When Maggie Sojourner, a local judge, asked me to help with the design aspects of the renovation of her Sears Kit home, I was all in. I had previously done some work for Maggie, so I was familiar with her home and excited and honored to help breathe new life into her charming historic bungalow. 

Located in the downtown Orlando area, Maggie’s house was one of the over 70,000 “kit homes” that were sold through the Sears Roebuck and Company catalog between 1908 and 1940. 

The renovation added 1200 square feet to the home and included a large beautiful kitchen, a new master bedroom, bath, and laundry room. 

House in a Box

Part of a bygone era, the Sears Kit Homes have a unique place in architectural history. 

With over 370 different plans to choose from, each kit came with a book-length instruction manual and everything needed to build the house—including lumber, nuts, bolts, and even paint. Plumbing, electrical, and heating equipment could be purchased separately, also from Sears. 

Maggie’s home is the “Sunbeam” model and has been featured in the Orlando Sentinel and other newspapers and online articles. She has the original title search information and the plaque that identifies the house as a Sears Home.

When I asked Maggie what first drew her to the home, she said, “I fell in love with the spacious front porch that looks across Central Boulevard into Carl Langford Park.”

Warm Spacious Kitchens Are the Heart of the Home

The original 1700-square-foot home had plenty of character and charm but lacked the more practical aspects of today’s larger kitchens and bathrooms.

Kitchens used to be hidden and placed in the back of the house, but today, many kitchens are the focal point of an open concept living area where family and friends gather to socialize.

For Maggie, the kitchen was the highlight of her renovation. “The most exciting part was when I could finally get into my new kitchen and cook. My prior kitchen was only big enough for one person at a time.”

I like to call kitchen islands the “magnets” of the home. They draw people in and serve multiple duties. 

The island in Maggie’s kitchen allows plenty of space for meal prep, provides extra storage, a place to eat, and even houses her microwave. It’s also a great spot for her grandchildren to sit and color or work on puzzles while she’s cooking. The faux leather seats on the island stools not only add texture to the room’s decor, they make for easy cleaning. 

Carmen’s Pro tip: It’s tempting to make your kitchen island as big as possible, but you need to allow plenty of room around your island so people can move comfortably. Most designers recommend at least 42 inches of space between the island and the kitchen counter or other structures, but I like 48 inches better. And unless your kitchen is at least 13 feet wide, I don’t recommend an island at all. 

Lighting is one of the most important elements of design in any room but you have to remember to keep things in proportion. The hanging pendent above Maggie’s island was a piece that I’d chosen for her old kitchen. Maggie liked it and wanted to keep it, but one pendant was too small. Luckily, this piece was still in stock and I was able to get a second light fixture to create a more balanced look. 

Wallpaper Makes a Statement

Maggie’s home had a small passageway between the kitchen and the dining room. Typically, in older homes these areas were used for credenzas or buffet tables. 

Although the area was small, I wanted to highlight it, so I suggested wallpaper. The pattern has both an older and modern feel to it, and the vibrant green color brings life to an area that might otherwise be overlooked.

Carmen’s Pro Tip: Wallpaper can also be used to hide something you don’t want seen. The home’s electrical box is in the middle of this room. An experienced wallpaper installer covered the box’s cover, making what was once an unsightly necessity blend in seamlessly. 

Art For the Pop

Nothing makes an area “pop” more than a lovely piece of artwork. Maggie wanted to brighten the all-white look in the powder room, so I suggested we order framed prints from art.com.

Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive, and you don’t have to have a degree in fine art to select some nice pieces for your home.

Carmen’s Pro Tip: If you’re hanging more than one framed print in a small area, using images from the same series will keep the look cohesive.

Pulling It All Together

Contrasting textures are a perfect way to create interest and give visual weight to areas where you want to draw attention. Repeating those textures throughout several rooms helps to create a theme, unifying your look.

Shiplap, prevalent in today’s Modern Farmhouse decor, feels both “old” and current. We used it in both bathrooms and as an interesting detail in the kitchen’s range hood.

Woven Roman shades aren’t just practical. They also add a warm look to the kitchen, laundry, and powder room windows.

Tile flooring in the laundry room and powder bath, while not identical, looks similar enough to create a uniform look.

And, of course, color is a great way to create a theme among rooms. The all-white upper kitchen cabinets were softened by an occasional lower cabinet in “moonstone,” a blue-gray color used in the laundry room.

The same blue color palette graced the bed quilt and accessories. Blue is one of the most popular colors to use in the bedroom, and for a good reason. According to psychologists, the color blue promotes relaxation and sound sleep.

