I recently had the pleasure of emailing with one of my favorite designers, Abigail Ahern. Speaking to someone whose work I so admire and finding her not only as talented and gutsy as I’d guessed from following her work and her blog, but also wonderfully funny and down to earth, was an amazing experience. Here is what she had to say on Rooms and Words’ most urgent design questions, including her favorite shade of grey. (If you’re reading this through an RSS reader or email, click through to see the slideshow.)

On Copycats and Setting Trends

“The popularity of dark walls and this eclectic style of decorating is a good thing. The more people I can convert across to the dark side the happier I am and in all seriousness its life changing stuff. Once you’ve painted a wall or a nook or alcove anything dark there is no going back. Having said that its still a niche way of decorating, I see so many boring beige haze, bland as anything interiors out there I have a long way to go to get the masses on board!”

 

My style is pretty kaleidoscopic referencing many different eras and styles. However I would say its innately glamorous and rocking a bit of tongue in cheek wit!

 

On Mixing High and Low

“I am obsessed with mixing high and low. If a room is all high it’s a big yawn, it feels formal, stuffy and not the kind of space where you would want to kick your shoes off and squish down on a sofa. Adding some cheaper elements immediately changes the dialogue and up’s the intrigue in a room. Conversely, if a room was filled with all cheap stuff it would feel tacky so the trick is to mix.”

On What’s New in Her New Book

“Decorating with Style is a lot different from my first book A Girl’s Guide to Decorating. This book concentrates far more on finishing touches and accessories, the stuff that transforms any room from drab to fab instantly. Along with some super speedy projects like wallpapering stair treads in amazing paper, creating a panelling effect on walls through paint that kind of stuff its all about how to discover your style.  The art of layering, savvy style on a budget, designing with attitude maximising the stuff you have to the full along with my little black book of cool addresses.”

[I] Always wanted to be a designer from about age 6 when I made my sister save up her pocket money to rip up the carpet (we were sharing a bedroom) so we could have floorboards. She was 4, crazy no?

 

On Studying Design vs. Winging It

“I think studies and degrees are pretty fundamental if you want to go into interior design. I got into design through the back door and as fab as that sounds it was terrifying landing a job that I just had no knowledge about so studies and design school give you confidence to find your voice and your style. My most important tips for design lovers is to have confidence, confidence is the number one thing that holds us back. You will make mistakes just don’t let them put you off. Push boundaries think outside of the box and you will get to create truly magical rooms.”

On What’s Next

“Many exciting things happening in 2013. I am in the process of designing a new product range to include wallpaper, flooring more lighting and accessories. We are expanding the design school and holding more classes in NYC and Australia and we’re right in the process of looking at other countries to take it too. We’re launching a bijou online magazine demystifying decorating and I’m working with a high street retailer on a new exciting project – but that’s under wraps under summer I’m afraid to say.”

If you are a Ahern fan like myself, don’t miss her new book, Decorating With Style. Also, check out Abigail’s newly re-designed (beautiful and helpful) blog and forum.

Doing this little exercise definitely made me think, and I’m sure my answers would be very different would I have taken it at (my very slowly and gradually getting-there) home and not at my office. Here are mine, for the moment: Danish wood (it’s taking a lot of willpower not to google it and mask my ignorance right now!), MDF (Ikea, of course), leather, brass, lots of cotton (in different textures and patterns), some wool, marble, laminate faux-wood floors and lots and lots of plastic and paper (books). What are yours?

A closer look at the materials in this room by Sharon Ella | photo: Shai Epstein

ps  The Holon Design Museum has an amazing project called “iMatter” which is free to browse online. Check it out!

“Wings.” she says, dropping the white sheet to the floor.

The wings are huge and they float in the air, wavering in the candlelight. They are darker than the darkness, threatening but also redolent of longing, of rushing through space. The feeling of standing solidly, on my own two feet, of running, running like flying. The dreams of hovering, of flying as though gravity has been rescinded and now is allowing me to be removed from the earth a safe distance, these dreams come back to me in the twilit studio … The wings are silent, their edges ragged. I cannot speak.

