FloorTalk – for all the latest flooring fashions

Submitted By:  Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG

Just in case you missed the latest post on WFCA.org “Designer’s Corner”, you might want to check out the article on “What’s Cooking in Kitchen & Bath Trends…PLUS COLOR”. It’s the “PLUS COLOR” part of that article that ties nicely into the subject of this blog.  Twelve stunning new colors for 2010 were introduced in that article—all will come into their own for home interiors over the next year. These rising stars on the color scene were all based on my on-going research and work with Color Marketing Group International. (CMG is the premier color-forecasting group in the United States. As a not-for-profit organization, color trend predictions are unbiased, sector-specific, quite accurate, and highly valued.)  Each member analyzes the raw data that comes out of CMG conferences and customizes it to their particular product line and market.  In my case—home interiors! 

One of the new color introductions included in that published forecast was Violet Satin.  This color was strongly influenced by the technology sector and is reflective of combining stainless steel with the softer side of purple.  The fashion industry absolutely loves it, and so do home interiors.  It’s a transitional color that we will see working effortlessly in everything from carpet and fabrics, to hard surface applications.  Consider that the 2010 color predictions for home interiors were decided early in 2008, and validation of these colors is now emerging—in a big way. Evidence of that was seen at the recent Cersaie Tile Show in Italy.  Sphere Trending, a respected international trend spotting company, highlighted this show in their recent newsletter.  In their own words: 

“As always, the tile and bath installations at Cersaie were simply stunning this year. Continuing in importance, as a softer statement in design, was the influence of inspirations from nature. Birds and butterflies came to life, subtle floral motifs took shape and shadowy trees, branches and leaves became an elegant statement.”

The link to Sphere Trending’s slide show is below (Lovely in Lavender). Be sure to click on ‘slide show’ in upper right of their page to see these images full-screen.  Enjoy this color-rich visual walk through of the exhibits at Cersaie, and watch as Violet Satin comes alive in some stunning and surprising applications.  This color is a blossoming winner already making international headlines, as you will see.

Submitted By:  Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG

WFCA’s very popular Floor Talk is dedicated to what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s “news” in home decorating.  Of course, every type of flooring will have its turn in the spotlight as this year progresses, but we understand that you have to think holistically when creating a new design.  So, to build on all the great floor covering information you have received (and will continue to receive throughout 2009), let’s address what happens after your flooring decision is made.  What do you do with your walls to coordinate with that beautiful new floor?

When you think of the Levis name brand, what comes to mind?  Of course—it would have to be jeans.  Marketing geniuses agree that the brand is so successful, that it has become an interchangeable synonym for everybody’s Saturday morning, ‘kickin’-around-the-house’ blue jeans.  You think of comfort, quality, and easy maintenance with the Levis brand.  And wouldn’t it be nice if we could translate that “feel” to our home interiors!  Well now you can. What would you say if I told you that Levis also manufactures a quality collection of oil-based and water-based home interior and exterior paints!  These paints are luxury class products that definitely live up to the Levis name.  The color catalog offers thousands of colors in matte or satin finishes to suit your every mood and taste.  Add to that an entire menu of decorative effects paints, and the artist in you will come alive.  For more information, check out their website at www.hankat.com.  (These wonderful products are made in Belgium.)

While researching Levis Ambiance Paints, I stumbled upon another decorating treasure that I wanted to share with you.  ‘The Stencil Library’ website (home based in the UK) is an eclectic collection of every type of wall stencil you can imagine.  They’ve incorporated Levis colors into their collection to make decorating even easier.  This manufacturer claims to have the largest mail-order collection of stencils in the world, and from the extent of their catalog, I believe it.   From classical architectural stencils to Art Deco themes, you are sure to find something you love.  If you are looking for larger-than-life wall appliqués, you will find them at The Stencil Library .  There is a renewed resurgence in the popularity of stencils as an alternative to traditional wall coverings for several reasons.  First of all, it’s a less expensive way to decorate large expanses of negative (blank) wall space, and when you are ready for a change, removal is quick and easy.  Get creative and enjoy browsing–here’s proof that shopping globally for your interiors has now become a reality.