The secret to using repetitive elements is to keep it balanced so that it doesn’t become predictable.

Thinking of renovating your home?

Maggie had a strong vision of what she wanted, but like many clients, she wasn’t sure how to put the look together. That’s where a designer comes in. 

In my experience, clients are sometimes afraid to make design decisions because they don’t want to make an expensive mistake. So before starting a renovation project, I sit down with a client, and we make an extensive list of likes and dislikes, go over budget, and make initial selections.  

A designer can also act as a buffer between the client and the contractor, reducing stress on the client and making the renovation run smoother, ultimately saving time.

“I enjoyed working with Carmen to select the colors and designs for the rooms,” Maggie said. “I am “color” challenged, and she really made this much easier.”

Maggie had a few tips to share with anyone planning a renovation: 

• Have a good idea of what you want and what it will cost.
• Be prepared for additional costs.
• Make sure you have a reputable contractor, as you will spend a great deal of time talking with him/her and relying on him/her. 
• Practice patience as the process takes longer than planned. 
• And finally, “It was a long time from start to finish, but well worth the wait.” 

A home renovation adds value to what is probably one of your most significant investments and allows you to make a house truly your own. 

If you have a project you’ve been thinking about, give me a call. And it doesn’t have to be big. Some of my favorite design jobs have been for smaller rooms and areas. 

Let’s discuss how to turn your ordinary space into an extraordinary place. 

Choose a contact method below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com

And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399

It’s looking like ’70s-style interiors are back, and historically speaking, we’re right on track. After two years of living in a nightmarish reality, it makes sense why we’d adopt a decade where you could flip between The Brady Bunch and the Watergate trials on your Admiral TV set. If this summer’s “coastal grandmother” and “Barbiecore” trends tell us anything, it’s that people are looking to repurpose tokens from the past with comfort and color in mind. So, what’s next in fall design trends? Luxuriously cozy cabins with a vintage-inspired twist.

As we head into fall, it seems as if the ’70s theme is getting a cozy, organic modern upgrade. Everything is earthy, vibrant, and nostalgic – from dark wood furnishings to checkered decor that screams “groovy, baby” (in an Austin Powers voice). Here are seven trends likely to lead the pack in 2022’s fall home styling.

Bold ’70s Colors are One of the Biggest Fall Design Trends

“From boho to disco, ’70s interiors are having a moment. The trend is all about incorporating earthy tones like hunter green, mustard yellow, and blues, with materials like rattan and bamboo—in fact, searches for rattan have shot up by 77 percent on Pinterest,” says Nick Drewe, trend expert at WeThrift.com. And if you’ve been following 2022’s shift towards green, this should come as no surprise. Green has been topping the design trend charts over the past years, and a muted sage variation is popping up everywhere for fall. Add a little blue to the green and you have Glidden’s 2023 color of the year (see my DesignShots article in this issue).

Fringed Accents for a Nostalgic Fall

There’s one ’70s decor fall design trend that everybody seems to be drooling over: the revival of fringes. The attraction with fringes and tassels started even before the fashionable stage outfits of Elvis Presley, had a prevalent presence in the ’70s. If you’d like to bring this Elvis-inspired trend into your home, you can start with small changes, like adding fringe material to your rugs and carpets. You don’t have to go overboard to incorporate fringe into your decor. Keep it simple for a pared-back elegant look and work with accessories such as cushions to pull off this trend. Combining fringing with functional pieces, such as mirrors, not only adds a decorative touch but creates a feature out of them too.

Kitchen Plate Walls

Another old-but-new look among fall design trends that celebs are loving this season is “plate walls”. With a lot of inspiration from Gwyneth Paltrow’s farmhouse-style kitchen wall and Kris Jenner’s dish room, it seems like dressing the walls with decorative plates is all the rage in 2022. One very cool thing about this trend is that the possibilities are endless when it comes to placement and configurations. This season, there are a lot of hand-painted platters mixed with more modern designs. It’s a blending of modern and cozy traditional. That may be why, for many, it’s so visually stimulating and popping up in a lot of nostalgic fall designs.

Plush Pumpkins And Rattan Gourds are Big Fall Design Trends

Probably the most ubiquitous trend we’re all seeing this year is the use of organic materials, and this continues from the past few years. Of course, this is especially well-suited to the fall season. From rattan pumpkins and woven vases to wood chip gourds and driftwood bits, organics are everywhere defining the character of the season. There’s an astonishing assortment of pumpkin decor available this year, from woven rattan and corn husks to weathered stone and wood.

