Rock the Casbah

Trending now in many different forms, Moroccan design influences are hugely popular. Take a look at the details in the photo above.  The intricately designed red ceiling, the peaked backs on the rattan chairs, the arched doorways, and the metal details all show a Moroccan influence.  But rather than the cozy, high energy look that [...]

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What’s New: Unusual Color Combinations

One of the secrets to stunning design is the ability to think beyond the norm – to search for or create instead of just buying what everyone else has.  Working with a consultant or designer helps lots of people stretch their boundaries into the unusual or unique.  Stunning combinations of fabrics, patterns, and textures can [...]

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Pop Art Pop Out

When we think of Pop Art, we think of Warhol and Lichtenstein – masters of creating an artistic vision from the mundane.  Soup cans, starlets, and comic books.  What could be less fine art than that?  Now the Pop Art movement has taken another turn on Irony Lane.  From mundane objects to fine art to [...]

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Black is the New White

Conventional design wisdom:  In a small space, use light, bright colors to make the space seem larger.  Spaces that are too dark will feel like a cave instead of a home. Well, nobody told the designers of the following spaces.  In fact, I can’t turn around in the design blogosphere without seeing black walls and [...]

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What’s Old is New Again

Do you remember when this was the height of interior fashion? Here in Minnesota it is not uncommon to see a photo-realistic forest mural wallpapered in a tavern or the dining room of a rural restaurant.  Some even have deer in them, looking up from peaceful drinks at a stream as if expecting one of [...]

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What’s New – Ombre and Color-Washing

Tis the season – the 2012 interior forecasts and products are being shown, discussed, and dissected at major commercial markets everywhere.  Las Vegas furniture market is coming up, Sherwin-Williams and other major paint brands are releasing their color predictions, and what the buyers buy will determine what everyone else sees.  Today’s trend discussion is related [...]

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What’s New – Industrial Chic

When I was growing up, I loved movies and tv shows about people living in large urban loft-like apartments.  I sooooo wanted to be on the set of My Two Dads, with exposed brick walls and tall windows, exposed ductwork and slouchy furniture.  Or the converted San Francisco fire station that was home to Mia [...]

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What’s New at Sea

I don’t know if it’s the summer weather in Minnesota or all the “stay”cation stories in the news, but for some reason, I am finding myself drawn to this year’s nautical trends.  Crisp whites, strong blues, natural textures.  We’re seeing strong leanings toward these elements in the store now, just in time for summer lake [...]

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Technology in Our Homes

There’s a HUGE trend now toward integrating technology into our homes.  But how much is too much? Have you ever spent the entire work day emailing, blogging and researching online only to go home and realize there’s a stack of bills waiting for online payments, a message from your parents wanting to Skype with their [...]

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What’s New – Rug Trends

The importance of an area rug in a space is starting to become more universally accepted.  Rugs used to be thought of as only necessary to protect hardwood floors or warm up tile during a cold Minnesota winter.  But now we know how important an area rug is to the look and feel of a [...]

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