The Balance Of Black and White in Interiors-Paris

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.

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/

Graphic Greats…Black and White Prints and Patterns in Paris

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.

Surtex NYC Trend Updated From Color, Chaos and Creativity…Part 3

Last month in NYC I spoke about print, pattern and color trends at Surtex NYC, representing our design studio, Design Works International, a lifestyle/product design firm specializing in the home, fashion and accessory industries.

Out Of This World…literally..we are talking Galaxy inspired prints, patterns, embroideries with an iridescent sensibility and style. Nocturnal tones of deep purple, indigo and magenta are part of the color plan to heighten the vibe of this celestial superstar.


Even after a year of playful pineapples…we are still craving for more…NEW this season…the use of millennial pink mixed with metallic and textural accents.


Somewhere Over….yes it’s all about iridescent finishes and rainbow colorways in fashion, home and decorative accessories. The more color…the better and these saturated shades are cross generational…NOT only for the millennial crowd.


Boho Style continues to increase as a lifestyle look and we are seeing the resurgence of Folk Florals..[did they ever go away] as wallpaper, clothing, home accessories and garden tools in Americana color combinations that coordinate beautifully with denim…another trend that has cross generational appeal.

This is the last of a 3 part series …so if you missed part 1 and 2 please take a peek either at Color, Chaos and Creativity or at Design Works International’s blog.

All prints and patterns designed by Design Works International are property of our studio until a purchase agreement is signed. If interested in purchasing prints, our website is Designworksintl.com or call our studio at 212-594-0777 ext 112.

Stay tuned for our next series on new color combinations…2018

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💚

Hey Atlanta…HGTV is in the house…

Thanks Atlanta for coming out for our HGTV night of interior trends at the beautiful Ferguson Showroom in Buckhead Thursday night…followed by a fashion update on personal style trends with Robanne Schuman and the stylish ladies from Cucinelli.

This season, like many prior, I had the pleasure of developing lifestyle trends for HGTV HOME, the product based branded division for HGTV. Working with companies like Bassett Furniture (custom upholstered furniture and accent case goods) Sherwin-Williams (Paint and Wallpaper) and Agricola (Plants and Flowers) I help curate a line of products that are affordable and stylish for today’s consumer!

Last night at the Ferguson Showroom we had a chance to talk trends, discuss lifestyle and enjoy great conversation regarding “all things home”. Thanks to the HGTV Atlanta based Ad Sales Team for inviting me to this spectacular event!
So nice meeting and greeting so many talented designers and patrons in the industry…while viewing the most current products for bath, kitchen and lighting!

The Ferguson Showroom is a 14,000 square foot loft filled with beautiful products for bath, kitchen and lighting. This luxurious home improvement gallery is located at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta at 3035 Peachtree Road.












Global Greats-Textile Treasures 

It’s been non-stop trend travel the past six months both overseas as well as locally…Berlin, Paris, Cologne, New York City, Los Angeles, Frankfurt and London…Visiting design shows like Maison, Heimtextil, High Point Market,  Las Vegas Market and KBIS……one gets to feel the pulse of products for the season.

As Creative Director and co-founder of Design Works International in NYC, a lifestyle studio for the home and fashion markets…this season my global greats are textile treasures…

The diversity in textile patterns with technique updates this season are fresh and fun because we are seeing a great mix of printing techniques, embroidery and appliqué work! Each textile collection has a personality of its own making this seasons “global greats” true treasures!
  Classic Home in LA showing off their”Artisan Blue” ensemble with the perfect mix of techniques giving this collection a well balanced selection of diversified looks for top of bed! Las Vegas Market January.

  From Esta Home  in Spain….this millennial mix of textiles is on-trend with its succulent pattern and homage to 1950 flamingos! Heimtextil Frankfurt January.

  Karma Living from Livington NJ is all about global mixing from various countries that support the artisan culture. Spotted these at the Las Vegas Market in January.

  Bliss Studio captures classic in a fresh and trend right fashion at The Las Vegas Market in January.

  Brewster Home stepped outside the box when designing this fashion forward wallcovering spotted at Heimtextil in January.

  Muller Textiles also stepped out of the box at Heimtextil with this “hip” and updated bedding ensemble geared toward the melennial market.

  Graphic Greats from the Trend Hall at Heimtextil…love the creative pillow trim in contrast orange!
    My tried and true textile haven, ABC Home in NYC with this beaded ikat inspired masterpiece!

  Still a classic, Paisley Power in Pantone Rose Quartz at Heintextile Germany from Almeida.

  Global Grests from the Los Angeles Design Center.

  Studio V from Miami with their beautiful mix of appliqué and embroidery in neutral tones…..Trend Spotted at the High Point Furniure Market!

  Ombré and Ikat…the perfect pair  at Old English Antigues in Southampton NY.

  One of my favorite places to shop and be inspired Bon Marchesa, Paris! Simplicity at its best in bedding!

Let’s Collabrate on more Textile Treasures…send me your pics so we can add to these favorite finds. E-mail me at nfire@designworksintl.com

Thanks for following colorchaosandcreativity.com