Gnomes!

I have a confession to make.... I love gnomes!... Ever since I got a book about on Gnomes in grammar school I have been secretly obsessed.... And it seems as if I am not alone... During a recent trip to Homegoods I was gleefully surprised by all the gnomes I spotted.

BOLD Target Tuesday!

My favorite discount retailer, Target always seems to inspire me with their commitment to providing low cost alternatives for great design and great designers.... From Missoni to Dwell Studio, the seasonal offerings are always worth a "peruse".... This past weekend, my trip to Target got me oohing and ahhing at their new home decor selections.   All of the items pictured below are either in stores or online now.

Taking inspiration from Asia, Morocco and Hollywood, bold patterns and colors are the order of the day and will turn your frown upside down during these gloomy grey days in January.  If you are on a tight budget and still want to Perk things up a bit... Here are some great low cost/great looking options for you.

Try adding a new lamp in a bold shape or color and changing the pillows and some accessories, you can give your space an instant facelift!  Most of these items are so reasonably priced that you can update your room for $100-$200....

You can also do it for less by updating what you have and repainting/ recovering them.  I have seen many ugly lamps transformed into funky bases simply through one can of spray paint!  Grab that hideous animal statue at the next garage sale and paint it white, the transformation will be remarkable! ....and whatever you do, remember to Go Bold!

2012 Color of the Year

Ole' for the citrussy boldness of Tangerine Tango!

Pantone has released it's new color of the year and I must say that I do like it a lot more than I did last years honeysuckle.  I have always been a big fan of orange-reds/red-oranges so for me this is a win win.  I am even considering changing my business cards which are currently the carrot shade of orange.  I do know that when I am designing my Chinese New Year cards this year, this shade will be included!  What is very interesting is that the upcoming year ahead is the Year of the Dragon, a year of change, excitement and boldness... a perfect companion to the intensity of the Tangerine Tango.

I have included some great examples of interior spaces using the Tangerine Tango.  I especially like it when it's used alongside a neutral greige.  I love using Houzz.com to get inspired by my fellow designers.  No matter what any designer says we ALL do it.  Especially if I am not used to working with a certain palette, I love to check out how other designers have worked it out.  What's great about this site is that you have your own idea books which are collections of photos on the site.  They can be labeled whatever theme or category you need so its a wonderful reference as a designer.

The photos I have put in my idea box are from some of my favorite designers.  I love how the tangerine is used as an accent color and I especially love the pullout closet units.  What a great idea to change up an existing closet with repainting the drawers a bold color.  The painted front door puts a delightful twist on the typical "good luck" red door that we see everywhere.  One of my favorite color combo's is red and aqua and this bedroom photo below is one of my faves.  While most of my photo references are of more traditional spaces, the kitchen here is definitely Mod.  Tangerine tango helps bring energy and life to the minimal design of the kitchen....and for any room for that matter!