inspiration.

What an entrance! Symmetry, shakes, lanterns and fresh pots of green to say welcome!

If you've read any of my posts... I follow trends. Now that's a good thing (for creative me and my professional duties) but a not so good thing for the Carpenter on the home front. His dream duties can wear him out... 


I visually tire of what I see every day in my surroundings. And at this time of the year... at the end of what feels like the longest winter on record... I'm itching to pick up a paint brush, buy some new drapes, accessories and get back to adding some fresh touches to my home-just in time for spring. 

One area I look to every year for current decorating trends is HGTV's annual Dream Home giveaway. http://www.hgtv.com/dream-home/hgtv-dream-home-2013-front-porch-pictures/pictures/index.html. To me... these homes highlight what is truly trending out there on the home design front.

 HGTV has access to top designers who keep in mind the American homeowner when they create their magic. Their interiors/exteriors are inspirational, creative, practical and exciting. This year's home is a burst of color grounded in natural elements. It doesn't hurt either that it's located in a warm climate. Just look at all that green! sigh.

Then you step through that front door and you are hit with friendly color! Hello friends! 

This is a happy house!

Love the pop of mossy green against a neutral background of wood tones and charcoal grays. This room is perfect for plants which brings in cool emerald green- which balances out nicely with the warmer mossy green.

They continued the warm mossy green into the kitchen and dining area. And they weren't afraid of the color. What grounds this daring color scheme are gray cabinets (a huge trend), and warm Bamboo wood floors. And check out the beautiful lights over the table. Oversize is better these days when it comes to lighting!

I would be happy to do laundry in this room. And again.. this fresh color is grounded by the warm wood toned tile. 

Master bedroom. Peace, tranquility, spa like. I think I'd get a very good night's sleep here. Love the painted side table in a soft blue which is picked up in the bedding and pillow on the side chair. It all ties together with the espresso bed and warm rich tones. Don't be afraid of mixing patterns either- the side chair and rug... as long as they "share" the color theme!

Of course the architecture is spectacular... those beams. But focus on the bold color, patterns 

and textures. Can you imagine snuggling up on the sofa with your favorite show... nestled in all this color and pattern? 

This is the guest room. A soft gray palette with cobalt blue accents and a playful stripped rug! Your guests will feel like kings and queens.. but they might never leave.. and that could be a problem.

Soft gray palette is continued into guest bath.The side walk-in shower is crazy.. ok.. it is an HGTV "dream" home.. doesn't hurt to dream right?

So what trends do I see? 

1. Warm neutral palettes- beige, gray, linen white with pops of bright color.

2. Bold bright wall colors

3. Slate painted kitchen cabinets

4. Wood tones to ground palettes

5. Bold patterns

6. Oversized diningroom fixtures

Are you inspired? Ok.. pick up that paint brush... spring is coming!

~ The Artist

So I'm digging right in... gonna pick up that paint brush.