Interior Design Trends For 2010

East Meets West; Asian designs are strong in accent furniture and accessories, and are especially effective when mixed with modern interiors. Lotus blossum, and lattice motifs, rattan and carved wood, Ikat patterns and fretwork are just a few of the exotic design trends for 2010.

Got glamor? Try mixing a deep rich Amethyst with the ethereal evening sunset colors of soft, watery blues, luninous grays and rose tinted creams. Spicy colors such as Pumpkin, Paprika, Curry ,Saffron and Cayenne warm up the color palette for 2010 and can be used as accents or for the lead color in a space. These colors really sing when mixed with blues, turquoise or shades of nature inspired greens.

Thankfully, chocolate brown has run it’s course and is being replaced with lighter incarnations of Mocha, Cinnamon and caramel. These are a few of the warm and sophisticated shades available to anchor a neutral color scheme. I still hold that a neutral palette is timeless and one that you don’t tire of after a couple of years. You can excite your rooms with splashes of color in your art and accessories. I hope these color and design trends for 2010 inspire you to create your own, special place of sanctuary and joy!

A day in the life of an interior designer and artist

I drag my tired self (sleepless night- weird dreams about clients/projects!)
out of bed at 6:30 A.M.
-Coffee,news (will this economic disaster ever turn around??), check e-mail, more coffee.
-Feed the fish and Rusty Kat
-Peruse design magazines ( I subscribe/buy a dozen or more!) for inspiration and information.
-Breakfast; a toasted bagel with peanut butter.
-Shower, etc. Ready to face the day!
-Spend an hour or so reviewing/approving selection sheet for large residential project.
-Respond to e-mails; I have Twittered, blogged and am, for sure, Linkedin.
-Work on furnishings selections for 6,000 sq. ft. home.
-Continue work on article for my blog regarding antebellum home interiors and specifically how they incorporated faux finishes. To be posted soon.
-Prepare outline for proposed ” Economic Stimulus Art and Design Expo”.
Note possible committee members and participants.
-Recieve new e-mail ( does anyone talk on the phone anymore??); Client needs to finalize lighting selecions for home under construction. We work on that via. e-mail and get it done!
-Lunch; I try to be good, but——-! Still need to lose 15 lbs. 20 would be better!!
-I get a nice e-mail from my sig. other trying to bolster my spirits regarding this dismal, trainwreck of an economy. I know it will get better soon and try to stay busy/positive! Need to quit watching the news!
-Getting a burst of creative energy, I decide to work on some small paintings that have been marinating in my head for some time. I paint for a while and leave them to start the drying process; at different stages of drying, I will manipulate the paint- these are done intuitively w/ a wet in wet technique and have a landscape/beachscape quality. Neutral palette; sienna, umber, black and white.
-Shuffle notes around ( again!) for cookbook I’m writing and writing and writing!! Will I ever get it done?? You can see excerpts on my web site Http://claystephens.com
-Follow up call to vendor for quote on fireplace surround.
-Prepare space plan/furniture layout for pool side patio and e-mail to client. Looking for furnishings options.
-Back to painting- looking good!
-Schedule yearly check up appt. for our Rusty kat.
-Sig. other is home and it’s 5:15; our martini time!!!(three blue cheese stuffed olives and please make it dirty!) He gets up early to go to the gym, so we don’t get to visit much in the A.M. Now is our time to sit, sip martinis and discuss our day; watch more bad news and prepare dinner. He critiques my new paintings- he likes!! Of course, I will continue to adjust/”pick at” them for a few days more. I never know when to quit!
-Dinner and more conversation about world and local events, art, design, work and possible future travel plans/dreams.
-A little more T.V.; Travel and science channels maybe a sitcom to lighten the mood.
-Final check of e-mail and early to bed—I’m tired, tired! Start it all again tomorrow!

Ceiling Design and Details

Ceilings are one of the most over looked and forgotten opportunities for design applications in a home or commercial space. I haven’t done a white ceiling, by choice, in over 20 years. Such an expansive space shouldn’t be just painted white and ignored in the design process, but I see it all the time. Even in an all white room, I will add some color or other details to the ceiling design.

Moldings, panels, beams, coffers, medallions, textures, trompe l’oeil and faux painting add so much depth and wonderfull detail to your rooms.
At the very least, paint the ceiling a color;wheather bold or just a subtle tint, the results are dramatic and finish the design of the space.

Any one studying design, or with an interest in design, should visit the John and Mable Ringling home in Sarasota;the fabulous interiors and exquisite ceiling designs are so spectacular! Inspired by a trip to Venice, John Ringling imported Venetian craftsmen to create many of the design details for walls and ceilings. It is worth the drive to Sarasota just to tour this grand mansion not to mention all the other art venues in that area.
For a preview go to http://www.ringling.org/cadmansion.aspx
John and Mable Ringling named the home Ca d’Zan which means “House of John”; a great place to study the many varied applications of ceiling design and details; beams, coffers, handpainted, trompe l’oeil and more!

