The Hottest Trends In Home Decor~ Summer 2018

From glamour to natural tones, this time Beasley & Henley presents to you the summer trends for 2018. Summer is the time to give your home a face lift and a leap into creating something beautiful. Last year we saw a lot of metallics, tropical prints and embracing your inner bohemian. This summer we are going to see ceiling that pop, ice-cream pastels, the perfect imperfect effects of Terrazzo and more! Long gone is the need for a space to feel thematic and matchy. You want rooms that have a variety of textures, prints and materials that work together and are cohesive. May the warmth of the summers rays bring a more carefree, eclectic and stylish home to all. Here are a few of our favorite home decor trends of Summer 2018!GEN Z YellowThis summer we say goodbye to millennial pink, there is a new hue in town. Let's take a moment and give a gracious bow to Gen Z Yellow. She's a little more carefree, outgoing and bold. She wants to be noticed in an effortless way. She's multifaceted and not afraid to tailor her shade to match ones personality.  You can achieve her glow with textiles, accessories, lighting or furniture. Gen Z Yellow can make a glowing appearance through a light fixture, flower arrangement, artwork, throw or as simple as bath towels.         TerrazzoTerrazzo may not be for everyone, but for those who just love the look of  mid-century styles, you will be ecstatic by its resurrection. This summer you will see it reworking into different colors and more creative applications. The perfectly imperfect terrazzo consists of materials such as granite, quartz, glass and marble. It's an undoubtedly bold look with a sea of versatility. If your not looking to replace your flooring or counter tops no worries. You can apply this pattern into a kitchen backsplash, wallpaper or home accessory.    Bone InlayBone inlay of one of this summer's hottest trends. It is a decorative technique that consists of inserting small pieces of bone, shell or ivory into a pattern. The variation gives every accessory and piece of furniture it's striking character. It can be the perfect conversational piece providing your home with design and interest. The intricate patterns create striking textural contrasts that we love to see in homes.    Decorative CeilingsCeilings that pop will be all the rage this summer! This are looking up in the world of ceiling designs and we are all in! We love the wow factor in a home and the 5th wall can be the way to achieve that!  Whether painted a bold hue, applied moldings, plaster work,  shiplap or exposed beams ceilings are as hot as a summers day on Miami Beach.   TextureTexture is such a big thing this summer. You will see furniture that has a more natural handmade feel such as rattan and wicker. Textiles with lots of embellishments will be irresistible to the touch.  From textural wall patterns to baskets texture is everything! Woven furniture, lighting and accessories offer a visual interest without being impactful in color. I feel texture makes a home warmer, lived in and welcoming.   

The Great Love Affair With A White Kitchen

We love a dazzling kitchen and have been in love with the classic white kitchen for some time now. White kitchens repeatedly stand the test of time and unlike prominent misconceptions, they don't have to be stark and plain. Some may also say too much white can make a kitchen feel, sterile and unwelcoming. We are hear to debunk those pesky little rumors once and for all! Crisp, clean white kitchens with gleaming marble counter tops make our hearts skip a beat. White makes a space appear larger and airier and will enhance other design elements. Your light fixtures form into sculptural elements, your stainless appliances sparkle, and richer toned flooring gains an extra hint of luxury against white cabinetry.There are many variations to a white kitchen that can be adapted to your home. A grand and welcoming white kitchen can be quickly warmed up by adding a few key elements. You may desire to add a butcher block counter, a colored mosaic tile back splash, a copper chandelier or contrasting lower cabinets for warmth. Another great way to add warmth to an all white kitchen is in the form of flooring and furniture, which also adds a bit of charm and character to the space. White also makes for the perfect backdrop for small dashes of bold color too! If you are looking for a more untroubled and smoothing space, add other light neutrals, such as shades of gray, tan and beige. 

White cabinetry paired with a white tiled back splash is scrumptious!  With this real white on white color pattern, you can introduce pops of color like sunny yellow!

A great way to add warmth to your white kitchen is by adding natural wood flooring a different colored back splash and island.

  

Two toned kitchen cabinets are still having a big moment! The darker shade on the bottom allows you to make a statement while simultaneously helping to ground the space. It will also make the space look larger because the white upper will help draw the eye upward.

   

White kitchens give off a sense of luxury and when paired with bold statement looking pendant lights your kitchen is sure to make a lasting impression!

