Friday Favorites is a weekly feature on the Imagekind blog where I share some of my favorite things found on – or related to – Imagekind over the past week. Sometimes there may be many, others, perhaps a few. It might be a single print, an artist, a group of artists, an article, different art styles; who knows! In any case, check out some of the cool happenings around Imagekind every Friday on the blog.

I love the style of vintage-looking photography. So naturally I was thrilled when I saw this post on Twitter the other day: 13 beautiful examples of vintage 1970s photography.

I thought I’d share some of the photographs I’ve found on Imagekind that have a similar style. It’s becoming a common technique in photography to manipulate photos to have this same kind of vintage and retro feel to them. Some artists use antique cameras to achieve this look, while others utilize digital techniques to pictures they have already taken. Check out this tutorial if you are interested in how to give your photographs that weathered, vignette effect.

The desaturated colors and grainy textures are what really make these photographs appealing. Whether framed or on canvas, they really help set a room apart; great for conversation starters!

Seagull in Winter by FA Photography

apple for the day by Vanessa Ho

Atmospheric by Nancy Coyle

Gold Rush by Linda Plaisted

Do you believe in fairies? by Irene L

bird convention by Julie Kruger

Succulants by Vincent-Field Photography

Everything has been figured out. by Damien Rudd

Swing by Emily Baier

365-18-Motel-04-05Small by casey365

You can find more vintage style photography through the various Groups in the Imagekind Community

Spring has officially arrived. And with spring comes the inspiration for change and newness. Now’s the time to freshen up your interior design. It’s not too hard to have a completely new look and feel with just a few framed art pieces. Artwork has the ability to liven up a space to make your home or office feel like a completely new place!

Below are 5 of the top decorating trends for this spring. Find framed artwork that features natural subjects, colorful and patterned prints, along with images that inspire you to refresh and renew, but most importantly, make you feel comfortable.

Nature

Welcome Spring by Kristen Stein

Nature and the outdoors are still very popular decorating trends for spring 2009. With the continued emphasis on being green and going organic, you’re sure to see an emphasis on trends surrounding nature. With artwork, this means bringing the outdoors in. Find artwork that focuses on nature: trees, flowers, rural and natural landscapes. All of these make nature and the outdoors the shining star.

Color

Blue Circles by Joan Theodore

Spring brings more daylight and brighter colors. This means color is back and one of the top trends for interior decorating. Designs are sure to feature high levels of color. Bold uses of the primary and other bright colors are sure to make your interior design really stand out. Shop artwork by color; reds, greens, yellows, blues. Look for colors to brighten up your home or office decor.

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Patterns

Teal Floral by Debbie Lord

Patterns and symmetry can bring balance to distressful situations. That’s why patterns are making a huge impact on the 2009 interior design trends. With bad news seemingly all around, more and more people are looking for familiarity. And, though it will not cure everything, familiarity can help quell the feelings of anxiety. Find artwork on Imagekind that features pleasant patterns and comforting symmetry.

RE-

Flower: Dahlia "Intimate #1" by Soulful Photos

2009 is shaping up to truly be the year of RE; refresh, redesign, renew. A hot trend that caught fire throughout 2008, the ideas of RE are staying strong in 2009. Refresh your interior design by starting with the walls. Find framed artwork that opens a new world of possibilities and brings both the freshness and newness of Spring indoors. Rearrange the furniture and accent the room with art that’s sure to refresh your space.

Comfort

A day at the beach 6 by Gerla Brakkee

With more and more people staying home in an effort to weather the econmic climate, they need an interior decor that’s comftorable. Look for ways to showcase your personality with your art. Framed pictures of family, friends, pets and past vacations are all fantastic ways to make your interior both comftorable and personal. Being surrounded by the things you care about most, really helps to remind us of what is most important in life. Frame your own favorite photos at Imagekind.com/create. Or, print them on canvas!

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You might not know this, but there is a ton of helpful resources and information on Imagekind for artists. We continue to try and build one of the top services for artists to help sell their art prints online. That’s why we have developed several articles and posts directed at all things art related. Whether you are confused about how to make your original artwork into print ready digital files, or just want to know some helpful decorating tips and ideas for your framed art, we hope that you find the below topic useful!

