2020 Colors of the Year

The 2020 Colors of the Year were announced in late 2019 and there were a bunch of them. You’ve probably seen them all but we’ve distilled the best-of-the-best to show you with some ideas for how you can use them in your home. This year highlights blues, greens and blush colors found in nature.

Such pretty eye candy! Let’s break them down:

Sherwin-Williams “Naval” SW 6244

Dark blues have been growing in popularity in recent years. We’ve seen more and more kitchen and bath cabinets using beautiful deep blues inspired by the sea. Sherwin-Williams chose this rich navy that they describe as creating a calm grounding environment infused with quiet confidence, paving the way to a new decade of wellness of the mind, body and soul. The company further says the color gives a nod to Art Deco influences, the power of nature, and the importance of our need as humans to interact with nature. Sounds like quite an inspiring color!

Check out our pinterest board for many more examples for incorporating this color in your life.

Pantone “Classic Blue” 19-4052

Pantone Color Institute chose a blue they dubbed “Classic Blue” for it’s solid and dependable feel. They describe it as elegant in its simplicity and suggestive of the sky at dusk, thought provoking, reassuring, and stable. Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said this of the choice: “Classic Blue provides and anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” You can explore their color suggested color pairings on their website here.

Brighter than Naval, this blue is still a solid and popular choice for kitchen and bath cabinetry. See our pinterest board for many examples of this classic color from home décor to fashion.

PPG Paints “Chinese Porcelain” PPG1160-6

Brighter than Naval but darker and more muted than Classic Blue, Chinese Porcelain gets the special nod from PPG Paints. They describe the color as blend of cobalt and moody, ink blue. It evokes natural elements like the sea and the sky, imparting calmness, hopefulness, serenity and sense of long tradition. PPG color specialists see the new decade as leaving behind neutrals like gray for more colorful backdrops. As the most popular favorite color, blue is the “easiest possible entry point” from neutral to color.

Check out our pinterest board for many gorgeous ideas to use this color this year.

Dunn-Edwards “Minty Fresh” DE5687

Dunn-Edwards choose a sweet, nostalgic pastel shade of minty green they call Minty Fresh for it’s fresh, clean feel. The company describes it as a subtle and relaxing pastel that conveys a partnership between technology and nature, bringing both an optimistic, upbeat feel and a tranquil balance. This color finds a home on many a front door and garden gate, but is no stranger in graphic design.

See our pinterest board for all the many places we discovered this shade in current home décor and fashion.

Behr “Back to Nature” S340-4

Behr choose a muted, organic green hue that looks to be straight from the forest or a meadow. They describe the color as restorative and revitalizing, fulfilling the need to create a soft landing at home. Behr sees the trend of bringing the outside indoors as continuing into new decade and a need to engage with nature will be ever more important in the hustle-and-bustle of 2020.

See all the ways we found to use this organic green on our pinterest board.

Benjamin Moore “First Light” 2102-70

Benjamin Moore sees this light, rosy pink as the defining shade to a new decade. They describe it as an uplifting, refreshing neutral that is soft, airy, and plays well with other colors. It’s a happy shade without being sticky sweet, luminescent and reflective without being too bright, and just crisp enough to look clean without feeling sterile. The company says it’s a cooler take on the very popular Millennial Pink that they see as continuing throughout this new decade.

See our pinterest board for all the ideas we found to bring this pretty pink into your new year.

All the colors speak to a link between nature and technology and a need to slow down and relax in a rushed and hectic world. (Sounds blissful!) The terms revitalized, optimism, and fresh appear in most of the color descriptions released by the companies. Do you love them?

Design Trends 2: Global Influences

Last time we talked about my love of talented, unique artisans, which is also a current design trend. Global Influences is another current trend and one that often incorporates artisans from around the globe. I adore this trend too! Read on for just a few gorgeous ways to incorporate this popular trend into your home:

Fabrics & Trim

One of my favorite fabric companies, Kravet Fabrics, Inc., offers a wealth of fabrics and trim from across the pond in beautiful textures and designs. The Lee Jofa brand is renowned for its legacy of English design that is both refined and fresh. Here a few beautiful examples from their Home & Gardens III collection, made by artisans in India:

GP&J Baker, established in England in 1884, has held the Royal Warrant for fabrics and wallcoverings since 1982. Their Mulberry Home brand was established in Somerset in 1971. They draw inspiration from their long heritage while being committed to pioneering fashion trends as well. Mulberry Home’s Rossini Velvet collection offers luxe velvets in various textures and patterns that incorporate metallics and novelties. Beautiful and cozy, don’t you think?

