Ikea Lovin’ – Spring Round Up

Modern Punched White and Copper Shades  1, 2, 3, 4 (use as a pendant or lamp shade)

Favorite Ikea 2014 Collection 1, 2, 3, 4

Pillow Color Crush 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Cabinets, Chairs and the Cutest Dolly I’ve Ever Seen 1, 2, 3, 4

Summertime Party in the Garden 1, 2, 3, 4

Stripes and More Stripes – Blankets 1, 2, 3, 4

Modern Picnic Style tables 1 and 2

Geometric Rugs 1, 2, 3

I am swooning over all the colors, patterns and designs Ikea has put out this spring. The combination of the 2014 and 2015 collections are gorgeous together. Once again, the designs are mixing bright and muted colors, and the patterns are bold with a unique softness. A winning combo that fits in with so many styles. If you haven’t jumped on this years design trends, I encourage you to try it out.

Inspiration – 2015 Color Board

A new season means new colors, patterns and textures. This past month I have been scouring magazines, blogs and design websites for color inspiration. Now that spring has finally sprung, I am feeling a pull to use new colors in my designs, as well as in my wardrobe. I love the combination of moody vintage shades and bold rich colors of the Mediterranean in this years Pantone color selection. The colors are reminiscent of the 1940-60’s, and summer travels to places like Paris, Marrakech, London and the Amalfi Coast. Just a day in these lovely colors and I am dreaming of all the ways to bring the romantic past into the present.

So what are my favorite colors for this season? Lucite Green, Deep Coral, Dusty Pinks, Tangerine, Mediterranean Blues and Golden Yellows.

Photo Sources (in order): Escape Button Blog, Celine Marks, Vogue Russia, Fashion Gone Rogue, Burnetts Board, Shop Ruche, Ruffled Blog, Pinterest, Erik Madigan Heck, Blog2Modern-Kustaa Saksi, Pinterest, Vogue-Ellie Saab

Not Your Mama’s Wallpaper

Wallpaper must be in the air! Last Saturday I wrote about the wallpaper trend and it’s big comeback for my 12th & Broad column. Since then, local, national and international blogs have posted like mad about wallpaper. There hasn’t been a day this week where I have not read about this trending decor element. I love when my mind is tracking simultaneously with other creatives. If you missed Saturday’s post, here is a chance to catch up. Be prepared to swoon…

Wallpaper has made a huge comeback over the years, and it seems that its popularity is elevating to new heights in 2015. Companies are producing stunning collections that can be used indoor and outdoor (yes, outdoor!), in bathrooms and on fireplace walls, on ceilings and as beautiful artwork. No longer are you restricted to a repeat pattern either. One image can drape an entire wall. Companies, like Wall & Deco, Rebel Walls and Calico Wallpaper, are changing the way in how we use and see wallpaper. They believe wallpaper design should not be limited by climate, scale, location or conventional wisdom.

Photos via Domain Home, Inside Out, Calico Wallpaper and Ellie Cashman

Up until recently, many people in the US shied away from wallcoverings. Due to poor designs in the 1970’s and early 1980’s, pattern on the walls became taboo and everyone wanted a simpler aesthetic. But as of late, wallpaper is pushing its way back into the home. The design concepts today are entirely new, innovative and there is a style for everyone. Wallpaper is no longer seen as a cover-up for blank walls, but as works of art.

Photos via Wall Deco

I’m a huge fan of wallpaper. I actually jump up and down (and do a little dance) when a client suggests using the decorative paper in their home or office. It’s a bold statement that gives so much personality to a room. Wallpaper can take a generic room and turn it into something quite magical. One wall, or an entire room, and the space is completely transformed.

Photos via Home Adore, Apartment Therapy, and Oh Joy!

As of late, I am loving all the new ways in how to use wallpaper. We have come a long way! I never thought it would be possible to dress the outside of a building in wild patterns or one massive image without paint. You can place wallpaper anywhere you choose now, you are only limited by your imagination. Cover an entire room in a panoramic mural, or choose a focal point, like the ceiling or stairwell. Can’t commit to an entire wall? Try framing it and hang it as wall art. Whether your style is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, there is a wallpaper for you. The next time you are considering a new design element for your space, think about wallpaper. Step outside the box, be bold and have a little fun.

Photos Sources Hygge & West, Wall Deco and Lile Sadi

Favorite Wallpaper Companies:

Wall & Deco

Ellie Cashman

Hygge & West

Rebel Walls

Calico Wallpaper

Jill Malek Wallpaper

Graham & Brown

Cole & Son

Lile & Sadie

Ferm Living

Marsala – 2015 Pantone of the Year

Photo via Domino

As previously stated, I am not keen on this years Pantone Color of the Year – Marsala. Described as “a naturally robust and earthy wine red”, this color is stuck somewhere between the renaissance era and Sedona, AZ. (I feel dizzy just thinking about that connection). The color is a bit confusing. And maybe that’s why I have been hesitant about using the color in home decor. I can’t really place where it came from or where it should go.

But today I read Decor8’s post 8 Ways to Decorate With Marsala: Pantone Color of the Year 2015. And surprisingly, I just might get on board with this unique shade of red. Holly Becker’s photo’s and tips were very insightful, and I enjoyed her fresh perspective. I’m still not fond of Marsala, but I could see that if used in moderation, it could be quite lovely. So check out the post and tell me what you think.

Is this years Pantone color a yay or nay?

Nashville Sledding and My Misfortune

So, today was an uneventful day of having my arm examined by a physical therapist and sports doctor. Due to a sledding accident on Nashville’s Capitol Hill, I haven’t been able to use my arm. No driving, no lifting, and the most pathetic typing skills known to man. It wasn’t even a good wipe-out that was worthy of a great story. No, it was me panicking that I was going to end up in the street and be hit by a car if I didn’t figure out a way to stop the damn sled. I don’t even know what happened, except that there was a lot of ice, I fell off my sled half way down the hill, then somehow ended back on the sled, then using my arm I tried to stop the sled and then a final tumble into the frozen gutter. Not a cool fall…like at all.

But! The good news is my arm is not broken. I just have to wear the infamous sling for awhile and then have it reexamined for future physical therapy. I still can’t do much (which is really annoying!) but I am thankful this ridiculous injury will heal soon.

Besides the injury, sledding on Capitol Hill was a blast! With the ice, it was shear terror but very exhilarating. Hands down the best place to go sledding. Fantastic steep hill and the views are stunning. Just don’t panic like I did, and you’ll be fine.

I leave you tonight with a video my friend Justin Harvey made of our sledding adventure. And yes, that is me slipping on the ice before we even got to the hill. What can I say, I’ve got skills.