 

Adding wood tones furniture pieces to your white kitchen adds the perfect amount of warmth to the space.

 

Adding shades of beige, gray and taupe's make for a luxurious kitchen!

  

The Perfectly Imperfect World Of Wabi-Sabi

I recently attended a Sherwin Williams color forecast seminar. They spoke about what trends we will see in 2018 and what influenced them. Sincerity, unity and connectivity were the three topics of discussion. Some of 2018's trends were based upon silence, Instagram, treasuring your flaws, revamping our sense of community, techies being the new hippies, productivity and environmentalism. Thought provoking and moving as they were, the topic of finding beauty in the imperfect was what stood out to me the most.  How a hyper-local approach allows us to connect with our roots in a sustainable way. They spoke about the world of Wabi-Sabi. It's not the fiery paste that ignites a storm in your nostrils, but a decorating style and way of life. Wabi-Sabi interiors favor a more minimal approach and sees the beauty in timeworn treasures. There is a mutual respect for natural objects which can overlap into our everyday lives. The way one thinks, works and the mindset of becoming increasingly unencumbered. For example clearing the clutter from your home. The more clutter the more one feels distracted from whatever calm your home provides. The Wabi- Sabi approach teaches one to simplify, don't buy what you don't need and take time to block out noise and technology. This approach does not have time for the over-stressed consumer culture.Wabi-Sabi tends to lean into minimalism. In an intentionally modest way, but not in a stark way. One can appreciate the flaw and injured in the Wabi-Sabi thinking. Go ahead and be conscious of a room's unwitting flawlessness. Enjoy the imperfections of your grandparents rich oak dining table, or a crack in vase that makes it more interesting, giving it a greater meditative value. The quirks that can arise in the construction of an object add to it's uniqueness and beauty according to the Wabi-Sabi way. Its patina or visible repairs heighten the love of a space. If you find yourself in favor of this style, then earthy tones is the best way to go. Browns, greens and grey colors with worn unfinished, imperfectly shaped pieces will fit perfectly with the Wabi-Sabi concept. Look for natural handmade fabrics and accessories. Natural stone, clay and wood become interesting in a Wabi-Sabi space as they exhibit changes that can be observed over time. Remember this style  is not a shabby chic . These pieces are not intentionally distressed to look antique they are pieces that have evolved over a natural cycle of growth.  I'm also in favor of letting filtered light permeate our homes. Too much harsh light doesn't give one lift one's mood and general well-being as much as filtered light. A Wabi-Sabi aesthetic is big on hanging thin, gauzy curtains inside.With all that said go ahead and look at some ideas below and get inspired!         

Shop This Mid-Century Modern Living Room

  

Click on the items below to see pricing and availability:

             

How To Design Your Dream Dining Room

An inviting dining space is a home essential and chances are it’s one room in your home that could use a little attention. It’s not only about function, but a little fashion as well. It’s much more than just eating. It should be about the ambiance people feel when they dine in your home. A space where family and friends make time to share their lives. A place where a little drama may erupt in conversation or a place where a little drama can be felt within the décor. Your table is the anchor of the room and the surrounding chairs are just as important.  You want a table set that looks great, serves your dining needs and will last a long time. It’s important to take the time to select the right table for your room’s size and purpose. If you’re looking to go smaller or for great conversation and social gatherings, a round table is a great option. If you’re looking to go larger, a rectangular is popular choice. Most importantly don’t forget to confirm your dining room’s available space before making any table purchases. “Measure and measure again to before falling in love with a table that just won’t work.   It’s fun to add an eclectic mix of chairs to your dining space and a great way to add your own personal style. Make sure they are the right height for your table before falling in love with them!  I also love the look of a bench. So often in a dining space we think of individual chairs as our only choice. A bench with a medley of chairs works for any style of dining space from formal to casual, traditional to transitional. You can also cozy up to your favorite person and squeeze in a few more people during the holidays.  Plan for beautiful lighting in your dining room. Include that uniquely gorgeous chandelier you have been eyeing for a while now. The right fixture can do your space a major favour and exhibit your personal style. It can easily contribute to mood and functionality of the room. A light fixture is like a beautiful piece of jewelry that’s enjoyed from a far. It can be more adventurous because no one’s touching these hanging works of art. Your chandelier can act as the sculptural element in your dining room. It can create the exact mood in which you choose to feel in the space. Don’t forget to consider the diameter and height in which you choose to have your chandelier hung when redecorating the space.     

