Trend /trend/ (v.) emerge as a popular trend; be currently popular

This is the textbook definition of trend. In the world of interior design and fashion, we are constantly barraged with trends. What style of furniture is ‘in’? What is the color of the year?

In marketing (on-line and social media), trend is defined as ‘a subject that has many posts in a short period of time.’ This creates a short burst of excitement or talk that tends to fade out shortly thereafter.

The common denominator of a trend is the fact that it may be and generally is short lived and will tend to look dated after a short period of time… If you are a child of the 80s or 90s, you can simply look back at your old photos to find examples. Ummm… shoulder pads anyone?

As a designer, trends can be an interesting dilemma. They are splashed everywhere for us to see… home design television shows, magazine articles, and social media. How do we create a space that will not be passé in a year or two? Timeless design is the art of balancing the classics with a few splashes of a trend to remain current. Think of the classic black dress. Every woman has one and while it may be a simple design that works for your body type, the accessories chosen create a different look each and every time it is worn. The dress, however, remains beautiful and timeless.

When working with our clients to design a space in their home, we want to create that classic black dress by selecting cornerstone pieces that are classic and timeless while infusing a splash of the trend to always keep your home current. At j. ellen Design, we find that this formula creates a functional, beautiful space that will endure the test of time. We want to help you create a long-lasting space to enjoy for years to come — not months. Contact us today to get started.

We all dream of that perfect space and what it means to us.  Will it be inspiring, relaxing, energizing.. or maybe all of the above!  I have always found nature to be a huge inspiration for me and on a recent trip to the Chicago Botanic Gardens, this Samurai Warlord Retreat seemed perfect.  It is perched over a pond with amazing views.  For me, it felt peaceful, inspiring and energizing.  I found myself enjoying a perfect summer day with family while dreaming about how wonderful it would be to be able to retreat to such an amazing space.  I would draw, work on client projects, read a book or simply take a refreshing cat nap while enjoying my surroundings.

While this may not be the most practical space for someone who lives in New Hampshire, there are elements that I am able to work into my current living and work spaces to create the open, airy feeling that inspires me.  

What inspires you?  Think about how you want your space to feel and begin to incorporate objects that will continue to inspire, relax or energize you. Need some help? Call j. ellen Design and let me help guide you in finding and expressing that inspiration. 

Your guests are arriving soon and it is time to get their room ready!   Show them you care and create a cozy, relaxing space for them.

When preparing your guest room, think of the last time you stayed at a hotel, what did you love most of all?  For me it was the wonderful mattress, high thread count sheets, comfy duvet and lots of fluffy pillows.   Having an extra blanket available is always a nice touch!

If you have a dresser or closet in the room, be sure to leave some space for your guests to unpack and get comfortable.  If you don’t have room in the closet, consider an over the door hook with some coat hangers.   A luggage rack is also a nice touch.

Don’t forget about night tables with a reading lamp for guests to snuggle up with a good book at the end of a busy day.  Provide books or reading material that offer a local flair.  If your guests will be venturing out on their own, add a basket or folder with maps and brochures for nearby attractions and restaurants.

Place a bathrobe, towel and washcloth (for each guest) either on the bed or in a basket to have them readily available for guests when they are ready to shower.

Don’t forget the bathroom!  Place a basket of sample size toiletries and necessities that they may have forgotten.   Use apothecary jars for easy access to q-tips and cotton balls.

Just before guests arrive, pick up some tulips from the local grocery store, cut the stems and drop them in a vase.  Add a short welcome note to give your guests any special information they may need – don’t forget your WIFI password!

With the room ready, you will be able to focus on visiting with your family and friends.