Category Archives: Designer Inspiration/Trends

Spring Inspiration!

Spring is officially here! Break out those Spring colors, dust off the bookshelves, uncover those lounge chairs, and sit back as we bring some beach inspired colors.

Pops of color – especially blue can add dimension and depth to any bookcase. (Top left) These bookcases are perfectly accessorized. When accessorizing your bookcase remember to stack the books horizontally and then put a trinket on them, this gives the eye visual levels and fills up the space within the bookcases.

Need a beach themed iphone case? Be sure to check out these from ShorelyChic. They can be found on Liz’s esty store. (They are are so cute Liz!)

Tight on space this Spring, try hanging our herbs in a door shoe caddy.

Love shells, but do not know how to tastyfull use them throughout the house, accent your fireplace!  

 

LOVE absolutely love these paints.

 

 

Above, our very own color scheme of blues for a project Molly and Brittany are working on at Figure 8.

 

As designers we are constantly inspired by color. Kravet and Ann Sacks have perfect blue patterns.

Need more inspiration? Follow our beach inspired pictures on our Pinterest page where you will find our “Beach Inspired” board.

images: 1. HGTVvia Pinterest by Emily Henderson  2. ShorelyChic 3. Pinterest 4.  House of Turquoise via Pinterest 5. BHG  6. DLL  8. Ann Sacks  7. 9. 10. Kravet

2012 Dreams & Aspirations for the Team

There are brief periods of time reserved during the new year for reflection, strategic planning, and goal setting. In fact, this is one of my favorite times of the year. As we look ahead into 2012, here are just a few of our dreams.

1. Get published in a national interior design magazine. We are truly honored each time we receive press on our design projects and to step into the national arena would be a dream come true for Judy and the rest of the team.

2. We are always trying to find ways to improve the client experience. As a team, every year we go back to the drawing board to fine tune our business strategies all in an effort to give our clients the very best.

“Rework” by 37 signals founders Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson is a national bestselling book and a must read for this year. We were first introduced to 37 signals’s online project management tools several years ago and use Basecamp on a daily basis to communicate with our out of town clients.

3. While we support one other in the day-to-day operations of the business, we also find joy in celebrating those personal life milestones with each other. In 2012 we will be celebrating a wedding, moving into a new home, cutting a child’s 2nd birthday cake and all the little in between occasions as well.

4. Branded Spaces – At Design Lines we believe design affects everyone both within a residential setting and a commercial space, or as we like to call it the “branded spaces.” “The branded spaces serve as a tangible extension of marketing messages and corporate culture, becoming touchpoints where first – and lasting – impressions are made.” Last year, we had the honor of working with a team of talented individuals to build the NC State’s Chancellor’s House, and other commercial projects, which are outlined here. This year, we dream of continuing to take on more branded spaces projects. Wouldn’t it be cool to design a restaurant, a store, or even a hotel?!

5. Judy and I will attend “Blogfest 2012” in New York City this Spring. We are super excited!   For us it is important to hear and engage in this social media conference. The media platforms we use to communicate with are always changing and we want to be prepared for those changes.

In the new year, what do you want to see from the Design Lines blog? We care about what you have to say, so email us at hpickett@designlinesltd.com.

images: 1. Ruzzel & Hazel 2. Design Lines 3. Amazon 4. Cupcakes & Cashmere 5. Pinterest 6. Blogfest 2012– Kravet

Branded Spaces: Task Lighting

Good lighting is one of the most important components of any work space – whether at the office or at home.  For a clean modern look, choose the perfectly-engineered Tolomeo desk lamp by Artemide.  Or for something more traditional, check out the Frasier desk lamp from Arteriors Home.  The below task lights are some of our favorites, and they are sure to brighten up any space:

The Tolomeo task light by Artemide can be mounted on a desk, the wall, or even the ceiling.  Designed over 20 years ago, it became an instant classic.  But the advanced engineering and perfect balance of this original will never go out of style.

If you want a modern design that makes a statment, the Leaf Personal Light by Herman Miller is a great choice.  Utilizing efficient LED technology, the color temperature of this lamp can be adjusted at will.  It’s no surprise this fixture is in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.

