Design R

Color

2012-02-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about color a lot this week. It all started on Tuesday during the IntDesignerChat, a twitter chat group that chats about different Interior Design topics every week. Our topic this week was Color Inspiration Spring 2012 and designers were chatting a mile a minute, as usual. Spring of course offers its own array of colors in nature every year, but we chatted on some of the trends that have been surfacing in interiors.

We all touched a bit on the color of the year, Tangerine Tango. Some love it, some really don't. The general consensus was that it makes a great accent. One of the most popular mentions was the color grey. Grey has become the favorite neutral color in the past few years, especially in more metropolitan areas. Grey has so many subtleties and makes an excellent background for most bold colors, like Tangerine Tango.

This color report from Pantone also shows other colors that work with Tangerine Tango and we will see a lot of in fabrics and furnishings this season.

For more about what designers all over the world had do say on the topic of color, you can read the transcript of the chat here.

Photo by Rebecca Ward. Other images via IntDesignerChat via Calico Corners.

A Really Big Show

2012-01-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

This weekend I was involved with my local ASID chapter to host a booth at the Northern California Home and Landscape Expo, the largest in our area for the year. 30,000 people pass through the many exhibits and most stopped by our beautiful booth.

Our objective was to expose the ASID brand and our designers to the public and we were quite successful. We offered 30 minute complimentary consultations which had our designers busy! Many clients brought photos, plans and questions to ask our expert designers regarding their projects and homes. A few only needed the 30 minutes for some direction and confirmation that they are proceeding on the right track with their project. Most were touching the tip of the iceberg for some potential projects.

We also had a sample sale selling pillows and remnant fabrics, a favorite with many DIYers.

We had a great time working together and talking with the public about our profession.

Time for Anthropologie

2012-01-24T16:45:00.000-08:00

Each year as my birthday approaches, I love receiving my discount card from Anthropologie in the mail. Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores, as my regular readers well know, for select interior items and especially clothing. I thought I would share the little delight that arrived in my mailbox this morning:

Each year, the presentation is creative and unique. I've received a necklace and a little burlap pouch. This year is a bracelet in this year's Pantone color of the year, Tangerine Tango. Love it!

Taste

2012-01-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Last night at my ASID chapter event, I won a cookbook in a chance drawing that was put out by the IDCC. Yumm!

The IDCC is the Interior Design Coalition of California. They are doing a big push right now to promote legislation for California interior designers and are even holding a town hall meeting in San Francisco today and Los Angeles tomorrow.

This cookbook comprises several chef's recipes and bios alongside many California designers' recipes and featured projects of fabulous kitchens and dining spaces.

Food and design go hand in hand as is evident in this beautiful book!

To learn more or order your own copy, go to here

Attention Design Bloggers and Readers

2012-01-16T10:55:00.000-08:00

It was brought to my attention by the lovely blog Nyla Free Designs that there are some great opportunities out there for design bloggers and their enthusiastic supporters to be entered in a few contests.

The first is the Modenus Blog Tour entry competition.

Modenus will be selecting a few design bloggers to attend one of their tours. This year they will be hosting four tours in New York, London, Paris and Madrid. So bloggers, go brag about yourself here and find out more about this fabulous tour.

Also, readers, you can nominate your favorite new traditional designer for Traditional Home's search for up and coming designers.

So take a look at Traditional Home's site here.

And let's not forget about the Design Bloggers Conference coming up in LA at the end of February.

I really want to go to this but I would have to have a sponsor since it's not in my budget for the year. Suggestions?

Clever Tomato

2012-01-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

I recently started following a fun vendor on twitter called Clever Tomato. I took a look at their product and saw it is a great source. It provides a way for a kid's room to fit into a modern house. I seldom get to design for kids room but Clever Tomato is definitley going on my list of sources. Here's a sampling.

See more of their product here. (And for you professionals, they do offer trade accounts)

Images via Clever Tomato

Inmod's Giveaway

2012-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:00

I was just informed by some wonderful people at Inmod that they have a fabulous giveaway going on this week. The giveaway is in celebration of their new site design. They are offering a set of 4 molded plywood dining chairs to the lucky winner.

