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!