Trend Tracking

Almost Paradise

Houseware line Audenza’s oversized faux plants probably won’t fool anyone, and that’s exactly the point. The plants come in a range of hues, from electric teal to bright green, and are made from foam and wire, so the leaves can be bent and twisted into endless shapes. Each comes in a resin pot but is surprisingly lighter—and much easier to care for—than the real thing.

Faux Bird of Paradise plant, $230

Wallflowers

It’s no big secret that wallpaper is hot again. For the past several years, designers have been utilizing it in bathrooms, bedrooms and beyond. But today’s crop is even more luxurious than ever before. Consider the new wallpaper line from luxury fashion purveyor Gucci, which features mural-like patterns of everything from herons to tigers (and retails for up to $400 per roll). There are plenty of affordable options, too—including some that require little commitment and can be removed and replaced on a whim. Image via Boca do Lobo

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Hot Tips from interior designer Connie Riik (who designed the spaces pictured above and below)

Consider the function of the space—a powder bath versus a bedroom, for example, as well as other decorative elements in the space. “Then consider how you want the space to feel: fun and whimsical or elegant, rustic or refined,” says Riik.

Avoid pairing two fabrics of the same pattern and scale in close proximity. “Rather, a small or medium scale geometric or check/plaid works with a medium to large scale floral. And you can never go wrong with a stripe; they work with literally everything.”

Get the good s

1Scout removable wallpaper, Tempaper, $40 per roll Available locally at Classic Interiors in Fleming Island 2 Chinoiserie-style paper, in a room by Brabbu Design Forces, price by request 3 Historic columns wallpaper, Mindthegap, $187 per roll

Fu ll B lo o m Photographer Ashley Woodson Bailey has made wild, organic bouquets something of a calling card, photographing floral arrangements in her Jacksonville home before turning them in to prints and patterns to adorn wallpaper, fabrics and, yes, even furniture. Her collaboration with CB2—a modern housewares chain owned by Crate & Barrell—is full of the floral patterns for which she is best known, covering everything from shower curtains to armchairs . Daphne floral curved chair, $999

Feeling Blue

Expect to see a whole lot more of a particular shade of moody, inky blue. Experts from paint brand PPG say “Chinese Porcelain,” a shade of blue somewhere between a cobalt and a navy, will be the color of the year for 2020. According to PPG’s senior color manager, the blue is growing in popularity thanks, in part, to a need to unplug. “The need for simplicity and escapism from technology is, in part, the reason that consumers are craving blues like Chinese Porcelain that bring us closer to natural elements such as the sea and sky—creating serenity in any space,” says Dee Schlotter. According to recent data released by Paintzen, a platform that allows customers to pick colors and schedule painting services, blue is the most explored color family by its users, with 34 percent higher engagement than neutrals.

Wood You Rather

The warm feeling that comes with hardwood floors also comes with a higher price tag—and pricey wood floors aren’t the easiest to maintain. Enter wood-look tiles, made of ceramic or porcelain and designed to mimic the appearance of real wood, which offer the aesthetic at a fraction of the price. Brooke Shimp, of Tile Market of San Marco, notes that faux wood tiles sold as planks convey an even more authentic look than the tiles sold in squares or rectangles, and work well on outdoor patios. Plus, they come with the added benefit of temperature control. “The porcelain even stays a few degrees cooler than traditional pavers,” she notes. "It’s not a lot, but those few degrees in Florida make a big difference.”

LETS PUT ROOTS DOWN together.

Soak It In

The answer to restless nights might be easier—and far more relaxing—than you think. While anecdotal evidence has been around for decades, it’s now confirmed by science: a warm bath before bedtime can significantly improve your sleep. In a study released in July, researchers from The University of Texas found that taking a bath one to two hours before going to bed could lessen the time that it takes to fall asleep (by an average of 10 minutes). Temperature matters, though, as the study found that a range of 104 to 109° worked best for improving overall sleep quality. z