Annette: I get a lot of ideas from fashion. I love the way the that industry forecasts new looks. I also have a library of architectural components such as tile patterns, iron gate designs that I source new ideas and patterns from. And then there is the one of a kind textile documents that you can find at a flea market or little store that hold a treasure of ideas to be put into print.
Annette: I tend to like a little of everything, but for the most part I am pretty classic. I like designs with historical references and that have stood the test of time. My own home is full of traditional design but layered in are the bohemian and vintage elements that I love. A little bit of Audrey mixed with Alexander McQueen is my favorite. The expected mixed with the unexpected.
Annette: My lifestyle has definitely changed over the years from single girl to mother of four. So my personal style has changed from everything to what I wear to how my kitchen is laid out. Where I am in my life has such an impact on how I live. Four small kids.. easy to wear furniture and clothing.. When I was single.. much more mod and sleek. So just like my wardrobe I have stopped wearing mini skirts just like my home I no longer have such a formal dining room. I think as that as time goes on I find myself more attracted to simple yet elegant design. Both in my own personal style and my home.
Annette: We have a little room off our master bedroom that is probably 8 x 8. We all love to hang out in there and watch TV or click on the computer. I just added seagrass to the walls and the book cases are a Wedgewood blue. It feels like a very cozy little English den.
Annette: In my new book, The Well-Dressed Home I cover eleven different styles in home decor and fashion. I am seeing that the two are more and more blended and using that for inspiration. What ever is on the runway makes its way somehow in some form to the home decor market. Fashion adds drama and exciting to design and that trend is what I am looking at for my own line.
Annette: It has been quite a ride and I am often looking for ways to slow down! But recently we designed a group of one of kind dress forms for the book tour that are amazing. Dresses made out of home decor materials such as wallpaper, tile, hardware and more. They were so fun to work on and the hands on creating is what I really miss. I hope to do more of that in the future. I love the idea of " bespoke" tailoring and think that adding more of that to the products I make is exciting.. and maybe another book! {for "The Making of the Mannequin Exhibit" go to Annette's blog here}
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* Entry period closes at midnight PST, Sunday, April 11, 2010 and the winner will be announced Monday, April 12, 2010.
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Wishing you a wonderful day!
*images courtesy of Annette Tatum