Submitted By:  Annette M. Callari, Allied ASID, CMG

I have just returned from an action-packed meeting of Color Marketing Group International.  233 Color Professionals from across the country came together to identify color trends, and just as importantly, meaningful marketing trends sweeping the country.  Do we now have the colors emerging for 2011 and 2012?  Yes we do.  Can I share some of that with you today?  No, I can’t—not just yet.  But I can tell you where colors are headed and why.  Then, later this year, watch WFCA.org Designer’s Corner segment, and the future colors will then be revealed.

But for the time being, let’s focus on what’s coming up for 2010.  Speaking of Designer’s Corner, the 2010 colors are posted (see “What’s Cooking in Kitchen and Bath Trends—PLUS COLOR!” )  These are the colors you need to know about right now, and many of these will carry over into 2011.  Look at 2010 and 2011 as years of color evolution rather than revolution.  And there is a good reason for that.  One of the major marketing trends identified at our conference in New Orleans focused on timeless, authentic designs, built on classic colors.  To accomplish that, steer clear of fickle colors—those that are here today and gone tomorrow. 

Given the current economy, nobody wants, or should have to, redecorate every two to three years.  It’s neither efficient nor economical.  So designers will be “cooking with interesting neutrals, and spicing with color.”  That approach is beyond smart, and here’s why:  spice colors can be changed more frequently, without major cost or upsetting the foundation of an entire design.  You can change spice colors via accessories, toss pillows, slip covers, lighting fixtures, and even selective re-painting (a single wall or perhaps only one room).  But the more costly basics of the design– window coverings, furniture, flooring and carpet–remain the same.  What an excellent way to create a fresh design without starting from square one!  Timeless colors can be described as interesting neutrals (complex neutrals created from a mix of several colors) that have chameleon qualities.  That means that these colors irresistibly change with the light of day.  Add to that clever new paint products that add opalescent, iridescent and pearlescent qualities to paint, and you’ve added radiance to your color of choice.  Now you have the makings of a design that is exceptional AND enduring.

Enter one more directional marketing trend that was identified:  our gravitation towards comfort colors.  These are the familiar colors that have been best sellers for over five years.  Professional designers know these colors well, and you can either consult a designer or do a little research on your own.  Most nationally recognized paint manufacturers have a list of their “best sellers”, and without a doubt, those colors fall under the “comfort” umbrella.  Soft greens, interesting neutrals, warm browns and “grayed” reds are a few of those hallmark colors.

One last prediction that goes hand-in-hand with the comfort trend:  look for colors over the next few years to be more “shaded”—not necessarily muddier colors (definitely NOT), but softly shaded by adding a touch of black or gray to a color.  This softens and tones down the intensity of the color.  It’s a sign of the times that we, as consumers, are now becoming cautiously optimistic—and that mindset translates to the colors we will use.

So there you have the latest news from the world of color for interiors.  It’s all good news in that it revolves around practicality, efficiency, and authenticity, with a bit of romance added in for good measure.  Here’s wishing all of you a Happier New Year…

Submitted by Annette Callari, Allied ASID; CMG

2009 has been a tough year for just about everyone, and with the holidays quickly approaching, I decided to pen an article that could bring a bit of holiday inspiration and good-cheer into your home. It’s all about transforming your home to embrace the Christmas season—without emptying your wallet.  Over the next few paragraphs, my wish for you is that you discover an inspiring decorating idea or two that will have you saying, …why didn’t I think of that?

The traditional colors of the season start with red and green.  But burgundy, pink, gold, silver, blue, and white are also key players in the holiday palette.  And you can introduce any one of those colors to suit your mood and your decor. Fragrant wreaths, softly glowing candles, and poinsettias continue to be favorite icons for holiday celebrations, but lets go beyond the “expected”—to explore some delightful ways to dress your home for company:

White slipcovers for your furniture aren’t just for summertime anymore.  If you’ve already invested in cottony white slipcovers, now they can do double duty.  Add some  overstuffed pillows in red or green prints to those white covers, and you’ve instantly created a striking holiday décor.  Potterybarn.com offers oversized pillows in cozy red and white buffalo checks.  Add one or two smaller Christmas-themed pillows, (checks will coordinate with just about anything you choose), and your room now has a complete Kris Kringle makeover.  Let’s not forget about the floor.  Did you know that holiday-themed polyester and olefin area rugs are extremely affordable and can underscore your new design for the Season? Your area retailers or Big Box stores can show you what’s new in holiday themes and colors. 