Wicker & Other Natural Fibers

Hand made woven goods from baskets to furniture to floor coverings to lighting are very popular and often part of the Global Influences trend. This trend often often incorporates tribal patterns hand woven by indigenous craftspeople from the country of origin, like these baskets from West Elm.

Woven goods are also now incorporating the modern style trend, weaving furniture and lighting into striking modern silhouettes, like this woven rattan dining chair from Safavieh, (left), crafted in Indonesia and this Venice rattan chair from Serena and Lily (right) that is steamed and bent into shape by hand.

Lighting

These globally inspired lighting options are also beautiful examples of talented artisans. The wooden prism chandelier with wrought iron candelabra (left) from Arhaus is a gem-shaped chandelier handcrafted by Indian artisans from solid mango wood to house a wrought iron candelabra. Or this Arhaus round nest pendant (center) that is handwoven from iron strands by Indian artisans. Both so pretty and interesting! Surya offers this gorgeous antiqued metal fixture (right), also crafted in India.

Tables

Bring some global interest into your home design as simply as a beautiful end table. Arhaus offers this Drum End Table that is hand-pounded by Indian artisans using an age-old technique to create a contemporary textural element. Surya offers this lovely Suryaglass and metal table, also crafted in India, to complement many design styles.

Wall and Shelf Décor

Another simple way to bring the global trend into your home design is the addition of wall or shelf décor. Try this cross-shaped, burnished iron votive holder made in India and offered by Safavieh (left) for a unique look with a rich patina. Add small and simple organic teak bowls like this set from Wisteria to incorporate the global trend and the sustainable, natural trends. Surya offers many decorative mirrors, like this lovely beveled, mosaic mirror (right) with inlaid wood from China.

Check out more examples of this trend on our pinterest board. Which is your favorite?

2019 Colors of the Year: Nature Meets Technology

The 2019 Color of the Year picks span the spectrum but there are two main themes: encapsulating nature and harnessing high tech.

Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral
Pantone is seeking to do both this year with it’s top color pick called Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral, a playful yet nurturing shade plucked from the coral reefs.

above: tile, Home Depot; shoes and clutch, Sole Divas; natural coral necklace, Betteridge; Wellingtons, The Hunt; Spring 2019 RTW Elisibetta Franchi, Vogue; nail polish, Ulta Beauty; bowls, Anthropologie; Fabric, Kravet; Living Coral, Pantone; gerber daisy, Fifty Flowers; penny round tiles, Wits End Mosaic; ribbon trim, Kravet; Lace Heels, Selfridges; cutting board, Bed Bath & Beyond

A smidgen too vivid to be pastel and a bit too soft to be classified with the brights, Living Coral finds a unique home for itself somewhere between the two just as it does nestled in the watery depths of soft blue waters and bright marine life. Referencing our emersion in social media and our need to find relief from the stress of the same, The Pantone Color Institute says Living Coral is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. …Representing the fusion of modern life, Pantone Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

This is a perfect shade for pops of color in neutral interiors, mixing particularly well with grays. It’s a bold choice as wall color but brave souls can enjoy a cheerful room with neutral furnishings inside coral walls. We especially love the Kravet fabrics designed around Pantone’s COTY for gorgeous chairs, throw pillows and curtains. Check out our pinterest board for more ways to incorporate Living Coral into your everyday life.

Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690
Benjamin Moore, one of America’s leaders in paint and stains, picked a sophisticated, versatile silvery-gray called Metropolitan AF-690 as their 2019 Color of the Year.

above: chair, West Elm; throws, Target; paint, Benjamin Moore; tile, Tile Bar; Michael Kors purse, Rachel Ray cookware, and round pillow, Macy’s; mosaic tile, All Modern; Michael Kors bootie, Macy’s; Fitbit and Uggs, Nordstrom

This shade is comfortable and soothing with just enough pop to look glamorous in contemporary and modern designs. According to an interview with Architectural Digest, the color guru’s at Benjamin Moore take the yearly pulse of the globe to decide on their COTY. This year the theme they discovered time and again was “pause,” reflecting a longing for stepping back from the hurry-scurry to immerse in needed moments of quiet. The slight hint of silver seems to evoke a heartbeat of high-tech just behind calm in this nuanced gray.

Gray has been popular in both interior design and fashion for several years now and is highly adaptable to many color schemes and styles. Check out our pinterest board for ways to use Metropolitan AF-690 in your new year.

The Go-To Blues
If blues are your go-to color choice, several of the top brands are singing your tune.

above: towels, Nordstrom; tile, Tile Bar; pillow sham, JCPenney; dishes, Crate and Barrel; knit throw, Macy’s; high back arm chair, Article; peacock pillow, Pier1; wallpaper, Graham & Brown; round chair, Jonathan Adler;

HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, selected a pretty, light blue called Reflecting Pool they describe as a versatile color that is fun and elegant.

Behr, another industry leader, chose a muted, medium blue they named Blueprint S470-5. An “honest, approachable color” inspired by architectural blueprints, Behr says Blueprint “creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life” and is a calls to action. It evokes honest labor and industrial and metropolitan themes. A versatile interior design color choice, muted blues are popular cabinet colors, especially in kitchens. See ways to use Blueprint on our pinterest board.

Diamond Vogel chose a nearly navy shade called DaySpa. Inspired by nature, mind and body, Diamond Vogel calls this a “deep, introspective” blue. This is a fabulous color for exterior doors and shutters. Navy is gaining popularity in home design in recent years. Most cabinet manufacturers have painted cabinets in gorgeous navy shades.

If you prefer a more dramatic blue, Kelly-Moore Paints named the vibrant Peacock Blue as their top pick. Graham & Brown chose a knockout teal called Tiru taken from the backdrop of the Tori wallpaper and inspired by the Kabuki trend, a classical Japanese drama-dance with a bold color palette.

Going Green
The color of nature and balance, green will always resonate as a soothing, restorative color. A few of the paint brands are going green in 2019.

above: dark green tile, Tile Bar; chair, Anthropologie; dishes, Pottery Barn; green penny round tile, Tile Bar; blanket, Hayneedle; geometric pillow, Society6

PPG Paints chose a dark, nearly black green called Nightwatch PPG1145-7 that they describe as lush and luxurious inspired by the healing power of nature. Just a couple shades lighter, Annie Sloan Paint selected a deep green called Amsterdam Green inspired by the painted shutters and doors of Amsterdam. Both of these deep greens work well as accent colors. Check out more ways to use PPG Nightwatch on our pinterest board.

Dutch Boy Paints selected a botanical green called Garden Patch 326-5DB to offer “rejuvenation and peace” in our homes. We’ve found lots of ways for you to use Garden Patch on our pinterest board.

Saddle Up with the Naturals
Several of the paint brands selected top picks that evoke the desert, terracotta and clay, natural caverns, rich spices and sunsets. Saddle up for a trail ride to the more rugged side of nature.

above: throw, West Elm; tile, Pratt and Larson; multi pillow, Pottery Barn; copper pillow, West Elm; terracotta bowl, One Kings Lane; pink waffle throw, West Elm; round pillow and faux fur throw, Macy’s; natural fiber pillow and pink pillow, Pottery Barn; hexagon tile, Fire Clay Tile

Dunn-Edwards top pick, Spice of Life DET439, was inspired by the adventurous, exciting, flavorful aspects of an authentic life. Things like spice-markets, the American West, and even exploring the red planet, Mars. It’s exotic, yet folksy. It’s a desire to be rooted deep in the earth instead of lost in technology. Check out ways to use Spice of Life on our pinterest board.

Sherwin-Williams chose a warm terracotta called Cavern Clay SW 7701 they describe as midcentury modern meets the American Southwest. This earthy color, inspired by beaches, canyons and deserts, can be refined or casual. See ways to incorporated this color into your life on our pinterest board.

