Robin Baron Design

Silly Bandz, yes, those colorful rubber bracelets stacked high on the wrists of every tween in America, were the inspiration for one of the coolest designs at the Architectural Digest Home Show last week.

North Carolina-based Snug Furniture always amazes with ultra-inspired designs, but for me, their Silly Table takes the cake. The coconut twig inlays give the table a stripy quality that comes second only to the silhouette itself.

If tween-trends continue to serve as high-design inspiration, we may be seeing a Justin Bieber Barcelona chair before we know it!

Autumn is finally here! Next to Spring, it is my favorite season.  I love to wear cool jackets with my favorite boots and layer it up with my favorite accessories. So I say, why not channel that inspiration into your home as well? I still hold on to my fashionista roots, having started my career as a fashion designer. I thought it would be fun to take a look at this season’s fashion trends from Bryant Park and see how they translate into the home…you don’t get much more fun than that!

Draping

Runway: These Grecian touches are appearing everywhere and the designers are discovering very creative ways to use this draping detail. Whether it is classically tailored in a suit (like this fabulous Victoria Beckham that I can’t wait to own) or elegantly flowy in an evening dress, draped fabric relays the message of chic and relaxed, could you ask for any better feeling in your home?

Home: For a “Posh” living room or bedroom, try an abundance (caution: not too abundant) of luxurious fabric for ceiling to floor window treatments, again juxtaposed with the tailored structure of these Hunter Douglas wood blinds. Streamlined and elegant is the perfect combination.

Texture

Runway: Fur, feather, and leather. Do you get more luxe than that? Whether you follow the Mercedes Benz Fashion Weeks religiously or not, it shouldn’t be hard to notice from a quick stroll through your favorite boutique that faux is fabulous right now. Alice + Olivia have perfectly exemplified this trend in this rockin little number here. From faux fur vests, leather dresses and skirts, to feathered accessories, they all just make you hunger for the warm luxury that the brisk Autumn breeze is about to demand.

Home: It may not be obvious to everyone how to translate this trend into your home but you can. Have a ball with an array of fun throw pillows on your couch or a cozy faux fur blanket across your bedroom chaise. You will begin to feel like royalty as you notice the difference a few accessories can make. Don’t be afraid to try daring things like a full feather embellished pillow or a fringed statement like the one I show here from West Elm! Those fierce little touches will make a bold statement.

Asymmetry

Runway: Give a little, take a little. Things don’t always have to be even and equal. Quite often the most interesting design you find is built on this idea. The Fall catwalk was flooded with one shoulder dresses or ruching “up to there.” It kept things spicy and interesting like this Alexander McQueen ensemble (which actually also gives a nod to the draping trend)!

Home: This is an easy trend to incorporate into your home because it may just be a matter of rearranging the fabulous pieces you already own! You can try something as simple as a large floor lamp resting on only one side of your couch. But, if you do feel like venturing to a store…how about an eclectic bunch of empty frames? They can all be different and be hung in a cluster on the wall or overlap each other resting on a shelf. Either way add some personality to the items you place inside, you will create your own custom artwork like these fun frames from Pottery Barn! Plus, this can give your office a welcomed break from the serious by adding a bit of whimsy. I believe that great design is about balance, so even with asymmetry your adding a lot here and counter balancing appropriately there.

Trends are fun but you don’t have to break the bank to keep up with them. With minor tweaking periodically, you can maintain a fashionable yet classic paradise.

Trend: Animal Prints

Translation: This bold statement is always in style!  Keep animal prints fresh by incorporating them into your home in surprising or unexpected ways.  Use leopard print fabric as contrasting trim on an occasional chair or pony hide tiles as an elegant wall detail.  Try a snakeskin print lampshade for a hint of cool, or brighten up any room with faux animal prints in a variety of bold colors.

photo via Robin Baron Design, Nancy Corzine’s Napolian Chairs custom upholstered with leopard print fabric.