House of Cards

Season 3 of the hit politico drama House of Cards has hit the homepage of my all time favorite entertainment source: Netflix. But before I admittedly spend the next 72 hours in bed with my Mac and a bucket of popcorn, I thought it best to get ready by analyzing the old Underwood townhouse and the gorgeous interiors that lie within it (because that’s the kind of design freak I am).

This picture perfect home for two reminds me of my grandfather’s old townhouse in D.C. The living room style is elegant, filled with neutral textiles and dark wood that gives a rich and timeless feel. My favorite piece in the room is the dark-stained fretwork hutch that adds the perfect amount of subtle detail.

Next, lets take a second to admire the sleek and classic black and white kitchen that these set designers have put together. Shaker style cabinets, subway tile, black countertops and steel appliances make up the industrial modernism style that lends a break from the rest of the home’s traditional decor. My favorite piece in here are the industrial modern metal counter stools.

Finally, lets end by looking at the room where the Underwood’s end their day: the bedroom.

Luxurious and elegant, the Underwood’s bedroom portrays a more transitional style with black and white photographs and geometric printed pillows. I love this space because while the rest of the home feels more formal, this room gives me a sense of comfort. This seems to be the only proof that someone actually lives here and it isn’t a model home on display.

Now excuse me while I get into my pajamas and start my House of Cards marathon.

xx Meg

NYFW: The Breakdown

New York Fashion Week has just taken over the city, and I’m sure your Instagram feed. These designers aren’t modeling chairs or bedding sets, but they do provide some insight into what will be popular in the home for the next season. There was once a 5 or 6 year trend lag from the runways to furniture showrooms and interiors. However, recently this gap is narrowing and the worlds are beginning to collide. Now, as soon as these fashion designs hit the internet and our social media feeds, home decor designers are taking these inspirations to their next collection, meaning there is only about a 1 season lag to see these trends in the home.

The biggest trends we saw at NYFW, and we will see in the home next season, are…

1. Orange: from pale peachy to vibrant shades
2. Furs: luxe and chic
3. Embellishments: beads, studs and other sparkles
4. Feathers: flirty yet elegant
5. Pink: neon to pretty & pale
6. Asymmetrical Hemlines: providing movement and interest
7. Fringe: coming to the forefront in a variety of ways

I can’t wait to see how these are used in the homes! I am thinking tassel/fringe drawer pulls…

xx Meg

Marsala

So, I have been putting off writing (and talking) about Pantone’s Color of the Year Marsala. I was not exactly sure how I feel about it. In some ways, I love the color. Deep Red Lips , Chunky Sweaters, and Shoes in deep wine are items that frequent my Pinterest board.

However, my original thoughts on the color for the home could be described in one way: dated. It took me back to the early 2000s when you would see this color as an “accent wall” in dining rooms. But as the color has spread to interior designers, I have seen a lot of blog posts and articles showing marsala used in more unique and sometimes bold ways, like in accessories and upholstery. Finally, I see a spot for marsala in more chic and contemporary living spaces. This is good for my mental state, because going against the all-knowing Pantone makes me feel like a total design traitor. Here are some interiors that use Marsala in different ways. All are showing the color is a more neutral setting, to really draw the eye to the bold color choice.

xx Meg

Spotting Style: High Point Market–Spring 2015

Now that we have entered February, we are one step closer to High Point’s Spring Market. Manufacturers and buyers alike are gearing up for the semi-annual home decor trade show that hosts designers and shoppers from all over the world. Last week, I talked about the Las Vegas Market, but High Point is a completely different ball game. Although many furniture trade shows like Las Vegas and Shanghai have tried competing with High Point (a city in North Carolina named the furniture capital of the world), they have fallen short.

High Point Market takes place every 6 months, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. Here are some facts that shed light on how large of a trade show High Point Market is:

• 75,000 Attendees Each Market
• Approximately 10% of Attendees Are International
• More Than 2000 Exhibitors
• 100+ Countries Represented
• Tens of Thousands of New Product Introductions
• 180 Buildings
• 11.5 Million Square Feet of Showspace

Woah! You can see why the High Point Market is the largest furnishings trade show in the world. All serious home furnishings buyers, from large retailers to mom-and-pop shops, can be found at this market twice a year to see new product introductions and designs from thousands of showrooms. Their website says it best: “If you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist.”

xx Meg

Sources:

http://blog.ladiff.com/2014/05/high-point-market-follow-up/

http://highpointmarket.org/