Scott and I love books.  I think when we are kids, from the time we are babies, we are taught to love and respect books and from there we unwittingly become collectors.   First picture and story books, then forced to collect text and school books, but even then our favorite books stick with us. 

As adults, books come in and out of our lives constantly.  We purchase them, give and receive them as gifts, they get recommended to us and loaned out or get loaned to us.  Each of us end up amassing our own private library, a collective of what we know or wish we knew better, of words that make us laugh and cry, of pictures, people and far away lands that inspire us.  A collection of books that hold beauty, mystery, curiosity and in so many ways ultimately tells a story about who you are. 

That's why we love to use our clients collections of books in the spaces we design for them.   Books, like art are so personal and we believe that your space should always be a personal expression and that a fully stacked bookcase is like a work of art about you. 

Following are some beautiful spaces that we hope will inspire you and show you how to present your collection proudly.  The images are from two of our favorite blogs, Trust Your Blood (www.trustyourblood.tumblr.com) and The Selby www.theselby.com)  

(Photo: The Selby) 

                                                            (Photo:  Trust Your Blood) 

(Photo: The Selby) 

                                    (Photo:  Trust Your Blood) 

(Photo: The Selby)

                                                        (Photo:  Trust Your Blood)

I don't believe there is a person or group that can really determine what the trends in design will be for the new year....we as a society, even with all of the DIY shows, style setters and workshops, like what we like...dislike what we dislike and are going to pretty much stick to that. That being said, I have a few items that I personally think people will be seeing more of in the new year. This is strictly my opinion based on my years in interior design, so take it as one man's point of view.

Lets just start with the one thing I anticipate seeing every year and that is Pantone's color choice for the new year. This year's winner is Pantone 17-1463 TCX, Tangerine Tango. " A spirited reddish orange,... it continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward", boasts Pantone's website..I think this is a nice quote to move us from 2011 in to 2012.

What better way to recharge and move forward in the new year than to cook your black eyed peas and greens in the red/orange pot from Le Crueset? The red/orange color is such a classic and if you are following trend, then you must have this set for your kitchen this year. Don't keep them locked away in cabinets either...I love a grouping of these hanging or on shelves....see below.

(photo: www.lecreuset.com)

. photo: (www.apartmenttherapy.com )

Even in fashion, designers have already sketched their visions for the new year ahead...Adrienne Vittadini used this Pantone color in her sketches below.

(photo: www.pantone.com)

Which brings me to my next trend in interior design. I personally feel like we are going to see a lot more purple in 2012. It started to creep in to the showrooms at the end of 2011 and its all over the place now. All different shades of purple are going to be seen this year...from eggplants to vibrant shades. If you remember, I blogged about purple a few months ago and encouraged you to go wild with it...or use it very sparingly..purple lacquered walls or just purple pillows...this color loves to make a statement!. To follow are some interiors I have found using the color purple....

I love designer Steven Gambrel's use of purple in this very warm interior. Note how he matched the tufted sofa to wall color.... (photo: www.orestudios.com )

Even the use of varying shades of purple pillows add so much to this very neutral interior. (photo: www.veranda.com )

Love the use of vibrant purple on these mid century chairs. Doesn't it add so much life to this rather rustic room? I would do this in a country house for sure! (photo: www.apartmentdiet.com )

Trend number three in my book is all about going back to texture. Grasscloth has always been a huge favorite of mine, but convincing others that it is still not just something from the 70's has proven to be a challenge. Grasscloth has made many strides and I probably use it on every single design job I do now. I am going to introduce you to some of my favorites and one of my new finds as well.

Manila Hemp by Phillip Jeffries...comes in at least 50 colors. I love the tightly woven texture of this material. It goes on the wall so smoothly. One thing I really love about this product is the seams. No two rolls are the same, so you will definitely see variation.

Phillip Jeffries, Manila Hemp/Tangerine

Installation using Phillip Jeffries, Manila Hemp/color:Kelly Green. Don't you love the seams??? This is done beautifully! (photo: www.phillipjeffries.com )

How about Tangerine Tango lacquered walls and Phillip Jeffries new "Rivets" grasscloth on the ceiling??.....I would do it in a minute! Would be such an amazing detail! (Photo: www.phillipjeffries.com )

Are you tired of that old rolled arm sofa you bought 10 years ago?...well, its a piece of cake for your upholsterer to shave down the arm before they reupholster it. Giving new life to old furniture is definitely part of today's world. Just by simply lacquering a piece and adding new hardware can totally change a piece for pennies on the dollar. There are even some places that paint cars that will spray your furniture for you!....I don't really have any "before" shots, but here are some older pieces that have certainly been given some love.

Above, this mid century console's body was lacquered and the drawers kept natural. It has given an entirely new life! I once removed the legs of a piece like this and cleated it to the wall where a flat screen TV hung above it. This is perfect if you have limited space in the room and want to create a more airy feeling where you can see underneath it.

