Luxury Design Trends for 2019

A journey of an entire year must begin with a single step, and there’s a whole new exclusive crop of design trends to consider for 2019. For design company Boca do Lobo, a key note to keeping up with the upcoming 2019 interior styles is to believe that a room should never allow the eye to settle into one place, and to stay true to one’s unique taste. Something that is charming is never out of style.

For those with wanderlust and an earthy spirit, Boca do Lobo claims that 2019 is the year to express it. A pop of color has more personality than any neutral ever could, and there’s no limit to the number of routes that can be taken with vibrant tones and disarming styles. A sense of vitality and renewal, these are the several key aspects of the 2019’s upcoming trends.

MIXING METALS

Rich metallic over sleek lines bring somewhat of a daring attitude to design. From chic silver, opulent golds and warm bronzes, the anodized surfaces are having its moment now, adding a dramatic flair to surroundings. Chrome arrives with 2019’s standout colors that embody the warmer spectrum of the color wheel.

GOLD ACCENT

Glistening gold never goes out of style, and this year it is used on the most on-trend furnishings and accessories, giving a sense of opulence and refinement. Clever use of gold finishes draws attention to the beauty of material and its highly reflective qualities that sparkle in the light. Exquisite gold interiors are designed to show off such rich details.

ROUNDED SHAPES

Popular in the ’60s, curved soft furnishings have now taken on interiors with a playful character. From seating to lighting, combining organic forms gives a contemporary atmosphere to the most elegant rooms. Faithful to nature’s movements and the futurist appeal, rounded shapes are one of the most intriguing and covetable 2019 interior design trends.

ANTIQUE & VINTAGE FURNITURE

Antiques have always held a value of their own but now they have found a new design role. From fascinating ancient times, distinct design pieces have re-emerged in a creative way to add a timeless touch. Designers have started to combine vintage furniture pieces with modern products and the result is unique interiors.

BLACK INTERIORS

To meet design lovers’ sudden demand for sophisticated ambiances, entire collections with black finishes are appearing in the market. With the emerging refined techniques, a certain lack of pretension lies within the functional design and emphasizes solid feeling along with cutting-edge style. Expect to see to seem monochromatic interiors dominating in 2019.

All photos courtesy Boca do Lobo.

March 9, 2019 Leave a comment

Enlightening Outdoor Design

with:Kristen Ordonez

AIKO Lounger. All photos by MAMAGREEN.

Gertrude Jekyll, a British horticulturalist, designer and artist from the late 19th century, once said “The garden should fit its owner or his or her tastes, just as one’s clothes do; it should be neither too large nor too small, but just comfortable.”

Good outdoor design should follow this philosophy in order to create a space that is a comfortable reflection of its owner, according to Michael Toutloff, showroom manager for MAMAGREEN, an outdoor furniture design studio that promises to make a difference in outdoor design.

Headed by designers Vincent Cantaert and Barbara Widiningtias, MAMAGREEN aims to create the best hand-crafted outdoor furniture that features exciting, distinctive designs in the “smartest manner we possibly can,” says Toutloff. Cantaert, CEO and founder of

MAMAGREEN, is a third-generation furniture and from Belgium, while Widiningtias was one of the first women to graduate in wood furniture studies in Semarang, Indonesia. Together their modern, minimalistic designs that are both comfortable and sustainable, as they utilize traditional materials, such as reclaimed teak, and primarily recycled or recyclable materials. “[It] isn’t disposable design,” Toutloff affirms, “it is furniture that is made to last.”

To achieve these distinct designs, Toutloff says the key is to correctly quantify how much space you have to work with. “The biggest mistake someone makes is by trying to force the space to become something it isn’t,” he notes. With this in mind any space can get the perfect revamp it needs, from transforming a small balcony to a quaint entertaining space to installing a cabana in a large backyard to create an intimate oasis getaway.

BAIA Extending Table.

Scale and functionality are priorities when it comes to MAMAGREEN furniture. Pieces like the BAIA extending table come standard with a self-storing filler that allows you to expand to a larger table for entertaining, then downsize for maximum movement and flow.