Checkerboard Patterns

Another trend that’s gaining traction is the use of checkerboard patterns. From timeless checkered accessories to elegant black and white floors, the look oozes sophistication while offering a pop of pattern. So, for fall, you can expect to see the look taking a more muted approach. A checkered pattern adds a touch of whimsy and is a great way to break up the look of an otherwise neutral room. However, this is the kind of pattern that requires restraint and vision – you don’t want to feel like you’re at the circus, so tread carefully. Perhaps sage green checkered ceramic mugs and vases next to tone-on-tone checkered bedding and plush patterned area rugs, as an example.

Dark Wood Furniture

Blonde wood has been a designer favorite for the past four or five years. The trend paralleled the rise of modern Scandinavian-inspired, white-on-white interiors that are still popular today. This year, though, we’re seeing a noticeable shift towards darker wood tones paired with moody paint colors for a more dramatic look. Lately in design, dark brown is popping up everywhere – we’re seeing it used on walls and in furniture – and there’s a resurgence of dark woods used in cabinetry and accent pieces.

Vintage Vessels

Many of us have been seeing vintage vessels all over our feeds. The beauty of vintage vessels is the unique patterns, colors, and textures that have been imprinted on them over time. Each one is different and one of a kind. This variance adds character and intrigue, giving warmth and visual interest.

Many designs are showcasing vintage ceramic and antique vessels throughout fall-inspired vignettes. They can be tough to find, and you may have to search outside of the US to find what you’re looking for, but the results can be very worthwhile.

I’m available for consultations and design projects to help you bring fall into your home or business. There are so many beautiful choices to make any space gently transition to the fall and/or holiday season. Or if you do like a clean sweep, I can do it all in one visit. If this sounds like a good plan, let’s talk more about warming up your spaces with the colors and scents, and textures of the fall season. Just choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Break the “wreath mold” this season with creative door decor ideas that are sure to stun.

I really do love a gorgeous fall wreath. But sometimes it’s nice to try something new. So this year maybe think about swapping out your usual grapevine wreath for a front door decoration that’s equally as beautiful but totally unexpected. 

Who knew there were so many gorgeous non-wreath options out there? Here are some really cool approaches to wreath alternatives.

Pumpkin Parade

Invoke the warm and fuzzy feelings of fall with this stylish front door design. Cover your door in brown craft paper, then cut store-bought white pumpkins in half. Attach the pumpkins with removable picture hanging hooks and accent with a waterfall of faux fall foliage and plaid ribbon.

DIY Door Tags

Simple and chic, these fall-themed door tags from DIY blogger Jaime Costiglio are a fun, elegant way to add a touch of seasonality to your outdoor decor. Head over to her blog to get the step-by-step instructions.

Basket of Blooms

Fill a single straw tote or basket with a mix of silk sunflowers, faux fall leaves, dried grasses, and seed pods for a rustic look that pulls in all the seasonal shades of fall. Bonus: Add vinyl house numbers for a custom touch.

Wow With Wheat

This quintessential fall door decoration is as pretty to look at as it is easy to make. All you need is a handful of wheat, a rubberband, and some ribbon.

Garden Rake Welcome

Is last year’s rake looking a little worse for the wear? Instead of tossing it, give it new life as a cheery fall welcome arrangement.

Candy Corn Cutie

Some people love it, some hate it, but everyone agrees that candy corn is a seasonal staple. Put your love of this polarizing candy on display by decking your door in a banner of handcrafted candy corn pennants. All you need is a store-bought cardboard pennant banner, some craft paint, and wood beads to pull off this yellow, orange, and white display.

Decorative Corn

Nothing says “fall” quite like a bundle of dried flint corn. For an elegant presentation, choose three large ears, spray paint in varying metallic colors, and braid them together before hanging.

Pretty Paper Dahlias

If you’re feeling particularly crafty, throw together a few of these large DIY paper dahlias for a fun, youthful fall look.

It’s Fall, Y’all

Add some harvest hospitality to your entry by covering the front door in rustic, brown craft paper, faux fall leaves, and hand-lettered words of welcome.

Dried Florals

Get a long-lasting fresh flower look by filling a vintage hanging container with dried hydrangea, cotton stems, and curly willow branches. When it’s time to switch out your fall door decor, simply rearrange all materials in a vase to be enjoyed indoors.

