"Design Happens"

Last week my husband and I packed our bags and headed out west to spend three days touring the Las Vegas Market. To say it was fun is an understatement. Whoever thought of mixing the best in furniture and home decor with the fun of Las Vegas is my hero. With the backdrop of glamorous hotels, shows and those beautiful Nevada mountains, the Las Vegas Market is definitely one of my favorite home decor shows. Throughout the three days there were hundreds of showrooms to explore and some fabulous design panels. I thought I would share with you some tidbits from one of my favorite panels hosted by Sherwin Williams on 2012 color trends. On their list were blues, reds and new neutrals like corn-silk yellow, all dominating the showrooms this year.

Continue Reading

At the start of the New Year, my husband I hosted a New Year’s Eve celebration. We served the food buffet style, laying out desserts and small tastes, but we were missing one thing for our event — a bar cart. While I have a bar on my deck for outdoor parties, in my small apartment there just isn’t room for a full bar set-up. A cute little cart that could serve as a multifunctional piece would be fantastic. So, of course, being a design-minded person I took to the internet, diving in to discover what kind of bar carts are out there, and which ones would be the perfect fit for a small space. Here are some glamorous carts in a range of cool finishes that I have added to my wish list.

via Style Redux

Continue Reading

Check out one of my favorite design trends: felt. Affordable, natural and recyclable, felt is an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fabrics. It can be dyed any color and molded into any shape, making it a favorite for everything from lights to pillows to furniture.

Philadelphia-based company Iannone Design has taken the felt design trend to a new level, placing color blocks of wool felt onto their Chroma Armoire.

At FilzFelt, you can customize felt floor coverings, panels and tabletop accessories in your favorite Pantone colors. Their Wool Felt Circle Mat comes in more than 30 vibrant shades, making it an ideal way to add a pop of color to your floors.

The Wool Felt Placemat is durable and moisture-resistant, making it the perfect fabric for kids.

Rebecca Barton of Cushlab crafts felt into distinct shapes — origami, florals and loops — to create her unique line of cushions.

The colors in Rebecca’s collection of cushions are brilliant. Hot pink and red blend in this fun and eye-catching pink-and-red loop cushion.

Gray felt and polished nickel come together to create a Short Drum Pendant from West Elm.

And with felt’s ability to mold to different forms, Buzzilight created this striking pendant.

Got a favorite design in felt? Tell me in the comments below.

As the new year begins, I resolve to get organized. I usually start my new year inventorying the spaces I need to declutter and then purchasing of slew of items to help me tidy them. Since I work from home, this year I’m focusing on my cluttered office. Here’s my wishlist of pretty, colorful organizing products:

Continue Reading

Pantone’s 2012 color of the year is a rich, spicy, warm and energizing hue: Tangerine Tango.  A shade that looks good on absolutely anything, from walls to furniture to accessories. It can mix with a variety of diverse colors, from bright fuchsia to pastel shades like mint. Tangerine Tango is the hue that’s going to enliven your space in the new year.

Pantone

You may have seen this reddish-orange color popping up in your favorite interior design mags and on blogs over the past year. It’s fantastic on linens, patterned accessories and pieces that you want to give a one-of-a-kind look, like this custom headboard.

via Belle Maison

Traditionally an autumn color, Tangerine Tango has the ability to last all year long when paired with today’s most popular neutrals like white and gray.

via Design Like

Tangerine Tango marries red and warm yellow to deliver this delicious orange hue, so try mixing it with shades that complement red and yellow. Tiffany blues and grassy greens would be a great match. You’ll also find that it fits right in with shades of maroon and pink, as well as deep marigold.

The easiest way to energize your interior with this bright color is through accessories. Your favorite stores already have items in this color in stock for the New Year. CB2′s Parlour Tangerine Chair may be all the Tangerine Tango you need in a room. As you can see, it’s a show-stopper in this bright, textured fabric.

At Anthropologie the Fruiteria Base table lamp has a mix of yellow, orange and tangerine. It’s a fun way to bring just a little bit of this citrusy shade home.

