Spring Trends Make an Appearance at the Oscars!

Once again the Oscars" Red Carpet did not disappoint! There were some amazing dresses and while I noticed more metallics this year, I also noted the number of pastel gowns as well. Last years awards ceremony was all about neutrals and simplicity, it absolutely trickled down to the masses with the popularity of neutrals in the fashion and home fashion trends forecasted for 2010. So now that I have seen color slowing making its way back in this season with the surge of pastels, how is this translating to our homes?



I think I saw it best in this months issue of Elle Decor, they had a great selection of Pastel Finds. my favorite William Sonoma's wing chair in pale blue with nailheads. The details make the difference.

Luxury Liner Chic!

When I think of heading on a vacation on a cruiseliner I always get a little sentimental, envisioning myself heading on a luxurious old steamliner. The men in white dinner jackets and the women in beautiful chiffon dresses in tantalizing colors dancing the night away. Yet today, the cruise ships are all glitz and glamour with more amenities and services, replacing the beautiful warm wood tones and starboard strolls. But I have found the next best thing to these ships of yore!

Starbay furniture company has designed beautiful classic pieces salvaged from great luxury liners! Their pieces are made of rosewood, brass and bone inspired by the history of travel on these great ships from distant lands. Whether looking for a clever storage piece or a folding chair for two this is a must visit to http://www.starbay.net.

GREATEST KITCHEN ELEMENTS!

House Beautiful's "Kitchen of the Month"

A friend of mine has just purchased a wonderful new home that will need a total kitchen rehab! So this past weekend we spent time looking over the plans and possibilities. As I went through the scenario of choosing the elements of her new kitchen she increasingly became overwhelmed. While I find the process exciting, I needed to remind myself that to the average homeowner it is a daunting task.

So today I thought I would share the reason our kitchens are so important to who we are and the lifestyle we are looking to create and live. Where do your family and friend congregate when entertaining? Why the Kitchen of course! The labor of love goes into cooking and entertaining, there is something very empowering in putting out food and drink for those who are guests in our homes. It has a timeless appeal as we are connected to those in our families who are now gone, but had once shared their homes, meals and love with us. Our kitchens can never be big enough, people always want to be in there. They need to be created with love, food, family and friends in mind! After all this is the "Heart of our Home" and the "Hub of our life". Give it the planning and patience it deserves!

It's a Classic

"A classic is a classic not because it conforms to certain structural rules, or fits certain definitions(of which its author had quite probably never heard). It is classic because of a certain eternal and irrepressible freshness" Ezra Pound

What constitutes a "classic" look? With the general public looking for stability and longevity, timeless interiors are taking shape all across the country. So really what makes a room, sofa, or coffee table a "classic"? Think of Grace Kelley, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis etc., all women of style. Creating a room of style which will hold its "look" no matter what the home decorating or fashion trends are at the moment

So lets look at some qualities of a "Classic"; a room that never goes out of style, furnished with sofas and chairs that have good lines and are well proportioned, anything that has staying power and can mix the past and present. Pieces that can transcend different design sensibilities and will look at home with antique or contemporary accessories and artwork. Think of updated traditional that feels fresh and modern. The room above is a great example of classic design by Mary Douglas Drysdale.

So what is your "signature style"? Really think about this and create a home with staying power...a true classic.