New York Design Blog | Material Girls | New York Interior Design

Every year Winter hits us (without much warning) like a ton of bricks.  The first snowfall is magical and we’re quickly reminded of all the things Winter has to offer: skiing, sledding, snowball fights, hot chocolate, warm sweaters, fuzzy boots and fires.  It’s certainly a time of year that, although cold —  very, very cold —  can bring a lot of fun through outdoor activities with family and friends.  However,  these long and cold days tend to drag on and on, and as soon as the groundhog sees his shadow (expressing 6 more weeks of winter) I think we’re all ready for that first day of Spring.  With that being said, I was recently inspired by an artist, Kerri Rosenthal, who doesn’t live too far from where I grew up in CT. Her warm, expressive paintings not only bring brightness and cheer to a space but they also have an incredible way of lifting your spirits when you enter the room.  Colors speak volumes and can transform your space and your mood on a cold Winter’s day.  Take a look at some of Kerri’s work below and if your Winter is dragging on like most of us in the NorthEast, it might be time to illuminate your days and remind yourself that Spring is just around the corner.

 

If these paintings and colors don’t brighten your mood and prepare you for warmer days ahead, I don’t know what will.  Not only will a fresh new painting bring inspiration and happiness to your mind but it will breathe new light in your home – that just might be needing a boost of sunshine.  For more information on Kerri and her artwork you can visit her site here.

 

 

I’m recently obsessed with anything camouflage which may or may not be trending at the moment — but I’m not sure it matters when it comes to Andy Warhol’s camo prints.  If you like anything Andy Warhol, you’re going to love these prints.  Full of color and movement these pieces can certainly pack a punch.  The versatility is endless too — I can see these prints in a living room, a playroom, a kitchen, a kids room, a den..you get the point.  If you can’t afford the real deal, there are plenty of reproduction prints for sale at places like art.com – just make sure you frame it so it looks like an original 😉

 

The lime greens make me think of Spring which puts a smile on my face

A whole lotta fluorescent

A smaller scaled camo

Anything fuschia is bound to brighten a space

A series of colorful camos – genius!

These skateboards would be great in the kids space

Look what it does to a rather bland kitchen

I guess I’ve got a project ahead of me!  I’m thinking I’ll give this Warhol thing a whirl

Most people struggle to find that one piece of furniture or the right throw pillows that are going to help complete their space — without realizing that one single piece of art can do the trick.  House Beautiful recently posted an article showing four different spaces that are dramatically improved by artwork.  Take a look at these four spaces as well as four additional spaces I found that will show you how to transform your space.  Art is of course very personal, so I’ll leave that up to you, but I suggest spending the money on your walls.  It changes the space and often gets people talking if it’s placed in the right spot

 

This rather neutral room is quickly brightened with pops of yellow, red and azure

The bright orange velvet chair is brought to life with its accompanying bright painting

This entry without art would be exceptionally bland

This is a nice play on both color and geometrics

While this art is simple it still brings a sense of completion

Big and bold

This art brings the golds, blues and greys full circle

Don’t be afraid to do anything oversize

A new year is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about what we want to change — not only in ourselves but in our home which will ultimately help create a happy and warm environment for us to thrive in.  We all start with the obvious resolutions such as: get healthy, cut back on the sweets and liquor, be nicer because everyone is battling something and be more charitable, to name a few. This year, why not make a resolution to fix up your home so that every time you walk through the door or go to bed at night you can feel complete.  There’s a lot to be said for selecting the right colors, the right lighting and a few things that are trending so your house doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in the late 80’s.  It only takes a few accessories or a fresh coat of paint to make these changes so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.  Better yet, if you have friends who are looking to give more and be more charitable – put em to work!  Helping friends accomplish a project can be very rewarding and they get to enjoy the results every time they come to visit.  Not to mention free bragging rights.   This is the year to make your house a home.

 

The first step might be to look at the colors for Spring 2014 so that you’re selecting things that are right on trend.  Bring these colors into your throw pillows, smaller furnishings, window treatments and walls.  You’ll be able to talk shop and coordinate with your clothes and handbags!