Wood and Crystal Chandeliers are a Natural, Elegant Lighting Option

We have been seeing lots of great Crystal and Wood chandeliers lately.  We love this style!  From industrial design to Baroque to organic it's a look that fits any design style.Check out a few with great looks!

This lithe chandelier from Visual Comfort features a Belgian styling with a soft, rustic finish. The simple wood with unassuming draping crystals give an elegant look to this chandelier.

This cool Baroque Wood and Crystal chandelier is by Restoration Hardware and is so elegant with its natural wood and black colors with simple wood beads.

An industrial design style in natural wood finish and soft wood detailings keep this simple chandelier elegant but totally comfortable.

Another natural wood look chandelier has a great shape and and unexpected design with oblong wood beads.  Organic shapes and styles are as popular as ever. An organic twig look with simple flowing bead work  looks great in a free form setting. Nice!

A very elegant design with beautiful dripping Italian crystals and curvaceous wood work.

We've seen this gorgeous blue beaded chandelier by Currey and Company in lots of places and never get tired of it. Still looks great!

Comfortable, Approachable, and Everyday Elegant - wood and crystal are gorgeous!

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As Featured in "Best In American Living" Magazine (Spring 2013)

Lumens. Lamps. Kelvins. CFLs. LED.  How did the world of lighting come to be so complicated when all we used to do is flip a switch?Like most things in design, lighting is more sophisticated and offers more choices than ever. It is computerized, integrated and vastly more interesting for designers and consumers alike.It is vital to our homes and our well being, making lighting one of the most important elements in design.  Lighting decisions made for a space can influence all future experiences including how colors are perceived, what furniture can be used, and perhaps most importantly, what mood will be created for its occupants.Plan AheadA good lighting plan sets the stage. It begins with a simple 3-point checklist of the light that is available and the lighting that is needed for the uses of the space.   Using one of these is a necessity; using two or all three can layer a room with depth of color and a visual comfort.Natural sunshine is usually the most desired lighting. Homeowners love to capture the warm feeling that sunlight provides, making it a natural resource for builders. To capitalize on this and maximize its effect, architects can confirm the orientation of main rooms and make sure there is plenty of window space to allow an abundance of sun. Interior designers also can ensure that windows are unobstructed by heavy draperies or large pieces of furniture that would intrude into the sunlit world.Ambient or general room lighting is the next layer, compensating when natural light is insufficient. There are many attractive overhead fixtures that provide ambient light, such as, chandeliers,  pendants or a series of halogen-lighted recessed cans. If an overhead isn’t possible, lamps or wall fixtures with floodlighting for ambient lighting provide good general lighting.Task or specialty lighting is used to illuminate specific items or specialty areas and leads to some of the most creative lighting designs. For example, a pin light from the ceiling can spot a piece of artwork. Wall washers can highlight a gallery. Under-cabinet halogen lights in the kitchen or on a large bookshelf can counteract cabinet shadows and also provide task lighting at the same time. Cove lighting in a ceiling design provides soft mood lighting.Style and Scale MatterThe next step of that plan should consider the finishing touches. Too often lighting fixtures are treated as an afterthought when in reality decorative finishes are as integral to the overall design of a room as the sofa style, paint color or cabinet designs.Two of the top lighting ‘sins’ are using fixtures that are out of date and fixtures that are under-scaled.  It is unfortunate to see an attractive, well-built home cheapened by the use of small, dated or unimaginative fixtures whose only redeeming quality is low price.Be aware of new trends in lighting design such as bold, oversized lights, drum chandeliers, eclectic styling such as incorporating antlers and recycled materials, industrial-influenced styles, large oblong or oval pendants, pieces that are jeweled and brightly colored. These are just a few of the today’s new design options.The Light Bulb RaceWhile the level of lighting and look of fixtures are important to design, so are the color and quality of the light cast by these fixtures. For generations, we have been accustomed to the warm glow of the incandescent bulb emitting color in the range of 2,700 degrees kelvin (see chart). Unfortunately, 90 percent of the energy produced by incandescents is used to generate heat. Only 10 percent actually produces the light. Recent changes in the law aimed at improving lighting efficiency, coupled with improvements to alternative bulbs, have shaken the foundation of the inefficient incandescent.The closest alternative bulb to the incandescent is the halogen. This bulb looks and acts like an incandescent with the low price and warm light that consumers are accustomed to, but uses much less energy. Still, halogen bulbs produce significant heat making them less energy efficient than the newer alternatives, such as fluorescents.Fluorescents are one of the most available and easy-to-use new bulbs. In many situations compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)—screw-in fluorescents light bulbs—can take the place of incandescent bulbs. They cast light across a wide space, which is why they are traditionally used in office settings. They last up to 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs and use 20 to 40 percent less electricity, making it easy to see why they are so appealing.However, fluorescent lighting in home applications has a long way to go before it will win over designers. The color and quality of the light from florescent bulbs - in the range of 4,000-6,500 kelvin - create a cool, bluish white cast. While these lights are improving, most designers still favor the warm light and color cast by incandescent or halogen bulbs.LED lights also are in the race for the next, best light source. These bulbs come in long flexible strips for use in small spaces or across curves, such as for cove lighting. In light bulb form, they are mainly used in recessed cans.  They can be dimmed and have the longest life span of the any type of bulb. LEDs also have the advantage over fluorescents of being available in smaller and flexible strip formats. Like fluorescents, LEDs’ efficiency and longevity are remarkable, but so is the price tag at $20 or more per bulb. Currently, the light cast by LED is very bright with a cool, blue tint, but manufacturers are quickly refining this, getting ever closer to natural lighting.Integrated LightingDesigners today talk about integrated, whole house lighting, and while we think of these systems as high end, they are offered today at lower price points and several large builders are testing them out in mid-range communities as upgradable features.Whole house packages feature a variety of ways to control lighting throughout the home, and often are part of an integrated audio, temperature and security system. Buyers are drawn to the ease of use and the high-end feel of such systems.On a smaller scale, simple programmable scene controllers allow users to create different settings of lighting and dimming options for single rooms. These controllers turn on and off at the push of a button. It is only a matter of time before the price drops even further on integrated systems, and they become a standard feature in most homes.ConclusionThe intricate field of lighting design is going through interesting changes, offering new possibilities for uses, sources and styles, and allowing us to get the most for our lighting dollars.The American Lighting Association’s website (www.americanlightingassoc.com) is one of many good sources offering technical advice and details on specific lighting needs.  Interior designers and lighting designers are another good source for information and ideas..

