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CHROMATROPIC IS ALL THE RAGE AT DESIGN MIAMI/BASEL

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know by now that I get very excited when I come across innovations in the world of high-end interior design. Art that I love and design, I just want to share it with everyone I know.

Here is the inside scoop on the textile theme that is taking over Design Miami/Basel!

Founded in 1935 Maison Pierre Frey now has an archive of some 7,000 wallpaper and fabric designs that demonstrate the house’s commitment to fine craft and rich, hand-drawn pattern work. Design Miami/ collaborates with the luxury textile house for its 10th Anniversary to create Chromatropic, a camouflage-inspired print collaged from tropical textiles from the Pierre Frey archive and collection.

Chromatropic also appears in a capsule collection created by Hentsch Man, a fashion label known for its use of prints. The Hentsch Man anorak, hat and sneakers are available in limited numbers, alongside a specially produced J. Crew Chromatropic pocket square, at the JUNE-Basel pop-up store within Hall 1 Süd.

This geometrical, colorful, and punchy pattern is making waves in the design world this summer! This tropical flavor mixed with architectural design is truly inspiring when it comes to fabric and home decorating. Be on the hunt for this pattern because this new sensation will be selling quickly!


TOP 5 BOOTHS AT DESIGN MIAMI/BASEL 2015

Last week in Miami the 10th Anniversary of Design Miami/Basel took Basel, Switzerland last week. This is an important event that globally represents the strength in design that comes from Miami.

Design Miami/ is the global forum for design. Each fair brings together the most influential collectors, gallerists, designers, curators and critics from around the world in celebration of design culture and commerce.

This event is more than a marketplace for design, where the world’s top galleries gather to present museum-quality exhibitions of twentieth and twenty-first century furniture, lighting and objets d’art. Each show balances exclusive commercial opportunities with progressive cultural programming, creating exciting collaborations with designers and design institutions, panels and lectures with luminaries from the worlds of design, architecture, art and fashion, and unique commissions from the worlds top emerging and established designers and architects.

Today I am going to share with you the highlights of this years show!

Demisch Danant, Jousse Entreprise
Demisch Danant has dedicated its space to the exhibition Radical Rabat: Nomadic French Style of the 1970s, featuring, and inspired by, a series of major works by artist Sheila Hicks, created for her 1971 exhibition in Rabat, Morocco, and not seen publicly since then.

Southern Guild
Hailing from Cape Town in South Africa, Southern Guild is focusing on designers from five African countries (Botswana, Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, and South Africa), underlying the creative vitality of the continent, which is also being feted right now at the Vitra Museum with a dedicated exhibition. Most of the pieces are created by hand the designers. Of note is a funky “fish” pod by Porky Hefer, the white earthenware of Astrid Dahl, and the ceiling lights of David Krynauw.

Jousse Entreprise
The Parisian Jousse Entreprise has an interesting booth that focus on modern design with stalwarts like Jean Prouvé and Charlotte Perriant. Highlights include a toad (crapaud) armchair by Francois-Xavier Lalanne, dating 1968, and Zombie armchairs by Roger Tallon, dating 1967, along with the designer’s Cockle armchair module 400, 1965.

Galerie Patrick Seguin
Galerie Patrick Seguin, with its prime position at the start of the fair, never disappoints, each year promoting the demountable houses of Jean Prouvé. This year, the gallery commissioned Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) to adapt a 6 x 6 m demountable house by the French architect and designer, furnishing it with his designs. Smelling of fresh pine, the small holiday home is based on the original plans with some modern living facilities added, including tiny pods playing as external bathroom and kitchen, and a four-glazed-panel entrance that enhances the living space and opens onto a new external decking platform that can be lowered.

Galerie Steinitz
Amidst all this contemporary design, Galerie Steinitz is almost an anachronism. But the renown antiquaries is holding its own with a small, but beautifully decorated booth dedicated to the Japonisme art movement of the late 19th century and the designs of Edouard Lievre. Taking center stage is a high rosewood table by Lievre replete with gilt bronze and a griotte marble top. The table used to belong to academic and military painter Edouard Detaille, today forgotten but renown in his time. Another highly decorative piece by Lievre on offer is a stunning large jardinière in cloisonné held by bronze dragons, along with an impressive carved wood fireplace (dating from around 1870) by cabinet maker Gabriel Viardot that mixes Japanese, Chinese, and Indian influences all in one.


