Modern Goes Global

The global decorating trend is still going strong. It's easier than ever to find unique objects that can take your home from "modern" to "modern eclectic."

For example, we just discovered a local treasure called Ring of Fire, which imports goods from Bali and Southeast Asia. Look at these colors and textures -- so inspiring!

Used strategically, these treasures can really add an extra pop to an otherwise modern space. We picked up a few of these gorgeous umbrellas to brighten up our backyard . . .

. . . and we found these beautiful white boxes that add an exotic touch to our modern orange bench.

And check out this painting, created by a Balinese street artist -- you'd think we bought it in a gallery rather than an import store!

Here in Berkeley, there are many import stores that offer eclectic decor options. For Moroccan treasures, check out Sahara, and African Fashion, Gifts and Crafts Center is full of goods from all over Africa.

Many major retailers have also jumped on the global bandwagon. West Elm's newest collection includes pieces created by Potter's Workshop, a South African artist collective.

Also at West Elm are the Kuba Benches, covered in a traditional handwoven Congolese textile called Kuba cloth. Each is one-of-a-kind.

And CB2 offers "One of a Finds"-- described as "original works created in collaboration with passionate artisans we discover on our travels around the world."

You can make a big impact in your home by adding unexpected items, especially when they're from another part of the world. Use an Indian sari as a tablecloth, or put your mail in a handwoven basket from Guatemala. Keep your eyes open for unique finds -- and bring a global touch to your modern space.

Going Global in Your Home

The global/ethnic craze that started a couple of years ago with Ikat fabric and Moroccan rugs is still going strong -- and we are glad! Check out the new book by Australian designer Sibella Court, Nomad: a global approach to interior style. It's packed with textures, patterns and colors from around the world, all incorporated in brilliant ways within the home.

This book it truly a feast for your eyes, and inspirational beyond belief. It's making us look at our artifacts in new ways. And even if you've never traveled farther than the next state, you can find global treasures in antique stores and flea markets everywhere.

The new West Elm catalog, called roads less traveled, features goods handmade in Morocco.

The photos are breathtaking and just invite you to jump into these rich colors and luxurious textures.

Of course, it's always great to see how real people incorporate these trends within their own homes. The new Elle Decor features the space of designer Steven Johanknecht. Look how he carefully combines the kilim rug, a throw from Mexico, Navajo-inspired pillows, and raw wood.

And his outdoor space is just as inviting, with an eclectic mix of copper bells, colorful pillows and bright globe lights.

Yesterday we found our own great example of a global-chic Indian-inspired pillow at Nest, a unique boutique on Fillmore in San Francisco. We love the little shells at the corners and the tiny mirror sewn in the middle.

What do you have hidden away in your cupboards that might make interesting decor? Textiles, knick-knacks and ceramics from your travels might be just what you need to bring more individuality to your home.

We're in a New York State of Mind

Fresh off the plane from New York, we're bursting with ideas and energy in a way that only the Empire State can inspire. We ♥ NY! Here are the top trends we saw while exploring the city, visiting our favorite shops, checking out the latest restaurants, and people watching on the street.

BLUE Cornflower, Cobalt, Ultramarine, Teal...deep, rich shades of blue were everywhere
INDIAN INFLUENCE The colorful hues of saris and spices, luxurious jewel-toned rugs and pillows
THE NEW NEUTRALS Saddle, oatmeal, eggshell...reclaimed wood, rich leather, flaxen linen
OVALS Two words: Lady Gaga. 'Nuf said, eggs are In.
CITRUS Lime, chartreuse, neon...green is springing up all over

ABC Carpets :: Bergdorf Goodman

ABC Carpets

Bergdorf Goodman

Design Within Reach :: unknown...!

*Credits: Allie McCoy - Photography, Jill McCoy - Photography

Berkeley Eclectic

House Beautiful, Architectural Digest

The hottest new kids on the block are a design collective in LA called "Commune". Their style is equal parts mid-century vintage, bohemian artist, and minimalist zen. We took one look at their spread in House Beautiful, and thought, "that looks an awful lot like the eclectic style we see all over town...". It reminded me of my best friend's hippie parents Berkeley house circa 1978, complete with layered kilims, potted ferns, burlwood tables, and Eames chairs. Commune may be new, but Berkeley's been cultivating this look for years! So here's a little inspiration/interpretation of Visual Jill doing "Berkeley Eclectic", a la Commune.

*Credits: Kyoko Jackson - Photography

Our Faves for Winter 2011

Happy New Year! After the dizzying rush of Christmas, the prospect of the New Year feels so clean and sparkly and, well, new! A chance to start fresh, regroup, and move forward. Here at Visual Jill we're excited for 2011: our website is live and amazing, thanks to our fabulous designer Conrad Jorgensen, our office is clean, and our inspiration board is overflowing with our latest ideas, discoveries, and faves for the season. We thought it would be fun to share with you some of the trends we're seeing right now. In the design world, thoughts are already well into Spring, but even here in California, we still have at least two more months of winter. So here are our faves for Winter 2011 to help you ring in the New Year with some bright, bold, and cozy inspiration:

Fight the wintertime blues with a shot of bright, warm and festive orange. Even the Farmer's Market is on trend, with oranges, clementines, and other citrus making their seasonal appearances!

Get grounded after the holiday rush and re-center yourself as the New Year begins. Take time for yourself, stop and breathe, make space for in your life for simplicity. Saffron, sandalwood, ikat, and paisley can help you remember to Be Here Now.

Regal and rich, purple has enough depth to trudge through a snowbank, the warmth to fend off an icy chill, and the presence to do it all with grace and beauty. The dreary days of winter can try to dampen your spirits, but purple will always prevail.

 

Op Art, bold graphics, and retro-inspired pop are having a moment. With clean, crisp lines, strong shapes, and vivid colors, a dash of any of these makes things fun and hip, with just enough edge to keep you on your toes.

When all is said and done, there's nothing like straight-up cozy to keep you warm until the Spring thaw. Pull on a fluffy, cashmere sweater, wrap yourself in a faux-fur throw, brew of cup of tea, and grab a good book. It is winter after all, and since you can't beat it, you might as well enjoy it!

*Credits: Conrad Jorgensen - Photography