They would look fabulous in any modern kitchen! The winner can choose from five different designs and select the finish. Please go check out their new site and enter for you chance to win! Good luck!

Photo via Inmod

Guest Post: Design Trends for 2012

2012-01-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

Starting off the year with a fabulous guest post covering some great design trends for 2012 by Lisa!

Design Trends for 2012

By taking a look at concept creations from leading designers, we can predict the trends we will see in the coming year. Harsh lines of previous years are falling to the wayside and touches of traditionalism and warmth will make their mark. Here are a handful of trends that if applied can add character to your already existing house plans.

Via Flicker

Global Inspiration

Maps and architecturally-inspired designs will outlast 2011, and worldly designs are welcome. Use accent pieces that harness the feel of faraway lands. For example, if you’ve traveled to a distant country, display your souvenirs instead of storing them. A bright and eclectic tribal mask from Africa will display nicely amongst neutral furniture. Try incorporating a global element to bathroom vanities by adding bathroom mirrors with a unique shape and applying geography-inspired wallpaper behind them.

Via Flicker

Real Antiques

Clean lines will be a continuous trend in architecture, but 2012 will favor genuine antiques regarding furniture. Real antiques add warmth and character to an otherwise cold and uninviting room. As the years go by, antique preservation is on the rise as well—a great way to preserve is to bring an antique into your home and pamper it in the years to come. This is a great time to take heirlooms out of storage and display them proudly.

Photo by Rebecca Ward

Perforations in Lighting

Perforations, or “cutouts,” will be big in the coming year. Perforations simply refer to pieces of lamp shades or other lighting elements that appear to have been “cut out” and allow light to shine directly through. These cutouts can come in any shape or size and look best when they are small and abundant. This unique addition creates beautiful lighting displays along walls and ceilings and instantly adds texture to an otherwise complacent room. Perforations will not only be present in lighting fixtures but in separation walls as well. Adding thin sheets of plexiglass or other sturdy material with perforations will create separation while retaining an open feel.

Photo by Rebecca Ward

Chandeliers and Ornate Glassware

Elements inspired by the time of kings and queens will reign in 2012. Chandeliers add an element of sophistication with a touch of warmth to a cold space. Light reflection is important—ornate glassware in conjunction with chandeliers and other glass pieces will welcome illumination and a variety of texture. These elements will work well in any living space, especially a dining or formal area.

Via Flicker

Lisa is interested in all things real estate including Austin homes for sale. She loves interior design, architecture, and following home trends.

Thank you Lisa!!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T18:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Here's to a wonderful year!

Here's a few projects from this last year. Looking forward to this year!

2012 Inspiration

2011-12-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

I've been inspired! Here is my official inspiration board for the year 2012 - a year that is showing much promise for my business!

I love having these boards posted on the wall near my computer. I know that throughout the year it does, and has, lend inspiration for my career, my passion for interiors and the things I have done or want to do in my designs.

The medium I prefer for these boards is magazine photos pasted into a collage. I notice the colors are similar to last years but more bright orange, pinks, and turquoise with touches of gold. Very vibrant and fresh with hints of sophistication and bling. I see cosmopolitan and global emerging as well. It will be an interesting year!

I want to see your inspirations for 2012! Please post a reply with a link to wherever you have posted your board online, or you can upload it to my facebook page.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T13:44:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

It's That Time Again

2011-12-22T10:36:00.000-08:00

It's time to start working on my 2012 inspiration board! I think this is one of my favorite things that I do each year. You may remember last years:

I can definitely see how this inspiration board revealed itself in my designs through out the year. And just a quick reminder to 2010's board:

As you remember, I love to see your own creations for inspiration for the upcoming year! When I post my board next week, I would love to get links to your own boards or you can post it on my facebook page as well. Happy creating!

