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Fairfield County Interior Design Series: Color Trends 2018

Finally color is returning! The idea that everything has to be gray and neutral is losing favor to adding bold beautiful color. That doesn’t mean you have to paint over your gray walls, just add some fun colors in pillows, accessories or artwork. The 2018 color trend is bold and bright.

The Pantone 2018 Color of the Year is Ultra Violet! It is a blue based purple.

“A dramatically provocative and thoughtful purple shade, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet communicates originality, ingenuity, and visionary thinking that points us toward the future.” Ref pantone website

Although I am not a purple fan, the color is deep and rich. Purple is the color of royalty. It would look great as an accent wall in a bedroom, pillows on a gray sofa or as bedding.

Glidden’s 2018 Color of the Year is Deep Onyx (00NN 07/000). It is a true classic black and a neutral color. Black goes with everything just like white. Using black for trim and doors instead of white can create a bold look. Black on cabinets is stunning. For walls, it must be paired with light furnishings and lots of natural light. Maybe start with an accent wall.

Benjamin Moore’s color of the year is Caliente (AF-290). They are describing it as strong, radiant and full of energy. It is a bright red color. I guess I am ahead of my time since I painted my front doors Caliente five years ago. It is a fabulous red without orange undertones. Great accent wall color with neutral furnishings. Looks great with so many colors.

Sherwin Williams color of the year is Oceanside (SW 6496). “A complex, deep color that offers a sense of the familiar with a hint of the unknown, Oceanside, bridges together a harmonious balance of blues and greens that can be found in what’s old and new.” Ref sw website

The color reminds me of a dark teal. It is very bold and does not remind me of the ocean. With that said, because it is the color of the year, You will see this used in every house by the beach. I would suggest using it in accessories.

Behr’s Color of the Year In the Moment (T18-15) is a more calming beach color.
“This cool, tranquil, spruce blue is inspired by nature and is a soothing, restorative coalescence of blue, gray and green. This comfortable color evokes a sense of sanctuary and relaxation amid our busy, always-on lives.” Per website

Definitely a warmer color than Oceanside, I can see this used on walls, in accessories and even great for a front door with gray siding.

If you are thinking of painting, call me for a color consult.

