Largely thanks to last year’s Royal Wedding and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee as well as the impending London-based summer Olympics, we’ve seen a surge of Britannia in home décor. From crowns to the iconic Union Jack, designers and anglophiles alike are jumping on the (double-decker) bandwagon.

Long Live the Queen

The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is the international celebration through the entire year, marking the 60^th anniversary of her reign. Queen Victoria is the only other monarch in the histories of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia to have celebrated their diamond. We’ve been inspired across the pond and are infusing the Queen and her crown into our homes.

Queen clock by Naked Decor
Keep Calm and Carry On print from Etsy
Crowns and Coronets wallpaper by Graham & Brown
Lisa Bengtsson Dog tea towel by Rocket St George
Victoria pillow by BlissLiving Home
Victoria Mint linens by Blissliving Home

Jack is Back

Here’s your history lesson for the day: In the early 1700s, the flag was called “The Union,” and Navy ships flew it from a jackstaff, therefore dubbing the name “Union Jack.” The design is an infusion of Great Britain’s properties’ flags – England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Today it’s seen as both a nod to style and patriotism.

UK-based HALO has been making large pieces of handcrafted furniture with nods to the motherland since 1976, from sofas to trunk to footstools. Always a favorite at High Point market, the to-the-trade company is a great go-to for a bold design on traditional silhouettes. For another stately (and statement-making) piece, Smeg offers a 50’s retro-style refrigerator with an all-over union design.  If your style is more wild child than royal princess, look no further than Jimmie Martin who designs in-your-face funky furniture for the décor daring.

It’s hard to go wrong with an international icon at your feet. Vivienne Westwood created a watercolor-like rug, exclusively for The Rug Company and Jonathan Adler combined the British invasion trend with another – the animal print trend – in his cheeky rendition. Want something a little more subtle? Try Z Gallerie’s neutral tones version.

Of course, smaller accessories still make a jolly good statement. BlissLiving Home’s Union Jack pillow is daintier than many versions, featuring a shabby chic floral motif on the St. George’s Cross portion, while Jonathan Adler’s modern coasters add pops of color.

Planning a trip to this destination of inspiration? Check out our extensive antiques market Shopping Guide that will help you weave your way along the cobblestone streets of Portobello Road to Brick Lane.

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If visions of floral-covered curtains, a la 1970s, tied back with trim flash before your eyes when the term “tassle” is mentioned, take note. Tassels are back and the sweetly swinging accents are dusting modern day décor with style.

What began as a stylish flair to fashion accessories last fall is now moving into the home. Clearly a resurged trend from yesteryear, this time tassels are much more versatile than the European-inspired décor they once were so prominently associated with in the ‘70s. Thanks to their many colors and materials, they can be incorporated into any style – from a drawer pull on a vintage desk to a glam lamp switch, masculine ottoman to cozy throw. And though the string style is the same, designers are evolving the ornamental embellishments.

Colors of the Rainbow

Décor for the Future’s Swedish shop has an array of rainbow-hued tones, while Samuel & Sons’ Le Musee Silk Key Tassels collection combines multiple shades in each design, such as pretty pastels, fiery reds and delicious wine-colored dyes.

Rough and Tough

You can add some handsome allure to any furniture piece by clipping on luxe leather tassels, such as the ones created by Dsgns for Etsy, which are sure to stand the test of time. Along with their colorful options, Décor for the Future features designs on the other end of the décor spectrum, like these accented with rock star-quality rhinestones and skulls.

Glitz and Glam

The main attraction in Wendy Cushing’s unique Murano Collection is the hand-blown glass decorative beads, in rich colors such as smoke, olive Amethyst and chestnut, adding pure opulence to any contemporary room. Plush tassel tiebacks from Osborne & Little’s Pompadour Collection feature eight elegant colors adorned with a globe of cut Swarovski crystals, for a truly glamorous effect.

