Highpoint trends by designer Amanda Burdge

This year traveling to Highpoint Market was more fun than ever. Market not only helps me see upcoming trends and recognize new ones, but most importantly it gives me the opportunity to connect with other designers. Being able to sit down with them allows me to talk shop about top design trends and current swings in our industry. It is also a great way to discuss popular buying habits in different regions. For instance, talking shop with one of L.A.’s hottest designers, Brooke Giannetti of Velvet and Linen I learned that her shop cannot keep Swedish antiques and vintage finds in stock. Maria Killam, an expert at design and color and author of Colour Me Happy rarely sell’s an antique because in Vancouver the style is very sleek and modern with great pops of color, her specialty. Kim Grigg from Knotting Hill Interiors is a luxury Interior designer who is an expert at combining inexpensive finds with beautiful treasures for a beautiful layered look unique to her and South Carolina. Each area has a unique buying focus, but High Point Market always sets the tone.

Here are some items that we all agreed were going to make a big splash in the upcoming year (click here to read more)

Being the fairest of them all

As a designer I have a tendency to have bloated thoughts in reality. I live in a fantasy world of rather large ideas and notions of how the world should be. Contemplating each move with utmost concentration as if playing a game of chess (AS IF I could play chess) I aspire to change all the ugly in the world and make it into something captivating and pleasing to the eye. Now my thoughts in judgment can be mischievous. Without you knowing I may come from behind to the right, make you turn left, and hit you over the head with my mojo bat like the magic designer fairy I am. Without you ever realizing, I sprinkle you with designer fairy dust (full of doe eyed excitement) and with enchanted dexterity you react as if it were your idea all along! Truly spellbinding.

Yes I can be dazzling, even colorful at times with my seductive designer voodoo. But what you must understand is that it is all done for your best interest. If I am to change each and every ugly space in the universe, persuasion is in order. I only have so much time people, and you dilly dallying around to make a decision, well there just isn't enough time for all that! I have a plan. A BIG plan. An IMPORTANT plan. A plan full of fundamental scheming. (with grave wicked laughter) A plan so calculated not even TARGET can hold me back.

Yes my thoughts are bloated in reality. My estimations, and approximations may be off slightly. Im a designer for GOD's sake. Im not required to calculate my motives with scientific certainty. BUT, I am required to create an undiluted definite purpose; of which, I have. It is a plan. a BIG plan. An IMPORTANT plan, with unconditional totality I have a plan to be the fairest of them all who's definite purpose: DESTROY at all costs the appalling, unpleasant, monstrous, repulsive villain, aka=UGLY!

With deliberate and premeditated strategy I will change all the ugly. Remove it with abrupt swiftness. A matter of maximum importance. (this may require my Valentino's and a strand of pearls!) With my blueprint of intentions I will sketch, layout, measure, formulate, concoct, develop, arrange, design and outline my evil plot. I will expel, exterminate and remove the ugly, one space at a time. And yes, this will be a daunting task. But I have been given the title, the mission to which I cannot turn down. It is my duty as a designer to eliminate and destroy this wicked villain. If designer voodoo is needed I will recruit, enlist, and assign the burden of knock down drag out force if necessary. It is inevitable because I live in a fantasy world of rather large ideas and notions of how the world should be.

Gardening trends by Nashville designer Amanda Burdge

Smith and Hawkin Gardening Planter

I have seen an increasing number of home grown fruit and vegetable gardens. Every time I open a magazine, the newspaper or flip on the T.V., I'm hearing about another garden. What brought it to my attention was the nagging feeling that I needed to run to Home Depot to buy some 2x4's and build a garden. Why on earth do I have this urge to build a garden, I thought? Never in my life have I had a garden or desired to have one. But as I see and hear more about them I'm beginning to think this is a trend that isn't going to go away. With many families struggling to make ends meet and the rising costs of food, doesn't it make sense to partake in this bygone tradition?

Is gardening a thing of the past?

During World War I and especially World War II, many Americans were willing to spend time each week gardening out of patriotism and solidarity with the troops. The government launched a nationwide campaign in the 1940s, much like the well-known “Uncle Sam Wants You” military recruiting posters, to remind citizens that gardening was an all-American way to contribute to the war effort. Household victory gardens reduced everyday demand for food at a time when the supply was strained by the needs of soldiers fighting overseas in Europe and the Pacific. Gardening was a way to win the war from the home front.

On March 20th, first lady Michelle Obama hosted the groundbreaking for a White House kitchen garden on the South Lawn. The 1,100-square-foot garden will include 55 kinds of vegetables, including peppers, spinach and, yes, arugula. (The selection is a wish list put together by White House chefs.) There will also be berries, herbs and two hives for honey that will be tended by a White House carpenter who is also a beekeeper. The chefs will use the produce to feed the first family, as well as for state dinners and other official events.

You may not have the White House staff to help you along your unfamiliar path of gardening, but there are several websites that can help. For starters look to the majors like Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Living. Also, look at Smith and Hawkin for supplies. Its worth the effort to try. You may find yourself a new hobby and your kids will love it!

Upcoming Color Trends for 09

We have noticed an overwhelming saturation in earth tone colors mixed with alarming brights. But what we love most about this upcoming design trend, is the back-to-basics feel. Limed oaks mixed with post-it-note yellows, and sophisticated grays mixed with yellows, rose and khaki greens. We have also noticed the sticking power of cool blues, and hershey browns. Another up and coming trend is the influx of industrial chic which we posted on a few weeks ago, Notable Design Trend. Pics courtesy of www.myhomeideas.com

Amanda Burdge discusses the Items we love

The mod graphic prints from Swedish designer Orla Kiely will soon be available at Target. A new and fantastically affordable home wares line will include serving trays, tumblers, mugs and chic aprons. Kiely’s retro-inspired designs will be available starting February, both in stores and online. target.com

Inspiration for the Brush Vase started with a tin can full of brushes in my studio," says designer Harry Allen. Known for his unique and often quirky artistic vision—his gold-leafed replica of a baby pig became a must-have piece for any adventurous designer—Allen asks us to look at ordinary items in a new light. The vase includes a custom form fitting glass insert to hold water and is available in both chrome and white. areaware.com

Fireplaces by Napoleon. Available in gas or electric these beautiful fireplaces are now available in numerous contemporary options.

Let your drapes take shape with magnetic curtains from swiss designer Florian Krautli. The fabric has embedded magnets so the pliable fabric can be gathered into a variety of fun shapes.

The hand-carved Raw chairs are Swedish designer Jens Fager’s spin on traditional seating for Muuto (special order; aplusrstore.com).