Many of you know my passion for art.  The access to art in Richmond is incredible.  The newly renovated Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was the state's gift to me...I think.

I often read about color trends for the home and love knowing where they come from.  I also wonder where my own attraction to certain looks and colors come from.  I was recently fascinated by a particular Mark Rothko painting in the 20th Century Art Galleries at the VMFA.

Mark Rothko
 (American, born in Russia, 1903–1970)
 Untitled, 1960 
 Oil on canvas 
 79 1⁄2 x 69 1⁄4 inches
 Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Gift of Sydney and Frances Lewis
 Photo Katherine Wetzel, VMFA. 
 © 1998 Kate Rothko Prizel & Christopher Rothko/Artists Rights Society, New York

I noticed the next day I had my own little fabric version of it on my desk!



This, to me, is denim, worn out sweatshirts and everything comfortable.  Yes it is somber and dark but I do have a few ideas on how to brighten it up.

The fabrics are from Castel--"Doren" and "Andre"--available through Donghia.  One is from Robert Allen--"cabin weave".

Note:

Labels: art in Richmond, color trends for the home, inspired by art, interior decorating richmond, interior decorators richmond, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

I say a surprise because it never really showed up in any of the forecasts I follow--not that it matters.  The colors you live with should be the ones you always love, not some trend.

Red is a common color amongst many of my clients:

This red chaise picks up on the art; a great pop of color in a room.


A red sofa to warm up the room.

And a whole store in the UK devoted to this color!  RED CANDY (my personal favorite would be Twizzlers)


A story board I did for the Hero Chair at LaDiff.













What does this red color trend mean?  SensationalColor.com gives us the hidden meaning of red:

1. Increases enthusiasm
2. Stimulates energy and can increase the blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate
3. Encourages action and confidence
4. Provides a sense of protection from fears and anxiety

Labels: a pop of color in a room, bright colors, home accents in red, interior designers richmond, red color trend, the meaning of the color red

Labels: interior decorators richmond, interior design richmond, pantry ideas, pantry space, space planning, west end kitchen remodel

Labels: contemporary furniture, furniture richmond, interior decor richmond, interior decorating richmond, interior decorators richmond, LaDifference, Shockoe Design District

 And whimsical:

Labels: art for large walls, decorating big empty walls, filling empty walls, home interiors richmond, ideas for empty walls, interior decorators richmond, richmond art galleries

I have to admit I wore over-dyed denim jeans back in the 80"s...pink of course.  I figured it would be back in style one day; I just wasn't expecting it as a new area rug trend!

I first saw it in overwhelming quantities at ABC Carpet in NYC--they do everything in overwhelming quantities.  Clearly they believe in this carpet trend.



As I shopped the trade markets in NYC I did find a Nomadic Trading who will customize the colors and sizes or do a patchwork rug.  


This tear sheet from British House and Garden Magazine shows one in a living room.   This room is old: in another fabric the sofa and window treatment would be very traditional.  This updated Oriental rug in it's  original state would be too. Handled this way the room comes across with a bohemian chic look that  is stylish and updated.  


Most of the Richmond area homes are biased towards Colonial Williamsburg.  If you want a look that honors that heritage but completely defies it at the same time I would recommend starting with this rug.   We can help you select the right fabrics to accompany it and suit your style.  


It is not a look for everyone.  You need to be adventurous.  You should like color in your life.  It helps if you like old stuff too.  There is a bit of a "green" element to this as well:  a reclaimed rug gets a new look and a new life.

Labels: antiques in richmond, area rug trend, bright colors, carpet trend, interior decor richmond, interior decorating richmond, interior design richmond, reclaimed rug

Twinkle lights for home decorating was a common theme throughout the recent market I attended in New York City.  These branch balls have led lights at the tips and plug in.  I am so inspired to use all of these ideas for porch lighting.



I loved the creative use of basic white lights.  These were "stuffed" inside a grapevine ball.  How clever to hang them from branches.  Do this on your deck or porch over the dining table.  A great alternative to candles and far safer.  




This lighting display is hanging from an antique ladder.  What do you have in your garage that you could hand a few lights from?



There endless possibilities for changing the "display" according to seasons and holidays by using a garden trellis.  The trellis will bring height and light to soften the corner of your porch.  This one is strung with wood vines and white twinkle lights, a good basic look.  Change the lights out by the season or by the holiday.  The best selection I found online is from Ooga Lights.  Add greens from a local craft store like Michaels.
For autumn try the crystal berries!


For an enchanting centerpiece try three miniature trellises surrounded by a floral arrangement.  

Labels: creative porch lighting, holiday lighting richmond, interior decorators richmond, interior designers richmond, seasonal lighting, twinkle lights