Top Ten Trends: What's IN - What's OUT!

What's IN & What's OUT! According to the trend watchers and market researchers the below TOP TEN reflects a variety of tastes and loyalties depending on your location. What do you think is IN or OUT?

Top Ten INS:

1)  Repurposed & reclaimed furniture
2)  Black & white combos
3)  Tone on tone damask
4)  Natural linen-like fabrics paired with pillows with bling!
5)  Metallic leathers
6)  Mixing styles, example: Wire chandeliers with crystals
7)  Understated and comfortable goods
8)  Antique chairs upholstered in modern fabrics
9)  More contemporary rug designs
10) Animal prints in non-traditional ways

Top Ten OUTS:

1)  Quantity over quality
2)  Hunt themes
3)  Black lampshades
4)  Matchy bedding
5)  Too much formality
6)  Exaggerated arms on upholstery seating
7)  Anything too shiny
8)  Tuscany style
9)  Antique gold
10) Fussy floral arrangements

Special THINGS from Kravet Showroom!

Kravet's Marcy Chair - Perfect for dining with just the right stuff!! The fabric shown is the luxurious 30053 in color 106. This fabric is a viscose/poly blend velvet and comes in two other distinct colors:  mink and chrome. The Marcy chair is part of the Urban Studio Collection. Wood finish: Walnut.

I am in love!! The special trim above, T30429, is a beautiful cotton braid with rhinestone rows for such glamour! You cannot appreciate this beautiful new trim until you see for yourself! I wish I could capture the true beauty but you will just need to order a sample. The trim is shown in color 35, a light aqua, but also comes in lavender and blush.

Upholstered Bed - Cambridge Complete Bed, B302,  featuring the upholstered headboard with full wood surround. Any fabric may be used for the upholstery and the wood may be finished in any of eleven finishes.

All of these products can be seen at the Kravet website and purchased through your designer or The Designer Insider.

Three Beautiful Matching Mercury Glass Lamps!

 

Mercury Glass Buffet Lamp - A taller lamp at 41" high perfect for the modern buffet or console! Cream silk shade with small star shapes.  http://bit.ly/7SYAbz.  Mercury Glass Table Lamp (lower) - A great size for a table or dresser at 29"high. Same beautiful silk shade as the other lamps. http://bit.ly/6AnYAf.

Mercury Glass Chest Lamp - Larger shade in rectangular shape, small star shapes on cream silk. (26" high)
http://bit.ly/7VqKzv.

The 56th Annual Winter Antiques Show!

The Winter Antiques Show is considered to be the top decorative art event and a highlight of the winter season! People arrive from all over the country for this 10 day event which includes dinners, parties, book signings, lectures and auctions. Everything in the show is for sale and exhibited objects can only be as "young" as 1969. The exhibitors deal in fine antiques and reproductions are not allowed. There will also be a loan exhibit from the great homes of historic New England where the many treasures have been carefully selected and transported for this viewing. So come to admire or to buy something sensational, there are exhibits to delight everyone! Open daily 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., January 22nd - 31st, Park Avenue Armory, NY. See a preview below!  More information: http://www.WinterAntiquesShow.com.

 

Pennsylvania Dower Chest 1810

Pairing Robert Allen Fabrics & Sherwin Williams Paint!

Another great pairing of paint and fabric! Robert Allen Fabrics has paired with Sherwin Williams to bring you wonderful fabric collections and great paint colors that will enhance your room. We will bring you one of these collections from time to time and show the many different choices available. Below is the Hydrangea Collection featuring the Cottage Chic Group. Our main fabric, Dearest, is shown below and then is followed by several optional fabric choices. A specific paint palette has been chosen to enhance this group. How easy is that!! All fabrics and trim can be purchased through your designer or The Designer Insider, just contact us.


Robert Allen Fabric - Dearest in Hydrangea.

Robert Allen Fabrics - Kearney in Sun; Ludwell in Chambray; Quilted Shapes in Leek.

Robert Allen Fabrics: Cottage Plaid in Pool; Cabin Weave in Sun (Cellulose Fabric); Oval Flower in Hydrangea.

Sherwin Williams colors from top: Leapfrog, Cosmos, Extra White & Kilim Beige. Visit your local paint store to see the above colors and their true tones.

All of the above fabrics can be purchased from The Designer Insider, just contact us. TheSource@numail.org.

