Real Estate and Design Trends for 2012

Guest Post



The new year is finally upon us. It’s time to make all of those New Year’s resolutions and start fresh. This year, why not renovate your home? Let’s say you’re living on a prime piece of Austin Real Estate. If you’re tired of the same old southwest decor, it could be time to give your interior a facelift. Need some inspiration? Here are our interior design predictions for 2012: 

Modern design

 Enough of the kitschy, eclectic look. It’s time to streamline your house, clear out the clutter, and opt for the clean lines of modern design. The vaulted ceilings and simple color palettes of modern minimalism keep green homes (like the ones discussed above) looking spacious, luxurious, and avant-garde. If you want inspiration, just look toward Mad Men’s mid-century modern interiors or check out the more contemporary-modern approach of Nero 20th century furniture. To add dimension or color to an Italian modern space, try a statement piece, like a Murano glass chandelier, or a piece of art. You can also incorporate a Think Glass Kitchen Countertop, as featured in the previous Serenity in Design blog post.

Indoor to Outdoor

 The eco-friendly movement has also lent itself to an emphasis on nature (logically). But, more than that, we are seeing an intertwining of indoor and outdoor spaces. Roofs and walls are becoming full-fledged gardens, exemplified in Patrick Blanc's living wall on the Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. Lautner-esque houses, littered with windows that overlook lush green views, are captivating contemporary architects. This open, nature-inspired architecture both soothes and awakens the senses, making both relaxing and utterly stunning homes.

Going Small

Now more than ever, homebuilders are creating smaller, more eco-friendly homes. These homes will often feature green technology or energy efficient features. Keep the green trend in mind as you flip through architecture and interior decor magazines. Greener, smaller houses are informing almost every aspect of design, at the moment. Maybe less really is more.

Lisa is an Austin-based writer who blogs about design and real estate trends. She has been my guest post blogger today. Thank you Lisa, we look forward to updates in the future.

Simply Glass

Artistic Creations in Durable Glass

Think Glass Kitchen Countertops begin at 1.5” thick (custom orders for increased thickness available), and single seamless slabs run as large as 7’ x 10’—meaning you’re virtually guaranteed an un-interrupted landscape of crystalline enchantment. Not that “enchantment” is the initial adjective evoked by the prospect of kitchen countertops, but The Think Glass collection is truly that (beyond being comparably durable to any rival countertop product). So wherefore such enchantment? Within the aqueous undulations of “Ocean Inspiration,” for starters.









The above is merely one of Think Glass’ innumerable styles of available imbedded textures. That particular choice features a sea-faring theme of swirling blues and oscillating blacks, all imbued with the implied movement of ocean tides. Other choices include “Crystal Granula” (modeled after the blurring effect of water in motion), “Clean and Contemporary” (a richly textured ivory hue evoking a great arctic horizon), and “Southern Belle” (all the imposing beauty of a slab of frozen sea ice).
If none of these stir your pot, Think Glass invites you to mix and match from their store of available thicknesses, textures, colors, and artistic applications—just the stuff to inspire “custom designs of your glass countertops with infused color to create your personalized artistic touch.”

Mantle Makeovers

I do this in my own home. Raji has a good explanation:

Instead of hanging art on the wall, designer Raji Radhakrishnan of Raji RM & Associates in Brambleton, Va., likes to lean pictures of various sizes on the mantel. "Odd numbers of things always look better than even numbers," she says, "So I would recommend three pieces of art — go to four and five only if they are really spectacular." For the best effect, Radhakrishnan likes to place the largest painting or drawing on the mantel first, slightly off-center, with the second and third pieces (approximately half to two-thirds the height of the first) slightly overlapping in front of it. "In addition to giving the impression that the pieces were accumulated over time," she says, "leaning objects allows you to tuck in mementos or seasonal objects very easily." A mirror gives height to a trio of framed art in Radhakrishnan's room. Photo by Raji Radhakrishnan.

If you want to hang art above the fireplace, consider replacing one painting with a series of nearly identical pieces hung in a grid, starting right above the mantel and going up almost to the ceiling, like the art featured in this Kenneth Brown-designed room. "Think about an arrangement of black and white photography, or prints by the same artist," says New York-based interior-design stylist and writer Jorge S. Arango. "If you arrange them purposefully, the frames themselves create a pattern, almost like a very bold — and very original — wallpaper."