The versatility of these pieces is what is most attractive, as each product is capable of being customized for reasons corresponding with aging, ADA requirements, mobility and more. The company’s passion for sustainability also contributes to its modern sensibilities, from leaving zero impact on rainforest to upcycling 95 percent of its production waste.

“MAMAGREEN furniture is made with love,” says Toutloff. “There are no conveyor belts in our factory. Instead, product is moved from station to station and built by hand by craftsmen.”

Recycled teak wood at MAMAGREEN workshop.

EKKA Lounger.

March 6, 2019 Leave a comment

The Unexpected Office

with:Kristen Ordonez

How people can become more productive and creative when working from the comfort of their bed.

For Geoffrey Pascal, furniture design was one aspect of design that came naturally with a sense of joy and fulfillment. It allowed him to delve into his creative side and construct playful pieces that served a purpose.

For his latest project, called Grafeiophobia, Pascal wanted to create new experiences within the office environment by improving the modularity and comfort of furniture.

Each of these pieces offer a different position to support different postures, removing the need for a desk. And though grafeiophobia technically means “a fear of desks,” these pieces are in fact inspired by Pascal’s own struggles with productivity and how typical office spaces aren’t as welcoming. “My inspiration came from my own problems with working, I was feeling as if I was forced to work, and I decided to change that,” he says. In turn, these pieces demonstrate how people can become more productive and creative when working from the comfort of their bed.

The project is composed of three pieces of furniture: Basic Besk, Triclinium Gum and the Flying Man. Their design, according to Pascal, was thought out to support what NASA researchers have found to be the “Neutral Body Posture,” as in the posture the human body naturally assume in microgravity.What helps make these pieces stand out, aside from the unique design, is the dynamism each piece evokes, as well as the colors that give a youthful, almost playful character.

In contrast to a classic chair and desk, the design of the Grafeiophobia furniture is meant to distribute a worker’s body weight across multiple support points, making it less stressful on the lower back, arms and shoulders. The variety and modularity of the furniture also allows you to change postures in order to maintain focus and reduce boredom.

“There are different ways of working, and people have different needs,” Pascal says, further noting that Grafeiophobia breaks the norm of office furniture and “opens people’s minds to what it is to work.”

Basic Besk

Flying Man

All photos courtesy Geoffrey Pascal.

February 11, 2019 Leave a comment

IGNITE YOUR SPACE

with:Marlene Ridgway

Gather around the fireplace and embrace the comfort of warmth and fresh designs with these fireplace trends.

The fireplace is so much more than an accent today. A crackling fire has become a central point of design in some rooms, a conversation starter, and a gathering place within the home. Transform your home with these stylish and modern trends.

Don’t Be a Square

There are endless opportunities for creativity when it comes to fireplaces. The time for traditional fireplaces that are built of bricks and right angles is officially over. Embrace the variety of shapes to choose from, including round fireplaces. This stunning circular fireplace is eye-catching and adds to the warm and inviting atmosphere. The placement, color, and overall style produces an unforgettable element in this space.

Divide Your Space

A dividing wall or partial wall is the perfect place for a fireplace. Adding a component like this simultaneously separates the rooms and brings it together. The coziness of the fireplace easily spreads to both areas. This trend is also the answer for those struggling to spice up an otherwise bland dividing wall. Avoid overwhelming the space by keeping the fireplace low to the ground and subtle.

Make it a Focal Point

A fireplace doesn’t have to blend in to be functional and beautiful. Whether guests are settling down for a movie night or assembling with some wine and good conversation, it is increasingly popular to make your fireplace the central point in a room. This type of fireplace will not only attract guests but is bound to start a conversation. Is there anything more relaxing than an afternoon around the fire? Don’t be afraid to make your fireplace really stand out!

A Subtle Spark

If your fireplace isn’t a large part of your space for most of the year, then a subtle addition can be as equally appealing. A smaller element that is close to the ground could be the perfect touch of warmth that you’re craving. This design is grand without overpowering the space.

Visit https://modusfireplaces.com/ for more of their luxury fireplace collection!

