Hickory Chair = Fabulous!!!

I don't even know where to begin.... Everything about Hickory Chair is beyond FABULOUS! The fabrics, finishes, custom options; and talk about quality!

Here are some samples of the product that have just been released this Spring Market, you'll notice almost everything is tonal with pops of color.

Also, take note that these rooms are often Contemp mixed with Traditional. This trend I really believe will last for a long time. It's not invasive if that makes sense? You're not stuck in one realm of design. It gives your freedom to work and allow the design to flow in different directions at anytime.

More to come!...

Happy Decorating!

Paisley

Hickory, NC Here I come!

I have been invited to spend 3 days in Hickory, NC ( furniture capitol of the U.S.) to learn more about a beautiful furniture line that has been around for years and incorporate in my new designs.

It's called Hickory Chair.

Some of you may have heard about it, it's often used in photo shoots for magazines.

http://www.hickorychair.com/

I will have the pleasure of touring the furniture manufacturing plant and look forward to learning all about their lines, design styles and preferred color schemes.

Not only do I get to see the plant but we are going right after the Spring Furniture Market; so I also get to tour the showrooms with the new releases of product for 2009 - 2010.
Talk about a kid in a candy shop!!

I leave this Monday and look forward to sharing the new line with you all!

Paisley

Top 2009 Trends

Top 10 Decorating Trends for 2009

Here are a few decorating trends to consider as you work on the design and decor of your home or commercial space for 2009! Please know I am happy to help you incorporate some of these trends in your current spaces that need updating!

paisley@designsbypaisley.com

1. Take more decorating risks- As the years go on, the Design Industry is known for continuing to take risks. It has become a trend over the last decade to step away from the "matchy matchy" and accept color, furniture and design for what it really is; Art!

2. Unusual decor – mirrored chest, metallic fabrics, painted & carved pieces – could be a lamp, accessories, or a coffee table for example. Something that calls attention to itself in a room as a conversation piece.

3. Mixing up antiques or traditional pieces with modern - I LOVE the eclectic look. I think it's beautiful when we can mix something that is 200 years old with today's furniture. It really expresses how time evolves and gives you the best of both worlds!

4. Decorating With Brown – chocolate, tobacco, taupe – with apple green shades. It just sounds Yummy!

5. Red – not in its true form. Rich brown-reds or deep purples paired with intense earthy tones of brown, green, or gold.

6. Asian influence – Using subtle Asian materials such as bamboo, grasses, cooler restful use of greens, blues, lavenders.

7. Painting walls a color - not just beige or off white. Remembering that you can always repaint.

8. Use of metal and metallics - in decorating accessories, lighting, accent tables and fabrics, tiles. Lamps & accessories that are reflective whether it be metal, mirror, Puka shells or iridescent are fabulous ways to pop an airiness in your room!

9. Straighter lines in furniture – squared off arms, refined minimal legs on upholstery and tables. Straight, minimal designs on tables but playing up exotic wood grains or really sharp fabrics. Simple lines in furnishings allow things like art or rugs to be played up.

10. Better use of proportions in a room – playing up architectural features, varying heights of lamps, key furniture pieces. Drawing attention to ceiling height through the better use of window treatments.

I truly believe some of these trends will last for years to come!

Happy Decorating,

Paisley

Please email your design challenges or questions to

paisley@designsbypaisley.com

Why a Designer?

Everyone wants to know... Why hire an Interior Designer??

Interior design professionals can change your life.
Designers assist you in creating a home and/or office environment in which you can be most productive and creative. In a time when our homes have become our refuge, design professionals are an invaluable resource in several areas (such as color) to help you achieve the desired impact of an individual room or the whole house.

A common myth exists that designers are an unnecessary expense when planning your design project. In actuality, a designer can save you thousands of dollars in one room by preventing costly mistakes. Designers have been trained in scale, proportion, balance, color, texture, and product quality, all of which are essential to a successful design project. Lighting for example, when properly selected and installed, can transform the entire setting of a room.

Designers can be hired for just one hour, perhaps to select a paint color or sofa, or for an entire home or office project. There is a broad range of professionals available in various disciplines of the trade. A designer asked her client why she had included design services as an essential part of her project. Her response was simply, "I wanted to do it right and do it only once." When you find yourself at the end of the day yearning for the comfort of your newly decorated home, or inspired each morning by your new office surroundings, you may find that working with a design professional was one of the best decisions you ever made.

Check out my Q & A page for more questions you might have about hiring a professional : http://www.designsbypaisley.com/faq.html

Happy Decorating!

Paisley McDonald

www.designsbypaisley.com