Here's a bit from a column we write for Seaside Magazine called "On Design"
Check out the magazine online... awesome west coast culture and lifestyle! We LOVE Seaside :)
Colour Trends for
2013…Who Cares ?!!
Tangerine Tango, Lemon Sorbet, Emerald…all a recent “Colour of
the Year” from the big paint companies - guided of course by fashion and design
trends.
As stylists, we are always asked what is the latest trend
for paint and décor. We usually say…Who Cares! Not because we don’t follow (and love love love) the trending colours, but because trends tend to have a limited shelf life
and can date quickly (harvest gold or avocado refrigerator anyone?). Home is
our sanctuary - a place that should reflect personal taste and style. Your Colours ...your way!
Having said that, there are a few guidelines we suggest you follow.
- · Consider the new wall colour as a backdrop for your furniture, art and accessories. Look at what you have(and love) and jump off from that point. Find inspiration in magazines, fashion, favourite vacation spots, your friend’s homes (OK, careful on that one :) Choose colours that flow from room to room connecting the spaces.
- · Look at your flooring...How will it fit in with your new wall colour? Do you have dark Mahogany hard wood or light cream carpeting? Obviously neutral flooring gives you wall colour freedom! But maybe its a crazy coloured area rug that you love...start there and keep the walls simple.
- · Your lighting will change the temperature and intensity of the colour. Keep in mind too that some colours absorb light and some colours reflect light giving a very different feel. Consider your light source in the room. Is there abundant natural light or is the space dark and you are more dependent on artificial lighting.
Keep these general ideas in mind. Narrow your choices down
to 2-3 colours.
Always a safe bet – Classic neutrals.
They create a balance in
your large areas and with big furniture pieces (walls, sofas) and will withstand the test of time. Neutral
tones need not be boring when you bring in pops of colour in your accessories
(here’s where to use trend color…Emerald Orange Blue and Purple = Beautiful!).
Here we used the neutral Benjamin Moore HC 173 - Edgecombe Gray along with
OC 130-Cloud White on the newly installed wainscoting
...So inviting!
Another neutral wall in a small condo livened up with pops of orange and teal.
We strongly suggest you invest in test pots from your local
paint store! Look at your test patches throughout the day and evening. Note how
the colour will change dramatically from day to night.
Ultimately, choose colours that speak to you
- the ones
that make you feel happy and content in your space.
Colour in the form of paint is
a fun and inexpensive way to change the look and feel of your home.
If you still are at “where do I start?“ then call in the
experts! It will save you time and money and you won’t be stuck with paint
disasters.
Enjoy your colour...your way!
We would love to hear about your favourite shades!
~ Tracey
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