Spot On Spot Print

It is said that a gambler usually doesn’t realize he or she is in a run of good luck until it is over.

Dave the Builder and I have been known to play a game or two of blackjack, and we can attest to that theory.

My skills of recognition are far better honed in the game of decor and design.

I’ve addressed trends before, and although I don’t go all in on trends, I do pay attention to the run and the factors of popularity, the traction of the trend and the staying power of the look.

My spot on spot print observations of late have zoomed in on a look that is not new however, dare I say improved?

Pitstop,_my_brother-in-law's_DalmationPitstop the Dalmatian

The pairing of black and white and variations of white (winter white, beige, cream, dover and the entire off white family) is nothing new in the color combination world, and the spot print thing definitely is nothing new, but the decorative interpretation and implementation of these trend favorites into home sweet home design and decor freshens the spin.

Spot On Spot Print

Like inspiration, this spot on spot print look is everywhere I source, pin, tweet and like.

spots-headboardBallard Designs

The design and decor rumblings could strictly be a coincidence, but I sense a trend resurgence with traction.

black-and-white-spotted-home-decorDomaine Home – Photography by Michael Graydon.  Mr. Graydon is true class act and an extremely generous talent!

dalmatian_bathroomApartment Therapy

The first hint of a possible trend to come is evident in the renewed interest via postings and pinnings of a classic wallpaper pattern.

tanzania-wallpaper-Tiffany-Richey-DesignTiffany Richey Designs via DecorPad

Thibaut Anniversary Tanzania wallpaper in black on cream spins a fresh look on a traditional style.

tan_02_T6080

spot-lampshade

A trend by definition indicates current popularity of a style or preference.

spot-VER-braithwaite-bedroomVeranda

 A good trend evolves into great classic, and a classic never goes out of style.

spotted-fabrics

My gush and gawk over this spot on spot print trend is the stuff decorating and redecorating projects are made of.  What trends have you spotted lately?

Bala Cynwyd Design-Build Firms

Love your style!

Leopard Print Love It!

Leopard print.

I’m wild about its power presence in all its spot on spotted glory.

Inneneinrichtung Kraft

Inneneinrichtung Kraft

A classic pattern in both fashion and interior design, leopard print love is based on the look, texture and ability to add a punch of decorative prowess to the piece it adorns.

leopardLeopard print is the shake it up-style it up friend of fashion, fabric and space.

upholstered Victorian chair

Traditional Home

I’m still standing by my unwavering opinion in regards to interior design and decorating.

light-gray-bamboo-accent-chair

DecorPad

I’m not wired for complication or confrontation, nor am I a fan of rocket science philosophy when it comes to our homes and what we associate beauty and style with.

Bare Root Design Studio

Bare Root Design Studio

It’s your home, your money, your tastes and your traditional, shabby, simple, extravagant, over-the-top, funky or fabulous decor choice.

Leopard - by Hilary Alexander (Hardcover)

My opinions and suggestions strictly and stylishly provide an idea to guide the course.

Let’s look at leopard print as an example.

leopard print barstool

Houzz

For me, the use of a leopard print accessory or accent has got to be tempered and tasteful.

Natural Rugs Togo Cowhide 5' x 7' Area Rug in Leopard Natural Rugs Togo Cowhide 5′ x 7′ Area Rug in Leopard

Gold Leopard Glam Table Lamp - (Set of 2 )

Gold Leopard Glam Table Lamp – (Set of 2 )

Darcy-Leopard-arm-chair (1)

Darcy Armchair, Leopard  

french-candle-chandelier-leopard-print-dining-chairs-curved-buffet-cabinet

Shabby Slips – DecorPad

Fashion guides us to certain principles of style.

Coco Chanel said it best when she advised the following:

“Once you’ve dressed, and before you leave the house,
look in the mirror and take at least one thing off.”

-Coco Chanel

I don’t profess to remotely be on the same level of fashion or style expertise as Coco Chanel, but I will build upon her words.  

Once the space is dressed, and before the it’s perfect stamp of approval is awarded, take one accessory out of the total equation.  

Ruth Kintzer Interior Design

Once removed, look at the space with a discerning eye and decide if the absence of the removed accessory makes or breaks the look.

Alino-Cho-Leopard-print-foyerVogue

Too much of a good thing can be a great thing or a tacky thing.

I’ve got loads of experience with this life application.

My darling mother is wholeheartedly convinced if one of something is good, two must be absolutely fabulous.

Cayce side chairChaddock Home

This logic works at certain times in limited situations.

Off the top of my head, I can think of one situation where two is better than one.

leopard-print-side-chairs-Southern-Living-Photo-by Laura-Negri-Childers

Southern Living – Photo by Laura Negri Childers 

In most instances, two days of vacation is certainly better than one.

Okay, I’ll give her that.

Exceptions to the rule and all that aside, two of too much often leads to a fashion or interior design misstep.

Refer to your less is more manual.

leopard-hide-table-lamp

In certain designing and decorating instances, blurring the lines between specified intention and oh, this will work results in a curated creation.

leopard love accent chest fix up 1

This design print of this particular piece is marketed as a dalmatian print, however, it’s perfectly style spotted for a leopard print décor interpretation.

leopard-print-fabric-samples

Inside Fabric

A classic color, texture or pattern is visually capable of carrying the space as the focal point.

I like to think this is the reason accessories and accents exist.

leopard print bedroom accents

My design and décor rule for leopard print is straight forward.