Photos courtesy of Modus Fireplaces

February 6, 2019 Leave a comment

Bring the Outside In

with:Marlene Ridgway

Nature in design is a trend that has gained momentum and continued in 2019.

Photo courtesy of Arbor Eighteen

Finding a connection to nature may feel like an impossible task if you’re living in the city or simply lacking the space for a yard. Crowded parks and potted plants may not be the dose of nature that you are seeking. Thankfully, designers and architectures alike are taking the need for nature into consideration and incorporating green into designs and architecture — a trend that is growing in popularity. Blur the line between inside and out with these trends!

Walls of Greenery

The seamless transition between the inside and outside could make the city feel miles away. One way to make that connection is with walls of greenery and other plants, which can freshen and brighten a space. This type of addition can also soften a room that may be surrounded by concrete buildings and bustling sidewalks.

Photo courtesy of 561 Pacific

Designated Outdoor Space

City living can create a high demand for outdoor space that is tranquil and also functional. Designers are embracing the idea of green space that is outdoors and accessible. A common space that has a park-like feel has become a popular trend. The addition of natural elements brings a calming quality to an area.

Photo courtesy of Galerie

Nature by the Poolside

Pools and spas are not an uncommon amenity for developments and resorts. However, designers and architectures are incorporating nature, such as native plants into luxury pool and spa areas to give them a softer touch. Rather than surrounding the pool with umbrellas and other structures, a few palm trees give a much more relaxed feel.

Glimpse the Outdoors

If you are lucky enough to have your own outdoor space, floor-to-ceiling windows are a way to bring the outside into your living area. Even a distant view of nature can transform the feel of your home. Walls of windows not only reveal the outdoor environment making it feel within reach but it also allows for plenty of natural light to find its way inside.

Photos courtesy of Touzet Studio

NYC projects represented by Halstead Property Development Marketing

January 30, 2019 Leave a comment

Be Distinct at Dinner

with:Marlene Ridgway

Let delicate hues of pink, contrasting deep blues against calm gray, and relaxing greens glazes don your dinner table instead of standard dinnerware.

Photography by ‘The Cooking Lab’ – Grey Suit Clay

Small ceramic studios are making an impact with fun designs and a distinct unique feeling for each table. Studios such as Julie Spako’s,Grey Suit Clay, andSkandiHus in London are attracting buyers who crave handmade items you won’t find in bulk. The notion that each dish, bowl, mug or plate is one-of-a-kind makes every purchase feel personal.

Photos by Pauline Stevens – Julie Spako

Adding handmade ceramics to your table can subtly transform a room with the creativity that comes with singular pieces. Julie Spako, who works expertly with high fire porcelain and stoneware, says “ceramic is both an ancient material and a modern one … It’s an amazing material that will outlive its maker by thousands of years but comes into being by an artist or craftsperson.” Each piece holds its own history, which brings life to any table.

These ceramic creations serve as art, but they’re also functional. “I do consider the function of my pieces as I make them, and I look forward to seeing how they are used. Some of my serving pieces are kept on the kitchen counter as catch-alls from tea bags to coffee-making supplies or in the bathroom to hold wash clothes,” says Spako.

Photos by Charlie Mckay – SkandiHus

Francesca Hague, creator and owner of Grey Suit Clay also carefully considers function during the process, “I always create my pieces with the full intention of them being well used and well loved. I want them to be tactile and ergonomically pleasing in the hand whilst also showcasing a beautiful palette that works to compliment both the table it sits on as well as the food served upon it.”

Each piece is individually made and no plate, bowl, or dish is exactly the same. “Ceramic pieces are very unique in their process and finish. Being handled and molded directly from soft earth into durable, functional work — the potential for such a huge range of styles and finishes is endless,” according to Hague.

Photos by Charlie Mckay – SkandiHus

Photography by ‘The Cooking Lab’ – Grey Suit Clay

January 19, 2019 Leave a comment

Can Industrial and Farmhouse Get Along?

with:Michelle Lampariello

Elements of city life are slowly making their way into the rustic aesthetics of countryside homes. The modern farmhouse is no stranger to industrial-inspired pieces, which offer a similar back-to-basics look to their brightly colored, agrarian-inspired counterparts. While maintaining the informality and simplicity of classic farmhouse design, an emphasis on industrial furniture and decor adds an unexpected layer of sophistication to rural interiors.

