The Balance Of Black and White in Interiors-Paris

September 7, 2018 | Design Works International

As we see certain trends in color this season we are also experiencing graphic great trends in black and white that have been consistent with previous years statistics. This classic and sophisticated style adds dimension and drama to any interior space.

A favorite find at Pinto Paris today is this white chair accented with black piping and black metal arm detailing with accents of cork.Black based cocktail tables with marble tops by Sarah Lavoine Interiors. Importance here is the varied heights in the collection of tables that work as one style statement.

Textural black and white textiles at LE BVH in the Marais. It’s truly about the dimensional aspect of the weave this season in creating these updated graphic patterns.

Terrazzo Containers at LE BVH [trend watch 2018-19 products made with terrazzo]

Textured bathroom tile slabs in an updated chevron pattern in black, white , gray and taupe.

Designers Dream de Gournay Paris

January 25, 2018January 25, 2018 | Design Works International

Current Situation…meet my new friend Taylor [bucket list worthy] unrolling the archives for me this morning…could not be more thankful and appreciative of my VIP tour..so get this..I walk in, totally waited for Deco Off Paris to be over cause the crowds are crazy…and this awesome, yes awesome young lady opens the door and after hearing my American version of “Bon Jour” says welcome…this 24 year old superstar has been living in Paris and working there for 6 months before she heads back to nyc to work in the de Gournay Showroom in NYC..exciting Design events coming our way New York City.

As a designer with a BFA degree, the artisan techniques still used in the de Gournay wallpaper collection allows one to appreciate every detail. From tea stained paper to silk ombré subtleties their style is forever timeless. Here are just a few delightful images from my behind the scenes tour…thanks Taylor for making my trip to Paris a designers dream!

Flamingos Collection Eclectrique

Palms Collection Eclectrique Colors Gaugin

Temple Newsam Collection de Chinoiseries

Portobello Collection de Chinoiseries

Silk Tree Collection Japonaise + Coreenne Colors Blossom

Deco Monkeys Collection Of Panoramiques

Portobello Collection de Chinoiserios

Creative Color Lisbon Style

September 20, 2017September 20, 2017 | Design Works International

So this happened…a few days ago I was in a city that inspired me on so many levels…Lisbon.

First let’s start with the obvious..it’s natural color, Terra-cotta from the intricate tiled rooftops to its original azulejo tiles…

Lisbon sunny skies are an inspiration to all, known for its amazing weather, azulejo tiles favoring blue color combinations as well as vibrant painted blue doors…Lisbon is feeling the blues.

Next up, golden yellow…like Lisbon’s weather..this sunny shade of yellow ripples throughout this beautiful city, emulating its sunny and energizing weather.

Green paired with coral and yellow create a light citrus palette perfect for Lisbon’s creative charm. From interior design stores to green inspired subway tiles…it’s a sea of green!

Red, being a color of passion and adventure, was spotted in some of the most famous areas of Lisbon and entrances to many historic sites.

And of course Millennial Pink…this shade of pink was here long before millennials were born…truly makes the city have an antique color quality among its long history!

Inspired yet….Portugal’s capital truly inspires on so many levels, especially if you are a creative soul…it’s creative color, terrific textures and wonderful weather are the perfect blend for an inspirational adventure.

Obrigado!!!!

Graphic Greats…Black and White Prints and Patterns in Paris

September 9, 2017October 2, 2017 | Design Works International

Bold bedding geometric inspired prints in black and white in BVH department store in the Marais section of Paris.

Gift set mug collections in black, white and gold featuring text graphics in various type fonts.

This teal color [on the blue side] is the second largest influential color behind black at retail in Paris.

Over scaled geometric prints lend a graphic vibe to any sofa, bed or chair.

At the Merci Concept Store in the Marais section of Paris, tabletop was truly a trend to be reckoned with adding mini dishes and plates to the mix.

This bed set at Conran’s on the left bank of Paris was just one of many graphic inspired beds throughout the city.

At Galleries Lafayette Maison, these graphic towels in black and ecru have a tribal vibe that coordinate well with the graphics aesthetic of the season.

At Le Compagnie Francaise, graphic one color ikat patterns compliment this mixed substrate chair of leather and vinyl cording.

This woven bench detail at BVH is not only trend right, it’s a practical solution for expanding seating in your home.

At Merci Concept Store, it’s all about the graphic and global mix, showcasing authentic woven baskets in black and white, mixed with rustic matte and glossy black ceramic vessels.