Pumpkins Aren’t Just for Carving

A rustic metal basket lined with wheat straw creates the perfect base for displaying pumpkins, apples or other decorative seasonal produce. Opt for high-quality faux varieties instead of the real thing to keep the basket from getting too heavy and to ensure your decor will last throughout the season.

I hope these fall door styling ideas have inspired you! If you’d like to talk about other ways to inject some fall styling into your home or office decor, you can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some delightful options together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

Both the Glidden and PPG paint brands chose the on-trend teal for their joint 2023 color of the year selection.

Vining Ivy is the 2023 color of the year

PPG announced its 2023 Color of the Year, Vining Ivy. Color experts at the company say the “bluish-greenish-something-in-betweenish” hue is as adaptable as its botanical namesake and intertwines bold blue and refined green to create a captivating color symbolic of deep water.

“Consumers are seeking to simplify in this post-COVID era, as the past two years have shed a new light on the importance of serenity and little moments,” says Ashley McCollum, Glidden color expert. “Vining Ivy embodies this vibe perfectly. It is energizing yet grounding, and it works in literally any space.”

Vining Ivy is a very calming color

The new teal tone can be used to set a calming mood in spaces, as its blue communicates feelings of tranquility while the emerald evokes feelings of balance. When paired together, these two undertones create an ultra-rich color that has us “in our feels” as we cautiously emerge from the pandemic.

In a residential setting, the color can be used for an interior or an exterior. For an interior, the experts see it used on full wall settings for a dramatic yet calming space, or as an accent wall to add personality. It can be dressed up with gold accents and white trim for a more glamorous look.

As an exterior, it adds plenty of curb appeal and personality to the body of a home, or as a front door color to compliment colorful landscaping.

The 2023 color of the year is moody and elegant

“Those who love this moody hue but are still feeling in-betweenish on how to bring it into their space can treat themselves to the understated elegance of a teal accent wall or serve up a statement by featuring Vining Ivy on their kitchen cabinetry,” adds McCollum. “Even the most modest spaces can benefit from the teal treatment. For those short on square footage but big on style, we recommend using this rich hue as bold contrast to a neutral palette, making a petite room feel plush.”

If this new color for 2023 has inspired you, and you’d like to see how to incorporate it into your spaces, I’m always available for consultations If this sounds appealing, and we can talk more about how Vining Ivy can enhance your interiors. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Looking to add a touch of the tropics to your home decor? Island living is something that many of us aspire to. Regardless of where you live, there are many ways in which you can create an inspiring tropical style for your spaces.

Tropical style is all about paradise and island life, and it can be achieved with the right furniture, colors, and accessories. It’s all about providing a sense of escape and relaxation. And it’s the perfect way to bring the outdoors into your home.

When decorating with a tropical theme, it’s easy to go over the top. My suggestion is to start small and add one or two tropical accessories, take it slow, and see what you might enjoy living with. You’ll gradually find your perfect balance. Here are a few easy tips to help you get started:

Simple tips on how to create a tropical home decor theme

Start with a neutral base

This gives you a blank canvas to work with. Light-colored walls and floors will help to brighten up your space and make it feel more open and airy – perfect for those hot summer days.

Decorating with plants is an easy way to create tropical style for your spaces

Nothing spells tropical style more than leafy green plants. From the structural shapes of monastera and rubber tree plants to softer ferns, there’s something for everyone. Palms and bird of paradise are two other excellent choices. Try mixing different styles of tropical plants together for a lush jungle ambiance. Remember to spray your plants regularly with a water bottle to increase humidity and your tropical house plants will thrive.

Bring in natural elements

Tropical style should evoke a sense of relaxation and escape, so bring in natural elements like wicker, rattan, and bamboo to help create that feeling. Find furniture and accents made from these materials, or add them in through textiles and wall coverings.

Hotel decor is a great inspiration for tropical style

Take inspiration from tropical homes or hotels, and consider investing in a day bed – perfect for lounging around. You can enhance that island vibe with fabrics utilizing tropical themes such as seashells or tropical leaves. These can range from very subtle to bright and bold.

Bring the outdoors in

One example is, if you’ve ever experienced a luxurious outdoor shower, you know how exotic that can be. But since most of us aren’t situated where we can install an outdoor shower, how about installing a high-tech rain shower inside your home instead? If you accessorize with stone or wooden furniture then you could almost believe you were outdoors.

