I’m excited to announce that a new interior design resource is opening in Uptown! FLOR, maker of stylish, affordable, and durable carpet squares is set to open their doors with a grand opening party the evening of Thursday, May 30^th. No more waiting for samples to mail!

The new FLOR showroom is located at 1426 W Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. This Uptown area is becoming a design hotspot. FLOR’s stylish neighbors include ROAM, Design within Reach, CB2, and Jonathan Adler.

Aside from a great selection of colors and designs, choosing FLOR offers many benefits:
1. Easy Assembly & Installation – A flooring product you can install yourself. FLOR’s patented FLORdot adhesives quickly connect squares together. Because the dots connect the squares to each other and not to the floor reconfiguring or removing the product is a breeze.
2. Made for Real Life – FLOR stands up to the wear and tear of daily life. Have a big mess? Change out a few squares instead of an entire room.
3. An Environmentally Responsible Choice – FLOR carpet squares are made with varying
degrees of renewable and recycled content and are recyclable through their Return & Recycle Program.

Whether your style is subdued or funky you’ll enjoy the beauty and versatility of the FLOR collection. Check it out and let me know what you think!

The bright, bold colors that have been trending in interior design and fashion are making their way into the kitchen. High-end appliance companies such as Viking and Bertazzoni are offering ranges, refrigerators and more in fashion-forward colors. While these certainly can add to the design of a space, I worry I would grow tired of this look before the end of the product’s lifecycle. Fortunately, countertop and hand-held kitchen appliance manufacturers are also running with this trend. Because small kitchen appliances are not a major purchase you get the fun of adding a pop of color to your cooking routine without making a major, more permanent investment.

Here are a few of my favorite companies offering colorful small kitchen appliances.

Kitchen Aid
Who doesn’t want to own one of Kitchen Aid’s Artisan Stand Mixers? And now that you can choose from over 20 hot hues, the mixer is even more lust-worthy. I could make some serious cookies in the boysenberry color.

Bodum
The caffeine if your morning coffee gets an extra boost with a Bodum’s BISTRO Electric Coffee Dripper in Red. This product has won both a red dot design award, a stamp of approval from the design community. Prefer French press? There are options for whatever brewing method you prefer!

DeLonghi
Try Delonghi’s KMix DTT02.GR Toaster in Emerald Green (Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year) for on-trend toast.

Cuisinart
A hand blender is one of my favorite kitchen tools. With the color offerings available for the Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Blender I may need to upgrade my white version ASAP.  I love the watermelon color!

These colorful small kitchen appliances are a great way to add fun color to a task you may or may not enjoy – that’s what I call an everyday upgrade. Which would you choose?

The ASID Showcase Home Tour opens this Saturday, May 18^th in Saint Paul, MN! You’ll have to wait a few more days to see the completed project, but I want to share with you a sneak peek of my space, the Cathedral Suite. The Cathedral Suite is a light-filled room with gorgeous views of the St. Paul Cathedral and is also one of four Bed & Breakfast Suites the public will be able to enjoy after the ASID Showcase Home Tour ends. This beautiful rendering of my space was drawn by Megan Doman, of Doman Art.

Cathedral Suite Highlights

• My Vision for the Space: I wanted to space to feel luxurious, bright, and inviting. To do this I designed a color palette centered on a soft sage green and light neutral colors. The main wallcovering has a bit of shimmer to help bounce the natural light around the room. The Mahogany carved headboard, the natural stone bath flooring, the sweeping curves of the room’s chandelier, and the silk-like drapery fabric add a sense of luxury. A sitting area located in the turret draws guests in and invites them to stay awhile. Traditional moldings in the room are painted a crisp white to keep the space looking fresh, while the repurposed dresser, classic subway tile walls in the bathroom, and  leaded glass windows provide a sense of the room’s past.
• Accent Wallpaper: The accent wallpaper installed behind the bed is a unique print that was inspired by an Italian letter written in 1904 and discovered between the pages of a flea market book. Sentences flowing on top of each other in two directions reveal the paper recycling method of the period and transform the written word into a trellis of graceful pen strokes. The wallpaper is Lettera by Weitzner.
• The Turret: With a tailored chair and small-scale accent table, the room’s turret is the perfect place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning or read in the afternoon. The views from the space capture the St. Paul Cathedral if one simply wants to relax, and enjoy the view. Should you desire more privacy, a round drapery rod with fully functioning drapery and an elegant drapery fabric. When closed, the drapery creates a silky cocoon of fabric that encircles the space.
• St. Paul Views: The Frank P. and Anna Shepard House was built before the St. Paul Cathedral, yet the perfectly framed views of the Cathedral from the turret would make you think that the home was built with this architecturally beauty in mind.
• Custom Dresser: The dresser in the Cathedral Suite is a repurposed piece created by Desi Interior Design. The painted surface is a warm neutral that would work in a variety of settings. Inset panels on the side of the piece features elegant, hand-made paper. If you want to own of piece of the ASID Showcase Home this piece is FOR SALE! Contact Desi for details.

