Hunger Games Interior Style

For those who are into the Hunger Games Trilogy, you know that the citizens in the Capitol sport serious style and unique looks such as pastel pink hair, tinted skin, distinctive tattoos and themes with their appearance. We love these creative human stylings, and the explosive colors and visuals of all the fashions.

People are already scrambling to try and 'get the look' - with leading designers like Alexander McQueen, Miu Miu, Jean-Paul Gautier and more. Check out Hunger Games Capitol Couture here. There's even a line of nail polish in honor of the hot new movie - "Capitol Colors" by China Glaze.

Of course, what we're more interested in - is how to deck out our digs like the retro-futuristic, super clean and super luxurious Capitol of Panem. We are 'Interior Stylists' after all here at J. Douglas Design. We are to Dallas interior design, as Cinna is to wearable fashion. And the palettes are very interesting too - lots of pastels and soft, muted colors - coupled with sleek silvers and bold golds.

Now that the story is being brought to the big screen, we're able to see more than the Capitol couture and fashion; we're able to see their interior design style!

Of course, the interior decor of the train was the first time we got to really see something spectacular, a decadently fashioned showplace in what appeared to be a whopping 700 square foot train car. Designs like this are in the details, such as the lighting - which either IS, or is VERY MUCH LIKE this chandelier from ELTE found in the background while Peeta stares out the window at the Capitol city.

Once the team arrived to their quarters in the Capitol of Panem, (which we cannot yet find pictures or references to) we were treated to sleek, clean modern architecture, with many retro-hip and chic details to remind us that what is once in fashion, ccan always come back - and that clean, minimalist style - goes with anything.

The transition to big screen was well for most readers of the series - who noticed that even in the Capitol, they brought nature indoors with plants, and holograms of the forest in Katniss' room - along with a super fun 'pelt' furry bedspread.

Here's hoping for more stills from the movie, so we can delve a bit more into the interior design style of the 'interior stylists' of Panem. Happy Hunger Games!

Mounting and Framing Options At J. Douglas Design

What's that? It's the Bronze Star - A U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration and the fourth-highest award for bravery, heroism or meritorious service. Honors such as these should be displayed with pride (and style!) as well as preserved for future generations to admire.

It was no surprise that we would want to really show this off with custom framing. For this piece, we decided to mount it on blue dupioni silk. It has been encased in a convenient, durable lucite case; the top lifts off for easy-access care to the medal and replacement of materials if necessary. You can take the medals out of the case whenever you need them. They are attached to the mounting board just like they would be on a uniform.

This also makes a great gift idea for our military honorees, or for anything really that you want to display and preserve. This and many other framing options available at J. Douglas Design.

Nominated - WFAA-List Best Of Dallas Furniture

We're thrilled to announce that we've been nominated a SECOND year for WFAA-List Best of Dallas - again in the category of BEST FURNITURE. It's no secret that we rock it in terms of fine furniture and furnishings in Dallas. We're the exclusive vendor for Marge Carson, and we carry several great brands like Christopher Guy, Maitland-Smith and more.

We need your help, though - to WIN FIRST PLACE AGAIN! Can we count on your vote? It only takes a minute, and we appreciate every vote! Tell your friends -
Click here to vote for J. Douglas Design - Best Furniture

Fashion Week Brings Fresh Ideas

Last week was Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, the world's premiere event all that will happen in the world of fashion next Spring, for high-end designers and up and coming fashion artisans. We can take a few tips from this to preview what might be going on in the world of interior design as well.

Colorblocking: You might use this theme (Mondrian style, of course) for your art pieces or wall-hangings. Or - perhaps you aren't a huge fan of patterns - if that the case, then this makes for a great opportunity to color block or even use monochromatic schemes on pillows and window treatments to accent your other, larger pieces.

Florals: So if you ARE a fan of patterns - Fashion Week says that FLORALS are where it's at. Anna Sui presented some beautiful florals at Fashion Week. Use it as your chance to really utilize color, and bring MORE color in.

Bigger is Better: Take a feather from Oscar de la Renta's hat! Go bold with a statement piece - like a walnut or burl wood executive desk or distinctive dining room set - anything from Marge Carson or Christopher Guy will MAKE A STATEMENT!

The Magic Of Missoni

And so it was, this week - Target's website crashed repeatedly all day during the debut of Italian designer Missoni's partnership line of apparel, footwear, luggage and housewares in a 400-piece collection.

