by lauraadmin | Feb 11, 2017 | NOC
The MOST searched home trend right now is Hygge (pronounced Hoo-Ga). Hygge is more of a feeling than a word, and is completely in keeping with this year’s home design trend of creating a space that is an extension of who we are; thus, blurring the lines between one’s inside and outside presence.
The Danish term translates to building one’s own sanctuary. It is the act of taking pleasure in the people and things that surround us. This is an updated version of the Danish Modern trend with an emphasis on texture and warmth. With this new shift in personalized design, it is through one’s own “lens” that a serene, cozy atmosphere is achieved.
The major design principals of Hygge are:
- Monochromatic or tonal color schemes
- Clutter free surroundings
- A myriad of textures (the more the better; think leather, wood, wool and fur0
- Only meaningful and beautiful pieces should be displayed (things such as travel photos, paintings or memorabilia)
- Warm mood lighting using candles and lanterns scattered throughout the space
- My favorite principal is adding things with some patina such as an heirloom chest or other special piece
Below, are some rooms that beautifully illustrate Hygge:
When I am working with clients, I do my best to put his or her style through my “filter” to achieve the perfect space that still looks and feels like them. Accessories make or break this look; therefore, it is a budget-friendly design concept. As with any concept, the absolute WORST mistake is to take a theme/trend literally. Doing so, always leads to a space that lacks authenticity and personality.
One Kings Lane curated a beautiful Hygge collection. Below, I used pieces from their collection to creat a design board illustrating my interpretation of the Hygge trend. I like to use black in a lot of the rooms I design because it creates visual weight. It grounds the room, especially in a room that is primarily monochromatic. The eyes need some place to rest, and black allows this to happen. I LOVE this clover coffee table in matte black (which is another HUGE trend right now).
bench,Side table, coffee table, sofa, rug, cable pillow, diamond pillow,
I would love to hear your thoughts on this trend. Do you think this trend has longevity? Is this concept something you would favor in one room over another? Whether or not this specific look resonates with you, I hope you find your version of Hygge in your home!
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Feb 1, 2017 | NOC
The SINGLE biggest trend in 2017 is the END of LABELS!! Labels, in every sense, are OVER!!! This year (and for the foreseeable future), we will be freed from the confines of a traditional, transitional, modern or rustic label. One’s personal style will inform one’s approach to decorating. Only the things we love, things that speak to who WE are, and how WE live will be added to our home. Outfitting one’s home completely in Pottery Barn, or any other retailer, will be a thing of the past. This is making EVERY retailer VERY nervous. Some retailers have been spot on in embracing this trend and offering eclectic pieces that deviate from their brand (Restoration Hardware is genius at reinventing their brand every few years). While others are throwing a lot out hoping something will stick (West Elm, Ethan Allen and Mitchell Gold, to name a few). I predict that this trend will even spill over into fashion. Wearing head to toe LV, Gucci or Chanel will be decidedly uncool (seriously, just kidding about Chanel 😛
Design, like so many other industries, is cyclical. There are countless catalysts for it’s changing trends. If you are interested in reading more about this, I delve deeper into this topic in my blog post here. Every 8 to 10 years there is a paradigm shift in design; 2017 is one of those years. Design philosophy, methodology and fundamental principles on style and design are changing. Recently, there has been a lot of social, economic, political and generational tension brewing; it is no wonder we are seeing it spill over into home design. This is a topic that I’ve been ruminating on for months. I could feel the change. In the past, a client would show me a picture of how he or she wanted his or her home to look. Now, clients tell me the “feeling” they want their home to convey. One of my favorite designers, Kelly Hoppen, was quoted saying, “learn to look not just with your eyes, but with your heart. How else will you know how to design your home”.
In the past, my home had a transitional aesthetic; however, I have been slowly adding some organic elements, as well as more ornate pieces. I love the richness of pairing rustic with refined. It translates to a chic, comfortable and stylish vibe. I had been resisting the urge to mix these pieces because it didn’t “fit” seamlessly with the rest of my decor. However, when I looked with fresh eyes, I realized that my home lacked the depth I had been striving for. Now, I feel that as long as I add things that resonate with me, then it will “fit”.
