2018: HYGGE

HYGGE: (promounced Hoo-Gah) 

A Danish word, used for a special feeling or moment. A term for both home and personal lifestyle, that has become increasingly popular over the past few years. "Hyggee" focuses on living in the present and enjoying comfortable, familiar, and intimate elements in your life and home.  For example an evening ritual of a cup of hot cocoa or candlelit hurricanes on a dark winter evening.  

Here are a few ideas to make your home more Hygge for 2018: 

1.) Turn down the lights and introduce candles:

2.) Add cozy throws and pillows: 

3.) Take time to get away from your screens (computer, cell phone, TV, etc.) Enjoy reading or spending time with family and friends: 

4.) Decorate using calming neutrals:

2018: SO LONG WHITE KITCHENS?

I will always love a classic, clean, white kitchen...but color is becoming increasingly popular.  Here are a few of my favorite kitchen palettes for 2018.  

 

And if you can not commit to blue kitchen, maybe try an accent color for your kitchen island, like this AGA Design project from 2016.  

Photo by Sarah Winchester Studios, other images via Pinterest

2018: COLOR & THE ART OF SILENCE

During a time when we are constantly connected, I think we are finally acknowledging the beauty of silence.  Sherwin Williams's color forecast for 2018, is a perfect example of this in the home.  Their "Sincerity" pairing features a quiet, but very rich palette.  Proving "less is more as we're de-cluttering...Blending in is the new standing out... (and) flaws are treasured." www.sherwin-williams.com

2018: WOVEN TEXTURES

Anyone who has visited my home knows that I love baskets, baskets for blankets, trees, books, and all sorts of accessories.  This is so true, that Scott recently came up with the following hashtag for AGA Design: #BWRBW (aka Blue and White, Rattan, Basket Weave.)  He captured my style perfectly.  Baskets add texture and a natural element to a room, while also serving as a great place for storage.  Here are three of my favorite basket styles for the home.  

1.) www.crateandbarrel.com
2.) www.potterybarn.com
3.) www.potterybarn.com

Also try adding texture with woven furniture, like my favorite South Seas coffee table from Serena & Lily: 

www.serenaandlily.com

First image via @againteriordesign 

2018: TO FOLLOW TRENDS OR NOT?

I am frequently asked, "What is your favorite new trend?"  I personally allow trends to appear and fade with little attention, because all good design is timeless.  Most trends are bound to look dated and overused within five years, so why not design your home with elements that can be enjoyed for many years?  

When it come to trends, I think of my home and closet in the same way.  Key pieces like furniture, rugs, and lighting should be classics, much like a tailored blazer, pencil skirt, and trench coat.  These are investment pieces, that will last for many years.  If you want to throw in a trendy side table or pillow, these can be your fun pieces, that may fade with the passing of time, much like a trendy scarf or pair of fur lined slip ons.  

Your home should be a welcoming and comfortable place for you to enjoy all year round.  Albert Hadley is a perfect example of timeless design and I look to his work for inspiration.  Many of his rooms were designed forty or more years ago, but still look fresh and up to date. Rather than running through new trends for 2018, I thought I would share some of my favorite looks for updating your home in 2018.  

Image via Pinterest by Albert Hadley 

SUMMER STYLE: HOT SPOTS

I typically do not spend much time discussing travel and where to go on this blog, however in keeping with the "Summer Style" theme I thought I would share a few of my favorite stylish spots for warm summer days.  All of these are in New England and great for day trips or long weekend get-aways. Enjoy! 

Images:
Cru www.crunantucket.com
Harbor View Inn via Pinterest
Clark Cooke House www.bannistersnewport.com
Lawn at Castle Hill www.castlehillinn.com

SUMMER STYLE: ESPADRILLE

Summery espadrille's are a must this time of year!  Here are a few of my favorites from this season. 

1.) www.jcrew.com

2.) www.neimanmarcus.com

3.) www.lordandtaylor.com

4.) www.neimanmarcus.com

1.) www.solesociety.com

2.) www.soludos.com

3.) shop.nordstrom.com

4.) www.jcrew.com

SUMMER STYLE: BEACH HOUSE

Whether your home is five feet from the beach or miles away you can easily add fresh beach layers for a fun summertime look.  Natural textures such as jute, rattan, and rope are a must.  These rough materials create an almost ship-like look when paired with crisp white linens, bold stripes, and glassware.  Here are a few of my recommendations. 

1.) www.ballarddesigns.com
2.) www.williams-sonoma.com
3.) www.serenaandlily.com
4.) www.serenaandlily.com
5.) www.potterybarn.com

WHITE ON WHITE: WHAT TO WEAR

"The only completely stationary object in the room was an enormous couch on which two young women were buoyed up as though upon an anchored balloon. They were both in white, and their dresses were rippling and fluttering as if they had just been blown back in after a short flight around the house." The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald 

White on white fashion always reminds me of the fabulous Mrs. Daisy Buchanan. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite novels, particularly due to F. Scott Fitzgerald's magnificent use of symbolism.  Throughout novel Daisy's character is carefully built up with white's associations to purity, light, and innocence.  Her memorable first appearance is at the Buchanan house, as she lounges in her billowing white dress.  Breezy, clean, and cool this is the perfect fashion inspiration for any summer day.  

Images via Pinterest