And West Elm marries Tangerine Tango and bronze in this beautiful Turned-Leg Nightstand.  The spicy shade transforms the traditional lines of this piece, giving it a modern feel. Use it as a nightstand, or a side table.

See more of my favorite Tangerine Tango accessories on my HGTV Color Crush: Tangerine Tango Pinterest board. And let me know what you think of Pantone’s new color of the year. How are you planning to bring this bright color home?

I have been a huge fan of David Bromstad ever since he appeared on Season 1 of HGTV Design Star. I love David’s natural talent for design and how he creates beautiful, original artwork for the homeowners whose spaces he transforms. Earlier this month David showcased his artistic talent at Art Basel Miami, one of the world’s largest art shows.

Photographer Michael Murphy

HGTV and HGTV Magazine co-sponsored David’s exhibition, Body, Money, Death, which was held at the Z Ocean Hotel in South Beach, where he transformed the hotel’s lobby into “The Bromstad” for three days.

Photographer Michael Murphy

David brought his signature style with colorful chandeliers and custom furnishings that he created in his South Florida studio. His art was then displayed throughout the hotel lounge and common areas.

Photographer Michael Murphy

In his own words, ”The inspiration for the paintings and furniture pieces in this exhibition are the three things that we worry about most in life – our body, money and death. The imagery here reflects on my own personal struggle with body and money issues, as well as mortality, throughout my life.”

Photographer Michael Murphy

Unique images of hunting targets, grenades and even fast food were presented, all in eye-catching pop art-style. Although the subjects were serious, David’s sense of humor and whimsy were also present and shined through each piece.

Photographer Michael Murphy

The evening was definitely a success with so many from the Miami art community present as well as some very special friends from HGTV – fellow design stars Meg Caswell and Emily Henderson.

For more on David’s work and this incredible exhibit be sure to check out his site, Bromstad.com.

One of the best things about being a blogger is hearing from those who read the AphroChic blog and my posts here on Design Happens. Every now and then a wonderful reader will send me a link to a site they think I’ll like. That happened earlier this week, when a reader sent me a link to KMP furniture in Miami (a city I still need to make a trip to).  He must have known how much I love suzani prints, and how much I would love this site filled with suzani-upholstered seating. Oh, it’s just fantastic!

Evita Chair

From deep and cozy side chairs to egg chairs, these pieces are truly one-of-a-kind, featuring 18th-century fabric designs on modern furniture silhouettes.

Ecko Chair

The variety of pattern and color makes these chairs remarkable statement pieces.

Apollo Chair

In classic styles like this wingback chair, these furnishings can also fit into the most traditional of spaces. I could see a set of these in a sitting room. Wouldn’t they look incredible?

Malia Chair

And for something a little unconventional, how about this embroidered swan-style chair? It’s the perfect mix of modern and traditional. It’s fantastic to see old-school design made new again.

For more suzani inspiration, check out my Oh Suzani post featuring some gorgeous textiles.

Red is all about energy. Just a shot can take a room up a notch, add a touch of glamor and highlight a favorite feature. Here are few spaces that show just how vibrant this hue can be.

Elle Decor :: Photographer Henry Bourne

This luxurious bedroom, enveloped in red and gold sari fabric, is so dramatic. Mix in hot pink cushions and the end result is nothing short of regal.

via My Favorite and My Best

Red makes a big impression even in small doses. The lacquer on this bathroom cabinet commands attention. Complemented by an antique rug, this look is absolutely classic.

Elle Decor :: Photographer William Waldron

Red and black work well together, and can be tempered with warm neutrals like cream and brown to bring a space down to earth.

Super Rural

Red doesn’t always have to be exotic or glamourous; it can be whimsical too. Red and pink are a great color combination, creating a young and modern color palette.

Commune Design

If you’re not sure just how much red you want at home, try a single accessory. The shade atop this gold lamp is all the red this living room needs to be energizing.

What do you think about red? How do you use it in your home? For more red room inspiration check out my Pinterest board.

I’m completely enamored with block-printed textiles for their ability to bring an artistic feel to modern interiors. Based on thousands of years of Indian tradition, block printing uses artisan-carved hardwood to apply color and pattern onto fabric. Block-printed pieces feel distinctive as a result of the crafting process; each piece really is an original work of art.

