Trend: Large-Scale Lighting

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Duet Design Group
Photo By: David Lauer Photography

Hi Friends,

"Go for overscale dining room light fixtures. Lanterns, chandeliers — it doesn't matter. Groups of two or three, depending on the size, work best for full impact." — Nancy Boland, Duet Design Group

Smart decorating can define areas without walls - perfect example in this week's trend; living, dinning and kitchen clearly defined, no walls.

Relax and enjoy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Unexpected Color Palettes That Work

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts
Photography by Camilla Molders Design

Hi Friends,

In our feature the Orange and Shades of Blue are unexpected combinations. When designing a room, a jolting shade of tangerine and various shades of blue may not be the first color combination that comes to mind. However, the two pair very well together when used correctly (and won't make you feel like you're cheering for a sports team). In this room, think of the subdued and grayed shades of blue as neutrals. The tangerine chair, crib mattress and changing table are now beautiful, vibrant accents among soft blue surroundings. Designer Sarah Richardson adds just the perfect amount of orange accessories to create that shot of color. Brilliant!

Indigo & Copper

When we say copper, we don't mean the metal. In this designer bedroom, a copper-orange upholstered headboard and bed frame make an eye-catching debut among an otherwise white and indigo color palette. The hues complement each other and allow the white to create balance with contrast. Photo courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design.

Lime Green & Golden Yellow

If you're feeling especially brave, why not go for a color combination that is anything but subtle? Lime green and golden yellow? It works! In this living room, the yellow is used as an accent color while lime green is used as the primary color. The designer even chooses a small dividing wall to paint yellow to break up the green color scheme.

Coral, Golden Yellow & Gray

Traditionally, no girl's bedroom would be complete without a combination of pretty pastels like coral, golden yellow and blue. But what about pastels mixed with gray and black? In this bedroom, gray plays the neutral while black and white act as standout accents. Photo courtesy of HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams.

Red, White and Blue, Plus Black and White

Designer Tobi Fairley takes a daring approach when choosing the color scheme for this preppy/traditional entryway. First, she uses bright red frames on the wall for the most noticeable burst of color. Then she coordinates with a bright blue chair with red trim. The surprise comes when she adds a sky-blue and white console table and a black-and-white-striped rug. Red, white, blue and black can absolutely work together!

Citrus & Kelly Green

Kids' bedrooms should be full of spirit and liveliness, just like the kids themselves. In this stylish nursery, the designer uses an unusual but well-paired combination of kelly green and citrus around the room. Green-and-white stripes create a focal point on the ceiling, and bold yellow doors are certainly a fun way to transform a traditional room element. Other primary color accents bring the entire room together.

Take your home to a bold new level by trying out one of these unexpected, but surprisingly perfect, color palettes and share some of your unexpected color combinations with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Quick, I Need a Centerpiece!

By: Michelle Edgemont
From: Lazy Entertainer
Photography By: Brklyn View Photography LLC

Hi Friends,

Those beautiful vegetables in the produce section of your local market with the greens still attached are inexpensive and a natural way to bring organic color to your tabletop. Find clear hurricane vases or tall glasses in a variety of sizes, fill with water, and place vegetables inside.

Here are carrots, radishes, kale, bok choy, and artichokes, but experiment with what your supermarket or farmers' market has in stock. Plus, you can add these veggies to your weekly menu after the party is over.

Another easy DIY option that's not flowers is this Charcuterie Centerpiece.



You're already having a party, so why not use the appetizer as part of the decor! Start with one or two long, thin trays. Place a few types of cheese, two types of meat, dried apricots, grapes, nuts, and breadsticks to completely fill the trays. Some dried orange slices are placed underneath the trays for a pop of color.

Find what's fresh and use the Farmers' Market as inspiration but most off all don't be afraid to experiment and share them with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Trend: Unexpected Focal Points

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Lauren Coburn
Photo By: Lauren Coburn

Hi Friends,

"I love the unexpected juxtaposition of modern furnishings with an eclectic pop of something stylistically interesting. I like to mix styles in a way that there’s an underlying aesthetic running through the home, yet unexpected details throughout that serve as focal points (like a great wallcovering)." — Lauren Coburn, Lauren Coburn LLC

In this case - the extended dinning area...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Collected Autographs

Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Rustic White Photography

Hi Friends,

Homeowners who love to entertain will surely love artwork created from guests' signatures. Pick up a basic art canvas, then use nails or screws to add trim around the canvas’s edges as a frame. Next, hang the blank canvas in a high-traffic area where guests are certain to gather. Keep a marker nearby and ask guests to add their signatures to the canvas. The random placement of the signatures will result in something personal and graphic which reads differently from far away than it does close up.

