We were asked about trends this week at the interior design seminar we gave at a local homeowner’s association meeting. I had to give this shocking news to the thirty or so delightful members of the audience: wallpaper is back!

Yes, you read right: wallpaper is back, but it’s not the same old wallpaper you grew up with, or may even still have in your home (especially if it was built in the 80s). Today’s wallpaper has big, bold prints and can be used in unexpected ways. Take a look at these examples:

Big and Bold from growhousegrow.com

 You could really make a impact with a wallpaper like this in a powder room. What a treat for your guests! Here’s an example of wallpaper as artwork:

Batik wallpaper from eskayel.com

I love this in a living or dining room instead of those huge floor mirrors that are supposed to make the room look bigger (I think they just make a room confusing — what are your guests supposed to do? Ignore their reflections, or check their hair?)

Finally, this:

from cirqawallcovering.com

Fabulous for a kitchen, bath, or….just maybe…on the ceiling! Wowsah!

I was looking around for light fixtures for a client the other day and thought I’d share some of my cool finds with you.

This client has contemporary taste and is not afraid to take a risk! Hence, my first choice for her dining room:

Possini Euro Curly Ribbon Pendant

This would be a stunning addition to any dining room. Think of the wonderful diffused light in the evening! A more conservative choice would be one of these:

Both are very pretty and striking. But here’s my absolute personal favorite, which I would hang over a bathtub:

I can also picture this hanging over a wing chair in my “Rose Study”. That’s the beautiful getaway space I’m always planning in my head for my retirement. It will be modeled after an old-fashioned sitting room, a place for reading, relaxation and music. No TV allowed!

The rose chandelier  is also the most expensive of the bunch at just under $800. The others range from $249 – $399, all from Lamps Plus www.lampsplus.com

Another room is complete in our art house makeover — the dining room. Here’s the before and after:

Wow! What a difference! We took everything lovely in the “before” picture and intensified it with all the right elements: an extraordinary dining table made of antique reclaimed wood, custom upholstered dining chairs, and simple, but custom-made fringed curtain panels. This room is every bit as scrumptuous as the many happy dinners that will be served here!

FLOR carpet tiles are amazing…and inexpensive. They bring color, texture, and bang for the buck. When it comes to decorating, don’t forget your floor! It’s not just a place for toes anymore.

Here are some of my favorite FLORs, ranging from $319.99 to $440.70 as shown.

And so easy to install! See more at www.flor.com