8 Trends Seen In High Point!

Just got back from the International Furniture Market in High Point, NC and am going to zip through the top 6 trends I saw consistently at Market.  Here I am, above, rockin' my Lands End pink checked shirt and comfy Skechers GoWalk slip ons.  No fashionista--but I'm smiling and can walk all day!

Trend #1 - Matte Gold Finishes

They were everywhere and on everything.   Very warm and appealing.  I saw a lot of chrome, too.  Cool and sleek.  Oil rubbed bronze is still out there as well.

Trend #2 - Stone

Geodes and agate looks were EVERYWHERE.  Agate is a volcanic rock and a geode is a round rock with a hollow center.  Here's a quick illustration to jog your memory:

Marble, granite and other gorgeous stones made an appearance in just about every showroom.  It's family friendly stuff.

Trend #3 - Shagreen

Shagreen looks like sharkskin and has a sort of rough finish.  It was on table tops, trays, boxes and upholstery.

Trend #4 - Unfinished Wood

While I'm sure all the unfinished wood products that I saw wasn't really completely unfinished, they were made so as not to be smooth and even.  I didn't like them--they felt sort of unsanitary to me (I always wonder "how am I going to clean this?").  But I saw it A LOT.

Trend #5 - Lucite/acrylic

Mid Century Modern/Mad Men continues to have a huge influence on offerings, and my beloved Lucite is showing up everywhere.  The above photo shows both   I noticed Lucite handles on traditional pieces too and it's a very successful pairing.  I am a lover of all things clear, so Lucite is my girl!

Trend #6 - Artichokes

It's a pretty shape.  I like it!  Acrylic bases on table lamps is becoming the norm.

Trend #7 - Track Arms

Big rolled arms were in short supply and I saw a ton of track arms, like this photo above.  Not an exciting example, I know.  Can you tell I'm fading here?  Seeing the trends in High Point is a great resource for us, but it's exhausting and I'm tuckered out.  But I love track arms because they make a sofa or chair more comfortable AND take up less space.

Trend #8 - Round Lights

This trend has been around for a while, but it keeps on growing.  These chandeliers were spectacular.  I think they're by Ralph Lauren.  I'll confirm and correct if not.

Those were the 8 trends I noticed in High Point this Spring.  Another time I'll show you some of my favorite finds!

Ciao,

Anne

Flower Power and Gratitude

  "I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."  Brene Brown

That Brene Brown quote is so incredibly true and exactly how I felt after walking around the yard this morning.  We've got 2 acres here and every plant on it makes me incredibly happy.  If I don't pay attention, things will bloom without me!

I know I show you pictures of Casa DeCocco often.  It probably always looks the same to you.  But I see differences every day and I am in love with this sweet cottage.  Look at the fig tree over there on the corner of the front porch!  It's going to be HUGE again this year!

The side yard has benefited from lots of rain.  Grass doesn't usually grow there, and it will be gone as soon as the hot, dry weather sets in.  But I like the wild look of this spot.  It feels like the entrance to the forest.

The Annabelle hydrangeas are coming along nicely in front of the living room window.  Soon the big white flowers will fill the window!

The front porch is almost ready for me to hang up the Boston ferns.  First we need to wash away all the yellow pollen. Soon!

Gardeners out here call Hostas "crack for deer."  The only way we get to see it is if we fence it in.  I call it the Hosta Jail.  Sorry fellas--this is Hub's idea.

I've only got 2 surviving peonies, and this is one of them.  Peonies are my favorite flower.  Every year I say I"ll plant more.  Maybe this year?  The garden is in too much shade to grow veggies successfully so maybe I can have a peony garden, with enough to cut for bouquets without guilt.  Decadence!

This daffoldil is a late bloomer, and there's nothing wrong with that.  All the other daffys have dried up, so this beauty gets all the attention.

Now I'm off to pack for High Point.  The International Home Furnishings Market has started and I'll be there tomorrow morning.  I'll let you know if we find anything you can't live without!

Ciao,

Anne

The Mantel: A Timeless Tip To Decorate It!

I know many people struggle with decorating their mantel.  My advice?  Keep that mantel simple (except during the holidays, when you can do it UP).

This timeless tip requires 3 key items; single stems of seasonal flowers, bud vases and framed photos.  "Timeless" means you don't have to change it out often, which is a huge plus in my book.  Change the flowers when they fade and go on with your day!

Last week's flowers were tulips.  When I buy flowers, I always get a couple extra to use on the mantel. The short glass bowls had candles in them yesterday (Easter), so today I put polished river rocks in them, but they'll get put away soon.  The tulips and framed photos are enough.  Keep It Simple!

This week I stumbled upon these faux tulips.  Faux makes it even easier!

Would you like to hear how you could update other spaces in your house--easily and affordably?  Call DeCocco Design to schedule a 2 hour design consultation.  I'll give you ideas, make recommendations and tell you where to shop and who to call to get it all done.

Update - now it's March of 2018, two years after writing this post.  Guess what's on my mantel right now?  Take a look:

I'm certainly consistent!  The framed photographs haven't been put back up yet, but they will be soon enough.

Ciao,

Anne

Happy Easter!

Enjoy the day.

Peace,

Anne

A Quick And Easy "New" Accessory

The items that decorate a room can vary wildy in quality and cost.  As an interior designer, I really enjoy finding that special accessory that brings interest and meaning to a space. It might be found in a posh gallery, a discount store or even in another part of the house--just waiting for a new use!  Today it happened in my own home:  

interior design, bookshelf, accessories

That is one blah looking shelf up there above Mr. TV.  I don't stare at the tv often, so the area gets very little decorative effort.  But come on, this is pretty sad!  I took the green glass vessel down and put something more interesting in it's place.  Now, what to do with the green glass?

interior design ideas, accessories, glass vase

I plopped it down on the new coffee table in the Living Room.  Hmmmm.  Liking it there. But it needs something.  Suddenly I became Frugal Crafty Woman and sprang into action! The table leans toward the mid century modern style, so I wanted to keep things spare and calm.  Looking through my stash, I found some clear glass filler (always have that on hand--very useful), an old jar of treasured marbles and an LED candle.  I feel a fab accessory is in the making!

Finished glass, candle holder, updating accessories

Ta-Da!  It would have been fine with just the clear glass filler, but I like the hint of color and I LOVE those old marbles.

Easy DIY accessory, candle holder

It doesn't take much to make me happy, does it?   I'm going to look for an LED candle that has the realistic flickering flame and is on a timer - wouldn't that be fabulous?  It would come on every day and "burn" for 5 hours.  No fire worries, no melted wax.  I love those things.

Wander about your house.  Move things around.

Ciao,

Anne

Update:  I found the better (more realistic) LED candle with the timer feature at Stein Mart. Perfection.