• Sections
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Education
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • MVMA
    • Perspectives
    • Travel
  • Shop Local
    • Arts & Culture
    • Bridal
    • Community
    • Dining & Cuisine
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion
    • Financial & Professional Services
    • Florists, Gift & Specialty Shops
    • Health & Wellness
    • Home & Garden
    • Real Estate
  • Calendar
  • Dining Guide
  • Advertise
  • Login

Merrimack Valley Magazine

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Interior Design Trends for 2021

May 10, 2021 by Linda Holt

2020 delivered a rude awakening that helped us realize the importance of our homes. After attending High Point Market as well as the national Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (both virtually), I have focused on five trends for 2021 that will likely be with us for quite a while. Most of these trends have been slowly building, but the pandemic supercharged them.

1. The Healthy Home

Never before has a healthy home taken on so much importance. During a pandemic, cleanliness becomes extremely important. One of the biggest shifts in home design is happening in the mudroom, where the space is taking on a bigger role than simply a place to drop the backpack and shoes. Builders are getting requests to add handwashing stations, washer-dryers, and even showers to existing mudrooms. Water and air purifiers are also trending for a healthy home.

Enlarged pantries for additional food storage and second freezers are also trending. Food preparation was either a source of stress or a pleasure in 2020, but having the space for plenty of extra supplies is a comfort to all. 

In the bathroom, luxuries such as bidets (never worry about toilet paper hoarding again), steam showers and soaking tubs are also trending. An at-home spa when we can’t get out makes a huge impact on our health and wellness. 

 

2. Cozy and Safe

©Fotoluminate LLC – stock.adobe.com

We want our home to be cozy and safe as well as healthy. Organic shapes and soft, rounded edges have been trending in furniture for the past few years. We want to feel safe and wrapped in comfort while we spend days on end inside. Curvy swivel chairs, rounded tables and organic elements such as plants, raw wood, and nubby-textured textiles all add to the sense of coziness.

After spending months inside, homeowners discovered that the previous color trend of gray does nothing to lift the spirits and can add to feelings of depression. Going forward, the use of color is trending as homeowners look to brighten their mood. Deep jewel tones along with earthy olive greens, blues, bronzes, taupes and browns are all trending.

In kitchens, the popularity of white cabinets is fading and being replaced by painted and two-toned units — one color for the upper cabinets and a different painted color or natural wood stain on the lower cabinets or island. Black cabinets had been trending before the pandemic, but now navy and cobalt blue have edged ahead. Going forward into 2021, look for deep green and other earthy variations as green is predicted to be the new “it” color for kitchen cabinets.

2021 will also see a rise in nostalgia decorating. Small patterned prints and floral country wallpaper are trending. Vintage furniture, frills, ruffles and grandmillennial or granny chic decor is trending because it hearkens back to a time when the world seemed less complicated. 

3. Flexible Spaces

©CreativePhotography – stock.adobe.com

One of the most impactful things we learned during 2020 is that one large common space is not conducive to the whole family being together 24/7. Noise levels became a daily battle as video conference calls for Mom and Dad competed with homeschooling Zoom calls for the kids. Thus, the latest coveted home feature is a “flex room.” This is a room that can function as whatever the home-owner needs it to be: office space for adults or homeschooling areas for the children, or maybe a makeshift gym with a spot for the new Peloton, or perhaps a podcasting or video conferencing room. The luxury of a flex room is that the usage can change depending on the need.

4. The Smart Home

©David Ferencik – stock.adobe.com

Smart home technology has become more popular every year, but the pandemic energized this growing field. Touchless faucets and easy to clean germ- and stain-resistant surfaces are the latest must-have for the kitchen. Voice control continues to trend strongly, including voice-controlled appliances and watches that sync with our heating, lighting and door locks. We can even ask Alexa to turn on the shower from the comfort of our bed and tell her the exact water pressure and temperature we desire. 

5. The Fifth Room

©slavun – stock.adobe.com

Anyone who lived through quarantining in an apartment became painfully aware of the value of outdoor living space. Whether it’s a modest balcony or 5 acres, space outside is now being called the fifth room. Homeowners are investing heavily in their outside space, adding pools, water features, big-screen TVs, luxury firepits and beautifully landscaped gardens. There is a demand in the market for outdoor furniture that is as comfortable and durable as inside pieces. Tricked-out kitchens complete with pizza ovens and stoves that function for gourmet cooking are trending. 