Whether hung on a wall or propped up, the things above your fireplace don't need to be two-dimensional. In fact, in a contemporary home where there is no shelf at all above the fireplace, says designer Raji, "you absolutely need a three-dimensional sculpture, because a flat thing like a painting will almost disappear." Art galleries and museum shops offer lots of sculptural choices. But don't be afraid to think beyond officially-designated objets d'art. New York-based interior designer Amie Weitzman has mounted antique weathervanes and giant African currency above her own fireplaces; the effect, she says, is offbeat and dramatic. Design by Gina Fitzsimmons.

Floor-to-ceiling glass and marble mosaic tiles in brown, gold, cream and grey tones are a spectacular setting for an elevated gas fireplace. The contemporary focal point adds both visual and physical warmth to the room.

Sophisticated moldings are combined with a marble-tiled surround for a traditional fireplace. To allow the space to be a conversational area as well as a space to watch television, Candice hides a television behind a piece of remote-controlled artwork so it's out of sight when not in use.

A simply elegant fireplace surround is painted cream to offset the dark wallpaper in the dining room. Raised off the floor, the visual warmth of the fireplace can be enjoyed from each seat around the table. The fireplace is also flanked with mirrored panels that add depth and dimension, as well as reflect light into the room.

Englishcast Tub

The Englishcast tub has other perks besides the color. Since Crumley and Co. must shoot their underwater compositions in his exclusive “wet studio” (a 22,000 gallon indoor pool), a prime requisite of the tub is that it be easy to move. Roxburgh was thus ideal for the project, as Englishcast imparts the look of classic clawfoot cast iron, but without the weight: “The Victoria + Albert classic Victorian slipper tub had the right ‘look’ and was also light enough for two people to lift and move around the studio (in the 130 lb range) thanks to the amazing Englishcast material.”



About the Manufacturer: Victoria + Albert designs and manufactures volcanic limestone baths, in addition to vessel basins, bath and basin mixers, and a variety of bathtub and sink accessories. If a “volcanic limestone tub” is new parlance to you, you might better know the material under the term “Englishcast,” a high performance resin that captures the look of classic cast iron tubs without the inconvenience of the weight. Victoria + Albert’s line of Englishcast bathtubs runs the gamut—from iconic silhouettes like the classic Victorian Slipper Tub (Roxburgh), to contemporary stunners like the capacious ios or the spout-style Amalfi.


Photographer Crumley—who’s recently drawn raves for his fantastic underwater images—chose this particular incarnation of Victoria + Albert’s stunning line of 100% Englishcast tubs. The material, a blend of volcanic limestone and high performance resins, naturally imparts a quintessentially Victorian tint of alabaster white, absolutely perfect for its provocative contrast with the surrounding water, not to mention the mermaid’s flame red hair and fiery orange fins.

Designer's Notes

Designer's Notes

Mirrors can really create great impact in small rooms without natural daylight, such as hallways. Adding a unique table and an interesting statue would be the added bonus for a conversation piece.

  

Shown here, the mirror adds dimention to the hallway, and the statue adds the interest I mentioned above.



An entry hall with a center table is functional for placing handbags and packages. Art and sculptures can be showcased in this area for impact.



A colorful work of art against stark white walls is the point of departure for accent colors in this residence. A mirror and a small console are always right in any entry hall; a great place to plop your keys and cell phone as you get ready to relax. A bulky and simple baseboard is in keeping with the contemporary architecture.



A collection of pretty white pottery and rocks on this vignette is quickly contrasted by a leaning flea market painting and industrial metal stencil. A large bundle of wild flowers is a very cheap and easy way to utilize a large vessel. It doesn't always have to be roses. Go for the weeds.



For a large entry way you can place a marble checkerboard floor accentuates the length of this entry hall. When the room permits, a center table makes for an elegant reception. This is the perfect location for a floral centerpiece.

Kick Up Fall Drama

Create a Warm Welcome

Welcome guests to holiday gatherings with a beautifully decorated entry table.

Accessorize With Autumn's Hues

A tall vase filled with scarlet maple branches creates a show-stopping fall arrangement in this Manhattan living room.



Chic table setting using all organic elements for a look that is both sophisticated and simple.

Add Fresh Flowers

Nothing brightens up your home for the season like vases filled with fall flowers.

Rustic Tableau

An oversize primitive tray adds a textural backdrop to this collection of natural elements.



