Tuesday, December 13, 2016

My Holiday Decor Has Seen Better Days


It is that time of year to bring down the dusty well worn containers from the attic, filled with years of holiday decorations to once again add holiday cheer to your home. Sure, the Santa figurine may have seen better days, and the faux greenery has turned an interesting shade of blue- green, but is it time to freshen up your holiday decor? Is there a new way to display ornaments made by the lovingly hands of our children without the guilt of putting them at the back of the tree? How much holiday decor is too much and does it have to be red and green? Could an interior designer be the key to help with our holiday decor woes? The simple answer is yes!



Webster Dictionary defines an ornament as...  “As an accessory used to beautify, enrich, or improve the appearance or general effect of an object.” But with today’s designer themed trees what can be done with vintage or made with love homemade ornaments that may not fit the new motif of the tree, are they doomed to the land of misfit toys?
“Absolutely not” said Bob Mead of Bob Mead Interiors, a valued designer of 36 year’s for the Decorators Show House and Gardens. To help with this seasonal dilemma he has offered his expertise for displaying or repurposing sentimental holiday ornaments.  
      
 


He suggested,  “Antique toppers can be placed in candlestick holders and displayed on the mantle along with some favorite obelisks.  Some other ideas can include grouping ornaments in glass apothecary jars or large decorative bowls throughout your home. Another idea is to put tags on each of the special ornaments with names and dates on them. He went on to say that every year when he brings the ornaments out, and then again wraps them at the end of the season, I am filled with wonderful memories. When friends visit they enjoy looking at the tree and often ask about the story behind certain ornaments. Plus the decorative tags give the tree a new look.”

                                                                                                                                                                             

Bob went on to suggest “ that adding new ribbon and a few updated items can be a great way to add new life to “tis the season” decor.  As for color, does it have to be Santa’s favorite colors of red and green? “Holiday decorations can be any color however, they should complement your home’s personal decor.” Primary red and Kelly green decorations mixed with home decor in russet colors of orange and brown only works for homes in “Whoville.” Additionally, Bob mentions, “decorations can be mixed as long as they are in separate vignettes. He personally believes that religious symbols should be separated from the more commercial items. It’s much like looking at paintings in your home. A traditional masterpiece often does not show well right next to surrealist artwork, but if across the room, and not seen at the same time, they can live in the same room.”



There is still hope for and time for finding the right holiday decor for your home and a great way to do that is seek the help of an interior designer. When asked the question of why hire an interior designer for holiday decor, Bob stated the following  “the obvious advantage of hiring a designer is that you will have a beautiful home without all the stress.”  Maybe this is one of the better gift’s you can give yourself during the holiday season!

Please visit Bob Mead’s room #20 at this year’s Decorators Show House and Gardens, located and the childhood home of Kurt Vonnegut from April 29th-May 14th. 

For additional decor ideas Bob can be reached at: 
Bob Mead Interiors
bobmeadint@aol.com





Tuesday, November 29, 2016

2017 Design…Timeless or Trendy

2017 Design…Timeless or Trendy

Written by: Stacy Thompson, Compass Design, LLC

www.compassdesignservices.com


I am excited and honored to be the first Decorators’ Show House Design Blogger!  I think that it is a great way for the designers involved in the Show House to reach the patrons who enjoy our work year after year in supporting a wonderful cause, Eskenazi Health.  I was asked to kick off the new blog by looking forward to the upcoming design trends.  Looking towards 2017 in the world of interior design is exciting to embrace some changes and to discover what might be here to stay or a flight of fancy.  Design trends change each year and many cycle back around from years past, 2017 seems to have “new” old trends on the horizon. 

Dark green, such as kale, emerald, and moss, as well as blue, specifically navy and cobalt, are coming back in a big way in 2017.  Both color palettes are classic, they just seem to resonate a sense of calm and the depth of color is inviting and cozy, however these shades may come and go, but will most definitely be back aground again!    

 Compass Design, LLC 
Burled wood, natural materials, mixing metal finishes, and livable fabrics are all trends of 2017 making their mark.  The use of classic designs in furniture, borrowing from Art Deco, Mid Century Modern, and Campaign styles has made a big comeback.  These elements can be incorporated into any current or new design because they are timeless, while also being on trend.  All of these elements can be mainstays in the décor of a space; while other things change around them, they will remain steadfast.  True classics never go out of style!


Trends come and go, but the inspiration of the upcoming trends seems to be something that contains elements of ideas of the past.  Perhaps it is taking an old idea and changing it to make it fresh.  Revitalizing the use of past materials, and reimagining them in a new way.  Keeping your space fresh with what is current can be a simple task if you choose wisely.  Carefully collected pieces that are of good quality and keep clean, simple lines can mix well with any of the upcoming trends.  Swapping out accessories, freshening up fabrics, changing out a rug, adding in some new elements can be easy ways to update an existing space. 

I have decided to incorporate a few of the 2017 design trends into my 2017 Decorators’ Show House space, Area 10 Room for Two.  My space is designed to reflect a shared space by two young girls, but I wanted to show that this room could be used in a family home or a vacation home; a space that could grow as children get older.  The colors incorporated into my design are focused on blues and purples.  The blues are definitely shades of navy, which leans to the upcoming forecast color trends.  The wall color will be very neutral and I am including some natural elements, such as a sisal rug.  I wanted to have FUN with my space this year, continuing the theme from last year, where I focused on a family study to be used by children for studying and creating.  I had my first child, a daughter, in August of 2015, so I have been able to create spaces that I could see her using in the future.  Here is a sneak peak of some of the fabrics that I will be using in my 2017 Show House space!
Compass Design, LLC
I have been blessed to be a part of the St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Show House since 2005.  I enjoy participating each year to be able to stretch my creativity, showcase my work to the public, and meet new people including the wonderful St. Margaret’s Guild members who do an amazing job each year. I also like working alongside fellow designers in helping to create a Show House that patrons will love.  It is a lot of work, but it benefits such a good cause and gives me the opportunity to show what I can do! 

Thank you so much for allowing me to “guest blog” for the 2017 St. Margaret’s Guild Decorators’ Show House!!  Come see our hard work in April 2017!


Stacy Thompson, owner
Allied Member ASID
Compass Design, LLC
www.compassdesignservices.com