Well I am pretty sure we have all seen it. The Pantone Color of the year, check out our post on it here. Is it a trend or here to stay for a while? That's what we are going to talk about today.
As designers we side with Billy Baldwin when he said, " If I find that something I am doing is becoming a trend, I run from it like the plague." I guess you know how we feel about following every little sign of a trend. If you really know what style you like then it's easy to see a trend and recognize how or if it fits into your style. If we consistently follow the trends in decorating we will be redecorating every year. I don't know about you, but that's a lot of time and money!
So the question becomes how do I know what is a trend and what is here to stay a while? Don't get us wrong a little accent of something new and fresh livens things up or seasonally changes the way our house feels. Have you seen the avocado green fixtures that were popular during the 70s? Do you think they felt like this would be a trend or time enduring when they selected them?
Do you think bold chevron patterns are a trend or a classic?
BOLD CHEVRON PATTERNS
Take for example Chevrons. They are all over the web. They are seen a lot in rugs, kids rooms, pillows, window treatments, stationary and graphic design. Do you think they are a trend or a classic?
Are you dying to know what we think? Okay here goes...We think they are a little trendy, however, it may depend how they are used. So we are saying yes and no. Gotta love that. Usually there is a "grown up version" of the mainstream trend. In this instance we are thinking of the pattern herringbone. It's quite similar to a chevron, but it is more refined looking and often uses a softer color palette. We love herringbone and it is a classic pattern!
So lets hear what you have to say, do you think they are a trend or a classic? Do you prefer chevrons or herringbone?
Red has been a color that has rubbed me wrong for a long time now. I don't know if it was walking into too many spaces that were overwhelming with all the red, or if it was the "red accent wall" trend that really made me cringe at the thought of this bright color. Recently I have been coming back around to letting the color red enter my mind and palette once again. I have been taking note of ways to use red that keep a sense of serenity in a space and don't make me feel antsy and on alert.
ACCENTS OF RED
Red is a strong color, a little can go a long way. Painting an entire room, or even a wall can often feel overpowering and loud. I really like using red as an accent color, a great choice to throw in some character to a room, to make something pop, or give a room a new look. I love the top room with the red wingback chairs, everything is so subtle and neutral, and the red chairs bring in the personality and flavor.
MUTED SHADES OF RED
Another way to use red and get a great space is to use soft and muted shades of red. True reds are powerful and can take over, but a soft muted red can give the warmth you are looking for without all the power. I just love the grayed out red fabric used on the dining chairs above. What an amazing room!
I am always glad to see a new perspective on an element of design, I love finding new ways to use a color, a metal finish, or a texture that I haven't always seen before. And Red will be glad that I am warming up to his new appearance. Accents of Red and Muted Shades is Red, MY right way to do Red.
We are excited to spill the beans. I have big news. I recently made the move to the state of Oregon! That's right! Opal is expanding. Kyle and I are living just a short drive south of Portland. Kyle's graduate school studies in Civil Engineering have taken us to the lovely campus of Oregon State University. Kyle's program will conclude the spring of 2013. I will be accepting clients in Oregon and we will be continuing to service our clients in Idaho, Utah and now Oregon.
This is just one of the beautiful buildings near the OSU campus, I think it's a Sorority House. The OSU Campus has incredible architecture! Even the new buildings have details like the older buildings, so the style and feel of the campus is charming, red brick, and has a historical look.
We live about an hour from the coast! It's beautiful. We haven't made it out there as much as we would like, but we are planning to when the weather is a little warmer.
We have some more big news we will be announcing and unveiling in the following weeks! Stay tuned.
Til Next Time,
We were both admiring this room on Pinterest this week (from BHG) and thought it's a perfect "Get the Look" kind of space. Don't you agree? From the rug to the wall color and furnishings it is quite lovely! One of our favorites!
FROM THE GROUND UP...
1. THE RUG: We are loving this rug! It's a traditional rug without deep saturated colors. It's the perfect rug to ground this light and fresh room.
2. THE WALLS: We have a new love for the Sherwin Williams paint color called Rock Candy It's light and airy but not too pastel feeling. It looks like hardly any color on the chip, but don't be deceived. There is just enough color to make a soothing and understated feeling.
3. A LITTLE GOLD TABLE: With a mirrored top and glass shelf this table is sure to reflect and enhance the other beautiful things in the space. We have used it as a tea table or it can be used as an end table.
4. THE FABRIC PATTERN: One of our favorite patterns from Lee Jofa it's fresh, hip and classy all at the same time.
5. OTTOMAN:Whether it's one or two bunched together this ottoman is a great option for comfort as well as additional seating.
THE ACCESSORIES
6. THROW BLANKET: A little splash of color, who knows you could change the throw blanket seasonally. We love these new colors from West Elm.
7. WHITE CERAMIC JAR: Using some white accents with an interesting shape add some detail and texture without adding a lot of color. Isn't this lidded jar great?
8. MIRROR: What can we say, we love gold framed mirrors.
9. ORCHID: To complete the space with something living, or or that looks alive, without any danger of killing it, we have picked out this lovely orchid in a blue and white ceramic pot.
