Trends from the Paris show Maison & Objet

Editor's note: Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPopsof Brewster Home Fashions, shares her observations. 

Twice a year the latest home décor products are shown inParis at the Maison & Objet biannual housewares trade show.  From furnitureand rugs to lighting and wallpapers, the exhibition halls of the Parc desExpositions and the galleries bordering the Seine showcase all things chic,revealing what will be fashionable for the home in the next year.  After trekkingthe floors of the show noting trends, Paula Berberian, Creative Director of WallPopsof Brewster Home Fashions, one of the oldest independent, family-ownedwallpaper companies in the U.S., shares five fads sure to be big this year thatcan easily be integrated into the home.

Warm Colors

Kenneth James’ Suzani by Eijffinger

It mayhave been winter weather when Maison was held but inside its halls sprung atropical array of colors. 

“Therewas an overall warming of the palette,” says Berberian.  “As Pantone® namedTangerine Tango the color of the year, we saw a lot of the red family incorals, pinks and oranges, but surprisingly there was also another popular andunexpected hue, Palm Springs Blue that was everywhere.” 

The aquablue was paired with oranges, oriental reds and browns.  There was also ayellow-infused green just slightly subdued from chartreuse, along with a brightcurry yellow and red-infused purples.  This trend is beautifully captured inKenneth James’ Suzani by Eijffinger® line featuring colorful designs liketrees, ornamental flowers and embroidered circles in bright, stylish colors. One design features a teal background with a colorful floral array in orange,teal, yellow and pink.

Modern Touches

Kenneth James’ new Zircon by Eijffinger®

 “Modernis still in,” says Berberian.  “While we saw a lot of vintage designs, allwould have some modern element added, giving a fresh look to more traditionaldesigns.”

Fora modern spin, some of the items seen at the show were a classic chinoiseriethat went chic in a vivid purple rather than the usual French Blue or red andtraditional wood furnishings had an added splash of a bright color such as limegreen.  Tribal designs like ikats and suzanis were also infused with moderncolors and interpretations.  For an updated classic, Kenneth James’ new Zirconby Eijffinger® collection features dramatic, modern designs such as traditionalstripes revived with dry matte colors, suede printing and a mica finish.  

Natural Woods

Kenneth James’Suzani by Eijffinger®

“Therewas a continued move toward the natural and organic with hand-crafted woodenpieces throughout the show, particularly whitewashed pine,” says Berberian.

Toincorporate an eco-chic touch to any space, look to pieces made with reclaimed,whitewashed or wire-brushed woods. 

Embellishments

Kenneth James’ Pipwallpaper collection by Eijffinger®, Silhouettes Flock Pink

“Dimensional elements were added to furnishings and textiles such as jewels, pearls, mirrorsand other adornments,” says Berberian.

Addedluxe textures to already likable patterns is seen in the cheerful and colorful,Kenneth James’ Pip wallpaper collection by Eijffinger®.  Pip, known for itstagline of “Happy Products, Happy People” that offers a line of bed sheets, kitchenwareand bags, now offers a wallpaper line.  It includes floral and bird prints aswell as playful framed-photo, postcard and stamp designs.  A classic damask designcomes alive with the textured flocking seen in its Silhouettes Flock Pinkwallpaper.

British Influence

Brewster HomeFashions English Style by Fairwinds Studio

Whetherbecause of the Royal Wedding or with the upcoming Summer Olympics in London, aspotlight was on all things U.K.-inspired. 

“Therewas a British explosion with the Union Jack flag, British flag and other iconicdesigns,” says Berberian.

Foran English update at home, experiment with hounds tooth and pretty floralpatterns or fun items emblazoned with images of crowns, Big Ben, London Bridgeor the city’s iconic red phone booth.

Beat the forefront of the most fashionable items for the home by incorporatingthese on-trend designs from Brewster Home Fashions.

Headquarteredin Randolph, Mass., Brewster Home Fashionsis one of the oldest independent, family-owned wallcovering companies in theU.S. that now spans five generations.  Since 1954, Brewster Home Fashions hasbeen a prominent manufacturer and distributor of fine wallpapers and home decorproducts for residential and commercial markets globally. 

For more information, visit brewsterwallcovering.com.

Keith Haring pattern on wall tiles

Blik, a maker of self-adhesive surface graphics, is launching Keith Haring Pattern Wall Tiles, a new eco-friendly take on Haring's repeating patterns.

