Fabric is Magic

When I am starved for inspiration I always head to the local fabric store for new ideas. These days there is much less color on the walls and in base pieces of furniture. It is the pop of color in the accessories and fabrics that define a rooms beauty and style. These days everything is about geometric shapes. I see more geometric fabrics than ever before. Once you determine that adding a geometric pattern or two will modernize your home's look, you will need to pick a color. Now that everything is gray around us, you need pop colors for the fabric accents. Colors like citrus green, cobalt blue, teal, orange and bright yellow are the most in-style pop colors right now. I believe that fabric is magic or at least it can be. So like me, if you need to get some inspiration with your home, look to fabrics to create your style. For information of this or any other design topics I discuss watch Modern Design on WHCR-DB. Go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com and then click on Modern Design. We are live every Wednesday from 2-3 pm EST and you can even call into the show. You also can listen to us in the hundreds of podcasts.

Modern Matchup

It is January folks. It is the time of change and new beginnings. I like to take a look at my house after the Christmas tree comes down and see if I still like what I have done. This year after 13 years in the same house, I realized it was time for a big update. I did not want to change everything. I just wanted to impart some modern style in to my classic colonial. The first thing I did was change out the paint colors. Shades of jewel tones like burgundy, gold and sage were switched out to neutral grays, soft blues and citrus green. I make the house look less formal and got rid of most of the accessories. I like things a little cleaner and simpler now. It is the wave of the future. For more information on this topic tune into Modern Design Wednesdays live from 2-3 pm e.s.t.  Just go to www.hunterdonchamberradio.com then click on Modern Design. You can now watch us on the you tube channel and face book live.

What to do when the Christmas Tree comes down

Isn't it amazing that when you are ready to start putting up the decorations the house looks fine. When you take them down in January the house now looks very drab. January is the time to reinvent yourself and your home. Let's start January traditions and celebrate the winter with new ideas and rituals. I love to use white for decorating in January.  White votive candles in silver mercury glass cups around the house are perfect right now. Starting new bulbs indoors is also a great idea. Use things like pinecone in a wood bowl. Display them on the other side and they look like wooden roses. Use white painted, birch, or just bare branches in glass vases at your entry foyer or on a side board. Winter envokes it own natural beauty. Let's celebrate January!!!