Graphic Trends – Pillow Talk and Bijoux

I am always on the lookout for something affordable to brighten and refresh my space (and life) . Last weekend I was inspired by both a trip to Jones Beach and a stroll along Columbus Ave. to my eventual destination - the Jonathan Adler store.

I last went into the J Adler store (my Mecca of sorts) and knew I was home when a framed picture of Bea Arthur was at the register , with a lit candle , fashioned into a makeshift altar. It’s refreshing to find a place that really resonates with both your love of color and “Golden Girls”.

Decorative pillows are no longer resigned to just stripes, floral, or solids anymore. The trend is to have more elaborate pillows that make a statement. You can make these pillows yourself (a worthwhile project), buy them at DIY artist sites for under $30, or spend hundreds on the fanciest of decorator websites. This story is to incite you to go beyond and embrace the new graphic trends by some of today’s most prolific artists.

Jonathan Adler pillows (www.pillowsandthrows.com), Avanessi ring (www.shoprumor.com)

While looking at the home sites, themes started to crop up when I remembered popular jewelry trends seemed to be following these pillows. I started to see words when Dior came out with their plain but WOW “Oui” ring. The above styles are an expansion of this word graphic trend.

A current obsession of mine is sea life and ocean creatures , in all things. These delightful treats can hang around long past Labor Day to remind us of the beauty under the sea.

Oceanic charm bracelet by Coach (www.coach.com) , Tentacles ring (www.anthropologie.com) , sea life collection pillows (www.potterybarn.com) , Thomas Paul blue crab pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , ray pillow (www.dermondpeterson.com) , and octopus hook pillow (www.beachchouselinens.com).

I recently went sailing with some friends and ever since, I fashion myself a seafarer. What better way to show my sea legs than with some vintage looking whaling graphics ? Ahoy.

Thomas Paul Moby pillow, Loyalty and Blood Whale Necklace (www.urbanoutfitters.com) , Jonathan Adler whale pillow (both pillows at www.pillowsandthrows.com).

Mammals other than whales are easliy acquired, too. My favorite is elephants – making me feel as though I’ve just been to India or Africa.

Fauna baby elephant form pillow (www.designpublic.com), Thomas Paul Red Bali pillow, Koko Company “Match Company” pillow (both on www.pillowsandthrows.com), Kenneth Jay Lane elephant necklace, and Juicy Couture Elephant Necklace.

So, an elephant never forgets…but I do. Well I remember faces, but my brain has a hard time with names. No problem when you just focus on faces…another graphics trend in home and jewelry.

Apollo pillow by Thomas Paul and Apollo necklace (www.lantuch.com). Fornasetti pillows (www.unicahome.com) and Fornasetti necklaces.

Just don’t find yourself talking to your new pillow and necklace friends…or people may talk. Unless of course , you host a cocktail party (they are , of course, invited.) I often dream of the “Bewitched” trend of cocktail hour. Samantha always had a fresh martini for Darren and with these pillows and necklaces – we can have more than a few.

Cocktail pillow (www.swizzlestix.net), Diamond and sapphire martini necklace (www.diamondharmony.com), and Marimekko Kippis pillow (www.pillowsandthrows.com).

As a former bartender I know the importance of a fruit garnish with all cocktails. This is actually one of the biggest trends in graphic art. Whether you like the juicy citrus fruit or the splendid pear..all tastes can be satisfied.

Full pear pillow (www.piecesinc.com), Kenneth Jay Lane pear jade pendant, Jonathan Adler sliced pear pillow, Marc Jacobs pear watch necklace, lemon pillow by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com) , enameled lemon charm by Thomas Sabo (www.rockokojewellry.com), lime pillow.

Ok – let’s recap. You’re a free loving sailor that loves all creatures great and small , you talk to yourself (and random printed faces) and love cocktails a little too much. You’re a little fruity too …Is losing your keys next or being locked out ? No worries, you’re covered.

Regency skeleton key pillow by Room Service (www.pillowsandthrows.com) , single skeleton key by Ophelia’s Art (www.cafepress.com) , printed key collection by sugarandfig (www.etsy.com), and key necklaces by Tiffany.

Whatever your interest, trust that modern designers have a pillow or necklace to cater to your taste. Boldly display your treasures around or under your neck . You’ve got good taste, great friends, fond memories, a key to my heart, and of course, Golden Girls on DVD.

What other trends have you seen that are so closely related ?