Everyone should have this in their home; what a personal way to celebrate your friends and family...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Open Books

By: Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Rustic White Photography

Hi Friends,

Here is an out-of-the-box DIY Wall Art Idea that's easy and inexpensive. To create the look of flying-open books, add hot glue to different areas of back-to-back open pages. This will create the look of motion. Once the glue has dried, group several books together and attach them to the wall with drywall screws through the back of each book cover.

Unleash your inner artist by transforming everyday objects — like these books, paint chips or discarded branches — into pieces of art. Or, try your hand at fun and easy DIY painting projects from your local craft store then come share your DIY success stories with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Or...Bring the Indoors Out

From: Brooke Wagner
Photo By: Ryan Garvin

Hi Friends,

“As summer approaches, we are designing our outdoor spaces with the intention of bringing the indoors out,” says interior designer Brooke Wagner. “This way of designing an outdoor space creates an inviting environment that draws people in the same way an indoor space would.” This look works best with a combination of indoor-style furniture and outdoor fabric. Make the space feel intimate with throw pillows and an indoor/outdoor rug.

Create your outdoor space to resemble indoors and invite friends and family to enjoy. Please share some of your outdoor-indoor stories with us; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Bring the Outdoors In

From: Martha's Vineyard Interior Design
Photo By: Eric Roth Photography

Hi Friends,

Whether it’s with your color palette or choice of materials, fully embrace this season by bringing a bit of the outdoors inside your home. Liz believes this helps your indoor and outdoor spaces feel cohesive. Here, the breezy-blue walls match the color of the sky, making the entire living space feel as if it could be outside. Underfoot, a sandy-hued rug feels natural and appropriate. Design your space to mimic the specific look and feel of your home’s locale.

Bring a little of the outdoors inside your home with minimal cost and come share some of your transformations with us too; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Trend: Low-Maintenance Materials

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Angelica Henry
Photo By: Dino Tonn Photography

Hi Friends,

From matte black fixtures to geometric wallpaper, top designers weigh in on the hottest trends you'll be dying to try this season.

"One substantial trend has been to simply make spaces more livable and relaxed! Clients want to have distinctive and beautiful spaces but don't necessarily want high-maintenance materials that they have to worry over constantly or be anxious about when guests visit. That has led to incorporating materials such as porcelain tile and slabs, as well as engineered quartz surfaces. I think the trend now is to create a livable luxury that is beautiful, inviting and resilient!" — Angelica Henry, Angelica Henry Design

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Yvonne

Color Pops: Small But Bold

From: Allison Lind
Photo By: Regan Wood

Hi Friends,

Summer brings with it bold flavors, sights and sounds. This year, we’re noticing bold color is along for the ride too. “For anyone who shies away from using color for fear of the bold or fear of tiring of it quickly, the ‘small pops’ theory is one that can be done easily and affordably and removed just the same when trends (or personal preferences) change,” explains interior designer Allison Lind. This red chair was once a tired heirloom gathering dust in an attic. A coat of glossy cherry red paint and mud cloth upholstery gave the chair — and this hallway — just the update it needed. If furniture is too intimidating, opt for brightly colored throw pillows or an accent rug.

An affordable way to insert pops of color in your space, share some of your color options with us too; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Urban Pools

Courtesy of District Design
Photography by District Design

Hi Friends,

The latest backyard trend proves pool parties aren’t just for the suburbs. “Increasingly, we are integrating swimming pools into the rear yards of tighter urban conditions,” says designer Carmel Greer of District Design. Carmel says water can be integrated into the smallest of outdoor spaces, even if it’s just the sound of water. “Try to view your small outdoor space as an opportunity to craft a special courtyard rather than just viewing it as a disappointingly-small yard,” she urges. A combination of planting, fencing and architectural elements can help create boundaries while also creating a sense of intimacy.

