Friday, October 9, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thanksgiving Inspired Tables
Without a doubt, fall kicks off the busiest entertaining season of the year with the arrival of Thanksgiving. It’s a wonderful time of year to seek warmth indoors.
Q: What kinds of trends are we seeing when it comes to fall tabletop decor?
A: The idea of ‘back to nature’ is at the top of the list - think of mini pumpkins and gourds, stems of fall leaves - get inspired and creative by looking outdoors!
Q: What colour combinations are hot this year, that can be used when setting your fall table?
A: Fall hues of olive, plum and peacock blues with grey as a neutral is the main colour story this season. Bright oranges, deep reds, muted greens and browns are also great colour choices. More neutral tones layered with white dishes create a rustic or traditional feeling table. For a more urban or formal look, choose deep jewel tones of red, blue and purple used with grey as the neutral.
Q: Are there any new trends in serving ware?
A: In serving ware, the trend is toward the use of bright white dishes in interesting shapes and sizes, with elegant straight lines. For example, consider serving dessert on a long rectangular tray or dinner on a large square plate. From kitchen to table, stylish and practical ovenware, dinnerware and serve ware is being used for everyday and entertaining. There is a trend toward mini-servings in smaller dishes, for example, serving three mini-desserts on a long narrow dish.
Q: How can people keep their entertaining environmentally friendly?
A: Be natural with accents such as using things from your fall garden, use your old dishes but add a few new accents to complement the colour.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A: Rustic glamour, reclaimed wood furniture mixed with fabulous lucite and chrome accents - design elements that reflect both modern, glamorous pieces mixed with unexpected raw materials like concrete or wood, super tactile, great layering.
Q: What are we seeing when it comes to:
Colour
A: Every shade of white is strong. Grey continues to be a strong colour, with soft mixes of brown, inspired by nature, stone and soil.
Furniture
A: Green is making a play. We're seeing a lot of 60s-inspired lime green, leaf green, muted pastel and earthy tones, but done in luxe fabrics with graphic patterns and lots of texture.
Walls
A: Wallpaper has exploded! Three-dimensional fabric both layered and embellished - everything from glitzy damask’s to fabulous organic birch inspired.
Accessories
A: Again, upscale eclectic chic is evident in accessories. Think: Accessories that incorporate old and new, like an oversized, ornate mirror done in a stunning ornate shiny black laminate frame. Eclectic "found" objects, such as old bottles and curiosities continue to be popular.
Q: Is eco-design/decor still a “trend”? How can people make greener choices for their homes?
A: Yes, I think it has surpassed being a "trend" and become a way of life. People think before they buy. I think it changes how we shop. We ask ourselves what or who was harmed in making a particular product, will it last, will it end up in a landfill? If everyone starts thinking this way, a greener way of life (and probably a more stylish one) will evolve.