Design Inspiration: India Hicks

With most of the U.S. covered in mid-January gray gloom, it's time to start thinking about something a lot more fun: the beach! This time of year, as the "resort" bikinis make their way onto racks at the store, visions of Caribbean jaunts, complete with sunny days and balmy evenings dance in our heads.

We want a pina colada.

This is also the time of year when we look around our houses and think, "Why can't I be more like India Hicks?" Hicks, the host of Bravo's Top Design, creative collaborator with Crabtree and Evelyn, young mom, and former model, is the embodiment of cool, beachy style. The daughter of celebrated designer, David Hicks, India has twisted her dad's style a bit to make it her own, outfitting her Harbour Island, Bahamas home with lots of white, plus splashes of color and patter. She mixes comfortable furniture with heirloom pieces and her one concession to living a the beach is wood floors.

In short, she's great design inspiration, especially during the gray days of winter.

This shot of Hicks' Harbour Island living room shows off her commitment to white mixed with interesting pieces and little shots of pattern. We love those chairs in the back of the room on the left. They provide just the right amount of action in a mostly serene room.

In our own houses, we like the idea of simple chairs, covered in a fun, but understated fabric, like Giraffe in Chocolate and Sand Dollar:

In one corner of the room, Hicks added a bright pink chair. We love the way it contrasts with the lime green plant life (we love that dog, too!) and the shot of color it adds to the space.

At home, it's easy to add that shot of color with throw pillows. We love the Maven pillow in Cream, Pink Berry, Classic Pink, and Tutu:

We love the sunny pink color - it always makes us happy!

In the bedroom, Hicks continues the serene, beachy palate with white linens, white accessories, and a pretty upholstered headboard. We love the addition of bright red flowers, too. Wouldn't they be great to see first thing in the morning?

That gorgeous headboard might be out of our league, but we'd create the same feel with accessories, like the Pamda pendant in Ochre and White. The clean pattern is calming and the simple colors are all about the sandy beach.

We're still waiting for India Hicks' personal invitation to visit her family on Harbour Island. Until that day comes, we'll relax ourselves by incorporating bits of her style into our own homes.

[Photo credits: Hicks home: Domino magazine courtesy of Mimi and Meg. Fabric, lamp, and pillow from Alluminare.]

How to Go Crazy with Patterns

Occasionally, when I'm feeling sentimental, I'll dig deep in my my pile of home magazines to read something from the past. Last week, I ran across an issue of the late, oh-so-great magazine Domino from February 2008.

What were we dreaming about just two years ago? Lots of stuff we're still dreaming about, actually - like exuberant color and energizing patterns.

One of the better features from the magazine was a profile of three rooms, each covered head-to-toe in an aggressive pattern. The rooms were accompanied by a few tips on how to decorate with serious patterns without overwhelming.

The room at the top right, covered in Vivienne Westwood-inspired red and white wallpaper and matching black and white upholstery, is in the London town house of lingerie magnate Serena Rees (she owns Agent Provacateur). Rees' advice for decorating with pattern? "I just keep adding, adding, adding!" She explains that when the room was wallpapered and filled only with furniture in the same pattern, it felt hard, but with the addition of a couple of rugs, it evolved into an unusual sort of calm chaos.

If you like the look, why not try it with Pearl District fabric and wallpaper in Classic Red and White:

On the much more feminine side, Domino contributing style editor Chassie Post went wild for butterflies in a Manhattan loft. She covered the walls (and doors) with a busy butterfly wallpaper, then topped that with large artwork. On the advice of her childhood friend Miles Redd (also a favorite designer of ours) she also painted the floor and ceiling a delicate robins-egg blue, offering a bit of a respite from the pattern:Her advice is this, "If you are using a small pattern, consider the background carefully, because that dominates. The white behind the butterflies is calming - purple would have really changed the feeling."

She's right. We also love how she balanced the busy, sweet pattern with accessories in black and white geometric patterns, like her fabulous zig-zag rug. We'd add a pillow or two into the mix - maybe the Linoak on Second pillow in Cream, Black, and Hampton Blue:

The third space featured is the animal print haven of LA decorator Mary McDonald. She's outfitted her home in floor-to-ceiling leopard. The tiny print covers the walls, the curtains, the furniture -everything. With small spots and gradual variations in color, the print is positively hypnotic.

