Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/133552
A Space For Y ou How the hottest trends in the design world can help create a home that's perfectly you By Jennifer Bradley 54 BRAVA Magazine June 2013 When it comes to design, there are always a ton of trends. These days, however, the emphasis is on personality and individual tastes. The old rules are being thrown out the window leaving you to choose everything from curtains to mattresses based on your unique likes and lifestyle. It's about creating a space for you! Fashion Forward If chiffon is flowing down the runways of Paris, it's sure to make an appearance in fine furnishings in the months to come. Renee Degelau, an Allied ASID sales manager and interior designer at Stevens Design, explains that after design trends leave France and Italy "they come to the coasts, whether East or West, and then filter to us." She says one of today's fashion influences is vibrant colors—from turquoises and yellows to metallics and chartreuse, they help homes brighten up. Another popular design trend is mixing patterns. A sofa base may be solid, but patterned chairs and accents are turning heads. "The rooms are inviting and fun," she says. Degelau uses the term "grayage" to describe a very sought-after look for homes. She pairs the grays with bright hues—the same colors seen in on-trend jewelry and clothing—through a simple pillow or piece of art. Through those elements people can easily work in their personality and keep the look fresh. "That's the way we live today," Degelau says. "We're busy, but we like change and establishing a foundation we can live with." Making Multifamily Modern Timeless is trendy, says Laurel Brown and Shane Fry, the owners of Brownhouse Designs. Big-ticket items such as flooring and fixtures should last and be made from materials that won't look dated in a decade. This is especially true when making an apartment building or condominium feel Photos courtesy of Brownhouse Designs Special Advertising Section