Southern Studio Interior Design

As 2009 draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to 2010 with great anticipation. Pantone has recently announced it’s 2010 Color of the Year! In the design world, color is everything so it’s always exciting to see the predictions!

Pantone says…

Turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Following trends is important, but being trendy is not always the goal for interiors. If your basic pieces are from a neutral color palette, it allows greater flexibility to add a punch of color in smaller, more flexible items that can easily be replaced. I love the collection of turquoise glass in this foyer

Add a punch of turquoise on your front door for instant drama!

Or make a statement with a turquoise wall tile in a calming white bath.

Add a splash of color in a children’s playroom.

As you plan your celebrations for New Year’s Eve 2010….consider a tablescape in turquoise.

And, when you need a little pick-me-up this winter, dream of the beautiful turquoise waters of your favorite tropical island.

Wishing you a new year filled with health, happiness and prosperity….and the time to enjoy it!

Images from:  Southern Accents, Southern Living, Veranda

As we gather with friends and family, enjoy the special moments of the Season!

With love and gratitude, Vicky

Image from Veranda

Last week, our local ASID Design Community hosted a Paint Party as our holiday charity event. Of all the duties involved with organizing our Design Community, I have found that the events that give back to the community are most rewarding. Isn’t that what we are always told? Why, then, do we not do more of it?

Under the amazing guidance of Susan Hecht, our ASID members created beautiful themed paintings. The canvases will be hung at the Women’s Center at the Durham Rescue Mission. A fun-filled evening for a great cause….what a combination!

Angela Pence…it’s been an absolute pleasure for me to co-chair our ASID Design Community with such an incredible designer.

Susan Hecht and her “designer” art students!

A few of the beautiful creations!  I can’t wait to install them at the Mission next week.

Next time you’re visiting historic downtown Apex, North Carolina stop in Studio 123 to visit!

It’s our hope that the variety of landscapes will bring peace to the Mission residents who are working through difficult times. The “wish list” at the Mission is long and it’s our hope that we can continue to fulfill their needs and bring a little joy all year long!

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of traveling to Hickory, North Carolina to attend an ASID meeting and tour the Hickory Chair factory. What an incredible day!

The continuing education class was an overview of furniture building techniques for high-end furniture. The construction and materials used in both case goods and upholstered furniture can vary greatly by manufacturer. Before specifying furniture for any project, it’s important to know how to recognize quality furniture. Well, we definitely saw some beautiful furniture being crafted.

The organization, the customization, the craftsmanship….the factory tour was more than impressive! Check out this inventory of tables…

Upholstered furniture frames being hand-built….

This gentleman was carefully carving a table leg.  Amazing talent.

8-way hand tied dining chairs! Now that would make a comfortable dinner party!

Inventory of fabrics…and Hickory Chair promotes the use of COM fabrics (Customer’s Own Material) so the end result is truly custom for each individual space.

And, of course, the end product in the showroom.  The look of this beautiful display cabinet can change dramatically with customization options and finish choices.

Thank you Hickory Chair (and our tour guide Laura Holland) for an inspiring day. Even in the cold, dark, dreary rain, it was definitely worth the trip!