Trending Colors Even in Succulent Plants!

February 22, 2015February 27, 2015 | Design Works International

Funny how “what comes around goes around”, even in plants these days. Heading back from Paris last month I was elated to see that the softer side of color was out and about in many product categories…even in the composition of these beautiful succulents!
The beauty to me was the addition of the lava planters used to offset the feminine pastel coloration of the plants. Nice display of the trend “Rustic Glam” that I wrote about a few weeks back in one of my posts!
Beauty comes in many forms and these succulents sure prove that through color and texture.

Indigo, Shibori & Block Printing

February 22, 2015 | Design Works International

This season “Feeling the Blues” in print and pattern is super creative because it’s all about different artistic techniques like Shibori and Block Printing. Patterns are imperfect because each print takes on its own personality and style due to the technique being used.
Colors range from deep dark indigo to powder blue with accents of teal creating unexpected highlights.

It’s encouraging to see these patterns at retail that look updated and fresh. When styling prints like these it’s best to introduce enough white to help the pattern from becoming over saturated. It’s refreshing to see the clean blue and white stripe in the mix which acts as a more traditional addition to the variation of techniques this season.

At Design Works International, my design studio in NYC, our print collections are looking like a creative mix of Shibori, block printing, tie-dye and watercolor. As designers we are so excited for this very innovative print and pattern season!

We are always looking for freelance and full time designers to join our talented team, if interested please e-mail us at careers@designworksintl.com

“Rustic Glam”

January 30, 2015 | Design Works International

Trending at retail, in restaurants and in many homes these days is a sensibility I call “Rustic Glam” It’s a mix between “glam and raw materials”. Best to think of this style as “the new industrial” something I have been talking about for the past two years!

Coming off of a two week trend and research trip both overseas as well as in the states…I really am enjoying this universal sensibility and style.

The first photo is a great example of using metallic accents as the “glam” against wallpaper that has a more rustic style…shown here from the KBIS Show last week in Las Vegas!

The next photo was taken in Germany at the Heimtextil Show which received 615 likes on my HGTVHOME Instagram!

The brick, mirror and light fixture are from a very groovy resturant that I visited while art directing our HGTV photo shoot for HSN IN Tampa…called “Oxford Exchange” located downtown at 420 West Kennedy Boulevard!

Yes, it’s in the mix and this season it’s refreshing to see different substrates
like wood, metal, sequins and texture working together in the home.

Enjoy the mix and “make it your own” by combining techniques and textures that are inspiring!

Happy Designing!!!

” Frankfurt Trend Find”

January 14, 2015 | Design Works International

Me again…posting from Frankfurt and had to share my “Frankfurt Trend Find”…who knew that Acid Yellow would be trending in this small village outside of downtown Frankfurt. I love when I explore places off the beaten track and stumble upon a trend find like this..so good that I am updating my KBIS trend presentation next week for my HGTV 2015 Trends in Las Vegas and updating my “Acid Yellow” slide with this very groovy trend-right yellow house. Had to update you on the “Color” part of my Chaos and Creativity! More to follow as Heimtextil opens today…more trend ahead!

Color, Chaos & Creativity…Take ONE

January 11, 2015January 13, 2015 | Design Works International

Welcome to my first blog post…as Creative Director of Design Works International NYC and Design Director of HGTV HOME I want to share my global travels with you and bring a bit of color, chaos (the good kind) and creativity into your life.
Join me on my journey for updates on anything design…first up Frankfurt Germany…on my way to the Heimtex, the largest Textile Show in the world to premiere our new Home Furnishings Textile Collection for upholstery, wallpaper, rugs and bedding.
Posting trends on color, fabric and products all week with a bit of chaos…the good kind when dealing with creativity!