These are a Few of my Favorite Things …

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

We are surrounded by many opportunities to purchase and collect objects for our homes. Just think of all the online resources we didn’t have even 5 years ago!

However, what are the essentials from a design perspective?  Probably very different for each person.

Here is my list of design favorites in no particular order:

Artwork by Matisse – all of his work is amazing; when he could no longer paint he turned to these joyful cutouts and created a new art form. A good reminder to focus on what we can do – so inspiring!

Henri Matisse

 

Blue and White Pottery – I can’t even remember when I started collecting; timeless and classic. I never tire of it.

Porcelain

 

Antique Brass – metallics add a bit of glamor any space. Lamps, sconces, candlesticks, some of my favorites are from my Mom.

Brass

 

Potted Plants – nothing like greenery to make a home feel lived in.

Green

 

Statement Rugs – A terrific way to anchor any space and add color and texture.

Pattern

 

Mirrors – best way reflect light and expand your space.

decoist

 

So there you have it. I tried to keep the list to a top 5, oh well – one bonus item! I would love to hear what your favor things are when it comes to decorating!

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Design Influences 2019

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

Trends in design and fashion are always evolving and always intertwined. Pantone’s color of the year is “Living Coral” is a beautiful orange with gold undertones.  Somewhat of a throwback to the vintage seventies, it’s very lively and fun! At a deeper level, according to Pantone, it’s a hue that speaks to our “innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits.”

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In 2019 we will be seeing lots of variations on this great color, note how well it brightens a lot of gray which has been so popular:

Designdigs

 

Interioridea

In fashion as well, it’s always fun to see how Interiors and fashion mirror one another:

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Color

 

A second optimistic trend continues to be beautiful florals; think of a chintz on steroids!

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Florals

Tulips

Pop

Also very trendy and mirrored in fashion florals:

Fashions

Lastly, the trend of artisanal crafted, one of a kind accessories for the home as well as in fashion continues to gain in popularity. How lucky we are to have websites like etsy.com dedicated unique handcrafted pieces to vintage treasures and hand crafted items!

Pottery

Knits

 

Lapis

Jewelry

So there you have it. Not that any of us want to be a slave to the most current trends; but it is always fun to do a little updating. Bright pops of color in our home and wardrobe can be a great way to incorporate current trends without going overboard. I will be looking to add some “Living Coral ” accents to my gray dining room as well as trying OPI’s “Melon of Troy” at my next manicure!

Wishing you all the best in 2019!

Color of the Month – Creekside Green

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

I can honestly say I have never met a color I didn’t like.  However, there are some I adore. Creekside Green (Benjamin Moore) is just how it sounds. It reminds me of a lovely spring walk by a creek. In my opinion it is the color of spring!

I chose this color for my kitchen over 8 years ago and I still love it. Like my favorite friends, “it plays well with others”. It is so versatile it is almost a neutral:

It is appropriate for any room:

A bedroom.

A dining room.

A bathroom.

It is a great way to create contrast when paired with cream or white.

Also, it is great for exterior applications as well! If May were a color it would be Creekside Green. What could be nicer than a walk along a creek on a beautiful spring day?

Weddings

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

Today is the big day for the royal wedding. It will be starting a little early for me, but wishing those kids all the best!  I look forward to seeing the photos, etc.

Let me go on the record as saying I love weddings. The celebration of the blending of lives and families is so sweet. Weddings are the true exclamation point to a commitment and clearly marks a new beginning.

Aside from this lovely sentiment, what I love the most about weddings are the flowers.  How I adore them!  Traditionally, hundreds of years ago, they were used to perfume the air and cover up any unpleasant smells from guests.  Yes, not so long ago Saturday was bath day, so naturally a good day for a wedding celebration. But I digress.

Wedding flowers set the mood for the celebration, identity key participants (naturally!) and emphasize the color scheme.

As someone who lives in a 150 year old home, I like a vintage feel:

Landon Jacob

What does this have to do with an interior design blog?  The same way flowers emphasize the color scheme of a wedding, flowers can emphasize the color scheme of your home.

Continue reading Weddings

Chillin Time

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

It’s that magical time of year when we need to get our hands into the good earth and plant wonderful flowers and vegetables. My garden was fairly well established until the happiest woodchuck I have ever seen racked havoc on my beautiful garden.  As a result a lot of TLC is needed to bring it back.  But also a good opportunity to incorporate some changes.  By change I mean less flowers and a large hammock.  I am thinking less work and more relaxing!

