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MayShop

The first thing to do is “Plan a Theme“.    Most people think planning a theme means planning around an occasion or holiday; but you can also theme a party by color.   Select your favorite color – then build your table decor, flowers and food all using the shades of the color that makes you shine.  No holiday necessary!

Next, “Set the Scene“.   There is strength in numbers, so repeat your favorite color at least three times on the dining table.   For instance, if green is your go to color, begin each place setting with a natural color wicker placemat or charger.  The warm color and texture of the wicker will anchor the setting.  If you have a round table it is easiest to work with a round charger.   Top each charger with a decorative green plate.   When working with green, I like to use a leaf-shaped plate, but a simple dinner plate can be just as striking.  Unique and decorative plates are widely available at your local home decor store, or discount decor store.  Next select a crisp linen or cotton napkin in the shades of cream and grass green.  Napkins can be hard to find so check your local fabric store for that perfect fabric.  You can also use a simple kitchen hand towel in the place of a napkin.  Remember just use linen or cotton, No terry cloth!  Your guest will appreciate the larger size especially if you are serving crab!   Then splurge on some great green glassware.   Something a little heavier and hand-blown looking will coordinate beautifully with the wicker but will also survive that unexpected evening breeze.

Last but not least is your centerpiece.  Outdoor entertaining should be a little more relaxed, and your flower arrangement should reflect that.  Find a great crock or pitcher and fill it full of one of the seasons best.  Peony Tulips are my favorite because their young buds are a striking apple green.   Contrast that with the sunny yellow flower and you have the perfect finishing touch for your table.

Another tip “Landscape Your Bar“…..The bar serving your guests is one more opportunity to carry out your theme.  There are many signature drink recipes available that will impress your guests, but it is how you landscape your bar that will create the most buzz!   Be creative!  Use thick wooden cutting boards to elevate the wine you’ve selected.  This will add height and interest to the bar.   Place freshly shined glasses on a great framed mirror for some sparkle.   Again to add interest, pour your cashews in a tall, over-sized martini glass, to achieve variation in height.   Finally, don’t forget “your theme is green”.   Place more limes than necessary in a silver bowl on the bar.  It will complete the look and send your guests home….green with envy!

Many manufacturers have built-in charging stations and outlets into bedroom nightstands so consumers can charge all their electronics while they sleep (but still have phones, etc. just a reach away).   One of our home office furniture lines introduced a brand new product line that was designed exclusively for ergonomic tablet, laptop and desktop computer use.   We tested various worksurfaces and transitions that accommodate writing, typing and tablet use as well as accommodate your standard keyboard or laptop.   Most appealing, was that these surfaces all slide away and are hidden when not in use.   Manufacturers have designed furnishings that allow adjustability and flexibility without sacrificing design and impeccable wood styling.  (We were quite impressed!)

One of our manufacturers unveiled a wonderful youth line that really integrated technology into every facet of their pieces.  Perfect for a world where children are growing up immersed in technology ………. we saw hidden compartments, pop-out reading lights, hidden night lights, and charging stations all integrated right into the furniture.

We also saw manufacturers incorporating technology into upholstery items.  Sectionals with speakers, IPOD connection ports and storage areas as well as pieces that recline electronically by the push of a button.

Many manufacturers are incorporating raised panels, inlays, woven rattans, mirrors or honed stone into their casegood items.   Manufacturers introduced new hardware in many of the lines and we saw a huge array of finishes and styles.   Styles included rustic, craftsman, french country, traditional, transitional, modern, cottage, coastal and antique.

It was apparent that manufacturers are creating items that don’t look mass produced…….consumers want their furniture to convey their personality and manufacturers have taken noted of that.

“The Parade of Homes is such a special recognition because you are judged by your colleagues.  It makes winning all the more special knowing that your design is commended by our local community of home builders and design professionals,” stated Charlene Neal, Owner of Charlene Neal PureStyle.

My team and I are looking forward to showcasing over 20 models this year.  The next upcoming models will be unveiled in the Grand Palm community in late July and with Fairfield opening in late August.

2012 Parade of Home Awards for Interior Design:

• Starlight Model  located in Woodbrook Community
• Windsong Model  located in Belleisle, Country Club East Community
• Sarantino Model  located in Secret Harbor, Country Club East Community

For more information on the 2012 Parade of Homes, visit http://www.paradeofhomesinfo.com.

Charlene Neal has been in the building and design business for more than 30 years.  Her award-winning work includes model merchandising services for more than 80 of Neal Communities and John Neal Signature model homes ranging up to 5,000 square feet.  Additionally, PureStyle provides complete interior design and decorating services for private clients located in Southwest, FL.  Over the years, she and her design team have won dozens of Parade of Homes awards and recently received a 2011 Aurora Award from the Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) for Interior Merchandising of the Sarantino model located in Lakewood Ranch’s Country Club East Community.   Neal has also won Auroras in 2009 for Interior Merchandising of Neal Communities’ ever-popular cottages.   The find out more about Charlene Neal PureStyle, please visit www.cnpurestyle.com.

