I just read an interesting article in the New York Times Design section, "Palette of Optimism - Shades of Honey Moon," reporting on a recent national design conference to forecast the color trends for the coming year. In the end, the 175 design industry and color professionals at the Color Marketing Group decided it was to be Honey Moon, a gold-ish, mustard yellow! The explanation was that warm but soft yellow would offer a “grounded hue of optimism,” at a time when “frivolous is out” and “upbeat and realism are in.” I guess bright was just too optimistic with the daily news stories on the economy, climate, and world events :) I am usually adverse to this type of color forecasting since its usually more marketing and sales based than creative and design based but I do certainly agree that color affects our moods! I especially love the warming, positive glow yellows can bring. And while I hope that not every fabric, wall covering, and product in 2011 is Honey Moon, I do love yellow. I prefer a clearer, more vibrant yellow but here I go . . . jumping on the band wagon with a few of my favorite yellow design moments!  
{Above is a Sol LeWitt drawing in a New York townhouse, via Elle Decor}

I especially like the the updated feeling this spot of yellow and white-painted finish give the traditional bed frame, featured in Living Ect. April 2010.

An Eva seeded blown glass table lamp from Pottery Barn - so warm and subtle its really more like amber.

A dreamy terrace in Napa by designer Jean Larette with sunny chairs by Janus et Cie, viaHouse Beautiful. The yellow wildflowers are a great accent!

A lively Carnby porcelain tray by Jonathan Adler. A designer with the tag line 'Happy Chic' certainly knows the positive power of yellows :)

Gold and yellow work together in this mod interior by Eric Hughes, via Elle Decor.

The Fiona chair by Maine Cottage - perhaps the yellow upholstery is too much but overall I love this lacquered wicker look! 

A traditional but energetic Palm Beach entry by designers Lee Bierly and Christopher Drake.

I saved my favorite for last! This is an archival pigment print by photographer Jeremy Kohm, available on 20x200.com.  I love how it captures the old charm of an art deco swimming pool, certainly adding this print to my wish list :) 

Here is full NY Times article! 

Have A Sunny Weekend! 

Color Inspiration at the V&A!

During a recent visit to London, I spent an afternoon at the Victoria & Albert Museum of Decorative Arts. The collection of furniture, metalwork, ceramics, silver, glass and textiles are all beautiful but the jewelry galleries really are my favorite - showcasing amazing pieces from the Roman era to the 1980's. I was struck in particular by the stunning turquoise pieces I saw! Turquoise is so upbeat and youthful but also can be quite sophisticated. Here are a few special pieces of jewelry I loved and a few accessories for your home if you (like me!) are taken with turquoise. . .  
Above is an English turquoise, gold and pave diamond necklace with a bow design from 1850-1860.

A German carved cameo of carnelian depicting a Bacchante female figure, and set in gold and turquoise, made from 1630-1670.

A pair of gorgeous earrings made of turquoise, amethyst, and pearls, made in England from 1835-1840. What a great color combo! 

A bright Zig Zag throw blanket made of baby alpaca from Jonathan Adler.

The Luxembourg Garden side chair by Fermob USA. This chic chair comes in 27 colors and retails at $216. 

I adore these vintage 1960's table lamps - they are made of ceramic and brass and are available at Little Paris Antiques.

A great enamel photo frame in turquoise also by Jonathan Adler.

And to end, boldly turquoise room by designers Kim Coleman and Michele Green! 

All Keyed Up!

After seeing this amazing balcony in Barcelona's gothic El Born district, I have been all keyed up over greek keys! (sorry for the cheesiness) The greek key has been a decorative motif since, well  . . . the ancient greeks, but its still so modern today!  It is refined and classic so don't be afraid to mix the greek key with other patterns and prints. Here are a few greek key items I especially love. 

Abbot single armed sconce in polished brass with natural paper shade, from Circa Lighting.

A chic cotton picnic blanket by Beekman 1802 with tone on tone greek key embroidered trim - I like how rustic and casual it is! (Image via Remodelista)

A glass and nickel William Sonoma Home side table, I love the single bold greek key! this would work so well in a living room or even as a bedside table.

Chocolate and ivory Greek Key wool area rug by Jonathan Adler - he is pretty much the king of the modern greek key .... check out his line for other pieces! 

A custom headboard with velvet ribbon applied in a greek key border! What a great idea! I also love the soft pink and red combo here. (Image via Decorpad.com)

Greek key throw pillows, also by William Sonoma Home, in driftwood or ivory on a natural linen ground.