Dried grass bunches are added to planters flanking the door while a painted basket filled with feathers and silk greenery is a stylish stand-in for the traditional wreath. Stacked foam pumpkins create an easy-to-assemble decoration that can be used year after year.



 By limiting the color palette to shades of brown and white, she creates a table that is warm, polished and oh so chic.

Small Baths with Style

Decluttering Cabinets

Under-sink storage and towel bars create a clutter-free countertop. Design by Peter Sollogub.

Warm, Inviting Colors

Warm colors make a small bath feel larger. Design by Beth Haley.

Floating Storage

A floating vanity takes up less space without compromising style. Design by Joseph Pubillones.

Small Bathroom Glass Illusion

Glass shower enclosures give the illusion of space in a small bathroom by allowing you to see from one end of the room to the other. Design by Andreas Charalambous.

Open and Spacious

Open shelving makes the room appear bigger by allowing you to see all the way to the wall. Design by Joseph Hittinger.

Organize to Maximize

Organize drawers and cabinets to maximize countertop space and minimize clutter.

 

 

Accenting your Fall Tablesetting

Delightful Detail

Inscribe your guests' initials on a pretty leaf for an unusual place card. Use a metallic paint pen for a polished look.

Orange You Glad

For another nature-inspired touch on your table, stud oranges with cloves in guests' initials for fragrant placeholders.

Rich Textures

Combine a variety of materials for a sumptuous table. Here, glass, metallic, and iridescent finishes lend festive glimmer.


I loved these creative ideas I found on my homeideas. Adding these small touches can make a fall tablesetting so special and memorable.

Creative Home Decor

Choose Pieces with a Meaning


When Jason and Jill Williams hired a firm to design their home, they clearly stated that the theme was "sparse."

They did not intend to buy things to simply fill the house; they wanted to acquire pieces over time that had meaning, complemented their lifestyle, and reflected their personalities.

While the theme was "sparse," sleek and modern wasn't their design choice. Instead, they mixed furniture styles with rustic, stained, and painted finishes.

Every piece serves a purpose, and each can be used in different ways for years to come.

Design for gathering


Family rooms are gathering places that should exude a relaxed style and communicate warmth and playfulness.

Perhaps the most important consideration for such an active room is how to keep the space's flow while noting its separate areas. Color, furniture placement, and area rugs can help meet this goal.

Here, a U-shaped seating area encourages conversation. Artifacts from family travels reflect the personalities of those who live here, while the fireplace and television anchor the space.

Carry Your Style Outdoors


"Outdoor areas are often the last to receive design attention, but they shouldn't be," says landscape designer Matt Lemos.

"Plan space for your lifestyle by incorporating ample seating, table surfaces, cushions, play areas, eating spots, and sunning areas."

By carrying your design style outdoors, you can turn a patio, deck, or even a balcony into another room of the house.

This sleeping porch, a feature of many Craftsman houses, is updated with contemporary styling and weatherproof drapery and upholstery fabric.


Create Flow

Common colors and materials help connect your living spaces.

Display signature pieces without too much fanfare. Try using one simple but dramatic floral stem or leaf in a chunky modern glass vase.

In transitional areas, brushed nickel or silver works well for frames, accessories, and fixtures.

Find Fabric You Love

 For designer Jennifer Hilgardner, the right fabric is one of the best ways to enhance an interior.

"Find a fabric you love," she says. "Choose a signature fabric with enough design elements so you can pull out colors, coordinate textures and have lots of options for furnishings and accessories."

Here, green and blue accents in the fabric even play off the foliage outside.



Smart Art Display

Include tall and low elements throughout the room to keep your eye moving.

As a general rule, hang framed photos and art at eye level (or a bit higher if the ceilings are high). Keep in mind eye-level may be lower in a room designed for seating.

Here, a lipstick-red wall sets off black-and-white photos and a mix of collected treasures.

Holiday Tablesettings

Textured Topper

The pattern of this tablecloth gives the table a feeling of depth.

Exquisitely Embroidered

The crisp detail of the tablecloth ties in with the surrounding wall and curtain decor.

Casually Refined

The fluid tablecloth from Saffron Marigold is simple enough to go with any decor while also adding an edge of class.

Tablecloth From the Tropics

Themed for an island party, this tablecloth unites the wood-themed setting and chairs.

Bubbly Tabletop

In an exciting green, this tablecloth is sure to invigorate dinner conversation.