Pratt & Lambert chose a soft pinky terracotta called Earthen Trail 4-26 from their Preserve palette inspired by the softer side of plains, deserts, and sunsets.

The color experts at Dulux wanted a color to “reflect the new positive mood of the moment” that was versatile enough to be either soothing or vibrant. They chose Spiced Honey based on the color of natural honey for a cozy yet sophisticated neutral. It also blends beautifully with our desert naturals.

Ace Hardware did something fun with it’s Clark + Kensington paint line – they held a contest for customers to mix their own shades and submit them for 2019 Color of the Year. The winning color, Pineapple Cream Granita, was created by a New Jersey native Francine C. at her local Ace Hardware store. It’s a creamy neutral that pairs well with our naturals. Good job Francine!

The “No Furniture” Trend

I recently read a post by a young woman who wanted to experiment with the latest trend of going “furniture-free” to encourage a healthier lifestyle. She gave up most of her furniture for a week to see if she indeed would be healthier for it. You can read the post here: apartmenttherapy.com/furniture-free-living-262281

Kudos to Brentnie! It takes a great deal of courage to go without the daily “comforts of home” that we all take for granted. I couldn’t resist a humorous look at how those of us who are more “mature” might modify the trend (*ahem* those who might not be able to make it all the way down to the floor).

Modification #1

A few chairs, but only ones that promote correct posture as the only way to tolerate them. Let’s face it, you can fall off a yoga ball and break a hip. While you’d have the added benefit of physical therapy to get you moving around, I don’t recommend it as a way to exercise.

Additional added benefit: Not only will you not want to sit a lot, but none of your guests will either. Those kids will be out the door in about 30 minutes tops.

Modification # 2
No table or chairs in the kitchen. Stand and eat at the counter.
Benefits: You’ll eat less, and wash fewer dishes as you’ll be eating from pots, pans and containers! You’ll feel more youthful- like being in college!

Modification # 3
Get rid of the TV! (Brentnie didn’t say she made this sacrifice, and with a toddler, I completely understand why she wouldn’t) Hang some TRX bands in the living room if you want to “hang out”. Pretend you’re in the dungeon in the “Count of Monte Cristo”. Come on, we need to exercise our imaginations to keep our minds healthy!

Ok, so maybe this trend isn’t going to be around for long. I agree that we should all challenge ourselves to get out of the house and move more, but ultimately people want a place they can come to at the end of the day that welcomes them, comforts them, and shelters them. That’s a trend that will never go out of style.

Innovative Cabinet Storage and Organizing Trends

Last week we showed you some of the exciting cabinet trends in 2018 that are making our kitchens and bathrooms a feast for the eyes. But what about when you open those lovely doors and drawers to the storage spaces within? One of the biggest trends in 2018 cabinetry is organization. The options are simply fabulous! Scroll through the images below for a look at some of the innovative storage and organizing solutions available to turn our cabinets into functional, orderly spaces:

Pullouts and Deep Drawers

: Greenfield Dinnerware Drawer

: Greenfield Rollout Storage

: Greenfield Pot and Lid Drawers

: Greenfield Adjustable Organizer

: Greenfield Peg Drawer

: Greenfield Canister Pullout

: Dura Supreme Vertical Tray Storage

: Dura Supreme Spice Pullout

: Greenfield Baking Drawer

Appliances and Cleaning

: Greenfield Sink Pullout Drawer

: Dura Supreme Sink Pullout

: Wood-Mode Trash Pullout

Drawer Storage

: Dura Supreme Spice Drawer

: Greenfield Tech Drawer

: Greenfield K Cup Drawer Insert

Corner Storage

: Greenfield Corner Pullout

: Dura Supreme Corner Pullout

: Greenfield Corner Organizer

Bathroom Storage

: Rev-A-Shelf Vanity Drawer

: Rev-A-Shelf Hamper Pullout

: Dura Supreme Bathroom Pullout

Check even out more kitchen and bath organizing options in our pinterest board.

