design trends

check yourself.

Jenny Kayne's Holiday Party - Domaine

Some design “trends” aren’t actually trends at all – because they’ve been around for decades, but recently have gained more love. This is especially true for checkered and plaid patterns. Just search the terms on Instagram or Pinterest, and you’ll see many awesome examples of using these patterns in a modern way.

BUFFALO CHECK

This fabric is typically classified by 1 or 2 colors on a light background, created by horizontal and vertical stripes of equal thickness crossing over each other to form squares.

It’s everywhere right now. On chairs, pillows, even on bathroom floors!

Checkered Bathroom Floor - Studio McGee

Black and White check is so classic but most importantly of all, very versatile. It mixes well with other patterns. You can do dots, floral, solids – the sky’s the limit.

It crosses over to many different design styles. Pictured below on this mid-century style chair by Schoolhouse Electric.

Studio McGee - Lynwood Remodel
It goes more transitional here with Caitlin Wilson’s pillow and rug collection.

Caitlin Wilson Navy Buffalo Check Pillow

PLAID

I grew up in the Catholic school system.  I wore a plaid jumper everyday for about 6 years. Needless to say, I was over anything resembling plaid. Putting my childhood aside, I’d be crazy to deny that it’s making a comeback. And I think I kinda, sorta, dig it.

Emily Henderson - Let's Get Cozy

There is some crossover between check and plaid, but plaid usually consists of 2 or more colors and the stripes vary in size and spacing.  It’s kinda like Buffalo Check’s uptight older sister. It tends to feel a little more formal, sophisticated, and traditional than the playful checkered patterns.
Dash & Albert Cooper Navy Jute Woven Rug

So the question is- are you Team Check or Team Plaid?

___

Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Save

on point: Highpoint Market favorites

If you are a residential designer, Highpoint Market is like Mecca – you absolutely have to make the trip!  If you can’t attend the next best thing is to follow along virtually.  The hashtag #HPMKT on Instagram has nearly 60K posts of new products and inspiration.  Based on personal preference and post popularity, here are my picks on this Spring’s market winners.

HOT NEW WALLPAPER

Detroit Wallpaper stole the show with their brightly colored geometric patterns.  I obviously have immense love for the Mitten State and am happy to see the success of yet another amazing Detroit business!

Wallpaper @  Highpoint - via bmaathome on Instagram Wallpaper @  Highpoint - via caitleysymonstextile on Instagram

BRASS & SASS

It’s no surprise that gold tones were a huge hit.

Highpoint Vignette - via bethbarden on Instagram Highpoint - via contourinterior on Instagram New Art @  Highpoint - via layersandlayers on Instagram

TILE HEAVEN

Mirth Studio continues to wow with their amazing tile patterns.

Spring Highpoint - via mirthstudio on Instagram Tile @ Highpoint - via coreasotropa on Instagram

IN THE HOT SEAT

Some of the most loved chairs at Market this Spring!

New Chair @  Highpoint - via lisamendedesign on Instagram New Chair @  Highpoint - via verellenfurniture on Instagram New Chair @ Spring Highpoint - via chelle.albert on Instagram New Chair @ Spring Highpoint - via hhousefurn on Instagram

TEXTURE & COLOR

True statement pieces!

New Rug @  Highpoint - via nataliereddell on Instagram New Sideboard @  Highpoint - via hauteinterior on Instagram Art @ Highpoint - via changnatalie on Instagram

STUNNING VIGNETTES

Lovely rooms that have it all together.

Spring 2015  Highpoint - via manderley_design_co on Instagram Spring 2015  Highpoint Market - via jacquelinecorea on Instagram Highpoint via inspireddarianne on Instagram

Did you make it to Highpoint? What was your favorite showroom or piece?

PS>You can follow me on Instagram here.  Happy Monday everyone!

design obsession: concrete

I never thought I could love something like concrete.  Words that come to mind when describing it:  Cold.  Hard.  Sterile.  Boring.    But when you look at the positives it can bring to a space, it gets quite interesting.  It’s modern.  Versatile.  Clean.  Cutting edge.  Durable.  Gray! (how I love the color gray!)  Prepare for some serious eye candy that can warm even the coldest concrete heart:

 

concrete wall

 

concrete kitchen

 

Concrete circle planters

 

p4_1.1

 

concrete countertop

concrete walls

DIY Concrete Pendants

 

concrete pavers for landscaping

 

Concrete planter

.

(all images link back to their source)

design obsession: hexagon

Ahh yes, my favorite 6 sided shape.  We meet again!

hicks hexagon wallpaper

Loving the Hicks Hexagon wallpaper.

Or if you’re feeling very ambitious, you can stencil it on your walls.  (I was kidding – but if you are totally insane and up for the challenge, the DIY can be found here. )

honeycomb painted wall DIY

hexagon wall

Seeing a lot of hexagon mosaic tile too lately!

hexagon tileThe above mosaic is very contemporary.  But the dark tile below shows how you can use this shape in a more traditional setting.

black hexagon travertine floor tile

Lovely pavers to use in your garden too!  I dig it. (Pun intended. Very corny yes indeed.)

hexagon shaped outdoor tiles

.

Don’t worry – there’s plenty of honeycomb shaped treasures to share.

 hexagon inspiration boarda: embroidered pillow cover // b: mirror // c: bedding set // d: cuff bracelet // e: woven garden seats // f: rug // g: marble top side table

.

Have a wonderful night all! xo

.

(All photos link back to their original source, if known)