Hiring An Interior Designer

Design professionals are your resource to the latest trends, best products and ideas to help assist you in the best possible way to achieve your goals. The designer will do the footwork for you while providing the very best for your budget. They can save you hundreds of dollars on just one project by helping to prevent costly mistakes. The agreed upon fee can be by the hour or by the project depending on the client's needs. Below I have outlined some tips for choosing a designer:

1. Interview several designers to find the best fit for your project.

2. A professional will be upfront about the fees and cost so there will be no hidden fees that will surprise you in the end. Ask questions!

3. Find a designer that fits your budget and project. Some professionals only deal with certain aspects of design and have a minimum charge. Interview over the phone first and get some pricing upfront.

4. Be sure to express your feelings to the designer and keep the lines of communication open.

5. This should be an enjoyable experience! If not, then choose another designer. Any recommendations you can get from other clients are always helpful.

6. A true professional will be able to buy at wholesale and save you money!

7. Get references! A professional will have references and photos that show projects that have been completed. Ask detailed questions about any concerns you may have about the projects completed. Actually check the references from the portfolio.

8. Address any concerns about the time that you have appropriated for the project, monies involved and the overall schedule that you must meet.

9. Discuss the quality you expect and what you hope to gain from this project.

10. Get any details in writing that you feel necessary. Such as: project time limits, monies to be paid to the designer, contracts, agreements and the scope of the work.

Remember that your designer is a complete resource for the creation of the lifestyle that you want to bring to your home or office. Hiring a designer can be one of the best decisions you ever make!
Photo above courtesy of Veranda magazine.

Lighting Groups! Matching Lighting For Your Home!

Many of our lights are a part of a larger group of light fixtures including wall sconces, lanterns, pendants or chandeliers. Even some of our groups include lamps! This makes it easy for you to plan your lighting for your new or existing home. We also have many lights with the same finishes so you can coordinate your lighting needs. We would like to make it as easy as possible for you to match your lighting to your project. If you find a fixture that you love, just contact us and we will advise you on any others that may match. Below are three of our groups that are popular with the designers. Just click the link and search for the number of the light you love!


This group of lighting features a modern look with the richness of antiqued mirrors that covers the wrought iron frame. Each fixture, including the sconce shown, comes with French beige shantung shades that complements the silver leaf and mirrors. The lights can be used with or without the shades. Three beautiful lights: C05039 - Sconce; C09018 - 22"rd Chandelier & C09025 a 38"long Rectangular Chandelier. The Designer Insider


This group of lighting is one of our best sellers due to the beautiful and exceptional ironwork that evolves into a delicate and unexpected look. The bronze finish enhances the light and airy leaves that adorn the fixtures. There are four lights in this group: C05370 - Sconce; C09272 - Mini Chandelier; C09371 - Small Chandelier & C09370 - Large Chandelier. The Designer Insider


Mirrored lanterns as a wall sconce and as hanging fixtures for a foyer or dining area. Inlaid antique mirrors covers the silver leaf iron framework. Finished with seeded bent glass that pulls it all together. A choice of three fixtures C05032- Sconce; C09229 - Small Lantern & C09239 - Large Lantern. The Designer Insider

My TOP TEN Budget Decorating Ideas For Almost Nothing!

Here are my TOP TEN Budget Decorating Ideas For Almost Nothing:

1) Add floral or greenery from your yard to vases or pitchers and spread them throughout your home. Great masses makes the most impact. If you need greenery for your home for a special occasion, then dig up a bush in your yard, pot it and then replant later. I have used boxwoods for many events! Large plants look great for an impact.

2) Refresh old window treatments. Make them look new by adding trim or buttons to the hem, down the sides or across the top.

3) If you cannot afford drapes or a window treatment, paint a border around the windows or stencil a pattern. Never underestimate the power or paint! All of your friends or neighbors have paint that is left over. Trade!

4) Shelving: Simply pile up a stack of fruit crates (usually free from stores or garden stands). Use books to weight them or screw them to the wall. You can also recycle an old shelf by painting with a new color. Glue a ribbon or paint border on the front for detailed look. Add a collection to the shelf for impact.