What won’t fit, is adding things just because one likes a myriad of styles. This pitfall is an easy one to fall prey to. One must fiercely edit and show restraint; thus, curating a collection of things that truly belong and make sense in one’s home. For the past few years, a cleaner more minimalist style has been the trend. LESS will still be more in 2017. I don’t think we will EVER go back to the “let me cover/fill EVERY surface in my home” again.
Below, are some rooms that inspire me. It is in the mixing of both sleek and organic elements executed in an orderly, minimalist fashion that inform the choices I make for my home. I hope these images inspire you to find the things that celebrate your uniqueness and your story. You know you have been successful when friends and family walk into your home and say “Wow, there is no mistaking who lives here; this home is so, YOU!”
Image via Pinterest
image via Pinterest
Image via Pinterest
image via Daily Home Planner
Image via Elle Decor
Image via All About Interiors
Below is my most recent lust list:
Marble side table, Lucite table, Mirror
Orb table lamp, rug, woven chair
Happy Reading! Let me know if or how your style has evolved. I would also love to hear what trends you are seeing emerge, or any trends you are predicting.
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Dec 13, 2016 | NOC
We are about two weeks past the banal remarks of “can you believe the holidays are right around the corner?” and all its variations. At this point, the corner is turned. Since it is EXACTLY 12 days from Christmas (and 11 from Hanukkah), I decided to put together a list of 12 gifts that are fun and unique, but universal at the same time.
The best gifts are thoughtful, beautiful and practical (in that order). With the abundance of holiday party invitations, gifting alcohol is always an appropriate gift. Below, are some of my favorite host/hostess gifts.
The first three, are gifts that I have given many times and are among my favorite; the fur wine collar is my absolute favorite. The collar and wine bag are under $10 and the wine purse is around $15.
The stemware reminds me of fizzy champagne bubbles swirling around the bottom of the glass. These glasses come in a set of four and are on sale for $45.
I love, love, love the whiskey rocks. For your “neat” friends, this is a great gift.
The jigger is as fun to say as it is to give. The one below is really elegant looking, and while the first three items on my list are decidedly feminine, this gift is more gender neutral.
Wine Collar, Wine Bag, Wine Purse, Stemware, Whiskey Rocks, Jigger
For those in need of a gift for a travel-loving friend or coworker, below are some great options. The passport holder is beautiful, shiny and easy to find in one’s travel bag. The luggage scale is a brilliant and practical gift! I can attest to the nightmare of shuffling belongings from one bag to another because my luggage is too heavy. After completely ransacking one’s luggage, another travel nightmare is getting to one’s destination and having to wait for a taxi in the rain. This poncho is super cute with its leopard print lining and folds up very compactly when done. The poncho style provides stylish, hands free rain protection. These two gifts are the ones you didn’t think you needed, but are immensely happy to have when you do. The last gift is for the traveler who likes to start his or her vacation the moment he or she sits on the plane. The Airplane Cocktail Kit is everything you need to fix a Moscow Mule with all of its ingredients being 3 ounces or less. Traveling with kids? No problem, pack two 😉
Passport Holder, Luggage Scale, Convertible Poncho, Airplane Cocktail Kit
The criteria of thoughtful, beautiful and practical is of utmost importance when choosing teacher gifts. These saints do things that most of us do not have the patience nor energy to do, day after day after day. The key is attaching a sincere and heartfelt message along with your gift. Gift cards are always appreciated, yet they are the least memorable. Why not pair it with something thematic that conveys your appreciation. Organization is paramount in this profession. A beautiful planner is a nice touch alongside a gift card (maybe to The Container Store). A cozy hat and scarf set with a note that reads “Looking to give back to you some of the warmth you share with our children all year round” might be a nice sentiment. Caffeine is usually the fuel of choice for most teachers. This striped travel mug filled with chocolate and a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts gift card would be nice. A note that reads “Wishing you a ‘latte’ of joy and love this holiday season” would be cute.
planner, Knit Hat and Scarf Set, Travel Mug
A big gold star to those of you that noticed that there are 13 gifts listed here. Because there is ALWAYS someone (mailman, garbage man, dog groomer, stylist) that we forget to get a gift for, buying an extra gift is always a good idea.