Perfect Pink in Paris [yes millennial]

September 9, 2017October 2, 2017 | Design Works International

So it’s true..all this talk about pink…in fashion and home decor…it’s allover Paris in some creative and updated ways!

Mixing well with most colors, millennial pink is not only for the young at heart..dinnerware at Printemps in Paris💕

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nne de Solene mixed millennial pink solid pillowcases with pink/coral and gray watercolor flowers creating simple sophistication in bedding available at Printemps, Bon Marche and Maison Galleries Lafayette in Paris💕

Millennial Pink staircase at the Conran’s Shop in Paris. Talk about making a statement💕

Tom Ford 2018 Summer Runway Show cleverly mixes millennial pink with hot tonalities of hot pink adding that summer accent color pop💕

Cutest coffee and tea cups at Printemps in Paris..love the round shape product style as well💕

Here’s to pink 💕power! I will be posting from Paris this weekend before heading to Madrid and Lisbon..follow for updates daily!

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Collaborating with Nature

June 26, 2017June 27, 2017 | Design Works International

For inspiration regarding color I often take my cue from nature. This weekend I noticed that our hydrangeas were starting to bloom at our country house and I was inspired by these awesome cool tones of lilac and purple…having just painted our front door lilac last weekend I decided to use the same inspirational color on our outdoor shower…I am never one to match when designing the interior or exterior of our home but I love the connection of color here…and it’s always nice to collaborate with nature💜 [even better when your husband agrees to paint your front door and outdoor shower lilac]

Surtex NYC Trend Update Part One

June 10, 2017June 13, 2017 | Design Works International

Last month at Surtex NYC, I gave a seminar on Color, Chaos and Creativity..trends relating to the fashion, home and accessory markets. Posting my first update today and will continue to post the rest this week on color, chaos and creativity.

Jungle Florals and Tropical Treasures…redefining our lifestyle by bringing “the outdoors indoors” with oversized jungle inspired leaves and flowers. Greenery with bright pops of pink, violet and turquoise.

Our Rock Star trend is a millennial “must have” with spiritually topping the charts with crystals as the next craz! Soft pastels are accented with rich purple and magenta shades.

Colorful Catci take succulents to a whole new level by embracing products in fashion, home and accessories. This season we are seeing pastel colored succulents against deep toned grounds creating a new vibe in contrast color work.

Farm Fresh is truly a lifestyle today centered around organic style painted veggies, fruits and flowers. Colors are vibrant, fresh and saturated. Don’t be afraid to mix and match techniques within prints…it’s an updated and sophisticated way to make these prints new this season.

Cannot forget our Greenery this season with a shout-out to Pantone’s color of the year..we love pairing this special shade of green with contracting green shades creating depth and dimension..also adding black into the mix for a more sophisticated take on color!

Posting more updated trends for 2018 tomorrow…thanks for following💚

What Happens In Vegas… | colorchaosandcreativity

March 13, 2017March 10, 2017 | Design Works International

Stays In Vegas…The IRE Show (International Roofing Expo) was held March 1-3 2017 at the Mandalay Convention Center focusing on the latest trends, advances in technology and the best practices for business growth in the roofing industry.

Honored to give a Trend Session on Global Greats and meet some of GAF’s residential and commercial contractors while talking about the GAF On-Line Style Guide @gaf.com/styleguide We talked about the relationship between the roof as an exterior element that reflects the sensibility of interior elements in the home…take Terra, our global lifestyle that emulates a more curated and collected lifestyle gathering interior items from your travels while mixing and matching them in your home. Glenwood Golden Prairie and Timberline HD Barkwood are both excellent examples that are part of our Terra Trend!

Awesome having Guy Fieri join us from the Food Network and cook his signature burger at the GAF evening party…by the pool at Mandalay Bay!

It’s not your grandfather’s roof any more as GAF has so many updated colors, textures and shapes that can redefine your roofing style!

Remember your roof really sets the trend for the rest of your home so why not enjoy the many roofing possibilities that GAF has to offer…visit us @gaf.com/styleguide

Organic Influence Overseas

March 10, 2017 | Design Works International

We continue to see organic icons in many product categories influencing home decor through color, material and pattern.

Bringing “The Outdoors, Indoors” is not just a trend these days, it’s a lifestyle. The connection to nature has never been stronger for most people, especially in times of such uncertainty throughout the world.

Traveling through Paris, London, Amsterdam and Frankfurt last week confirmed that in the coming year we will continue to see more products relating to and influenced by nature.