5) Furniture: If you are having an event but are lacking the furniture, bring the outdoors in and the indoors out! Mix your furniture and accessories and decorate the rooms that only the guests will see. Rob from your other rooms, the outdoor patio or even borrow from a friend. I only let my guests see the main entertaining rooms so I can pull from other rooms. This is done in magazines all the time for photo shoots! Or if you just need a boost, move your furniture around your room and put it in unexpected places or angle the setting. Makes everything feel new or fresh again!

6) Add a personal touch to each room to add a sparkle. Old quilts or bright colored blankets for example. Mix old or tired patterns with new ones to create a more interesting room. Sometimes more is not too much! Walk through your home and mix it up!!

7) Look around your outdoor yard or neighborhood for great pieces of wood, rocks, shells, etc. Make an arrangement on your mantel with items from the outdoors. Pick great pieces and you can have a masterpiece!

8) Trade, Trade, Trade! Check Craigslist for free items or trade with neighbors and friends. Set up a neighborhood exchange, another man's trash is another man's treasure! I trade pieces with my best friend all the time! I have a friend that once picked up a wool rug, rocking chair and old shutters just from the side of the road that were neighborhood throwaways! You can trade just about anything!

9) Paint, Paint, Paint! Fresh paint can be used for a multitude of ideas. Paint wood floors that need refinishing (use a great pattern for a unique look), repaint an old or worn out piece of furniture and then change the hardware and don't forget your walls! Make your own stencil pattern and repeat a great design on a feature wall. Visit your library for great books on painting designs on furniture and throughout your home. The best ideas are sometimes free!

10) Clean, Clean, Clean! I cannot stress this enough! No matter what you have or do not have, everything looks better clean! The clean and sparse look is even in style. Keep your home clutter free and clean for those unexpected guests that may stop by! Do a little everyday and it will not be overwhelming!

Let me know what your best free decorating idea is and post it here! We all love new and inventive ideas!

Beautiful Things From Kravet!

The Parsons Dining Table shown in Flannel with light distressing with a laid plank top. Tuxedo side chairs in Flannel with light distressing and nickel nail trim. Many finishes and fabrics available.
Fabric - Bengal Floral in Mist - 100% silk with embroidery; Trim - Jacquard Tassel Fringe in Bordeaux, also in silk.
Tulip Finial in Gilded Silver; Beaded Rings in Gilded Silver (love these!); Beaded Adjustable Bracket in Gilded Silver; Plain pole in Dark Walnut.

Beautiful carpets from Kravet! Top - Killim in Charcoal is a hand woven wool from China. Left - Kashawar in Cream/Brown is a hand knotted wool from Pakistan. Right - Taipei is a hand woven aubusson from China. All carpets are in stock and come in many sizes.

Trim - Ball/Chain Bullion from Kravet Couture. Shown in Bronze, 10" high.

Harmony Button Sofa comes in three ways in any fabric.

Need more information? Just contact us!

Great Trims From Duralee!

Below are some of our favorite trims from Duralee. All are available in a multitude of colors so just find one you like and there is probably a color to match! We especially love Whiskers Border that can be used in different applications. All are available to purchase through your designer or The Designer Insider.
Whisker Border - 2 1/2" in Turquoise/Glacier. A great border for pillows or drapes. Available in thirteen different colors!

Button Tape - 1 3/8" in Turquoise/Glacier, available in many other colors too.

Beaded Hold Back - 31 1/2" in Turquoise/Glacier. Many other colors available.

Geometric Beaded Fringe in Turquoise/Glacier. Many other colors available.
7235 Tassel Trim in Turquoise/Cocoa. Available in other colorways, see another one below!

7235 Tassel Trim in Sorbet.

More From Eric Cohler: Great Rugs With Style!

Below are more great products from Eric Cohler. These carpets and many others can be purchased through Lee Jofa. Custom sizing and colors are available on any carpets. See our article below on Eric Cohler showing some of his great furniture and lighting.
Xian - Fret:
Woven in China in a cross stitch needle point design with hand tufted pile. Content: 70% wool and 30% silk. Custom sizing and colors available.






Topher:
A flat weave carpet hand woven in China with a mixed texture. Made of 100% wool, custom colors and sizing available.


Puzzle Work:
Bhutan is the origin of this hand woven rug. A flat weave with a mixed texture of 90% silk and 10% wool/cotton ground. Custom sizing and colors available.

Parc Monceau:
Hand woven flat weave made in China of 100% wool. Custom colors and sizing available.

