Edamame-it's not just food.

As the world’s focus on environmental sustainability quickly increases, that of the interior design world does as well. In choosing furniture, we at the Sofa Company believe you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style, comfort, or options in order to maintain a green lifestyle. That’s why we are now offering yet another option for filling your new sofa, loveseat, or chair: Foamex’s Reflex Natural foam, an innovative filling solution that combines three unique characteristics into one great product.

(1) Petroleum–based materials that are usually used in foam are replaced with plant based, renewable, raw materials. These natural materials are super durable and comfortable, and you can rest easily on your new sofa knowing that after you’re done with it, a significant portion of it is recyclable. 

(2) Foamex’s unique Variable Pressure Foaming (VPF) technology is used in manufacturing Reflex Natural, cutting down a great deal of emissions that usually go along with making foam. Lucky for you, this technique also creates a much higher quality cushion, with your choice of firmness and density, for the ultimate personalized comfort level.

(3) The Reflex Natural foam contains halogen-free fire retardants, which are not only much less hazardous to the environment, they also provide improved retarding of flame spread and smoke development.

Thank you to the Sofa Company for educating me about Soy foam seats. They were also very honest about the fact that the product is too new to truly test the resiliency-BUT-soy foam in an inexpensive "upgrade" so its very little risk. Considering how many hours we spend sitting and breathing on our sofas, its worth it. 

Disclaimer: Edamame are cooked baby soybeans and not actually made into foam :)

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year..

NEW website!

The new website is live.

 Fiore Studio

Happy Holidays from Fiore Interiors

Last weekend we participated in a Holiday Home and Garden Tour in Orange County.

4 homes were featured on the tour and ticket sales benefit local charities.

Lining up early...putting on the required booties to protect the floors.

"Meet the Designer"

...Oooh what a gorgeous tree.

Simple holiday touches in the kitchen.

A home should reflect the client. Always.

Sincerest thanks to the homeowners for trusting me with their home and opening their doors to a few hundred strangers :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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.

Freshening Up for the Holidays!

Candice Olson

One of the things I am thankful for is getting to meet Candice Olson last month. It's refreshing to witness a rare combination of talent, poise, and genuine humility. There isn't an ounce of ego that you would normally expect from a celebrity. She will have a new show in 2010 and I wish her continued success.

To qoute the lady herself : "How Divine".