Inspiration found through Color.
Part 1….
Trend 1: Nature Inspired.
What a relief for lovers of neutral color schemes – everyone agrees this year that understated room schemes inspired by nature will be one of the strong trends for 2009. Designer’s have been inspired this year by everything from rich ochre colors to the simple beachfront homes with bleached cream wooden shutters, weathered and worn woods, and stones in warm hues, punctuated by cooler tones of blues and greens to create a natural balance of colour and texture that is warm and embracing.
Elements of the natural world have also inspired Wallpaper palettes such as this colour palette and is combined with flame red for an injection of vibrancy. Combine the ever popular greens with fresh yellow’s and add a touch of raspberry and mint green for a unique combination.
Being “Eco-Conscious” or “Green” is a deciding factor for many when decorating. In 2009, the will be slightly more subtle. With people moving less frequently, look for fresh and bright to become increasingly more important. Expect to see “New-Neutrals” take root, as the year continues.
Natural tones will also be an enduring popular choice for furniture, with wall colours being chosen to echo the tones of the upholstery.
Living Room
Inspired by nature doesn’t have to mean “No” color in a living room ! You can choose anything from deep dark browns to rich ochres, mustard yellows, pale greens and blues. When incorporating patterns… using something light and airy as opposed to heavily patterned choices creates a visually pleasing environment.
Bedrooms
Natural schemes doesn’t mean feminine and traditional – you can give a nod to the trend within a contemporary scheme too, as in this bedroom. Combine wood panelled wardrobes or walls with natural floor coverings and furniture in woody tones, and add texture with throws and cushions in deep earthy shades. Combine with a bold accent color to add a “Punch” to the area.
Kitchens
When making selections for your kitchen in the Natural trend, think sensibly and long term. Walls can always be painted and Accent your Kitchen with unique objects such as lighting, accessories, rugs, stools and window treatments to add flair….
Dining Room
This is a particularly good look to go for in your dining room. And, if your dining room is part of your kitchen area -like in an open plan – a Neutral scheme is a must to create a relaxed and cohesively calm space.
Kids’ Room
Design a neutral scheme for a kids’ room is easy and sustainable for the long-term (not having to change the scheme every few years is easy for the wallet as well). So, whether you’ve got a baby or a teenager, hit this trend in a big way…
Bathroom
Space is always a factor, but any bathroom can be given the natural touch easily. When looking for a new bathroom cabinet, choose one in real wood. Flooring, choose a natural stone. Wall tile, choose something light and airy with some visual texture. On a budget? Paint the walls a soft shade of green or blue.
Tags: 2009 home trends, Advice, choosing colors, Decorate on a budget, decorating styles, Design Styles, design trends, Do's & Don'ts, Eclectic style, home decorating, Home Improvements, Home makeover, inexpensive tips, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles, paint colors
Contemporary design can often times, be confused with modern design. Similarities between both include; clean lines, neutral colors, use of woods and metals.
There is a thin line between the two but Contemporary takes design a step farther than Modern. It takes everyday items and pushes the design limitations.
A sink in your powder room, instead of white porcelain, might be zebra wood mdf board and mounted on the wall with the chrome faucet pouring out from the wall.
It will take a handful of clear lightbulbs, gather them together and create an industrial looking chandelier over the dining table.
The style will take a zebra skin and use it as a rug on the floor in front of the fireplace.
Contemporary style takes design a step further than any other design. It tends to lean toward an idustrial, sparce look with very limited color. In fact the only color in the room, might be a large painting hanging on a wall or a large hand blown glass chandelier hanging from a vaulted ceiling in the foyer.
Contemporary furniture is typically covered in solid fabrics ranging from Chenille, leather, linen, silk, nubby wool and cotton. Some have wood or even metal legs and rarely do you see a skirt on your upholstered pieces.
Rugs tend to be used as an accent adding color or a simple, abstract design to balance the simplicity of the upholstery on furniture.
Tables tend to be glass or metal (typically chrome or steel) or a mixture of both. The glass keeps the design clean, open and simple.
There isn’t an abundance of furniture used and there tend to be a variety of seating areas; some for a group or for just a a section for a reading area. It all varies depending on the amount of space you have.
Overall Contemporary design, from the outside in, keeps the spatial relationship simple and flowing. The sterile exterior is carried inside, keeping spaces open flowing from room to room, limiting the amount of walls a home has.
Floors are often wood and sometimes, polished stone, again keeping in line with that sterile, clean feel. Countertops are granite, stainless, or a solid composite material. Cabinetry can be metal, glass, some wood as accents coordinated with stainless appliances, closely resembling a kitchen in a high-end restaurant.
Window treatments, if used, are simple in design. Long panels framing in the window, custom roman shades to diffuse light for during the day, double top treatments to create drama on tall windows that carry your eye toward the ceiling.
Sometimes, drama is added to windows with bold, geometric fabrics.
In Contemporary design, art is used as accessories, but sometimes sample knick-knacks are added here and there, but used very sparsely.
Glass art used in Architectural alcoves with lights to highlight it.
Variety of accessories used throughout homes.
If you are looking to design your home in the Contemporary style and still have questions, contact pcdesign@mac.com for more information.
Tags: Advice, Contemporary, Contemporary Design, Contemporary style, decorating styles, Design Styles, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Styles
Most people today, classify themselves as “Transitional” in their Interior Design Styles (or what some of my client’s call, “the Pottery Barn Style”).
Let’s delve into the meaning of “Transitional” to find out if this style best represents you!
We go back to the unforgettable, and I say this with great respect, catalog that is received in the mail by millions of people weekly………..Pottery Barn.
As quoted from their website; “Pottery Barn began in 1949 as a single store in Lower Manhattan, and is founded on the idea that home furnishings should be exceptional in comfort, style and quality. Our in–house designers draw their inspiration from time–honored models in America and around the world to create unique collections…..”.
While this isn’t a Blog about Pottery Barn, they are one of the most widely viewed home decorating catalogs in the world and are, the best, Visual example of simple, neutral and elemental design qualities out there. Other places to find “Transitional” style furnishings are at your larger department stores and larger chain furniture (some discount) super stores.
Transitional decor, blends “Traditional” Style with “Contemporary” Styles to make distinctive, classic, yet comfortable Design. The primary influence is “American” with sleek lines and rounded profiles, rich prints with minimalistic approaches and very affordable options. Items aren’t overstated for the rooms, but sized in proportion to them.
Colors associated with this style are muted neutrals; blends of creams, taupe’s, chocolates (neither to masculine or feminine). There aren’t many additional adornments to furnishings, like fringe, tassels or “frills”. Nailhead is often used as contrast for trim on upholstered pieces. Typical fabrics used are; Suede, Corduroy, jacquard, leather, chenille, cotton, twill, woven and tweeds.
Accessorizing takes a back seat in transitional design. Crisp, clean black or white framing and monochromatic artwork, hammered metals, natural wood, geometric shapes. Accessories that are ornate, fancy, elegant or over-the-top are limited to one (or none) per space. Keeping things simple, but interesting, is primary.
Transitional lighting includes, understated, unadorned chandeliers, ceiling fans with adjustable lighting, pendants that seem to fade in rather than stand out in contrast to cabinetry and lamps that carry a classic yet simple style with an updated feel.
Next, Interior Design Style Revealed………. “Contemporary”.
Tags: Advice, cotton, decorating styles, Design Styles, diy transitional design, furniture like pottery barn, interior, Interior Design, Interior design style, Interior Design Tips, Interior Styles, neutral colors, neutral decor, pottery barn, pottery barn design, suede furniture, transitional design, transitional interior design