KITCHEN TIPS FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER NATE BERKUS

There are many opinions in the world of interior design and I am here to scope out the best and enlighten you with some professional wisdom. High-end interior design can be found everywhere from pop culture to printed materials.

Week by week I love providing you with information regarding various projects to work out in your home. We are going to be taking you to the kitchen today. The kitchen is one of the most important living spaces of a home.

Today I am going to share with you some home decorating tips for your kitchen from American interior designer, author, and TV Personality Nate Berkus.

Here are Nate’s best tips for updating your kitchen this summer…

Make The Investment
For a refined and timeless aesthetic think oak cabinets, parquet floors, and brass hardware. Sometimes it’s the best idea to splurge when it comes to your kitchen “Updating old, worn-out appliances will automatically make a kitchen feel more modern,” he says. “Always reach for the best you can afford because you want them to go the distance.”

Update a Few Small Details
When it comes to updating your home for the summer, it’s easy to just grab a few fun home accessories to brighten up your living room, but this will not work if you are looking to update the kitchen. “Maybe it’s as simple as cleaning out your cupboards and repainting your cabinetry,” says Berkus.

Add Your Very Own Personal Touch
Berkus says the key to making your kitchen look good is incorporating your own lifestyle. “You need your kitchen to be hardworking but also personal,” he says. “What elements can you add that will reflect who you are, how you like to live?”

Remember, Classic Simplicity Will Always Look Good
For timeless kitchen quality keep the design simple. “Things like the sleek, flat-door design you see in the refrigerator to the finishes of the range and microwave—every detail was considered and the goal was always, ‘How do we make these appliances look good, not just right now, but 10 years from now?’” he says.


EXPLORE MIAMI THIS WEEKEND BEYOND SOUTH BEACH

When it comes to Indulging in the culture and arts of a city consider me first in line at the next big event! When you’re living in one of the most lively and luxurious cities in the world it would be silly not to explore your surrounding’s and bask in the art!

Every week I try to inspire you with design and also get you involved in Miami or New Yorks activities. Whether it being the hottest art exhibit in Chelsea, New York, or a pop-up gallery in Miami Design District I am happy to present them to you on my blog!

Now it’s time to explore even more that Miami has to offer that’s not only South Beach!

Sunny Isles Beach
About 30 minutes north of South Beach you will find the Sunny Isles. Locals often refer to this family-friendly getaway as “Florida’s Riviera”. The Sunny Isles was once filled with must old motels but is now lined with a variety of luxury beachfront hotels and restaurants. One of my favorite scenic spots is the Beach Bar at Newport Pier! Get some retail therapy at the famous Bal Harbour Shops at 9700 Collins Avenue, just a short drive away.

Little Havana
Step into Miami’s vivacious Cuban and Latin American community in Little Havana, located on SW 12th Avenue to SW 17th Avenue just west of downtown Miami. Along the neighborhoods main strip, Calle Ocho, you will find Cuban coffee and cigar shops, fruit stands and botanicas.

And of course you must try the delicious Cuban food! Sample some amazing and authentic Cuban cuisine on The Little Havana Food Tour!

Wynwood
This hipster oasis is filled with unique graffiti murals, art galleries and trendy cafes, a great place to spend a sophisticated Saturday. You absolutely need to stop and take a gander at the one of a kind Wynwood Walls, located on 2520 NW Second Ave. These walls are a rotating “museum of the streets” created in 2009 by late developer Tony Goldman and co-curator Jeffrey Deitch. The provocative murals made by acclaimed street artists like Shepard Fairey, Futura and Swoon are free and open to the public.

For a taste of Wynwood, take the Wynwood Food & Art Tour. To see more innovative art, designer shops and chic restaurants, visit the neighboring Miami Design District!

Coconut Grove
Coconut Grove is Miami’s oldest and possibly the most laid-back neighborhood only 20 minutes outside of the city. Take a trip out to this carefree bayside village for its museums, parks and gardens, and the popular open-air CocoWalk Mall.

For a more cultural adventure step back in time at Vizcaya Museums & Gardens and take a glimpse at a lavish European-inspired estate built in 1910 by millionaire industrialist James Deering.