The events of 2020 magnified what we appreciate and dislike about our homes. We found out what worked for us and what didn’t. One thing, however, became crystal clear — our home is everything when it comes to keeping ourselves and our family safe and happy.   

Filed Under: Home & Garden Tagged With: 2021 trends, cozy home, design, flexible spaces, Interior design, Interior Design Trends, smart home, the health home

2020 Interior Design Trends

May 15, 2020 by Linda Holt

Over the past seven years, I have had the privilege of attending High Point Market in North Carolina, a five-day “to the trade” event that’s usually held every April and October. It is the largest furniture and accessories show in the world, covering an area of over 12 million square feet.

By attending High Point Market twice a year, I get to see the evolution of styles and colors. When I visited in October, certain trends that I’d observed in 2018 were now firmly established. To further confirm my observations, I attended Paris Design Week, also called Paris Deco Off. Paris Design Week is Paris’ version of High Point Market. If one is looking to see what trends will soon be coming to the states, Paris Design Week is a good indicator. 

I will break down the seven top trends that I saw, but my overall observation, looking over thousands of images from both industry events, is that luxury and maximalism both stood out. As a whole, I think the global community is stressed. We worry about the environment, the unpredictability of the world economy — and all this was before the COVID-19 outbreak. Our home is our one place of refuge. It is our sanctuary and safe harbor. 

Even before the pandemic, we were spending more time nesting and less time at the mall. We want our homes to be special, functional and beautiful. We are looking to surround ourselves with quality items that reflect the stories of the hands that made them. Fast fashion and cheap decor are no longer sought after. Although most of us don’t have the budget to fill our homes with luxury items, we can splurge on one beautiful pillow or perhaps deck out a small room with charming wallpaper. Less might be more going forward, but the less is the best quality one can afford.

Here is my roundup of the seven top trends for 2020. How the current state of affairs will affect these trends has yet to be seen.

 

A room vignette at the Pierre Frey show room during Paris Design Week. Soft curves, rounded shapes, sumptuous textures and warm colors are all on trend.

1. Color: We are moving away from the cool grays and cooler tones that we have seen for the past 10 years. There is a shift toward warmer, especially jewel tones, and rich, complex colors. All shades of green, along with golds (especially paired with blue), warm reds, denim blue, dusty pinks, eggplant and terra-cotta are all trending. Color is in, and the consumer is fully embracing it.

2. Biophilia: This is one of the hottest trends you’ve probably never heard of. Biophilia is basically our innate urge to surround ourselves with nature. Most people immediately think of plants, but biophilia is so much more. This trend incorporates organic materials and elements like raw woods and natural-fiber textiles such as linens, cottons and wool. Biophilia embraces rooms that are flooded with natural illumination from ample windows or skylights. Anything representative of nature falls under the biophilia trend, including photos or paintings of nature, fabrics with floral or botanical patterns, shells, coral or butterflies. Biophilia isn’t only about natural items, but shapes and colors, as well. The colors of nature, such as blues, greens and earthy tones, and soft, rounded organic shapes all fall under the biophilia umbrella.

3. Pattern Mixing: Patterns, and lots of them, are a huge trend heading into the new decade. While in Paris, I attended the 2020 introductions of fabrics, wallpapers and carpets by iconic fabric house Pierre Frey. I was awestruck by the beauty and how they were presented as a cohesive collection. All the patterns are designed to work together in a single room and were displayed by colorway. Florals, geometrics, ikats, and animal prints all speaking the same language.

Left: Animal motifs, especially African animals such as tigers and leopards, are one of the top trends for 2020. Right: Pattern mixing of luxury botanical and animal themed fabrics spotted in a window display during Paris Design week.

4. Texture: This is a trend that plays right into the luxury category. I wanted to spend all week in both High Point and Paris running my hands over everything and feeling the textures. Sumptuous fabrics, including velvets, embroideries and nubby wool, are all trending. There were textural and sculpted carpets, textured wood cabinetry and embellishments on everything from lighting to furniture. Fringe is especially popular, and there is a big resurgence in both wicker and rattan. High-gloss wallpaper was a surprise I came across in several Paris showrooms. Pierre Frey has introduced a patent leather wallpaper and, just around the corner from their showroom I saw a patent leather skirt in the window of clothing store.

5. Animal motifs: Maybe it’s because we continue to hear disheartening news about the threats to and declines of exotic animals, but animal motifs were everywhere in High Point and Paris. Dishes, drapery, carpets and furniture were all seen sporting animal motifs. Primarily, I saw exotic African animals, but fish, horses and dogs were clearly represented. My friend and I made a game out of “spot the animal” because every showroom we visited had either representations of animals or animal prints. Look for animals to be especially popular on fabrics and wallpaper.

