After extensive surveys and market research, Pantone has named Emerald 2013 Color of the Year. The classically elegant color will be seen in fashion, home fashion, and (we predict) architecture. One look below and it’s easy to see why.

Image via Pantone

Image via Pantone

The selection has garnered attention in national publications such as The Wall Street Journal, which reported that:

The annual color proclamation is closely followed by the design industry, and emerald is already starting to show up across a wide swath of products—clothes, dishes, furniture and even cars…Deep greens took off on fashion runways in the spring 2013 collections.

Image via Pantone

Emerald is notable because it pairs well with both warm and cool hues. While homeowners are not all going to run out and re-design their entire residence around the color, we could certainly see it working well for a pillow here and a throw there.

The study of architecture combines the technical know-how of engineering with the artist’s vision of form and function. Natural talent and ability can only take you so far in his demanding field; it is also necessary to study under and work with the best teachers and mentors that you can find. Fortunately, the United States is blessed with hundreds of universities that offer a top-notch education and the required training to produce some of the best architects in the world.

Milstein Hall at Cornell University. Photo via ArchDaily

Every year, the prestigious magazine, DesignIntelligence, thoroughly investigates and rates the various architecture schools in North America. With dozens of top architecture schools vying for the honor, it is a difficult task to decide on the actual winners. Still, these five schools were chosen for their fine sensibilities about and dedication to interior design:

• Savannah College of Art and Design
• Rhode Island School of Design
• Pratt Institute
• Cornell University
• Parsons The New School of Design

Each of these schools has graduated and continues to graduate some of the finest architects around. It is a singular honor to be included on this list.

Translating an outdoor aesthetic to an indoor décor can be daunting. The proper use of windows and open space can certainly aid in the task, but rustic home furnishings are integral to the entire design. In many ways, Bleu Nature fully expresses this sensibility with its furniture, light fixtures and accessories.

Bleu Nature offers a stunning variety of styles that capture the essence of nature. You can feel the rhythm of nature in one of their utterly unique Vibration Climatique series or comfortably ensconce yourself in one of their wood and leather hybrid sofas that infuses rustic design with simple, modern lines.

While the furniture in a room will be the focal point, Bleu Nature does not ignore the importance of lighting and accessories. There are literally dozens of inventive and sublimely beautiful lamps, sconces and other lighting fixtures in their catalogue. In addition, they have any number of mirrors, table pieces and objets d’arts that will complete the look of your room.

A home is a reflection of the owner and their personality. If the outdoors is truly your playground, then, perhaps, rustic home furnishings are the ideal decorating choice for you.

We wanted to take an opportunity to show our appreciation to all of our clients through the years. We want to thank you for entrusting us to build the home of your dreams. Whether you reside in Colorado or Hawaii, we are grateful for the loyalty you have shown us by keeping us in mind for your future projects.

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Trilogy Partners.

The December issue of House Beautiful, on newsstands November 20th, is highlighting the most talked about design trends for 2013. The Huffington Post got an exclusive on “the next big design trends” a little early and gave it’s readers a sneak peek in yesterday’s Home section.

Here are some of the predictions made in House Beautiful.

1. The return of classic fabrics

Photo via Pinterest

2. Brass is Back

Photo via Pinterest

3. “Elegant Room Dividers”

Photo via Huffington Post

4. High Gloss

Photo via Pinterest

5. “Realistic Runway Fabric”

Photo via Huffington Post

What do you think about the latest design trends for 2013? What would you like to see make a comeback in 2013?

There was a big announcement today at the Greenbuild conference, the world’s largest conference dedicated to green building, which is taking place in San Francisco this week. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that Google awarded them a $3 million grant in “an effort to transform the building materials industry and accelerate the creation of healthier indoor environments.”

“Healthy, non-toxic building materials are a critical component in green building,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “Fostering awareness of the materials we put into our buildings is of paramount importance, since many materials can link to a host of environmental and health issues. Working with Google enables us to broaden our efforts in the materials industry as we prepare for the next version of the LEED green building program, LEED v4. This updated rating system will paint a more complete picture of materials and products, enabling project teams to make more informed decisions.”

“The idea for this project emerged from our own work at Google, where we’re committed to creating the healthiest work environments possible that help employees perform at their best,” said Anthony Ravitz, Google’s Green Team Lead. “USGBC has a deep background in spearheading research, developing a rating system spanning the globe and engaging with the many stakeholders in the building industry, making them the perfect partner to help spur real change on the healthy materials front.”

According to Archdaily, “The new initiatives will be developed over the next two years.”

Our hearts go out to everyone on the Northeastern seaboard who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. The devastation caused by Sandy is unfathomable. Many are still without electricity and worse, their homes. As they prepare for the onslaught of another storm, we are left wondering what we can do to help.

One particular town, Seaside Heights, sustained some of the worst damage. It has been reported that close to 80-90% of all properties in Seaside Heights has been affected by the hurricane. The boardwalk, a town favorite, has been completely destroyed.

Photo via the Examiner

One organization helping to make a difference is Architecture for Humanity. Working with the Borough of Seaside Heights, Architecture for Humanity will be helping to rebuild this seaside town and boardwalk. You can help as well by donating to their Hurricane Sandy Reconstruction Fund and  “Restore the Shore” fund.

Breckenridge might be over 1900 miles away from the destruction caused by Sandy, but we can still make a difference in the lives of those affected.

This week we are counting down the days till opening day of the 2012-2013 ski season in Breckenridge. Helping everyone get into the season of snow is Ullr, the Norse God of Snow, who has made his way back to Breck. For the next several days, Ullr will be playing a little game of hide and seek. If you find him, from now until Thursday, November 8th, you’ll have a chance to win first chair on Opening Day, November 9th.

Ullr will be hanging around the Denver area waiting to be spotted. Like Breckenridge Ski Resort on Facebook or Follow them on Twitter to get clues as to where Ullr will be hiding.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIjiHhe4SzI&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

Good luck and may the Norse be with you.

We are gearing up for opening day on Friday, November 9th, here in Breck. Breckenridge Ski Resort, one of the most popular ski destinations in Colorado, has offered world-class skiing and riding for over fifty years. On average, the Ski Resort in Breckenridge receives around 300 inches of snow a year. That’s a lot of powder.

With twenty nine lifts and 2,358 acres of prime skiing and riding, BSki Resort is the perfect place to stay and experience a real Colorado ski town. Whether you are looking for high-alpine terrain or a place to learn how to ski, you’ll find what you are looking for in Breck. There are four peaks for your skiing and riding pleasure– Peak 7, Peak 8, Peak 9 and Peak 10.

What is your favorite run in Breck?

Nothing like a few concept skyscrapers for a post Halloween post. Some of these designs are a little scary.

Photo via Web Urbanist.

Most of these concepts are planned for the hub of extreme architecture, Dubai.

Photo via Web Urbanist.

It seems the architect who thought up this design isn’t a fan of the principle “form over function.”

Are these designs a trick or a treat? You decide.