Let’s move to the dining room to work a little magic.  You don’t need to go out and purchase all new linens to give a fresh look to your table.  A new fabric runner in Christmas colors can become the focal point for any solid white or lace tablecloth.  If you are handy on a sewing machine, go visit your nearest fabric store and pick out a pattern that reminds you of Christmases past and childhood dreams.  If you don’t know a bobbin from your boots, your local drycleaner usually has a seamstress on staff who can do the stitchery for you (for about $10)! 

Next, let’s put that beautiful light fixture or chandelier above your table to good use.  This is an excellent “prop” for lighting up the season (pardon the pun).  Do you have small carriage lampshades on your light fixture? (Or, can you add them?) Check out your local lighting store for seasonal lampshades that can transform your chandelier and make it another holiday focal point.  Burgundy brocades, pine cone prints, and of course reds and greens will get your shades into the holiday mode. 

Before we leave the dining room, here’s one of my favorite suggestions.  Those graceful arms on your chandelier are perfect for hanging crystal ornaments on fine-gauge fishing line.  The ornaments appear to be floating, and the light from the chandelier illuminates the crystal and adds sparkle to the room.  If you are having dinner guests, consider that at the end of the evening, you might let them choose one of these ornaments to snip and take home with them as a holiday gift.  I usually have small white boxes, with only the tops pre-wrapped, waiting for just that purpose. After they choose their ornament, wrap it in snowy white tissue paper and place in the colorful gift box for them to take home.  The pre-wrapped boxes make a festive decoration set to one side of each step on your staircase.  And those crystal ornaments will have served double duty:  adding touches of pure sparkle to your chandelier during dinner, AND serving as a unique, personal gift for each of your guests.   

We haven’t talked about table centerpieces as yet.  If you plan to order a custom floral, expect to spend $50 to $100 depending on the size.  But, if you already have a beautiful leaded glass vase or container, bring it to the floral section of your local grocery store and have their florist design a professional arrangement for you.  It will be a fraction of the cost and you will have a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.  And feel free to get creative with your containers.  I’ve used china teapots (in Christmas colors), sterling silver Revere bowls, oversized Christmas mugs aligned in a row: even staggered-height vases (three is the magic number).  I choose the flowers I want, add some glittery ribbons, and create an amazing tabletop that your guests will truly remember.  Baby’s breath bouquets make a stunning filler between flowers for any container–very economical, and gives a wispy, Wintery touch to the arrangement.  Have fun and show your style! 

Let’s address the chairs around your kitchen or dining room table.  It adds an elegant touch to invest in holiday chair-back covers, tied with bright satin ribbon. This may not be the most economical suggestion in this article, but it does have a huge impact. You will be stunned as to how effective this is in your holiday home make-over. And it’s something you can use over and over for other occasions.  Sheer white covers with red satin bows practically beg to be part of Valentine’s Day.  

Are you dreading the holidays this year because you might not have enough china to set a uniform table for all your guests?  It’s time for you to discover Overstock.com.  I love my china pattern, but over the years there have been more than a few casualties while entertaining.  I am pleased to say that I was able to add six more dinner plates and three more coffee cups in a pattern that is over twenty years old.  I can now set matching place settings for up to 16 people!  Wine glasses, silverware, china pieces and much more are all available for you to explore at Overstock.com. 

Can’t forget that your front door speaks volumes as to what kind of holiday welcome you want to extend.  Again, exterior holiday walk-off mats in cheery Christmas themes can set the stage for that warm first welcome.  Look for fresh green wreaths at the Big Box stores or craft stores that you can decorate yourself.  Don’t let the ‘do-it-yourself’ quotient intimidate you.  A roll of wired ribbon, some small glass ornaments or silk flowers, mixed with your creative touch, are exactly what your front door needs to announce the season.  