6. Mixed materials: A wood-framed chair with brass and cork arms. A wood chest with glass inlay and a stone top. Mixing different materials on a single piece goes along with the maximalist look that’s very much trending. I saw a lot of furniture with some combination of wood, glass, stone, brass, silver, Lucite or fabric on a single piece.

7. Curves: Rounded shapes have officially replaced the clean, straight midcentury lines of the past 10 years. This trend references the ’80s with bucket-type swivel chairs, curved-back sofas, rounded arms, and soft edges on furniture and accessories. If our home is our safe haven, then curved furniture that envelops our body gives us a cozy and protected feel. Curves are an organic shape and pleasing to the human eye. They fit right in with the urge to create a sanctuary space at home.

Left: A buffet with a wood case, hand-painted glass door fronts, brass legs and a stone top was a new introduction at the fall 2019 High Point Market. It provides a great example of using mixed materials in a single piece of furniture. Right: A finely detailed and embroidered fabric is one of the many luxury options from the 2020 collection of Pierre Frey, Paris.

Trends are always fun to spot and discuss, but keep in mind that they only have a shelf life of about 10 years. By 2030, we will have moved on and other new trends will be “the look.”

As a working designer, I generally stay away from trends as I prefer to give my clients a more timeless space. Even so, it is interesting to observe the evolution of interior styles and colors, and at least take notice.

If you truly want to be “on trend,” then my advice is to pick a trend or two and incorporate them in a way that they can easily be switched out when you’re ready to try something else.    

Filed Under: Fashion, Home & Garden Tagged With: animal, Biophilia, color, curve, design, fashion, home, interior, pattern, print, texture

Art for Good

February 4, 2020 by Jenn Lucey

UML Professor Ingrid Hess’ Vibrant Designs Inspire Change.

For Ingrid Hess, an author-illustrator of children’s books and assistant professor of graphic design at UMass Lowell, an ethical mission has long been intertwined with her work as an artist and teacher. When Hess left a high-pressure publishing job in 1999, she had to decide whether she wanted to stay in the design field. After a long meeting with herself, Hess arrived at a conclusion: If she could find ways to incorporate her core values into design work, a proper balance would be struck. 

In the years since, Hess has encouraged her students to design with ethics in mind. She says design is a tool like any other: “You can use a hammer for good or you can use a hammer for bad. The hammer itself is neutral.” 

Hess sees designing for children as one of the most effective ways to seed change. During the summer of 2018, she traveled to Ireland as a Fulbright Scholar and created visual teaching materials at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick. The college educates 40% of Ireland’s elementary school teachers. She realized the use of her materials by teachers was a great way to inspire kids. There, she designed banners to convey messages on the topics of diversity and immigration in Ireland, while weaving in the history of Irish immigration to America. 

 

Hess’ recent book, “Mr. Magnificent’s Magical Merrimack Adventure,” incorporates the Irish heritage of one of the kid characters with his three friends of Cambodian, Greek and Kenyan descent. As they gaze upon the Merrimack Valley from Mr. Magnificent’s hot-air balloon, the children peer into the past at images ranging from Native American ways of life pre-contact to 19th century immigrant mill workers fighting for fair wages. A reminder of the journeys undertaken by their own ancestors ties together their new perspective. Hess sought insight from UMass Lowell history professors in the creation of the book, and that kind of collaboration is part of what she cherishes about working at a university.

In a related project, a new website is expected to go live by Jan. 1 that involves the efforts of Hess, UMass Lowell history professor Robert Forrant, and student researchers and designers. The site, which will be called the Library of New England Immigration, will be the first of its kind. The purpose of the database is to compile in one location the information from several different reservoirs of immigration history. 

Hess is a proponent of integrating the arts into school curricula, as well as using creative expression as a way to foster social change. Her 2017 book, “Mister Magnificent’s Magical Merrimack Adventure,” is set in the Merrimack Valley. To expand her sense of the region’s history, she collaborated with colleagues at UMass Lowell during the writing process.

While Forrant’s history students gather research, some of Hess’ students will design motion graphics to bring stories to life. “I couldn’t make that website; he provided 100% of the content,” Hess says. “But he couldn’t make that website; he had all this content and nothing to do with it. And so, it was really in the collaboration that something magic happened.” 

Hess is also excited about another upcoming project, in which she’ll work with UMass Lowell Kennedy College of Sciences Dean Noureddine Melikechi to create an illustrated book on the science of color. 