INTERIOR DESIGN APPS YOU HAVE TO TRY

You know that I get very excited when I come across the latest innovations in the world of interior design. There is a multitude of high-end interior design applications out there that you can download on your smartphone or tablet.

For you tech savvy readers I have scoped out the latest and most amazing interior design apps to help any homeowner looking to make a change or renovate a room. These apps can aid your interior design needs in the palm of your hand.

Use these apps to inspire and provide you with essential information regarding your decorating needs and turn your home into the high end space you are looking for.

Obviously these apps wont give you the same quality you can get from hiring an interior designer but you can get a glimpse of some amazing results!

Check the Apps out here!

HomeStyler Interior Design

  • When you have the floor plan ready, and all you need is to place the right furniture in each room the HomeStyler app will come in handy! All you need to do is click a picture of the room, import it into the App and start designing your interiors. You can test out wall colors, home accessories, and products from real brands that are on the live market.
  • HomeStyler is simply amazing for creating your space with a 3D visual aid before committing to anything. This Autodesk app is available on both, Android and iOS. This will inspire you to convert your home into a design studio. You can also connect with a professional for tips and tricks.

MyPantone

  • Various color combinations can make or break any room; this is where MyPantone comes in. We have talked about the power of pantone colors before and now you can access their product in the palm of your hand. This App gives you access to over 13,000 colors. You can find the shades of your dreams! You can create color palettes and use AirPrint to print it out as reference of your painter. You can even click the picture of a color you have liked and upload it to the app to find its closest match. The app even gives you the exact specifications of the color you have chosen, in CMYK, so that you can be sure to get the right paint from the store.
  • Pantone is the ultimate color authority out there. When it comes to disputes on whether a shade is turquoise or teal, they have the final say. They are the historic leaders that have standardized library of colors into a convenient app that allows you to accurately communicate your color choices to decorating professionals, designers and manufacturers alike. It also identifies the colors in your photographs and expertly generates complementary palettes.

Chairish

  • If you are looking for beautiful, unique antique furniture for your home you have to check out this App! The app allows you to search for the perfect home accessories from any era, whether it’s seating, mirrors, or tables.

SnapShop

  • Want to see what new furniture would look like in your home before you buy it? Download SnapShop Showroom! This app allows you to browse through furniture from major retailers and create a virtual gallery to save and share. Mix and match and come up with some amazing interior designs.

LikeThat Apps

  • See some furniture or decor that you like while you’re out and about? Snap a photo and the LikeThap App can help you shop for it in seconds. Access millions of items from thousands of merchants and read reviews. This app is very helpful when you spot the perfect item!

ColorSmart

  • Free on iOS and Android. This App allows you to upload a photo and then watch as the app generates a color scheme based on that image. Use it on your favorite art pieces to design a room around them. This app is only for getting painting ideas for your house and interiors. It will suggest you color schemes, patterns, matching colors, etc. You can also create a workbook and develop your own color scheme.

Photo Measures

  • $6.99 on iOS and $4.99 on Android, but both have free Lite versions. You won’t need to get room measurements and try to visualize how things will look like when you are in the store. Photo Measures allows you to put all of the dimensions of walls and flooring, directly on the image of the room. Now you can visualize putting any home accessories inside first without physically doing it.

Cataluv

  • Free on iOS. It brings home décor retailers onto a single digital catalog. You can also view pictures inspired by designers, click on the products and buy them all in one spot. A unique way to shop at the palm of your hand for your home decorating needs.

Living Room Decorating Ideas

  • Be it your living room or bed room, the ideas on this app will transform the look and feel of it. There are many designs and patterns you can get inspired from.

Home Design 3D

  • In this app, you can create your own design using different tools and see if it will work out for your house or not. This gives a 3D perspective of your room.

MagicPlan

  • With the MagicPlan, you will never get stuck outside with a piece of furniture that won’t fit through the front door again ever again! This app transforms the meticulous ordeal of mapping out floor plans and taking measurements into an easy process. You can seamlessly compute distances within a space simply by the app analyzing a snapshot. You can annotate photos of your space with the height of the ceiling or the width of the hallway!

