Replacement of the old fashioned tile in both of the guest bathrooms with Porcelanosa linen-look, large format tile updated and lightened the rooms. Installation is more difficult with these tiles. Also, if you are past gray or need to tie in with warmer colors, Porcelanosa has options!
So is gray in or out?
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.
The Joy of Yellow in Design
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!
Design Trends According to the Wall Street Journal
Last weekend’s Wall Street Journal (July 20-21) had an article about dated decor trends and, of course, I had to read that!
- Accent walls (Agree)
- Jetted tubs (Agree) But they replaced it with a shower only! Showers are, of course, the most used, but in luxury homes, the master also includes a tub. For those that love baths, this can even be the priority so locate it where you are comfortable for bathing Ensure the tub is not a hazard to enter! Showers? Make them large enough that no curbing is needed, just a glass panel.
- Vessel sinks (Disagree) They were always just a novelty! Undermount for minimalist and high use areas then mix it up with self-rimming sinks in the powder or guest areas.
- Tuscan yellow walls (Agree) But with 20’ ceilings all white is too boring. So mix it up with some variety!
- Yellow toned oak (Agree) Paint it out. It is so boring to have the kitchen cabinetry repeated anywhere else. Mix it up with compatible wood tones and paint.
- Trapezoidal islands (Agree) Anyone with design sense knows angles have no place in anything well done!
- Automation (Agree) If it doesn’t work most of the time, go back to off and on switches. You knew you were in trouble when you needed an installer for set up! If you can’t set it up yourself, you can’t keep it working.
- Shutters (Totally Disagree) Shutters afford you control of view, light, privacy. They last forever and insulate from heat. If you have a view, you can stack them on the sides, add draperies or drop-down shades of various sorts. But for many other situations, shutters are great!
- Stainless steel refrigerators (Agree) Blend that massive appliance in with the adjoining colors.
- Subway tile (Agree) Now that’s just boring!
Some good news!
- They have vintage rugs as the best option! We have been giving them away and I knew they would make a comeback. Hopefully you saved your favorites or picked up some additional rugs at great prices!
Mosaic Tile Patterns Create a Focal Point!
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.
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