Haute Couture

If you’re vying for truly eccentric tassle tastes, look no further than Spina. The design house effortlessly blends art and fashion into the tiny accessories, giving the classic adornment an haute couture twist that would make your grandmother blush. Their tiebacks feature fringe with exotic feathers from goose and coque, topped with baubles covered in chenille, and edged with faceted crystal beadwork. And they go from the air to the sea, with carefully crafted tiebacks featuring genuine Sardinian coral.

From simple and chic to truly vogue designs, we love that the tassel is back on top.

Photo: Teri Lyn Fisher for Domicile Interior Design

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With the sun dipping below the horizon a little later each day, it’s time to infuse some sheer fabric into your home, opening the windows and inviting the warm glow of sunshine in.

The lightweightness of sheer allows a simple breeze to instantly send your curtains and canopies (and heart) aflutter, while bringing a sense of elegance and femininity to a design. But before you begin incorporating the see-through styles, keep these five tidbits in mind:

1. Sheer and Simple: Skinny rods compliment lightweight curtains. Adding a chunky valance will take away from the wispy effect you’re going for with a sheer curtain.
2. Pattern Play: When people think of sheers, they immediately think of solid ivory or white. Adding sheers with subtle patterns adds interest; however, keep the tones simple in order to maintain the airy look, such as these from the Windrose collection of Home Fabrics.

3.  Kiss the Floor: In order for your window treatments to fly freely, steer away from puddling the fabric onto the floor. Designers are moving away from this trend and instead opting for their curtains to “kiss the floor.”

Photo from The Old Painted Cottage

4.  Tulle Texture: Thought tulle was just for brides-to-be? Think again! Perfect for little girls’ rooms or nurseries, the sheer fabric is ideal for crafting décor accessories or canopies fit for a princess.

5.  Color: Sheer curtains in jewel-like tones can have an ethereal effect on a room. Deep turquoise or orange can turn an everyday living room into a Moroccan fantasy, or a pastel pink can bring a sense of enchantment into a bedroom. Think of what works with your individual décor and don’t be afraid of a little bit of color.

Photo: Rethink Design Studio; Home Fabrics; Design*Sponge; : The Old Painted Cottage; House & House Architects

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Everything that glistens isn’t always gold … or silver or bronze. We’ve already covered how hot metallics are in design right now, but one of our favorite aspects with this trend is that the sheen is being seen in a variety of hues. Not sure where to start? Check out my seven tips for decorating with the peacock-esque colors:

1. You can create a similar metallic effect by layering various shades of one color on top of each other. The tile by Mosaico seen here is simply thousands of squares along the same color spectrum but combined together, they give off a pixelated, luminous effect.

2.  Metallics create a reflective surface and if they’re colored, it makes it that much more of a statement. Keep your condo from being clubby by pairing with neutral linens and contrasting textures like wood or brick.

3.  Keep colorful metallics away from pastels, as the metallics’ intense tone can make the pastels appear dull.

4.  Keep your metallics near a light source or window to add instant sparkle to a room.

5.  While I strongly encourage mixing neutral metallics, mixing colored ones can create a sense of circus-like chaos on large surfaces. For furniture, walls and other statement pieces, stay in the color family, mixing it up with various shades of that hue. This jewel tone design features many colorful metallic accessories but they’re all anchored with the neutral couch and wall.

6.  While metallics easily fit with an exotic or glamour design, don’t be afraid to include it in your everyday design. You don’t have to go Moroccan to enjoy metallics!

7.  Do go big! A metallic-colored wall can make a large room feel much more intimate or a small room look like a regal enclave.

Products:

Regent Metallics Paint by Ralph Lauren Home
Daliya Capiz Pendant, Eau De Nil by Laura Ashley
Andora Pillow by Z Gallerie
Velvet Pillow by Pier1 Imports
Pandora Trevira fabrics by Lorca for Osborne & Little
French Hot Pink Commode by French Boutique
Bernadini Damson Area Rug by Designers Guild

Photo: Mosaico, liladelman.com, outblush.com

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Take a walk on the wild side by incorporating animal prints into your home décor. To ensure your design is tasteful instead of tacky, a good rule of thumb is to use only one type of animal print on one item in your room. Here’s a breakdown of three of the most popular prints:

Black, White and Style All Over: Zebra prints add zing to any space, and the easiest (and most popular) way to incorporate zebra is with a rug. To keep it from being the sole presence in the room, combine it with various colors and textures, as seen here in this design by Elizabeth Gordon.

