Creative trends with christen bensten

Christen Bensten knows all about current design trends as she is extremely active in the design community, sharing her tips and trend advice from Blue Egg Brown Nest. Creativity has been a part of her life from an early age, after being inspired by her jewellery designer father. Like many on trend bloggers she is also a big fan of chalk paint. So we are pleased to share with you the creative trends of Christen Bensten.

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1) What pieces of furniture have impressed you recently?

I think a reclaimed tabletop is always a good choice. I have worked with many clients over the past year and this is the type of piece that they want in their dining room. It is a trestle type table and the top is boards of reclaimed wood. It is a rustic, but timeless feel. I think that people are interested in being a bit more playful in their dining settings. It is not so formal. I have had clients express that they would like mismatched chairs around the table. I love this idea. It is very homespun, but in a sophisticated way. If you are interested in doing this I would recommend doing 2 or 3 different styles, but in the same stain and wood to make it look cohesive. I think we all need a few shelves in our living space/s where we can display our interests. Whether it’s vintage teacups, books, vases, etc. we need a place to display these. The armoire is so classic and beautiful in itself. Put a few of your beloved and treasured pieces in it and it is an essential piece to any room. I think a large mirror has a great place in a living space. It makes the room feel more expansive and it is a real statement. I think you a rug should never detract from a room. We have all been in spaces where there is not a calm feel because there is a print on the rug beneath us that is claiming too much of our attention. I would always recommend a rug with only one or two colors.

2) What colours are on trend right now?

I tend to go with neutrals for the big pieces in my home and add color through the accents & accessories. My large pieces of furniture are rustic, painted and distressed. Most of the tables in my space I have refinished myself and are in whites and greys. My couches are also a nubby, brown color. I play with color through pillows, curtains and accessories. My color of choice is a turquoise and you can see that in my home.

3) What types of materials are on trend right now?

I love a basic or white burlap for chairs and curtains. I think it can look very European and high end. It is also inexpensive. Linen is one of those fabrics that always looks good. It scares me a bit because it’s not easy to clean, but it is seem less. Toile will always be in style. Vintage toile or modern toile with fun colors. I love it for wall paper and upholstery. Ikat is still a great way to bring in a blend of colors in a space. If you want to mix in blues in a guestroom, add Ikat pillows to pull all the blues together.

4) Which of your projects embodies the latest design trend? And why?

I think we want lovely, curved furniture again. Straight lines look at bit cheap to me as they are something you can find in most retail shops. A blocky side table seems unappealing. I search for pieces with a bit more character and interest.