 The Graduate Lamp by Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Company is a great option if you’re looking for a classic fixture at an affordable price.  Its mid-century modern lines means it can fit in with a variety of styles. 

 

The Sabine Desk Lamp from Arteriors Home is stylish and sophisticated, without sacrificing flair.

 Arteriors Home Fraiser Antique Silver Adjustable Desk Lamp

For a more traditional look with endless adjustability, the Frasier lamp by Arteriors Home is an excellent choice.

-Robert

image 1: lighting universe

image 2: herman miller

image 3: schoolhouse electric

image 4: arteriors home

image 5: arteriors home

A Dose of Fall Inspiration

Fall represents change and now is the perfect time to change some of the rooms in your home! Here are a couple inspiration pictures we found on pinterest to inspire the designer in you!

 

Fall Inspired Interior Design Rooms

 

Why not paint the front door in a bright color?

 

Red Leaves Green Door

 

Lights can make big difference both in a room or outdoor setting. Consider a classic transformation.

 

Fall inspired Interior Design Rooms

 

To me there is always a romantic feel to exposed wood.

 

Fall Inspired Interior Design Rooms

 

I absolutely love the touch of yellow in this kitchen!

 

Country Living Yellow Kitchen

 

 

images: 1. Country Living 2.  5th & State Blog 3. a gift wrapped life 4. BHG 5.  Brown Dress with White Dots 6.  House & Home 7. Straw Cut Tumblr 8. Country Living

Hold Onto The Last Few Days of Summer With Island Inspired Prints

 

 

The final days of summer are approaching and what better way to top it off than with some island inspired prints from Lilly Pulitzer, Peter Dunham, and Trina Turk.

 

 

 

Pairing a Lilly print with a simple plaid and brightly colored solids are sure to make a statement.

 

 

Evoke a relaxing beach atmosphere with hand-blocked prints from Peter Dunham.

 

 

Bring the outdoors in with an ultra fun Trina Turk fabric. I just love the green pattern for place-mats or even a runner on the dining table!  

 Cheers to the summer!

images: 1-4. Personal 5 – 7. Peter Dunham Textiles 8. Pinterest 9. F. Schumacher 10. iDesignLove 11. F. Schumacher

Top 5 Must Haves for Back to School!

 Bust out those backpacks! It’s back to school time- we’re sad that summer is coming to a close, but look forward to cooler temperatures and crisp autumn air.  We’ve made our list of back to school must haves- so sharpen that No. 2 and jot these down.

1. The I-Pad. You know you want one.  Judy says of hers, “It’s having all the things you love to do in one place!” She listens to music, peruses the news, checks the weather, and reads on her device.  Molly adores the speed and clarity of the I-Pad.

2. Home Office Organization – Remember how new school supplies inspired your grade school self? Organization tools can also motivate you. Design Lines loves the Container Store of Raleigh- where you can find boxes, calendars, pin boards, shelving, etc. 

3. The perfect after school snack – It’s still hot out in the Triangle. Take a break with popsicles or a cool refreshing glass of peach iced tea.

  

    

4. Inspire your space – Find something that is your signature that makes you smile and use it- it could be the stamps you use or something like gold paperclips (Brittany’s favorite)- Use a beautiful glass container rather than a boring pencil cup or a shell from that summer vacation as your paper weight.  Consider the addition of wallpaper to the homework spot or beautiful new hooks to hang those backpacks from!

5. A back to school outfit – Reenergize now with an addition to your wardrobe- even if your back to school routine only includes a college class, the carpool line, or the PTA.

 

Some trends include colored denim, blazers, & stripes everywhere.   Consider the perfect bookish trend: new specs!

Be sure to check out last year’s list here. 

 

images – 1.  ballardbunch.blogspot.com 2. etsy.com 3. weheartit.com 4. magicmarkingsart.blogspot.com  5.  redbookmag.com 6. poppytalk.blogspot.com 7. williams-sonoma.com 8. southernliving.com 9. bhg.com 10. madebygirl.blogspot.com 11. grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com 12. hm.com 13.  longenecker-storyshort.blogspot.com