Trends for Spring 2022

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As we move out of winter, I always enjoy looking at the trends for spring, and brainstorming how to incorporate them into everyday looks. As I peruse the latest design publications and websites, I always find myself inspired, and ready to bring in some new themes or ideas into the work that I do. Here are some of my favorite new spring-inspired looks:

-Colorful and bright dishes and tableware: I noticed this on CocoCozy, and I loved the bright pops of color. Although I veer towards more European style neutrals in most of my design work, I love when a client wants a bit of color. I was thinking about ways you could bring in some little bits of color, and I love the idea of making your kid’s tableware or outdoor dishes the brighter pieces. They are less expensive than daily tableware, and you can test out the trend before investing in high-end pieces. I love these simple kid’s plates from West Elm, to start with. 

-Darker kitchens: I don’t think that the classic white kitchen will ever go out of style, but I’m noticing quite a bit of trends that favor darker colors like forest green, black, and charcoal grey, with tons of texture like granite, leather, and iron accents. Although the darker cabinets or accent walls have been around for a few years, the textures are what primarily sets apart the newer trends. This article from Southern Living talks a bit about the darker trends, and we love it.

-Sustainable decor brands: Many sustainable brands are on the rise, and we love the ethics and ideals behind choosing products and brands that are better for the environment and the workers who make the products. So, who makes a products sustainable? Usually, they are items made by companies who value their workers (with living wages, and ethical working conditions); with some being fair trade certified.  Additionally, these companies are usually using non-toxic, green, or recycled materials. One of our favorites is Shades of Green (which is perfect if you’re just starting out with learning about sustainable brands), and their beeswax candles are amazing! 

What’s your favorite trend for springtime? I always love to hear about what my clients are loving and feeling inspired by!

The Inspiration of the Five Senses

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Have you heard of the concept of grounding yourself using your five senses? It’s something that many people recommend when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious, and it’s a great thing to focus on in these uncertain times. Here are the things that are livening up my five senses, and helping keep me positive and energetic while I am home with my family. 

Smell: There’s nothing I love more than citrus. It is always uplifting and makes my house feel clean and happy. I love the mixture of lemon, bergamot, and orange. You can blend these oils together in a diffuser in your main living areas for a fresh scent. If you feel overwhelmed, take some deep breaths of your mixture as it wafts through your home. It is also a safer alternative to the candles or scented air fresheners that many use for a pretty scent. 

Touch: I am such a fan of great bedding, as you know! I LOVE pretty neutral sets, and believe in your bedroom being a sanctuary where you feel safe, relaxed, and comforted. Pure linen bedding is an investment, but it is the perfect thing to come home to (or during quarantine, to be at home with!)  Add in some gorgeous and luxurious sheets and prepare to snuggle in for a Netflix marathon!

Taste: I think I’ve baked more in the last few weeks than ever before, but I am soaking up the extra time with my kids, and baking is a great way to get everyone involved and to teach them a new skill. There is nothing more pleasing to the tastebuds than a fresh loaf of homemade bread. If you’re looking to try your hand at homemade sourdough, you can check out this awesome tutorial! 

Hear: We have had a few family dance parties around here, and it’s nice to have some music playing in the kitchen and living areas to boost our mood. I love putting on my favorite music in headphones when I am feeling stressed or need to relax (I personally love country!), or cranking up the music through a bluetooth speaker. 

Sight: Of course, as an interior designer, I am all about finding the beauty in the everyday, and I especially love a fresh bouquet of flowers. If you are struggling to find fresh blooms during this pandemic time, ask around to friends who may have fresh flowers they’d be willing to share, or you can order them online for delivery from small businesses (like Penny and Lulu). Consider sending a bunch of blossoms to a friend who could use a little bit of cheer at the same time!

Spring Favorites

“If you’ve never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.” — Audra Foveo

The glimpses of Spring have arrived, and I couldn’t be happier to see blue skies, and all those pretty blossoms everywhere! Here on our little farm, we are all thrilled to be outside more, and leaving behind the cooped up winter doldrums. I have been diving headfirst into honing our gardens…one of my favorite parts of Spring. Here are a few of my recent favorites as we head into this beautiful season:

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-Pretty gardening items: New gardening themed items are such a practical gift or decor idea. I especially love when things are pretty and they serve a purpose. This adorable indoor watering can is the best example; you can use it for herbs or succulents, and it looks beautiful at the same time. And these pretty gloves from Anthro are just $14 and will freshen up even a job like pulling weeds!

-White greenhouse from Little Cottage Company: This is certainly an investment item, but if you love to garden and need a dedicated space to plant, grow, and enjoy the greenery, a true greenhouse is an excellent option. It will look stunning in your yard or on your property, and will provide years of lasting enjoyment! The Colonial Gable greenhouse is just so aesthetically perfect, and would accent any outdoor space. 

-Plants and Roses: The David Austin roses are some of the prettiest and most gorgeous varieties especially the Albrighton Rambler. The shade is the palest pink, and I wish I could grow a few acres of them so I can fill my whole house up! :) I also have been growing some herbs like Rosemary and Sage, which are not only practical for cooking, but also perfect as a garnish. There’s no better way to set a pretty table than adding fresh herbs to everyone’s plates (and it smells heavenly!). Lastly, if you’re looking for a festive treat to serve your guests in this weather, try this recipe from Southern Bite:

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves

• 6 cups water divided

• 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice 6 to 8 lemons

Instructions

• In a medium sauce pan, muddle the sugar and basil together with a wooden spoon. Add 2 cups of water and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until all of the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and allow the basil to steep in the syrup until cool. Once cool strain the simple syrup into a pitcher. Add 4 cups of water and the lemon juice. Stir well. Serve over ice with a garnish of basil and lemon.

Welcome Spring!

Spring is always a time of personal inspiration for me. The fruit trees are just beginning to blossom, and I spy bold tulips sprouting up. I have been outside, elbow deep in the dirt, trimming my roses and also soaking up some much-needed sunshine! I wanted to share some of the things that I have my eye on, and that are inspiring me in this bright and cheery season:

-I am obsessed with all things blue and woven right now! I spotted these basket pendant lights at the Surf Rider Hotel recently in Malibu, and fell right in love. I love the beach vibe, and the simplicity of the design. You may also enjoy the whole gallery of the beautiful hotel, which you can find HERE!

Source: Surfrider Hotel Gallery

-Everything blue: I am loving the blue-grey tones and the dusty blue colors that have found their way into the spring Pottery Barn and Anthro catalogs. This is a gorgeous new rug that I spotted at Anthropologie, and it’s an indoor/outdoor one that would be perfect for a patio space. 

-The Serena and Lily wallpapers come all so many gorgeous prints and textures, and I have begun dreaming up where I might include them! Here are some of my favorites: 

Priano Wallpaper 

Wentworth Wallpaper 

Fairfax Wallpaper 

Source: Jolie Paint Inspirations

-Blue is also a great color to paint a piece of furniture to freshen it up, like a dresser or a table base. My favorite type of paint is Jolie paint, which is known for it’s beautiful and lasting pigment. They are priced similarly to other matte paint brands, and they are well worth it for the finishes and quality that truly last for years! Their French blue and Slate colors would be a perfect addition to any refinish work. 

-The last way that I invite Spring into the home is with pretty baskets! Not only can they be used to organize papers and hide clutter, they can also group together pretty pieces like mason jars and florals/greens (I buy mine at Trader Joes), and decorate a countertop or island space .