A Well Designed Black Friday (List)

I am not Oprah. Though I wish I was (who doesn't?). But like all shoppers I have my list of wants and dreams. Black Friday frightens me because you can end up buying complete crap (sorry) because it's on sale. So I dug a little deeper into MY favorite things, both local here in Maine and nation wide, to find GOOD design that will be impervious to things like buyer's remorse. And yes, they ARE ON SALE today.

By request, the list also covers a range of prices, from higher to lower, because Fiore philosophy=good design should be accessible to all.

Enjoy!

To lay your weary heads on...or to recline in style:

Mandala by AphroChic

"A diagram of the universe and a map to the human mind, the Mandala represents the infinite expanse of the self – a reality glimpsed only in dreams"

100% Belgian Linen, yummy smushy cotton feather down insert, Measures 22" x 22" $140.00
 Use Promo code HOLIDAY at checkout for a 15% discount, good until 11/29.
dear santa, please send me a mandala so I may dream more often...

And since Company C is doing a buy one get one half off promotion...get two! $130 or $195 for two.

My favorite style on a budget pillow is from Tar-jay (Target)

$24.99 sounds fine.

ANGELA ADAMS NATURE INSPIRED RUGS.

Ok I have TWO favorite patterns. Above is Birch/Evening and Below is Ocean/Sand and Ocean/Seaglass

I love these rugs down to the tips of my toes-LITERALLY. I have walked on them barefoot and the plush texture is ALMOST more amazing thant the design. You will want to get your shoes off asap. Even a smaller rug next to your bed, where your bare feet hit the floor every morning, will make a huge difference.

SALE CODE is EARLYBIRD and use it here

For a totally different look, try the textile inspired AMY Butler collection:

Available through Fiore this collection is 20% off and free shipping on orders of 2 rugs or more. Email info@fioreinteriors.com and mention this blog, and the offer is good until December 24th.

If you'd like to do some good while shopping and still look fabulous, check out these Key pendants from SPARKLESFOREVER. 10% of all sales go to help educate girls in impoverished nations. Enter code S4C1 at check out

If you are craving some of this organic/birdie trends, then try the handcrafted Mom & Two Babies Lovebird Necklace from Turtle Love Co.

Time for Turquoise

via Sparkle Power

Pantone announced yesterday that it had selected Turquoise (15-5519) as the color of the year for 2010

"Pantone is pleased to announce PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010. Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.
Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens."

Images via the one and only Sparkles Forever

I applaud Pantone for their choice of Turquoise for reasons that have little to do with aesthetics or interior design. ALL OF US have had am interesting year, mostly due to the economy. Businesses have worked harder than ever before. We need a chill pill! Hence, Turquoise.

Before you can say "Trend", allow me to introduce the Hermitage. I toured President Andrew Jackson's Historic estate in Nashville, TN during the winter of 2006. Notice colors used in....1820.

The silver sage aqua goodness of Restoration Hardware fame may have been a precursor. Interior Design color trends tend to begin in fashion shows. The catwalks of New York, Milan, and Paris affect what you see on the shelves in Home stores 1-2 years later.

If you find Pantone's recommendation too much to paint on the walls (and always use low VOC paint), then enjoy these other methods of introducing a little turquoise into your home.

Rugs from Chandra

and Delos

Chesterfield inspired from High Fashion Home, Houston's "IT" store for stylish homes.

Horchow's offerings

Color is a deeply personal, often spiritual, process. You either LIKE a color or you don't. You can lighten up to aqua, deepen into teal, whatever reflects YOU.

Shine Home

The same philosophy applies to amount of color used. I am of the nuetral wall color persuasion, preferring color in textiles. Some people prefer accessories-possible color  commitment phobia:)

Zgallerie

Of course, Anthropologie

Thomas Paul (and more Chandra)

Last but never least, trying something new can be very safe and affordable at Target.