I hope to see you at the ASID Showcase Home Tour! Additional information on the can be found here.

Two times per year High Point Market, the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, showcases the newest looks and trends in the design world. Below are five key trends from the Spring/Summer High Point Market.

Monaco Blue & Indigo
Monaco Blue (#19-3964), Pantone’s “it” color for spring, is a vibrant hue that made its mark on a variety of products at the High Point Spring Market. Monaco Blue a versatile shade that can hold its own but also looks great mixed with graphic patterns, which continue to be very popular. Monaco Blue, and similar hues such as Indigo, Hyacinth, and Sapphire, also pair beautifully with other bold colors, such as Emerald Green, Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year.  Try out this hue with an indigo table lamp from Thumprints Lighting or the Jared Navy Lacquer Desk from Worlds Away.

Honeycombs & Hexagons

Geometric hexagon shapes are popping up in a variety of interior décor products, including side tables, accessories, lighting, and more. Graphic patterns have been popular for some time; however, it seems that the honeycomb shape and the patterns it produces are the real stars this season. The Vogue Round Honey Comb Coffee Table from Lucy Smith, with its brightly colored powder-coated finishes, are a fun take on the trend. For a more formal aesthetic, try the Revenel Bookcase, a new introduction from the Celerie Kembel collection for Henredon. Traditional furniture retailer Thomasville is even playing with this trend. Their Honeycomb Pattern Console is indicative of Thomasville’s new design direction.

Geodes & Gems
The rich gemstone colors that have been trending are taking on a more literal approach with home décor items highlighting the geodes and precious stones that inspire the hues. A favorite of mine is the Eclipse Agate Sconce from Emporium Home. This sconce instantly dresses up a wall and simply glows when the sconce is turned on. For a more theatrical take on the trend, the Romano Wall Mirror from Bungalow 5 evokes a large gemstone you might like to wear as a cocktail ring. A display of the artful-looking sliced geodes from Arteriors Home Florence Table Top Collection would be the perfect remedy for a boring console table.

Science & Molecules
Bill Nye (the science guy) might be behind these science-inspired items. New products such as the Molecular themed side table from Gabby Home evoke the idea of molecules, asteroids, and more. Try the Dallas Chandelier from Arteriors Home for an intellectual vibe above a dining table.  Cyan Design offers a scientific twist on the ever-popular sunburst mirror with its Orion Mirror.

The Great Gatsby & Glamour
With the hype surrounding the release of the new Great Gatsby movie there has been a renewed interest in the roaring twenties and Art Deco, a style characterized by geometric shapes, streamlining, and clean shapes.  Introduce elements of opulence into your space with mirrored furniture, iridescent fabrics, and luxurious crystal lighting. Add instant glamour with Currey & Company’s Antiqued Mirror Console or Century Furniture’s Curran Sofa upholstered in a textile with a soft sheen.

Of course, many of the interior design trends from the 2012/2013 High Point Market are still going strong. For a recap of Fall/Winter interior design trends click here.

What are your favorite interior design trends for Spring/Summer 2013?

22 Spaces – 39 designers – All under one roof.
Don’t miss the dramatic transformation of this grand Cathedral Hill mansion!

The American Society of Interior Designs (ASID MN) has once again teamed up with Mpls. St. Paul Magazine to produce the much anticipated ASID Showcase Home. Desi Interior Design is honored to have had the opportunity to design the Cathedral Suite, one of the home’s four public Bed & Breakfast suites!

This year the ASID Showcase Home is the Frank P. and Anna Shepard House, located in the Historic Hill Heritage Preservation District of St. Paul, MN. The district is characterized by the largest concentration of excellent nineteenth century architectural examples in St. Paul. This historic mansion has been transformed by 39 designers into a combination of private residence and public Bed & Breakfast spaces. With 16 tour dates and 13 special events, your chance to view top design trends and details are endless.

Tour Information
The ASID Showcase Home Tour runs May 18 – June 9, 2013. The home is open 10am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday. The home is closed Monday and Tuesday for tours and Saturday, June 1 for a private event. Special events include the Opening Night Gatsby Gala, Culinary Nights, Designer Led Tours, and more.