Attina Leopard Bench

Attina Leopard Bench

A well appointed space will only further impress the eye when there is a spot of leopard print present.

I get a kick out of referring to leopard print pieces as the ultimate spot accent.

leopard pillows

Pinterest

Inquiring and designing minds want to know.

leopard-heart-shaped-box-1

Leopard print.

Like it?

Hate it?

Leave it?

Love it?

Right At Home: Flour, Grain, And Vintage Potato Sacks

Over the last few years flour, grain, and vintage potato sacks as home decor have made their way into the accents and accessories mainstream.

Country Living

It’s a trend that continues to make itself right at home.

Steeped in less than perfect perfection with vintage and vintage looking charm and appeal, this home decor furnishings and accessories trend shows no signs of waning popularity.

Antique French Louis XVI Style Wing Chair in Antique Grain Sack Upholstery

1stdibs

Things have moved far past Etsy and the DIY community as the lone embracers, starting and ending point, and sole source of antique and vintage textiles.

grain-sack-arm-chair (2)

French Grain Sack Accent Chair

Commanding style and good taste is always on trend and recognized by industry leaders.

ticking grain sack fabric

Designers Guild

Spann Wingback Chair

White & Gray Farmhouse Stripe Kitchen Towel Set of 12

The lovely farmhouse style flour sack kitchen towel is as versatile as it is affordable.

Simple.

Chic.

Uncomplicated.

The hallmark of  a great decorative accent.

grain-sack-antique-settee

At Home Arkansas – Photography by Nancy Nolan

Hello, Gorgeous!

Vintage Grainsack Pumpkin

Vintage Grain Sack Pumpkin

Some things are so much better the second time around.

grain sack upholstered chairA Beautiful Mess Antiques

Decorative possibilities range from the rustic to the elegantly embellished with grain sacks.

Vintage-Burlap-Feed-Sack-Linen-Square-Cushion-Cover

Vintage Burlap Feed Sack Linen Square Cushion Cover

Pairs well.

Castalia-Chesterfield-Tufted-Club-Chair-with-Nailhead-Trim-by-Christopher-Knight-Home

Castalia Chesterfield Tufted Club Chair with Nailhead Trim 

Antique Grain Sack Foot Rest

Antique Grain Sack Foot Rest

I love when the design and the execution beautifully line up with the decorative juxtaposition of pattern, texture, style, and periods.

Charleston-home-grain-sack-upholstered-dining-chairs1

Traditional Home

This dining room by interior designer Ginger Brewton showcases authentic flour sack covered slipper chairs existing in elegant harmony with traditional decor touches- a strong testament to the stunning statement made when antiques and vintage accessories are paired in a union of comfortable formality.

grain-sack-vintage

Linen Grain Sack Fabric

Does it take you awhile to come to love certain trends or the decorative accents du jour?

It does for me.

I’m totally convinced this is the reason spot accents and home decor accessories exist.

Grain Sack Hemp Stair Runner

Stair Runner Fabric

It’s always advisable to introduce those not so sure items on a small scale with as few dollars invested at the beginning.

grain sack ribbon

Grain Sack Ribbon

Raise your hand if you’ve been known to jump into a project with decorative ideas and $$$ flowing only to realize at projects end this isn’t working.

Yep, it’s been known to happen here at Places In The Home.

grain sack poufMayle Tan Pouf

Okay, let’s hear it.

Grain, flour, and vintage potato sabrandcycle.go2cloud.org/aff_cck home decor and home furnishings.

Add it to the gotta have it list, or is this particular trend one you’ll take a pass on?

Color Your World Series: Decorating With Black and White

The second installment in the Color Your World series focuses on decorating with black and white.

black and white upholstered chair

House Beautiful

Decorating with black and white epitomizes classic elegance.

Atlanta0holidayshowhouse-dining-roomAtlanta Homes & Lifestyles

black-and-white-area-rugs

Handmade Cambridge Lucindy Modern Wool Rug

Evesham Modern Abstract Area Rug

Handmade Soho Melie Zebra Pattern New Zealand Wool Area Rug

This timeless color combination choice is the most distinct of distinct color choices- an interior design and interior decorating classic that commands the room while beautifully owning up to the bragging rights of presence through powerful neutrality.

bette-davis-1932-gettyimages-506011763House Beautiful

From fashion to floor to ceiling, decorating with black and white is a color palette choice that allows a space to open up.

black-white-living-roomHarper’s BAZAAR

Luxury New Traditional Chandelier

Luxury New Traditional Chandelier

Nula 14-Light Linear Shell White Chandelier

Nula 14-Light Linear Shell White Chandelier

Let’s look at the color combination instantly recognized as a premier choice in the world of color, design and decorating.

jean-louis-deniot-inc-07Interiors by Jean-Louis Deniot, Inc.

“Color is black and white put together”

– Author Unknown

decorating-with-black-kitchen

Architectural Digest

black-white-marble-floor

Scalamandre black white gray zebras wallpaper

black-and-white-wallpaper

Bobby Berk Wiggle Room White & Black Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Bobby Berk Wiggle Room White & Black Peel and Stick Wallpaper

black-and-white-fabricPucker Up Buttercup Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Pucker Up Buttercup Peel and Stick Wallpaper

Black and white makes a strong and timeless statement. This color combination strikes a stunning scheme resulting in the desired effect- a chic and commanding presence.