Exciting 2018 Cabinet Trends

How would we function without kitchens and bathrooms? We couldn’t! Cabinets are integral to the comfort, function and design of these vital rooms. So just what do homeowners desire most in new cabinetry today? Beautiful and functional options abound. Here are some of the trends exciting homeowners most in 2018:

Transitional and contemporary styles are growing in leaps and bounds. Shaker cabinets continue to be highly popular as well as timeless white, both of which work well for transitional style kitchens. Homeowners who seek sleek contemporary or modern styles are often opting for flat panel and slab door cabinets. Homeowners are frequently mixing in glass door cabinets with interior lighting and open shelving is increasing in popularity.

Left: Northbrook White Kitchen; Right: Lincoln Park Condo Kitchen both by Catherine Schager Designs

Two-tone cabinets are on trend with any style, often with light perimeter cabinets and contrasting dark island cabinetry. Dark wood stains are most popular for the contrasting color but personalized color choices are making a comeback too with homeowners often opting for shades of blue and green. Chameleon neutrals are gaining interest – colors that look slightly different from various angles and in different lighting. Modern cottage and modern farmhouse styles are growing in popularity too. The “X” motif is becoming a common sight, either in cabinet doors, chair backs, or on the ends of island cabinetry.

Greenfield Cabinetry by fma Interior Design

Another huge trend is mixing an opaque and a stain or a stain and a glaze to create an array of flexible and personalized color choices.

Heavy wood grain finishes are popular even in sleek, contemporary cabinets. Laminates are becoming more popular, especially with new technology that allows realistic wood looks. Tailored shiplap is also on trend.

Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)

Left: Dura Supreme Laminate Skyline Walnut by Kitchen Design Partners (photo by Dennis Jourdan); Right: Dura Supreme Bria Sterling Ash textured laminate from 1st Choice Cabinetry (photo by Greg Scott Photography)

Pale wood and raw wood looks are on the rise as finish choices, as is accepting wood imperfections. Oak had fallen off in use for a while but it is once again a popular choice, including cerused oak finishes. Weathered and distressed finishes are popular and not just for traditional or farmhouse styles. Adding a splash of rustic to transitional styles is a currently popular trend too.

Left: Greenfield Qtr Sawn White Oak; Right: Greenfield Knotty Alder with Heavy Distressing

All these gorgeous cabinet options are a treat for the eye, but don’t you want to open these doors and see orderly, functional storage spaces? That essential cabinet function is top of the list for homeowners. Stay tuned for latest in cabinet inserts that make storage a breeze.

Left: Spa Retreat Master Bath; Right: Delightful Contemporary Update both by Catherine Schager Designs

Check out our pinterest board for more cabinet styles and finishes. What is your favorite?

Furniture Trends: Bursting with Shapely, Touchable Style

Whether your home is a stately lady, a modern sophisticate, or a trendy fashionista, the occasional update to her wardrobe can be just the thing to keep turning heads (including your own). Furniture is a keystone of your home’s apparel. Refurnishing an entire room? Adding one new statement piece? Here’s a look at the 2018 furniture trends igniting current home fashion with excitement:

Jewel Tones and Metallics
Jewel tones are very popular, including “Ultra Violet” Pantone’s dramatic Color of the Year. If you want a furniture piece that pops out in your design, 2018 is a good year to browse. Also popular are earth tones and neutrals. Metallic accents and mixed metals abound as well. They sparkle with the jewel tones or add the perfect touch of contrast to the lighter colors.

Lagerfield Seating from Christopher Guy

Bennetti Leather Metal Frame Chair from Crate and Barrel, Annecy Lamp from Christopher Guy, Jonathan Adler Rider Bench from Neiman Marcus

Embrace Those Curves (and every other shape)
Shapely furniture is all the rage with every shape imaginable (and some you might not have imagined).

Soft Curves and Rounded Edges
The strongest trend is toward soft curves and rounded edges that seems to embrace you and wrap around to bring you in more intimate closeness with your seatmates.

Courbe Settee from Christopher Guy, Lola Sofa from West Elm, Infiniti Curve Back Sofa from Crate and Barrel, Jumelle Seating from Christopher Guy

Sculptural Silhouettes
Sculptural furniture is another strong trend this year. Not as soft as the shapes above, but still graceful lines and curves in these distinct beauties.