Curate

  • For those of you with an extensive art collection Curate is the app for you! You no longer have to imagine what your artwork would look like in your new home. This app allows you to virtually display each piece! All you have to do is simply upload a photo of any blank wall and the app will give you a concrete idea as to how it will look there. You can also use the app to browse pieces from your favorite artists and galleries to search for your next statement piece inspiration!

TOP 5 BEST FREE INTERIOR DESIGN APPS

  1. Houzz– This app is amazing! We are even featured on their website! It is the largest database of home design ideas on the Internet and this app allows you to have them all at hand! Inspiration and visuals are very important when creating your dream home. Houzz has the largest possible database of over 50 thousand high-resolution photographs of anything you can think of in a home. Essentially use this App as Pinterest for your home with only the best interior design database there is!
  2. iHandy Carpenter – This is truly a great all-in-one pocket-size tool kit. An essential app used for undertaking any home-improvement task.
  3. Zillow Digs – This cool app was created by Zillow, an online real estate website. Use this app to explore and share stunning interior design photographs with family and friends.
  4. EasyMeasure – This fantastic app allows you to have a tape measure at all times with the touch of a button!
  5. Remodelista – This remarkable app can be used as a trove of inspiration for your interior decorating needs. It will help stimulate your creativity!

I hope you enjoyed reading about these spectacular apps. Now get that downloading started!


5 BEST HIGH END INTERIOR DESIGN TIPS FOR OLDER HOMES

Every week I share with you various luxury interior design ideas and advice that will bring your home to the next level.

Decorating an old home can be challenging, so today I am going to share with you some tips to help resolve issues with an old home.

There are so many articles and interior design blogs out there that it can be hard source out the best ones. That’s why we sorted through them for you so you only have to look at the best

Check out some of the top 5 tips when decorating an old home:

Use drapery to cover obscure windows. Older homes often have eccentric windows in unusual places, but a full wall of drapery can be the perfect way to subtly clean up the look of the room. It will also help avoid completely removing the windows and blocking all light.

Paint the Walls, Ceiling, and Trim One Color. Doing this will help hide any imperfections there may be. The trim of an old house often expressed the character of the room but a simple coat of paint will help highlight these details.

Embrace Simple & Modern Furnishings. Overall, keeping it clean and simple with contemporary furnishings is a good tool for bringing a sense of modern life to a traditional home.

Use Airy Shelving Units. Open and airy étagères (shelving units) are a stylish way to display your valuable collectibles or conversation pieces and of course adds more storage! These open shelves also have a certain gallery-like appeal that fits older homes despite feeling like a modern touch.

Celebrate All Stained Glass. If you’re lucky enough to have beautiful stained glass windows, simple white walls will give them the freedom to act as art and bring a pop of color.


WHY THE KITCHEN IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT TO YOUR HOME

Every room in your house or apartment has a purpose and sentiment. From the Entry Way to the Attic, every place exists for a reason whether it being greeting guests or storing memories.

Today we are going to talk about ways the kitchen is an elemental part of your home and why you should maintain it!

The kitchen is not only a place where you cook meals and eat them, but also a place where you meet with your loved ones and catch up on your day. The kitchen holds great value for bringing people together…and of course who doesn’t love to eat!

The kitchen is also a key place where a buyer will look and judge the rest of the house based on it. The bathrooms are also a place to judge as well. The kitchen interiors are looked upon to represent the overall character of the house.

This is why it is important to ensure that your kitchen is looking its best. You want to keep you décor updated and looking fresh. These renovations are worth every penny!

So if you are looking to sell your home, keep these pointers in mind!


CELEBRITY HOME DESIGNER JESSICA SIMPSON SHARES INTERIOR DESIGN ADVICE

As you know there are many celebrities that love to dabble in the world of Interior Design. Many of them actually run successful practices.

In the past we have spoken about South Florida’s wonder Venus Williams and her amazing work in luxury interior design. Oh how I love when the world of Interior Design is in the limelight.

Today I am going to share with you the interior design ideas from the talented singer and entrepreneur Jessica Simpson!

Jessica Simpson is an American singer, songwriter, actress, reality television personality and fashion designer who made her debut in 1999.

We have seen her on television and have listened to her on the radio; Jessica Simpson is a true talent and has also shared her love for interior design within her social media pages.

Here are some of her personal home decorating ideas!

