All posts by Sarah @ 702 Park Project

Trending Decor Accents for 2015

Interior-conscious individuals quickly learned their favorite zig-zag print’s official name after it took the design world by storm: chevron. Chevron’s popularity is obvious through its wide-spread presence and unlimited applicability – everything from wallpaper to cell phone cases features the famous pattern in some form. Perhaps overuse is the leading cause of chevron’s decline, and the reasoning behind a new wave of interior trends for 2015.

To keep interiors fresh and relevant, consider implementing the following home design statements this year.

1. Timeless Furnishings

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Avoid investing in pricey, matching furniture sets. Rather, scout thrift stores for pieces from varying eras and combine for one, versatile design. Even as trends come and go, eclectic homes retain portions of formerly popular styles. Usually, at least one prior decade’s design is trending at any given moment.

2. Animal Accents

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Fur pillows, throws and cowhide carpets are synonymous with rustic design. Homes in cities like San Antonio often feature western décor accents, but animal-inspired touches complement a wide range of styles. For instance, leather and fur balance out modern, sleek features and prevent contemporary interiors from appearing cold. Homeowners should avoid using heavy materials, including cowhide, in rooms with an overabundance of texture. The space could end up looking cluttered instead of chic.

3. Brass Hardware

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The ‘80s came and went, and so did bright gold brass fixtures. A few years ago, gold in the home was considered off-limits to designers, and instead, brushed nickel, silver and steel stole the spotlight. In 2015, brass is back, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. And regardless of its sheen, homeowners can mix gold with other metals to create a truly eclectic space.

4. Dark Paint

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Bright colors like coral and teal, while fun, lack the longevity that neutrals retain. Designers once feared applying dark colors on walls, assuming they would confine small spaces even further because they fail to reflect light properly. Rather, deep colors create sophisticated spaces. Dark paint is also gender-neutral and covers wall blemishes easily, warranting a visually-appealing and practical option.

Although a few of the aforementioned elements already gained popularity in 2014, their long-term appeal makes them trends for 2015. For more on how to incorporate these accents at home, visit Zillow Digs.

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This post was contributed by Jennifer Riner of Zillow. For more information about contributing to 702 Park Project, please contact me.

This Week’s Links

Oscar nominations were announced last week. Here are a few snubs and a few surprises.

Speaking of famous people, there’s now a royal Instagram.

5 things every room needs to feel complete.

You won’t want to miss this gorgeous house tour.

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How to outsource your life. Genius.

Yes, this is really a thing. (Warning: the language is pretty crude.)

Kate Spade for West Elm. Enough said.

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This made me laugh hysterically.

I love this idea for a Valentine’s advent calendar.

The bravery of words: remembering Charlie Hebdo.

Have you signed this petition? You can read more about why it’s so important here.

And in case you missed it…

  1. 702 Park Project – 2014 Year In Review
  2. Storefront Dreaming
  3. Historic Southern Homes: Isaac Jenkins Mikell House
  4. Seeing Clearly
  5. Quotable Friday

Seeing Clearly

My eyesight has been less than perfect for years, but never really bad enough to warrant glasses or contacts. So I can’t see really far away with one eye closed…big deal, right?

Well that all changed when we hit daylight savings time in November. Once it was dark for my evening commute, I realized that I really did need to do something about my eyesight. So when Firmoo approached me about reviewing their glasses, I took it as a sign that it was time.

I headed to the eye doctor, who told me I needed glasses while driving, and got my prescription. That afternoon, I ordered my glasses online from Firmoo. It was pretty simple, and I was even able to upload my own photo to see how the various frames would look on my face.

Firmoo Test

Firmoo basically walks you through the checkout process, which was incredibly helpful for someone who’s never had glasses and had not a clue how to order them.

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Please excuse the blurry iPhone photo I snapped really quick. Can you tell I hate selfies?

I also received a cute case, soft bag, cleaning cloth, and repair screwdriver. So far, I love my new glasses! They are very lightweight and look exactly like a designer pair I would pick out for hundreds more. You really can’t beat the price!

The only downside of ordering from Firmoo is that it takes a little while for your glasses to reach you. I’m sure some of this was made worse by the holiday season, and luckily I didn’t need them right away.

Firmoo offers a free pair of frames to all new customers; you just pay for the lenses and shipping. For more information, just click here.

But it gets even better! Firmoo is also offering $15 vouchers to the first 5 readers to order. Just enter code 702PARKPROJECTBLOGS4 at checkout!

This post was sponsored by Firmoo. As always, all opinions are my own.

Historic Southern Homes: Isaac Jenkins Mikell House

Are you enjoying the Historic Southern Homes series as much as I am? My wanderlust is at an all-time high, and this next estate is certainly not helping!

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Today let’s travel to the always-gorgeous Charleston, SC to visit the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House.  Built in 1853, this antebellum Greek Revival has withstood the test of time and has become a landmark in this historic city. In between private owners in the mid-1900s, the estate served as the Charleston Free Library. The front looks more like a museum you might find in Washington, DC than a residence. The interior, under the direction of owner Patricia Altschul, is nothing short of pristine. Each photo makes my heart skip a beat…I think the Isaac Jenkins Mikell House just moved to the top of my bucket list!

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Storefront Dreaming

If you have any sort of business at all, I think it’s totally natural to dream of what your brick and mortar shop might look like. At least that’s what I’m telling myself.

It will be years before I have an actual store/studio/office, if ever, but it’s fun to dream. I would love to have a space that could house my vintage items, and also serve as a studio for furniture refurbishments and office for my online business (more on that soon). You know what they say: If you’re gonna dream…

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I of course am naturally drawn to black and white and stripes, so these are at the top of my inspiration list.

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I also love the idea of plants and foliage in front of the shop. A little pop of green just adds so much and seems all the more inviting.

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And then there are those that I just love because they’re gorgeous. Period.

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You can find all of my favorites here.

What style is your favorite? Do you have dreams of opening up shop? What are your must-haves for your storefront (real or imaginary)?