Ask The Expert: Going Global WIth J. Douglas Design

J. Douglas Bradford, owner of his namesake furniture and accessories showroom, J. Douglas Design, has a reputation for stocking a vast variety of uniquely divine pieces that keep his clients coming in on a regular basis. With that in mind, Bradford has a handful of design predictions that will have his followers right on trend. With the recent resurgence of patterns and textures influenced by global design elements, he says. “Creating an atmosphere with a taste of other cultures and a very unique style is easy, and each influence can have a different effect on your interior space.”

For furniture, “rich, ethnic-inspired pieces,” Bradford says, add an unexpected touch of exotic and luxurious elegance. He suggests using wall hangings and antique blankets to add pattern, texture, shape and definition to your walls or sofa and chairs. His global outlook foreshadows the use of Moroccan and Indian-themed fabrics, prints and textiles in furniture. Aboriginal, Native American and African tribal patterns, he says, are stunning when used sparingly and correctly. “Never go overboard with pattern, use pattern to accent your space, not dominate it, Bradford advises. Asian, South American and European-inspired pieces are steadily gaining in popularity as well.

For full article on the Design Guide click here.

The Fashion World Inspires Interior Design

The world of interior design has always been influenced by the runways; we see inspirations from the Spring and Fall fashion shows finding their way to interior spaces very soon after their debut.   As early as only five years ago, the lag from season to showroom would be months and years. But with the increase of social media and the instantaneous sharing and immediately availability of styles, colors and designs - this gap is closing rapidly resulting in a instant merge of the minds when it comes to incorporating trends together.

Over the last two years or so, we've seen a huge decrease in the amount of time it takes for the collection and designer to translate their hits and misses from the runway to the reporters, photographers and bloggers who share these things with the world.  Smart and ambitious interior designers are always waiting in the wings to pull ideas into their furniture showrooms and home designs.

You will see color trends, patterns, textures and 'styles' that grace the fashion shows shining in the homes of those with savvy interior designers.  So if you want to know what the hottest home trends will be - watch for Fashion Week and designer collection trends on the runways to get a great idea of what you could do in your own home to keep up with the latest and greatest in interior design. 

The Art of Working with an Interior Designer

Working with a interior design professional can be both exciting and intimidating. However, doing so can give your home continuity, function, and beauty without going over your budget.

Designers can save you money in many situations by allocating resources wisely, choosing durable, high quality furniture, eliminating decorating mistakes, and increasing creativity on your project.

Eliminate the fear factor and create a good experience by taking a few steps to prepare in advance:


1: Decide on a budget.

2: Collect color swatches you like.

3: Make your own project design file with pictures to illustrate what you like and what you don't like.

4: Think about the furniture pieces you hope to keep.

5: Be inspired!

For inspiration, visit model homes and stand in the rooms asking yourself questions like:

-How does this room make me feel?

-Are the colors too light or too dark for me?

-Is it too formal, or not formal enough?

-Do I like white carpeting, or would I rather have something darker and more anchored?

-Is that striped wallpaper crisp or just annoying? (likely the latter?)

-Is the furniture warm, dark, white, or colored?

- What do I like (or dislike) about it?

Other sources of inspiration include museums, auctions, antique stores and television design shows.

Next, communicate well and describe your vision. Listen. Talk. Listen. The more information you can give to your designer the better.

Doing your homework and teaming with a good interior designer can turn your interior into a beautiful, functional living space with a creative and unique flair - without cost of unnecessary mistakes.