Tickets: $20 at the door or purchase online

$15 Ticket Outlet Locations
ASID Minnesota (Located in International Market Square), Bachman’s, The Bibelot Shop, D’Amico & Sons, Hirshfields, Intersource, Nina’s Coffee Café, Patina, Rubble Tile, Surdyk’s Liquor & Cheese Shop, Today’s Bed

Community Partners include Cathedral Hill Montessori School and the Junior League of St. Paul.

Stay tuned for a sneak peek of Desi Interior Design’s Cathedral Suite next week!

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12^th which means that you have a little less than two weeks to find the perfect gift. The “World’s Best Mom” mug wasn’t a hit last year so why not help Mom remember why it was worth the effort to raise you with one of these stylish Mother’s Day gifts.

Displays of Affection

Nothing says I love you like a collection of favorite photos featuring you and Mom. The Montage Photo Art Wall Display from Umbra has six panels in various shapes and sizes to create a photo montage that Mom will want to proudly display. The frames are available in a classic white or a funky multi-colored varnish.  Another great product from Umbra is the Rush Photo Display. This option is perfect for Moms with young children or Grandmas. The unique, non-encased design allows users to instantly change out pictures, notes, and art pieces created by their favorite little ones. Its rail-like constructions allows objects to be displayed in a variety of interesting shapes.

Monogramed Luxury
Adding a personal touch to your Mother’s Day gift has never been easier thanks to Mark and Graham. This online shop offers a wide range of products, all available monogramed, making it simple to match the gift to one of Mom’s favorite activities. Does she love to entertain? Try the Linen Satin Stitch Napkins and Placemats. Or is she always on the go? Try their beautiful Canvas and Leather Tote.

Love-ly Objects
When stacked together, the “LOVE” Blocks from House Industries form a beautiful piece of art that Mom can place on her desk as a daily reminder that you care. The four wood blocks, made of replenishable Michigan-grown, kiln-dried basswood,  have the word “love” written in twelve languages including English, Hebrew, French, Swedish, German, Arabic, Greek, Spanish, Bengali, Russian, Japanese, and Korean.

Pampering Products
A beautiful presentation makes these luxurious soaps from Claus Porto even more special to give and to receive. The Guest Soap Pastille gift box set reminds me of a delicious box of French macaroons while the floral paper that wraps the Deco Collection Lize Bath Soap is almost too pretty to open.

What do you plan to give Mom on her special day?

Do you need a home workspace but don’t have the square footage for a dedicated home office? You’re not alone – for city-dwellers it’s common for living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms to serve more than one purpose.  Fortunately, there are plenty of  options available that will make the most of your multi-tasking spaces. Below are some of my favorite modern desk solutions for small spaces.

CB2 – Intimo Secretary Desk
The Intimo Secretary Desk by CB2 is a modern take on a classic piece of furniture. Ready to work? Hinge the top down to access an efficient desktop, complete with space for small supplies and discrete cord management for your electronics. When your day is done, simply flip up the front and consider this a sleek piece of furniture among your décor.  

West Elm – Parsons Mini Desk
The Parsons Mini Desk has all of the style of the iconic Parsons Table, but is scaled down to for smaller space and priced affordably. The desk’s clean lines with a flush supply drawer will integrate seamlessly into your space as a versatile furniture piece.

Arco –Desk Box & Utensils
If you’re really short on space, a floating workspace can be an excellent choice. Deskbox, designed by Raw Edges for Dutch furniture company Arco, is an elegant option. Ideal for personal laptop use, Deskbox can be extended outwards to reveal a larger work or writing surface. When the table isn’t in use it is closed into a compact box that’s half the size of the table top.

The Utensils collection by Arco successfully blurs the line between home and office. Utensils is perfect for when you need to multitask in a variety of spaces around your home. These bistro tables come in a range of heights so they can be placed next to the sofa, armchair, or dining table.

Design Within Reach – Sticotti Shelving
The Sticotti Shelving units from Design Within Reach are certainly not the least expensive option but what a great look! The multi-level shelf system with the desk add-on creates a unique wall system that is functional and beautiful. Not only will you have a stylish workspace, you’ll have a great way to display treasured objects.

Which of these small space solutions do you like best? Have you found a creative way to make the most of your multi-tasking spaces?

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the American Craft Council show in St. Paul, MN. The American Craft Council (ACC) is a national, nonprofit educational organization founded in 1943. Events, such as the one held in St. Paul, help to serve the ACC’s mission which is to promote understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft. While there were many great exhibitors at the show, I thought I would share some of my favorite in relation to home décor, furniture, and accessories.

