Some of you might remember the Chandelier DIY project I shared a long time ago – here. One savvy lady took her standard, mass produced brass chandelier, gave it a good spray paint and, within minutes, that ugly duck was transformed into a chic, purple beauty!

My close friend Bianca and her husband bought a wonderful property, nestled in the quiet hillsidse east of Seattle. (This is their, not so shabby view! Envision at night. ).

The entire house is going through a complete remodel and new furnishings will be bought once the architect is done with his work. Meanwhile Bianca will have to live with this brass chandelier which came with the house.

 Although the chandelier came down for New Years and we all danced below this happy ball! (Bianca & hubby throw fun parties!).

Anyway, inspired by my post, Bianca recently hung her brass chandelier in a tree in her garden, gave it 2 coats of white paint (her hubby thought she had lost her mind) and now her dining area has a new fresh, fixture to go with the white linen chairs. It is a temporary fix. But I wouldn’t be surprised if this beauty later will move into her daughter’s bedroom.

All it took was this (matte paint) x 2 coats. And 30 minutes later the “new” fixture had moved back in. Cost = $4. And now you can see the lines and details of the chandelier much better!

I am not a big DIY girl (just don’t have the eye) but I think this is a brilliant brass chandelier makeover. Might need to try it myself one day. I see a red chandelier for me… Or an emerald green one in an all white room. (Oh, that would be ultra chic!). Admit that you are a little inspired!

Happy weekend to you all.

Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a fun December break. I took the time to really relax with family and friends and to be in the moment. I definitely have a new spring in my step (literally since I also started running again, more consistently. I have a torn meniscus in my knee and it has taken a long time to heal without some big time surgery). I am really looking forward to a healthy, creative and fun 2012!

All design magazines and experts are now talking about how to organize things better in 2012 or which trends to embrace in the new year. The latter seems more fun to me! This is what I have picked up:

Green is the new black. It is more than a trend and it is here to stay. We will see more furnishings designed by recycling, re-purposing, and reclaiming than ever. But we will see more elegant pieces. Not chunky and rustic all the way. More fine lines combined with a little bit industrial feel.

We will see a lot of retro tones in 2012, screaming nostalgia. Colors like brown, orange, yellow and purple in recurring combinations again will inspire the fashion scene, preferably in glossy satin fabrics or corduroy.  

So, no surprise that Pantone announced Tangerine – the color of 2012. I personally like orange and rust myself and for once I feel I am with the trend! (Last year’s color, Honeysuckle, never did it for me). Rust and orange work so well with gray and navy.

Boisterous interiors will be themed a lot this year encouraging parties and clubbing. Bring out the disco ball in your living room, people!

Typography. The design world’s love affair with typography will continue well into 2012.

A big trend this year will be warm metal colors – brass and gold. Goes well with the retro theme but it also reflects hopes for a better economy. Silver and chrome will fade as a trend.

Isn’t this gold Greek Key ceiling light stunning! I want it for my guest room. (I don’t dare to look at the price tag…). Source here - C Bell.

And when it comes to art, be prepared for more avant-garde art scenes. Harsh art designs (a lot of underground black) paired with organic shapes and the chocking 80´s colours contrast with the shiny metal of the 90´s. I expect many interesting, artistic ambitions in 2012.

Image links: No. 1 via Zazzle,  no. 2 via Hometro, no. 3 unknown (sorry!), no. 4+5 via Trend Fashion Style, no. 6 via Pantone, no. 7 via House And Home, no. 8  via You Say Too, no. 9+10 via Color Sizzle, no. 11 via A Designer Spot, no. 12 unknown (sorry), no. 13 via Freecodesource, no. 14 via This Is Glamarous, no. 15, via House Beautiful (scanned from Feb, 2012 issue), no. 16 via Tate.