Eclectic Inspirations

2011-12-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

One of my current clients has quite a few french inspired antiques that they would like to incorporate into their new house, yet they also want to bring in a tribal/african motif. How to marry the two? See what I came up with for their Living Room:

I decided to use the ever French looking Grey/Yellow and Creams palette with pops of Orange and Purple and Berry to bring in the more tribal accents which will make their presence through pillows, window coverings and artwork. This warm and fun, yet sophisticated palette is my current favorite!

The Liebster Blog Award

2011-12-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

I was just honored by Sarah of Monaco Interiors who gave me the Liebster Blog award. Liebster, German for "beloved" or "dearest", is an award given to up-and-coming blogs that have less than 200 followers. In turn, the nominees get to pass it on to their favorite Liebster award worthy blogs. I had a great time gathering and reviewing my pick! You must check them out:

1. Laura Neuman of PepperJack Interiors Blog - Laura is a fabulous designer in Granite Bay, CA who is in my local ASID chapter with me. He blog touches on the wealth of inspiration and sophistication her designs are filled with. One of my design faves and great sounding board for my own designs!

2. DeAnna Mackensen of REDesign Interiors Blog - I have enjoyed watching the incredible DIY creativity of the up-and-coming designer in Yuba City, CA. DeAnna works with me once a week as she is establishing her design business and experience. I am constantly invigorated by her enthusiasm and out-of-the-box ideas!

3. Jordan Iverson of Jordan Iverson Signature Homes: The Blog - Jordan is my cousin and a fabulous builder in Eugene Oregon. Jordan sets the cutting edge for his city by being one of the only builder to bring urban and modern to these northwest homes. He is my go to guy for the latest in modern design.

4. Lori Crooks of The Chic Geek Blog - I met Lori through the Blogging Your Way class I took, given by Holly Becker of Decor8. We were able to meet up at the last BlogHer convention which was so fun! Lori's blog is always a great blend of personal life and style, food and design inspirations.

5. Sheri Shay Johnson of Designer Junk Finder is another fellow student from the BYW class I took. I am endeared to her by her constant photos of her Standard Poodles, the type of dogs my family had growing up. Aside from this, I also love seeng her great finds and many design inspirations.

Congratulations to all my nominees and a big thank you to Monaco Interiors!

The Stockings Are Hung

2011-12-17T08:41:00.001-08:00

I like to get Christmas decorations up as early as I can, so I can enjoy them as long as I can. We had a great time finding new homes for our decorations. Did i mention we have two trees. They are small and artificial but I figure why have one when you can have two? Maybe next year we will have a real tree as well. But for now, stockings are hung, presents are wrapped, halls are decked, cards are sent.

I have also been enjoying entertaining in our new home immensely. We hosted two Christmas parties this week and the hostess in me is very satisfied. I have been surprisingly and wonderfully busy with work as well so this month has been quite a juggling act amidst the hustle and bustle but I'm loving every minute!

Pantone's 2012 Color of the Year

2011-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

It's here! Finally the time has come to share with you the official color pantone has chosen for 2012: Tangerine Tango!

I love it already! I love using flashes of orange in my designs and Tangerine Tango has just the right mix of fun and sophistication.

For the official press release from Pantone, go here.

Image via Pantone

Design R's 3rd Blogiversary!

2011-12-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it's been 3 years?! Three wonderful years:) I thought it best to commemorate this day with a visit to 3 of my top read blog posts, according to the statistics on my site:

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Color and Your Age
Claim Some Reclaimed Wood

I'm a little curious why these were the most read... If you have a different favorite post that I've made, I would love to hear from you!

Looking forward to many more Blogiversaries to come! A big shout out to all my faithful readers!

So Thankful

2011-11-24T16:56:00.001-08:00

I have just finished making, alongside my mom, and consuming a large Thanksgiving feast while my family and I enjoy a little relaxation on the Oregon Coast. I am so thankful for my family and friends and moments like these. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Expanding Territories

2011-11-23T10:02:00.001-08:00

A few days ago, I accepted a client in San Francisco. I'm very excited to expand into that territory as it is one of my favorite cities! I will be designing a room with a view, among other things. My creativity is in full swing!