Another fabulous look that is sure to turn heads is adding zebra print to your stairs.

Camila from High-Heeled Foot in the Door created a similar style using wall decals (which can easily be peeled off when ready for a new look).  Or, go literal with wall décor with a mounted faux zebra head (psst … faux taxidermy is another trend!) or wallpaper starring the chic creature.

Zebra Cowhide Rug by West Elm
Zebra Pillar Candles by Z Gallerie
Oly Faux Zebra Oliver Ottoman from The Picket Fence
Round Leather Wrapped Table Lamp by Ralph Lauren Home
Zebras Wallpaper by Scalamandre
Mounted Zebra by Evolution

Seeing Spots: Playing with leopard or cheetah prints can quickly become dangerous, a la Playboy Mansion circa 1989, so it’s better to be safe and slowly work this trend into your home. Start with one piece, such as a pillow, rug or ottoman and build on it. Leopard print has a very Old Hollywood Glamour appeal, and pairs well with jewel tones and mirrored furniture.

Even if you prefer subtle style, you can mix it with a variety of patterns, textures and colors and it almost becomes a neutral, as seen in this design by Emily Johnston of EJ Interiors (don’t spot the spots? The print is on the chaise lounge – see how subtle it can be?!).

Spot 101: The technical difference between leopard and cheetah prints is cheetahs’ are dark, one-color spots while leopards have two-tone (and considered rosette-like) spots, but both styles have the same effect. Jaguar prints are also sometimes seen in décor (though less than other cats) and their markings also include rosetted dots but with spots in the center as well as a darker, thicker outline.

Cheetah Fabric by Ballard Designs
Leopard Flannel Bedding by Garnet Hill
Suzanne Kasler Jaguar Rug from Zinc Door
Leopard Decorative Pillow from Target
Leopard Melamine Plate by Stationery Studio

Gaga for Giraffe: A longtime favorite for nurseries, giraffe print is slowly growing up and making its way into the rest of the home.

Lazy Susan Nested Faux Giraffe Boxes from Candelabra
Giraffe Appetizer Plates from Animal Print Essentials
Michael Kors Narobi Cotton Sheets from Safari Bedding
Giraffe Print Ottoman from Walmart
Giraffe Print Pillow Cover from The Foundary
Giraffe Fabric from Brunschwig & Fils by Kravet

Animal Rebellion: Of course, what’s design without breaking a few rules? Joe Nye effortlessly styles this Los Angeles condo with both leopard and zebra prints. The neutral color walls (Benjamin Moore’s Shenandoah Taupe) help anchor the design.

For an unexpected nod to the safari style, grab your favorite animal print in an unnatural hue such as green, blue or yellow, which allows you to add print to a room no matter the color palette.

Sunflower Zebra Print Chair by Horchow
Green Zebra Porcelain Tray by Furbish Studio
Blue Leopard Print Fabric by Duralee
Giraffe Reese/White Fabric from Premier Fabrics
Drum Pendant in Giraffe in Tangerine Orange by Alluminare

Photo credits: EJ Interiors; Joe Nye design by Jonn Coolidge

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A new trend that is seemingly taking shape is geometric patterns.  A far cry from your high school geometry class (thank goodness!), bold chevrons, Moorish circles and decorative diamonds are receiving top grades from designers.