Exclusive high-end runway meets affordable home design. This is the do-it-yourself interior designer's dream come true. It's also a great, cost-effective way to deck out a kid's room, or a dorm room.

While the high-movement patterns may not suit everyone's taste, they are sure to accent or blend into most spaces, and the colors are hugely flexible. The patterns are fairly flexible as well - as they are quite simple; lines mostly.

Plus, there are a few must-have gems in the collection of home accessories - (which likely explains why EVERYTHING is still out of stock). And then there is the PRICE. Can't beat that part.

We loved this ribbon pillow because of it's bold and dimensional texture. It sort of makes you want to reach out and touc it. We also loved the large table vase, as it looks hugely expensive - but isn't really, and from an artsy point of view - we liked the movement of the lines, it 'flows' in a way that makes the eye move up and down - to experience the entire shape of the piece. A little piece of art, if you will.

When can you get yours? Nobody knows! Not now. But hold tight - we're sure that the success of the Missoni Target line will keep Target ordering more, and the style is likely to be mimicked by other designers. Their zig-zag might be trademarked, but you can look for bold pattern and touchable texture to stay put through 2012.

Furniture And Design Trends Revealed

Some interesting design trends came from this summer's Las Vegas Market, the twice-annual and widely-enjoyed home furnishings and interior designer (paradise!) tradeshow. What's fantastic about these trade shows - is that we get a real insider-look to the trends-to-be before they hit the retail floors.

And because brilliant minds love to share - we are sharing with YOU these exclusive ideas and trends for the near future of hip interior style.

Trend 1: In French Tradition or - Dans la Tradition Française
Exposed fine woods are integral here, coupled with a neutral palette and natural textiles (linens). Keeping it simple and clean is key; accessorize and add pop with finely embroidered pillows or throws, and small patches of modern color, patterns and prints. How to get the look? Keep it simple. Use neutral colors, grays, browns, creams - and take it easy on the patterns. Showcase your wood furnishings and accents and opt for linen (with a nice heavy texture) for pillows, throws and window treatments in muted, light colors.

Trend 2: Decorative Accents
"Vintage Modern" leads the way in decorative accents. If it's "vintage" great, if it's "vintage" and GLAM - then it's "Vintage Modern". Think about what Jane Russell or Aubrey Hepburn could have been like with today's makeup, hair and lighting - talk about beauty! So, transitioning to interior design, we would take the play up the beauty of antiques (furniture, heirloom pieces) and couple it with today's recycled materials and plastics, metals. Patterns are vintage inspired with touches of today's color trends and accents of yesteryear. How to get the look? This trend is easily accomplished by mixing the OLD with the NEW and sparing nothing on the tiny details. Go 'GLAM' by opting for the more expensive details - crystal, diamonds, and shiny, sparkly stuff.

Trend 3: American Style
It's more about American history and heritage - inspired by folk-style patterns, Colonial-era colors and shapes and deep, beautiful wood pieces and accents. It's about terrific craftsmanship and furnishings that took hard work and superior skill to create. How get the look? Once again - play up your wood pieces, use American colors (muted, soft reds and blues) either solid, or in Colonial-inspired plaids or prints. Make use of natual light to reminisce of an earlier time in our country. Don't forget the details - patchwork quilts and anything with historical significance or heirloom pieces - will complete your space.

For more information on these trends, (and some that we've come up with on our own!) contact award-winning Dallas interior-designer J. Douglas Design or visit our Dallas furnishings showroom today!

Fall into Fall Design

With school starting back, football season beginning – that means it’s the beginning of the fall season.

Decorating for the fall season includes decorating for Halloween and for Thanksgiving - so why not decorate your home with the interior design trend colors of fall 2011. Pantone is the leader of the color industry - and one of the most trusted nterior designer resources in the industry. If you want to know about design colors – especially for your interior design needs – visit Pantone to find out the latest colors and hues for the season.

For Fall 2011 – the idea is to go natural. Lovers of all things warm will be going hot this year with Tangerine Tango and some brown additions like Cinnamon Stick. Enhance the fall décor with yellows such as Lemon Meringue and Flan and Pear Sorbet.

Designing your fall table should be easy with beautiful dried leaves and foliage. Add some corn stalks to bring in the yellow and green. Throw in a vintage mason jar full of candy corn and dribble some acorns throughout the table for a warm and inviting addition to your formal dining table.

Don’t forget the mantel in the sitting room - topiaries with orange foliage and pine cones - lots of hurricanes with candles - all of this will certainly give the feel of autumn in your space. Make use of berries, and leaves to spice up for fall.