A bold black and white stripe is sure to grab attention and it’s very on trend.  Think strong contrast and bold stripes

Bright yellow or “freesia” is just about as hot as it gets these days.  Don’t be afraid to add this bright pop of sunshine

Chevron has been and still remains to be trendy so why not do a subtle version with the layout of your wood floors.  It will help create something new and fresh while remaining timeless

Add a little glam to your kitchen with the back splash, lighting or hardware.  It’s all about the jewelry in the room

I’ve always been a believer in mixing your metals and thankfully it’s now being deemed as appropriate and trendy

Radiant Orchid is perfect for the kids bunk room or a playroom where you can have some fun and be more daring

Say goodbye to those boring wood cabinets and doors and give them some life with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware.  You can transform your kitchen in a matter of days and make it look like a million bucks

Don’t be afraid to paint the walls in a dark navy.  You’ve got enough “bright” in the room with the ceiling, trim, and other furnishings to keep it airy and light.  A rich, saturated wall makes a nice statement

The powder room is the best place to do a funky wallpaper so go for the large geometric pattern you can’t stop thinking about!

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there.  Let’s make 2014 a year to remember and finish those projects you’ve been putting off for way too long now.  I promise you’ll rest easier at night 😉

I found another artist (Mimi Chen Ting) who brightened up my day so I had to share her playful pieces with you.  I can see these compositions and colors in all kinds of rooms and spaces – especially if it’s on the traditional side and you’re looking to make a modern statement.  Take a look at her work through Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery and let me know how you feel after a viewing.  It should be cheery!

Out with the old, in with the new.  Just as in fashion, where we see trends come and go, (and sometimes come full circle decades later) decorating has its trends that move with the colors of the year(s).  For quite sometime now (i’d say over the past 2 years), gray has become the new beige and it’s making a statement like no other.  Gray is such a calming color but it can be bright, light, dark, subtle…no matter what, it’s always soothing to the eye.  This is the very reason I’ve been convincing my clients to use so much gray lately, especially on the walls!  It’s the perfect neutral that will cohesively tie any room together.  Take a look at these gray rooms and see how well it works in different spaces:

I’m loving these lanterns and chairs in this country gray kitchen!

Don’t be afraid to mix your grays and beiges – just make sure that gray is the more dominant color in the room.  It will freshen up your space instantly and keep you on trend!

With all the beautifully designed wallpapers out there today it’s no wonder why papering your walls is back in style — It’s the element in a room that can pull it all together in one fell swoop.  Have you ever noticed that your space doesn’t feel quite complete until the art and mirrors are hung on the walls?  Well, wallpaper has the same effect and it can give you that final dimension you’re looking for. I’ve been browsing all kinds of wallpaper lately for clients looking to complete their powder rooms, nurseries, kitchens and dens — and I’ve come across some pretty amazing stuff:

Kudos to Meg Braff for creating such a fun yet useable line of wallpaper.  I’m loving her Meadow Reed paper in coral on white

Another gorgeous design by Meg Braff – Sasa

Sometimes the boldness in the paper is enough to complete the room without adding too much color.  The Imperial Trellis by Kelly Wearstler strikes again..and again.  It’s that good!

Speaking of F. Schumacher style – their new-ish Jaipur hand block wallcovering collection is to die for — Rampura Turquoise is shown above

One of my all time favorites by Florence Broadhurst – Japanese Floral

Another one “spotted” – Florence Broadhurst’s Spotted Floral

Hello color!  Loving this bright pink vine floral from Thibaut

And this bright green ikat also by Thibaut – could be really fun in a kids room!

Whatever the case may be, your walls can always use an extra punch of pattern and color — and paper is the best way to add that jazz.  So when you’re decorating your house or re-doing a room try to think beyond paint and spend a little extra money to get a unique look that will be the envy of the town!

Labor Day has come and gone and we’re all feeling a little blue about the last days of summer.  It’s raining in NY which doesn’t help matters but have no fear, Fall is almost here…and with that, means new Fall lines that are bound to make you roar.  Osborne & Little has a new Fall 2011 wallpaper collection called Komodo which will bring out your wild side and keep you on the hunt for more.

Boa

Cobra.  Sssssss

Panthera

Quagga

I’m loving this temporary wallpaper by Tempaper on SALE at Joss & Main today! It’s temporary wallpaper that has the same quality and durability as regular wallpaper yet it can be applied and removed within minutes!  What a great idea for a rented space or a space you’re not completely willing to commit long term to..

Edie in Frosted Teal

 

 

I’ve been shopping around a lot lately for abstract photographs and paintings for clients and I’ve seen some of the worst and best stuff out there – but this artist blew me away!  The colors, the composition, the ease (i think) at which she paints – it’s amazing!  Thanks to High Gloss Magazine for featuring such a great artist.  Take a look at Michelle Armas’ work and let me know what you think. 

 These paintings would snazzy up any room and be a great pop of modern color in a more traditional space