McDonald says that one of her big design influences is Scarlett O'Hara - she loves how the character would "get knocked down, get up and just keep trying." She points to Scarlett in her own home, saying she's still got plans for the ceiling, and to paint some cream-colored columns ebony so they sink into the background a bit more. She recommends that no matter what, you just keep going!

We love animal prints and would like to see a room designed around this Flinstones-meets-Rock Star pendant in Sand Dollar, Chocolate, and Croissant Tiger:

Of course, every space, every pattern, and every personality require slightly different treatment. How do you go crazy with patterns? Any tips?

[Photo credits: Rooms from Domino magazine (February 2008). Fabric, pillow, and lamp from Alluminare.]

5 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Home for the New Year

Every year after we haul our Christmas tree out to the recycling bin and pack away all of our decorations, our house looks a little, well, sad. Add that to the regular new year push to make everything feel fresh and brand spanking new, and we're ready for something new at home.

Fortunately, giving your home a bit of a facelift doesn't have to cost a million dollars, or take months and months to complete. We're a fan of simple, easy, inexpensive changes - like these:

1. Change That Wall

We love the hallway at the left - it's very pretty and calming with it's sky blue door and sweet little bench. But wouldn't it be even more fun to walk into a punch of bright paint, or even a single wall covered in fun wallpaper? We'd play off the blue door, covering the wall that's visible to the outside with Maven paper in Gray, Baby Blue, Light Spring Grass, and Sand Dollar:

The paper is fun and punchy and the colors strike a perfect balance between energetic and muted. We love it.

2. Sweep off the Table

Check out the tables around your house. The kitchen table, the living room coffee table, the dining room table - even your nightstand. What's on them? How long's it been there?

One quick way to change the look and feel of a room is to straighten up those tables (put away that stack of magazines!) and to swap out tired accessories for something new. Bud vases, coffee table books (bought on sale), shallow bowls, even new coasters - these all bring new life to a space.

2. Turn the Light On

Whether for the table, the floor, or the ceiling, new lamps and lampshades can add a whole new feel to a room. Take the kitchen at the left, for example. It's a pretty, clean kitchen with great natural light and a fantastic floor. We love the green accessories. But it feels just a little boring, right? A little underdecorated?

We'd swap out those simple globe pendants for something that's a little more fun and a lot more colorful, like Linoak on Seventh pendants in Spring Grass, Light Spring Grass, and White:

All of a sudden, spring doesn't feel so far away, does it?

4. Throw It Down

It's easy to forget about the floor. After all, we walk all over it. But adding a new area rug to a room is a fantastic way to change both the mood and organization of a space. Consider a new shape - round rugs are hot right now - and don't be afraid to add color.

5. De-clutter

Easier said than done, we know, but removing clutter should be on everybody's new year's list. There's nothing quite as refreshing as waking up to a house that's blissfully empty of mess. Take this room for example: Imagine how much nicer it would look with about 50% of those books donated to a favorite charity - a few fairly empty shelves would go a long way towards making this space more peaceful. We'd also switch out the plain white pillow for something a little brighter, like the Crosshatch pillow in Cantaloupe and Aurora Red: Fun, but not overwhelming.

What are your plans this new year? Any big projects in the works? Little ones? Please leave a comment - we'd love to hear about them.

[Photo credits: Rooms from Houzz.com. Wallpaper, pillow, and lamp from Alluminare.]

Calm It Down: Blue Bedrooms

Who doesn't love blue? It's a calming force, physiologically, slowing metabolism. Symbolically, it's associated with trust, loyalty, intelligence, and stability. It's intellectual and it imbues spaces with a feeling of cleanliness and peace.

It's all those traits, plus the fact that its different shades work with design schemes from classic to modern, that makes us simply love blue in the bedroom.

On the classic and simple end of the design scale, we love the pretty wooden daybed in Wedgewood blue in the photo on the right. Combined with pristine whites and cool grays, the room feels beachy and calm and very, very relaxing.

We'd accessorize with lighting that's similarly simple, playing up the color's neutral properties with a three-cylinder pendant lamp in Bungalow Dots in Cream, Hampton Blue, and Chocolate Milk:The simple pattern works with the pillows' stripes, while the cool combination of colors is in sync with the rest of the room. Calming, from start to finish.

One of the things we love about blue, though, is the variety of shades and the different moods they can convey. The electric blue headboard at the left, complemented by a fish with bright blue accents, has a coastal vibe - so that's calming - but its coupled with preppy energy.