The Family Den
If you have a family create a space fir everyone to gather, like a fireplace or a family den. This will bring everyone together and share the love day to day. It will bring real coy vibes into your home.

Don’t Forget Personal Mementos
Don’t forget to add personality to your home by sharing your favorite moments or accomplishments with everyone. Any trophy’s or photographed of epic adventures— add them to your bookshelf or blow up your images and frame them. These will add pizazz and character.

Embrace Chandeliers and Unique Home Accessories
Have an iconic and outstanding antique or conversation piece? Take it out of the attic and find it a home in your living room!


SIMPLE SUMMER DECORATING IDEAS

The summer time is here and it is a glorious time of the year to enjoy. There are so many outdoor activities and tons of events, especially here in Miami. Every season has a purpose as well as energy.

The great thing about interior design is being able to recreate a space over and over again. Lets soak up the summer vibes and let the light shine into our homes!

Today I am going to share some simple summer decorating ideas with you!

Lighten Up the Dark Side
Take a look at any room in your house and try painting the darkest wall in a brighter shade that is in the same color palette. This will give a great bounce of light to it and open up the room. Remember one simple change can completely transform a space.

Add Pops of Color
Be brave and add pops of color around your house. Bright décor will create exciting contrast in any alcove or small area, the inside of a window, or as a simple stripe along a skirting board. Try it out on home accessories like vibrant mandarin throw pillow or kitchen placemats.

Use Some of Many Inspirations
Don’t forget to source out some of your inspiration from our blog! Almost every week The Psychology of Design shares with you a new inspiration relating to the world of design. Whether it being other design websites or fairy tale dreams there is something for everyone to get excited about!

Last Year’s Summer Interior Design Trends

We love sharing with you the upcoming trends of the season! This year so many fun things kept popping up it can be hard to keep track. Here are some of our top picks from Internal Panel Systems 2016’s Top Interior Design Trends!

Smart Appliances
There are many household appliances that include savvy technology. There are internet-connected ovens and tumble dryers that have all become a reality.

There are many competing products out there from established appliance brands such as Breville and Samsung. Smart appliances are way more than just technology; they make a statement about your whole home style.

Statement Mirrors
While mirrors have must needed home functions they also can do some pretty magical things to a room. Statement mirrors are all the rage this year bringing together a truly avant-garde yet classic design aesthetic. Of course grand mirrors can make your cozy apartment look larger than life!

Warm Metal Materials
Warmer metals are making their way into many of today’s most modern homes this year! Brands like Dornbracht have made materials like copper and gold, once dated, come back full circle. With bathroom and kitchen fixtures, countertops, and industrial furniture, warm metals are extremely eye catching in a glamorous way this year.  Keep them in mind when you are choosing your new home accessories!

So grab some inspiration this summer and get decorating!


LEAVE AN IMPRESSION WITH YOUR ENTRY HALL

In the world of luxury interior design first impressions mean everything. The entrance to your home sends the message about the rest of your homes decorum.

Today I am going to discuss ways to ensure a warm an inviting experience in your own entry hall design.

Entrance halls of any home or apartment serve many purposes. They are functional spaces that allow room for grab and go storage as well a meeting place for guests. These halls are the transition to the home full of beautiful furnishings and adornments.

Now just how do you pick and choose what fits in the entry hall? Always remember that everything needs a purpose and a function and you wont run into any issues with clutter. For example a stool or table can be fixed to the wall to hold keys, mail, or cell phones.

Having the entrance walls pained the same color will help create unity. When choosing a paint color think about any accent colors that are within your decorating scheme of your entire home. You can use these walls to help reinforce the color of the living rooms sofa or chairs or the drapes on the windows.

It also helps to avoid pale colors since the entry way will have a lot of foot traffic resulting in some wear and tear. Also adding a rug will help soften the blow of unwanted rain, snow, or mud.

The entrance should be well lit. You can add a lantern, chandelier, or lighting fixture depended on your ceilings height. Even a floor lamp will work.

Now you must add your own zest and flair to your hall. Whatever makes your personality unique bring why not let it show. You can add a whimsical floral arrangement of a shelf of your favorite novels. Also having access to a mirror is key for when you or your guests are on the go!

Remember that your entrance hall can easily get and upgrade so you can constantly keep it fresh.


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