This 2017 trend is making EVERY retailer very nervous!

by | 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

 

Designer Decor for LESS! – HUGE Savings on Designer Knock Offs!

by | Jan 23, 2016 | NOC

You have slaved over putting together a room in your house.  You are almost done.  You find the PERFECT piece that will be the finishing touch to your room.  However, that perfect piece is a lot more than you wanted to spend, and will put you over your budget!  You have been patiently waiting for it to go on sale.  What to do?  Find the PERFECT replica, for MUCH less!

I’m not going to lie, it takes a lot of time and effort to search for replicas.  However, it is all worth it when you find that perfect piece!  Here are some amazing designer knock offs that give you that high end designer look, for a fraction of the price.

I have always loved the Parson Table.  This design was designed by Jean-Michel Frank in the 1930’s.  It is as relevant today as it was then.  This is truly a modern classic! In my original post, Pier 1 had a great table for under $500!  Sadly, this is no longer available.  Here is another great alternative from Zinc Door.

This gold and marble cocktail table is of perfect size and proportion.  The geometric detail adds a lot of visual interest.  The table from Overstock is a great find!

I LOVE mirrored furniture.  It reflects light beautifully, and adds just the right amount of sparkle to a room.  This piece would look great in a dining room or bedroom.

 

Below are nickel plated console tables.  Glass tables are a great way to add furniture without taking up a lot of visual space.  Great for smaller spaces.

There is something very chic about Zinc.  It has a great looking patina that looks rustic, yet refined.  This could serve as a console or desk.  Add a lamp with a shiny finish, and your are good to go!

Unless a throw is made of cashmere or fur, it should not cost $300.  I’m sorry, but that is absurd!  This cotton throw from target is a great find and comes in many other colors.  Since a lot of designers farm out their production to factories overseas, there is a good chance this was even made in the same factory.

This is a really stylish headboard.  The nail head detail adds a lot of interest and gives it a special look.  With the $1200 you save, you could buy some high thread count sheets and a nice duvet 🙂

I am a sucker for interesting looking accessories.  These metal spheres add so much interest and style.  Add them to a bookcase, inside your kitchen glass cabinets or on top of a stack of books on your cocktail table.

I could spend all day posting these design hacks!  There are so many great deals to be found.  There are some things I feel are worth the price and are truly an investment (a great sofa is one of these things), and somethings that are worth taking the time to find a cheaper alternative.  We no longer buy heirloom furniture.  Most of us do not want to have our furniture for 40 years, to later pass on to our children.  Therefore, we are not looking to spend a small fortune on each piece.

My philosophy always (whether it is furniture, clothes, shoes or purses) is to buy the best you can afford.  But, be selective.  In my opinion, I would rather invest in great kitchen cabinetry that is crafted of superior material and will withstand the wear and tear of many years of use, than on a $15,000 dining room set that I will be sick of in 5 years.  The best rooms are the rooms with a few high end pieces and a few design hacks. I’m warning you though, the hunt becomes just as fun and addictive as the savings!!

Hope you enjoyed this post on designer replicas.  Let me know if you have found any great knockoffs that you want to share.

xo Laurie