We'd add even more color, taking a cue from the bright pink monograms on those pristine white shams. We think a Signature Leaves lamp in White and Crimson would be a perfect addition to this room's strong feminity:

We're all about the eclectic look right now and we think blue provides a great base for funky, interesting spaces. The bedroom at the right is the epitome of "eclectic," from the oversized Expressionist painting on the wall down to the rug and its Middle Eastern influences.

We think the lapis wall acts as a sort of neutral in this space, providing a calming respite from the intensity of the patterns and painting. But that doesn't mean we wouldn't tie that blue into even more accessories.

In a space like this one, we say, "Load up on pillows!" We love the pile on the bed already, but we'd also add one of our own - Folk Heart in Cream, Hampton Blue, Chocolate Milk, and Sage:

Another of our favorite blue traits is the color's ability to work so well with a variety of accent colors. We especially love how pale, pale blue looks next to intense, pinky reds - like in this smart spare bedroom:

Pale blue, black, and red don't necessarily sound good on paper, but neither does that crazy combination of super-symmetry, stripes, and butterflies. And in the end, all of it works, and the blue provides a background that keeps the rest of the room from venturing into harsh territory.

We might even swap out the fussy throw pillows (though they are pretty) for something a little more tailored, but add a lamp in a similarly feminine and busy pattern, like Napa in White, Gray, and Aurora Red (at right).

Blue - it's as diverse as colors get. But from the most electric to the sweetest and calmest...what a color for the bedroom.

[Photo credits: All rooms from Houzz.com. All lighting and pillow images from Alluminare.]

Bottoms Up! Celebrating the New Year in Style

The week between Christmas and New Year's Day is, historically, one filled with parties and fun outings, culminating in a big bash New Year's Eve (and quieter brunches and open houses on New Year's Day).

Our favorite celebrations are the ones that take place not out in a bar or restaurant, but at home. And our favorite homes are ones that are well-stocked for entertaining, with pantries full of fun snacks (we love these bacon-wrapped dates and these potato chips topped with goat cheese, red pepper jelly, and bacon) and well-stocked bars.

So in honor of the new year, we're checking out some of our favorite bar set-ups, like the one at the left. This room, which is designed by Amy Lau, has such a cool, retro look and - wow - what an amazing bar! We love the way it's hidden from view, but totally convenient. Love that cocktail cart, too.

We think the room is cozy as it is, but it would be even cozier with the addition of a throw pillow or two. We think the Kenya pillow in Brick Red, Burnt Orange, Blue Iris, and Ginger would pick up all the great colors in the space (check out the inside door of the bar) and give the room a little extra warmth:

Cocktail carts have such a great vibe, don't they? We love this one for its sharp angles and 1930's feel:

We also love those crazy birds (the owl, especially) on the black laquered plates hanging on the wall. They're perfect next to the strong red chair. We think they'd be even more perfect with an intense pendant lamp, like the Granted pendant in Black and Dark Goldenrod.

The goldenrod perfectly complements the warm elements of the pictures and the black keeps the overall look strong and powerful.

When we think about wet bars, our thoughts often go to spaces with a decidedly retro vibe - but bars come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. We think this serene butler's pantry makes for a great bar area: We love the cool color scheme and the subtle texture of the linen walls. Can you imagine a more peaceful spot to fix a New Year's morning mimosa?

In a space like this, lighting is especially important. After all, you need to see how your cocktail looks! We love all the natural light that huge window brings in during the day, but at night, we'd brighten up the spot with a three-pendant lamp in Robin's Egg Blue:

We love the way the blue works with the vase tucked in the corner of the room and we think the simplicity of the design complements the room as a whole.

We love making the most of every inch of the house, so we're always excited to find useful nooks tucked away in surprising places - like this small bar area, nestled in a large built-in armoire. We think the space might have been originally intended for a big TV, but the owners repurposed the spot when they upgraded to a flat panel.

Whatever its original use, we think turning the space into a bar is a fantastic way to turn "dead" space into something useful and attractive.

We like the dramatic black paint, too, but would like the walls even more with a cool pattern on the walls, like Yin Yang Paisley in Black and Silver:We think the paisley is even more dramatic than black paint alone - so it's perfect!

Whatever your plans for New Year's, we hope you have a happy and safe one!

[Photo credits: Bars from Houzz.com. Lamps, pillow, and wallpaper from Alluminare.]