Designer John Robshaw studied traditional block printing in China then went on to India, where he discovered the beauty of Indian fabric-making techniques. He uses India’s four-thousand-year-old printing process to create his line of bedding, pillows, table linens and curtains.

This Marine Decorative Pillow uses detailed blocks that are dipped in a dye and then stamped onto the fabric. Each pattern and color represents the different blocks applied to create the layers seen in the pillow.

Philadelphia designers Liz Galbraith and Ephraim Paul, the founders of Galbraith & Paul, are known for their oversized block prints in unique colorways. Through block printing, they create everything from pillows to pendants to wallpaper.

Galbraith & Paul pillows and lighting are sold exclusively at Room & Board.

West Elm also has block-printed pieces in bright colors and fun patterns. Their hand-blocked quilts and shams are made by master artisans in Rajasthan, India.

Block-Printed Napkins from West Elm also have a similar feel. Striped, checked and floral patterns can be mixed and matched for an eclectic tabletop display.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can create your own block-print piece for your interior. Leah Moss of Apartment Therapy was inspired by all of the hand-blocked textiles out there, and decided to make her own affordable rug. Check out her tutorial for creating your very own block-printed masterpiece.

Or if you’d like a simpler process with similar results, why not try stenciling on fabric? Marion Parsons made these elegant stenciled napkins for Thanksgiving, but you could use the same technique on any fabric, for any purpose, throughout the year.

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Soon it will be time for turkey, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and lots and lots pie (my favorite dish of the season). But before the feast begins, one of my favorite things to think about is decorating the Thanksgiving table.

See How My Fellow Blogger Kim Stoegbauer Sets Her Dessert Buffet

In my family the table decorations are just as important as the turkey. My mother spent hours thinking about the dishware, the linens and the platters. When it was my turn, I, too, made sure my tabletop display was absolutely perfect.

This year that task turns to my sister and her husband who will be hosting the holiday, but the thoughts remain the same. How do you create a table that is reflective of you and your family; that is warm, welcoming and one-of-a-kind? After years of experience, here are my tips for creating a memorable Thanksgiving table.

Country Living

First things first, it’s important come up with a unique scheme. Do you want something rustic or modern? Will you choose traditional shades of pumpkin orange and brown, or go in a new direction using dishware, linens, glassware and accessories that offer a unique spin on the traditional holiday tabletop?

Country Living

I like to start with the basics — choosing a color palette for my feast. In past years I’ve gone from typical orange and brown, to fun shades like purple and black. Here, black, cream, coral and blue create a lovely fall tabletop display. You can find unique plates like these from shops like Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel.

West Elm also offers some fantastic plates for the season. With messages like “Thanks” “Give” “and “Wish”, these are perfect for getting guests into the Thanksgiving day spirit.

Don’t just stop with plates, but also look at other pieces like platters and serving ware. This Give Thanks Platter at West Elm is perfect for serving appetizers before the feast begins.

The next step is linens. Designer Manvi Drona Hidalgo designed this table setting with a unique tablecloth and napkins to bring a pop of color and pattern to this festive table.

How to Make Elegant Stenciled Napkins

Find original linens like the tablecloth featured here at stores like The Loaded Trunk. I also recommend indie lines, like the AphroChic textile line. Our Haze Mimosa Runner would look beautiful on a table with a yellow color theme.

To finish the look, it’s all about the centerpiece. For something modern, try a simple setting of branches. This project on Holidash would be fun for the kids. Branches can be collected from your backyard. Just spray paint with a bit of gold or silver paint and you have a fantastic centerpiece. Setting the branch display to the side is a great way to keep the conversation going at the table.

Ohdeedoh

You can also give the traditional pumpkin a modern update. These pumpkins are transformed with white paint. Another crafting idea for the kids, pumpkins can be painted in a palette that complements your overall tabletop design.

More Thanksgiving Ideas From HGTV

The most important thing is to have fun with the decor and create a backdrop for a Thanksgiving dinner that your family will enjoy and have memories of for years to come.