1. Preparing Prints – Making your Originals Print Ready
Printing Basics – Getting Perfect Prints
5 Tips for Turning your Originals into Giclee Prints

2. Selling art successfully online

Selling Art Online – Tips to selling successfully on Imagekind
Pricing your Art on Imagekind
Sell more Art – 3 Ways to Promote your Art
The Five Best Networking Sites to Help Promote your Art Prints

3. Tools to showcase your art online

An Easy way to Display your Art Online
How to Create a Video of your Artwork
Create a Slide Show of Your Artwork

4. Decorating Ideas to Help you Prepare
Interior Design Ideas
5 Tips for Preparing your Home
Fall 2008 Art Decorating Trends

Today is the official first day of fall. Though summer 2008 has come and gone, it’s now time to stop thinking about the past, and start thinking about change. And fall is the season of change.

To help us kick off the fall season, we thought we’d invite Imagekind artist Scott Neste, professional interior designer and owner of Minor Details Design, to share some ideas on how to prepare your home for the inevitable changes that fall brings.

Read on to see 5 Tips for Preparing your Home for Autumn. And remember to visit Imagekind’s Top Decorating Trends for Fall 2008.

Nate

Life is all about change – acknowledging it, embracing it and moving through it with as much grace and openness as possible.  Autumn is certainly one of the most dramatic seasonal changes we experience.  Days start getting shorter, the light is different and there is a sense of slowing down.  There is a sense of nesting, of retreating indoors while still relishing every moment we have to enjoy the “dog days” of summer.  I can’t say I’ve always been completely cognizant of, or intentional about, making the shift but, as I think about some of my routines, I’ve gleaned a few tips that may help you embrace the change this season.

1. Bring the Outdoors In

This is a great practice any time of the year.  Organic things help us feel human, grounded and part of our natural surroundings.  Start by watching farmer’s markets for fall flowers, pods, branches and botanicals that may dry well.  I like to arrange them in organic looking vases.  Try vases made of ceramic, wood or other natural fibers.  Rusted or verdigris metals can also add a great patina to a fall arrangement.

2. Move Some Furniture

Now is a great time to rethink your room arrangements.  Think about the focal points in the room.  If you have a fireplace, consider creating cozy and conversational seating arrangements nearby.  Keep entertaining in mind.  Will you need to make space for extra holiday guests?  Work with your rooms and remember that sometimes the best solution can be editing rather than adding to a room.

3. Create an Artful Focus

For some reason, I’m always drawn to handmade things in the fall and winter months.  I look for the perfect throw for the sofa, comfy pillows for the bedroom and lush textiles for the sitting room.  Take a look at your current possessions.  Do you have a wonderful vase that a child made in elementary school?  A handmade quilt that could be inspiration for the guest room?  A quirky original painting that you purchased at an estate sale?  Now is the time to let these treasures have their season of fame and inspire your surroundings.

4. Make ART!

This time of year is ripe with photo opportunities.  There are turning leaves, branches heavy with pods and berries and awesome sunsets.  Get in the flow and make some art of your own.   Imagekind is a fantastic resource for artists of all ages and experience levels.  Take yourself on a photo journey in your own back yard, upload your favorites and order some framed prints to transform your home.

5. Celebrate Change

Sometimes change is just what we need.  A new perspective, a fresh look or a second opinion can help us remember that good things could be just around the bend.  Fall is a great time to celebrate change so have a ball!  Create some time to have a few close friends over to enjoy a sunset, a leisurely brunch or a great classic movie.  The hectic months of summer are drawing to a close and it’s time to pause and reflect.

Remember, change is inevitable.  Some simple seasonal changes can help you set the stage to embrace it, move through it and allow your home to reflect it.

Read more decorating tips and ideas from Scott Neste by visiting Imagekind.

Pamela Smith, one of the top experts in the quickly rising field of interior redesign, discusses having the proper perspective on trends:

“Are trends merely a designer’s opinion of what’s in fashion, or are they important style markers that add continuity to our lives? When asking for a definition of the word ‘trend,’ my guess is most would say it means transitory – like lava lamps and shag carpeting. However, I imagine trends as sturdier stuff, based on finding beautiful and appropriate core-enhancers for a home. Your home shouldn’t be all about changing styles for change’s sake. Trends are about adding in fresh pieces that solidify the layers around the core.

“Updating your home with stylish, new furnishings has never been easier. There is such a wide array of styles available you’re sure to find several to suit your home’s decor. Whether you prefer ultra-sophisticated, nature-inspired, Zen influence, or country cozy, each of these styles shows up as a trend in 2008. It’s an effortless way to redesign.

