Luxury Décor Trends 2016

Besides the recent typical trends in home décor; mid-century, marble and rose gold, black and brass, modern décor, navy and gold as well as wanderlust décor there are more subtle trends that can emphasize your home a bit more. Many of the mentioned themes have a common almost ‘sub-theme’ that can be utilized when designing a space.

For instance, within ‘modern décor’, ‘black and brass’, ‘marble and rose gold’, there’s the theme of geometry coupled with metals, or metal finishes. Taking this sub-trend can create a whole new look.

Another example is within mid-century and wanderlust. Many people who travel go to third-world countries and often pick up inspiration from local craftsman and artists, but why not utilize local crafts into your home, rather than finding something that’s been inspired by it? Using the actual object not only supports the artists and designers, but also provides a unique atmosphere in any room.

1. Copper Stackable Boxes – Retail value: $140.95

Take these Copper Stackable Boxes from Novica; the beauty of the Andes and its most famous landmarks inspire the design of these jewelry boxes. The set of four stackable boxes includes scenes from everyday life as well as the glorious Inca city of Macchu Pichu. Angel Franco includes the legendary tumi knife and Wallallo Carwancho, a mighty Inca deity who was then punished for demanding human sacrifices. Another box is adorned with the Raimondi stela of Chavin artistry, and the last one features Lord Wiracocha, the mightiest of all Inca deities. Franco evokes the scenes with fine expertise as he crafts each copper box by hand with bronze details.

2. Eclipse Black and White Strip Umbrella – Retail value: $599

Or this ultra chic, modern umbrella from cb2; Chic shelter, crank open and unfurl a modern square shade in classic black and white stripes. Black powder coated aluminum pole/fittings; matching gridiron base and galvanized hardware are all rust-resistant. Spun polyester umbrella shade is two-meters square and can raise/lower/tilt as need be. Iron base is easy to move.

3. Artistic Texture – Neiman Marcus– Retail value: $1,500

Another trend that I’ve seen that falls under the ‘artistic’ realm is texture, through abstract painting, watercolor, or other form of art; texture has become huge. To easily achieve texture in a room, you can add a huge abstract panting from places like West Elm, Horchow, and any luxury home décor store or from the artists themselves.

4. Macramé – Etsy Retail Value: $148.51

Macramé is a textile knotting technique that was popular in the 1970s but is now making a comeback for a unique décor aspect for any room. If you are looking for distinctive, statement wall art, for that big blank wall that you don’t know what to do with or to cover a shallow closet, consider finding an artist or pre-made macramé curtain. It will bring an unexpected touch of texture into a room.

5. Patterns

You can create a chic look instantly with bold, geometric patterns. You can apply a pattern anywhere from the wall itself, to the decorative pillow on the couch, to a small area rug in your living room. One technique that I’ve seen over and over again is using patterns as an accent wall, but also if you are into the ‘boho’ look, you can create a modern, yet bohemian look with a well mix and matched pattern look for your home.

6. Calligraphic – GRAHAM AND GREEN Retail Value: £235.00

In addition to the geometric trend, I have seen calligraphic shapes from all elements of home décor. To swooping mid-century lamps, to foil calligraphic quotes printed out large, to swirls in patterns on rugs and other surfaces. Calligraphic elements help relax the atmosphere of the room and create a calming experience.

7. Monotone Interiors

While rose gold and metallic finishes are having their spotlight in recent trends, another subtle trend is monotone interiors. Designers have taken one color family and designing an interior with using different shades of that color family. The best I’ve seen are shades of gray with a pop of yellow. Or shades of off-white to help offset a pure white room. It can be done extremely well with a balance of the shades.

If you don’t want to be super-trendy, but still have an up-to-date home, you can look to these above trends to help create a fresh look. Sometimes just following one trend can update a home in more ways than one and still be subtle by it.

Beautiful World International

An international luxury lifestyle media brand and concept. BWI Magazine – The Art of Living Well.
www.bwimagazine.com.

Grotta Giusti – My Experience

Last May I went to Italy for an artist-in-residency; specifically, La Macina di san Cresci in Greve in Chianti. I wanted to maximized my time there and utilize what was in my surroundings. I had done plenty of research before my time in Tuscany and came across Grotta Giusti. What I loved about this place was that it was a bit off the beaten path, yet fueled by culture and Italian vibes.

Grotta Giusti is located in Monsumano Terme, just east of Pisa in the province of Pistioa, in the heart of Tuscany. On their website they describe the Terme as the “Eighth Wonder” of the world. With its’ majestic stalagmites and masterfully sculpted cave walls, it’s really no wonder that it is called the eighth wonder!

Getting to Grotta Giusti was a voyage in of itself. I had originally planned on just spending the afternoon at the Terme, but then realized a night at the spa wasn’t that much more and felt for the distance I was traveling, I thought a night was better.

Greve in Chianti, was an hour by bus from Florence and it was about an hour from Florence train station to Monsumano Terme. This specific terme was the largest thermal cave in Europe and stretches two hundred meters below the resort.

During my stay I feasted on exceptional, gourmet Tuscan food, relaxed in the massage room and enjoyed a dip in the guest-only thermal pool. It was a nice treat to myself after working long hours for the past several months and a reward for achieving a goal of mine that was both financial and personal.

If you are looking for something that is a bit off the beaten path in Italy during your next trip, be sure to check out Grotta Giusti. I do highly recommend the experience, as it is unique to the country of Italy and you would not find anything else like it anywhere else! Unless you plan to explore the surrounding areas or are on a honeymoon, a night or two is extremely affordable to experience Grotta Giusti and just enough time to spend at the resort.

beautiful world international

An international luxury lifestyle media brand and concept. BWI Magazine – The Art of Living Well.
www.bwimagazine.com.