Perfect urban pool, please feel free to share some of your backyard options with us too; look forward to hearing from you...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Buffalo Check Patterns

From: House of Jade Interiors

Hi Friends,

“For a while now, we’ve been loving buffalo check patterns,” say designers Kirsten Krason and Erin Morgan of House of Jade Interiors. “This summer, we are looking forward to seeing them more and more in a variety of colors.” The best thing about this trend? The pattern is classic, which makes it easier to splurge on a fabulous fabric. Kirsten and Erin recommend trying out the trend in your home on a smaller scale (think pillows and throws) before committing to something bigger like a chair or bench. If your home has coastal undertones, consider a buffalo check in blue and white for a nautical feel.

Happy decorating...

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Yvonne

Bright and All White

Courtesy of Allie Holcomb and Amy Elbaum
Photography by Francis Dzikowski

Hi Friends,

“When the weather turns warmer, and the days become longer, people tend to clean out their homes, reduce the clutter and gravitate toward bright, white spaces,” says interior designer Amy Elbaum. An all-white color palette is crisp, clean and refreshing. “Kitchens and bathrooms always work well in white through the use of tile, stone and cabinetry,” Amy adds. She recommends avoiding clutter and dark, oversized furniture to ensure a light, airy feel.

Summer is here, share some of your summer trend options with us too; look forward to hearing from you...

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Yvonne

Trend: Indoor/Outdoor Fabric

Courtesy of Kayla Kitts and Melanie Millner
Photo By: Emily J Followill

Hi Friends,

Top designers weigh in on the hottest trends you'll be dying to try this season starting in this showhouse kids’ bedroom. They used white Perennials fabrics which are stain- and mildew-resistant allowing worry-free cleanability. Because of their durability, indoor/outdoor fabrics are a big trend and will continue to gain strength in the years to come." — Melanie Millner, The Design Atelier.

Not only does this room look elegant and leans to a one-of-a-kind look, its practical and functional with an air of sophistication.

Enjoy and entertain family and good friends in this space for years to come...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Independence Day!

Happy 4th Friends,

I live a wonderful, prosperous life here in America. Unfortunately, there were times my mind was closed but fortunately, enlightened, as well. I have felt the pain of loss, and the exuberance of winning. I have had relationships go bad, and have started up wonderful new ones. I am an American, and thankful every day that I was born into the abundance that is America.

How fortunate am I to have the medium available to me to be able to express this to you, as well as, receive messages from friends and loved ones, in the peace and tranquility that America is today. We are truly blessed.

Happy Birthday America. I for one, am proud to say I Am An American.

Enjoy this Independence Day in the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends...

Have a good one from your friends at Interior Desgin!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Fourth of July Parfait

Compliments of Mick Telkamp
Image Courtesy of Mick Telkamp

Hi Friends,

The 4th of July holiday commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the freedom it represents. Pride abounds and, smack in the middle of summer, we celebrate with fireworks, picnics and all things red, white and blue. The flag flies honorably in front of houses up and down the street and out back, decks are trimmed with patriotic panache and picnic tables will soon overflow with hot dogs, potato salad, corn on the cob and other cookout staples as we gather to enjoy the day and to celebrate the U.S. of A.

With so much great produce in season, you can't resist adding a bit of the ol’ red, white and blue to the buffet. Layering fresh raspberries and blueberries with pound cake and vanilla pudding, the party just got a little sweeter and lunch even more festive.

Easily adjusted to serve four or dozens, these holiday parfaits are best prepared within a few hours before serving to prevent the pound cake from getting soggy. If the kids are getting antsy waiting for the fireworks to begin, put them to work assembling these gorgeous desserts, but don’t be surprised when those scraps of pound cake mysteriously disappear in the process.

4th of July Berry Parfait

• 1 loaf pound cake
• 12 ounces fresh red raspberries
• 6 ounces fresh blueberries
• 1 cup vanilla pudding
• Fresh whipped cream

Trim top and bottom crusts from pound cake and cut the pound cake horizontally into four slices.

Using a biscuit cutter, cut two discs the diameter of a pint from each slice of pound cake, yielding 8 discs.

In 4 pint glasses, place a layer of raspberries in the bottom of each glass.

Place a disc of pound cake on top of raspberries in each glass.

Spoon or pipe a dollop of pudding on top of each pound cake layer.

Add a layer of blueberries to each glass.

Place another disc of pound cake and dollop of pudding to each glass.

Add another layer of raspberries.

Top with whipped cream and garnish with a blueberry.

Celebrate the red, white and blue with this fresh berry dessert.

Bon Appétit...

Happy 4th!

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Live well,
Yvonne