I hope this was helpful in giving you some fun and unique options for gifts this year.
Wishing you a wonderful, happy, healthy holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate!
xo
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Dec 5, 2016 | NOC
Every few years a major paradigm shift occurs in design; 2017 will be one of those years. There are so many factors that foster these shifts. See my post here from the beginning of the year where I delve into some of these reasons. For the past few years design has favored a neutral palette, organic elements and open concept living. A cleaner more minimalist style has been the trend. Less will still be more in 2017; I don’t think we will ever go back to the “let me cover/fill every surface in my home” again. However, 2017 will bring new materials, richer colors and a more personal approach to designing one’s home.
What WILL be OVER are:
Moroccan Prints:
This print has had a pretty good run. This pattern was able to cross style boundaries popping up in traditional, modern and everything in between. I love this print, it is a soft geometric that lends itself to many applications. The problem is that it was WAY TOO OVERDONE! We now have Moroccan print fatigue. I can’t bear to use this fabric anymore.
If you are not ready to let this pattern go, try an ikat version of this print for a more updated look.
Image via Etsy
Chevron:
This pattern dating back to the 60’s re-emerged in the more modern realm of design a few years ago. It has since crept into every sect of the design world. The traditional version of this pattern will be zigzagging itself out of decor next year. Like its Moroccan print soul-sister, it too has been over used.
If you REALLY love Chevron, below is an updated version that looks more current.
The new Chevron -Image via Residents Understood
If you have either of these prints in your home, I wouldn’t toss them. However, I would not recommend purchasing anything new (especially upholstered or custom pieces) in these prints.
We are going to see a lot more new textures than new patterns in the upcoming year. Some other trends that will be HUGE in 2017 are:
- Marble
Beside the obvious marble counter top, marble is now popping up in decor elements and decorative object and lamps.
marble tray (20%off use code MERRY), Lamp, Bookends
2. Cork
This organic material will be HUGE for 2017! Everything from entire cork walls, to cork flooring.
Cork Wallpaper, Drum Lighting,
3. Jewel Tones
Cream, blush and gray monopolized much of 2016. 2017 will make way for deeper richer colors such as amethyst and sapphire. However, I think emerald-green will be the star in the new year. I predict there will be rich colors done in rich textures such as velvet, tweed and linen. If these rich tones make you nervous, try starting with one richly colored piece while keeping everything else more neutral.
I am loving this emerald-green sofa from Anthropologie.
sofa, arched headboard, dining chair
4. Nailheads
I love this metal detail! It elevates everything it adorns, making ordinary pieces look special. EVERYTHING looks better with nailheads…..no exceptions!!!
This side table from Better Homes and Garden is a major steal!
side table, Chest, mirror
I am looking forward to what the new year will bring. In future posts, I will discuss some of the other major design movements and trends that are emerging. Let me know what topics you would like to hear more about, or post any feedback on this topic.
XO
Laurie
by lauraadmin | Jul 31, 2016 | NOC
Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is hands down one of the best sales of the year! One can score some great deals if they shop early and often. Many people forget that Nordstrom also has a home department. Here are some great pieces I found:
Here are the links to check out:
Pendant light, Marble cutting board, Decanter, Cutting boards with holder, Nest candle, Woven pouf, Set of mugs, Sheet set, Jonathan Adler frame, Woven basket, Uttermost Accent table, Monogram Turkish Cotton throw, Accent table, Monogram tote, Barbecue Trolly, Indoor/Outdoor rug, Porcelain box, Kensie Shower curtain, Kensie metallic throw pillow, Rosanna Appetizer plates
Even though this is blog about home design, I am almost as passionate about fashion and style (those who know me, know I have a serious lipstick addiction). Not couture fashion, but real life style. Both home and fashion are an artistic expression of who we are. Here are a couple of things I am loving just because they’re awesome 🙂
Blank NYC Moto pants, AG Jeans, BP Cargo Anorak Jacket
C.O. Bigelow Rosebud Salve, Charlotte Tilbury Smoky eye duo, BCBG Carolena Bootie
Hope you enjoyed this post! Happy Shopping!
XO
Laurie
