May 19, 2012

Top Trends

Bird Motif

Let your decorating take flight with a hot new trend for the season.  Birds!  Songbirds, owls, parrots, peacocks – any kind of bird can bring a feeling of spring into your home.  Here are just a few of the many birds that we’ve been seeing everywhere!

Bright and Whimsical:

Thomas Paul Perch Pillow - Orange

Anthropologie Bluebird Plate

Thomas Paul Perch Pillow - Blue

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie - Wise 'Ol Canister

 

 

 

Home Decorators - Owl Umbrella Stand

Etsy - Vintage Ceramic Owl Planter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Urban Outfitters - Flourish Duvet

Coaster Black Bird Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elegant and Traditional:

Three Little Birds Lamp

Design Toscano Peacocks Statue

 

Pottery Barn Bird Floral Rug

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Calima Bird Wall Decor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Billy Moon Tamsin Bird Statues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

West Elm Hummingbird Pillow

West Elm Cockatiel Pillow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anthropologie Vanuatu Twilight Wallpaper

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design Idea by Suzan; Written by Jenna

Finding Furniture

High-tech Mattresses

Mattress shopping has recently become a job for the tech savvy.  Sure, you can still buy your basic innerspring mattress, but now there are many other options, which may just give you a better night’s sleep.

Sleep Number Classic Queen Bed (sleepnumber.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a sleep number mattress?  Basically, a very high-tech air mattress.  The beauty of it, that both sleepers can choose their own level of firmness, by individually adjusting the firmness of the air chambers on each side of the mattress.  At sleepnumber.com they sell everything from classic beds, to pillow tops, and even mattresses topped with memory foam.  One note of advice, make sure the air chambers are covered in your warranty, because they can get holes.

Tempurpedic Memory Foam Mattress (tempurpedic.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Memory foam is said to put much less pressure on your back, because it contours to your body and allows your spine to align.  Tempurpedic beds especially appeal to the high-tech crowd, because many of the beds offer adjustable bases to lift your head and feet.  The good news is memory foam is becoming much more affordable!

 

 

iComfort Sleep System (serta.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what is the downside to memory foam mattresses?  They “sleep hot”!  But, don’t worry, Serta has developed a new memory foam infused with gel to help prevent this problem.  Their new iComfort sleep system also has options for an adjustable base and massage.  A perfect solution for those of us with the need for luxury.

 

Flobed Customizable Mattress (flobeds.com)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And for the eco-friendly customer, there is the Flobed.  Made with latex (a natural product), covered in organic cotton and/or wool, and fully customizable – Flobeds are truly unique.  They can be built to your specifications, and like the sleep number beds, you and your partner can choose your own individual comfort level.

 

Are these new technologies worth it?  Many people in the mattress industry would say “you get what you pay for”, so go for the best mattress you can afford.   You’ll never regret getting a great night’s sleep!

Hints and Tips

Notice what a big difference the pillows, candlesticks, books, and mirror make in this otherwise grey room (Picture from CB2).

It’s all in the details . . .

Do you have a room that feels like it isn’t “finished” or doesn’t feel like “you”?  There is a good chance that it is missing one of the most important elements – the accessories.  Sometimes it takes so much energy and budget getting all the “large pieces” in a room, you never get around to adding the finishing touches.  But, accessories are an important part of making the room feel complete.  So, it’s okay to take a breather, but you’ll be so much happier if you finish the room by adding accessories.

 

 

 

Find things that are meaningful to you.

Do you love the ocean?

Flora Tealight - Z Gallerie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do animals make you smile?

Ceramic Horse - Z Gallerie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do you need a little bit of glitz?

Bejeweled Mirrow - Global Views

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make sure and use items that are the correct scale and fit with your décor.  Don’t make the mistake of forcing an item.  If it doesn’t fit the space, then find it a new home.

Have fun and take risks!

Red Lacquer Bamboo Collection - World Market

Terra Cotta Birds - Home Decorators Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Design Ideas by Jenn, Written by Jenna