Defy Convention This Spring

Written by Amy Tran

At SDG, we are ecstatic over the refreshing yet rebellious color palette for this spring. In 2014, there is a powerful balance between vivid and fearless hues paired with subdued and calming pastels. Normally these colors are not paired together. They are defying convention, and we are in love.

Eye Pleaser:

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This palette includes vibrant yellows and blues, along with the color of the year Radiant Orchid. These are balanced with soft mints, sandy taupes, lazy blues and a hint of pepper with subdued reds and oranges.

Objects of Our Affection:

The Dacey Stool
This fun seat adds sunshine and conversation into any room.
Designed by Arteriors Home

  From our pals at Sherwin Williams, we used to Color Visualizer to make these Fun Scenes:

blue room

SW 6212 Quietude, SW 6886 Invigorate, SW 6509 Georgian Bay

orange room

SW 7620 Seaworthy, SW 6237 Dark Night, SW 7695 Mesa Tan, SW 6615 Peppery

Here is a sample of these new color palettes at play featuring recently designed rooms we just completed for one of our clients.  The girls loved their “new looks”!

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Dusy Plum, Cream & Gold

Design & Color Trends
Last summer while traveling in Europe, dusty mid-tones and pale colors saturated the showrooms.  You may have seen our Facebook post with the images I took.  Then in late summer, Sherwin-Williams presented Color Trends 2014 featuring Exclusive Plum SW 6263.   With Exclusive Plum painted walls and accented plum table cloths, layering the color of the year throughout the room was simply exquisite.
Plum has always been a favorite of mine and especially this grayed tone which provides a neutral backdrop to most colors found in nature.  There is a subtlety and richness without being overbearing.  Plums work just as well with brown, green and fuchsia as with cream and gold.  I found this color story quite timely, as we had just planned our clients living room using cool grey walls, warm wood floors, plum, lilac, silver and gold iridescent fireplace tile surround with a beige sofa and brass accents.  Follow us on Facebook to see the photos later this year.  In the meantime…check out these available pieces below.
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Pillow from Basset
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Thayer-Coggin
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Harvey Probber Chairs from 1stdibs.com

Not Your Grandmother’s Chantilly

August 2013


written by Amy Tran

This is not your grandmother’s Chantilly; this season lace is a staple. Bedding, wall covering, and rug patterns to dresses, shoes and nail design, retailers are a huge fan in both home décor and women’s apparel. Lace in black or dark colors creates a demure and sultry vibe; white or beige gives lace a crisp innocence that everyone can appreciate.

 

 

 

Hot Design for Keeping Cool

Written by Guest Blogger Kayla Harvey

Its summer, its hot, and its not showing signs of stopping.  Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy some cool breezes rather than bake in the sun?  If you are trying to beat the heat here are some helpful tips to keep your outdoor spaces cool as the dog days drag on.
1. Green is Cool
Energy efficiency is always a good idea, but in this case literal greenery will help to keep you cool.  We all know that shade trees reduce heat, but did you know that grass and other plants can help to keep temperatures regulated in your yard as well?
Take a look at the driveway and patio shown in these images.  Concrete and pavement absorb heat and radiate it back long after the sun sets.  The use of grass and concrete pavers together helps to limit the amount of water needed as well as reduce heat retention.  This creates a more comfortable outdoor space, and happens to be a sharp looking design.
2. Catch the Breeze, Block the Rays
If your outdoor space receives frequent afternoon sun a shaded area is a must. A patio with an overhang provides an excellent opportunity to utilize outdoor curtains. Your best bet for keeping cool is to open up cross ventilation so that you can enjoy the breeze.  Be sure to hang the curtains with a bar or wire that allows you to move them as needed.  This way you can make the most of the wind while blocking any direct sunlight.
If outdoor curtains are not for you, try this novel planter wall.  The wall and plants provide shade, and the slats through the middle will allow air to circulate.
3.  Light Up the Night
When the sun goes down so do temperatures, so make the most of your yard with illumination.  There are a variety of ways to create outdoor rooms through the use of solar powered light fixtures, outdoor lighting, and even illuminated furniture.
If you are unsure you want to commit to new furniture or lighting try this simple trick to light up your yard.  Take oversized balloons filled with air, and just before you tie them off add a small neon glow stick to the inside.  These are great tossed into a pool for parties, or if anchored, to line a driveway.

Now that you know these tips, get on out there and enjoy your summer!

