Fun Fact About Limestone....its actually harder and more durable than marble flooring. This is the shipment we have been waiting for since mid 2008. Its almost completely installed in one of my projects and my Client, as I knew he would, LOVES it. I ran 16" x 24" pieces in a running bond pattern for about 1,100 sq. ft. of the downstairs. Gorgeous. When viewed from a distance, the coloring is so even that it almost looks like concrete. Its smooth like butter. Its cool to the touch (which is welcomed in our southern CA climate). When you look at it up close, you can see all the subtle characteristics of this particular type of limestone. Little fossils and shells and natural bits. It took a bit to get it right. The first shipment didn't match up correctly. It went back. Then we waited a long time for a new batch. It was worth the wait.

I heart Limestone in a huge way. HUGE!

I love this beautiful fabric by Pollack. Very pretty and feminine. I see a Celtic knot in there. I would love to this fabric on a vanity chair or a bed bench.

Where would you use this fabric?

20897 "Nickel" Damask by Duralee Fabrics

How to use it: This fabric would look great in a Transitional style interior. The classic Damask motif, (pronounced "dam-isk", NOT "da-mask" ), paired with a current colorway and contemporary styling (big and bold!) make it great for Transitional styles. This is a large pattern- so it should also be used on larger things...drapery panels, bedding, upholstered headboard. This should not be used on small throw pillows, small benches or small ottomans, etc. because the pattern will get lost and be incomplete.

Product Description: Espresso or Nickel (pictured here) colorway. 27" x 27" pattern repeat, 54" width. 100% cotton.

Retail Price: $45 per yard

Soho Series Fretwork Liner Tile

by Walker Zanger

How to use it: This is a liner or border tile. Perfect at the top of a backsplash, for use as a tile "chair rail",  or to frame out a more intricate tile design (such as a mosaic or decorative tile feature). Use this on the wall- not the floor. The geometric fretwork pattern makes this motif  current and classic at the same time- perfect for a Transitional interior style.

Product Description: 2" x 8", glazed with a subtle crackle. Ceramic.

Retail Price: $16.00 each

I just read this article from the Associated Press on Yahoo News regarding a big color prediction for 2009....Yellow!

If you missed my previous post about popular colors for next year, click here.

Walker Zanger Tile

Walker Zanger "Matouche" Crocodile Tile

How to use it: Great for a powder bath or any smaller space that calls for a luxe finish. Use it on the floor and up walls, too. This tile would look especially nice cut into slimmer brick-like rectangles. Cutting an otherwise standard size tile is one way to further customize your tile design. I unfortunately didn't have time this week to call the showroom for retail pricing and specific product info, but I thought this so neat!

Ralph Lauren "Candlelight" Specialty Paint Finish

What it is:

A specialty paint finish that is used over a flat or semi-gloss base color. This product has a sandy texture that dries clear and glossy for a warm and reflective finish. It will add a bit of shimmer and "candlelight" to your walls.

How to use it:

Perfect for a bedroom, office or study, powder bath or any other room where a statement and warm glow is desired.

To see the color chart, application information and a demo, click here.

How to get it: Anywhere Ralph Lauren paint is sold (local paint shop, big box retailers)

Retail Price: about $50 for a gallon

Today one of my clients asked me if his appliance brands have to match. We are remodeling his kitchen and he is purchasing the appliances on his own. A sales person made my client a little nervous when he told him the brands should all be the same. (Really, it was my fault for sending him out alone!). I reassured him that the sales person was being absurd. This question was also recently posed on a remodeling message board- I get the feeling there is general confusion out there. So, here is my answer (and a few notes!).

In short, no, the brands don't have to match. Here are some sound guidelines:

First and foremost, it depends on your kitchen and your needs. How will you be using your appliances? Do you have any special requirements such as a top of the line wine cooler? Do you want a range for a serious cook? Often times, a particular brand doesn't even offer every type of appliance. And, even when a brand does offer every appliance, sometimes a competitor makes a better model. Its up to you and whats important. Its perfectly fine to have a Sub Zero refrigerator with a Viking or La Cornue range. Don't think you must have that Viking label on every single appliance, its just not practical. If you do, chances are you are sending the message that you really don't use your kitchen and you just had your designer fill it for you (that's what we designers refer to as the "Trophy Kitchen").

Second, the finishes should match (not necessarily the brand). There are a few exceptions to this rule:

1) When you do a few appliances in a metal finish, such as stainless, and a few appliances in an integrated panel. An integrated panel is a custom panel that matches your cabinetry. Its placed on your appliance as a facade in order to seamlessly integrate and "hide" your appliance in plain sight. This trick is commonly used for dishwashers and large refrigerators.

2) The other exception is when you are making a statement with a vibrant color or a luxury range; however, the rest of the appliances should match in finish so the kitchen looks cohesive and polished. An example: a turquoise Elmira range, hood and refrigerator would mix nicely with polished stainless microwave, dishwasher and warming drawers of a different brand.

For recommendations on where to shop for appliances, visit an archived post here.

"OD Lilly" fabric from Clarence House

How to use it: Perfect for upholstery, pillows, drapery or bedding.

Product description: six colorways, 100% acrylic*

*acrylic is a great alternative for those with wool allergies. Its also colorfast, wrinkle and stain resistant.

Retail Price: $137 per yard

I specify and personally use Dunn Edwards and Benjamin Moore paints. Both lines are exceptional in quality and durability. Also, both lines can be found throughout the country so its easy to specify and consult on paint colors even if a project is out of state.