And there’s more. This summer, Hess will fly to Australia for an artist’s residency at Wollemi National Park. She’ll be synthesizing her love of the STEAM ethic (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) with her mission to affect change by designing for kids with materials that teach proper environmental stewardship.   

Ingrid Hess (above) is an author, illustrator and educator. She has published multiple books for children, including two that won national awards. Her colorful yet understated work is inspired by her Amish/Mennonite heritage and the years she spent in Costa Rica as a child.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, Education Tagged With: art, author, children, design, ethics, graphic, Illustration

Newburyport DREAM

October 15, 2019 by Katie Lovett Leave a Comment

In their quest to move to Newburyport, Meredith and Joel Luebcke toured scores of homes over the last few years. Their search ended when they walked into a property on Merrimac Street and finally found what they had been looking for: a place they could turn into their dream home.

The couple completed an extensive renovation and addition to the 2,000-square foot property, tearing down walls and moving staircases. The result is a bright, comfortable, welcoming house that’s perfect for entertaining. It boasts an open floor plan, large windows that allow for natural light to pour in, and a master bedroom suite that serves as a retreat and a place to re-energize.

“We feel like we’ve really developed every inch of it,” Joel Luebcke says. “There’s zero wasted space.”

While the couple admits they made a few concessions and altered their plans as the project went along, they cannot be more pleased with the results.

“It came out just how we wanted it,” Meredith Luebcke said. 

The location of their house is another dream come true.

“We absolutely adore this town,” Meredith said, adding she often made trips to the seaside city as a child and has fond memories of those times. “There’s no better place for us to live.”   

An inviting, welcoming space for friends and family was a main goal for the Luebckes. They knew from the start they would paint the walls a neutral white to complement their furniture and decor. The couple also took down a wall that closed the kitchen off from the living room to make one larger space, ideal for entertaining a crowd. “You’re not detached from the conversation,” Joel Luebcke says. Larger windows also brighten up their living space. The only rooms with bold colors are small, such as her home office and the guest bathroom, Meredith Luebcke says. “We wanted it to feel comfortable and relaxed,” she says. “It’s open and airy.” Photography by Kevin Harkins. Left: Small hemp stool ottomans, $350 each – Red Bird Trading Co.; Custom pillows, $52 to $65 – Acorn Home Design; Zinc urns with birch branches, $450 each – MAK & CO.; Design books, $29.95 to $45; Robyn Pot, $14 – Les Fleurs. Right: Large clock, $350 – Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop; Pillows, $52 to $74 – Acorn Home Design; Waterfowl print series, $47 to $62 – Red Bird Trading Co.; The Lifestyle Planter, $85; scented Geranium, $25 – Sage Market + Design.

Photos by Kevin Harkins. Vintage map, $195 – MAK & CO.
When it came to choosing the flooring, Meredith Luebcke says she felt a bit like Goldilocks and was particular about the exact tone she wanted. The final product is amazing, she says. As part of their renovation, the couple removed a chimney and vestibule that were in the kitchen. They also removed a staircase, widening the doorway and adding a dormer for their master bedroom. Photos by Kevin Harkins. Rustic Hurricane candle holders with glass, $165 each; Small and large ceramic pears, $26 to $40 – Acorn Design Center; Seedlip distilled nonalcoholic spirits, $49 each – Wish Basket Trading Co.; Simon Pearce glass bowl, $295 – Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop.
The large inviting kitchen is a room where the Luebckes and their guests spend a great deal of time. The couple loves to prepare food for their guests and this room was designed to make cooking easy and enjoyable. When they throw a party, guests congregate in the kitchen. The layout makes it easy for several people to complete a task without getting in each other’s way, Meredith Luebcke says. The comfortable island is a perfect spot to sit and talk while working, she adds. Photos by Kevin Harkins. Small and large ceramic pears, $26 to $40 – Acorn Design Center; Cloth Tom pot with potted Fiddle tree, $85 – Les Fleurs.
The most dramatic transformation in the house is the master bedroom suite, the Luebckes say. The new bedroom was created as part of their addition, which required removing and raising the roof. The bright space is full of natural light. Photos by Kevin Harkins.
The master bath showcases Meredith’s favorite feature — a gold-footed classic tub. The tub was always something she desired but installing one was difficult due to state building codes. She persevered and the couple couldn’t be more thrilled with it. Their general contractor — and most everyone that offered an opinion — suggested the couple was crazy for wanting a master bath that featured ceiling-to-floor length windows. What about privacy, they asked? “It was the best decision we could’ve made,” Meredith says. With the touch of a button, built-in blinds can be brought down. Photos by Kevin Harkins. Robyn Pot, $14; Round bottom vase, $15 – Les Fleurs.