Urban-inspired pieces do not clash with typical farmhouse decor as some may fear. Both industrial and classic country looks share an affinity for woods as the star for nearly every piece of furniture and neat, yet unpolished metals that complement the natural wood. Bringing industrial pieces into the modern farmhouse blends two seemingly opposite aesthetics into a synergistic, chic design.

Here are three industrial-inspired pieces that fit seamlessly into any farmhouse.

Kohler Farmstead Kitchen Sink

$3,150

This 45-inch long sink can be installed wall-mount with legs or top-mount with custom cabinetry. Made from Kohler Enameled Cast Iron, this durable sink is generously proportioned to accommodate large cooking ware. Included in the list price are seven accessories, including a walnut cutting board, a utility rack with a soaking cup and a towel bar.

Photo courtesy of Kohler.

Industrial Farmhouse Wavy Glass Island Chandelier by Shades of Light

$799

Perfect to hang over a large dining table, this industrial-inspired chandelier borrows themes from classic farmhouse design with a minimalist wood base. Vintage light bulbs accentuate the piece’s timeless simplicity.

Photo courtesy of Shades of Light.

Farmhouse Industrial Modern Windmill Style Bookshelf by Woodwaves

$425

This unconventional bookshelf offers ample storage space for a living room or office, and the iron windmill atop the unique structure makes it shine as a statement piece. Serving as both a quirky accent item and a functional piece of furniture, this bookshelf is the perfect eye-catching addition to any farmhouse.

Photo courtesy of Woodwaves.

January 14, 2019 Leave a comment

Upstage with Home Staging

with:Marlene Ridgway

Staging your home could open the door for buyers and sellers in more ways than one. Home staging could mean decorating, furnishing and even painting an empty home that is on the market. Staging a home has been referred to as an art form and is usually used as a way to help sellers and buyers understand the possibilities that a home offers.

It is difficult for a buyer to imagine raising a family or spending a cozy holiday in a vacant space. Therefore, home staging allows buyers to imagine what their home could be. Additionally, if a room is staged well that can help a seller pitch the idea of the space as a home. The impersonal feel of an empty house can be quelled by the right coat of paint, properly arranged furniture, and other final touches, such as decor.

“Home staging is now an essential part in the marketing of a home sale,” says Krisztina Bell, the founder of No Vacancy Home Staging. “It is great to see even sellers and investors truly understanding its value.” Bell offers various tips and tricks for staging a vacant home.

1. Organize and avoid clutter. This will make it easier for a potential buyer to see themselves living in the home.

2. Think fresh and light. Keep blinds and curtains open to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, if any of the rooms in the home are painted a deep exotic or bright neon color then it is best to neutralize each room by having walls painted a nice warm color.

3. Update and repair. Take note of any noticeable or large fixes that need to be made and take care of them early.

4. Don’t forget the exterior. The first impression a potential home buyer will have of a house will be of the exterior, so nice curb appeal is important.

5. The price is worth it. The average cost of a complete staging project is usually much less than your first price reduction. Statistically, homes that have been properly prepared for the market sell before a price reduction is needed.

6. Decorating and staging are almost complete opposites. Decorating involves putting the existing homeowners’ tastes and styles into the house, making it personal. Staging involves taking one’s personality out of the house, so the decor is neutral and appealing to the broadest range of potential home buyers.

7. It is best to have your house staged first and then have it listed. Think of the importance of first impressions. The greatest buzz about a house is generated when it is first listed.

8. Although new to the television circuit, home staging has actually been around since the 1970s. In some areas of the country, home staging is as common as open houses. The central states are starting to recognize the value of a staged home, not because it is trendy, but because it works!

9. Do emphasize the upscale and custom features of a home with staging, but DON’T overdo it. Keep it clean lines and simple.