Dunn Edwards is convenient for contractors, as many subs have accounts with Dunn Edwards. They offer a solid color selection that isn't too big or too small, so its not at all overwhelming for a consumer. Dunn Edwards paint also rolls on smooth and even- so its a great paint to use when you are doing it yourself for a small weekend project.

Benjamin Moore has a depth and breadth of colors that, to my knowledge, is unsurpassed in the industry. Their paint is very high quality and they offer every color imaginable. I especially appreciate that they have 6 finish options to choose from, as opposed to 4 or 5 at most other paint suppliers. Their colors are especially rich with pigment and behave well with light sources. They also offer a healthy (and "Green") line of paints called Aura which can be made to match any color you want if they don't have a desirable pre-formulated color in their standard Aura line.

As a side note- when you hire a painter, inquire about what brand of paint they use and ask them for their reasons. If you would rather have a different brand on your walls- it is perfectly okay to specify (a fancy word we designers and architects use for "pick out") the brand you desire. They usually have no problem accommodating your request, especially since they accommodate architects and designers specifications all the time.

Before I answer this question, let me clue you in on a little something I learned while in the fashion industry. Did you know that there are Color Forecasters at Color Forecasting Agencies that decide, months (even years!) in advance, what the popular color shades and tints will be for any given season and/or year? Did you know that every major design-related house or manufacturer subscribes to this service so they make garments and housewares in *the right* colors for each season? Crazy, right? Its true!

Have you ever noticed that the same shade of sage green was offered at the height of the Shabby Chic fad from everything to t-shirts to bed sheets? Or that the same impossible shade of Robbins Egg Blue could be found in everything from floor rugs to desk accessories to scarves during the Brown and Blue craze? (I realize that some people are still subscribing to that trend, so its not "done" yet- I do have to admit it is a nice color combination.) When I first learned this as a young undergrad, I felt a little betrayed. Did I really have zero control over what I chose for myself and my home? Maybe this is the reason I'm not an overly trendy person, and why I generally subscribe to classic and timeless rather than flash-in-the-pan.

Answering this question comes with a grain of salt, and I would also like to restate that I do not agree with implementing trends into your home unless it fits your style. With that said, lets talk about some color trends or 2009! A great way to incorporate new interiors trends of any kind can be found in one of my previous Q+A answers  here. If you don't have time to read it- let me cut to the chase and recommend you incorporate trends in small doses, and in ways that coordinate with what you already have going on.

For 2009, according to Vol. 5, Issue II of STIR , a specialty publication by Sherwin-Williams, here is what to expect:

-Gray will act as an important neutral in both residential and commercial spaces

-Intense colors will tone down to more restrained and elegant shades

-Reds and Oranges will have a yellow undertone (the undertone is really important when choosing paint colors!)

-Blues will have a slight undertone of violet (in other words, they will lean more purple)

-Yellows and greens will be more yellow-based (think avocado), and some will have a touch of blue, too (think green gemstone shades).

-Neutrals will be inspired by nature such as stone, wood, and natural textiles like linen.

-Grays will range from light to dark and be utilized as a main neutral, with a touch of brown, that ever popular "natural neutral". To picture gray-brown, think about a set of French Gray markers. In French Gray, brown is used to warm up the color (as opposed to a Cool Gray, which is blue based).

I am thrilled to answer this question since Carerra Marble is one of my favorite surfaces. Its classic (harking back to Ancient Rome) and its absolutely gorgeous.

Carerra marble comes from Carerra, Italy which was established in 1235 C.E.. Aside from its impressive pedigree as a medium (think Michelangelo's David and the Pantheon in Rome), it is very distinctive due to its milky white color and gray striations.

No matter what, Carerra marble is elegant. It has a more formal look than, say, your run of the mill flecked granite or quartz composite. Carerra is more dressy, more refined. Its quiet, calm and sophisticated.

Not to disappoint- but Carerra marble goes with just about every color! Its a neutral, so adding one more color to it or including it in a more diverse palette makes it perfect. Lets break it down according to interior style:

Contemporary- This is an instance where you can get away with mixing Carerra with another neutral. Pull out the gray and go a little darker. Mix it with black for a high contrast, sexy, polished look. Put it against a light sand color for a clean vibe. When mixing with a color for a more contemporary interior- stay on the lighter side (no darker than the tone of the gray in the marble).

Conservative Transitional- In transitional design, you pull from both Contemporary and Traditional. The way to solve this problem of where to go with the color when you are erring conservatively is to get the tone right. I recommend a medium Dusty Blue or a medium Olive Green.

"Make a Statement" Transitional- Punch it up with color. If you want to make a statement (as if the Carerra isn't enough), think bold! Traditional colors are deeper, so when choosing Transitional colors- it's okay to step into the area of bold color. I would love to see Kelley Green, deep Olive Green, Forest Green, Burnt Orange or even Navy Blue mixed with Carerra's white and gray. Pair it with quality white/dark wood cabinetry and accent it with brass or high polished chrome hardware and you have the potential for a seriously gorgeous and unique kitchen or bath. Its easy to distinguish yourself with color, since not everyone has the guts to go bold.

For something a little more fresh, quirky or feminine- lavender and light pink would look amazing with Carerra marble. You could rock this in either contemporary (just go a little more pastel), or transitional (go more towards the middle-ish range of colors on a paint chip, but be careful- you don't what the lavender or pink to come off as juvenile!).