Design Trends for 2010: Global Harvest

2009 is rapidly drawing to a close and we're busy exploring all the great new design trends we're likely to see in 2010. We've looked at the trend towards fun, lively interiors and the trend towards incorporating "weathered and treasured" items in the home. But those are just the tip of the iceberg.

A number of trends we're seeing for 2010 are likely to take hold in part because they really work together. When designing rooms, we can incorporate two or three trends at once without the room looking weird or overly decorated. In fact, in these cases, two trends are even better than one.

Two of our favorite new design trends offer the perfect example. The first, Global Village, is all about desigining with, well, global themes in mind. Our friends at Sherwin-Williams call this trend "rooted" and describe it this way:

"Rooted," embodies the rich, earthy colors associated with African, Aboriginal, and Native American cultures. Jackie Jordan, the director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams, says inspiration comes from members of Ethiopian tribes who paint their bodies with green and red pigments sourced from volcanic ash, as well as weeds, grasses, and shells. The deep teal and ash gray of African wildlife and landscapes, as well as the bright designs of the locals' textiles and beads, also serves a launching point for new designs.

And the San Francisco Chronicle reminds us that a carefully curated "well-traveled" look works on a lot of levels. We like it best when globally-inspired items are mixed and matched with simple and traditional pieces, so the room doesn't look overly "designed." The comfortable sitting room at the top left is a great example of this style working. We might even add a little more color with a Bridgehampton Strip pillow in Ochre, Hampton Blue, and Pumpkin:We love the way the strong colors in the pillow complement the rug, but the simple stripe doesn't overpower the rug's elaborate design or any of the amazing pieces in the room. In fact, it lends a little bit of a preppy edge to the space, keeping it from veering into kitschy territory.

We think Global Village is a match made in heaven with another trend - Harvest. While it sounds a little hokey, this trend really got to us. Here's how the UK publication UpWorld describes "harvest" in the home:

Natural - Innocent - Conservative. Think white linens with attention to detail, restrained but textural, sentimental. Wholesome and innocent, this style will have a slightly sophisticated edge through the use of neutral colours such as beige, ivory, black, taupes and caramels. Formality is mixed with informality. This style is all about family and acknowledges where our food comes from. Think rural, wheat fields in the sunshine, farm houses - abundance of an earthy kind. The current ‘Classic Contemporary’ interior style will evolve into this.

Since we're always designing with family in mind (after all, isn't that who uses our spaces?) this trend appealed to us. We love clean lines and calm colors in comfortable, family-friendly spaces like this one:

And wouldn't this space look great accessorized with a Linoak on Second pendant in Pumpkin, Cream, and Light Hampton Blue?

love the way the warm colors are set off by the cooler shade of blue. Overall, we think it conveys that feeling of home and harvest - in a cool, modern way.

Best of all, of course, would be to mix the two styles. Pepper a room with souvenirs from fabulous family trips, like amazing rugs or framed artwork painted by roadside artists, then accessorize with big cushions and warm throws to encourage family lounging. Add a low table and a bunch of appetizers (inspired by those trips abroad, of course) and you've got yourself the perfect mix of a couple of great design trends.

[Photo credits: Family rooms from Houzz.com. Throw pillow and pendant lamp from Alluminare.]

Design Trends for 2010: Weathered and Treasured

This week and next we're looking at some of our favorite design trends for 2010 (check out "have some fun" right here). Today's trend comes to us courtesy of the design folks at Sherwin-Williams, who have predicted a couple of cool new trends for 2010. Our favorite? They call it "treasured."Here's how they describe the treasured look:

"Treasured" is the third trend, where natural aging and weathering enhance the design. Jordan cites the Rough Luxe Hotel in the United Kingdom, where the original layers of peeling paint and ancient wallpaper are still visible on the walls. This "less-than-perfect aesthetic" also includes the use of distressed leather, vintage tapestries, found objects, and patina.

Pretty cool, right? We love the mix of luxe and rustic, the fading star-Grey Gardens aesthetic.

That's why we fell in love with the kitchen at the top of this post. It's modern in terms of technology- the stainless steel confirms that - but all that rough wood just looks like it has a story behind it. We'd pair it with a pendant lamp in a pretty print that might look old-fashioned, if it weren't for the very current color scheme, like the Suzani pendant in Cream, Blueberry, Light Spring Grass and Gray.

