The Look at Boston Design Center

The annual The Look event was held last week at the Boston Design Center.  This  is one of the most exciting days of the entire year at the BDC where new trends and products in interior design and color are highlighted in a day full of special events and speakers. The vibe is very similar to the Fashion Week that Boston just celebrated.

To start the day off right, I was invited to Club 342 for Bubbles and Breakfast.  It was a true feast that made the 1-1/2 hour commute  in traffic worth every minute! What better way to begin the day than with a mimosa~ and these yummy choices…Hmmm…this:

or  this:

Guess which one of these I chose to indulge in?

The keynote speaker for The Look event was Marisa Marcantonio, the voice behind the Stylebeat blog.

via

She is filled with experience as the style editor for House Beautiful as well as O Home. Her blog is laden with beautiful photographs of interior designs and home furnishings with a youthful but traditional bend.  Marisa highlighted several trends she predicts for 2014 during her presentation.  Some I am in love with, others not so much, but see what you think…

No. 1: Return to Pretty

This is the second time I have heard this statement in a month and I am thrilled! This means a re-emergence of florals and patterns, window creations with soft curves and ball gown drapes that sweep the floor.

No. 2:  Neo-Tradtional

This trend has a historical reference with the use of toiles and damask fabrics along with jewel tones and velvets. Has this trend ever really disappeared from the Northeast??

No. 3: Lacquer Finishes

I love this idea, it just oozes Luxury and Glam!

No. 4:  Color

Marisa  noted that no one color leads the trend! Hmmmm, we’ll see on this…She believes that yellow and a soft salmon coral will be popular picks.

No. 5: Revival of 70’s and 80’s

Vintage, leather, chrome and velvets. The pendant is the new chandelier.

No. 6: Cabinet of Curiosities

Influences from the  Natural World such as fossils, domes showcasing fleurs, taxidermy pieces…A nod to displaying what came before.

No. 7:  Global Gadabout

Experience the exotic with elements such pattern on pattern embroidery and timeless prints from India.

No. 8:  Artist’s Hand

These influences can be seen in  fabrics in elements such as frayed edges and color washed dyes.

No. 9:  Embroidered & Appliquéd fabrics

Including Metallics right from the runway.

No. 10:  Rough Luxe

Includes the use of salvage elements with subtle soft pieces. This trend will be very modern for this area and more urban in my opinion.

Marisa wrapped up her report by saying that the European trend of “custom” everything from finishes in furniture,  metal to upholstery, will build importance here in the States. We will not see a return to opulence in the same way as in the past,  but rather more subtle.  For example, having one mirrored item in a room as opposed to five.   Designs will feature a more minimal approach and an eye toward editing.  Marisa also spoke about personal collections and travel objects having a prominent place in our homes.

Marisa stressed that we must design our homes for ourselves and our families and surround ourselves with beauty that we love. Oh how I love this philosophy!

After Marisa’s presentation, of course there were more treats (from Georgetown Cupcake, no less)…

Hmmm…this:

or this:

They were petite and I didn’t want one to feel left out…. 🙂

Overall, a wonderful day with wonderful friends and lots of great information!

Laurie Gorelick, Interior Designer, me, Elizabeth Benedict, Interior Designer, & Molly Campbell, Publisher of Design New England

So, what do you think of these 10 Trends for 2014?  Any favorites?  I’d love to hear!

xo,

Pamela

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