Heavy Metal in the Home!

| Design Works International

Well I am not referring to Metallica or ACDC…on the music scene…but rather “Mixed Metals” that have been on-trend for the last few seasons in the home.

In the past many of us would NOT mix metal finishes but would rather find a certain metal like a stainless and adhere to the same finish! Well those days are over and today we can happily say that “Metal Mixing” is in, while “Matching Metals” is out!

Mix those warm and cool metal surfaces allowing a personality of style to shine through your home. Today we are seeing metals mixed with matte black finishes as well which give us an updated industrial sensibility.

Remember it’s all in the mix…supporting your sense of style in the home!

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Type, Text and Textiles…Trending!

| Design Works International

Self expression is in and by today’s standards we all have a lot more to say. With the rise of social media and DIY influences, text, type and textiles are a form of self expression!

Some might choose to have a massive blackboard (chalk paint is awesome) as an accent wall so each day personal notes or sayings are updated…while others are digitally printing fabric with personalized statements and using as dec pillows to update their design aesthetic!
Whatever the case may be we see a resurgence in self expression and type, text and textiles seem to be an update outlet for creativity!

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Passion from Paris…People, Products and Productivity!

| Design Works International

Traveling to Paris this time of year is a bit ” chaotic” because of my schedule….my trip started in Germany for Heimtextil…then to Las Vegas for KBIS and now Paris for Maison&Objet.

I thought the chaotic part would be the aftermath of the Charlie Hebdo and Supermarket tragedy but the French are standing united and the streets of Paris are busier than ever!
The sadness is surrounded by love and support for France by many countries!

My trip was filled with passion from all aspects…people, products and productivity! Local conversation was upbeat and engaging, products at Maison & Objet were fresh and forward thinking and in the small amount of time I spent in Paris…I was able to accomplish everything I set out to do!

Feeling blessed traveling as much as I do for business and loving that I can share my finds with all of you! My next few posts will focus on my trend updates for HGTV and of course my design studio in NYC, Design Works International! Thanks for the follow:)

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Bold Colors are Back!

| Design Works International

Bold…Blocking…and Beautiful!

Saturated color for the home is an upbeat option for those who are willing to give it a try!

Years ago bold color was considered “Chaotic” in the home because it was considered “Avonguard” and “Artsy”…but by today’s standards many of us love self expression and are drawn to what is different, especially because color is so personal and can define your style!!

A great way to introduce color into the home is by a few defining accent pieces that will give any space a bit of color personality!

Check out my current “color finds” from Maison & Objet in Paris and enjoy adding some color into your life!

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Creative Manufacturing- Design of the Future

| Design Works International

Finally, manufacturers that actually get it…today’s design is about tomorrow future!
Returning from an aspirational design show such as Maison Objet in Paris really makes one think about the future of design around the globe! Guess what all…it’s not about the size of your company anymore…it’s the “content that counts”!
Yep, you heard it here first….great to see the smaller manufacturers “killing it” at the show because their brand was “Trend Right” NOT trendy!
When a brand speaks to the consumer the way that Dasras did it allows people to buy exactly what they want without making it themselves…think DIY folks…how can your brand look a bit more “home made” at a retail level. The consumer today is looking for a connection to, for and with a product…

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Posting from Paris

| Design Works International

Off to Maison & Objet, the largest and most aspirational home product show in the world. Designers, as well as creative manufacturers gather to show their latest and greatest products for the home.
Most trade shows feel endless and overwhelming but I can promise there is No Chaos here…just color and creativity.
I will be posting on colorchaosand creativity all weekend with lots of updates from Paris AND you can follow me on Instagram @nancy_fire @hgtv @hgtvhome

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KBIS SHOW LAS VEGAS

| Design Works International

Posting from KBIS in Las Vegas and I fell in love with these amazing tiles from Walker Zanger. The dimension and texture in each of these patterns is incredible!
So nice to see the resurgence in detail at The Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) in products like tile, flooring and in overall design aesthetic.

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The Softer Side of Color

| Design Works International

Wow…what a busy week at Heimtexil in Frankfurt Germany! I love when I find products that still have that connection to art and illustration…check out these children’s graphics on bedding. The color…LOVE…the technique…Love…the creativity…Love!
No chaos here, just refreshing product that looks updated and fresh!
More color and creativity to come as I am at KBIS in Las Vegas today and tomorrow and off to Maison&Objet in Paris for the weekend!
Stay connected to Color, Chaos & Creativity.

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