A Classic: Black & White

Contributing Author: Amy Tran

Crisp, timeless and always a glimmer of elegance, the classic black & white color combo will never go out of style.

An homage to the great Dorothy Draper, black and white flooring juxtaposed with ornate window casings and doorways create an alluring quality.

A great amount of attention is placed on balance and proportion.  Accessories are dramatic and highly detailed while the color palettes remain simple but exciting.

 

 

 

The Art of Ikat

Contributing Author: Amy Tran

Ranging from hippie chic, to tribal safari to elegant embellishment, Ikat is a highly sought after material due to the time, effort and precision that goes into making it.  There are many variations of Ikat, as it has origins in India, Japan and many South East Asian countries.  The meaning of the word “Ikat” is “to bind”.  The tying and dyeing process is similar to “tie dying”, however the fabric is dyed as it’s woven, creating intricate geometric shapes and patterns.  The result is both interesting and exotic.  This trend has hit the market hard in the past few years.  In both woven and graphic depictions, the “Ikat” continues to populate fashion as well as interiors; trending in dresses, pillows, and accessories – even iphone cases!

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Brunschwig & Fils Showroom

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“Bayadere” By Brunschwig & Fils

indigo chair

An Indigo Chair

ikatrobe

Ikat Robe

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Ikat iphone case by Society6

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Iman Red & Blue Ikat Decorative Pillow on Etsy

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Ikat iphone case by Tory Burch

Chasing The Rabbit

Written by Guest Blogger Kayla Harvey
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Watch the Video here: maison & objet
Entering an industry exhibit for Interior Design is nothing short of an “Alice in Wonderland” experience.  Never before seen innovations, striking new trends, and designers that have taken at least a few cues from the Mad-Hatter himself!  Go ahead, fall through the rabbit hole and experience the wondrous marvels that we have fallen in love with at the French exhibit Maison & Objet.

Flower Power: Layers of Floral Prints

May-Logo

Keeping with last weeks post, and an homage to the 1960’s flower power motif, we bring you a popular design trend: Layering Bold Floral Patterns.  From wallpapers covered in lively, upbeat floral glory to upholstery in loud eccentric buds, these statement floras mix wonderfully with vivid-colored solid counterparts.  As we look ahead to Summer 2013, we’re captivated by these magnificent beauties..

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1  Jonathan Adler Malmo Wallpaper in Pink & Purple / via Layla Grayce

2  Dory Wall Mirror / via Plantation Design

3  Girly Orange Vintage Chair / via Modern House Insight

4  10-Light Modern Chandelier / Opal / via ABC Carpet & Home

5  Fera Pink Pillow Pair / via Layla Grayce

6  Bright Pink Chair / via Granger Hertzog

7  Curvey Chrysanthemum Vase / via Anthropologie

8  Ogee Pillow / via Trina Turk

 

 

Image via Elle Decor France

 

Image via Pinterest

Candy colored layers of pattern and flower power punch

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ABC Carpet & Home / Aquasilk 9’5″x16’3″ Rug

A more subdued, Psychedelic take on the bold Flower Power look

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Wallpaper by Amy Butler / Passion Lily / via Layla Grayce

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Wallpaper by Amy Butler / Field Poppies / via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Memento Wallpaper / Image via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Passion Lily / Image via Layla Grayce

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Amy Butler Temple Tulip Wallpaper / Image via Layla Grayce

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Jennifer Paganelli Back Bay Orange Blue Embroidered Pillow / via Layla Grayce

 

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Folklore Red Embroidered Pillow / via Layla Grayce

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Trina Turk / Multi Floral Pillow

Jonathan Adler Malmo

 

Jonathan Adler Wallpaper Malmo Green & Brown / Image via Layla Grayce

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Image via Bennison Fabrics

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Image via Bennison Fabrics

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Image via Layla Grayce

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Anchor your pattern mixing with vivid solids.

 

A Nod To Mod

Contributing author: Amy Tran

Glamorous pearls, florals and feminine lines meet funky patterns and bold accents.  Inspired by fashion design and ranging from large floral prints to bold stripes and bright eccentric patterns mixed with pastel hues, this new wave of design aesthetic suggests its roots are from Sixties Mod.  In 2013, this is a fresh take on the sixties using lavenders, baby blues, mints, and peaches that are anchored by black or white.  This design style easily incorporates mid-century pieces with a feminine and youthful twist.

 

For more inspiration visit our Pinterest Board: A Nod To Mod