Happy New Year!!

Doesn't it seem like just yesterday that we were worrying about Y2K and the turn of the new Millennium? Well, that was a full decade ago, just proving the adage time flies! I thought I would talk about some of the design projections are for this new decade--

Vintage and Antique--You have probably noticed this trend in the Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn catalogs among others. Pottery Barn even has a replica of an old workbench! You certainly could buy these reproductions, but I say why? Scour your local thrift shops, antique malls and estate sales and you will probably turn up the real thing for the same price or much less, and you will have a lot of fun in the process.

Warmer Minimalism--Minimalism warmed up with natural materials. Again this is a trend that has been on the rise for the last year or so--lots of natural materials from wood to hemp to birds nests. You will also be seeing lots of birds and animals in fabrics, on pillows and in accessories. Of course, this trend does not hurt my feelings as I love birds and images of birds. It is also the perfect time for taxidermy if you happen to love it which I do. Just make sure what you buy is truly old or from a reputable dealer.

Rococo and Neo-Baroque--This look is about layering ornate details in a contemporary way. If you are a reader of Elle Decor, you will often see this look in their pages. This is a look that I love, a great way to mix old and new, shiny with faded, old world with a look to the future.

Another look that I love, is the Mid Century Modern look as seen on the AMC drama Mad Men! Don't you just love that brooding but handsome Don Draper!! The sets on that show are full of inspiration for me. I recently found a pair of these chairs at an antique mall and had them reupholstered in this fantastic Jim Thompson fabric. Mid Century Modern with an updated look. I love how this fabric has pastel colors but such a vibrant design--it really works in a lot of spaces. These chairs both rock and swivel. Hey wait a minute, that sounds like Elvis!! (I think I am aging myself). Ok--enough for now. Give some thought about how you want to live in this next exciting decade. Here are the before and after photos of the chairs.

Til next time, happy decorating.

Sue