Peplum Prediction

Posted on February 24, 2012 by jbutler in Fashion and Design

Yves Saint Laurent featured plenty of peplums on the spring 2012 runway

As you’ve seen from our previous blogs Tribal Time and Color Blocking, trends in fashion are often mirrored in design. From colors to patterns to the little details, the looks we see on the runway can easily be emulated in the household. The most recent trend we predict to make the crossover from fashion to furniture—the peplum.

This Marchesa gown proves that just because peplums are pretty doesn't mean they can't have a darker edge

A peplum is a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse or dress, but this flirty detail could easily be added to sofas, chairs, pillows or lampshades! Adding a peplum to any of these pieces instantly takes a silhouette from simple streamlined to fun and feminine.

Most of our Drexel Heritage sofas can be customized to add a skirt, so for all of our fashionistas out there, integrating the peplum into your home is simple and easy.

What do you think of this ruffle-y detail? Will you set the trend for the bringing the peplum into the home? We would love to hear how you are trimming your furniture and making your rooms fun and fabulous!

Blogger Spotlight

Posted on February 15, 2012 by jbutler in Blogger Spotlight

We can't get enough of Erin!

Since 2007, Erin Olson has been sharing beautiful and inspirational rooms on her design blog, House of Turquoise. The full-time blogger also runs Decor By Color where she features home decor products organized into color-themed shopping blogs. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Chris and their two dogs and two cats. 

How did you become interested in design?

I’ve loved design since I was a child…rearranging my furniture, decorating my bedroom, experimenting with color (especially turquoise!). I’m sure the love of design springs from my father, who is an architect. I’ve learned to appreciate good design from him.

When you aren’t blogging, what do you do?

Spend time with my husband! We were married in April and are loving it so far! We recently sold our house and have been house-hunting like crazy. My favorite downtime activities, though, are watching movies, listening to music or going to concerts, traveling and shopping.

What’s one of your favorite decorating ideas or tips?

I absolutely adore color, but neutrals can be your best friend. It’s so easy to change out accessories when your background is neutral. A white slipcovered sofa is my favorite thing ever. It’s so easy to change the look of it, but it’s also easy to clean (which is great when you have 4 animals!).

Thanks for sharing and inspiring us, Erin! For more information about Erin, visit her blog at http://www.houseofturquoise.com/.

Tribal Time

Posted on February 8, 2012 by jbutler in Fashion and Design

Drawing from influences all over the world, tribal patterns and exotic prints have made their way stateside, and we can’t stop talking about them — seriously! With designers like Donna Karan, Michael Kors and Emilio Pucci setting the tone, these vibrant patterns are definitely not for the faint of heart. And for those of you daring enough to try, tribal is also making its debut in the home.

We are inspired by this Micheal Kors look!

For those of you who are new to this trend, remember that moderation is the key. In the living room, try incorporating our Clair Chair in a sassy animal print or toss some throw pillows in an ethnic print on your sofa. Carry tribal into the bedroom with one of our upholstered headboards and accent the rest of the room with just one or two colors from the fabric.

We can't get enough of ikats!

We love this faux zebra print!

By sticking to a select number of colors and patterns, you can keep your tribal inspired designs fresh and funky – not overwhelming. So remember, keep it simple and keep it fun.  Are you up to the challenge? We can’t wait to hear how you are infusing the tribal trend into your home!

Design Dictionary: Queen Anne

Posted on February 3, 2012 by jbutler in Design Dictionary

Queen Anne’s reign might have ended in 1707, but her legacy lives on through every chair, secretary and china cupboard that is inspired by her iconic style.

Curvaceous features were a sign of wealth in the 1800s, and that build certainly carried over into Queen Anne-style furniture. Rich woods, soft lines and rotund-bodied furniture are benchmarks of this classical era that can still be seen today.

This Queen Anne Side Chair was recently highlighted for its parrot slat, but it also features the soft lines and curves indicative of Queen Anne style.

With its rich finish and rounded edges, the Greco China cabinet is another great example of a Queen Anne piece.

Queen Anne will forever be found in history books, as will the decadent furniture inspired by her personal style.