Add some bright colors to create tropical style

Tropical style is known for its bold, bright colors. Think fiery reds, vibrant oranges, and sunny yellows. Incorporate this color palette into your space through fabrics, artwork, and accessories. One of the best tropical shades is coral, a vibrant color that will breathe life into any decor. This color works particularly well for pillows, rugs and paired with gold accents. While green is a key element in any tropical look, don’t forget to throw a few contrasting colors into the mix. One example would be to team hot pink with turquoise for a vibrant look.

Keep it cool

If you live in a hot climate like Florida where I am, or if you just want to emulate tropical home decor, then a ceiling fan might be a great investment. There’s something so relaxing about watching the blades whir away. Tropical furniture made from rattan, wicker, and bamboo looks good in most homes, being lightweight and sturdy.

Create a romantic atmosphere

Bedrooms lend themselves nicely to tropical home decor. For an elegant island vibe, add billowing muslin curtains to your bed. You can install a four-poster bed frame or simply opt for a muslin bed canopy. It’s also a lovely look for a children’s bedroom!

Here are some more photos of lovely tropical style spaces and accessories to jumpstart your creative thinking…

If you’re now itching for a cool tropical vibe for your home spaces, let’s talk more about how to move things in that direction – I’m always here to help. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Plants are a given. Adding nature, especially in the form of greenery, into your home interiors is a win-win! It looks beautiful, it adds a pop of natural color, and it helps clean the air. Sure they require a little care, but the rewards are great.

I’m thinking beyond plants. With the resurgence of “getting back to nature”, there’s been a recent trend to bring a variety of green colors into our spaces. Whether through the easiest route, an application of paint, or by introducing lovely accents, fabrics, artwork, or wall and window coverings, the opportunities are endless. Just don’t pile everything into one room! There are so many lovely green tones that can meander in subtle ways throughout your home, linking together in a harmonious flow. Unless green is hands-down your favorite color, there’s no reason to overdo it.

Repeat the color in your decor

If you do happen to decide to paint your walls a new (green) color, once you do it, don’t panic if it doesn’t feel right. Take a breath, and then another, and remember: don’t judge a new paint color until you’ve pulled the room back together. The key is to repeat the color at least twice in the rest of that room or space. And it doesn’t have to be the same shade. It’s a lot more interesting if you add varying shades of the hue. And don’t overdo it. Consider repeating the color green in a pattern on throw pillows, or a rug, on lamps or lampshades, in artwork, etc. Subtle things can tie it all together beautifully.

There are so many ways of accenting your spaces with the color green. I’d love to show you a variety of options that would work best for your space, so if what you’ve seen here has inspired you, definitely let me know. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

(Hint: Bring the Tropics Home – That’s a Big One)

As the air has become hotter and the days longer, I love cooler breezier interiors. Linen sheets, vibrant colors, beachy accessories. Let’s look at some of the top summer decor trends of 2022.

These looks are stunning. But like summer, there’s an ease to each one. This season is about fluidity, and it’s time for a bit of a reprieve. (we’ve surely earned it.) So read on for the 2022 summer decor trends that double as a dose of positivity and wellness for a bright, sparkling season.

Trend #1: Fresh and Unexpected Paint Details

Fresh color will always be in vogue. But it’s how you use it that will win the summer decor trends of 2022. This summer incorporates fresh, vibrant paint in unexpected forms such as on trim and cabinetry. Color can be used in a myriad of ways, of course, and I think summer is shaping up to be huge for injecting it in new ways.

Why You’ll Love It: Just a reminder that fresh paint doesn’t have to be washed over every wall to make an impact. Use color for concentrated areas to pack a punch. Paint can be intimidating, but using highly curated paint palette decks like Farrow and Ball, can help expedite your color selection process.

Trend #2: Lots of Nature

Verdant leaves rule in 2022 – and they’ll continue to, well into the second half of the year. The trend of incorporating an abundance of nature into your home is a growing trend among designers, myself included. The look can be incorporated in two ways: including plants throughout a room or by capitalizing on views of outdoor greenery with open windows and sheer curtains. Both are easy and accessible.

Why You’ll Love It: Plants always lend an uplifting feel to any room. Truly, any room, including the kitchen, bath, or even an entryway. Just be sure to know your plants’ needs as the summer heat may require additional care.

Trend #3: The Tropics

For summer 2022, bring your favorite island to your home. Tropical decor packs an instant vacation-vibes punch to a room. This look is simple to obtain. You can start with incorporating bright “happy” colors, from sunny yellows to emerald greens, with throw pillows, vases, and rugs. But the bolder approach is to incorporate island greenery and motifs via wallpaper and prints. Think of tropical trees, pineapple motifs, and leaves of all kinds.

