Inspiration found through Color.

Part 2….

Trend 2: Femininity With A Hard Edge

This is a more dynamic trend, which includes pretty yet powerful colours, from their palest to most dramatic shades. Think of peonies that burst into colourful life and then slowly reduce in intensity as they fade. Imagine delicate whispers of texture from vintage lace and silk, offset by hard modern ceramics and metals. You could sum it up as femininity with a tough edge.  While not ideal for every room in the home, this does work best in living rooms and bedrooms.

Paint Colours
It might be that you choose a white or pale green background colour for your walls, then add a touch of ‘wow!’ with stronger shades of the accent colour  like, raspberry or periwinkle with accessories and soft furnishings. This scheme does not need to be dramatic, if you want something easier to live with, try something a little more understated.

Wallpaper
Just as choosing a paint color can be difficult and tiresome between a man and a woman…ditto for wallpaper!  Go for soft, feminine shades as a base, add sharper (or more masculine) tones to pep up the scheme.

Living Room
This room, with all the tendencies of a more feminine room; also, sways toward the masculine with the finishes and shape.   Find this look a little heavy? Keep the wallpaper, but swap it for a lighter colourway and change the flooring to a pale, soft carpet…

Bedroom
The idea of a pale lilac bedroom would turn most men’s stomachs, but this one is edging into grey, while the contrasting colour – mustard yellowy green is a fabulous foil for the walls soft tones. Add to that the contrast of white furnishings with a single high gloss black piece and you’ve got femininity, masculinity, light and dark all in one space. Brilliant.

Give your windows a temporary face-lift:

If you have “layers” on your windows (panels and sheers), take the panels off and give an airy feel to your space with simple sheers, allowing light to flood in and give a beachy feel to your home.

 from heavy…

to breezy.

Lighten up your bedding by removing the heavy comforter and adding a light weight blanket or coverlet that highlights a brighter or “sunnier” color from the comforter.  If it’s a solid, find something with a pattern or floral with bright “Juicey” colors to change things up.

Change out the pillows on your sofa….

Remove these dark wintery pillows….

and add these bold, beautiful Summer pillows.

Accessorize with clear glass bowls with floating candles, white vases with a single brightly colored flower and bring the outdoors…in.  Flowers, reeds of grass, cattails, single bud flowers, floating magnolia’s and potted Gerber daisy’s.  Anything will work as long as it doesn’t give the feel of being too heavy.

For the kitchen:

Change out dish towels, soap containers, table linens, centerpieces, chair pads and wall display to something light and lively.

hang these on the wall for a summery change.

For additional ideas email pcdesign@mac.com or visit www.affordableinteriordesigners.com

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”.

What a great wall sconce to add to a powder room on both sides of a etched glass mirror.

The price of the sconce is to die for… only $105.20.

Check it out at: www.wegotlites.net

This mirror is available from CSN Mirrors for $209.

Check it out at: http://www.csnmirrors.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=RD2408&refid=XT33-RD2408

Add a new coat of paint to the walls….

and now you have an updated, low cost, glamourous looking Powder Room.