I just came upon a fantastic blog post highlighting beautiful Classic libraries from around the world. To view the compilation, click here. Enjoy!

I predict a brass revival. I'm not sure how long this revival will last, or how huge the movement will be...but I'm pretty sure its coming. One could argue brass never really left. In certain circles- brass till signifies tradition, quality and taste. You can still find a selection of brass hardware and fittings...if you know where to look. There is some brass that looks current (think rubbed brass)...if you know where to find it and how to use it.

By and large- its the chrome, nickel, stainless, and oil rubbed bronze (the current craze) in all their incarnations that take center stage, and have done so for awhile now. All appliances became stainless steel overnight- and its still popular for the mass market. The majority of fine jewelry and bridal sets have been set in platinum and white gold for awhile now- and its still popular for the mass market. I don't think we are "done" with the cool metals yet, since gray is proving to be a big color for 2009. But something is on the horizon.

As with all trends, when there is a major shift to one side- the other usually follows. And, when the once exclusive tastes/materials/looks are attained by everyone- the opposite will come into popularity and slowly trickle down to the masses.

I am slowly starting to see more gold in jewelry and accessories for the younger set (which is a sign that tastes are slowly changing). I've been noticing more brass and "gold tone" fittings on shoes, handbags and clothes. I'm starting to see more warm metal options for fine appliances. And, most importantly, I am starting to visualize using brass as the metal accent in some of the designs that dance around my head. The key is that brass has to be updated and inserted into todays Transitional design. And, the other key is attaining a client that wants to set a president and be ahead of the curve, a client that wants to do it before everyone else starts doing it (again).

The last time brass was popular was in the 80's. Think very traditional 80's decor....forest green carpet, oak cabinets, big floral fabrics, Austrian shades, frou-frou, and, brass. Brass chandeliers, brass knobs and pulls, brass lock sets, brass switch plates, brass bed frames....you name it- it was brass.

Now, take those same brass elements. Move them from your memory of home circa 1988, and into the fresh Transitional interior of today. Brass would not only set you apart, but lend utter refinement to an interior that is tailored and clean. Mix brass with the dark woods and white moldings of today and its almost Ralph Laurenesque- very high style Americana. Taking brass and putting it into a new context of Transitional interior design is the new frontier in modern day metals.

I really love to design bedroom suites, libraries as living rooms (or living rooms as libraries), and foyers.

For bedrooms, it’s the place where we all begin and end the day. Making sure the appointments are the best you can afford and are suitable to your tastes is so important. Its a very personal space and a lot of the time, you can get away with expressing yourself more truly than you would say, in a family room, where you are pleasing everyone in the household and taking more functional issues into account.

I love living rooms, but they are becoming a lost social etiquette. Quite frankly, they are usually a waste of space- so I like to make them a living room a “slash” something else space. Our modern lives are so fruitful, so I really like to incorporate collections, books, photographs, interests… this is an area of the house where I feel you can really express personality without it being in your face all the time. Plus, the more unique it is- the more conversation will abound when you actually do use it to entertain guests! If a client knows they won't use the Living Room as entertaining space, I like to make it a reading room. Everyone reads- so why not have a special retreat for that activity? Viewed in that context, it becomes personal and interesting and inviting for the client.

My third favorite is the foyer. I suppose for the same reasons as the bedroom and living room. You can really be free with this space! It's a passage, but it's also a statement- a gesture to the tone of the home. Aside from exterior architecture and character, the foyers holds the "first impression" card. This is the place to go bold with style, color and/or pattern, utilize architectural features and design details, and display a knockout lighting fixture.

I was recently asked if putting a beer tap in a kitchen remodel would be tacky. The kitchen is a modern take on history (enough to make me weak at the knees), complete with soapstone countertops, a milky white and grey Carrera marble running bond subway tile backsplash and commercial stainless steel appliances. The tap in consideration was to be a stainless steel model, to match the appliances, of course. As an interior designer, this stainless steel business would normally matter to me, especially in a kitchen this beautiful; however, my reaction shocked me a little bit. Not only did I not care what finish or brand the homeowner had in mind, but the word “no” feel right out of my mouth like a loose lug nut from my brain.

Despite quite enthusiastic beer connoisseurs, personal taps just haven’t mainstreamed their way into the kitchen like the (now) standard issue wine chiller. Sure, you may have one in the game room, but to put one in the kitchen is a profound statement. And that is exactly why I favor the idea. Design is for you and your life. It’s those personal design elements that make your home memorable for others and give the greatest satisfaction to you, the homeowner.

Now, that’s not to say there isn’t an appropriate place for it. (Take, for instance, placement by the water faucet- can you imagine what type of statement that would make?). Incorporating fun elements in non-traditional places, such as a beer tap in the kitchen, is what makes design fun and rewarding. Trends start to surface when a homeowner breaks the mold, (or, lets their designer break the mold!), and when homeowners are willing to do things a different way. I’m not saying that world-changing design goes hand in hand with beer taps in the kitchen, but it is worthwhile- and a lot of times, that’s all that really matters.

Remember these two things: one, its always more fun to discover an element of surprise; two, design is most authentic when its personal, and rich with meaning. If those two truisms are considered, it’s impossible to be tacky.