It’s that time of year again…..no, not time to pick out your Halloween costume, but time for the major paint companies to announce their color selections for “Color of the Year” for next year. Recently, Sherwin Williams chose “Poised Taupe” (SW 6039) as their Color of the Year for 2017.  Sherwin Williams describes this neutral color as a “modern classic and a beautiful balance of warm and cool.”  We are seeing a shift away from the popular shades of grey from the last five years with this transition to taupe by adding some brown to create a more complex color.  According to Sherwin Williams, “Earthen brown combines with conservative grey and the result is a weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life.”

​

This past weekend was "Dwell on Design" -America's largest interior design show, held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  Every year design companies introduce their newest products to a "Trade Only" event on the Friday before the show opens to the public over the weekend.  Here are a few of my "favorites" from the show.
​

I LOVED these beautiful African and Moroccan textiles, pillows and poufs at "House of Cindy"

Brizo's bathroom faucets and "SmartTouch" technology kitchen faucets are state-of-the-art smart technology for the kitchen and bathroom

And of course, Sunbrella Fabrics always comes to the show with a new palette of colors and designs for their versatile "Performance Fabrics"

I also loved the elegance of this linear drain system from Infinity Drain...not your basic drain in the shower floor!

Using items that you have collected over the years can add a lot of personality to a space in your home. The trick is to arrange the items creatively so that there is a variety of texture, height, color, and scale. Coffee tables are perfect places to experiment with your personal collections. For example, on a coffee table, begin by placing a tall vase made of glass or ceramic and fill it with fresh flowers or tall natural branches from a tree. This will give you a combination of a natural material mixed with glass. The next step would be to add a tray (rattan, lacquer, metal or acrylic) or boxes made of inlaid bone, perhaps from your travels. Continue to layer with low stacks of interesting picture books such as art history, photography or biographies. Finish the look with a "pretty little something" on top of the books such as a bird statuette or a large seashell. Now you have a beautiful display of interesting objects that are not only wonderful to look at, but reflect who you are as well.

This month we'll continue with "C" in regards to the "ABC's" to making small changes in your home.  "C" stands for "Color."  Recently, Benjamin Moore announced their 2015 "Color of the Year" which is "Guilford Green."  It is part of their Historical Collection.  Benjamin Moore describes it as, "A neutral that's a natural.  A silvery green that works with, well, everything."  
Color is one of the most personal aspects of design and also one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a big impact without spending a lot of money.  Color creates life and energy.  Color can greatly change the personality of a space.  Color can be uplifting and even make you smile!  
Here are some color tricks that you can use to help infuse color into your home:
* Paint a wall up to chair rail height
* Paint wooden floors
* Paint the interior of cabinets or bookcases
* Paint your ceiling a different color....ceilings don't have to be white 
The most important thing is, color should be fun.  Don't be afraid of it! 

Last month we talked about the "A" in the "ABC's" with regards to making small changes in your home, and this month we continue with the letter "B." The "B" stands for the "Begin With the Architecture."  The architecture is something that already exists, and you want to use it to your full advantage in order to make a big difference in the way a room looks.  Think about the style of your home, the amenities that you would like to accentuate and the focal points of a particular room.  Let's look at a handful of small changes that allow you to achieve a different look architecturally. 
You can change the facade on a fireplace or add moldings to contribute to the historic aspect of the architecture.  Installing stained or painted ceiling beams can really change the look in a room.  Adding built-ins to existing blank walls adds character as well as functionality.  Drawers, shelving, and bookcases add storage and can be used to take advantage of usable space that might otherwise be wasted.
Consider the height of your ceilings and paint them a color instead of white.  When ceilings and walls are painted a different color, the area where they meet becomes a focal point.  If you have a low ceiling, paint the walls and ceiling the same color so there will not be a line of demarcation.  If you have a high ceiling, paint it a color to help lower the ceiling.  Eggshell paint has a little bit of sheen and can help to bounce light off of surfaces due to its reflective quality.
Recycling and repurposing architectural items such as windows, light fixtures, drawers and doors can give you a unique look and is good for the environment.  You can paint, stain or tile existing stair risers to give an entryway more panache.  Brightly colored fabric or paint inside a glass-paneled door can give your cabinets a personality all their own!

This is our first edition of our monthly newsletter, the theme of which is how “Small Changes Make a Big Difference” in interior design. People often ask us how they can achieve a different look by not spending a lot of money. In the next few months, we will be addressing some of these issues. Thank you for taking the time to read these articles. We hope you will find them both interesting and helpful.

It’s amazing how different a room or space can look by simply making a few small changes around your home! We call it the “ABC’s” to making small changes, and this month we will focus on what truly distinguishes an interior. Let’s start with “A” -  “Attention to Detail.” It’s the finishing touches that give a room character. Elements such as light fixtures, door handles, textiles, and accessories are what can transform a stylish space into something more personal and unique. 

One of the quickest ways to add impact and drama to any space is by installing full-height drapery panels on the windows in a room. They add an instant “coziness factor,” and add softness that can’t be achieved otherwise. When you hang drapery near the ceiling rather than just above the window frame, it gives the illusion of height. This is a great idea for small rooms or rooms with a low ceiling. Drapery is the “icing on the cake,” the “finishing touch” and the “ball gown” of the room. Notice in the internet photo above, the drapes  complete the look by adding the final attention to detail and add that "Wow" factor that completes this room's look.  This is one area where designers know that you get what you pay for. Spend time selecting the fabric and get help if you need it. It’s a smart choice to have them professionally lined and constructed too!