Favorite Patterns: Watercolor Florals

Recently I have seen watercolor-inspired florals everywhere from dresses to throw pillows. The watercolor technique gives a more contemporary look to otherwise traditional floral patterns. I also love the bright and sometimes unexpected color combinations that are used on the floral watercolor patterns on the items and spaces below.

Get your home ready for summer with this seasonally appropriate trend. Incorporate throw pillows, artwork, or even an entire accent wall.

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design

Photo: Etsy / Pineapple Bay Studio

Photo: Anthropologie

Photo: Lily Bunn Interiors

Photo: Urban Outfitters

Summer Scarves

Lightweight scarves in the summer are a great way to add a pop of color to any outfit. They also come in handy in overly air-conditioned spaces, which are always hard to avoid during the summer. These summertime staples come in a variety of colors and styles; solid or patterned, large or small.

Summer Scarves by carlyahlman featuring lilly pulitzer scarves

J Crew scarve
jcrew.com

Lilly pulitzer scarve
zappos.com

Kate Spade loop scarve
saksfifthavenue.com

J Crew j crew scarve
jcrew.com

Nine West fringe infinity scarf
ninewest.com

American Eagle Outfitters scarve
ae.com

Sole Society tube scarf
solesociety.com

Old Navy sheer shawl
oldnavy.gap.com

Single Patterned Spaces

Decorating a space with a single pattern applied to many or all of the pieces and surfaces in a room is a technique that has been around for many years. At some point it fell out of style a bit, but is now making its way back into the world of interior design. Applying the exact same fabric to multiple items in the same room is definitely a bold design choice, but it can result in a boldly beautiful space.

What do you think of this design comeback?

Photo: Beautiful Habitat

Photo: Better Decorating Bible

Photo: Better Decorating Bible

Photo: Free Sharing

Photo: House to Home

Photo: House to Home

Favorite Patterns: Ikat

Adding pattern to a space is always a great way to liven up the look. A very popular pattern these days is Ikat. Traditionally, Ikat is a fabric in which the yarns have been tie-dyed before weaving (Merriam-Webster). Ikats come in a variety of colors and patterns, and can be found on almost any home decor item that you can imagine. I even have an Ikat pillow in my new throw pillow line! Get inspired by the great Ikat-filled spaces and products below.

Photo: Design Sponge

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design

Photo: The Kellogg Collection

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Photo: West Elm

Carly Ahlman Design Etsy Shop

The Carly Ahlman Design Etsy shop is officially underway. Check it out often to see the growing collection of two-of-a-kind throw pillows. All throw pillows are sold in pairs, and won't be repeated. Once they're sold, they're gone for good! Additional two-of-a-kind pairs are added to the shop on a regular basis. All fabrics are high-end, designer quality. Perfect for bedrooms, living rooms, dens, and any other room that needs a pop of color or pattern!

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy

Photo: Carly Ahlman Design Etsy

Pastel Easter Decor

Decorating with pastels is the perfect way to celebrate the upcoming Easter holiday. Incorporate pastels through dyed eggs, vases, floral arrangements and throw pillows. Bring these items into your home just for the holiday, or keep them around for the entire Spring season. Incorporate this trend more permanently by adding a pastel piece of furniture, reupholstering an existing piece, or painting a wall or room.

Photo: Better Homes and Gardens

Photo: Decor 8

Photo: Etsy

Photo: Stylish Spoon

Photo: Style Carrot

Photo: Trendzona

Wall Tapestries

After moving into our white-walled rental apartment, I immediately tried to think of unique ways to decorate our relatively tall walls. After hanging our framed artwork, posters, and photos, the place still needed something. While browsing my favorite websites for something unique, I came across a world map wall tapestry at Urban Outfitters. In true fashion, I waited and waited for it to go on sale (not because it was expensive, but because I can't bear to purchase anything full price), and it never did. I had almost forgotten about it until a recent Sunday afternoon when my boyfriend and I wandered into a local Urban Outfitters. After scouring their home section for the tapestry without much luck, I was almost ready to throw in the towel when I saw something black and white folded up and tucked another item. There it was... AND it was on sale for $9.99!

Here it is hung on our main TV wall. Like the look? Search on Urban Outfitters and World Market for similar looks.