Vigne, Lucia Gauche Fan-Back and Josephine from Christopher Guy, Bugatti Home Bu Cobra Chair from Luxury Living Group, Niels Wing Glider from West Elm

Geometric Designs
You’ll also find geometric designs galore, both in the shape of the furniture piece and in designs applied to or carved in the surface. Hexagons (also called honeycomb) are especially popular this year.

Hexagon Garden Seat and Caracole Chair-ish Chair from Neiman Marcus, Trussardi Casa Tosco Table from Luxury Living Group

Touchable Textures
Textures from oh-so-touchable soft to coarse and nubby are popular too.

Velvet
Velvet is most popular texture, often with a sheen, especially in the soft, round shapes. (Naturally! If you’re being hugged by your chair it should be as cuddly as possible.) Admit it, you kind of want to pet the top one don’t you? Adding throw pillows and throws with additional textures is on trend too.

Haute House Varianne Curved Sectional Sofa and Harper Tufted Cuddle Chair from Neiman Marcus, Robey Charcoal Velvet Curved Sofa from CB2
Mixed Feelings
The first couch in this grouping is a mix of textures – smooth, supple leather seat, slightly nubby upholstery fabric with metal nail head trim, and pillows in a mix of textures that come with the set and all meant to appeal to your sense of touch. The Coronado Seagrass chair mixes rough natural fibers with smooth white teak. Mixed textures add depth and makes your room design pop as well as being a treat to your senses.

Massoud Ivy Leather Seat Sofa, Spruce Swivel Chair and Old Hickory Tannery Sherwod Sheepskin Settee from Neiman Marcus, Coronado Seagrass Chair from Crate and Barrel

Au Naturel
Hand in hand with mixed textures, adding natural elements to your furniture is highly popular. Stone, wood, leather, fibers – all add more of that touchable depth we just discussed. They also blend with the popular Wabi Sabi trend, embracing the art of imperfection and respecting natural objects as they are, including asymmetry and roughness. If you go au naturel in 2018 you’ll be right on trend.

Marmo Table from Christopher Guy, Driftwood End Table from Crate and Barrel, Carlton Tufted Leather Ottoman from Neiman Marcus

The Party’s Back Here!
Surprise detailed chair backs are quite popular too. Blogger and staging expert ‘The Decorologist’ creatively termed the trend “party-in-the-back” and you can see why.

Heritage Collection Annabelle Armchair from Luxury Living, Haute House Peacock Chair and Massoud Tahoe Accent Chair from Neiman Marcus, Roar + Rabbit Leather Swivel Chair from West Elm

A Touch of Glam
Whatever shape and texture your furniture, glam lighting is the “IN” accent. And just look at the geometric shapes, metallic accents, and natural accents to choose from! If you’re looking to add just a bit of the latest trends, you can likely find a lamp to fit your current room design.

Table Lamp Collection from West Elm, Ritz Paris Home Collection Bubbles Table Lamp from Luxury Living Group

A Smidgen of Spice
Let your inner eccentric play a little with a quirky accent or two and you’ll be right on trend.

Friendly Cats Salt and Pepper Shaker from West Elm, Filigree Lucanus Wall Lamp from Boco Do Lobo, Papier-Mâché Teardrop Sculpture from West Elm

Just remember the most important rule in furniture selection – comfort! Make sure you and your family will enjoy using the pieces you select above all style considerations. Check out our pinterest board for more examples of the current trends in furniture.

2018 Styles and Trends in Countertops and Accessories

Let’s talk countertops. Whether your kitchen is small and cozy or large enough to entertain a crowd and equipped enough make Emeril jealous, your countertops are center stage. They take up a lot of real estate and there’s no hiding them away in the cupboard when company comes, so your best bet is to make sure you love them. Here’s the fabulous news: if you prefer a sedate look, a well-chosen countertop style can blend quietly into your overall design; but if you’re looking for a design statement piece, nothing adds personality and pizzazz to a kitchen (or bathroom) like countertops! Of course, nothing gets as much wear and tear either, from food prep to entertaining to homework (need we mention science projects?) so homeowners often wisely choose a gorgeous workhorse, like granite or quartz. Read on for a quick rundown of the newest trends and styles we’re seeing in 2018.

