"Out with the old and in with the new" is an expression I keep hearing from everyone in their emails from last year. All are hoping for new beginnings in this space age sounding year of 2010 (two thousand and ten!). I, too, am placing my faith in this New Year that all the stops and starts from a trying 2009 will be replaced with full throttle ahead into a refreshed and revived economy. However, I do feel as if there has to be some real "awakenings" before that happens. If you remember, I mentioned in last month's post that first and foremost, the key to solving problems was "illumination" shedding light and awareness on the situation. Being a designer, I think in visuals all the time, so lighting up those candles and adding crystals to your chandeliers all brought our minds to a focal point of introspection, prayer, and meditation in December. Take the time to do this again this New Years Eve and during the first weeks of January to pinpoint your true dreams and aspirations for a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
DESIGN AWAKENINGS will happen in the market as the world goes through its own awakenings, ever evolving. The fashion and design artists everywhere use their creative senses to guide their work and you could say they spiritually connect with their dreams for the good of the world or the current enlightments of the world for their design inspiration and direction. In a not so perfect world, let's explore some simple ways to improve our design views.
AWAKEN YOUR COLOR PALETTE ... Color schemes have been rather drab for years. The muted and warmer colors of a rich, royal and reserved nature have been predominant for years in our Tuscan and Old World interiors. Many of us have been nestled in our blankets of caramel, wine, berry red, mocha mint, eggplant,and butterscotch. Wait, that picture still actually sounds good to me, especially in this winter season. But, what's missing here? It's BLUE ! Blue shades are traditionally more difficult to find. But every year, a new collection does arrive with wonderous shades of glacier, seaglass, spa, seafoam, baltic, robins egg, turquoise, and mineral. Don't you feel awakened and refreshed just hearing their names? I fawn over these fabrics for days, and put my request in to the universe to bring me the client who loves them. Very rarely will I get a whole home full of blues. But one room will due, and adding accents to other warmer tone rooms in your artwork, accessories, pillows, trims, candles, etc. will awaken the color scheme. "Out with the old, in with the new .... some BLUE".
CONTEMPORIZE AND BLEND .... it's 2010! Space age is not the look I'm going for here; however, I do think that spaces feel younger, more interesting and updated, when there are contemporary elements added to the mix. A traditional room can be stuffy and boring and really needs an unusual guest to enter bravely, and liven up the joint. So think about some hand embroidered/hand painted or other glamour accent pillows, the addition of clean lined glass vases, candle holders and mirrored accent pieces. Tall stands of flowers in cylinders are amazing. Changing out your cocktail table to an iron and glass piece or a large scale ottoman with a wood inlay design or lacquered serving tray accessory will do the trick. Add a contemporary sculpture or a more contemporary watercolor art piece to a very traditional area. You might also consider new hanging pendant light fixtures in a single scavo or etruscan glass bowl design for your kitchen, bathrooms or dining areas. "The trend is to mix and blend in 2010!"
WISHING YOU a New Year Awakening filled with best of health, happiness, love, peace, prosperity and, of course, as much Interior Design fun that you can afford! Pamela
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