Welcome to WoW!, a new blog focusing on real-world approaches to fabulous, outstanding decorating.
I hope you've got great plans to celebrate the onset of a new year and some fun decorating plans for 2010. Over the course of the coming year, I hope to collect some WoW! decorating sights and moments - with your help. When we close 2010 YOU will vote on the top 12 WoW! Moments which we'll publish for all. So what might be a WoW! Moment, you ask?
It's up for refinement (share your thoughts!), but for the outset, a WoW! Moment is an interior design/decorating sight or design that is approachable by the "average Joe/Sue". Let's salute and be inspired by the many talented designers who decorate the homes of the wealthy. But let's also salute those who are able to achieve similarly effective results on average budgets. Let's help beautiful homes be available to everyone! Welcome to a new era of beautiful living on your terms - whatever they are.
As we close 2009, I look back on some wonderful developments:
1. For me personally, my business (Topiary Interiors) was successfully launched, is gaining traction, and receiving a good response.
2. Jan Showers published my new favorite design book, Glamorous Rooms; and I found Ja
n Flowers' blog (Jan's Notebook) - sadly for me, it's been up for about a year, but I suppose I can excuse myself for being under the "launch a business rock", and THANK Jackie von Tobel's blog (Jackie Blue Home) for the ale
rt! Check out both for amazing design inspiration - and certainly Jackie's two books The Design Directory of Bedding and The Design Director of Window Treatments.
3. Our societal values have shifted away from conspicuous and material consumption, and people seem to be placing greater value on their personal connections, meaningful relationships, and passions. All good.
4. Our economic conditions seem to be turning a corner and confidence is returning -albeit cautiously (also good).
5. The era of "overstuffed" everything and excess is out, and clean, streamlined, refined sophistication is in. Hoooorrraaayyy!
6. Lucite still reigns, and is still comfortable with about every style. Who doesn't continue to love Starck's Louis Ghost Chair? honestly.
7. Our concern for the environment is close to mainstream, and increasing numbers of materials are "green" while there is a renewed interest in re-use over 'buy new'. All good.
8. City, urban lifestyles are back in vogue bringing with them a trend back to smaller scale, more refined and elegant furnishings. Think Audrey Hepburn returns.
Please sign up for my blog and suggest it to your friends, participate in the conversation - we'll laugh, smile, think, chat, possibly cry (but not for long). Mostly we'll just enjoy our love of design and find ways to make GREAT design available to more.
'Til later,
Sarah
