Space + Style

I attended the Benjamin Moore Color Pulse 2013 seminar last week and was really excited by their trends and colour forecast.  I thought I would share with you some of what was presented.  Briefly, here is a synopsis of how colours are 'evolving' in the next 12 to 18 months.

Red and blue continue to be the most popular colours; their shades are changing to reflect trends in handcrafted objects, retro design and technology.  For example, red is going towards a deeper hue (by adding black) and is being combined with texture.  Below is an example of a tonal red bag from the Fendi Spring 2012 collection to give you an example.

http://www.style.com/accessories/list?season=spring-2012&latestSeason=true&type=bags&page=45

Red combined with its analagous colours, orange and yellow, is also emerging for 2013.

http://www.stylehive.com/browse/guild.com/fine-art

Blue is making a really big statement for 2013 and is characterized by deeper tones such as navy and cobalt blue.  Relaxed and casual blues such as whythe blue, 2012 colour of the year, are big as well. Blue in combination with its compliment orange is on the scene and is exemplified below in this photo.

http://www.imagekind.com/Orange-Wall-Blue-Bench-Buenos-Aires-Argentina-art?IMID=dc11dfe7-ebd9-42eb-8a0c-f54e38a86737

Orange is another buzz colour of the year with a move toward bronze.  It also being seen in combination with coral, pink and yellow.

Some of the retro 'come back colours' include mint green, pink and peach although they are only starting to appear in a subtle manner.  A look at this peach room will give you an idea of a subtle peach (not too sure about the full peach hues at this point but this interior mixed with natural elements is pretty cool!). 

http://graylivin.com/

I'm also excited that retro pink is on its way back in.  It is being combined with deeper hues reflecting technology, like black and grey, to provide a 'pop' of colour.  

Bright yellow is being infused by neutrals or is being used as a neutral itself.  Here is a sweet example of how combining yellows and neutrals bring an interior to life:

http://www.sasinteriors.net/2011/04/spring-has-sprung-yellow-inspiration/

Green is taking its cue from nature and ranges from soft green to Kelley green as exemplified by this handcrafted bowl below:

http://designstyleguide.blogspot.ca/2009_02_01_archive.html

Finally, neutrals are being paired with grayed down colours or used by themselves in layers of texture. The greys are heading more towards a worn texture such as concrete.  Warm white is trending as well as a more crisp, pure white.  Black continues to be used in high contrast applications with texture and light interplays.  I myself am looking forward to seeing the brighter colours gaining ground in combiination with either a crisp white or paired with a medley of greys.  Whether your style is more subdued or vibrant there is a little bit of something in it for everyone - all you need is a little bit of imagination and time to put it all together!

Whether we live in an apartment, house or townhouse we are always looking for novel ways to create space.  Instead of giving up your home for a larger one, take a look at some ideas that can revamp your living areas with more storage.

1.  If you are in need of an extra sleep area but don't have a spare bedroom, consider of a murphy bed        that can be neatly tucked away and concealed with coordinating cabinetry and shelving.

http://www.curbly.com/users/fabulouslygreen/photos/49138

2.  Nesting tables are always a great way to store items and save space.

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/small-spaces/homes/

3.   Look for cool finds like this book shelf that will not only provide a storage solution but also add interest to the room.

http://carsmach.com/wp-content/uploads/unique-bookshelf-design-for-small-spaces.jpg

4.  Try using up your vertical space as much as possible.  Look at the creative storage built into these stairs.  Love it! 

http://webecoist.momtastic.com/2011/12/26/ultra-compact-interior-designs-14-small-space-solutions/

5.  Use your hallway to store items if closet areas are sparse.  This wall feature is a great way to store keys, coats and purses.

http://www.digsdigs.com/modern-and-compact-hallway-storage-solution-made-of-wood/

Interior design trends continue to fascinate with more empahasis on colour, texture, exotic patterns, custom furnishings and hand-made objects.  Colours range from vibrant to dark and have replaced the oh so popular neutral in a big way.

httpwww.elledecor.com/imagetid6544page=7

Exotic patterns and international textiles reflect our ever-increasing global connection creating interest and balance.  Broad stripes, geometric shapes and graphic motifs are also on the rise.  Recyclable materials continue to thrive and finishes vary from high gloss, coloured laminates and flexible fabrics.

httpwww.europaregina.eu/trendsheimtextil-colour-trends-2012-2013-colour-riot-11262011.htm

Also trending are hand-made objects and custom furnishings.  The craft industry is making its comeback emphasizing local artisans and therby reducing our carbon footprint with less transport gases.  Surfaces with natural and/or irregular textures are styling now as well as hand-sewn looks, patchwork designs and patterns with stripes and checks.   

  httpwww.apartmenttherapy.com/redirected-123613

Adding one or several of these elements to your space is an easy and cost-effective way to update your home and will easily create not only a welcoming atmosphere but a buzz among your guests!