Room Service wallpaper

In fact, we saw a ton of symmetrical styles at the New York International Gift Fair.

oomph tiny II stone table

However, decorating with such a bold design can be a disaster if not done properly, so here are 10 rules for decorating with geometric prints:

1. Opt for larger scale patterns for larger spaces and vice-versa.
2. Color is critical when playing with shapes. Choose a color family that is incorporated in all of the patterns to create a unified feel.
3. A little goes a long way! Use bold prints in small doses, such as a single throw pillow or small rug, to make a big statement.
4. Tone down the contrast in colors as the space gets larger.
5. A common trick of the trade is to juxtapose modern shapes with more classic ones.
6. To prevent any epileptics from having a seizure when they step into your home, break up patterns with other textures and colors – a mirror between two geometric art displays, a solid-colored couch for the bold throw pillows. The stability will help ground the geometrics.
7. Keep structured patterns, such as diamonds and chevrons, from looking too rigid by pairing them with curves, such as a circular rug or round frame. The contrast will also add to the visual interest.
8. If you go for the gusto with geometric patterns, keep the rest of the room neutral to prevent it from looking overly busy.
9. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. Patterns give a room character – some of the most fabulous interiors feature 5-7 different patterns.
10. Using multiple patterns of the same scale is a one-way ticket to Cluttersville. Be sure to vary your patterns between small, medium and large.

Dransfield & Ross

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Ever since it was dubbed as Pantone’s Color of the Year in 2010, turquoise has been a hot hue season after season. Its staying power has proven that this trend isn’t going anywhere — unlike some colors that seemingly failed to stick (Mimosa, anyone?) – giving us the confidence to invest in more than tabletop turquoise accessories. This trend is clearly safe to go for the gusto, so try it out for the long term with these big ticket items:

Lighting:
Brighten up a room with more than just the bulbs. Switch out chrome pendant lighting for ones in the fresh turquoise shade, such as this Urban Outfitters Stella Floor Lamp ($119) or the Empire Chandelier by Marjorie Kouras Design ($6,900).

Flooring:
Add a splash of color to your floors with rugs such as these geometric options from Four Chairs Furniture ($60) and Land of Nod ($189, simple and sweet (we love this turquoise jute rug from Soft Surroundings, $275) or go floral with rugs from Emma Home ($187). If you’ve fallen hard for the hue, cover your flooring with the trend using specialty paints and stencils.

Wallpaper:
A fresh coat of turquoise paint can bring some sea breeze style into your home. If you want to pass on the coastal charm, aim for a more whimsical option. The Lofty Larks Wallpaper pattern from Anthropologie ($88), featuring soaring birds and a plethora of spindly vintage birdcages, is nothing short of enchanting. For a design that is a little more low key, Thibaut’s Waterbury Trail in aqua features a sophisticated floral motif to adorn your walls.

Chairs:
Line the greenish blue hue around a dining room table, as with this plush printed Parsons Side Chair ($99), cozy up with turquoise in a tufted wing chair, like this beauty from Lee Industries ($1,358), or relax in a casual family room on a vibrant Moroccan pouf from Jonathan Adler ($295).

Furniture:
Go bold with large statement furniture pieces in the bright color. Add the calming color to the bedroom with the shabby chic Drake Bed by Layla Grace ($2,079) or the vintage-inspired GiGi Nightstand by Urban Outfitters ($149). The Zoe Cabinet from Urban Home ($899) is a stylish way to stay organized, while the Stray Dog Designs Stump ($330) infuses the turquoise trend with faux bois, creating a pop of color on an unexpected transitional surface.

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This industrial glam trend was all fired up at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show last week.  Whether you use iron in the room or as a detail to accessorize, here are some of my favorite iron pieces from the show.

I love DESIGNLUSH!  This is just one of their many FAB pieces!  This multi-pendant ceiling fixture makes a great statement and adds a sculptural element to a room.

We discovered the Taylor Group at the show.  They make wonderful custom lighting and use iron in almost all of their pieces.  I couldn’t resist this interesting iron wall clock.  How cool!

These industrial chic iron and hand blown glass sconces are another one of their great looks.

Another one of my favorite vendors for this style is Strawser & Smith.  These “grate” (great!) pendants are a beautiful example of their creativity.

This credenza is one of my go-to pieces for an industrial look.  What a perfect combination of iron paired with re-purposed steel and wood.