Sometimes we think that Paris has a corner on the "treasured" look. The city does, after all, lay claim to one of the greatest flea markets in the world in La Marche aux Puces. And where better to find items that bear that fabulous patina than at a flea market?

Plus, Paris is home to rambling old decaying mansions with rooms like this one:

The room above is in a Parisian home that's used these days mostly as a movie set. Easy to see why, right? We love the look of faded luxury. It's almost as though you can see the years peeling away from that majestic mantle.

A space like that demands equally regal lighting. Our vote goes to a three-pendant lamp in Silver and Sage Modern Damask:

The treasured look isn't all about rough wood and damp chateaux, either. Consider this antique sugar chest, topped with a vintage cocktail shaker and a very bright, modern (and funny) painting:

The chest has definitely seen its fair share of use, but careful care has helped it retain luster that makes it a good match for bright colors and a fun, Jetsons-like mid-century aesthetic. (We admit, we're a little stuck on this sugar chest, since it's in our own dining room!)

We'd love to see the wall behind the chest papered in something just as bright and fun and with the same retro vibe as the cocktail shaker - something like Maven in Light Spring Grass, Caribbean Sea, Pink Berry, and Sand Dollar:The bedroom is a perfect place for a single piece of furniture that's both treasured and repurposed, like this amazing bed made from antique doors:
The bed is such a showcase piece, we wouldn't want to overwhelm it with lots of accessories. But wouldn't that warm wood, with all its age, look fantastic with a couple of Napa throw pillows in Cream, Hampton Blue, Light Spring Grass, and Dark Goldenrod:

We especially like the way the Dark Goldenrod picks up the warmth of the wood.

What do you think about this trend? Are there any pieces in your homes that fit the "treasured" profile? Please share in the comments!

[Photo Credits: Rustic kitchen from Apartment Therapy. Paris apartment, sugar chest, and wooden bed from Houzz.com. All product photos from Alluminare.]

Design Trends for 2010: Let's Have Some Fun!

It's the end of the year and we all know what that means - lists and predictions. We've seen a million lists predicting all sorts of things for interior design in 2010. Some we agree with, some are no-brainers, some we question. But they all get us thinking.

From now until the end of the year, we'll highlight some of our favorite trend predictions for the design world, starting with this one: 2010 will bring us a lot more focus on fun.

Bright colors, crazy designs, and a devil-may-care attitude will dominate design next year, and the timing couldn't be better. It's tough out there these days, so why not add a little levity to your surroundings?

We'd get the party started with a funky Folk Art pendant lamp, in Caribbean Sea, Coral, Purple and White (at left). The lamp's trippy vibe and cool color scheme would add some peace, love and fun to any space. It reminds us of this energetic space, where pattern and color work together to create a vibrant room perfect for hanging out (whether you're canine or human): Fun need not be confined to the interior either. We love Arakawa + Gins' East Hampton Bioscleave House, an ambitious building, is dedicated to fun both inside and out: We love the Bauhaus elements of the building - it's boxy shape and intense colors. We'd match it with a Commonwealth lamp in Pale Buttercup, Classic Red, and Basil:Strong colors and geometric shapes add up to a fun, modern look.

On the other hand, we're finding decidedly un-Bauhaus inspiration in the stills for Tim Burton's new Alice in Wonderland movie:
The movie, like the story, is sure to have some dark elements, but it also incorporates a twisted shot of fun. We'd recreate it inside with a floral Serendipity throw pillow in pastels (Light Spring Grass, Bab Blue, Pink Berry) with just a touch of shadow (Chocolate Milk):

We like a side of whimsy with our fun, too, which is why we can't get enough of Vanessa de Vargas and her design company, Turquoise (pretty apt name for 2010, too, huh?).

Her spaces are bright and feminine, with cheeky touches, like these fancy silhouettes painted in bright colors on plain white walls. In our house, we'd accessorize with simple, but bright and fun lighting, like the Duo pendant in Pink Berry and Light Spring Grass:

There are a million ways to inject fun into home design - these suggestions are just the beginning. What's your favorite fun design element? Please share in the comments.

[Photo credits: Dogs on sofa from Apartment Therapy, Bioscleave House from Inhabitat, Alice in Wonderland still from Dalliant & Dainty, Vanessa de Vargas rooms from Houzz.com, All lighting and pillow from Alluminare.com.]

Holiday Sale Ends Friday!

As the song says, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Twinkling lights, pretty candles, presents wrapped in shiny paper - what could be better?