Susan Corvo Redesign

By proadAccountId-422147 07 Mar, 2024
The empty nest can be notoriously bittersweet. Yay! Your fledglings have flown and are leading independent lives. Yet, there's an undeniable pivot, a need to reassess, a desire to renew. This extends beyond the philosophical; sometimes redesigning your home is the first way to manifest a new phase in life. The first questions to ask when considering this “round two” home renovation is, what are your goals? Are you renovating to add monetary value to your property, aiming to enhance your personal happiness and the efficiency of your living space, or some hybrid equation? Next, consider financial factors. Typically, estate planners advise undertaking any significant home renovations about ten years before retirement but what makes sense from a total budget and return on investment perspective will be different for each client. Total remodel? Renovate one room? Construct an addition? Make small design tweaks? Let’s explore a few divergent approaches. Update for Resale: The Art of Appeal Often, homeowners in this phase are looking to modernize and simplify, with an eye on future sales. If you're considering downsizing, a strategic refurbishment can substantially increase the market appeal of your property. We can guide you through transformations that will maximize your home’s selling potential, keeping in mind regional trends, market standards, and buyer expectations. We implement smart strategies that focus on high-impact areas, such as: Curb Appeal-- Rejuvenating entryways, landscaping, and exteriors to ensure the first impression wows. Kitchens and Bathrooms-- These are frequently the make-or-break spaces in a sale. Thoughtful updates to fixtures, surfaces and storage can work serious magic. Cosmetic Touches-- Newly painted walls and trim, modern lighting and streamlined flooring create an illusion of spaciousness and freshness. Update to Your Tastes: A Refuge for Self For many empty nesters, this phase is emblematic of newfound freedom and the chance to prioritize their own comfort and preferences. Who needs a formal living room anymore? Perhaps now you’ll finally have the library, music room or workshop you’ve always dreamed of. Or maybe, you’ll invest in your hobbies and host more family and friends. Additionally, if aging in place in this home is important, future-looking features would be incorporated into the design. Examples include a first-floor primary suite, easy-access kitchen and bathroom features, and plenty of open space to safely navigate the home. In these instances, the focus shifts to understanding the nuances of your daily life, your long-term plan, your passions, your “out there” design vision and creating tailored spaces. The dividends are immediate and continuous—the satisfaction of a home that aligns perfectly with your life journey and personal taste. The Redecorate Plan: You CAN Take It with You For those content with the bones of their home and who want to leave the renovations to the next owner, redecorating is an exquisite middle ground: Furnishings and Textiles-- This is where we find the art in re-arranging. New pieces can completely change the ambience of a space, offering a fresh canvas without the permanence of construction. Art and Accents-- Personalization is key. These elements not only evoke your personality but can also be easily moved to a new space if necessary. Conceptual Reinvention-- Think of your home as a gallery that can exhibit different themed collections over time—a versatility that resonates with the dynamics of this phase in life. With redecorating, the return is both tangible and intangible. You’re investing in a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing space that can readily adapt to your lifestyle and physical needs as they evolve. And your furnishing can move when and if you do! Our team helps you rationally explore the possibilities at this life juncture. Regardless of your home redesign philosophy, your budget or your commitment to your current home, we will come up with a design plan that yields emotional and financial returns. Through careful planning, clear communication and collaborative execution, we can help you transform your spaces so they are right for you now and for your future.
By proadAccountId-422147 01 Feb, 2024
Are you ready for an upgrade, refresh or total makeover in your home but don’t know where or how to start the process? Do you have a vague notion about what kind of “look” or “vibe” you’re aiming for, but can’t quite articulate it? These are common stumbling blocks, but don’t let them become the reasons to keep postponing that much needed (and comfortably budgeted) change. Here are some ways to start the design process: Anchor your kitchen or bath project Nearly every kitchen and bath has countertops, tile, cabinets, sinks, fixtures, flooring and hardware. A good tactic is to start on your favorite websites and browse. See what one or two elements capture your heart and fit your budget and use them as the springboard for your design. Often, the rest of your choices will fall into place more easily. We’ve centered entire kitchen designs around one gorgeous backsplash tile and preferred cabinet style. That’s not to suggest you need to be 100% certain about your choices, but those initial connections to materials or styles can give you momentum. Start with the objects of your affection Another “step one” is to think about your space and consider which, if any, of your current wall art, books, sculpture, vases, trinkets, antiques, furniture pieces, and/or rugs you absolutely, positively want to keep, use and/or display. This will help you define your options for the surrounding elements from the perspective of style and flow. For example, if your heirloom Chippendale writing desk and brass lamp will feature prominently in the den, you may decide to lean in hard to the traditional décor or want to balance the antiquity with a very simple, clean-lined love seat, a neutral rug, modern window treatments and less ornate accessories. Turn the pages Visit your favorite websites and peruse the magazines. From home décor-specific site like houzz.com and Cottages and Gardens to publications that feature celebrity or designer homes, you can see lots of interiors without ever leaving your home. Find your inspiration and consider how you can replicate it in your own spaces. Go the high/low route and find the mass market version of the deluxe piece at an affordable price. Splurge on the accessory fabric or material and you can live like the stars! Just make sure the scale is right for your spaces and your style flows from room to room. Invest in an expert Whether you need a few hours of organization, shopping and guidance or a project manager for your entire redesign, you will never regret engaging an experienced interior designer to get your project up and running. We help you focus on the strategies above, innovate and optimize your space for the way you live your life, and save you from headaches and potentially costly errors. Count on us to help you prioritize, focus and take the first step toward achieving your home design goals!
By proadAccountId-422147 02 Jan, 2024