Materials
While are many wonderful materials to choose from, some are more work than others. Marble and wood tend to stain and are more easily damaged. Soapstone is durable but has little variety. This keeps people coming back to our previously mentioned workhorses, granite and quartz. Both are excellent choices. Granite used to be the reigning champ because it can often be found in jumbo-sized slabs and can be found in many unique designs.

Recently, quartz has taken the lead. Advancements have produced new, jumbo slabs that have closed the size gap. Dozens of color, style, and design options are now available. Quartz countertops can look like marble, granite, or even wood or concrete. Quartz is easy to clean and maintain and it’s nearly as indestructible as granite. (Granite still takes the hottest temps better.) Quartz is non-porous, so it won’t soak up any sloshed morning java or the red wine you sip while making dinner. Since quartz is engineered, the patterns are consistent, a plus for some tastes. (Others prefer the imperfections and uniqueness of granite.) Lastly, quartz is easier to keep germ-free. All those lovely pores and imperfections in granite not only soak up stains, they can also harbor germs, requiring harsher cleaning agents. There’s no place for germs to burrow and grow inside quartz. (Did you know bacteria can double in number every 20 minutes? All it takes is one germy cell phone on the counter…)

Textures
Polished finishes are still the most popular, but textures like matte are gaining attention. For example, Silestone offers polished, suede, and volcano finishes (below). All are non-porous and smooth to the touch, but the textures can add character and help hide flaws and scratches.

Silestone textures (polished, suede, volcano)

Caesarstone US is on top of the rising “urban industrial” kitchen design trend with a line of rugged concrete look quartz options that simulate a weathered patina.

Caesarstone Metropolitan Collection

Colors
2018 said goodbye to bright colored countertops and welcomed in a neutral color trend. Grays, beiges and white are popular in a variety of more soothing patterns and natural stone looks. Here are a few neutral bathroom countertops our own clients have chosen with beautiful results.

LCO Misterio from Vicostone; Vista Blanco from Marble Emporius; Travertine look-alike quartz

Cambria USA has dozens of neutral quartz designs in their lineup, like these stunning examples:

: Cambria Brittanicca Gold

: Cambria Brittanicca Warm

: Cambria Delgatie

: Cambria Highgate

: Cambria Ironsbridge

Sinks
Composite sinks are gaining popularity in the kitchen and stone vessel sinks are being seen more and more in bathrooms. Aren’t these options from Stone Forest just lovely?

: Stone Forest Carrara Milano Vessel sink

: Stone Forest Onyx Wabi Vessel Sink

: Stone Forest Onyx Wabi Vessel Sink

Faucets
Nickel and chrome finished faucets are still common choices, but brass finish is another growing trend. Whichever finish is chosen, faucet styles are trending toward either modern and streamlined or industrial and utilitarian, like the beautiful examples below.

Henry faucet by Waterworks in brass; NYC Apt of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen (Zillow listing)

Yaquina cross handle faucet from Rejuvenation in brass finish

Tolson faucet from Rejuvenation in brass finish

See more images from these current trends on our pinterest board. What do you think about the trends toward neutral, natural, modern and industrial?

Technology Meets Beauty in Motorized Window Treatments

At May 29, 2018
By catherineschager
In Design Trends, Great Interior Design Products
2

What could be better than a gorgeous window treatment that works at the touch of a button? Or even integrates with your home assistant? In the early days of motorized window treatments, the options and styles were somewhat limited but today the limits are few. You can choose from many types of window treatments and the style choices are really blossoming as well!

They are so lovely and the technology so convenient that we asked Jarmila Singer of Sound Living to share her expertise in the field with us.

Can any window treatments be motorized?

Mostly, the category is roller shades, roman shades, tensioned shades (skylight) and draperies. There are also motorized wooden blinds and horizontal sheer shades.

Is there a weight maximum?

This varies depending upon the category. For draperies, it’s about 185 pounds. For shades, the restriction is not only weight but also roll diameter due to the thickness of the fabric. So, height is a restriction that is part of this equation.

How are they powered and how do they operate?

Power can be low voltage or line voltage. Sound Living only provides low voltage shades. The third category for power is actually battery-operated shades and they are quite popular!

: Serena by Lutron battery housing

: Lutron Wall Station

: Lutron remote control

Do they integrate with smart phones and tablets?