That is, it's the most wonderful time of the year once you're finished with braving the crowds at the mall (especially in the parking lot), waiting in endless lines at the post office, and finding that perfect gift for your mother-in-law who has everything (no, really, everything).

Fortunately, we're here to help. How about a Christmassy throw pillow, like the Signature Bubbles pillow in cream, Basil, Sage, and Classic Red for that hard to please MIL? Trust us, she'll love it even more than those slippers you were eyeing.

And you know what makes that gift even better? It's on sale! Through this Friday, December 11th, Alluminare products are on sale, up to 25% off (plus a possible bonus!).

Happy shopping...and happy holidays!

Brown & Blue: Hot or Not?

As we mentioned earlier this week, we cannot stop talking about decorating with brown and blue. It's been holding strong as a trendy color combination for the past few years, but has its time passed?
Well, we for one still think it looks pretty nice. The wedding industry still agrees with us, too. Brown and blue are holding strong as popular wedding colors, with brides choosing flowers, decor, and dresses in sweet and bright shades of both. And at home - wouldn't the Duo pillow, shown above in Baby Blue and Classic Brown, look fantastic in a little boy's nursery? The shades are soothing and comforting, but still feel pretty hip.

But while the color combo isn't exactly out, it might be drifting toward the less trendy end of the scale, as yellows and bright greens take over blue's spot in the, well, spotlight, and cooler neutrals like grey bump brown off the scene. According to color experts from Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, and Pantone, 2010 will be all about those cool neutrals, yellows, and some surprising new shades.

If you love the brown and blue combination but want to update it, one way to do so is to brighten it up with a little bit if yellow. We like the Linoak on Seventh pendant in Baby Blue, Classic Brown, and a shot of Pale Buttercup:

We think it's got all the good things about the brown and blue palette, plus a little energy from the yellow.

But if you're not tied to brown and blue specifically, but like the muted + bright tone of the lamp, lavender and gray are great to play with. Here's the same lamp, still with Pale Buttercup, but adding Charcoal Gray, and Light Plumb in place of the blue and brown:

The lamp has the same vibe, but a slightly fresher feel. Perfect for 2010 (and beyond).

Gray and yellow alone are a great pick, too. One of the nice things about the brown and blue combination is that, depending on the specific shades, it can be energizing or calming - or somehow both at the same time. Gray and yellow have the same magical capabilities. We think Tribeca wallpaper in Bright Yellow, Silver, and Gray would be perfect to fall asleep to or to wake up to:

Of course, if it's still really blue you're after, all you need to do to freshen it up is to make sure your palette is bright...because 2010 is all about aqua and we love it. The Granted three-cylinder pendant in white and Caribbean blue is exactly why:

It's bright and fun and exciting. Beachy, but perfect for a winter white landscape, too. And most of all - it's blue.

Where do you fall in the blue and brown debate? Still fresh? Feeling stale? What colors say 2010 to you? Please share in the comments.

Color Trends: A Retrospective

We've had a bit of a color debate going on around Alluminare. Our big question? Brown and blue: hot or not.

But more on that (and other current color trends) later this week. We escaped from our modern day trend debate to take a little trip down memory lane. Today is all about color trends from the past. What they were, what they remind us of, and how they hold up today.

Back in 1999, Serena Fenton published an article called, "Architectural Follies," in which she listed the most popular color combinations in school media centers and libraries from the 1960s through the '90s. As it turns out, those color combinations are good examples of the colors that ruled those decades. We couldn't help but check them out.

It all started in the 1960s, when avocado and harvest gold famously ruled the day, kitchens adopted a look that felt outdated a few years later. But how would it hold up today?

We actually like it. Green and orange feels pretty fresh right now, especially when it's punched up with white accents, like in this Brickell three-cylinder pendant lamp in cream, Army, and Pumpkin:

A few years later, in the early '70s, colors shifted to the primary section of the color wheel, when designers latched onto strong yellows, blues, and reds. We tried the combination out on a Commonwealth two-cylinder pendant in Bright Yellow, Blue Iris, and Classic Red:

The combination is fun for a kid's bedroom or playroom, but we find it a little strong for the kitchen (though using just two of the three colors would look great).

In the mid-70s, the look got a little funkier, with electric blue and Kool-Aid orange energizing interiors. We like the combination now, too. The Linoak pillow (at left) in cream, orange, and Wild Blueberry is a great modern look - fresh and fun and clean.

And then came the 80s - the days of pastel and wine and roses. In the early '80s, Fenton cataloged a great deal of gray with mauve and jade - we can just picture the early '80s wedding parties decked out in those shades.

We've modernized the combo, with a drum pendant in gray, Classic Pink, Tutu, and Forest:

We think the clean stripe saves it from looking overly saccharine, creating a lamp that would work in a variety of modern homes.

Of course, things didn't get any less pastel as the '80s progressed and Miami Vice, with all its linen blazers and candy-colored t-shirts, came on the scene. In fact, Fenton called the late '80s palette "Miami Vice pastels."

Even though the show went out forever ago, we think pastel color combinations never get old, especially not in little girls' rooms or feminine living rooms. The Granted pendant in Light Plum and Light Spring Grass would look just as perfect in any of those spaces today as it did during Don Johnson's heyday:

In the early '90s, girly shades were finally out, when interiors followed fashion with an emphasis on deep earth tones. They're still relevant, too, especially in traditional homes and masculine rooms, like libraries.

We love Beach Vine wallpaper in Rosemary and Ginger (at right) - it's warm and welcoming, and just as relevant today as it was fifteen years ago.




Fenton's research ended in the late '90s, with her assessment that pale citrus shades were all the rage. It's only been a decade, so we thought the combination might look dated, but as it turns out, we still love the look of lighter versions of sunny shades, like this Maven pendant in white, Pale Buttercup, Cantaloupe, and Light Spring Grass:

We think it hits exactly the right spot and is perfect for a sunny kitchen.

What are your favorite eras for color combinations? Any great color memories you've tried to recreate at home? Share with us in the comments.

Choosing Sofa Pillows: 6 Things to Consider

Throw pillows are an absolutely fantastic buy. They can dress up, dress down, energize or calm a room in no time. Want to brighten up a space for spring? Choose a few pillows in vibrant shades. Give your living room a holiday feel? Go traditional with red and green or blue and silver.

Throw pillows for the sofa are the perfect decor pick-me-up, in part because they require minimal investment. They're not heavy - no lugging them and if you want to change them out. They don't require a lot of closet space for storage. And best of all, they're not terribly expensive.
That said, it always pays to do some research prior to making any home decor investments, and buying sofa pillows is no exception.
Imagine your living room looked like this:It's a pretty room, but could stand a little embellishment - a little personality. We think it could stand some great pillows. We also thought it would be a perfect way to explain the six items everyone should consider before investing in throw pillows. And they are:
1. Color
With throw pillow color, you can go one of three ways: match your space, stay neutral, or deliberately contrast with your space. In the room above, the palette is fairly neutral, with the only real jolt of color coming from the deep blue painting. With that in mind, we considered the Signature Leaves pillow with a cream background and leaves in three shades - Hampton Blue, Croissant, and Rust:
Choosing the Hampton Blue or Croissant options would preserve the cool, minimal feel of the room, while adding the Rust pillow would add a little spice. Any work - it's just a matter of preference and personality.
2. Size
Throw pillows come in all differen sizes - they're available from Alluminare in 14-inch, 16-inch, and 18-inch squares. Decisions about size depend on the scale of your room and your furniture. To test out different sizes before you buy, try stuffing bed pillowcases with t-shirts and pinning them to the approximate size of the pillows you're considering. That will give you an idea of how the pillows will work with your surroundings.
3. Pattern Style
Picking a pattern is serious business - and it can be more than a little overwhelming. A good first step is to decide whether you'd like all your pillows to be the same pattern, or if you want to mix it up.
Next, think about pattern style. In the room above, you could keep the peaceful vibe with something really simple, like the Duo pillow in Hampton Blue and cream:Or add make the room into a party space with a pattern that's a little traditional, like the Maven pillow in Hampton Blue, Sage, and cream:

4. Level of Formality
The space above feels fairly formal, but a few well-placed pillows could dress it down a bit, making it more of a family room, rather than a living room. Casual pillows come in a variety of patterns, but we often gravitate towards small patterns when we want to make a room feel more homey - like the Rose pillow in Hampton Blue, Tutu, and cream:

The pattern, on the "tiny" scale setting here, adds some warmth to the room.
On the other hand, if formal is the look you're after, a large, ornate pattern, like Traditional Damask in Hampton blue and cream, tells a different story:

