Thinking a year in advance

In my line of work, creative development, I am privy to the upcoming trends for the beauty, fashion and home décor industries. The gap between the three sectors has greatly lessened, now fashion and home décor mirror each other in the same season rather then home décor following a year behind.

I have recently viewed the trend forecast for – are you ready for this – Fall/Winter 2009/2010. I know it’s hard to think that far ahead and yes the trends do change somewhat from the predictions, but it is fun to see what’s coming down the pipe.

We start with a simple question – how are these trends determined? Well, trend forecasting is big business (obviously) and the firms that do it take it very seriously. Trend scouts are sent to every corner of the world (literally). They window shop, visit trendy areas of major cities, and really – just people watch. When they return from globe trotting, each scout compares notes – and hopefully it results in similarities. The print on a silk scarf in Dubai may be a sofa pattern in Copenhagen….and that in its most simplistic explanation – makes a trend!

I wanted to share some trends, themes (or as we call them stories), that I think will be strong in the FW 09/10 season and that are also commercial enough to translate into beauty, fashion, and home décor.

Autumn Floral
Enchanted forests filled with orange and yellow shades that underline a dark brown all combined with traces of green. This beautiful almost hand painted prints reside on silk, taffeta, satin, crepe, light wools and jersey.

Black Dahlia
Dark shades with reddish and purple hints, accompany classic black and white. Flowers in light prints on chiffon, flocked motifs and innovative lace patterns adorn traditional fall fabrics.

Spring in winter
Tonic colors lighten up white, ecru and boring beige. Print plays a major role with dynamic prints, checks circles and motifs galore. Brighten up those dreary days of winter with a punch of vibrancy reminiscent of the 50’s and 60’s.

Romantic Floral
Half shades with toned down multicolor, encompass denim, jersey and cotton fabrics creating an arts and crafts look with a soft, almost Anthropologie like feel. (http://www.anthropologie.com/)

Stay tuned...Spring Summer is just around the corner!

“If your heirs won’t fight over it, we won’t make it”

That’s the company’s motto and it reflects Jonathan Adler’s commitment to impeccable craftsmanship and panache.

Since receiving his first order for pottery from Barneys New York fifteen years ago, Jonathan Adler’s eponymous company has grown to become an internationally recognized lifestyle and home furnishings brand offering tabletop, bedding, bath accessories, furniture, rugs, wallpaper, pillows and lighting. Jonathan Adler is known for a design aesthetic which pairs modernist forms with bold colors and groovy graphics. Additionally, Jonathan Adler is one of the country’s leading interior designers, working on luxury residential projects as well as large-scale commercial projects, including the celebrity hot spot Parker Palm Springs hotel. While he is already one the best interior designers around, I think it is fair to say that his style and look will be the inspiration for upcoming designers still years away from graduating – we could be looking at another David Hicks in the making!

Is it all it’s chalked up to be?

I think so! Chalk paint has been around for a while now, but the latest trend in chalk is way cooler! First off, instead of boring black or green chalk paint comes in color!!

This would be a great effect if you could find the same color chalk paint as your walls, then your message would appear seamless! Or how about a chalk wall decal – clever as it can be removed easily - great for renters!!

And it doesn’t stop at walls – chalk is appearing everywhere. Canisters, cups, napkin rings and herb pots are all following this old school (pardon the pun) approach to décor. I love the vases, door hangers, storage baskets and even mini labels – I think the whole approach is very clever, and an organizer’s dreams come true!
What I am really excited about seeing is this oilcloth chalk fabric. I’ve seen it on tote and bags and think it is a great idea especially with back to school just around the corner – a pencil case made from this fabric is a must-have, not to mention a binder too! Take a surf on Google and you can find lots of great chalkboard items and even some cool DIY projects.

I think it’s time to pull out my daughter’s sidewalk chalk and get creative!!!

Is it possible you could be a wall decal junkie?

I think I may be becoming one. In an earlier posting (an updated twist on a classic – June 2008) I spoke about silhouette artwork (which I still love) and thought it would be easy to create some of these pieces yourself using canvas and simple vinyl wall decals. So away I went and started searching for ideas in my own home.

After a couple of hours surfing I realized that I wanted a decal for every empty wall in my home. Then calming myself down I realized your walls should not read like a "War and Peace" novel. I have posted a few clever decal ideas here to inspire you in your own space. I am thinking of 2 decals for my own home. I definitely want the silverware decals for the empty wall in my kitchen and one of the vintage mirror decals.
I have a great location for the mirror in my home office which I have decorated with everything I love to look at – and this might just be the next edition!

Giving Ikea a run for their money?

While in China last Fall I came across a company called Storehouse China. The company produces elegant home décor items that are designed in Sweden. The look and feel of their designs is very “Ikea” like. As soon as I saw them I knew they were a Scandinavian inspired company.

Their product range includes wood, glass, ceramic and textile accessories for the home. I am hoping to visit their showroom in Shenzhen next time I am in China. They sell only to retailers (as far as I know). These retailers are all over the world but mainly throughout Europe – kinda obvious based on their designs.

Here are a few of my favorites. I love the Mamma and Pappa latte mugs, the vibrant and fun tea towels, and how cute are the bunnies and chickens?

The antler coat rack and innovative umbrella stand are true indicators of the unique design coming out of Storehouse China..very sleek and very modern.

I hope to share more photos (and maybe even buy some samples!!) following my next trip to the Orient – until then, enjoy!!!