Bring a little Palm Beach style to your life this winter. Cold weather can get depressing, let’s face it. I’m not a huge fan of human hibernation. So in order to feel less boxed in and more bright, vibrant and joyful I like to bring lots of color into my home especially for entertaining. The inspiration inevitably comes from a summer or spring color palette. I designed an outdoor party space (below) with lime green and raspberry hues, as well as light, lofty fabrics. So break out the resin plates and plastic cups that you only use in the summer and put them to good use!

Some sourcing info in case you’d like to do a little online shopping!

Hot pink charger plates

Square bamboo leaf plate

IKEA green leaf lightweight drapes

Hot pink & lime green paper lanterns

Colorful leaf throw pillows

My Top Ten Home Trends for 2012. My musings on what’s next, what’s hot, what’s new and what’s not!

1. Harmony and serenity is what people want. A natural flow of items that creates a sense of peacefulness in the home is essential.

2. Recycled or re-purposed is where it’s at. For this reason, antiques are making a comeback in younger homeowners. Objects that were passed down are getting a new life and surround people with a connection to family.

3. Warm is in! Colder, more minimalist spaces are less appealing. I find that my clients want to be surrounded by more natural, cozy colors and textures.

4. Tradition is on the rise. When the world seems to be in a place of social unrest, people return to a traditional, safer sensibility. It’s like comfort food for the home.

5. Organic, green and low VOC products will no longer be just an interest or a fad. They will be part of the regular course of business for everyday home renovation.

6. Wallpaper is cooler than ever, and people are enjoying the variety of choices out there. You can get more creative with pattern and texture than just utilizing paint.

7. Hard geometric shapes are out. Flowing, more organic, curved and soft lines are more pleasing and gaining popularity.

8. DIY is bigger than ever. With the economy in flux, homeowners are researching ways to do their own home improvement projects, and upgrading their current homes as opposed to buying new.

9. Big box and online retailers have an edge. The choices in furniture, home accessories, lighting, flooring and window treatments from large scale manufacturers are endless and more affordable than custom.

10. Mixing it up is more fun. My current clients request that I choose a few inspirational items for a splurge, and then fill the rest of their spaces with affordable choices.

There are some trends in Palm Beach decor that fill the households across the county and, quite frankly, need to be addressed. I’m in the market for a new house and I repeatedly encounter this nouveau riche sensibility – but not in a good way. I understand why people don’t want their homes to be ordinary and even if we belong to the middle class — why be bourgeoisie? Who ever said that was fun? Please Hilda Flack, a home in Palm Beach Gardens should never be confused with Versailles.

Palm Beach needs an infusion of contemporary style, a fresh face, a youthful presentation – in other words — put the stuffy, stodgy look behind us and welcome in a new year with a new design outlook.

May I suggest cleaner, less fussy, warmer, more casual living? A kinder, gentler home that ebbs and flows with sustainability, comfort and kick ass originality? Let’s start here: we are willing to be your go to guide to jump start a Palm Beach Design Revolution. (Don’t mess with her, she may be young but she’s feisty and won’t take “no” for an answer.)

We are here for you and we’ll make design history by Designing Palm Beach one high end residential property at a time…