Color Wheel: Finding Your Inner Sparkle

It's nearly 2012 and how could I resist dedicating this Color Wheel post to Sparkles, Glitter and anything and everything that shimmers? Really, I couldn't..

As I put together my post for tomorrow, a New Years Resolution if you will, I thought that this would be a nice lead up as I look deeper into what I would like my path to be next year and how I can make that happen.

So "Brace Yourselves", and maybe pull out a pair of sunglasses.. and here is to finding your own sparkle this new year!

Discovering your own shining light is an exciting journey

that can lead to wonderful new oppurtunities..

Thank you for sharing my journey with me.

Tomorrows post - My 2012 New Years Resolutions.

* All images via my Pinterest board: Sparkle. Please visit for further references and details of image credits. 

Color Wheel: Black & White, and Warm all Over

Black and White with a hint of a warmth from either a wood finish or a color palette that echos a natural golden tone transforms an otherwise cool, crisp scheme into a home.

Warm, inviting and completely put together and still "un-designed" - this is what symbolizes pure perfection within design. A sucessful design scheme to me, is when we as designers can create a scheme that seems like we were never there at all. Yet, upon some more thoughtful consideration, it has an underlying thread that is our hallmark and our design sense adapted to this family and client.

"Effortless Design"...

Like anything well made, it should appear as though no effort was made at all..and still, as we all know, nothing can possibly be harder to accomplish.

Here are some great examples of rooms that simply come alive with that hint of warmth...


Now what would this room be without this stunning piece of furniture!?
The pillows and bag hanging on the rack simply reinforce the the warm tones and make for a stunning shot.

EVEN IN FASHION

But really nothing compares to a well designed scheme in Black and White with 'that' special hint of warmth!

*all images via www.pinterest.com/decaporter linking you back to the original sources.

DAP 360: NY Gift Show - DAY 2 - Trend Alert

This Dec-a-Porter 360* takes another look at the New York Gift Show at the Javits Center.

There is nothing that makes me feel more inspired and energized than that of the hustle & bustle of a trade fair. Especially with everything we have been hearing and seeing about the world's economy, I left Day 2 at NYGIF feeling a sense of optimism. Wading through the heavy traffic in each aisle, once I entered a stand it really did look like they were selling..
Fingers crossed that things are looking up!


So today I felt I would focus on some of the TRENDS I spotted throughout the show...I am a Traditionalist at heart so I can't help but feel excited about an obvious swing back to contemporary interpretations of a more traditional style through form and finish.

I do think that alot of that has to do with us spending more time at home - staycations and all - and wanting a designer version of "Comfort Food" we want to feel cozy at home.


Let's call it "Comfort Design".


GOLD:
So starting off with the warmer hues in finishes. Not the glitzy version (although who doesn't love a little bling here and there) but more of an Etruscan Gold finish on furniture.

Regina Andrew Travertine / Metal tables; Jayes "Caddy"; Tritter Feefer new Greta Table.
For Pricing, Please send an email

Tozai  - A selection of Gold tones, Warm Hues and Pattern with Traditional Form

HANDMADE:
I definitely spotted alot of yarn/wool handmade ottomans like those from my post last week, but I was especially drawn to handmade blown glass.

These hand blown glass vases are stunning in these smoky, sexy hues.
Images via BOREALIS STUDIOS.

"Grow" Light, Happy Kiss and Gong Lighting from CALEB SIEMON
The Grow light especially caught my eye - creative new spin on the hanging planter.
All images via web/brochure.

NATURE & ANIMALS:
Nature and natural elements abound.
Animal busts in every shape, size, color and material which I mentioned DAY 1's post, but here are 2 examples where Nature does not mean rustic but instead a more
Stylised, Chic, Clean. approach

Great attention to detail was placed on framing and layout. Vivid Colors, Strong graphic statements
All examples of PHEROMONE collection
Images via Pheromone website

Tozai's (Two's Company) Ceramic Animal Busts

VIVID COLORS:
Lastly I leave you with two examples of how to bring in some vivid colors into your home.

Alexandra von Furstenberg's: Treasure & Limited edition Gem Box

SELETTI's Trip Furniture Collection

Revamp an old armoire (very important to have some interest in shape and form, like in this example) or just add a pop of color with a small accessory.

There will be more in detail posts of my NYGIF finds over the next few weeks - but for now, enjoy your final few days of summer.

1-2-3: Art vs Your Reflection

This week's 1-2-3 tackles the Art of Reflection

by seeing how life can sometimes imitate art..

as well as considering some of the Design's Eternal trends:

Silver, Gold & Bronze

1. SILVER BAUBLES

Siver = Modern, Sleek, Spiritual




*for details on how to purchase the mirror please send me an email. 
Image of work via  Joana Vasconcelos

2. GOLD RAYS



  Gold = New-Tradtional, Wealth, Health

*for details on how to purchase the mirror please send me an email. 

3. BRONZE WAVES

Bronze = Stability, Nature, Rustic



Image via  'Playground" via Playgroundology

*for details on how to purchase the mirror please send me an email. 

So what is your Metal preference?

I personally think the most exciting design,

is when you mix all 3!



For more images of TOM OTTERNESS work. Visit his website.