This year’s Architectural Digest show was one of the best I’ve been to!  And remember…Confidence Begins at Home!

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Nailhead accent furniture, like pearl earrings, make an outfit. Not necessary, but when added it makes the look feel complete and rises it to a new level of splendor. The nailhead trim trend (whoa, tongue twister!) can be seen from sofas to side tables, pillows to pedestals, and everywhere in between and in styles from refined to raw.

My favorite element about this trend is that it’s DIY-friendly. You can instantly turn a shabby wing chair into an elegant West Elm replica literally within an afternoon. Here are three great DIY projects from bloggers who have hit the nail on the head when it comes to style.

First up, this gorgeous linen-covered side table by Bernhardt Furniture, pricing at just under $1,500. The feminine silhouette is highlighted by the contrastingly masculine trim, which gives it a global flair, as if it has a rich history of its own.

Jessica from Mad in Crafts, created a similar look under $6! After sanding an old 1970s reject piece and covering it with a creamy coat of paint, it turned out to be perfect basis for the makeover. Using a drill, tacks from the dollar store, a flower pattern and lots of patience, she created a show-stopping look for her entryway. “I love that my new entryway table greets our guests with a massive dose of style and design,” she exclaims. “It was such a bland space before, now it demands attention!” Read about the full project here.

The second to-die-for DIY is nailhead trim on a fabulous upholstered chair, similar to the stunning Foley chair from Horchow (pricing at a whopping $2,099!). Janell walks us through, step-by-step, over at her blog Isabella and Max Rooms, converting a basic living room piece into a designer’s dream. She used a tape measure as a guide to help position the nailhead trims at even intervals, hammering them in place. “A safe bet is to run the trim around the lower edge of the piece of furniture, though I chose to run the nails up the outer lines of the chair to really showcase the shape of this chair,” she advises. For the full tutorial, see here.

Last, but certainly not least, is a DIY nailhead trim headboard by Kate of Centsational Girl. Nailhead trimming around a headboard is perhaps one of the easiest projects yet creates a dramatic effect.  Add nailhead trimming to your already upholstered headboard or follow her intricately detailed steps here to creating the entire piece, all for under $70. She recommends Beacon Fabric  for nailhead trim kits and used the French Natural and Pewter colors in this project. Your finished product will rival a mass-produced piece, such as the Rival Empire Headboard from Urban Outfitters ($598).

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A fabulous piece of mirrored furniture can act like magic in your home décor – it gives the illusion of a bigger, brighter room, while adding hints of glimmer (and who doesn’t want that?!).  It is versatile with styles, effortlessly finding a place in contemporary, glam and vintage, and the shiny surface complements well with other textures like soft textiles, satin woods and clear plexi.

Thanks to the gleam, vibrant accessories pop even more so when they are paired with mirrored furniture, as seen here in this bedroom design by Rachel Reid. If the dresser had been a deep stained oak or even a rustic chic white, the colorful pillows and flowers wouldn’t have had the presence they boast here.

Try pairing mirrored finishings with plexi and Lucite furniture, as seen in this design by Tobi Fairley. “The continual use of plexi and mirrored furniture enables a delightful melding of the surrounding colors that would have otherwise been hindered by the distraction of uncomplimentary materials,” says Fairley. “It’s subtle yet imaginative.”

The mirrored furniture makes this office space, designed by Vanessa DeLeon, go from drab to fab. The brilliant white intensifies as it reflects off of the surfaces, and again, we see it paired with a great Lucite chair.

Here are some fabulous mirrored pieces to recreate these looks at home:

The Collette Vanity from The Place Furniture Galleries
Faceted Mirror Side Table from West Elm
Borghese Mirrored Chest from Z Gallerie
Amelie Mirrored Nightstand from Horchow
Borghese Mirrored End Table from Z Gallerie
Golden Bamboo Antique Mirrored Tables from Layla Grayce

Photography credits: Nat Rea for Rachel Reid, Tobi Fairley, Vanessa DeLeon

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