All that glitters
This year, look for a range of metals, from bronze and copper to platinum, gold and silver. Metallic, gilded and shimmering finishes turn ordinary decor into luxurious pieces that pack a punch.

Pattern-happy
Reproduced on textiles and incorporated into accent furniture, geometrics now lead the way. “Mid-century design undergoes a bold renovation rendered with an artist’s perspective and equally vivid palette,” writes Tracy Bulla for Home Accents Today. Graphic patterns come alive in brightly contrasting color combinations or look elegantly subdued in chic neutrals.

Cultural influence
Inspired by global trends, 2012′s patterns and motifs blend the texture and color of old-world looks with modern decor. Textiles are inspired by temples in Thailand, while rugs feature Moorish motifs and Moroccan patterning. Also look for African kuba cloths, Central Asian suzani prints, ikats, Scandinavian designs, intricate Indian handiwork and Chinese medallions, lotus blooms and anything dragon-related. The ethnic trend also finds inspiration close to home, as Native American dream-catchers, feathers and tribal patterns influence decoration and print.

Fresh blooms
Trend Bible’s spring/summer 2012 forecast, Palm Springs, features a laid-back West Coast-style that encompasses a tropical backdrop, “loud patterns with exuberant florals” and “abstract patterning.” This thriving trends showcases bold, unexpected color palettes on upholstery, pillows, tablecloths, rugs and wallpaper, and botanical prints as wall decor.

For spring 2012 designers are inspired by diverse influences, showcasing a range of
styles and lifestyles, from free and playful and light and breezy, to contemporary classics. Colors likewise reflect these differing moods, encapsulating vivid brights, soft muted tones and fun-loving pastels.

“Consumers look to spring for renewed energy, optimism and the promise of a brighter day,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “They have learned how color can help them alter a mood and provide the vitality and enthusiasm that enables them to experiment with new looks and color combinations.”

Provocative Tangerine Tango, an enticing juicy orange, is a vivacious and appealing refresher to enliven anyone’s outlook this spring. Providing a jolt of energy, Solar Power radiates warmth and cheer.

Fanciful Bellflower, a distinct ornamental purple, exudes uniqueness and creativity. Scintillating and sexy, Cabaret is a sensual and intense rosy-red — an excellent choice for summer clothing and cosmetics.

Sodalite Blue, a classic maritime hue, brings order and calmness to mind. Like an anchor to a ship, this dependable shade works with every color in the palette. Cockatoo, a tactile blue-green, is sure to make your spirits soar. This unusual hue adds a whimsical touch to the palette and will surely make a statement this spring.

Margarita, a piquant yellow-green, lifts spirits with its refreshing and stimulating glow. Reminiscent of a blossoming garden on an early spring morning, fragrant Sweet Lilac evokes the fresh scents of summer. This delicate pinkish lilac adds a touch of romance to any wardrobe.

Natural versatile neutrals add practicality to this season’s brights. Driftwood, an adaptable blend of beige and gray with a slightly weathered feel, and Starfish, a perfect warm summer neutral, complement all colors featured in this season’s top 10.

For an ultra-bold vibrant look this spring, try mixing Bellflower with Tangerine Tango and Cabaret. Combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Cockatoo for a subtle alternative, or combine Margarita with Sweet Lilac and Driftwood for a more practical variation. Solar Power is best juxtaposed with Sodalite Blue. For a safer bet, add a natural neutral like Starfish to the mix.

Yes, we are all crying here, but when one door is closed another is opened. In this case we have produced a superior product which, in my opinion, is more versatile than its predecessor. From the great minds of the Danish comes a modular sofa that lets you choose how you use it. Using basic base units this group allows you to move weighted back supports anywhere you want and comes standard with one throw pillow per back support for ease of comfort. We are currently displaying this piece in our showroom and I can’t tell you the last time I had such positive feedback from a single group.

So, all is not lost, but we will always keep a special place in our heart for Puzzle and those of you who already have it in their home can expect it to become a classic.

Sandi CARPENTER

Designer

Everyone knows the March saying ‘In like a Lion, out like a Lamb’ but this year I’m sure it would apply to January and February as well. With the weather flip flopping and mostly mild, this year we should all expect to be outdoors in Washington, but if you’re not then you’ll be enjoying the cool comfort of your leather sofa.

Just in time for spring, Theodores is having one of our best sales of the year for leather sofas from Italy.

These beautiful designs can be customized to what ever size or color you wish, so that fuchsia colored sofa you have been dreaming about can become a reality; just don’t let your neighbors surprise you with one first.

Sandi Carpenter

Designer

Acrylic has come a long ways since the eighties in its engineering and thanks to new molding powders it can be formed to any shape. This allows for molds to be made considering the ergonomics of seating, allowing for seamless, comfortable designs that function but don’t distract or clutter. Case in point, this lovely, molded acrylic T-back chair with walnut legs that bolt to a six millimeter thick piece of clear molded acrylic with chrome plated stainless steel support joint. Available in colored acrylics as well, however, nothing is more elegant than the reflection of the lines in clear acrylic.

I can’t say I would ever consider reviving any earlier styles with this material, but I’m looking forward to its slow rise to the top of the furniture world. In the mean time, I will encourage baby steps.

Sandi CARPENTER

Designer

1. Average monthly rent $135
2. Average cost of a new home $15,550
3. Gas cost .35¢ per gallon
4. Nixon became president
5. Woodstock invaded a farm in upstate New York
6. Neil Armstrong became the first Man to Walk on the Moon
7. Record of the Year “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel
8. Beatles played their last public concert
9. Theodores opened in Washington DC

We remain committed to bringing you quality style and lasting value.

At the more casual end of the spectrum is a beach house with incomparable views on the Maryland shore. The predominantly subtle palette of beiges and blues takes it’s cue from the water and sand at the seaside. Accents of sea shells and coral , such as the whimiscal shell chandelier in the master sitting room , help enhance the informal interior.

At the Beach

Condo in Reston