Opposites Attract

March 17, 2015March 17, 2015 | Design Works International

Photo Credit @nancy_fire

Does “Black and White” really ever go out of style?

No matter what trade show I might be attending, or country I might be traveling to, I always seem to find products in black and white refreshing.

It might be a resting point for my eye or a way to wipe my overstimulated mind clean after viewing so many patterns and colors…but wherever I am and whatever I post on social media I always seem to get an overwhelming response to black and white imagery!

Do some see it as a safe way to add print and pattern in their lives without too much chaos over adding color?

Do some favor the simplicity of a graphic statement without color?

Do some see it as a secure way to decorate because it never seems to “Go out of Style”?

In my humble opinion…it could be “all of the above”…..because I personally look forward to finding my next resting point during my upcoming travels…and this is coming from a person who lives in a world of color and pattern!

Making Memories

March 12, 2015March 12, 2015 | Design Works International

Looking back at my lifetime of memories I cherish those times that we actually took the time to capture life in the making.

Back in the day of film, sepia prints, and art filled family photos, images were heartfelt and meaningful……I am happy to see a resurgence of this sensibility and style!

Everytime I see this image it brings me back to that day on the beach with the people I love most in this world!

Keep making those memories as creative as you can and they will last a lifetime.

Playful Products

March 9, 2015March 10, 2015 | Design Works International

So nice to find playful products on my travels these days…really love the spontaneouty of these ceramic bowls for their color and imperfect pattern design. I am not a fan of matching patterns but I do love collections of similar objects….hence loving this ceramic collection!

Photo posted by nancy_fire

A Few Of My Favorite Things!

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 | Design Works International

Tiles, Tones of Green and Patina…all design elements that make me smile. This season be on the look out for these trending and beautiful details.

Tiles are now seen in many rooms and not just the bathroom or kitchen…be creative in your design experience!

Tones of green this season are off beat tones of different shades of green working together! No more matchy-matchy hues….

Patina makes me think of aged beauty, but this season it actually takes on a more modern style.

Trend Board and Photo nancy_fire

Repetition NYC

March 3, 2015March 3, 2015 | Design Works International

Repetition in NYC could mean many things especially after living here for 30 years…as a designer it’s all about color, creativity and of course chaos, the positive kind!

Finding historic repetition like the detailing in these landmark handrail medallions in mixed metals just made my day! In NYC it’s all about appreciating “the history” that is captured by these everlasting signs of creativity!

I❤️NY!

Photo credit @ nancy_fire

Trending…”Cozy Comfort” and Texture!

February 24, 2015February 27, 2015 | Design Works International

Its no surprise with the weather this winter that “cozy comfort” is trending in the home category! Textures have become the new chevron of the season as we are seeing them in various shapes, size and color. In fact, this season it’s the layering of textures especially in bedding that people are gravitating towards. I especially love this natural throw @homenaturestore because those tassels are awesome…and the weave detail is beautiful. If your looking for shades of grey this season (which is also trending for other reasons) these throws from @westelm are another option for “cozy comfort” this winter!
Stay warm!

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

The “Coolest” Guy I Know! Jeremy Scott!

February 16, 2015 | Design Works International

In 2007 my Design Studio in NYC, Design Works International had the pleasure of working with a fashion designer from LA named Jeremy Scott.

At that time Jeremy was getting ready for a show in LA and Paris and needed help with an idea that he had for a “juke box” dress. We looked at his amazing sketch and created the actual graphic in CAD and printed it on digital fabric at First2Print, the digital printing end of our studio….we were thrilled to see this dress allover the media in Paris as well as LA especially with M.I.A. wearing it!

Fast forward to 2015 where Jeremy Scott is now Design Director for Moschino and is designing clothes that musicians and models are wearing to award shows, red carpet appearances, super bowl half time, TV interviews and of course walking the cat walks at his fashion shows…we are so happy for Jeremy as he has always stayed true to himself as a designer, trend setter and stylist.

So excited for his success…I follow him on Instagram…I e-mailed him…(still having his e-mail in my phone…not knowing if it was still working…it’s been 8 years since we last spoke) and a few days later I received the most humble e-mail in return…talk about a welcomed response! Just proves that if you stay true to yourself…dreams do come true…dream on Jeremy…you are a super star and a super nice guy!
Love from NYC….