Why You’ll Love It: This trend is fun and refreshing, and is a great treatment for an accent wall, main bathroom, or powder room. It brings some happiness home.

Trend #4: Blurring the Line Between Outdoors and In

With Florida temperatures warming up, there’s a lot more dining al fresco and spending more time outdoors. People are weaving in ample opportunities to embrace both the outdoors and the look of the outdoors throughout their homes this year. Materials like jute for rugs, chunky cozy furniture with carved details, and more refined designs for outdoor furniture are trending now.

Why You’ll Love It: Even if you don’t have an outdoor living space, you can bring in the same outdoor vibe seamlessly into your home. A jute rug (a focal piece that complements many aesthetics) is ideal, but so are jute accessories and decor items that speak to patio spaces.

Trend #5: Fresh Greens

One of the biggest color trends of this year continues to pull from the outdoors. Green, particularly earthy and muted greens, are a huge inspiration for designers – and clients – in 2022. Green brings out that sense of being refreshed and being natural and colorful – so it hits all the right buttons. This sense of refreshment and reprieve is ideal for the summer months since this is the time to kick back and sink into the warmth, and hopefully, you can do just that.

Why You’ll Love It: Earthy green is decidedly neutral and can be used with almost every color on the palette. In this light, lean toward paints and decor accessories that are mossy, grassy, or olive green. There are some really incredible pale greens as well, that are taking people’s breath away, especially in kitchens.

If you would like to introduce any of these summer decor trends into your spaces, I’m always here to help you with that. Just choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me directly at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and you can always call me at (407) 743-2399.

Curves, texture, and other interior trends found their way to the great outdoors in new products at the recent High Point Market trade show. Exciting outdoor furniture trends were definitely on-target as summer heats up

Summer’s here, and the hottest looks for your living room – including rounded silhouettes, natural touches, and mixed materials – are also headed outdoors. That was one of the big stories at the spring 2022 High Point Market in North Carolina, where furniture companies recently showcased their latest collections for thousands of buyers and designers. Here’s a look at the top outdoor furniture trends that are making their way from the design market to a patio or deck near you… maybe yours…

1. Rounded Corners

This season, outdoor furniture pieces had curves in all the right places, just like their indoor counterparts. Some had gently rounded corners; others took exaggerated, sculptural forms.

The new Sense outdoor sofa from Cane-line – paired here with other pieces from the Danish company – is a beautiful and relatively restrained example of the trend. It features retro Scandinavian lines, a weather-resistant weave, and quick-dry cushions. (An indoor version is available in natural rattan – and that’s another trend, bringing the outside in, and vice-versa)

2. Natural Nods in Outdoor Furniture Trends

Whether woven, wrapped, or strung, natural fibers go hand in hand with these rounded designs thanks to their flexibility and their organic look and feel. Rattan, wicker, cotton, jute, and their kin have been all over furniture and decor in recent seasons, both indoors and out, though manufacturers of outdoor furniture often use synthetic materials to get the same look with more durability.

For summer, many manufacturers showed fresh iterations on the natural-texture trend by playing with fiber size, color, and silhouette. Pictured here, the delicate-looking strings on Kenneth Cobonpue’s Papillon easy armchair, which are made of handwoven polyethylene, stretch on a frame that resembles fluttering butterfly wings. The natural motif, lightweight fibers, throne-like shape, and Filipino roots suggest a modern take on a classic rattan peacock chair — a design that’s also popular this season.

3. Indoor-Outdoor Vibes

Over the past couple of years, patios have transformed into extensions of our interior living spaces, and furnishings have followed suit. This spring, many manufacturers at High Point debuted outdoor furniture collections that mimic high-end living and dining room furniture, making them equally at home in either environment.

Kravet’s newly-launched KravetSoleil Indoor/Outdoor collection is a prime example. Its fully upholstered pieces, which include swivel chairs, couches, and ottomans, can be customized with nail designs in outdoor-suitable nickel or brass. The coordinating rugs are so soft, that it’s hard to believe they’re actually made from recycled water bottles.

4. Tropical Pops

Earthy tones will always have a place in outdoor furniture trends, but the market’s trend forecasters predict a resurgence of color this summer, especially tropical shades of blue and orange. While easily incorporated in accent pieces, such upbeat colors also turned up in furniture frames and upholstery at this spring’s market.

Chairs from Lloyd Flanders’ new Solstice and Southport collections are offered in more than a dozen colors of all-weather wicker, from beige to the bold peacock finish seen here. The color on the Southport’s frame is customizable too. Add a coral pillow and – pop! – you’re right on-trend.