style editor and set design
Lysa Pelletier – Anchor Artists

photography
Kevin Harkins – Lowell, Mass.

text
Katie Lovett

floral, accessories and furnishings
Acorn Design Center
Andover, Mass.
(978) 273-9717
AcornDesignCenter.com

Les Fleurs
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-9669
LesFleurs.com

Mak & Co.
Andover, Mass.
(978) 475-5511
MakAndCoAndover.com

Red Bird Trading Co.
Newburyport, Mass.
(978) 462-5566
RedBirdTrading.com

Rose & Dove Specialty Gift Shop
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 689-4141
RoseAndDove.com

Sage Market + Design
Newburyport, Mass.
(978) 255-4113
SageMarketDesign.com

Filed Under: Home & Garden Tagged With: design, home, home renovation, MA, Massachusetts, newburyport, renovation, style

Summer White Out – Newburyport Kitchen Tour & Tasting

July 12, 2019 by Allison Lehane Leave a Comment

Built by Mark DePiero in 2019, this 5,000-square-foot home is located in the community of Wilshire Road. The estate abuts over 3 acres of conservation land and the residence is outfitted with amenities including a state-of-the-art kitchen, a luxurious outdoor living space and the latest in smart technology. 

Enter through the front door into the home’s two-level foyer, which is enhanced by a custom banister and staircase leading to a second floor gallery displaying the homeowner’s art collection.

Continue forward and to the right into the great room and custom kitchen to see an 18-foot vaulted ceiling, accentuated by ebony-stained faux beams. The wall of 10-foot Marvin Ultimate Bi-Fold glass doors floods the interior with natural light.

Photo by Kevin Harkins.

 

 

As you step into the kitchen, run your hands along the Carrara white marble island. Italian marble adorns the perimeter countertops and backsplash as well. Twelve slabs from the Granite Place in Haverhill were used to complete the kitchen, fireplaces, shower and bath.

Additional focal points are the Omega Dynasty wood cabinetry and 48-inch range hood. The 3/4 reveal white posts located throughout the island and work spaces gently shape the design.

The Wolf range is accented by elongated clear glass subway tile backsplash. The glass pendant lights from Newburyport Lighting were selected because they do not obstruct the visual flow of the open concept space.

Entertaining in this space allows for ease and flow, encouraging guests to enjoy the grandeur of the family room. As an added treat, guests find comfortably cushioned seating under the windows for their stay.    

Photo by Kevin Harkins.

19th Annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour & Tasting

You’re invited to tour sensational kitchens ( like the one above ) showcasing craftsmanship and design at the 19th Annual Newburyport Kitchen Tour & Tasting, Saturday, July 27, 10-4 p.m. Enjoy this one-of-a-kind exploration of historic and charming homes, featuring a variety of complimentary tastings from exceptional restaurants, chefs, brewmasters and bakers to provide a “taste” of all that Newburyport has to offer. Tickets are $30 in advance. Visit: NewburyportKitchenTour.com

Filed Under: Home & Garden Tagged With: design, home, Kitchen, newburyport, tour

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next Page »

Current Issue

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Sections

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Bridal
  • Community
  • Education
  • Fashion
  • Food & Drink
  • Health & Wellness
  • Home & Garden
  • MVMA
  • Perspectives
  • Travel

Links

  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Regular Contributors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Contact

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

Orangetheory Fitness Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901

Orangetheory Fitness Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Valid on new memberships during the month of September 2020.

 

Newsletter Signup

MERRIMACK VALLEY TODAY: Noteworthy. Local. News. (Launching May 2021)
Wellness Wednesdays
Eight Great Things To Do This Weekend (Thursdays)
NoteWorthy - Happenings, Movers & Shakers (Sundays)

Orangetheory Methuen is celebrating it’s one year anniversary with an
Open House, Saturday June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join your friends and neighbors to learn more about the fastest growing workout sensation in the nation. Tour the studio. Meet the coaches. Enter to win a 10 pack of classes. The first 20 people who sign up for a free class at the event will receive a free bonus class, no obligation. 

Click here to learn more! 

Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Chelmsford @DrumHill / (978) 577-5901
Click here to schedule your FREE CLASS in Methuen @The Loop / (978) 620-5850

*Free Class for first-time visitors and local residents only.