playful side.  Take a look at www.cardboardsafari.com.  I love this company and I purchased "Bucky" several years ago and he is still hanging on my guest bedroom wall!  As you can see below, there are options that fit into any space and provide whimsy.  

www.cardboardsafari.com

www.cardboardsafari.com

And yes, this wreath is made entirely of cardboard.  They are fun and VERY affordable...go ahead and vist the website, I know you want to.

Now, you see there are many ways to embrace this concept without having to move in to a treehouse.  Or, if you prefer the treehouse, go for it!  I couldn't complete this post without the mention of Angela Adams and her rug designs.  AMAZING.  This is the ultimate secret garden right in your home.  WOW!   Now go and get started on your own update.  What are your favorite ways to incorporate nature in your home?

modern living room design by portland maine showroom angela adams designs.

These are some of the items to look for if you like the ECO-CHIC concept.

• items made from hemp, cotton and burlap
• stoneware and pottery
• old glass
• reclaimed wood
• succulents  

and remember, when it comes to artwork, there is nothing more "eco" than outsider folk art where all of the materials used are usually found and recycled into masterpieces!

A New Look!

Thank you for your patience! I am working on a new look for the blog!  It should be completed by the beginning of next week!

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With Strings...

Okay, so we all know that there is wrapping paper and then...there is wrapping paper.   There are creative, whimsical, and beautifully wrapped gifts and then there are...well..just wrapped gifts.

First let me make a short statement or disclaimer of decency-  when we are given gifts by friends and loved ones, what matters is the thought behind the gift and the act of giving.  The manner in which the gift is wrapped is of no importance or can sometimes be endearing when one is wrapped by a child or an "unskilled" wrapper.

But sometimes, the way a gift is wrapped can also be a small part of the gift.  This Christmas (or Hanukkah), consider taking a few extra minutes to select gift wrap, and to take some time to wrap the gift for your friend or loved one.  When you take pride in how your gift looks and you know that you took some special time to carefully wrap it, then you deliver it differently.

www.countryliving.com

You should give it a try, you may be surprised.  Just remember that it doesn't have to be luxury paper or expensive ribbon...a little creativity goes a long way.   You can use candies or lollipops, or even round stickers to create polka dots on solid paper.  Remember that you have a wide selection of amazing papers in the scrapbook section of craft stores that can be used for smaller gifts.  

www.countryliving.com

Of course there is newsprint which can be beautiful with bold colored ribbons! And old sheet music which is the ultimate choice for vintage inspired wrapping.  You can also use fabric and lace in creative ways to decorate your presents.

Below, I have included some lovely selections that I recently discovered,  as well as several websites where you can find wrapping, ribbon and gift tags!

As you can see, there are many choices from traditional papers to non-traditional papers.  These selections were pulled from the following websites:

• www.luxepaperie.com
• www.paper-source.com
• www.midoriribbon.com

Two of my favorite sites include: www.mjtrim.com and www.whimsypress.com.

What are your favorite sources for gift wrap and ribbon?

Welcome Back From The Turkey Coma!

Well...I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families!  I also want to thank my clients who have been keeping me very busy!  I have really enjoyed getting back to my creative "roots!"

I would like to announce a new blog post schedule! I will now be posting on Mondays, Wednesdays and a weekend edition on Friday or Saturday.  I will be doing special feature posts as well- These will be periodically added throughout the upcoming months.  This new schedule will ensure quality posts and enable me to take care of all of my clients as well.

As many of you know, Life By Design has a professional shopping/sourcing service, and I would like to announce that I will be adding personal/holiday shopping to my services this year.  I also have a gift wrapping service for the holiday season.  Please check the business website at www.lbdcarolinas.com for details!

Thanks for all of the support!