Autumn trends

DESIGN QUOTE of the WEEK:
“Rent a Dumpster and prune, prune, prune! If you take a day and actually look at the things in your house, you’ll realize that a million of them can be tossed.” Jonathon Adler, Designer
REMODEL UPDATE:
Well, what an end to summer we have had. We started in July with the first of 5 weddings to attend and just now finished with that. We traveled to Port Orchard to watch our oldest McCall participate in her first triathlon AND took our son Chris along for an old-fashioned family vacation. The only disagreements were about the music playing on Sirius radio…he finally plugged in his iPod for the “good stuff”. (At least there were no speeding tickets this trip.) Another highlight was the Sage Fly Rod factory tour on Bainbridge Island. If anyone reading this is a fly-fisher person you would appreciate the tour just to see how it’s done.
As far as the remodel goes, we have the details left: latch on the pocket door, trim the back door, build a mantel, install the surround sound, and whole house music components, and phase 1 will be done!!!! Yes, I said phase 1…we have decided to wait to do the kitchen cabinets, along with some of the siding, and maybe the back patio until next year. Phase 3 will be the master suite and extra bath in the daylight basement. No new pictures this month..next time!

On to the real reason you read this and that is for the design content….right!?!?
How about autumn trends? I haven’t thought much about autumn trends myself, but I came across articles with information that you may want or absolutely need. Take note that these trends will probably last far into the future just like all of the other trends/changes in design. Some of you may have already picked up on this from your catalogues or magazines: the less is more strategy(i.e. de-cluttering) is very prominent, along with the use of neutrals and natural materials.
Some of the trends mentioned included the use of vintage accents such as French-burlap, aged or color-washed wood accessories, and even oversized accents. Linen is also being used for draperies as they are simpler and available in many colors-no more heavy or overdone window treatments!
Fall designs are showing neutral color for walls and the basic furniture but bolder colors to add visual interest for the accents. For variety, these brightly colored accessories can be changed out with the seasons.
Another trend involves rugs: any size, shape, or color you can imagine is available. Layering them with an area rug on top of wall-to-wall carpeting. These also can be changed out with the season as well.
Did I mention wallpaper? Yes, it is back! Actually, I am not sure if it ever actually totally went away...I visited a home on an open house 1 sunday a few months back-it had been flipped, but the owners chose to keep the grass cloth from lots of years prior-it just looked so traditional, yet, modern. I knew I had to have some and feel that it will last alot of years as well. Oversized designs, easy to apply and remove glues are the newest innovations. And yes, I did just put up some grass cloth above the fireplace for a textural look. Oh, and there is even eggplant colored grass cloth that is to die for!! And, grass cloth with printed designs on them, like damask. See the pictures of the fireplace in the August 1st blog entry.
Artwork should be something you love- it doesn’t have to be expensive, just has meaning for you or your family. Think a serene peaceful landscape of the French countryside because you visited there or of the ocean or forest because of your travels or cabin.
I have read about trends in design changing with the economy and tend to believe we maybe subconsciously DO just that. It could be the design companies who are influencing this as they seem to be promoting the less is more and recycled look for items. (Restoration Hardware.com and Ballard Designs.com are 2 examples.) I for example had been accessorizing like crazy, up until this remodel, and now want a fresh start, less clutter and visual junk. I now am de-cluttering like crazy with the surviving accessories being collectibles like my antique oil lamps, copper containers, and glass collection of spheres and vases, ceiling tin pieces, and stained glass windows remaining.
Less is more in the bedding department. Use neutral basics again with a simple duvet and top blanket. If you must, maybe only use 2 pillows in front of each sham.
Speaking of pillows…these budget friendly accessories can be changed out with the seasons…have a set for fall, Christmas, spring, etc.
And I save the best for last, remember brass? Well, now they are antiqued and are showing up on everything from drapery rods to knobs and figurines. Gold is a very warm color (as it is close to yellow- you knew that!) I just don’t know if I can give up my oil-rubbed bronze and copper stuff!!
Well, have a great day…until next time!