Best known for his iconic line-drawings of radiant babies and barking dogs, Haring was fascinated by complex surface pattern and startling color combinations. The launch of the wall tiles is timed with the opening of Keith Haring: 1978-1982 at the Brooklyn Museum.

The pattern moves across two 28" x 48" tiles. The tiles are self-adhesive (no messy glue required), movable, reusable and eco-friendly (free of both PVC's and phthalates.)

Completely customizable, the wall tiles can be cut, crafted and arranged in a number of ways. Create an accent over a sofa or frame a small section of a wall, or add more tiles to the design to recreate the mural environment.

Sunday special: Decorating with metallics in the home

South Florida interior designer Deborah Wecselman's says, "One touch of metal  instantly adds opulence, timelessness and glamour!"


"Metallic accents are not of-the-moment trends yet traditional elements that add high-shine and a feeling of opulence to any space within your home.  Most consumers are intimidated by lustrous wall items, lighting and table accents – straying away from incorporating metals with the fear of transforming their room into an intergalactic spaceship."

Here are four tips for using what she calls "mega-watt metallics:"

1.  Cleanliness. Metallics lend a clean and minimalist feel by adding a few striking accents.
2.  Accessorizing. As in fashion – too much can be overwhelming. Purchase key pieces – one stand out piece (wall art, ottomans, accent tables or centerpieces) as the headlining embellishment in the room.
3.  Refurbishments. Old chairs, chaises, couches and ottomans can be brought back to life by adding platinum, gold, bronze or silver grommets, metallic arms or feet – accenting details to upholstered items lends an antiquated appearance.
4. Light at the end of the tunnel. Focal points in hallways don't have to start and end with a rug, placing a speckled-silver piece of wall art is a foundation for creativity and a natural light source – "visually"opening up a space.

About Deborah Wecselman
Deborah Wecselman was born in Lima,Peru and began her formal training as design associate in the storedevelopment department at Polo Ralph Lauren.  She quickly rose to SeniorDirector of International Store Design, where she was responsible for thecreation of more than 5,000 international shops and stores. In 2000, Deborah established DWD Inc. to provide clients with interior and architectural design of the highest quality. DWD Inc.is a small firm that allows Deborah and her staff to  be their best and bemost available to their clients.

Decorating ideas to warm up every room in an apartment

The following was submitted by Apartment Finder.

President of Apartment Finder, Marcia Bollinger, offers the following low-cost but high-impact solutions to warming up every room in your apartment:

In the living room

·         Get some candles or potpourri in the scents of the season. Think spicy, rustic, with a hint or cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus. Just be careful not to have too many scents, or you’ll be overpowered with fragrance.

·         Replace lightweight, summery curtains with warmer, heavier drapes in a color that suits the season, such as burgundy, orange, green, gold, or brown.

·         Add pillows and throws to the couch and chair – think rich, warm fabrics such as chenille and cashmere.

·         Even swap out wall decorations – take down the beach print and hang a painting of a cozy cottage.

In the kitchen

·         Add candles with delicious scents – such as freshly-baked cookies - to warm up the kitchen.

·         Add textures such as a throw rug, slipcovers on your barstools, or some thick placemats and linen napkins with decorative napkin rings.

In the dining room

·         Find a warm tablecloth in a deep red, teal, gold, or green. If you can’t find a tablecloth, try using a blanket. 

·         Make a centerpiece for the table: find a rich-hued charger, place a pillar candle in the center, and surround the candle with pinecones or cranberries.

·         Add small throw pillows to your dining room chairs.

In the bedroom

·         Trade your lightweight spread for a thick down comforter. Add several extra blankets in complementary colors and load up the bed with plenty of pillows.

·         Swap lightweight curtains for thick, warm curtains in here, as well.

·         Think natural and add rattan, wicker, and wood decorations.

·         Swap out your summer wardrobe for your winter one. If you don’t have a lot of storage space, utilize the space under the bed. Plastic bins that slide under your bed are perfect for storing lightweight shoes and clothing. Or, make your own using wooden boxes – just attach a caster to each corner.

In the bathroom: Don’t forget this space!

·         Add sink-your-toes-into-them rugs, a thick, warm bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, scented lotions, candles, towels and wash cloths in rich, warm tones and maybe even a towel warmer!

·         Switch to a fabric shower curtain.

·         If you are allowed to paint, this little space is the perfect place to add some warm color to the walls.

Now curl up with a fuzzy blanket and a mug of hot cocoa to enjoy your warm, cozy retreat! For even more information, inspiration and discussion on apartment living, décor and hunting, visit Apartment Finder’s blog, The APT.