ART: Paperdremy on Etsy | WORDS: The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

The Time Traveler’s Wife is one of my favorite books. The darkness, the magic, the melodic prose, and yes, the love story, of course. Claire Abshire, the love of Henry’s life, is a paper artist, much like author Audrey Niffenegger, and I found myself drawn to the paragraphs that described her art. A few weeks ago I saw this “paperdremy” piece on a blog and it just clicked. By the way, here are photos of Claire and Henry’s house from the (less then great) movie, via Hooked On Houses.

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I don’t know if you’ve noticed what a true and utter bookworm I am. This condition has gotten even worse ever since I got the Kindle app on my iPad. Here’s a list of what I’ve been reading lately, and as you’ll see – I’m not holding back! Click each book cover’s image to buy on Amazon.

The Language of Interior Design by Alexa Hampton – This is not only a beautiful book, featuring the work of one of my favorite designers, but also full of insights on interior design. Recommended to anyone who takes interiors seriously and a contender for my 10 favorite design books list.

Allegra Hicks’ An Eye For Design is a feast for the eyes. Gorgeous patterns and artwork. Great book for the visually-inclined or for those who want to train their eyes. Not your book if you’re looking for actual words and sentences, though.

You Take It From Here is one of these books that sneak into your heart and never leave it. It’s been a couple months since I first read it, and now I’m reading it again. Credit for this recommendation goes to AB Chao who’s friends with the author, Pamie (whom invented the term muffin top. for real.)

Okay, this is the confession portion of this program: I’ve been reading lots and lots of celebrity memoirs lately. Somehow, the fact that they don’t require any space on my actual shelves (residing in my iPad as they are) takes the guilt away. I just started reading Jane Fonda’s memoir and it’s actually fascinating and poignant.

Last but not least, I pre-ordered Holly‘s latest book back in August and I was so happy to get an email from Amazon saying it would be on its way to me sooner than expected. Now every note in the mail makes me giddy (actually – notes in the mail always make me giddy. I’ll share with you a few other goodies I got in the mail recently in the next post.) This is Holly’s second book in as many years and that’s so inspiring. Anyone else here waiting for Decorate Workshop?

Pirate Ship Cupcakes © 2010 Cameron Blazer // Cottage Industrialist

Chanoch was born when I was nearly 21. This seems very early to a lot of people here, but his father and I waited for him so much. My son, with the magic land that lives in his mind, opened so many doors in our hearts. Doors that made us better understand the world, as well as ourselves. Everything looked different through his eyes – I remember watching him as he watched the painter paint his room when we moved here (his room was the first we tackled); through his eyes it seemed as if the paint brush were a magic wand which transforms mere walls into a real home. I know I keep repeating the word magic today, but that’s what he is: a 6 years old magic, who is so very serious, yet improvises jokes like the best of them, who reads anything (be it the ketchup sticker, the BFG or the Moomins). A 6 years old magic, for whom everything is a marvelous adventure. A 6 years old who is my own marvelous adventure.

My dear pirate boy, here’s my wish for you: May the ocean stretch before you, clear and wide, may you always choose the right route for your ship and the right moment to throw your anchor. My the adventures that meet you leave you stronger, wiser, more vulnerable, more you – and out of harm’s way. As for the treasure? Don’t you worry, I’ve already found it.