See Above for the Nautical Collection.  This Collection has unique a design feature achieved by the integral use of rope and knots.  This interesting use of natural materials makes a strong design impact and works especially well in coastal regions like Florida.

The new Woven Collection has great texture and really makes a strong impression.  This line is a great “indoor/outdoor” option.  Note the striped pillows which add a soft, comforting touch.

Get that nautical look with our Classic Teak Line – note the detailed woven back.   We really like the blue cushions with contrast white welting.

Simple yet classic, the Wrought Iron Collection combines comfortable cushioned seating with a strong yet classic style.

Dreaming of the coast?  This Coastal Collection inspired by a catamaran really conveys seaside living.  Designed with teak accents and a white herringbone weave, this combination says beachy!

April Shop PDF

Additionally, outdoor cushions should generally be changed if they are showing signs of fading or mildew that can’t be cleaned.  If purchasing new outdoor upholstery items, we recommend utilizing cushions fabricated with Sunbrella fabrics, as these are specifically designed to hold up through harsh outdoor Florida conditions.  They generally have a 5 year warranty against color or strength lost from sunlight or mildew.   These fabrics were orginally used to manufacture awnings prior to being utilized for outdoor cushions.  They clean well and with fibers made from solution-dyed acrylic they are colorfast and can even withstand a dosing of bleach.  Sunbrella fabrics have a rich vibrant look with the feel of cotton and resist fading.

We utilize outdoor furniture manufacturers that produce products with Sunbrella fabrics, as we know how inferior products will only last a season or two.

Check the tag on your cushions for the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations.  If you happen to own cushions made from Sunbrella fabrics – here is a complete listing of their cleaning instruction for your spring cleaning:

Sunbrella – General/Light Cleaning of Outdoor Cushions

• Brush off any loose dirt
• Prepare a cleaning solution of mild soap & lukewarm water
• Use a soft sponge to clean
• Allow fabric to air dry
• For removable Sunbrella fabric covers, machine wash in cold water.  Allow fabric to air dry

Sunbrella – Spot Cleaning Outdoor Cushions & Umbrellas

• Apply a light mist of cleaning solution using  spray bottle
• Work the solution into the stain by lightly scrubbing the area with a soft sponge
• Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue
• Blot excess moisture with a clean, soft towel or sponge
• Repeat these steps until stain is remove

Sunbrella – Heavy Cleaning for Stubborn Stains on Cushions

• Sunbrella fabric does not promote mildew growth, however, mildew growth can occur on dirt and other foreign substances that are not removed from the fabric.  To clean:
• Prepare a solution of 8 ounces (1 cup) of bleach and 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of mild soap per gallon of water
• Spray on entire area and allow to soak into the fabric
• Scrub vigorously with a soft sponge or clean towel
• Allow fabric to air dry
• If stain and/or mildew are severe, bleach quantities may be increased

A simple 16 ” deep built in with open shelves provide lots of storage and created ambiance  in this small space.  

The country sink is the anchor for the built-in and is enhanced by 1″ octagonal white tile with black dots interspersed in the wall.

The 20″ black and white floor tile continues the theme and provides scale to the small space. 

An adjoining wall snugly fits a pair of top loading machines and provides surprisingly more space with 10 sq ft more storage and a hanging rod. 
The trick…… think big in small spaces!

Benjamin Moore’s 2012 color of the year is “Wythe Blue HC-143“.   A soft rendition of blue, Benjamin Moore describes it as a “beautiful, calming hue that has an element of heritage and offers grounding rootedness, providing comfort and stability.”  It is a gorgeous color that I can see us incorporating in our projects, as it embodies the coastal, airy feel that we like our homes to evoke.   We have utilized a similar color in our Freshwater Model at the Woodbrook Community.

The Paint Quality Institute affirms that the 2012 paint palettes will draw heavily on the natural colors of the American landscape.   They say if you are looking for inspiration to paint your home interior look to “native plants and flowers, oceans and lakes”.  From sparkling sea-glass blue to  colonial blue grey, they state blues are suitable for all living spaces, being a natually soothing color.”

One thought to remember is that residential design colors do follow the fashion world and although you may not see a particular color now, you will tend to see more and more as we grow into 2012.   One color to keep your eye out for is “Tangerine”.   “Tangerine Tango #17-1463” is the Pantone 2012 Color of the Year.  This color is making headlines and creating a lot of buzz.   According to the Washington Post, it is already beginning to pop up on the runways and in cosmetics.  So keep your eye out for more accents in this bold tangerine color.   We have incorporated this color ourselves in the Gull Cottage Model at the Woodbrook Community in Bradenton as well as in some accent touches in the Starlight Model also at Woodbrook; so be sure to take a virtual or in-person tour to see how you can incorporate this new color into your home.

2012 is going to be an exciting for color, reflected in high fashion; but also in our homes through paint, fabric, furniture and accessories.  Remember to have fun and bring in a splash of color to freshen up your home for the New Year!