Most of us have milestones throughout our careers that they can look back on and say, “wow – that was really cool”. When I think back on life since graduating from college, I think of highlights like the day I got my first job as an interior designer, passing the NCIDQ, making the leap to start my own business, and booking my first big project as an independent designer.

This week, I got to add another thing to my career highlight reel. You guys – this month there’s a three page article about Fuchsia Design in Grand Rapids Magazine! Not only that – it’s the coveted January ‘BEST OF GR’ issue! I remember the first time I thumbed through an issue of Grand Rapids Magazine about four years ago, and I said to myself, “I’m going to be featured in this magazine some day”. Obviously, at that time I didn’t know that I would be starting my own business, but it was little cues like that which constantly reminded me, “you’re never going to be a household name or be featured in magazines if you’re helping someone else grow their business rather than growing your own”.

So – how did this all happen? Marty Primeau, the author of the article, first reached out to me at the beginning of September. We had a few emails back and forth, and then a phone interview. I told her I had a home being featured in the Parade of Homes that I would love for her to see, and she said she wanted to feature me in the January issue! Mid-October, I met her and the talented photographer Mike Buck at the home I designed where I answered more questions for Marty while posing for photos for Mike. The whole thing was a little surreal, but very exciting. From there, there was one last phone call with Marty for a few final questions, and she told me she wanted me to write a small segment for the article on 2016 design trends.

 So - here's my '2016 Design Trend Predictions' included in the article! ... 

1. White Out: According to Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, the color of the year for 2016 is off-white! Light and bright is ‘in’ and if you love color but are nervous about putting it on your walls, this is a great way to keep your surfaces neutral and introduce color with furniture and accessories.   (**Note: Since I wrote this mid-October, this was before Pantone released their predictions for the 2016 colors of the year. I love that the Pantone colors can be so harmoniously combined with off-white for a soft palette that we are sure to see a ton of this year).

2. Not Your Grandma’s Flooring: Laminate flooring as become an increasingly impressive alternative to solid wood floors, which can be very expensive. A high quality laminate floor is more dimensionally stable than solid wood, which is great for the changing seasons and humidity levels in Michigan. Not only will it save homeowners a little money, but it’s also easy to clean and great for households with children and dogs due to being nearly impervious to dents and scratches.

3. May the Quartz Be With You: Quartz might feel like the ‘new kid on the block’ when it comes to countertops, but it’s quickly grown to the most popular choice. They are maintenance free, stain proof, and come in a wider array of colors and patterns thanks to being a manufactured product. (*Sooooo.... this title was just me trying to be punny and thinking that I'm hilarious. I had no idea there was a new Star Wars movie coming out like a week before this magazine would be released. Talk about best timing ever!)

4. Mix and Match: Gone are the days of going to a furniture store and buying an entire matching living room set. More and more homeowners are going for an eclectic look by combining vintage pieces with new, and doing so can give a home a more layered, custom look. I recommend investing in the core pieces such as upholstery and then enjoying the hunt for end/coffee tables and accessories at local antique stores. For artwork, try buying from local artists – it makes for a nice conversation piece and will last forever.

 5. Going UP!: It’s not uncommon to disregard the ceiling when designing a room. 2016 has us looking UP and going bold. Here’s some fun ways to add interest to your ceiling: wallpaper your ceiling with a fun texture or pattern, paint it a fun color and finish it off with crown molding, install tongue and groove wood, or add decorative stained beams to visually divide rooms in an open floor plan. Finish it off with a fun and unique light fixture, and it’s sure to make a huge statement in your space.

I feel incredibly honored to be featured this month. There are so many other talented and wonderful companies also featured that you should definitely check out! Be sure to pick up your copy of Grand Rapids Magazine at D&W, Barnes and Noble, Forest Hills Foods, or any of their other newsstands. Happy New Year!