Okay, I hope you didn’t mind my little emotional slip. After all. where would I share it if not here, with you? I try not to put too many photos of my son on the web, so I didn’t take a lot of photos at the party, but you can catch a few glimpses on my Instagram (@roomsandwords is my user name there). Here are some cool printables and ideas for the pirates in your life:

• A very cool pirate party by blogger Sharon Rogel (Hebrew)
• Great printables including flags, cupcake toppers, mustaches and eye patches – by The Cottage Industrialist
• Treasure chest printables: 1 | 2 
• Pinata DIY tutorials – Oh Happy Day

Please let me know in the comments how are you doing, especially if you’re from the east coast. I’ll be back later this week with more design posts!

photography by Sivan Askayo

Can you believe it’s already October? This time last year I had guest bloggers post about their predictions for 2012 design trends (which turned out to be very accurate, actually) and on May, I visited the ICFF trade show in New York, where many of those trends were present (and presented). Six months later, it’s time to examine – are those trends still relevant? And actually, were they ever relevant? Would they impact real people designing their real homes or just keep showing up in trade shows and showrooms? Below are some of my thoughts, I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!

Trend 1: The Color Orange

Each year, Pantone announces the color of the year, and this year it was orange. Tangerine tango, to be exact. Many designers and companies used this trend in ways that were, in my opinion, jarring and very un-chic. One of my favorite tangerine moments was when I saw the chair (above) by Jeni Tu at ICFF – it was surprising and fun, and looked great with the wood. Is it relevant? I think the designs that made best use of those trends were by designers who would have used orange even if it weren’t “on trend”, like Jonathan Adler, who always favors color and Mid-century Modern shapes. Do you agree?

Trend 2: Back to Simplicity

Another trend that can be seen in this chair (one of my favorites of the show, can you tell?) is the design world getting back to simpler shapes and materials. There were a lot of simple geometrics to be seen – both classic and modern. I think the design world is a little tired of all the bells and whistles and we are getting more of a basic vibe when it comes to furniture. Especially tables and chairs. Is it relevant? Yes, I think we will only see this increase in 2013.

 Trend 3: Pattern-fest!

I know I just said 2012 was the year of simple, but somehow that was not true for wallpaper and fabric. Maybe, as shapes went back to basic, patterns got a “permission” to go wild? Anyway, I was very happy with that since I’m a pattern lover (shocking, I know – or not, if you look at my blog’s logo). What I LOVED is that many patterns seemed to have stories behind them, like those of Grow House Grow, which are actually based on stories or those of the Flat Vernacular and Eskayel that just look like art. I do think more and more people are using wallpaper as an accent and not wrapping it around a whole room, though. Is it relevant? I think patterned wallpaper are still a bit overwhelming for a lot of non-designer people, but I do think we see much more pattern in small doses, like throw pillows. Designer Anna Romero (above) actually made her patterns for both pillows and iPhone cases, which was very sweet. I’m curious – do you have pattern at home?

Trend 4: Brass, bronze, copper and everything shiny

One of my favorite chairs in the show was the copper Real Good Chair by Blu Dot which was, indeed, real good. That was just one of the many, many copper, brass and bronze furniture I’ve seen in the show and over the year. Actually, when I’ve asked Jonathan Adler “what’s exciting you now?” he answered “brass!” and that what he answered when I asked him what’s the next big thing, too. Is it still relevant? I think when it’s used with simple shapes and/or is true to a certain design era, it’s kept from being tacky and can really shine (pun intended). Do you agree? This may be a trend that some people LOVE and others consider really tasteless.

Trend 5: Humor!

Well, humor is not exactly a trend, but I think in 2012 more and more designers tried they’re hand in being ironic, sarcastic or humorous through design. This is where the real pros were a cut above from those who just jumped on the wagon… There’s a huge gap between those who just try to “sell” the design by making it a gimmick and the true designers, that can make a cookie jar you’ll use every day and still find funny in a few years. And if Jonathan Adler comes to mind again, that’s because I think he’s the master of tasteful, humorous design (see his candle holders above) or in his words: Happy Chic. Is it relevant? Humour is always relevant, but I wish designers would edit more. One well-intended pun is quite enough for a piece of furniture.

Phew, that was quite a lot! Now, I want to know: What do you think? Do you think those trends are going to continue on to 2013? Did you have a favorite trend or something you wish that would become one? Let’s talk about this in the comments.

