Sneak Peak @ the 2009 Color & Design Forecast!

I attended an ASID meeting Wednesday night covering the topic of the Color & Design Trends and Forecasts for 2009! It was very exciting and inspiring. I've put together a post of all my notes (please forgive any sentences that seem a bit incomplete or lacking info. - I could only write so fast!) and photo collages of items I thought represented each color category appropriately. Enjoy and please let me know your thoughts on the hot color trends that are right around the corner (is it really almost 2009?)...

Red and Pink
- we'll be seeing more mature shades of these colors
- think deep, rich and soft
- pink will be stronger and not so "girly"

Orange
- the color orange will be toned down, moving toward earth and sand / baked robust shades
- think copper, brick and rust
- no more bright, zingy orange
- for the softer side of orange we'll see more of pale peach, apricots and coral

Yellow & Gold
- we'll see yellow move toward warm, radiant shades
- think luminous, gilded and enlightened
- we'll see more acidic, mustard yellows that look more modern and expensive


Green
- moving toward true botanical, ecological and verdant greens
- think vegetables, buds, shoot and leaf

Blue & Teal
- we'll see deeper teals, influenced by green
- think aquatic images / luminescent
- we'll see blues that are deeper - think ocean depths, reflective, contemplative
- cobalt, aqua and teal will be used for luxury and higher end looks

Purple
- this color will move toward a truer purple - bluer than what we've been seeing
- we'll see fuller, saturated purple / regal and nocturnal tones

Warm Neutrals
- they will continue with the influence of yellow
- think timber and tusk, bark, twig and nut
- darker neutrals will be deeper and softer

White / Silver / Black / Gray

- there will be more emphasis on modernist shades
- think minimal, toned and restrained
- gray will be timeless with a hint of yellow for warmth - cool gray is out

Design Trends & Influences for 2009...

Retro - people are still gravitating toward retro because they are looking for something that is clean-lined and will last for years to come

Fashion - we're going to see more trends from the 80's (keep an eye out for ripped jeans because they're coming back - yikes!), bohemian influences, and the continuation of using eco-friendly fabrics

Color - a focus on the state of mind and the changing world

Global - we'll continue to see more ethnic trends / more euro-inspired

Organic Shapes

Metallics - we'll be seeing more bronze used in the kitchen and bath; stainless steel and granite used in the kitchen are OUT

Tradition - we'll be seeing more Greek keys, crowns, paisley prints, bohemian and modern patterns and influence

80's Contemporary - with a warmer more inviting flair

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have fun and/or relaxing plans for the weekend. Meet me back here next week for more exciting posts and a look at "before and after" photos of my home office make-over. Au revoir!

Color Scheme Inspiration: Gray & Yellow

There's just something about pairing yellow with gray that I absolutely love!  I looked into the psychology of each color and after reading a little about each one, it makes sense how one can really balance the other.  

• GRAY: Used well, the color gray can lend interiors an elegant formality that is subtle without being overly conservative. It is the color if you want to create an air of calm, understated confidence.  

• YELLOW: Is often described as an optimistic, life-affirming color that reminds us of sunshine and stimulates our mind, body and emotions.  

The outcome can vary from mellow and sophisticated to bold and outrageous, depending on what tone of yellow & gray you use and how you combine the two. I also like seeing a pop of bright white or black for contrast. What do you think of this color scheme? Could you live with it? Please share!

IMAGE CREDITS: COUNTRY LIVING; LONNY; HOUSE TO HOME; LAURA CASEY INTERIORS;

Good Shepherd Charity Project: AFTER Photos of Room Makeover

Several of you have been asking me, "When are you going to post the AFTER pictures from the Good Shepherd project?!" Well, the wait is finally OVER and I'm so excited to be sharing with you the final results of the room I had the pleasure of re-designing back in June. Just to quickly re-cap on the project:  Earlier this year, project manager and organizers, Vanessa De Vargas and Vanessa Kogevinas, recruited 30 designers in the LA area to design and furnish 30 rooms at the Good Shepherd Center in Los Angeles, a center for homeless woman and children. The units we worked on serve as temporary housing to help single women of all ages get back on their feet, after facing financial hardship, addiction, abuse, or any other unfortunate circumstance that contributed to them becoming homeless. The project was 100% pro-bono and we all volunteered our time and resources to make it happen. We had 30 days to completely transform our individual room, however we saw fit. This was hands-down, the most rewarding design project I have ever been a part of. It was a pleasure to work at a women's center staffed with the sweetest group of women and nuns. I also enjoyed meeting and becoming friends with several of the other designers who participated in this project. So, without further adieu, here are the BEFORE & AFTER photos of the room I designed...Enjoy!

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{BED BEFORE}

 {BED AFTER}

I replaced the existing bed (which was more like a brick mattress on a piece of plywood) with a brand new frame, mattress, and box spring. One of my upholstery vendors donated the custom headboard, which I had upholstered in a bright white mircrosuede fabric (daring choice to go white white, but I think it was worth it!)

I purchased this Bungalow 5 chest (which was one of several donated at a very discounted price) and had it re-painted in a high gloss white (was originally off-white). I changed out the hardware to petite crystal knobs, which I purchased from Target. The acrylic lamp is also from Target.

I replaced the existing ceiling light fixture (which was awful) with this beautiful round glass beaded chandelier. We added the ceiling medallion to dress things up, which made a huge difference! (only $20 from Lowes).

I thought this art print added the perfect touch of inspiration to the space. "Life is Beauty Full" by Sugarboo Designs, donated from my online shop.

