Think Bright,BOLD and lots of stripes and florals

My favorite!

From fashion to home interiors, I've just created a pinterest board that is sure to make you smile. It was so much fun looking at all the beautiful florals and stripes that are boldly being used to create beautiful interiors.
Here is a sneak peek at some of the items I pinned.  

Beautiful fabric from one of my favorites Highland Court

Via Highland Court

Another one of my favorites is Thibaut. I love love their wallpapers and their fabrics.

Via Thibaut

I was certainly delighted when I saw Duralee combine these beautiful lilac florals with a bold fuchsia sofa.  Just perfect!

To look at my entire board of over 30 pins go to my Pinterest board titled Bright, Bold stripes and florals. I hope you enjoy.

How do you feel about using  Bright,BOLD, stripes and florals? It makes me feel happy and confident.

Trend Alert 2016

 It's crazy to think that we are already in the month of February and it seems like time is just flying by.  Before it does, I'd like to share the trends I am seeing for 2016.  I know that some of you aren't crazy about trends but they are important because they dictate the industry. The more we know the better informed we are in what's available. So with that being said, I'd like to share what I am seeing as the top 5 trends for 2016.

1. COLOR

YES, my favorite. COLOR  is everywhere from painted rooms, to fabrics to accessories.  If you love using color here is your chance to enjoy it.

Think Bright,BOLD and lots of stripes and florals

Via Brunschwig and Fils

2. Dare to Cook Differently - Steam Oven

The steam oven is not really new to the industry but it is certainly picking up steam. Several companies have introduced them into their lines and I absolutely love how they cook. Having tasted a delicious beef tenderloin cooked at the Subzero-Wolf showroom here in Charlotte, I am sold on the efficiency of this appliance. If your thinking of doing a kitchen remodel, this is an appliance to consider. It is also available through Miele and Thermador as well.

Via Sub-Zero

I've been told the only thing a steam oven can NOT do that a microwave can is 

POP POPCORN!

3. Metal Mania

From appliances to plumbing fixtures to hardware and even wallpaper, the metallic influence is everywhere. Whether combined with other finishes, or used as a statement piece, Metals are a hit for 2016.

I love the way different metal finishes were combined in this powder room. By using brass light fixtures with a gold lined mirror and chrome fixtures and accessories there is a balance within the space.

Via A Well Dressed Home

I love this mirror made of brass combined with a black exterior finish

Via Downtown20.net

4. Romantic Movement

How appropriate for the month of Love and thanks to Pantone'ss selection of blush and serenity, we are seeing these colors used in many different combinations. 

 Andrea Brooks photo shows Blush on the walls and infused with pops of colors

Via Andrea Brooks

While Style me Pretty uses a combination of grays, white and blush to achieve a beautiful and serene look.

Via Style me Pretty

5.Stone

Whether natural or man made stone is everywhere, from Marble to Dekton. I will be sharing qualities and uses in upcoming Blogs

A contemporary style using Dekton (Manufactured by Silestone) as the base and countertop

Via Dekton

Marble tiles for floors, backsplashes and countertops.

Via My Parradissi

Fred MacMurray's Charming farmhouse

I have great memories of Fred MacMurray from "My Three Sons", and when I saw this sweet video from his daughter Kate MacMurray I just had to share.

The house a simple two story farmhouse speaks to comfort and family what a home should be. Read their story behind this endearing  house and family. 

I hope you love seeing the pictures and the story as much as I did. Let me know what you think

Have you read The Bee Cottage story?

I just finished reading a darling short book called, The Bee Cottage Story, by Frances's Shultz. Her book evolved from the stories she published for House Beautiful several years ago when her life was a mess and she decided to remodel a house she bought in the Hampton's.

Part memoir part decorating, this book is about the evolution of a person as well as a home.

I really enjoyed reading her story and the growth that occurred in  her personal life and her house.  Her book speaks to the feelings we get from our homes, to the people we touch and the way we express our story in our collections and selections to fill our homes. Truly embracing the fact that our homes tell the story of our lives.

As I meet with new clients and learn their stories, I am excited to curate their stories into cohesive, comfortable and beautiful spaces we all come to call home.

Have you read the Bee Cottage? What did you think of the book?

Pantone names 2016 color of the year

As you all have heard by now Pantone named Rose Quartz (a light and warm pink) and Serenity (a soft blue) as their colors for 2016. When I initially saw them I thought YUK taking me back to the 1980's when you saw so much mauve and blue. I do have to admit that Rose quartz sounds so much better than mauve.

Pantone

Mauve and blue in the 1980's - YIKES!

Via Ugly House

As I sit here and write this I have to admit that I do love both of colors.  Whether they are used alone or combined with other colors they each are calming colors bringing a sense of peace to interiors.

Via Style me Pretty

Combining these colors using similar values will maintain this sense of Serenity. (No pun intended)
Below is a color palette to show you complementing colors in the same value

Via Provide the home

I'd love to hear your thoughts on Pantone's color choice for 2016 . I hope you will take a look at how to use these colors in your home on my pinterest board.

Best of houzz 2016

It's an honor to have won the Best of Houzz for Service.

My business is centered around listening to my client needs so that I can provide the best service for them.  My designs tell the story of the people who live in their homes, curating their spaces to have the feeling of being assembled over time in a Chic, Bold and Colorful way. 

I am thrilled to have achieved this!

Goals for 2016

MY Goals for 2016

As I was writing my previous post and encouraging you to set goals related to your homes I decided to go ahead and post my goals for 2016. Knowing the difference between a goal (an endpoint you desire) and a resolution (an intention you set for your life). I have decided to assign these as personal goals which will transfer to my business.

I have done this for years but never on the world wide web, so here goes.

 STAY TRUE TO MYSELF

 First and foremost, I want to make sure every decision I make regarding both my personal life and business life - I stay true to myself. This means that I am happy with the decisions I make and confident that I am doing the right things for myself and others

 PRACTICE POSITIVE HEAD CHATTER

We all suffer from the crazy head chatter or cucarachas in our heads that keep us from moving forward in a positive way.  I would like to focus on positive thoughts and practice what Abilene Clark said daily, because I IS!

 CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE RONALD McDONALD HOUSE

I love the Ronald McDonald house and I love that I have found a way to contribute through my gift of language.  Being fluent in Spanish has enabled me to help the guest staying at the house that do not speak english through translations and compassion.

PLAN TO VISIT MAISON & OBJET IN PARIS

For years I have been wanting to go to Paris to this amazing show. It is similar to the Atlanta and High Point market but on an international scale. This year my husband and I are tying it in to our 30th anniversary, two years later.  In the meantime, it's WORK HARD so i can PLAY HARD in September.

FOCUS ON MY IDEAL JOBS

I would really like to focus on working with my sweet spot which is CHIC, BOLD & COLORFUL !

It's not something that is always going to happen but I would certainly like to incorporate those elements as much as possible into my design jobs.

Jamie Drake Interiors

Cheers to your 2016 Goals!