Yes

Are they noisy?

No! That’s the best feature of low voltage motors.

Are there other special features we should know about?

Yes, the Lutron shade motor provides IHA which is Intelligent Hembar Alignment. Basically this means that Lutron shades in the same room will move in perfect unison. Lutron is the only manufacturer that offers this important feature.

Why should clients be interested in motorized windows treatments?

Motorized window treatments provide convenience, luxury, solar protection, and privacy.

Convenience – control a large group of windows with one button, control all the shades in the home with one button, control hard to reach shades
Solar protection – art, furnishings, flooring
Room temperature control – especially for south and west exposures
Privacy – dressing, sleeping, TV viewing

What makes Sound Living the best company to install motorized window treatments?

Sound Living provides the technical shade solution, the aesthetic shade solution, and complete installation and training of the client. All three aspects are critical to a successful project. Our hands-on process of working with the interior designer and home owner is what sets us apart. We view the aesthetic shade solution (fabric selection) as the most important part of the process.

How long has Sound Living been in business and what qualifications/certifications do you have?

Sound Living has been in business for 16 years and we are certified Lutron dealers for 12 years. We are also a certified dealer of motorized window treatments with Hartmann & Forbes and Conrad, utilizing Lutron motors.

Do the motors and other hardware come with a warranty or customer support?

Sound Living provides a 1-year warranty on labor and Lutron provides an 8-year warranty on its materials.

How would clients contact your company?

Please call us in our Highland Park office at 847.926.7034.

Sound Living is a boutique consultancy in Highland Park specializing in high-end residential technology. They carry Lutron motorized shades as well as lighting control systems and other home automation solutions. Jarmila Singer is the Vice President and co-owner with Gary Singer. She has worked with motorized window treatments for 12 of her 14 years with the company. She and the rest of the staff at Sound Living have invaluable experience in the field.

Thanks Jarmila! If you want to see more options in motorized window treatments, check out our pinterest board. Click on the youtube videos embedded below to see an overview of the Serena and Sivoia lines by Lutron.

Serena by Lutron

Sivoia by Lutron

The Fresh Designs in Freestanding Tubs

At March 22, 2018
By catherineschager
In Design Trends, Great Interior Design Products
4

Between the hustle-bustle work world and the love-filled but hectic activities of our family lives, sometimes we just need to unplug. How many of us have staked a “no trespassing” rule around a private hour in the sanctity of our baths? Ah, the simple pleasure of a hot soak stretched out in the tub, a warm washcloth folded over your eyes, scented oils soothing both your skin and your olfactory senses – that’s a slice of paradise.

Unfortunately, anyone who has attempted to achieve that perfect soak in a traditional tub/shower combo knows it often leaves your neck at an uncomfortable angle and your legs folded up awkwardly.

Enter the freestanding tub. Large, freestanding soaking tubs are gaining popularity both for the comfort and the beauty of the designs. A gorgeous freestanding tub can be a breathtaking focal point in your bathroom design. Here are some of the best designs available in a whole range of beautiful styles and materials:

This traditional beauty from MTI Baths is gently sloped and wonderfully roomy, just right for wiling away a blissful hour gazing out the window. We just used this tub in a recent client project and it turned out heavenly. (Stay tuned for images on the finished project soon!)

Here’s a graceful Italian update to the always romantic slipper bath from Zucchettikos:

This gorgeous oval cast iron bathtub with burnished finish is from the Margaux Collection by Waterworks. You can see more views of this spa-like, European style tub in our Glenview Renovations project on Houzz.

Or sail away in the Pescadero tub from Victoria + Albert Baths, a unique “wave” design inspired by the sea.

The Papillon is a show-stopper from Studio 41 in Carrara Marble with a unique bowl shape.

Maybe the hand crafted, hammered finish of the Native Trails Antique Copper Aurora from Studio 41 is tub that calls you from the cares of the world.

The simple lines of the contemporary style, teak wrapped Petra tub from MTI Baths is a bold statement piece for a more modern spa bathroom.

With so many styles, shapes and features to choose from, there is a freestanding tub for every taste and hundreds of tiny vacations in your bathroom just waiting to happen.