Designers Dream de Gournay Paris

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

Textile Treasures at ‘Paris Deco Off’

What better way to add color and style to a rainy, cold and grey day in Paris…by visiting Deco Off, an international textile event that takes place once a year in the interior design district on the left bank of Paris.

Global, Graphic and Tropical inspired patterns were among the most popular in many of the textile showrooms. Most featured embroidered accents, appliqués and textured printing techniques.

More information regarding Paris Deco Off can be found at http://www.paris-deco-off.com/

Creative Color Lisbon Style

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!!!!

Perfect Pink in Paris [yes millennial]

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!

💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

Surtex NYC Trend Update Part Two

Surtex NYC Trend Updates From Color, Chaos and Creativity….Part Two


Colorful Contrasts highlight this season by adding fresh and fun color to an assortment of products from paper goods, tabletop, fashion as well as home decor accessories. Do not be afraid of positioning primary colors together especially in full coverage patterns. Royal blue, teal, red and fuschia are leading the pack with a powerful punch of color!


Jewel Toned Textures keep our textured trend alive in 2017-18 with a shift in color to a warmer color palette. Fuschia, tangerine, golden yellow with accents of blue are updated color combinations for the season.


Mostly in home decor we are still seeing soft pastel shades mixed with deep accents trending in fabric prints and patterns. Millennial Pink continues to take the lead with lilac, grey and yellow creating this Soft Edge update!


It’s back, looks like Seaform of the 80’s is back with a vengeance looking new and updated mixed with black and white.


Transitioning from Millennial Pink to Mauve/Lavender will be a trend we will be watching as pinks transition over the next few months.

All Design Works International Prints and Patterns are owned by our studio until time of purchase. To purchase designs log into designworksinternational.com and click on shop prints…you will need to sign into your account or create a new account. Any questions e-mail nfire@designworksintl.com

Surtex NYC Trend Update Part One

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💚

Organic Influence Overseas

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.

Zeil, Frankfurt
Munkh Cashmere, Maison Objet, Paris
Edelman, Christmas World, Frankfurt
Zeil, Frankfurt
Keratin, Christmas World, Frankfurt
Zeil, Frankfurt
Werner Vob, Frankfurt, Christmas World
Zeil, Frankfurt

Merci. Have you been?

Have you ever been to Merci in Paris? You know that lifestyle store that has a cult following from all over the world… which I guess Includes me!!

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Take a detour, you will be happy you did! Located at 111 Boulevard Beaumarchais in Le Marias.

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Merci never disappoints because they are on the cutting edge of style with fashion as well as Home Decor.

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The vibe; bustling with trendy people from all over the world coming to see the newest textures, substrates, colors and style updates.

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Today they were making custom chair tops from a powdery substance that allows you, the consumer, to design your chairs on the spot! Right in the store! Pretty awesome! Pretty millennial! And Pretty Fast!!

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The beauty of these custom chairs is that no two are alike since each one is individually made. With the various color combinations and ombré effects that you can create using these powder substrates…it’s an instant DIY! Each one is an original work of art and a true one of a kind… I am ready to create mine!

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Creative Color, Medellin Colombia

A Designer’s Paradise….vibrant colors fill the streets and artisan shops of Medellin Columbia-also known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its moderate temperatures all year round. Situated in the Aubbrua Valley and surrounded by green mountains, this progressive Latin American city is quickly becoming an international cultural destination.

The food scene is fantastic with both local and international flavor. Carmen, one of my foodie favorites offers elaborate meals created by husband and wife team Carmen Angel and Rob Pevitts who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco.

A must see on the art scene is the Museo de Arte Moderno, this industrial chic space houses exhibitions that change every quarter. On the premises you should visit their two museum stores that showcase local artisan products that are affordable and curated beautifully!

The Art Hotel, a boutique hotel situated in the El Poblado area, is a perfect place to rest and relax while enjoying your stay in Medellin, Colombia!

New meaning to “wearing many hats”!

Ode to Artisans with these indigenous Colombian hats found at Museo de Arte Moderno.

Music is part of everyday culture.

Ode to Atisians with traditional Colombian patterns on ceramic found at Museo de Arte Moderno.

Vibrant stripe handwoven hammocks.

Ombre Artisan Baskets

When your transportation matches your graffitied wall.

Streets of Medellin

Celebrating Street Art