Third Thursday Art Walk

The Third Thursday downtown art walk in Orlando is June 18. Fellow artist, Dan Tashlin and I will be opening our show at The Gallery at Avalon Island, corner of Magnolia and Pine, from 6:00 to 9:00. The art walk is always fun; there are many galleries and venues to visit with lots of creative energy and art to enjoy. Most have entertainment for your pleasure and food and beverages are available. Come enjoy a night out in downtown Orlando!

Trade Winds Interiors- Kimono Series

I now have some of my paintings on display at Trade Winds Interiors, 318 N. Park Av. in Winter Park, Fl. Mostly my new “Kimono” series. It’s a wonderful, eclectic shop, you should check it out!!

Summer Newsletter- Spring Market Report-Design and Color Trends

The long, Hot central Florida summer is here! Time to relax with afternoon naps, picnics, reading on the beach and backyard cookouts; don’t forget the watermellon!! Yummm! Love that color, too!

After some spring cleaning, now is the time to lighten up and revitalize your interiors.The spring High Point Market was abundant with many exciting design and color trends.

Classic black is the “new” black! It was represented in chic black crystal chandeliers, distressed and embellished pottery accent pieces, handsome black bamboo furniture ( I love it!) and even a black seashell chandelier to punch up the popular marine themed interiors.

Sophisticated neutrals in stone, cream, buff and lilac tinted, smoky grays were strong and are comfortable and timeless colors. I never tire of a neutral palette!

As I have said before, orange is everywhere along with hot pink and watery shades of blue from deep azure to pale ice; they are as uplifting and fresh as an ocean breeze!

Luxury fabrics were naturally fabulous in textural linens (always wonderful for a summer interior!), nubby cottons, slubbed silk and leather, they beg to be touched!

Out of Africa motifs with elephants, monkeys, leopards and other wildlife combined with geometric patterns and tribal prints to create an exotic montage for fabrics.

Give yourself a new lease on life for the summer by editing down your living area; less clutter is so calming! Replace heavy rugs with sisal or seagrass- instant summer! Add some bright, colorful accent pillows and maybe slipcover some of your chairs with linen in soft pale summery colors. Even dining chairs take on new life when slipcovered. If possible, replace drapery with creamy, diaphanous fabrics for a light and breezy feel!

Lots of fresh green plants, bowls of citrus scented potpourri and lushly fragranced candles cool and calm the senses. Add an organic water feature to create a soothing ambiance. There are so many choices; table top, wall mounted or freestanding in sizes and prices from very small to as large as your space and budget will allow!

The redesign trend is so popular, especially for seasonal changes, I find myself very busy helping clients get ready for a relaxing and fun summer! I’m also taking some time to rework my own space. It’s fun to rearrange and repurpose furnishings, art and accessories; you appreciate them in a whole new way!

I hope these design and color trend reports inspire you to have fun redecorating for the summer!

The Home as Sanctuary

World events being what they are today, your home should be a haven that nurtures your soul and restores your spirit! Restful and serene interiors that reflect nature and incorporate the beauty of organic materials are the hallmark of a restorative home. Lucious silk, fine cotton, textural linen, the warmth of wood and the earthiness of stone are a few tactile choices that awaken the sense of touch and sight, creating the home as sanctuary.

Enjoy beautifully scented candles, fresh, fragrant flowers and perhaps create a “memories” potpourri filled with shells collected on seaside vacations; flowers, recieved as gifts that you have dried; saved champagne and wine corks from life’s celebrations or other special objects that evoke fond memories! Caress the sense of smell!

Comforting sounds such as recordings of wind chimes or bird song and soft music playing in the background along with the laughter of family and friends imbue a feeling of peace and contentment.

Hand crafted bowls filled with sumptious fruits or vegetables give you a renewed appreciation of nature’s bounty!

Family heirlooms, collected treasures and old books are wonderful for those contemplative moments.

Choose soft color palettes to impart a calming ambiance or darker, richer colors to embrace and cocoon. Color is very personal, you should choose those that make you feel peaceful and happy, then wrap yourself in them!

This step is crucial! Clear out clutter and do some “spring” cleaning. Remove anything that has a negative vibe. It’s great, cheap therapy and will create a positive, happy energy in your home!

Finally, immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of art and objects that speak to you in a special way; wheather a fabulous flea market find or priceless antique, these are the elements that create the home as sanctuary! And always remember to “Live Life with Joy, Wonder and Style”!