Decor Trends & Tips Fall 2009: Bloom

Butterfly window treatments
Butterfly Bench
Amy Butler Rug
Nature and the beauty of flowers, butterflies and all that blooms has never been more inspiring - literally. And color from nature's garden: Cool blues, royal purple, bright pink, red rose, yellow and lime green are the perfect pops of color for accessorizing this Fall. There is a renewed appreciation for our environment, whether it is a natural motif or actually organic and eco friendly. It will transcend style or any other trend and it is here to stay...grow & evolve.

So you can feel good about investing in one of a kind hand made items and supporting your local artists. Collecting and combining ethnic, artisan finds from different cultures.

It also means that there is little reason to put away your summer flea market or Target finds.

Enjoy a garden party with your friends inside with the same dinnerware that you used over the summer. Replace sea shells and crisp cottons with a layered look of linens, branches and leaves from your backyard or a huge bouquet of red roses.

Combine your coral prints with warmer beiges and grays.

Bring one great floral rug into a minimal space for a grand statement.

Add texture to your sofa with a mix of damask and floral embellished throwpillows, cashmere and wool throws.

Julie & Julia - Happy Birthday Julia

Tomorrow is Julia Child's birthday, born August 15, 1912. Like many, my husband and I went to see Julie & Julia last Saturday night. Yes, there are some harsh critics out there, but I thought it was just wonderful! I knew I was going to love the scenes in Paris and the food of course, since I love to cook and I love everything French. Meryl Streep was fantastic, a complete transformation from let's say, her character in Mama Mia. But I was also particularly inspired by Julie's commitment to her blog. And Julie & Julia's mutual desire to make a difference with food and writing.

It has inspired me to take time to revel in joie de vivre. This week, we have taken time to look at our pictures from Paris & Provence, enjoy wine together on our balcony in the evenings and I am reading My Life in France, Julia's memoir. I also tracked down Julie's blog http://www.juliepowell.blogspot.com/. Reading all of her previous entries and her current insight is fascinating.

This will be the first of my posts celebrating everything I love French. We will also begin Miami Moments for those living in South Florida. Miami Moment: Through September 4, Darryl Moiles, executive chef at Four Seasons Palm Beach is offering a special menu featuring Julia Child’s favorite recipes from The Art of Cooking. Julia Child frequently dined at Four Seasons Boston and visited the kitchen where Chef Moiles began his career.

Elizabeth Bailey's Eco Friendly Bedroom - Hampton Designer Showhouse

courtesy of Newsday

courtesy of Interior Design

The Hampton Designer Showhouse on Long Island opened July 26th and pictures of the rooms have been circulating. This year, I am inspired by the eco friendly bedroom designed by Elizabeth Bailey. She layers a soft color palette of pinks and blue/gray with luxe upholstery and elegant yet organic fabrics to create a show stopping bed. By combining high end furniture and fine antiques with vintage pieces and great artwork, I think this room becomes a beautiful example of modern, thoughtful, sustainable design. I just LOVE it!

I spy too a floor pillow (above) in Aspire by Mod Green Pod. If like me you are so disappointed that you can not be in the Hamptons right now to see for yourself visit Habitually Chic and MA Belle of Rubie Green fabrics( also featured) for more amazing pictures.

New Eco Friendly Art

City Living Baby! is pleased to add artwork by Print Pattern & Paper to our must haves collection. Each piece is a stylish find that is eco friendly or locally made and hand selected for you and your home.

Rebecca Peragine, founder of Print, Pattern and Paper is involved in work around the world that is environmentally conscious and helps better the lives of women, children and families globally....and it is translated through her work . Each piece incorporates natural elements, recycled materials and is printed with soy ink on 100% organic cotton canvas or recycled paper.

But what I love most about these pieces is that they are beautiful. While they have a vintage appeal to me they are fresh & modern. They stand on their own with any style of decor without ever being cutesie or too vibrant. And the brand new ABC's & Numbers posters are perfect learning tools for your little one as well. Each piece will be equally charming in the nursery or playroom as in the kitchen or family room....Enjoy Them!