January 19, 2012

2012 Color Trends

Color trends for the home take many things into consideration, changing in response to seemingly outside influences such as trade and politics, global events, the economic climate, and the fashion runway. In times of confidence and prosperity palettes turn bright and daring and in times of uncertainty they soften, aiming first and foremost to provide a sense of safety and calm.

What stands out in this year’s predictions is the fact the colors are slightly safer than last year when it seemed the palette was turning more upbeat. The progression makes sense as this time last year consumers were looking forward to an end to the troubled economy they had already dealt with for too long. As this year approaches its final months, however, they find themselves in much the same predicament as last year.

This doesn’t, of course, mean people won’t be painting their interiors, it simply means they are likely to select colors that are a little safer; hues with which they believe they will be able to live peacefully and comfortably for some time. There is a natural ebb and flow of color trends moving from dark (brown trend) to light (gray/white trend) as the gray and blue neutrals still are holding strong for 2012. As you can see in the Pantone 2012 Colors below, there are mix of subtle mid tones of blues, grays, soft neutrals, earth tones and colors with kick for you to explore.

As you’ve hopefully heard Tangerine Tango is the Pantone 2012 Color of year and it is everywhere! Just last weekend I was out shopping in our local mall and the vibrant color is being displayed in clothing, handbags, shoes, and home accessories such as vases, lamps, and even towels and bedding.

The best way of incorporating some trendy colors into your home in scale to your comfort zone is via accessories. Break the palette down into groupings of 2, or 3 – 4 (at most). Where do you get the inspiration for this? The best designer I have ever met is nature. Look to nature for some inspiration that really works.

Print out your palette, and cut it up with scissors. Go online to your favorite sources, and find things that you can relate to – then lay them out in front of you, and add and subtract.

Remember KISS – Keep It Stylish but Simple – stick with 1 focal point per living zone (zones are particularly crucial in open floor plans, because you rely on function to separate living zones, instead of walls).

Above all, think of color as a gift that you give to yourself, and everyone you welcome to your space. Be generous, but give what you feel able to give - never give until it hurts. The result should be a space that makes you smile every time you walk through the door!

I am writing this blog on a very snowy day here in Seattle and dreaming of spring. Thankfully it is right around the corner and below is just a small taste of color for what is to come!

Need some help creating your Authentic Home? Contact us at 206.937.3070 or email us for more information on a color consultation or interior design appointment.

January 11, 2012

2012 Color of the Year!

The 2012 Pantone Color of the year is Tangerine Tango!

Explosively loud and exceedingly bold, Tangerine Tango has been announced as Pantone’s 2012 color of the year. The global authority on color, Pantone revealed yesterday that the shade will replace 2011’s Honeysuckle hue. The reddish-orange tone will no doubt have us walking on sunshine. It has already appeared on both the Spring and Pre-Fall 2012 runways, on fashionistas in street style and in home interiors.

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, said in a statement. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Daring as it may seem, Tangerine Tango has proved it can be an excellent staple color. A versatile choice, the orangey hue compliments a spectrum of colors including yellow, purple, blue and green and flatters all skin tones. The past few seasons, designers already have taken note of the shade’s excitement and created eye-catching apparel, color-pop accessories and brighter-than-life footwear all sporting the vibrant color.

Syndicated journalist Marni Jameson consulted her “high octane” Interior Designer dream team for whom she relies on for advice on trends. Dallas designer Betty Lou Phillips declared, ”Orange will be everywhere, not the orange of an orange, but rather the hues and tints of bittersweet, coral, and tangerine. Lately, clients have been eager to add a pop of color to an otherwise neutral room with the hopes of adding a bit of bliss.”

Interiors can be freshened up with brightly colored chairs, pillows, lamps and other accents. Walls painted in solids or prints can make a huge artistic impact. Depending on the theme, orange can provide warmth or a modern vibe.

Tangerine Tango isn’t reserved just for fashion. She may be a style maven with her own apparel line, but interior designer Kelly Wearstler still knows how to invigorate any space and tangerine is an easy yet unexpected go-to. Interiors can be freshened up with brightly colored chairs, pillows, lamps and other accents. Walls painted in solids or prints can make a huge artistic impact. Depending on the theme, orange can provide warmth or a modern vibe.

Need some help creating your Authentic Home? Contact us at 206.937.3070 or email us for more information on a color consultation or interior design appointment.

December 23, 2011

My Holiday Home

As I mentioned in my earlier blog, I am inspired this year to use a lighter color palette for my holiday decorating. For the past four or five years I’ve used mostly amber, copper, gold and brown color palette which was very rich and warm.

Yet like everyone else, my tastes also change and I wanted to lighten up my color palette. Over the summer I painted my living room in my silver color and used that as my background undertone for my new color palette.

I used silver in various tones, off white, champagne and a touch of light pink to create a winter wonderland. Above is my mantel and I so love my new glittery silver reindeer with white mink collar piece that I found at Haley’s Cottage, in Kirkland WA. I flocked both my wreath above the mantel and my tree to make it feel cool and snowy.

I used white & grey mesh wide fabric on the mantel to give it a light airy feel and a beautiful grey embroidered ribbon on the tree and a bow topper. The tree is adorned with mixes of crystals, white glitter snowflakes, silver glitter reindeer and curly silver wisps to give the tree sparkle and sizzle!

Santa is also a new purchase this year as I fell in love with his beautiful cream and pink velvet coat and hat and his happy face. A mix of ball ornaments in my color palette in a silver basket, silver votives and vases, a pink and white floral box and an angel ornament finishes off “Santa’s” table, which is next to my fireplace.

My home is on the smaller size and working with a lighter color palette keeps the mood bright and cheery. I am excited to have friends over this weekend to enjoy it with me.

Happy Holidays!

December 16, 2011

White Christmas

This year I am so inspired with decorating for the holidays in all tones of white. There is something so simple, elegant and clean about using white when decorating this time of year. And it instantly says winter!

Introduce other colors such as silver, champagne, turquoise blue, or soft pink. I love working with silver trays and vases and all shapes and sizes of decorative balls and candles. Pearls and crystals either used as garland or loosely arranged amongst candles add a pretty feminine touch.

And don’t forget the bedroom and other rooms in your home when decorating for the holidays. I believe you need to enjoy the holiday spirit in every part of your home.