HOMES OF RUE: TREND ALERT

One of my favorite parts of creating Rue is when we start to get home tour images back from photographers. I love looking at the different features as a whole and seeing if I can spot any themes or trends happening in decor across the country. Here's a look at what I'm spotting:

So, apparently if you own a giraffe, you're totally on trend :)

*images by Teri Lyn Fisher, Emily Anderson, and Ore Studio

Chalk It Up

What do you think of chalkboard walls? Currently, they're all over the design scene. I spot them most in kitchens, kid's rooms, and workspaces. Creating one is as easy as buying a can of chalkboard paint!

I can certainly see myself experimenting with this 'easy to do' idea one day. They're whimsy, creative, practical, and you can write inspirational quotes all over them (that's what I'd do!).

*images via Interior Designs & Home Ideas

Suddenly Suzani

Suddenly suzani - the traditional embroidery from Central Asia - is popping up everywhere and really catching my eye. I think it's a beautiful way to add a little spice and pattern to a space. 

It's certainly a stretch for my usual aesthetic, which is probably exactly why I like it. Isn't life more fun when we surprise ourselves with our choices anyway?!

What really did me in for the pattern though was that ever so popular dish rack tray (above) that we saw last month in Lonny. Since then, I've been smitten for suzani! How about you? Into it or over it?

*Left to right: rug, towels, pillows, interior unknown, bucket chair, antwerp chair, journal, table runner, serving tray

A Few Lovely Ideas Via Lonny Mag

Do you live in a city where gardens and backyards are a thing of the past? Why not create your own little urban oasis with a indoor garden like this! 

Monograms are back friends and I am loving these by Leontine Linens! They're the perfect way to personalize a space and make home a true reflection of you.

Doing the dishes has never been so chic! This suzani serving tray from Decorative Things used as a dish rack base is nothing short of stylish genius!

*images via Lonny Magazine

Delightful Dish Displays

Next time you can't decide on that perfect cabinetry for your kitchen remodel, why not bag the idea all together and just display the dishes instead? It's an 'I don't take myself too seriously' look I find hard to resist!

Add a little whimsy to the casual look with a splash of something bright, like apple green! Then pair it with ceramic whites for instant pop!

Dishes of varying shapes and sizes create loads of dimension and interest to any kitchen. The key is keeping it visually clean through a simple color palette, like soothing taupes and creams. 

Of course, some dishes are just too pretty to keep hidden behind closed door. So bring them out, showcase them like art, and create your own little display. How delightful!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, my dears! I'll be attending a cocktail party and book signing tonight with this talented man....post to follow, I promise :)

*images via Martha Stewart, Belle Maison, Katy Elliott

So trendy! Or so over it?

I can't help but notice all the antlers I'm still seeing around as a trendy statement piece for the home. But what do you really think about them? Do you love the trend or would you love to see it go away?

Regardless of how I feel about antlers, I do like the placement of them in this dining room. And those hot pink and mismatched chairs are wonderful!

While I love the idea of clustering, the animal heads and the zebra rug are a bit much for my personal taste.

The wide plank floors or stunning, the creamy grey walls are enveloping, but the white head..?

Love it or hate it?

On a different note, this room does a fabulous job at mixing different patterns and colors without looking chaotic or disjointed. As for the antlers, I kind of like the way they mirror the shape of the chandelier.

*images via Elle Decor, City Sage, Daydream Lily, Design*Sponge, emmas designblogg, JuBella

Take a (furry) seat!

I adore these chairs dressed with (faux?) fur coverings and throws! They add loads of texture and look so inviting. I can imagine how plush they must feel to the touch and against my skin! This beautiful home belongs to the very talented Australian photographer, Deborah McLean, which I discovered via emmas designblogg. I'm loving the Scandinavian style her house is rocking - one of my all time favorite styles!

Do you do cowhide? Eames does!

Have you seen that the Eames Molded Plywood Lounge Chair is now available in cowhide?! There are only 500 of this limited edition available, so you have to hurry up if you want it! But this begs another question, how do we feel about cowhide? The jury's still out on this one for me. Although I much prefer the trend in a chair than in a floor rug. 

*images via ElleDecor, coco+kelley, {this is glamorous}

Matchy Matchy

How do you feel about this? Would you ever match your furniture pieces with your drapery or wallcoverings? Is it cute shabby chic or a modern day no-no?

 

Modern Equestrian

Have you checked out Ralph Lauren Home recently? If not, it's definitely worth the visit! Their new collections are fantastic. I love how the clothes brand's clean, preppy look has been maintained so well in their furniture lines. Here's a look at the Modern Equestrian Collection.

The Bird Cage

Is it just me, or are bird cages popping up a lot more often around the home? What do you think? Would you use a bird cage as a design motif? 

*images via Urban Outfitters, Cafe Cartolina, Elle Decor, and Country Living

Shutter Love

Just two nights ago I had some girlfriends over when a designer friend of mine and I started discussing decor options for my kitchen. I have a big, tall, long white wall that needs to be filled asap! She suggested a series of leaning window shutters and then hanging pictures on them to add architectural detail to the room. This morning I just happened upon this photo with that very look. Don't you love it when that happens?

I love the idea! Not only are shutters pretty to look at, they're a fast and simple way to cover lots of wall space, especially vertically. And it shouldn't be too hard (or expensive) to find them at your local architectural salvage store. Here's some more shutter inspiration!

*images via Velvet & Linen and David Sheilds