DESIGN TRENDS AT THE NY NOW TRADE SHOW (aka NYIGF)...

As an interior designer, its important to stay abreast of the latest trends in design and decor. One such trade show that allows me to do so is NY Now, previously know as the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF). Drawing 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 80+ countries, the fair is held in January and August at the Javits Center and Pier 94 in NYC. The fair hosts 2,800 exhibitors showcasing the best in home, lifestyle and gift lines.

Trends in interiors often follow fashion. Color still reigns supreme. To contrast that, I spotted a trend towards black & white - another big fashion trend this season. I also noticed quite a few vendors featured textural elements and metal finishes in their wares. Feathers are a big trend featured in every thing from lighting to accents and accessories to wallpaper.

Having run out of power on my phone twice from taking pictures, here are some of my favorites from my visit to the fair this past week:

Feather Lighting by Grace & Blake

Henri Bookcase by Julian Chicester

Twilight Wallpaper by Tempaper

Quartz Lighting by Kathryn McCoy Designs

Cartier Hearts by Natural Curiosities

Sarea Lighting by MadeGoods

Throne by Camilla House

Antique Cooper Lighting by Jatex

Granata Chair by Mr. Brown for Julian Chicester 

Studded Mirror by Jamie Young

Mirrored Media Cabinet by Worlds Away 

Textiles by Trina Turk

Black & White Resin Table by MadeGoods

Vintage Ice Box Armoire by Barreveld LTD

Nightstand by Chelsea Textiles

Lacquer Dining Table by Roberta Schilling

Feather Mirror and Shelves by Dransfield and Ross 

Cowhide Barstool by Camilla House

Until January, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN

IT'S ALL IN YOUR PERSPECTIVE...

Every morning, I send off my husband with a kiss and a "Have a good day!" Our conversation didn't quite go that way this morning (and I'll leave it at that).  On my way to drop off my son, I realized that I left my keys on the kitchen counter as soon as I locked the door behind me. Luckily my son had his keys with him. Then while walking my hyper, 10 year old but still acts like a puppy yellow lab, I broke my favorite red glitter flip flops. So I thought, boy did "I wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning." 

Halt, I had to stop myself. I said "Hold up Self! No Ma'am! Although things are starting off a little rocky, I am not going to let this shape the day. At least I WOKE UP THIS MORNING!!"   

A few minutes after my "re-focus", someone reached out to me about a job for my college-bound son. A little later, my husband called and we discussed our earlier exchange with the both of us admitting our parts.  The moral of the story - it's all in your perspective.

Make it a great day...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

BEFORE & AFTER: A KITCHEN FACELIFT...

My client is a bachelor with a beautiful home who renovated almost every room in his house. After a major bathroom redo that went way over budget (for the record, I was not the interior designer on that project), he was finally ready to tackle the kitchen. While the kitchen had good bones and was in good condition, it was certainly dated. He joked that his mother would kill him for wanting to change a "perfectly good kitchen." And he definitely kept me on a tight reign with the budget (but I love a challenge).

So here's what I started with...

We kept the cabinets because they are hand made by the previous owner from solid pine and in good condition (and the budget didn't allow for replacing them). We removed the wallpaper, replace the formica countertops with granite, installed a tile backsplash, changed the sink, the faucet, the cabinet knobs and the light fixtures. Although he was reluctant, I convinced him that the floor had to go. All the new elements would make the floor stick out like a sore thumb. So he agreed to up the budget, slightly.

Here are some of the materials I used:

BLISS BY FLORIDA TILE

STUDIO PULL BY AMEROCK

UTTERMOST

MOEN

WALLPAPER BY THIBAUT

Here's the result...

After 3 1/2 weeks and only 10% over budget (which for those of you who have done major renos know that this is quite commendable), my client can now cook and entertain in style. His mother was happy with it too...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMMY BOLDEN.

RE-VISTING EMERALD - THE COLOR OF THE YEAR FOR 2013...

Let's take another look at the Color of the Year for 2013, Emerald! Since this color carries a lot of weight on its shoulder as the foundation hue for both fashion and interiors, its high time I give it some overdue attention before the new color for 2014 is announced...

Its everywhere - in fashion...

and accessories...

Stella & Dot

Chanel

Christian Louboutin

and in jewelry...

Jolie Necklace by Stella & Dot

Serenity Drop Earrings in Jade by Stella & Dot

Zinnia Bracelet by Stella & Dot

So its only natural that interiors follow suit with elements of Emerald in everything - window treatments, paint color, carpet and furniture...

But my favorite Emerald of all is still the classic stone...

Kim K. rocking some serious Emerald...

Until the Pantone announces the new color of the year (with much anticipation), let's continue to enjoy this festive color. In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy

SOME PHOTOS COURTESY OF PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE.

VERSATILITY AT ITS BEST ...

One of the continuing themes for Stella & Dot jewelry is VERSATILITY. The Fall 2013 Collection is no different. 

Every season Stella & Dot takes cues from runway fashion, design and architecture and combine these ideas to be "on trend" without being "faddish." The design team goes a step further by asking 3 simple questions:  Is it so WEARABLE she'll be transformed from simple to stylish by slipping it on? Is it VERSATILE enough to go from day to night? Is it completely IRRESISTIBLE that she will fall in "must-have" love? So let's take a look at some of the versatility stars of the Fall season...

The Sutton Necklace is a multi-textural, mixed metal statement piece with a touch of bling... 

Sutton Necklace - $128

that can be worn five different ways.

The 5 ways to wear the Sutton Necklace...

The versatility continues with the Mae, the Christina Link and Somervell Necklaces. Each piece can be worn separately for a wonderful look...

Mae Necklace - $49

Christina Link Necklace - $79

Somervell Necklace - $59

or worn together as an amazing statement necklace with a pop of color and lots of bling...

The Mae/Christina/Somervell Statement Necklace...

or just the Somervell & Christina which look great together.

The Christina Link & the Somervell Necklaces together...

Talk about versatility - it is limitless! One of my fellow Stella & Dot stylists created this amazing look from the Somervell and the bling from the Sutton... 

Creativity and Versatility - the Somervell & the bling from the Sutton...

I am so rockin' this look!

The Haley Necklace is a beautiful delicate necklace made of gold and glass nuggets...

Haley Necklace - $79

that can be worn short (as above) or long...

The Peacock Chandeliers are faceted glass stones and epoxy cabochons that were inspired by the brilliant  feathers of a peacock...

Peacock Chandeliers - $69

Remove the drop and instant button studs...

The Peacock Studs...

And last but not least: the Trinity Pendant (available in gold and silver). These necklaces are organic shapes of glass, quartz and agate stones set in brass and gold or silver plating. Wear the pendants on the long chain, the short chain or hanging from both tiers.

The Trinity Pendant in Gold  - $69

Both Tiers in Silver

Short Necklace Only

Long Pendant Only

To see the entire Stella & Dot Fall 2013 Collection or for more information on the pieces featured, visit my website at www.stelladot.com/tammybolden. Let me know what strikes your fancy. I'd be happy to set up a personal styling session.

In the meantime, happy trend spotting...

Peace and Blessings,

Tammy