Do you have a credenza, console table, or lamp table in your foyer?  Dress it for the big party with glass votive candles (colored or just clear glass), interspersed between pre-chilled champagne flutes.  Colorful curling ribbon tied to each stemmed glass completes the festive look.  As you greet each guest at the door, present him or her with a glass of bubbly (sparkling cider works just as well as champagne).  This enticing visual absolutely glows with holiday welcome and good tidings. 

The Christmas tree still reigns supreme as the center point of your decorations.  I have yet to find any tree skirt that fits the mammoth sized trees we bring home.  Fabric by-the-yard to the rescue!  Off-the-bolt fabric can be wrapped around a tree stand to fit any sized tree, and costs much less than premade skirts.  Use pinking shears, if you have them, to trim raw edges of the fabric to avoid raveling. Don’t worry if you don’t have shears.  Just arrange the fabric so any raw edges are neatly tucked under.  By the way, if you’re trimming those low-hanging branches to get the tree into its stand, don’t discard them–use them on your mantel for fragrant decoration.   

Your home is going to get lots of traffic throughout the holidays.  Walk-off mats at all of your doorways will spare your floors tracked-in snow, sleet, mud, or whatever else Mother Nature is stirring up outside.  But regardless of your precautions, there is bound to be some wear and tear.  So, come visit me here at Designer’s Corner after the first of the year.  We’ll be talking about “After the Party….So What Now?” and I will address maintenance techniques to get your floors (carpet, stone, tile, hardwood, laminate) back to looking good. 

For now, all you need to do is to dress your home in some Christmas finery; enjoy your family and friends, and with an open heart, let the joy of the Season surround you.

Submitted by Annette M. Callari, A.S.I.D.; CMG

October 14, 2009 marked the date for the American Society of Interior Designers annual tradeshow here in Southern California.  Attending that show as a professional designer is always reenergizing–discovering innovative products that can (and do) stop you in your tracks!  The show is open only to ASID designers and student chapter members, but I can certainly share some of the highlights with you.  

When you think of quartz countertop materials, you most likely envision something quietly elegant, with the Silestone®, Cambria®, Caesarstone® or Zodiaq® name on it.  All of these are well-known brands that create surfaces from quartz aggregates and polyester binders.  They are beautiful, functional, and timeless. Did you know that natural quartz happens to be one of the hardest, most abundant minerals found in nature?  Only diamonds, sapphires, and topaz are harder!  This accounts for quartz products being highly scratch resistant, but still, be sure to use cutting boards when slicing on quartz surfaces.  Another strongpoint of quartz counters would be the consistency of color.  Manufacturers offer a well-rounded palette of colors that showcase the light-reflective brilliance of natural quartz.  And–these surfaces are non-porous and resist staining, so no sealing is required.

So what can I possibly tell you that would be news in the world of quartz?  I can tell you that one manufacturer featured at this tradeshow—Compac® Quartz USA— has teamed up with a world-renowned artist, Karim Rashid, to create a signature line of quartz countertop products that are—without exaggeration– a work of art.  Karim Rashid is well known for his creative product designs, as well as his designs in fashion, furniture and contributions to the world of art.  He has designed for Shiseido, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Carolina Herrera, and now Compac!  So, what sets his collection apart?  COLOR!  Expect the unexpected.  Rashid’s brilliant contemporary color line features a stunning fuscia red, a glitterati silver (sparkling with shards of quartz); two refreshing water-toned blues; Lila–a deep violet; Musaka–a port wine color; Absolute Blanc—a creamy neutral, and (hold on to your hats) flamingo pink and lime green!  Not exactly what you would expect for countertop choices, and all the more reason designers were captivated. Strong, bold, breathtaking and unexpected–all of those adjectives readily apply to this artisan-inspired collection.  If your personality matches that description, here’s the countertop for you.  Find out more about these focal point quartz products at compacmqusa.com  Click on Quartz Compac/Color Palette/Karim to view the color line.

(Note of interest—most of these new colors are reflective of the 2010 home interiors color trends forecast published at wfca.org “Designer’s Corner” 8/18/09. Be sure to check it out.)