LH Originals – Minneapolis, MN
Louise Harris is the talented artist behind Relief Circles by LH Originals. Harris’ original artwork is created out of recycled metal. The source material begins its journey in Mexico, where the initial circles are punched out of a flat sheet of metal to produce bottle caps. The remaining metal sheet is then sent to a manufacturing plant in Chicago, Illinois where it is made into furnace filters. The metal sheet enters its final iteration as a piece of abstract art created by LH Originals. I love the simplicity, colors, and dimension of these pieces. Profits from relief circles are donated to non-profit organizations around the world.

Jennifer McCurdy – Vineyard Haven, MA
The beautiful vessels created by artist Jennifer McCurdy begin as translucent porcelain body thrown on a potters wheel. While still wet, McCurdy alters the form to achieve a sense of softness and movement. When the piece is leather hard, she then carves designs in the clay to add energy and counterpoint. The finished pieces have a smooth bone-like quality while being very fluid in form. I especially enjoyed McCurdy’s pieces where the fine porcelain exterior is combined with a 23 carat gold leaf gilded interior. These vessels simply glow.

Woodsport – Minneapolis, MN
Woodsport is an independent woodcraft studio based in the Twin Cities. Mixing traditional techniques with an experimental approach, Woodsport creates original, heirloom quality furniture and accessory pieces for residential, corporate, and institutional clients. Designer and craftsman Scott McGlasson has the unique ability to marry strong modern aesthetic with the highest level of craftsmanship, all while highlighting the beauty of the natural materials he utilizes. Standouts for me include the TC15 Side Table, the Turned Lamps collection, and the Easy Chair.

Jennifer Merchant Design – Minneapolis, MN
Jennifer Merchant’s jewelry is not technically home décor but her inventive use of Corian, a popular countertop material, warranted a mention in this roundup. The acrylic pieces made with magazine images are pretty awesome too.

I felt so inspired by all of the unique items I saw at the American Craft Council St. Paul Show. Did you attend? What were some of your favorites?

Having fresh flowers in the house makes my day so much cheerier. Unfortunately, my husband’s allergies start to act up soon after I bring a large bunch of blooms inside. With bud vases I can enjoy a flower or two placed in my home office without disrupting the air too much. For others, I know they can’t stand spending a fortune on a full bouquet only to have it wilt after one week. In these tiny vessels, a single bloom, a few leaves, or even a curvy branch will instantly look elegant (and stretch your floral budget).Try a cluster of bud vases for a larger arrangement while still emphasizing the beauty of the individual flowers.

There are many beautiful bud vase options on the market. Choose a simple design to really highlight the flower, or choose a more standout design so you can enjoy the vessel even when it’s not filled. Treat yourself to a vessel at one of the great home stores we have in town such as Jonathan Adler (did you know he started out as a potter?), Forage Modern Workshop, or The Foundry Home Goods.  Online, I love Cynthia Vardhan’s handmade porcelain bud vases (left) and the sculptural options available through Rosenthal (center).

Items you already have around the house can make lovely bud vases too. Try your grandmother’s china, bar items such as a mint julep cup, or left-over mason jars. If you’re not a collector, The Bee Cottage in Excelsior, MN and The Cottage House in Minneapolis, MN are great resources for a variety of found objects.

The beauty of this Everyday Upgrade is that the possibilities are endless. Play around with different containers and flowers and see what suites your style!

Tufted furniture used to be seen in only mean traditional interiors, but thanks to some contemporary styling, a variety of fabrics, and new frames styles, tufted furniture is showing it can be used in a variety of settings.

Modern

Furniture frames with linear lines transform tufts into a more modern look and adds a sense of warmth and texture to the interior. Play with juxtaposition and place a curvilinear tufted piece among minimalist furniture for high contrast.

Colorful
A pop of color is even more fun when it’s done on a tufted piece of furniture! I especially love the use of bold colors that are trending this year.

Casual
Keep colors light and bright for a casual look. A smattering of throw pillows on a tufted sofa invites you to relax.

Eclectic
Eclectic interiors mix a variety of styles within one room – an excellent opportunity to introduce a tufted furniture piece into the space.

Traditional
Of course, tufted can also be traditional. Nothing is more elegant and sophisticated. Details such as turned wood legs and fluid lines add to the traditional look.

Purchasing tufted furniture new? Tufted furniture is available from a variety of sources, from West Elm to Hickory Chair, at a variety of price points. Want to freshen up an existing furniture piece? Find a vintage piece with a great frame shape to start. Choose a funky fabric for an updated look or choose a luxe material such as velvet or leather to keep the look more traditional.

How do you love your tufts?