5. Mixed Materials

Many market exhibitors embraced a “more is more” approach to mixing materials and textures in outdoor furniture pieces. Whether the contrasts were subtle or bold, the variety added interest and warmth to the designs.

The Secret Garden collection designed by Roberto Lazzeroni is a particularly attractive example of the trend. One of several new collections by Poltrona Frau on display in JANUS et Cie showrooms this spring, it features teak frames, upholstered cushions, two-tone woven cotton webbing, and enameled-stoneware tops in an array of colors, including the aqua shown here.

6. Eco-Friendly Elements are Prominent in Outdoor Furniture Trends

Many of the durable materials traditionally used in outdoor furniture are associated with environmental damage, such as forest and habitat loss resulting from improper teak harvesting and pollution from plastic production and disposal. Fortunately, with increased awareness comes greater demand for sustainable products, and at the market, manufacturers were proud to share where they’ve made progress.

Recyclable and recycled materials (especially post-consumer recycled plastics) were touted in many outdoor furniture and textile collections. Houe, for one, prominently displayed its ReCLIPS chairs, which feature lamellas made of Danish household plastic trash, and most rug manufacturers touted recycled PET outdoor rugs.

On the wood front, FSC-certified wood products, which come from responsibly managed forests, were available from nearly all major outdoor furniture companies. This Sunpan Potenza armchair incorporates both FSC-certified teak and recyclable materials. FSC is the Forest Stewardship Council. Click here to learn more about FSC.

7. Flexible Footprints

This Sorrento sectional from Jensen Outdoor, whose frame is also made from FSC-certified teak, exemplifies another trend that transcended the indoor-outdoor divide at this season’s market: modularity. Easily reconfigured sofas, nesting, laptop-friendly side tables, and ottomans that triple as coffee tables and sofa extensions all serve to increase the functionality of outdoor spaces, which we’re relying on now perhaps more than ever. Fortunately, in showroom after showroom at High Point, manufacturers proved ready to fill the need.

If you like these summer outdoor furniture trends, I can help you with sourcing them and pulling it all together for a great outdoor experience. Just message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

With the proliferation of Instagrammable mural designs as well as Pinterest-worthy wallpaper, having a unique feature wall integrated into your space is going to be a big part of the interior design trends of 2022 and beyond. Explore the luxurious works of world-class artists and craftsmen creating one-of-a-kind feature walls, curated by Artelier, a collaborative art consultancy providing high-end custom feature walls and other artistic treatments for residences and luxury yachts. Here are a few feature wall designs from their Artist Walls collection.

1. The Woven Abstract – This mural features sweeping shapes that reflect light and float through the air like metallic veils, winding around and overlaying each other. The pop of color works well in an otherwise muted bedroom.

2. The Grey and Gold – This feature wall has been designed to be a subtle, calm, and luxurious experience reflecting the palette and atmosphere of the room. Working closely with our artists on each project Artelier carefully adapts the walls to reflect their environment.

3. Suede Silk & Leather – Renowned for her couture-standard work and exquisite detailing, which alludes to Saville Row tailoring. The artist describes her work as “tailoring for walls”, which effortlessly brings together fashion and interiors.

4. Nuno Silk – This feature wall was made using an ancient textile technique known as Nuno Silk. The artist blends natural wool, mohair, merino fibers, and silk by hand. Through a gentle washing process, the wool fibers open and become meshed with the silk, transforming the separate raw materials into one lightweight non-woven fabric.

5. The Gold Mural – Artelier is working in collaboration with artist Michelle Gagliano to produce these hand-painted feature walls which are made of natural pigment and gold leaf. These murals are eye-catching while still blending into the space they occupy.

6. Abstract Mural – Last but certainly not least we have this extra subtle feature wall that blends perfectly into the space it occupies. If you are after subdued luxury then this might just be the perfect design for your bedroom.

Adding a unique feature wall to your bedroom doesn’t have to be complicated, and can truly enhance your living space. Working in collaboration with artists in all genres and styles Artelier designs completely bespoke work that reflects the current design aesthetic a client seeks for their home. If you are interested in discovering more you can visit the Artelier website here.

These are fabulous creations and I hope you like them as much as I do! If you’d like to explore these treatments further, let me know and we can determine the best approach for your space.