10. Don’t place furnishings or decor that block light or views. Do stage the home with tasteful furnishings and make it easy for prospective buyers to walk straight to amazing ocean, mountain, or island views.

Photos courtesy of Krisztina Bell, No Vacancy Home Staging

December 29, 2018 Leave a comment

Psychology and Color: How to Craft Your Home’s Interior

with:Unique Homes Staff

Whether you’re purchasing a new home or revamping your existing space, there are many different facets of decor theory to consider. One of the most important decisions to make is which colors you will utilize, a decision that will set the mood for your home. The savviest of designers and homeowners will consider the science of color, and further the psychology behind the way our brains interpret different hues and shades. When selecting a color scheme, it’s wise to understand the way these colors will make us feel. Whether working with shades of passionate red or warm tones of yellow, experts at Arhaus, an interior furnishing company, offer great tips on how to execute knowledge based on color psychology in interior design.

Start With Walls

Rooms with the absence of color, especially stark, white spaces with oppressive lighting, can make us feel uncomfortable. We have definitive reactions to color, especially on a subconscious level, so it is important to factor this in when deciding the layout and color scheme of room. Starting with the walls, try and think about the room’s intended purpose, and decide on paint color from there. Is this going to be a living room where the family relaxes as the long day is winding down? Or perhaps it’s a bedroom with a luxurious view of rolling hills or a coastline?

Due to the way that our brains process color, you will want to select a color that will promote a certain mood. Blues and greens can offer a feeling of relaxation, especially in rich, warmer shades. Blue is especially desirable in the bedroom as it can promote calmness and aid in sleep. Green traditionally is perceived as familial, which can be a great choice for a living room. Adding supplementary furniture, such as a patterned sofa or loveseat, can add to the mood of the room and help it become the ultimate room to spend time with the family.

Stock the Room

Surely, a chic and luxurious home will need furnishings; we can’t just live in an empty house! It is important to “stay within the lines” regarding furniture and decorative pieces. If you’re going for a rustic, mountain vibe, an abstract, post-modernist painting surely won’t pull the room together.

We can generally rely on our intuition when it comes to design, and when all else fails, go with pieces that you like! With that said, we must consider each item within the context of color scheme. Neutral colors, like browns, blacks, and grays, can be used to balance a room. Consider a brown or black exterior surface (especially fine cabinet wood), which can help to offset the color profile and bring the room a more subtle, cohesive look. A black bookshelf with matching end tables beside a deep burgundy wall can exude feelings of passion, warmth, and creativity – perfect for a den or a studio.

Finishing Touches

Once you’ve got the room essentially put together, with your color scheme well-solidified, it’s time to add the final touches and make it truly your own space. An excellent way to add a personalized element to your home is through old family heirlooms. Now, we’re not talking your grandmother’s prized Waterford crystal china, but an old quilt she made years ago can add a cool, retro feel to a room – while simultaneously honoring your family and heritage.

The same sentiment rings true for artwork, such as paintings or sculptures. A fine piece of art can add an element of sophistication and elegance to any room, but try to avoid heavy contrast between your room’s color scheme and the paintings! Once you’ve personalized your space and implemented colors you love, you will be ready to enjoy it for years to come.

Imagery courtesy Arhaus.

December 24, 2018 Leave a comment

SMEG and Dolce & Gabbana Collaborate

with:Marlene Ridgway

SMEG and Dolce & Gabbana — two prominent brands in the world of luxury — have come together and taken kitchen appliances to a whole new level.

Fun, vibrant, unique and sure to start a conversation are just a few ways to describe the new special collection, titled “Sicily is my love.” The line includes coffee makers, hand blenders, toasters, citrus juicers, electric kettles and mixers, and more.

Dolce & Gabbana and SMEG continue the journey that joins their artistic sensibilities to discover the colors and beauty of Sicily to celebrate the authentically ‘Made in Italy’ project under the shared standard of creativity, art, and design. A revolutionary collaboration that has created a new perception of home appliance, no longer mere products, but true works of art.

Photos courtesy of SMEG and Dolce & Gabbana

November 26, 2018 Leave a comment

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