Bobbie McCallum Talks Trends, Client Visions and Belated Resolutions

What patterns, colors and home design features are trending in 2014?

Bring on more vibrant hues of orchid, orange and aqua, against the new neutrals of soft grey! The latest color trends are fresh, young, and happy. With the right touch, they can be introduced into your existing palette for a welcome update. Color finishes on wooden furniture lend au courant sophistication. Patterns are large and bold. Color-blocking is also big.

What are your favorite ways to implement them in your own design process?

I love applying a few or all of these latest influences to more traditional spaces to create a subtle "edginess" that says "I crave the grace and beauty of the past, but I'm also fashion-forward." Irony in Interior Design is every bit as powerful as it is in haute couture.

Are you seeing any design trends stem from celebrity homes? If so, which ones, and why do you think they caught on?

Celebrities have the means to enjoy living in the luxurious expressions of the latest trends, though I don't think design trends catch on simply because they are in celebrity homes. Rather, celebrity homes tend to be the ultimate expression of the current direction of design.

What is the best way to get a sense of your client’s vision for their interior?

Clients are often better at telling me what they don't like about a space than what they actually want. I always ask questions about the way the space functions, which is a major key to successful design. I also ask them directly what their vision is. Often, I have to delve more deeply and ask, "How do you feel when you are in this space and how do you want to feel?" "Let's imagine together...."

If you could pick 3 (belated) New Year’s design resolutions to make for 2014, what would they be? Why?

Resolve to live your day-to-day life in spaces that refresh you and make you feel pampered! Take an especially close look at your bedroom and bath, the most sensual and restorative of all spaces. If they are not places that call to you and beckon you to stay, it's time for change. Why? Life is short. Living well means treasuring each moment.

Resolve to organize creatively and with style! There is no doubt that most people feel better when the space they inhabit is organized and uncluttered. That's why there are so many retailers who sell furniture, fixtures and containers that provide a quick fix. Forget the quick fix that makes your space look like everyone else's space. Seek a solution to your organizational needs that is uniquely you, perhaps in a custom piece of furniture or an adaptation of an existing piece.

Resolve to bring more original art into your life!

Name your favorite furniture and décor brands to work with. What makes them so special?

I have sooo many favorites, but here are a few:

Grange Furniture - Love, love, love the quality craftsmanship and fabulous color finishes!

Francesco Molon - Exquisite Italian furniture pieces. All my clients should have at least one piece.

Edelman Leather - The quality of the hides is great, the colors and textures are so bountiful, it's a Designers dream come true!

Wolf/Sub-zero appliances - They are just the best, period.

Ann Sacks Tile - Classy and fashion-forward.

Waterworks Plumbing Fixtures - High quality and lots of style.

Hubbardton Forge Lighting - Design that works in either traditonal or contemporary spaces with a modern attitude and great quality.

Anichini Bedding - True luxury that I like to customize for my clients.

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