Design Happens

Fall Color Trend: Honey Yellow

Chelsey Bowen — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:00:47 +0000

The perfect shade for Fall is Pantone’s Honey Yellow. Pair it with peacock blue or a brilliant purple for a fresh color scheme. Check out some of our favorite products in this warm, subdued hue.

Other Fall Color Trends:

Plants That Come in From the Cold

Marie Hofer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:33:05 +0000

They’re pretty spuds, but they’re not for the table. Garden blogger Kylee, at Our Little Acre, has dug up the tubers of her ‘Margarita’ sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas ‘Margarita’), hoping to repeat her past success at holding them over until spring. It’s a smart idea. We gardeners love to keep things going whenever we can, so we overwinter tender plants, nurture cuttings, propagate “pups,” divide and repot. For one thing, it saves money; for another, we get to develop long-term relationships with the plants we love.

There could be too much plant love at our house (not!): we are cheek to jowl with winter holdovers (100+ tender plants in the garage for safekeeping, spring bulbs waiting for non-mucky soil, other bulbs meant for forcing, seeds in various stages, some volunteer impatiens that I intend to pot up for indoors, etc.). Then the beekeeping supplies, including the pine needles that need to stay dry so we’ll always have something for smoking. The other day I was aghast to find I’d left some seeds near a heating vent. Clutter is a bad word in decorating, but what’s a plant-lover to do? I’ll spend this weekend straightening up. How do you manage your wintertime gardening bounty? Post your ideas on our message boards.

Play with shape

Elizabeth Tipton — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:00:59 +0000

This year when selecting a wreath for your home, play with shape and materials to make your wreath more unique and stylish. Create an eye-catching focal point with this blossom wreath. It has color and texture with velvety, fabric petals. Using boxwood, magnolia or holly branches can update your look without changing your color scheme. This square boxwood wreath is simple and contemporary at the same time. You can also go for a more natural look with this tree-shaped cedar bough and pine cone wreath. This allows for Christmas decorating, but it will not over-shadow your home for those who believe less is more.

Fall Color Trend: Rapture Rose

Chelsey Bowen — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:06:49 +0000

Definitely the most feminine shade of Pantone’s Fall Color Trends, Rapture Rose is a sophisticated way to add pink to your favorite room. We’ve pulled together a few fun products that feature this girly hue.

Other Fall Color Trends:

Trend Report – Giraffe Print

Cara May — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Spotted on rugs, towels, pillows and much more, giraffe print can add a little bit of the wild to your decor or wardrobe.

Shop the Holiday Gift Guide

Mary — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:43:38 +0000

The clock is ticking down: Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days away. Feeling those Christmas-shopping butterflies? No fears – this year, we’ve rounded up the best gifts for your loved ones in dozens of cool categories (HGTV fans, trendsetters, pet lovers, craft fanatics and more). Before you hit the mall or surf the Web in search of deals, check out HGTV’s Holiday Gift Guide. We might just have what you’re looking for.

Traditional Style from Etsy & HGTV

ChadP — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:17:46 +0000

Our friends at Etsy are back this week with another Get The Look: Home Decor Edition inspired by rooms from Designers Portfolio. This week they dive into traditional styling and have some great finds for your traditional living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. Some of my favorites are:

The Stained Glass Mosaic Art Mirror from Low Bridge Artworks
The Antique Blue and White Italian Urn from ZenHen
The Wall Sconce from NCK London Ceramics

We were so inspired by Etsy that we felt like continuing the fun by taking a look at items for a traditional home office and a traditional dining room.

Want the luxurious look of this home office without a luxury price tag? Head on over to these Etsy shops.

Antique Fan-Shaped Victorian Brass Letter Holder
from Neatcurious

Original Mixed
Media Painting
from SweetMess

Burwood Ornate Gold
Scrolled Wall
from AttysVintage

Vintage Brass Sign Letter
from JunkYardGarden

Vintage French Style Phone
from TraceyAnns

Looking for a dramatic effect in your dining rRoom? Head over to these Etsy shops for a mixture of texture and color.

Pair of Vintage Italian
Gilded Gold Sconces
from Whimsey’s Vintage

Darling Ornate Brass Vase
from Storybook Charm

Vintage Gilded Chandelier
from Karina Gentinetta

Vintage French-Chic Louis XV Dining Chairs
from The Shabby Home

Textured Garden Mound
from flores del sol

Gold Holiday Placemats
from Evelyn White

Designing the Perfect Living Room

Chelsey Bowen — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:11 +0000

With the holidays around the corner, a cozy, welcoming living room is a must. From arranging your furniture and art to creating the perfect fireplace, we’ve pulled together the ultimate guide for designing your living room.

9 ideas to customize your fireplace:

11 easy-to-create coffee table displays:

4 fresh window treatments:

Over 30 more ideas for designing your living room »

Holiday Preview

Elizabeth Tipton — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:47:51 +0000

I am so excited about Christmas this year. It is such a fun time of family, decorating, and seeing friends. Our December calendar is already filling up. I can’t wait for the day after Thanksgiving to put up all my Christmas decor. This year I have noticed a huge trend of glittered and sequined ornaments, trees, and accessories. They are in dark pinks, greens, and purples instead of the traditional Christmas red and green. Another thing I love is the use of natural elements. I have noticed a lot of unfinished wooden items, straw animals, and decorations made from pine cones. There are so many neat do-it-yourself projects to make decorations also. I am ready to get started! Check out the Holiday Preview by clicking on any of the pictures below.

Fall Color Trend: Iron

Chelsey Bowen — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 13:00:06 +0000

The “new black” this season is Iron, a combination of gray and brown that can be paired with any palette. If you’re looking for new furniture or a fresh wall color, try grounding your space with Iron. You won’t fear making the commitment with this classic hue.

Other Fall Color Trends: