I recently read an article outlining a well known paint company’s colors trends for 2010 — said paint company shall remain anonymous b/c they’re all doing it; textile manufacturers, flooring experts, fashion designers, you name it. This particular spokeswoman touted 2010 as the year of “optimism”, due to people’s belief in the economy’s recovery. Huh? What does the color of my kitchen have to do with the Dow Jones Industrial Average?
Anyway, I say forget about the trends and choose what YOU like. Allow the need for “trend” to be relegated to 14-year-old teens who need to fit in with their peers — it’s a healthy part of their individuating process. Just remember, there’s a reason skinny jeans only look good on girls who weigh in at 88lbs soaking wet.
See www.kwid.com for some trend setting inspiration
Unless you’re trendy by nature, I say spend your time finessing out your look. Courtney Cox is known for her retro mid-century look, which works great for the houses she’s buying. Kelly Wearstler is know for LA Drama-Glam (which by the way I LOVE), but sooo does not work in my little Northern CA townhouse. In the end, I say take home decor trends with a grain of salt. The real question is, what speaks to you? what works for you? Who are you and how do you want to Live?
Happy Nesting!
Just found these great wall decals…where have I been? They’re great!
It’s just another example of invention being the mother of necessity… and what I needed was a very fun, inexpensive way to create some panache in my client’s daughter’s room. This little one is only 12, but quite clear about what she wants! “Pink!” So my thinking: a terrific and inexpensive daybed (Ikea “Hemnes”) dressed in raspberry & mango, accented in chocolate (of course!) with a bit of monogram flourish to boot! Picture this monogram detail against a luscious berry pink wall in satin finish. Yum!
Find @ www.etsy.com/shop/shanon1972
I also found these great stencils, and am just intent on finding a place for them as well. The possibilities are endless 
www.cuttingedgestencils.com
Here’s to Divine DIY! Happy Nesting!
I saw a client this weekend who’d called me after having a rather disappointing meeting with her Feng Shui consultant. I’ve got nothing against the Feng Shui — except this; it isn’t always about you. And in my world, my Home is about me, and of course my husband. Our Home is about us. This is what I was telling my client, the one who loved, loved, loved her red living room walls but was told that she needed to re-paint them if she was going to invite more love into her life. Hmmm. Really?
One of my own: A Bold & Vibrant Kitchen, which my client "Loves!"
Well, I’m thinking if you walk in your front door and see your red living room, all rich and inviting, and you say that you “love” it…that’s the kinda love I want in my life. My design advice? Know thyself and love thyself in every way you can…after all, you are the real Feng Shui master!
Conscious Consumerism…that awake and aware state of being when we consciously bring something or someone into our lives which supports, uplifts and inspires us to live more fully. Whether it be new drapes, a trip to the grocery, or making a new friend; when we are awake and aware we are more likely to make good decisions for ourselves. Decisions that are in alignment with who we are and the Vision we hold for our lives. When these conscious moments happen they not only save time and conserve our resources but ultimately they feel glorious and set us free.
Free from what I call the bind of “consumer confidence” — an economist’s way of evaluating our countries financial health; ie: a healthy economy is when people are buying stuff. Hmmm, this seems suspicious. Do we need this stuff? Does this stuff support us in how we live or align with the Vision we hold for ourselves.
To me, our ability to consume consciously is imperative to creating The Conscious Home. For example, how do we know if blue is the “right” color for the bedroom? Or this Sofa vs that Sofa? Well, we don’t if we haven’t gotten in touch with the Vision we hold for our lives, and asked ourselves, “does this _____ match my Vision; the aesthetic vibe that I’m wanting to experience more of in my life (ie: Peace, Tranquility, Beauty or Joy)?” I can tell you if this blue or that blue will look good with your flooring or artwork, but in the end you know so much more about what works for you than I ever will. After all, it is your space your affecting, not that of your designer. So the next time your about to buy a bench or bedside table ask yourself, “Am I confident that this purchase is conscious?”, and notice what happens. You will soon be surrounded by things you love and value, things that uplift, support and inspire — true consumer confidence.
Happy nesting!
If you want to learn more about the role consumption takes in our society you may want to check out www.thestoryofstuff.com.
