Caning is back! If you have always liked the look, now is the time to incorporate a new piece in whatever room needs an update! If you have a retro piece, repair and paint to give it a refreshed look. Maybe with a colorful pad!
Colors go through cycles. Gray has been in for many years now – maybe 10 or more. In the cycle of design that is a long time! Many of my clients had a warm base of wood or stone and therefore NEVER wanted gray.
I just finished a renovation at the end of the year. Existing warmer tones and updating numerous baths and counter-tops led to material searches that were not easy. Gray was the dominant color and not integrating it would create a lack of continuity throughout the home. From six sources, there were three options for replacing the dated wall tile in the tub and shower areas. The materials used – included wood, carpet, three different quartz colors for counter-tops, bath wall tiles and porcelain bath floors – were all compatible but hints of gray were there.
On a recent home tour I attended, the master shower was gray and the remainder of the home was warm tones. The shower looked out of context.
So, no doubt, gray has to be going as its been the longest gray run we have ever had. If you’re selecting for a new build or renovation, work harder for a newer look so your project is not dated upon completion! Don’t go for easy, go for the most return on your investment.
I have had a yellow room in my home during most of my adult years! This year every shade of yellow is big in women’s fashion. Which means we will see more and more of it in home furnishings. See some examples on my Paint and Wall Finishes board on Pinterest. A color often used to chase the gray of the Pacific northwest, it is a favorite of bright and sunny people no matter where they live! We have over 300 hundred days of sunshine in the Southwest but adding more inside just adds to the upbeat mood. It can be subtle: a light tint for a warmer off-white base color, a perfect backdrop for your blue and white dishes in the kitchen or dining area, a warm and inviting powder room or bedroom. With all of the gray tones currently in use, yellow is a perfect color to add. An accent pillow, a bowl of lemons by the bar or flowers on the table… the pop of color creates visual impact. It is also beautiful with white moldings. A classic! Always worth consideration!
Mosaic tile patterns are great for kitchen backsplash and bath focal points! When designers consider spaces prior to construction, placing focal points is a top priority! Open design kitchens call for an interesting treatment to be viewed from a distance. Upon entering a bath, the item with the most impact is an obvious point of interest. New Ravena is stellar with these mosaic designs! There are certainly other companies as well that have some great products. If you need custom work, then laserjet cutting allows you to create at will. These beautiful accents should be selected first with the other room elements supporting them. If art is a top consideration start with that, then add interest in other areas with a blend of elements throughout the project.
The most inviting draw for your home during cooler weather? A fireplace! Kitchens are natural gathering spots with the hostess and food, however, a fireplace is a natural draw. With comfortable seating for family and friends, you can create a welcoming and relaxing area for memorable moments. Many options are now available to make this easier. It is hard to top a real fire but there are pollution restrictions and messy clean ups. Gas logs have long been an option and they have become very real looking. The popular lineal fires are an entirely different and very popular look. Napoleon Fireplaces’ lineal fires have options that may be utilized in remodeling or specified in new builds because they can take less than 6” to being part of a build out that looks deeper. Venting options make it versatile enough to start with design placement and then figure out where the heat will vent. Explore the cozy options on my Pinterest board – Fireplaces!
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Universal Design
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Residential Design Elements
