Paint Trends of 2013

Do you feel stuck in a decorating rut?  If so, I want to help you homeowners!  Painting walls is a quick and easy way to freshen up your interior.  It's a home improvement strategy that is cost effective and gives immediate results.  This post is made to educate homeowners who are looking to change up their home, these are the hottest paint trends of 2013:

A Pop of Blue:
Neutral pieces look amazing against pops of electric blue.  Splashing colour in an unexpected place, like your ceiling, is a trend paint companies are seeing this year.  Although blue can make a loud statement when it's applied properly this colour can create a tranquil atmosphere.

As this hue is very versatile it looks great in bedrooms, family rooms and other living areas.  If you are looking to make a bold impression, try painting your ceiling or an accent wall.  

Eclectic Dining Room by Bala Cynwyd Design-Build Firms Design Manifest

Lemon Sherbet: 
According to Benjamin Moore this is the colour of the year!  It creates a very welcoming and happy atmosphere and looks great with just about every palette.

You can use this colour everywhere.  Lemon Sherbet is adjustable and workable with what you already have in your home.  Like a neutral, Lemon Sherbet ties in with everything yet it still provides a nice pop of colour to brighten up your space.  

Beach Style Dining Room by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Tom Stringer Design Partners

Colour Block Painting: 
Inspired by the world of fashion, colour-blocking has now crossed into interior decorating. Although it is a trendy look experts agree that it will become more classic over time.

To bring this look into your home you need to first paint a focal wall in a dark tone.  For contrast, apply a neutral taupe on surrounding walls.  You can complete the look with a large piece of artwork against the dark wall for the highest impact.

Modern Living Room by Los Angeles Interior Designers & Decorators Vanessa De Vargas

Pale Pink:
Pale pink provides softness and femininity to a palette.  It creates a soothing and joyful atmosphere that look great in a bedroom, a sitting area or a powder room.  It looks amazing paired with whites and greys, adding elegance to your space.

Traditional Bathroom by Birmingham Interior Designers & Decorators Tracery Interiors

If you would like to find out more information about your painting options visit the following websites:

http://www.benjaminmoore.com/

http://www.behr.com/Behr/home

http://www.dulux.ca/en/colour-resources/





 

How to Organize Your Home

Organizing your home will not only make your home more esthetically pleasing but it will maximize efficiency. I’ve picked three key areas throughout the home that tend to get easily cluttered. By following these tips your home will be efficient in no time!  

The Kitchen:    

• Store things where you use them. For example,  keep pots and pans near the cooktop and mixing bowls near the countertop.
• Frequently used appliances, such as a toaster and coffeemaker, should be stored on the counter but ones seldom needed should be hidden away.  
•  Store like objects together. 
•  Store frequently used items in the most accessible places. Keep things you use most often at eye level and lesser-used items on high shelves.
• Use baskets for items that might otherwise create clutter, like spices and dishtowels.

Contemporary Kitchen by Wellesley Kitchen & Bath Designers Divine Kitchens LLC

The Bathroom:

• Group like things together, put all cosmetics, in a plastic bin or bag, all skin-care products on the same shelf and all shampoos in one spot.
• Downsize. Cosmetics and medications do expire. Go through your things and throw out what’s expired or you no longer use.
• Smaller items like hair accessories and nail polishes will be easily accessible in plastic bins with easy-to-read labels.

Traditional Bathroom by Mooresville Building Supplies Lowe's Home Improvement

The Closets: 

• An organized closet can simplify busy mornings and make every day a bit better. 
• Two rods installed one above the other, rather than one high one, will maximize hanging space.  Reserve another area for longer items such as coats and dresses.
• Adjustable shelves rather than fixed ones will allow you to change the arrangement of the closet.  Open storage cubes are great to store folded clothing.
• Install shelves or cubbies at the base of a closet to store bags and shoes, this way you'll never have to rifle through items strewn across the floor.
• If the ceiling is high, install shelves above the rods to store items you don't use every day, such as off season clothing.
• The backs of closet doors can support hooks; this is a good space to hang mirrors or a shoe rack. 

Contemporary Closet

I hope these tips will help you start to organize your home to make for a happier and more accessible environment. If you're interested in investing in some stylish but affordable organizational pieces check out www.ikea.com for all your organizational needs.