Image: Seeing Through by Tara Catalano
http://tcatalano.imagekind.com

Top Five Interior Decorating and Art Trends for 2008

Decorating your home is easier once you have decided on your art decorating style. This year’s hot trends in interior decorating and design feature natural elegance coupled with striking statements. Art and wall decor are major factors in 2008 and their successful use really sets the tone and standard for the rest of a room.

Follow these decorating tips to set your interior wall decor apart from the rest. You will notice trends that pair contrasting elements, colors and styles together in a way that creates a harmonious and peaceful experience.

Image: Burr Oak by Notley Hawkins
http://notleyhawkins.imagekind.com

With the Olympics being held in China this year, look for global inspirations to influence several decorating trends in 2008 including prevalent uses of Eastern, Asian and Moroccan styles. Zen inspired decoration is also prevalent in 2008 to help create a balanced and peaceful interior. Below are the top five interior decorating ideas for 2008 that are sure to help guide how you think and respond to art.

1. Natural Inspiration

The natural look of wood, metal and other elements found throughout nature is a huge interior decorating trend for 2008. Look for gentle greens, earthy browns, rustic silvers, brushed coppers, sky blues, golden yellows and other nature-inspired colors that will add warmth to your interior decor. Look for artwork that pairs the earth-inspired colors with a darker natural touch; artwork that features soft subtle colors accented with dark, woodsy and metallic looking frames.

Image: Harvest Moon by Peggy Garr
http://peggygarr.imagekind.com

2. Contrasting Colors

Look for colors that complement each other in a distinct way. Be careful though not to go overboard with too many colors that would distract more than attract. A delicate balance provides a striking appearance. Softer hues of white and ivory contrasted with rich tones and bright accents. Think soft colors with timely bursts of flare; Asian influences will permeate the color combinations throwing in bright reds, oranges and yellows amongst the darker, softer and muted colors. Look for art trends to find a successful balance of both worlds: soft with hints of bold.

Image: Red Key by Jarmila Kostliva
http://kostliva.imagekind.com

3. Texture

The ability to feel what you see is an important trend for interior decors in 2008. Mixing textures enhances the visual impact and adds a sense of completeness to other popular interior decorating trends for 2008. Think contrasting natural colors and textures in a way that adds luxury in a very dramatic way. Mixing traditional, ornate frames with contemporary and modern art trends is also an excellent way to enhance the harmonizing textured appearance. Look for wrapped or framed canvas artwork that enhances not only your walls but also your entire interior decor.

Image: Golden Brown by Hilary Quinn
http://hilaryquinn.imagekind.com

4. Simple and Sophisticated

Veer away from gaudy and overdone. Luxury no longer means more but rather simple and concise. 2008 decorating styles feature simple statements that enhance the feeling of tranquility. Creating a harmonious atmosphere that inspires peace is also a very popular trend this year. Homes and the decor used are becoming so much more than just a dwelling but should inspire a sense of sanctuary. Keep in mind, simplicity is not minimalism. Think using one word where others would use three; a sophistication of style; simple and relaxing, not cluttered and chaotic. Look for artwork that calms but is not lifeless; everything from landscapes to abstracts should gently inspire rather than confuse and complicate.

Image: Conch Shell in Color by Art Media Pix
http://artmediapix.imagekind.com

5. Impressive Impact

Look for wall art style trends that make one statement powerfully instead of many statements quietly. Use oversized decor in a way that makes an impact. Present one large focal point that can make a lasting impression. The proper use of impactful pieces is a popular idea when creating a harmonious and peaceful surrounding. Using large pieces helps shifts the focus of perspective of what is typically thought of as important; it’s very Zen. Look for massive art prints on canvas or framed that includes all the right accents to increase the dramatic impact the piece has on any home decor.

Image: Ironwork Roof by Justin Short
http://shortwork.imagekind.com

Related: Fall 2008 Art Decorating Trends

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Pamela Smith is a guest blogger for Imagekind and is one of the top experts in interior redesign and decorating. She is the owner of PSRedesigns, which specializes in “one-day interior makeovers.” We are happy to share her insight of new decorating trends and great tips on successfully decorating with art. Pam was a founding member of the redesign organization IRIS and is now proud to be a part of the National Redesign Institute as an instructor of interior redesign, real estate staging, and decorating.