Aren't these great now?? A more traditional look that has been given a new life by simply lacquering these white. Keeping the older brass details keeps them vintage without sacrificing the look. These would be great now in more contemporary setting or could also be used at the beach! Don't be afraid of color either!

Don't be afraid to take risks in design...its how we develop our own personal style. Found Market is all about helping you achieve that, with a little guidance along the way. We are here and happy to help out with any of your design needs in the coming year and thank you for a wonderful 2011!

Happy Holidays to all!   Best...Scott and Alex

As we move into Fall, I would like to reflect on the last few months and share with you pictures of our travels and the sights we saw along the way. From our trip to Spain at the beginning of the summer to the Cape in August, I drew much inspiration for the season ahead.

Having the opportunity to visit my friend in Madrid and see his beautiful home that was recently published in European Architectural Digest as well as another dear friend’s art filled beach cottage on the Cape, the colors, textures and culture helped shape the Summer of 2011.

MADRID, SPAIN – June 2011

Following are some firsthand images of the color, texture, art, nightlife and living spaces that paint an inspirational picture of what we love most about Madrid, Spain.

COLOR AND TEXTURE

Even from the sky, I began to get inspired by just the landscape of olive trees and dried earth on the flat plains flying into Madrid. Contrasting that with the antique tiles you see almost everywhere, we happened on to this sunflower wall in Toledo where they are known for their heritage of tile and mosaic work.  Just beautiful....makes me long for a place in the country. 

Once back in Madrid, we took a visit to the local farmers market in Chueca. The vibrant colors of these prawns were only a small sampling of what you can get here...all fresh, crisp and vibrant.  Finally, on our way to the Reina Sofia Museum, we stumbled on to this magnificent garden wall.  What a great idea to do with an exposed wall of a building bringing nature to an urban landscape.  I would love to do this one day......but on a smaller scale. 

 ART

Two Museums that we highly recommend. Museo Reina Sophia and Museo Thyessen-Bornemisza. 

An amazingly interesting exhibit by Yayoi Kusama at the Reina Sofia.  A Japanese artist, she is know for her conceptual paintings, sculptures and installations that share an obsession with repetition, pattern and accumulation.

The realistic landscapes and sculptures of renowned Spanish artist Antonio Lopez Garcia were featured at the Thyssen. This larger than life baby head showed the artist's true talent on any scale. it is literally 10 feet tall!  It's his amazing hyper realistic landscape paintings that have made him one of the most famous living artists in Spain. 

NIGHTLIFE

We love these two photos because they literally look and feel like a Summer evening in Madrid.   Taken by my partner using his Hipstamatic App on his iPhone, it truly captures the romantic nature of this incredible place.

PLACES AND SPACES

One wonderful treat about going to Madrid is visiting my great friend and spending time in his amazing apartment in Chueca.  Recently featured in Europe's Architectural Digest, this all white modern abode features contemporary classics along with his amazing black and white photography collection.  The rooftop terrace allows sweeping views of the amazing city sky line as well.....I love stumbling on to these intimate courtyard gardens as we wander the old streets of Madrid.  Each one is special in its own way.

It was a great start to our Summer 2011...it gave us lots of inspiration for the months ahead and confirmed our never ending love for Madrid...stay tuned for our next blog on our visit to the Cape!  until then...Scott

Memorial Day is a time when we honor those who have fought for our freedom.  It is also the weekend that many people will be heading to the beach to celebrate the official beginning of summer!  Beacause of this, it has inspired me to pull together some photos of beach interiors I feel embody the patriotic spirit of this weekend...Red, White, and Blue!

The American Flag!

Love this relaxed beach cottage look (photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

I love this painted floor!  (photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

(photo: Coastal Living)

Enjoy the weekend and dream of the lazy summer days to come!

Until next time....Scott 

Not sure why, but I have been inspired by purple lately.  I am definitely seeing this as a trend in interiors and fashion. I thought i would inspire you with some purple today..Enjoy!

I love Jamie Drake's playful use of color. The purple lacquered table sets the tone amongst the colorful collage of stripes

You can choose your color "pop" in many ways...Jamie Drake popped this room with purple lamp shades, pillows and a giant purple ottoman. Accent walls can also be a great way to bring in color. Even colored grasscloth for texture could be amazing!

Purple Ikat fabric is a great accent to any room. I love the pattern and it does not overwhelm a neutral room, but will definitely give it interest.

Here is another interesting example of using Ikat fabric as an accent.

Fruits and vegetables are great for bringing in color to the kitchen!~

Adding floral to any room is a great way to bring in color and frangrance. I love these purple hydrangeas and think they are amazing in rooms with brown, greys and taupes.  (A little hint:  if you soak your hydrangeas in hot water, upside down ( blooms submerged) for 30 minutes, they will last longer)

This dyed purple cow rug is a fun way to bring in color.  I think this would be really cool in an all white bedroom!  

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I hope you enjoyed these purple inspired photos!  Used in very controlled ways or on every piece in your room, this color has amazing power!..Unleash your inner purple!..

Until next time...

Scott