San Francisco has such varied and beautiful architecture. It's a very cosmopolitan city, a favorite of Europeans and tourist destination for anyone visiting northern California.

This is going to be fun!

miFrame: A Marriage of Tech and Decor

2011-11-15T13:46:00.000-08:00

The average house of today contains many gadgets and gizmos. We, and especially our kids, are becoming more tech savvy and reliant. These fabulous tech items usually start piling up on coffee tables, vunerable to kids, dogs, coffee spills. There is never a plug available for your charger. As designers, we have to start becoming creative on ways to incorporate tech into our designs, rather than leave it to an after thought.

I had the privilege recently of getting to see first hand a wonderful peice of tech that will fit perfectly into any interior space. If you own an ipad, you need this item and your room will thank you. The miFrame is a charging station that doubles as a digital display and photoframe. While charging, your ipad can play a slideshow of your photos. When you are using your ipad, the frame will shadowbox whatever fabulous 8x10 picture you've slipped into the back. It fits seemlessly as a decor item in your house or office whether you are charging your ipad or viewing a great photo. It's well disguised tech for modern living.

The frame comes in a brushed aluminum or black finish and you can display your ipad horizontally or vertically. So versatile!

You can find out more information about the miFrame here on Striped Sail's website. I'm looking forward to incorporating this item into my client's designs. What a great idea for a Christmas present too!

Photos courtesy of Striped Sail

Sleigh Bells Ring...

2011-11-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

Are you listening? Christmas is around the corner, ready or not! I have started preparing myself by thinking about decorating my new home for the holidays. We have plenty of room for a big tree - may two!

I have the opportunity from Red Envelope, who I met down at the BlogHer convention, to review a few of their items on my blog. One of these is a personalized ornament. This particular one is so simplistic yet classy, I know it's going to fit right into my decor.

I chose the personlized inscription to be "The Ward Family" "2011" since it is the first Christmas my husband, our cat and I are spending in our new house and I wanted to commemorate it.

They certainly do offer other styles and options so I recommend go checking it out. These would make fabulous presents!

Red Envelope has a whole assortment of great gift ideas! I'm going to go do a little browsing...

But Wait! There's more!

2011-11-03T16:45:00.000-07:00

Here are the Kitchen/dining photos to finish of the house tour...

At Long Last

2011-11-01T19:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I showed you the photos of my husbands and my new home, our first. After a few weeks and the goal of having a housewarming party, our house is finally presentable enough to show how we have put a spin on it, hand me down furniture and all. So here are the photos you have all been waiting for, I'm sure ;)

Lovely Living Room

The home office of Rebecca Ward Design

The Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Dramatic Guest Bath

My husband's music room/office...until a baby comes along

I realize I'm missing the Kitchen/Dining! I'll add that one tomorrow...

As you can see, I'm just getting started, rolling up sleeves and ready for the projects to begin...after our first mortgage payment of course.

Photos by Rebecca Ward

Fall Fun

2011-10-31T16:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween! I took a trip to the hills today to experience some Fall Fun. Apple cider, yum!

I have finally made some progress on my house and it's much more presentable. Photos tomorrow!

Photo by Rebecca Ward

Taking A Break

2011-10-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

I've had to take a short break from blogging lately to get my house and office moved. I worked myself into the ground on this move apparently since I came down with that nasty cold that's been going around. Then, we procrastinated on getting the internet set up and there is an 8 day waiting period from when you order it. It feels like the dark ages without the internet in my house. It makes life much more difficult. Thank goodness for smart phones for reserving some of my sanity. I'm borrowing internet from my family today to bring you this update. Put all that together and Design R has been a little neglected.

I thought I would share some "before" photos of my house before my "after - in progress" photos are taken. I won't have true "after" photos for a while as there are a few projects I would like to do, but I will at least show you the paint updates soon. So enjoy and imagine the potential of my new home:

It's odd to see these! Paint does wonders! Just wait till you see it now!

Photos by Rebecca Ward