1. IKEA’S SPRIDD

Missed the launch event but will get out to IKEA in Red Hook ASAP now that the weather is nicer and I can bike out.

Check out the video above with British fashion designer Kit Neale who IKEA teamed up with to create this “modern nomads” collection. Some think it’s bizarre, I love it. Available at all US IKEA stores as of February.

See below for 2017 gardening trends (from attentive gardening to heirloom seeds) and more.

2. 2017 GARDENING TRENDS (taking some cues from the Brits as well)

• Front yard vegetable gardens: Although some consider front yard veggie gardens taboo, we’ll be seeing more of them, along with edible gardens along sidewalks and in medians.
• Cacti: predicted to be a major trend for 2017. Especially when displayed in 70’s-inspired macramé containers.
• Black Magic from Miracle-Gro: Developed for marijuana growers in the US, set for an early 2017 launch in Britain. Gardeners are also using dope growers’ technology to boost crops – sales of LED lights for mini greenhouses and indoors are booming.
• Mindfulness/ Attentive Gardening: The mindfulness trend is hitting horticulture, where it is called “attentive gardening”, and focuses on “finding one’s way to oneself via the work in the flora and fauna”.
• Floratourism: National parks, botanical gardens and arboretums are top travel destinations providing inspiration for home gardeners.
• A third of US households are now growing food.
• Heirloom seeds: Frustration with big agriculture’s hybrid seeds have spurred a movement toward heirloom seeds. Online seed catalogs and CSA’s have increased awareness of old-world seeds.
• Saving native bees: Gardeners are planting more bee-friendly gardens with open faced flowers that provide plenty of nectar, such as sunflowers and bee balm.

(Source: mercurynews.com, Gilmour, Linda Ly)

 

3.  2017 BRICK TRENDS (Source: BIA – Brick Industry Assn)

• White, ivory, and light grey bricks are requested more
• Thin brick is the biggest trend catching on everywhere
• Larger brick sizes are also trending
• Rustic, beat-up finishes are becoming more popular
• Bricks are increasingly used for residential interiors including kitchens, dining rooms and exposed brick walls adjacent to sleek, industrial interior finishes.

 

4. WHAT MILLENNIALS ARE HANGING ON THEIR WALLS

Oliver Gal is a hot brand with millennials who are looking to decorate their apartments stylishly but on a budget. Lots of text pieces as well as neon messaging.

Oliver Gal is a collective of artists spear-headed by sisters and artists Lola Sánchez & Ana Gal. Inspired by the lifestyle and art scene of Miami and from their travels around Spain, Italy, St. Lucia, China, Israel and Africa. Their art collections are handcrafted with pop culture themes.