I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

Are you interested in elevating the look of your accent walls? By creating intricate and thoughtful designs out of molding and trim, it’s a simple task to take your accent wall to the next level. Here are nine accent wall molding and trim design ideas to get those ideas flowing:

1. Use a Subtle Hand with Minimal Chair Rails

The designer for this beautiful room utilized a flat, angular molding to create a chair rail that perfectly accentuates the minimal aesthetic. This choice provides a break in the taupe-colored accent wall, adding a subtle touch of personality.

Notice how the molding enhances the look of the baseboards and trim along the windows. Each piece adds energy to the room without pulling focus or overwhelming the design. This is a perfect choice for any dining room, where family, friends, and guests can gather to eat, socialize, and celebrate.

2. Elevate the Look of Your Fireplace

This living room exemplifies the idea of an accent wall by focusing all the attention on the fireplace. This is a fixture meant to grab and hold your attention as soon as you walk into the room.

The built-in woodgrain shelves pop in contrast to the white shiplap covering the fireplace wall. The crown molding used at the top and bottom of the wall accentuates the fireplace, making it stand out even more. Instead of a typical wooden mantel, they’ve mounted a flat-screen television that perfectly matches the width and deep black of the fireplace. This living room belongs to a family that entertains in style.

3. Create Sharp Angles with Dark Molding

Let’s challenge the idea that molding and trim need to be white. This room utilizes molding with chocolate tones to cut a sharp angle along the edge of the ceiling, floors, and windows. This pairs well with the industrialized light fixtures and darker design elements throughout this kitchen.

It’s impossible not to notice how well the chocolate trim around the door perfectly complements the courtyard green of the accent wall. The choice to keep this color uniform allows the accent wall to pop. Everything about this room feels modern and luxurious.

4. Create Floor-to-Ceiling Panels

The choice to use molding to create panels from the floor to the ceiling allowed this designer to take a standard accent wall and transform it into a showstopper. The molding is also utilized on the non-accent walls, creating a striped texture to accentuate the décor.

The best decision here, by far, was the decision to keep everything the same color. This allows the molding to create contrast with shadows. Depending on the lighting and where you’re standing, the panels will have a different look and depth.

5. Transform Your Ceilings and Walls

Aside from the blue steel accent wall, this room is packed with intricate design techniques that create an awe-inspiring and cozy living space. The molding accents on the ceiling and along the top of the accent wall create a sense of dimension that is anything but typical.

This design creates a focal point that draws your attention to the accent wall and fireplace, which perfectly complements the design aesthetic of the built-ins on the adjacent wall.

6. Create the Look of Picture Frames

Dark accent walls are quickly becoming a hallmark of modern design aesthetics. They draw your attention immediately and offer a splash of personality without making the room feel too dark.

But why stop there? The designer of this living space transformed the green accent wall by creating the look of empty picture frames. They used actual picture frames to create this effect, but the same can be done with molding. In fact, if you want the edges more uniform and the sizes more customizable, molding is the ideal choice.

7. Embrace a Chic and Minimal Office Design

Less is more with a minimal office design. This accent wall is cut in half with an elevated chair rail. This is a smart choice because the room still feels warm, bright, and inviting, even with the darker shades of blue.

The designer of this room decided to take the chair rail concept a step further by adding molding to create panels along the wall. This makes it almost feel like the room is split into three sections. This is both intriguing and modern, but also timeless.

8. Utilize Thin Molding to Create Narrow Panels

While we’re into the idea of revolutionizing accent walls, let’s focus on a different type of paneling. You don’t have to use thick molding to create this effect. In fact, you can use thinner strips of molding to create narrow panels that look both expensive and sophisticated.

This navy accent wall is the definition of luxury. The thin panels give a touch of personality to the wall without drawing too much attention. The white baseboards highlight the accent wall, drawing warmth and brightness from the rest of the room.

9. Get Creative with Intricate Molding Designs

No rule says you can’t have fun with your molding and trim designs. This room is a prime example of that. By creating an unconventional striped pattern along this juniper-colored wall, you immediately feel like this room is ripped straight from a modern interior design catalog.

Adding a touch of nature to this design aesthetic, the rich dark color of the accent wall perfectly complements the plants, woodgrain, and wicker basket. Pairing it all with the industrial black light fixture and grey metal headboard makes this bedroom absolutely stunning.

What’s Your Design Style?

After seeing all these inspiring design ideas, you’re probably itching to do something with your own accent walls. If you don’t know which molding or trim to choose or you’re unsure of how to get started, I’m here to help you determine the molding and trim styles that are perfect for your design aesthetic. I can show you all kinds of design treatments that would work best for your space, so just let me know if what you’ve seen here has inspired you. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.