Home Style

Renowned designer Eric Cohler sagely noted, "There is a symbiotic plasticity between art, architecture, interior design and fashion." It is easy to understand how they all correlate, because art is simply art in all of its forms. The elements and principles of art and design transcend all mediums. Works of beauty are clearly established on contrast, harmony, balance, light, dark, line, shape, form and scale.

We love to surround ourselves with beauty and use it to express our own unique style. As with fashion, the interiors of our homes reflect who we are and what we stand for in this ever-changing world. How wonderful that we can embrace the very core of who we are while spicing things up a bit and staying relevant.

It’s fun to watch the trends that debut on the runway and predict when they will reach the home market. Many times, thanks to the increased speed of technology and production, we witness a direct correlation of the latest fashion trends and home interiors almost immediately. We can even see the reverse effect when the interiors of homes and architecture influence the hottest styles on the runways of Paris, London and New York City. Let’s take a look at some of the latest fashion trends and see how they are coming into play on the home front.

You have probably noticed all of the glitz and glam that has been prevalent on the runway and our favorite celebrities over the past few years. This showy style is translated to so many aspects of our lives, from bedazzled cell phones, sparkly collars for our beloved pets and, of course, in our homes—and this trend is not going away anytime soon. Diane von Furstenberg, Alexander McQueen and Versace continue to grace their lines with shimmering masterpieces. But, now the look is starting to become more subtle and refined. We still see gold or silver sparkling blouses, dresses and pants, but now we will also find pieces that are trimmed in metallics—toned down just a bit, yet they still pack a powerful punch.

A favorite way to bedazzle a home is with beautiful chandeliers that exude the elegance of tradition with a modern twist. The chandelier is the jewelry of every room, no matter the style. It is especially lovely when an ultra-modern room with very clean lines and a minimalist approach has a fabulous, blinged-out chandelier as its crowning piece. Unique shapes and forms add to the drama and balance the low and linear look that, when left alone, can come across as hard and sterile. There is a vast array of chandeliers to suit your taste, from traditional to modern and everything in between, made by designers like Schonbek, Frederick Cooper and George Kovac. Another simple way to add some bling to your home is to add crystal knobs to cabinet doors, a mirrored accent table or metallic pillows.

Rich, bold patterns, stripes, chevrons and checks spell fun, fun, fun! Contrast abounds in this really playful design trend. Marry it with clean and tailored construction, and it’s perfect for even the boardroom. When refinement meets the edge, the juxtaposition can make us feel giddy. In our homes, we see bold stripes and exaggerate pattern in wallpapers, fabrics and area carpets. Go bold and play up the contrast with wide, light and dark stripes. Mix a variety of stripes together in your accessories of the same color palette and have tons of fun. However, to create a sophisticated feeling, use softer palettes, more structured and tightly grouped stripes, and pay close attention to the finer details like piping and trim.

Take a look at today’s runway and it is apparent that our world is becoming more and more interconnected every day. Influences from around the world have brought to the forefront rich, bold jewel tones normally associated with Spanish, Asian and other international styles. In particular, you will love all things Moroccan, which can be bold, colorful and exciting—taking its design cues from the surrounding landscape of North Africa. Its influences are very wide-ranging from Arab, Spanish, French to Moorish, all giving Moroccan design its very unique and striking look. Long on coastal seas, backed into desert and baked under relentless sun, this exotic style takes inspiration from the colors its geography provides. Ochre mountain ranges, silvery moonlit desert-scapes and golden sands make way for hot, vibrant oranges and reds that are refreshed by deep blues and sparkling greens of the sea. Traditionally, the decor is very ornate with intricate patterns and bright, rich colors. Modern interpretations of this style are simpler, with large-scale patterns and current color trends.

To achieve the most authentic feel in your home, scatter lots of layers of fabrics and textile patterns around the room. If you consider yourself a minimalist, then Moroccan style is not for you, although you can definitely take some inspiration by using huge graphic motifs. But don’t choose anything too showy for your furniture—a simple, rustic style in a dark-colored wood is best. Carved wood and wrought iron decoration will convey ancient sentiments and add to the Moroccan feel. A modern take on Moroccan furniture is the pouf, which is similar to an ottoman. When it comes to accessorizing, it is all about a few key pieces. Creating beauty and interest is as simple as an amazing hand-knotted rug, accent pillows, an antique lantern and a hand-carved side table. What’s great about this exotic look is it is considered timeless, as Moroccan styles have always been popular and in style.

Love for all things exciting, colorful and bright gives way to my favorite design style, which I like to call "Beach Chic." In this style, you combine the luxurious and soft elements of fine linen, cotton velvet and silk with a multitude of texture and a serene color palette that is reminiscent of surf and sand. This design style is soothing and relaxing, but has an exciting twist. Add to this some shimmer as in the crests of the waves on a perfect breezy, sunny day at bay or a little sheen as in the glowing beauty of a strand of pearls, and you have achieved Beach Chic. This is one trend that started from an interior craze—and now we see beach-inspired fashion everywhere, including white on white with baby blue or deep coral accents. Of course we have to have a pop of color, so the look includes an arm of jewelry or a simple silver hair piece to top it off.

Just like our wardrobe tells the world who we are, our homes have that very ability to relate our values and convey what excites us. It shows if you’re a trendsetter or if you have a more traditional sensibility. Look around and ask yourself—what does your home say about you?