Kerry:
A hand tufted carpet from Thailand of heavy weight semi-worsted wool. Custom colors and sizing available.

Drayton:
A hand tufted carpet made in Thailand of heavy weight 100% wool. Custom sizing and colors available.

Cloverleaf:
A hand tufted carpet made in Thailand of heavy weight 80% wool and 20% silk. Custom colors and sizing available.

Arial:
A hand woven carpet from China with a mixed texture on a flatweave style. Made of 100% wool with custom sizing and colors available.

Eric Cohler - Great Designs From a Great Designer!

Eric Cohler Design is a full service design firm in NYC that boasts of timeless interiors that are stylish and comfortable. Eric Cohler has graced the covers of many top magazines including House Beautiful. Interior design manufacturers have taken notice and now sell his designs throughout the world. Lee Jofa carries Eric's fabrics, trims, furniture and carpets. Below are some of his best pieces that you can purchase through a designer. Visual Comfort also is carrying some of Eric's designs, see examples below. Great designs from a great designer! See more of Eric's work at www.EricCohler.com.
Greek Key Settee - Finish and fabric options available. Size: 56" long x 24" deep x 38' high.

Dorchester Bench - Size: 37.5" round x 20.5" high. Finish and fabric options available.




Fabric as seen above on the ottoman: 2006192-615 - Multipurpose fabric of 55% linen/45% cotton with 55" width, exclusive from Italy. Comes in five colorways.
The fabric and furniture above can be purchased through Lee Jofa, to the trade, or through The Designer Insider.

Caged lantern with paper shade shown in Bronze. Also comes in Antique Brass and Polished Nickel. Size: 22" square.

A 6 light Armilliary Sphere Chandelier with hand rubbed Antique Brass. Also comes in Bronze and Polished Nickel. Size: 35"wide x 24"high.

Venetian 6 light chandelier in Antique Silver. Also available in Bronze and Antique Brass. Size: 28" round x 23' high.
The lighting above is available to the trade through Visual Comfort. You may contact The Designer Insider about purchasing.

Antique White Lamps! Perfect For Anywhere!

Three NEW beautiful antique white porcelain lamps with a crackled finish fresh from the High Point Show! These lamps are part of our new collection just added to our website, The Designer Insider. All have a certain style that will go with just about any interior. We especially love the Turtle lamp! Do you have a favorite?
C06191 - Antique White Turtle Lamp - 30" high with cream silk shade.
C06172 - Antique White Floral Lamp - 30" high with oatmeal linen shade!
C06177 - Antique White & Gold Lamp - 30" high with cream silk shade.

See all of these lamps at our site under What's New in our catalog or search under the item number.

Island, Bar & Oval Chandeliers! Our Favorites!

Below are some of our favorite chandeliers for islands, rectangular dining tables, bars and any space where you need a larger fixture with an oval or rectangular shape. Different styles for modern to traditional interiors, all available through The Designer Insider. Just search under the item number for each fixture for a closer look and more details!

#C09965 - Oval Iron Chandelier w/Metal Shades - Dark distressed gold details with a old iron finished framework. Size: 46" long x 23" wide x 27" high.




#C09964 - Transitional Antique Silver Island Chandelier - Antiqued silver leaf with brushes of bronze and gold. Size: 47' long x 20" wide x 38" high to top of framework.


#C09855 - Oval Iron Chandelier - Intricate iron work in a distressed bronze with gold leaf details. Size: 46" long x 22" wide x 25" high to top of framework.



#C09484 - Brown Iron Island Chandelier - Mocha brown finish and detailed with gold. Metal shades to match. Size: 49" long x 14" wide x 27" high to top of framework.





#C09745 - Island Oval Chandelier - One of our favorites that we have used on many jobs! Heavy wrought iron in a dark gray iron finish. Size: 44" long x 35" high x 20" wide.





#C09259 - Antiqued Oval Chandelier - Iron in natural color with gold brushing. Size: 42"long x 17" wide x 37" high.


#C09025 - Modern Mirrored Rectangular Chandelier - Antiqued mirrors over wrought iron with 8 lights under a beautiful silk shade. Size: 38' long x 15" wide x 12" high.

Go to The Designer Insider for more great chandeliers, pendants, lanterns and wall sconces. Many lights have other matching fixtures, just ask!