6. Level of Modernity
The room above is pretty modern, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't work with some traditional elements. For example, the Serendipity pillow in Hampton Blue, Sage, Classic Brown, and cream, conveys an established look, without being stuffy or too conservative for the space:

If emphasizing the modern is what you're after, though, the Avalon pillow in Hampton Blue and cream gives off a Kandinsky vibe that's very cool:

6. Number of Pillows
The last thing to decide is...how many pillows do you want? Most sofas are perfect for two or three, but one really striking pillow works, too. Or, ditch your actual sofa cushions in favor of a bunch of throw pillows for a comfortable look - and feel.
And remember, there's no need to worry too much when you're choosing your throw pillows. You can always start over next season - it's fun!

[Photo credits: Pillow-less living room from Houzz.com; All pillows from Alluminare.com.]

Facebook Giveaway: Win the Pillow Featured in This Old House

We've got two very exciting announcements today. First, several Alluminare products have been featured in the December issue of This Old House magazine! Second, our fan page is up and running on Facebook!

In This Old House news, we're one of the magazine's "secret sources" for 2009. The This Old House team knows that personalizing your interior is always a good idea. To help their readers do just that, they recommend "5 ways to get a custom look" - including designing your own lighting, upholstery fabric, wallpaper, and pillows on Alluminare.com.

The article fatures Napa wallpaper and a throw pillow, both in sand dollar, ochre, white, and charcoal gray. It's a great combination - a fresh and fun play on traditional florals:

We couldn't agree more with This Old House - Alluminare products are a great (and easy) way to add some custom flair to any home. We love all things This Old House and couldn't be more excited about being included in the issue. Check it out on the newsstands now!

As if the This Old House excitement wasn't enough, we've also been plugging away, launching our Facebook fan page. Facebook is a fantastic way to stay in touch - and not just with old friends. Become a Facebook fan of Alluminare and you'll be the first to hear about upcoming sales, new products and designs, and what's going on behind the scenes at Alluminare.

And how do these two things relate, you ask? With a contest, of course! If you're one of our first 100 fans on Facebook, you'll have the opportunity to win the pillow featured in This Old House! Here's the official contest announcement:

Become a Facebook fan of Alluminare, and post your quick, easy, and affordable DIY home improvement tips on the wall of our new Facebook Page. One lucky person will win the pillow featured in the December issue of This Old House Magazine's Secret Sources 2009 feature! (A striking Napa pattern in white, ochre, sand dollar and charcoal grey- worth $100) The contest will be open until we reach 100 fans on Facebook.

The tip need not be involved - in fact, the simpler the better! Do you have a go-to tool that can solve just about any problem? What are your quick fixes at home? How do you keep organized, or update your design on the fly? Share your tips with the Alluminare community and you just might win that pillow!

Paradise is Waiting..

I haven't taken a real vacation in a very long time, heck, I've never even been out of the country.  This summer season is a first for me, I'm going on three vacations starting next month and July can't fly by fast enough!

First up is Hilton Head, South Carolina.  I've been reading all about this beautiful place because it seems like every home decor magazine I pick up has some sort of feature article.  I'm really looking forward to being in the south again (I'm originally from Florida) and immersing myself into doing.. well, absolutely nothing!  When I think of Hilton Head, I think of reds, blues and tans.  Very preppy and beachy.  If I wanted to bring quintessential Hilton Head into my home; I'd go with Ultra Bloom.

Next up, Puerto Rico!  VIVA Puerto Rico!  Can you tell how excited I am for this trip?  I know I don't need a passport for this trip, but it is technically out of the country.  Anyway! After spending endless hours on Gran Melia's website, I'm super inspired by their tropical decor.  So, if I were to bring my Puerto Rican inspiration into my home (which I am seriously considering) I'd go with Tribeca in orange.  Orange seems to be a staple color in tropical environments; and who doesn't love this sunburst pattern?

Last stop on my vacation filled summer is sunny Florida!  I grew up in Florida and believe me, Florida home decor is not all palm trees and hibiscus flowers.  There's definitely a mod & art decor theme in a lot of the hotel decor and that's definitely a huge reason why I love vacationing there.  This pillow in StopDrop that I picked out screams "I'm on a couch in Florida waiting for you to pick me up!"

Needless to say, I'm extremely excited for my vacations coming up and I hope everyone gets to have a vacation as well.  If you can't, try bringing some of the tropics into your house and you'll realize you're much more relaxed!