I don’t have the luxury of two big trees, but a hammock stand will suffice:

 

I have narrowed it down to these choices (all available at Hayneedle.com):

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What is it about a hammock, is it the simplicity of the design?  The way it cradles and rocks us?  Is it the way it clearly states it’s chill time?

But here is the real question, a single or a double?

Happy Relaxing!

 

 

When Life Gives You Lemons….

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

Spring here in the Northeast has been a bit of a lemon this year; as in it really hasn’t happened yet. In April we still are dealing with snow and cold temperatures. How to cope? I recommend indulging in all things citrus. Eating-drinking citrus, wearing citrus colors, and of course decorating with these colors. Maybe it’s because nothing really tastes better on a warm day than a cold glass of Lemonade!

Consider these ideas to put yourself in a warm state of mind:

Fresh Orange and Lime drink combinations.

Cook with citrus in new ways. Scallops and orange; yum!

Hard to feel cold wearing these bright hues!

Eyefordesign

Lastly, incorporate a little citrus color in your home design, the next best thing to a little sunshine. Hope these ideas help you get through this very cold spring!

Opposites Attract

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

I was lucky enough to stay at my favorite hotel recently, The Edition in NYC.  Oh, how I love this place! While staying there I am always inspired by the interior design.  So much so, that in the moment, I am mentally redesigning every inch of 1865 City House.

What makes it so appealing?  It’s the repeated use of contrast.  Or in other words “opposites”.  Light colors with dark colors.  This is the best tool in a designers tool box!

Contrast works in paintings:

Renoir – At the Opera

Contrast works with food presentation:

Art of Food

Contrast most definitely works at The Edition:

Marriott International New York EDITION

travelforsenses

At The Edition light oak floors paired with dark wood entryways and beautiful dark oversized beds create contrast at its best.  The high contrast concept is implemented with variations on the same theme all throughout the hotel. Even the artwork is great vintage black and white photos in glossy white or black frames.

Here are a few examples of contrast for interiors:

Goodlifeofdesign

Kadvacorp

Decoist

Contrast (light vs dark) is important when designing a room.  It is an easy way to make a statement and add personality to your spaces.

Even monochromatic rooms can be visually exciting when paired with strong accents in constrating colors.  A room without any contrast can be quite boring.  I recommend taking a step back, or better yet photograph your spaces to ensure they are inviting, interesting, and have a good deal of contrast.  Often it is just a matter of adding a few dynamic colors to update the entire look!

Looking Up

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

I have been to NYC more times than I can count (lucky, I know!). Still more often than not, I end up with a sun burn on my neck. Crazy, first because I should remember to use sun screen, and second, because I look like a tourist – at risk of all touristy pitfalls – but I digress.

I am always looking up in NYC to see the amazing architecture. The same is true in Interior spaces. The ceiling is often overlooked but a great opportunity to add a statement.

Here are some great options to consider:

  1.  Simply paint the ceilings

Decorpad

2.  Add wallpaper

lushome

3.  Apply Tin

Blogspot

4.  Add a coffered design

5.  Or add your own design

Decoist

So basically, just when you thought you were finished decorating (btw you are never finished) “look up” the opportunities are endless!

 

 

You Had Me at Small Batch . . .

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

Just when I thought I knew everything there was to know about paint, Benjamin Mooore has introduced their “Century Collection”.

This stunning new paint line is pre-mixed, small-batch paint, in a soft touch matte finish. The depth of color is amazing!

There are 75 colors in this collection and even the paint decks are hand painted to give a true representation of the color.

Here are a few examples of the look:

 

 

 

Impressive, right?  The price is a little high, approximately $125.00 per gallon, similar to the cost of wallpaper for a room.  I can’t wait to try it!

 

Time to Fake It

Posted on by Lynda Armstrong Caccamo

June, so many beautiful and amazing flowers! Early last week I bought a bouquet of Peonies. I wish I had photographed them, so pretty! In my opinion Peonies are the frangance of summer! But alas all good things must come to an end. I awoke today to a vase surrounded by fallen petals. So sad.

I adore fresh flowers, my garden is planted with the intention of having cut flowers for display inside my home.

However fresh flowers and plants need tender loving care and have an expiration date:

This being said, I will admit to the purchase of fake flowers and plants. These beauties can fill up an empty space and require no care at all. However best to keep them on the small side, as it is harder to find larger arrangements that look natural.

Here are some of my favorities fakes:

Of course there is nothing like the real thing, but once and awhile it’s ok to fake it.