{new benjamin moore products: molten metallics}

Benjamin Moore has introduced Molten Metallics, a new addition to its Studio Finishes portfolio of specialty paints. The name of this new paint product evokes the end result: a surface imitative of a hand-hammered metal.

The Molten Metallics paints provide a look worthy of an artisan, but achieved by any do-it-yourselfer. Turn any outdated piece of furniture into glimmering gold or silver worthy of an Olympic medalist. The full line of colors includes: Gold, Copper, Bronze, Gun Smoke, Silver, and Charcoal.

{friday finds: 5 simple home upgrades}

No matter the year, painting remains the easiest and most affordable way to get your home on trend and feel refreshed. This do-it-yourself transformation adds personality to any room. Whether you’re starting from the bottom up and reworking the whole house, or changing one room at a time, here are five ideas to inspire you.

{friday finds: pallets project}

Wood pallet project ideas embrace the inner do-it-yourselfer. They range on any level of expertise and the ideas never run out. From chic and elegant to country rustic, wooden pallets accentuate decorations and room color. These often discarded pieces can easily be attained. As they say, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure!

{friday finds: top hirshfield’s blogs of 2012}

As another year comes to an end, it’s hard not to sit back for a minute and reminisce about all of the things 2012 will be remembered for. The London Olympics, the Presidential election, the rise of ombre in fashion and design and, of course, Tangerine Tango being crowned the 2012 Color of the Year. For a closer look back on what the design community was buzzing about in 2012, we’ve rounded up the most read Hirshfield’s blogs of 2012…

As Seen at Hirshfield’s
Eye spy, from the pages of the February and March issues of House Beautiful, lots of lovelies you’ll find at Hirshfield’s Design Studio and at our retail stores. Benjamin Moore paint, Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and Kravet fabric can all be found in House Beautiful and at Hirshfield’s!

House Beautiful, Benjamin Moore Inner Glow on the walls

Best Paint Color for Accent Walls
An accent wall can define a space, add interest to a room and even highlight an architectural feature of your home. But with endless paint color options to choose from, how do you decide which color is the best for an accent wall in your home? Kathy Basil of Hirshfield’s Design Studio in Minneapolis gives her opinion on the subject in this post.

Martha Stewart

Pottery Barn DIY Video & Kids Colors Spring 2012

{friday finds: trending – black interior trim and doors}

The color black has been steadily trending on the design scene. From dramatic touches of the dark color to entire rooms blanketed in it, black is back and it looks like it’s sticking around! One of the latest trends we’re seeing with black is using it to paint interior trim and doors. And we’re liking it…

House of Turquoise

Decorpad

Dark trim gives a room depth and adds a sophisticated touch. Of course, there is a right and a wrong way to incorporate this trend into your home. Houzz.com recommends,

“For the most lustery sheen, use a high-gloss oil paint and apply it with a sponge roller for a smooth finish. Latex is fine for lower sheens, but even coating it with glossy polyurethane will not achieve the same luscious look as oil paint. Remember, high-gloss or low-sheen, paired with white walls, black casework is a perfect example of a timeless classic for the home.”

Burnham Design Project

{what’s new at hirshfield’s design studio in minneapolis}

For some people, the first hint of a fall wind means it’s time for them to bring out the crockpot, the Uggs and a nice warm sweater. For me, the first hint of a fall wind means it’s time to stop by Hirshfield’s Design Studio in Minneapolis to check in with the team on all of the latest styles and trends for the season!

So it was on a beautiful Minnesota fall day that Kathy and Greg of Hirshfield’s Design Studio gave me a tour of the showroom and pointed out some of their favorite pieces.

Vanguard Furniture
Hirshfield’s Design Studio is thrilled to be an exclusive retailer of Vanguard Furniture! The clean design of this line is right on trend and the quality of materials is superb.

Vanguard Furniture

Vanguard Furniture

I spotted this Vanguard sofa on my tour. Kathy says she loves the subtle pattern and rich blue of the fabric – totally on-trend!

Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood continues to be a trend in interior design. The rustic look and feel of reclaimed wood pieces can help anchor a room without being overbearing. And the story behind each unique piece makes it all the more interesting!

{what determines a color trend?}

It takes many factors to make a color trend, from fashion, politics, the economy, art exhibits, Hollywood stars, rock legends, environmental issues and dozens of other outside influences.

Fashion is always something you have to watch when tracking trends. The old world art of lace making and the use of loose woven materials with a peek of bright color behind them is a trend taken from fashion and being interpreted into home furnishings.

Another detail taken from art to fashion is color blocking, this is the use of bright colors without pattern, combined into interesting color combinations. This popular trend is resurrected from the art of Piet Mondrian, a Dutch artist from the early 1900’s and popularized in the 60’s.

{color trends 2012 – design trends 2012}

A new year means a fresh start – and a fresh look at interior design trends! I stopped in to Hirshfield’s Design Studio in Minneapolis to talk with Kathy Basil about the trends she is most looking forward to in the new year, including color trends for 2012 and interior design trends for 2012.

First, we talked about color, since color influence just about everything in design. Kathy says to still look for greys to dominate the neutral category, but other than that it’s all about the accent colors. Mustard, tangerine, plum and deep turquoise all stand out beautifully when paired with a grey neutral.

Hirshfield’s Color Is Paint; (0115) Sophistication, (0934) Lemon Essence, (0690) Blue Period, (1038) Jack-O-Lantern, (0211) Light Lichen
(*Colors may appear different on computer screen)

It’s clear that these colors are ones to watch in the new year, as they were popping up all over the Design Studio!

{contemporary, modern or retro?}

There is a blurry line between retro, modern and contemporary. Has retro become our equivalent of modern, if so than what is contemporary? The sleek styles of mid century modern are much the same as those found in today’s hottest designs or at least in the mainstream of current styles.

{make a statement}

The other day I stopped by Hirshfield’s Design Studio to talk trends with Kathy Basil. Working at the Design Studio, Kathy says she sees new trends pop up about every six months. Currently, Kathy said the design trend is all about making a statement.

“It’s about finding that one piece of furniture that makes you happy and also leaves a strong impression on anyone who enters your house. Statement pieces are all about being one-of-a-kind with a unique story to tell.”

Here are some of Kathy’s favorite statement pieces from Hirshfield’s Design Studio.

Anji Mountain Rug

This rug is all about texture! It’s durable, yet soft to the touch, and adds a natural look to any room.

Authentic Suzanis