Delta Light: Beauty and the Bottom Line

Delta Light, a market leader and trendsetter in architectural lighting, announced the use of advanced LED lighting technology for the most recent renovation of the Sandton Group's Grand Hotel Reylhof in the heart of the city of Gent in Belgium.Delta Light, together with the hotel architects and lighting designers, developed a lighting concept combining their vision of tomorrow's hotel design while remaining true to the original Louis XIV architecture and atmosphere.Delta Light chose Bridgelux LED arrays for their very high color rendering (CRI), excellent color consistency, and energy efficiency. LED lighting also strengthens the hotel's bottom line by:

• Eliminating infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Preventing bleaching of the hotel textiles and wallpaper
• Reducing demands on room air conditioning

The hotel was originally built in 1724 in the Louis XIV style and was last renovated in 1964. The hotel estimates that they will save 75% in cost savings from energy in both lighting and reduced air conditioning costs plus greatly reduced lighting maintenance costs.

Angelic Interiors: Halo-shaped LED Light Fixtures

Amazing lights creating an aura-like setting – this is what Flos architectural wall rings can offer an interior space. These beautiful rings of light can be layered or arranged depending on the setting they need to illuminate. Each of these halo-shaped circles is an independent LED light fixture that casts a round ring of light on the wall. A home setting of carefully placed LED rings can add a feeling of heaven, while interlinked rings in an entertainment facility can create wall pieces of amazing shapes and scales. They also come in many different colors suited to any need.source: dornob

A Lamp that is not a Lamp

For 49 Euros, anyone can have David Graas`s “Not a Lamp” lamp. It’s an ingenious contemporary concept of a box that turns into an outside-the-box lamp. The design comes in a box with all the parts included: bulb, plug, cable, and a manual so you can enjoy recreating the idea by cutting out the design of the box by yourself and assembling the parts. “The cut out of the lamp shape functions as a graphical image of the lamp that could be inside the box, but is not.” Two versions of the lamp are available: the desk version and the pendant version. Also, there are a few beautiful colours available: brown, orange, green or blue.