Transition to Fall

I can't believe it is almost here folks, but it is Labor Day weekend!!! It is sad but exciting at the same time. Fall brings us wonderful things like pumpkins, gourds and cider. It is all how you look at it. I love decorating for fall and the best place to start is outside your home. Because I have 2 stores, I have to be a little ahead of the curve so I was in the garden centers this week looking for inspiration. This year I am using coxcomb. It is a plant I have spoken of before. It kind of looks like a velvet lasagna noodle. It comes in oranges and burgundy and is very fall. Ornamental gourds and unusual pumpkins are key this year. White pumpkins will trend. The combination of purple and orange is always a favorite.  Finally try fall pansies. Orange pansies are hardy and will last beyond Thanks Giving. For more information on this topic tune in to Modern Design on www.hunterdonchamberradio.com at 2pm today or on the podcast anytime.

Kid's Rooms

More and more parents are hiring me to design their children's bedrooms. I find that so funny. When I was growing up I did not have a say in what my room looked like. Times have changed and today kids have voices. There seem to be trends that often surprise me. Boys always seem to pick the color green and like themed bedrooms. Girls are more likely to pick a shade of blue that boys. Often the blue is a periwinkle or purplish blue tone. Girls are much more interested in storage and closet space for their clothes. For more information on this topic tune into Modern Design Wednesday live at 2-3 pm est.

What's up with Furniture?

I feel very strongly that styles are changing more than ever. Furniture keeps evolving and changing to keep up with the times. The trend towards a more casual lifestyle continues. You see it in how casual dining rooms are now. Also the contemporary trend does not seem to be going away. We see mostly contemporary furnishings in all stores. We even see more traditional stores like Ethan Allen and Huffman Koos going must more modern. There are just things now that are very 2017. Upholstered head boards are everywhere you look. Total upholstered beds are also very popular. Ottomans as coffee tables are a must now. People are buying trays to put on top as a way to put down beverages. Beverage carts on wheels are all the rage. Dining room sets are out. You now see a wood table with upholstered chairs and a painted side board with no china cabinet. Less furniture in general is common. Furniture is more casual and more streamlined. For more information tune in to modern Design on www.hunterdonchamberradio.com.

Decorating a Commercial Space

In the Design world 25% of my work in commercial spaces. Doctor's offices, store fronts and restaurants are my specialty. If you have one of these types of businesses and want a redo here are some general rules. First it is always important to use surfaces that are fire rated and safe for your project. Safety comes first. Secondly, use surfaces that are designed for commercial traffic like heavy duty 20 ounce wall coverings and toilets that are designed for commercial use. Today there are so many choices in commercial finishes that home owners have become attracted to these surfaces for themselves. Neutral tones of gray, grayges and whites are the most popular right now and the industrial look is very hot. Black boards , cage lights and weathered wood are also very popular. For more information on this topic tune in to Modern Design Wednesdays at 2-3 pm or on the podcasts anytime. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design.

Dorm Room Chic

Well folks it is August!!! That means it the back to school month. Oh how I hate that thought. I have to let me great interns Jesse and Connor go back to school. Dorm rooms can be challenging. Often you are not allowed to paint or put nails in the walls. Here are some things you can do as told to me by my summer interns on WHCR-DB in Flemington. Bedding is key. It gives you color clues for the rest of the room. If you pick a blue stick with it for all your accessories. Storage is also key. Keep things neat and organized. lighting is very important!!! Pictures and art work can be hung using command strips!!!! They are great and will give you color and visual interest in your new space. For the full story tune into Modern Design every Wednesday from 2-3pm live @ www.hunterdonchamberradio.com. You can also listen to the podcasts any time you are looking for great design ideas

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