The photos in this post are all by my friend Sivan Askayo, who’s not only an amazing photographer but also a great blogger and host – we had a fabulous time together in NY! The first image is of Flat Vernacular wallpaper.

PRADA: A Therapy

As soon as I watched the film, I was reminded of these two gorgeous rooms:

One of my favorite rooms ever from House Beautiful | Design: David Kaihoi | Photos: Ngoc Minh Ngo

A Manuel Canovas fabric (on bed) featuring the same color combo | Photo courtesy of Manuel Canovas

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

Would you use this color scheme at home? Which color would you chose for the wall? The purple living room above is one of my favorite ever (my copy of that House Beautiful issue is so worn…) but I think it’s a very tricky color with decor-disaster potential. I would probably either go for green walls or chose white and apply the color combo in the furniture and other accessories. Whatever you do, though, please do not pair these colors with beige walls – the result will be dingy and dated.

1. Brass mushroom lamp – for that Seventies touch) | 2. Perfect green paint | 3. Eduard Mane print | 4. Etro throw (since we’re already mixing fashion and interiors) | 5. Gorgeous eggplant sofa | 6. Anthro credenza – to balance all those colors

And now, your opinions please: Isn’t Helena Bonham Carter perfect?

New Yorker for a week | Photo by Sivan Askayo

As I’m writing this I’m supposed to be packing my suitcases yet again and heading to my favorite city in the whole world, New York (Tel Aviv is a close second.) Design Week NYC is upon us and I feel so lucky to be here to cover it for you and for a few other magazines. These last few days I was fortunate enough to interview the brilliant NY-based, Israeli born Dror (interview post coming soon!) and spend some time with my family. But today, the real whirlwind begins with ICFF and all the exciting events all over the city – I’m going with my dear friend (and wonderful photographer – check out her “New Yorker For A Day” service – isn’t it brilliant?) Sivan Askayo. Then tomorrow I’ll be interviewing one of my favorite American designers, just before the beginning of Blogfest – which I can’t wait for! The agenda is jam-packed with design goodness and I’m so excited to finally  meet in person all my fellow attendees, many of them are great friends of mine already (through social media, of course). Stay tuned by subscribing to our posts and don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and Facebook!

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Living near the beach, I feel a strong connection to the ocean.  The tranquility of winter walks on the sand juxtaposed by crowded, jubilant summer months on the ocean evoke a feeling of magic that I like to convey in my home.  The colors of the sun and ocean translate to a crisp, preppy navy contrasted by bright, exuberant orange.

I throw caution to the wind when mixing patterns and collect interesting, mismatched pieces that add to the eclecticism of a room.  As a New Englander, navy stripes are often a room’s staple. To set a room apart, an unexpected punch of orange warms the palette of the room and softens the nautical tone.  Even a floral arrangement can add an eye-catching pop!

The pairing of navy and orange is more than a fabulous palette for interior design.  These shades will also be prominent hues in my upcoming Cape Cod wedding!

{All photos:  Stacey Van Berkel-Haines for Style At Home}

Thank you so much, Erika! I must say I wouldn’t usually decorate with orange, but this may have changed my mind! What about you, friends? Are orange and navy colors you use in your decor?

Celerie Kemble’s first book is one of my all time decorating books, not only thanks to her gorgeous interiors but also due to her intelligent and easy-going writing voice. It’s a great how-to book for anyone who’s decorating their home or trying to get into the decor industry, and it lacks that thin air of snobbizm that sometimes comes with the territory. However, with To Your Taste, Kemble was well within her comfort zone of colorful and bold interiors, while Black and White is unknown water (as Celerie herself says) and is more about experimenting. Is it for you? Read on to see if it fits your interests and needs:

Photo from the book: Zach Desart | Celerie Kemble signing a copy of her book in a Veranda event

So, what’s your verdict? Will you be reading Black and White (and a little in between) or not?