 

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{ROOM BEFORE}

 {ROOM AFTER}

When I first started designing this project, I selected the drapery fabric first, and built the rest of the room around it. The fabric I chose was Woven Jacquard Ikat Fret Raspberry by Robert Allen. I LOVE the way the drapery panels turned out! They totally "made" the entire space.

I started off with a pink, white and gray color scheme, then decided it needed a pop of yellow. I found this amazing chair from HomeGoods at the very last minute (literally, 2 days before the project deadline)! It was like it was made just for this room!

I hung a pair of white lacquered shelves from IKEA above the chair, to give the woman living in the room a place to store books, display picture frames, etc. Shelves are a great way to add storage to a small space (especially if there isn't enough room for a bookcase).

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{BEFORE}

{AFTER}

I wanted to create a small work space that felt separate from the rest of the room, so I placed the desk (which was a total steal from Target.com) underneath a window that faced out to a nice view. I changed out the hardware with vintage style crystal knobs - they completely transformed the look. The (2) white cutout art prints were from HomeGoods.

The desk chair was donated by Bassman-Blaine and Associates one of my favorite sales agency/showrooms ever! (To-the-trade only).

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{VANITY AREA BEFORE}

{VANITY AREA AFTER}

To brighten up the vanity area, I painted the back wall a bold shade of pink called Couture by Valspar (available at Lowes). The existing light fixture was switched out for a sweet little crystal chandelier (also from Lowes). In lieu of a towel ring, I used adorable gold crown hooks, which can also be used to hang jewelry. The gorgeous mirror was donated by one of my FAVORITE vendors, Made Goods (the Sabine mirror, made of faux Shagreen).

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{MORE AFTER PHOTOS}

I wanted to create a small entryway upon walking into the room, so I added this magenta chest, which had a distressed finish that gave it a vintage look. I hung a bulletin board above the chest so the woman living in this room can easily keep track of her appointments, reminders, etc. 

Me with my amazing husband Ryan, who I could NOT have done this project without. He was my handyman, painter, furniture assembler, and back-up designer when I needed another eye (he's the one who pushed me to do the bright white headboard). I love him more than words and am blessed to call him my husband and best friend :)

Posing with new friends (and the only other designers working on this project from "the OC", everyone else was from LA). On my left, Typhanie Peterson from Shoebox Decor & on my right, Jessica from Jessica Bennett Interiors.

That's a wrap! This was taken at the end of day 2 of the Open House weekend, just before I packed up and left room #110 for good. It's now being occupied by one blessed woman, who is fortunate to be a part of the Good Shepherd family. I wish her, and all of the women who stay in this room throughout the years, the very best in life and much success and happiness. xoxo - Julie 

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A very special thanks to the following companies who contributed to my room design and made it possible for me to complete this project:

LOWES

KIYONNA WOMEN'S CLOTHING

MODEL HOME SOURCE

MADE GOODS

FLORES DESIGN

BUNGALOW 5

Also, a very special thanks to my family, friends and clients for their generous donations with time and/or money. I am forever grateful. 

Inspiration Snapshot: Chic & Cheerful Kitchen Nook

Have you seen the latest issue of House Beautiful?! This gorgeous kitchen nook is on the cover and there are several reasons why I'm loving it: the yellow accent wall - normally I'd stay away from yellow paint but this color totally works with all of the neutral grays and whites; the fact that the designer used an actual sofa instead of a built-in bench seat (and the fabric is lovely!); the bright citron dining table; the cute wire stools, which are actually side tables - the designer just added a custom cushion to the top. And did you notice the floor? It used to be dark brown and was transformed with a painted pattern in gray and white. I'd love to start my day off in this cheerful space with a cup of coffee and my morning paper. How about you?!

[IMAGE COURTESY OF HOUSE BEAUTIFUL]

Polka Dots for Grown-ups

Polka dots have been on trend for quite some time now, both in fashion and interiors. While this pattern isn't anything new to the world of design and has definitely come and gone (as most trends do), there's just something timeless and classic about a good polka dot print. What I'm liking right now are interiors that incorporate the polka dot pattern in a more sophisticated way. This print isn't just for nurseries and kids rooms - when used in the right way in the right scale, polka dots can add a whimsical touch without making a space feel too youthful. Today I've rounded up some great examples of how you can incorporate this fun pattern into your decor while still keeping things somewhat "grown-up." How do you feel about polka dots? Would you incorporate them into your home?

{This wallpaper makes a simple and classy statement}

{Large scale polka dots make a fun accent wall in a guest bedroom (you could go less bold with more subtle paint colors). Image via}

{The polka dotted rug adds a touch of whimsy to this dark  & serious home office. 

Image via}

{Imperfect circles make this wallpaper casual and edgy - perfect for a breakfast nook or dining space!}

{Oversized monochromatic dots look sophisticated in this bedroom. Image via}

{An upholstered polka dotted bench adds a pop of fun to this space. Image via}

{Wallpaper creates a memorable entrance in this eclectic foyer. Image via}

{Keep it simple by adding a polka dotted accent pillow to an upholstered chair or sofa. Image via}

{The polka dotted fabric print looks fresh and fun against the white duvet and blue walls. Image via}

{The pattern of this rug helps to anchor the space and because it's gray, it doesn't feel too busy. Image via}

{Love this polka dot shower curtain against the white tile and wall. The pop of yellow ties it all together! Image via}

{Rugs are a great way to introduce this pattern into your home! Image via}

{Polka dotted sheets add a fresh and youthful touch to a bedroom. Image via}