Do your 2024 New Year's resolutions include focusing on your mental, physical or financial health, professional development or personal style? Why not align those goals with updates to your home design elements? A change in your surroundings — whether a minor tweak or a major renovation — can be motivating uplifting, and a smart investment. Looking for ways to get started? Here are some ideas for every style and budget: Reconfigure what you have Move furniture around and between rooms to create a new flow, reimagined color combinations, unique seating nooks, and different levels of formality. Prioritize your favorite accessories and make sure they are highlighted. If the size is right, switch around your rugs, window treatments and bedcovers. Declutter and organize to access and display what matters Tackle closets and realistically assess what you'll wear again. Empty your hardest-to-reach cabinets. If you haven't used that huge stock pot or decorative trinket in years, perhaps it's time to release it. If you work from home, recreate your desk space from scratch. Create a fresh inbox. Set up new files for 2024. Refill your supplies. Buy new matching accessories to boost your productivity. Why save “the good stuff” for special occasions? Start using your cloth napkins, china and barware more often. Use inexpensive drawer and shelf dividers to keep folded items neat and loose items sorted. Donate or freecycle usable items. Facebook has tons of " buy nothing ” groups with people ready to give your items new life. Many nonprofits will pick up furniture and housewares and offer tax receipts. Recycle textiles, metals and plastics. Many schools and strip malls have bins to keep clothing and accessories out of landfills. Pick a new inspirational color, pattern or finish to "test drive” Re-accessorize your most-used sofa, primary or guest bedroom with new pillows and/or a throw. Use varied fabrics and textures to build an interesting and cohesive look. Change the hardware or faucets in a kitchen or bathroom for a totally new vibe. Just measure and pick a few styles to try before committing. There are infinite styles, colors, finishes and prices to choose from. Shop for a focal piece such as a lamp, vase, side table or piece of wall art that makes you happy. If a high-end gallery or furniture store is not in your budget, browse Etsy or your local thrift store for something unique. If you’re thinking bold, paint or wallpaper a small powder room or office space. You can achieve a dramatic effect without a huge investment or commitment. Just make sure to tie into your hall color so you don’t have competing or clashing tones. Don’t forget the exterior Nothing says " welcome home ” like a beautiful front door. Perk up your entrance with updated light fixtures (or even just new bulbs), some fresh potted greenery, and a new mat. Do a quick “not-spring“ outdoor cleaning. Remove dead fall plants from sight, sweep away cobwebs, and pack up your holiday décor. If you live in a temperate climate, put a new coat of paint on your doors and shutters. Consider landscape lighting to brighten those longer nights. Many DIY kits are available to you. Start planning ahead for big changes If you’re ready for a 2024 home addition or renovation, take some time to understand (and document) what you want, what you need, how much you’ll be able to invest and if there are any hurdles a prospective designer team should know about. Look through local magazines and websites for reference. Or drive around and take photos of exterior elements. If needed, secure a home equity line of credit. Ask friends and online groups for references for designers, builders and architects. Reach out and start interviewing a few to determine a good fit. Still need some professional support to prioritize your home design goals and projects? Contact us and get started with complimentary 30-minute phone consultations.
By proadAccountId-422147 05 Dec, 2023
Whether you observe religious or family traditions, embrace the community spirit, love all things cozy and sparkly, or need to find a way to cope with the winter ahead, December design is distinctive. My approach to creating welcoming and inspirational holiday/year-end spaces is to design for all the senses. A Vision to Behold Use lights, colors, textures and patterns to build your unique look. Make it clean and modern with white, silver and gold twinkles, birch logs, and hints of bold color with a deep crimson throw, glass vases, fun candles, a cool bar set or awesome pillow. Or bring in all the traditional warmth and pageantry with plaids, houndstooth, bows, medium reds and greens, and larger multi-colored lights on your tree. Whatever your style, mix in family heirlooms like a manger scene, special ornaments or Hanukkah menorah for extra emotional impact. Sugar and Spice…and Bubbles are Nice Jars and pretty plates abundant with gingerbread and sugar cookies, warm cider and pots of hot chocolate — who doesn’t love holiday treats that bring you back to childhood? Add in a toast with a sparkling beverage for contrast, and you elevate the flavor profile and the ambience. Don’t worry about your culinary skills or budget. Luxurious chocolates, crunchy snacks, Prosecco and charcuterie elements are available everywhere from HomeGoods and Trader Joe’s to the finest bakeries and butchers! Scent Sense Of course, the aromas of the sweet and savory holiday foods add another layer to the spirit of the season. Cinnamon, clove and nutmeg warm. Sweet peppermint brings in freshness of the outdoors. Nuts roasting. Fruit pies baking. Irresistible smells. Beyond what’s edible, fragrant fir boughs or a Christmas tree, seasoned fireplace logs and natural candles offer additional layers of sensory appeal. Feature scents that uplift you with subtle hints or go full force! Sleigh Bells Ring… For a night at home or an all-out New Year’s Eve bash, music sets the tone. Search those Spotify playlists and you can find almost any style of holiday music from Bing singing “White Christmas” to any genre of vocal or instrumental interpretation. You can also find background sounds of jingle bells or other sounds to softly surround you and your guests for effect. Get sonically intricate with crackling fires, windows that are slightly ajar and crisp fabrics that can whoosh! The Finishing Touch Texture also enhances the vibrance of this unique season. Think velvet, taffeta, chenille, boucle, silk and all types of wool to bring warmth, comfort or fanciful elegance to you, your family or your guests. They (literally) give you a good feeling! Embrace this strategy for seasonal home design now and for all the opportunities to explore your creative instincts, convey good tidings and energize for next year! Here’s to a beautiful and bountiful 2024!
By proadAccountId-422147 06 Nov, 2023
Designing and decorating your home or office space is rewarding and can be fun, but also requires an investment of both time and money. Whether you’re going it alone or working with a professional, you start with some vision of how you want the room to look and function and then consider your options for layout, paint, furniture, floors and accessories. Eventually, you get to admire the outcomes and start to live and work in your spaces. Then…life happens! In the short term, a holiday is approaching, winter turns to spring, your business brings in new merchandise. In the long term, your family dynamic changes, your tastes change, you introduce a new brand strategy or you realize your clients need a new experience. How do you make the most of yesterday’s design investments while updating your surroundings for today’s realities and preferences? My answer: Flexible Design. Here are my 5 key ingredients for a design foundation that evolves with you. 1. Start with a neutral foundation. This means choosing neutral paint colors, flooring and fixtures that will stand the test of time and won't go out of style. (You don’t want your spaces to be a shrine to a particular decade.) This will provide a solid base for you to build upon when you want to change things up. Additionally, a neutral color palette allows you to easily incorporate different textures and patterns without overwhelming the space. This doesn’t mean everything has to be white, beige, tan or gray or you should avoid bright colors you love. Simply that the base color of most of your spaces shouldn’t be too trendy or hard to match. 2. Choose versatile, classic pieces of furniture. When selecting furniture for your home, go for pieces that can work in different rooms and for different purposes. For example, a high-quality sofa (which comes in a range of prices) can be the anchor of a living room but can also work in a family or game room. Again, stick with designs that transcend trends for most of your selections. 3. Incorporate interchangeable accessories. One of the easiest ways to switch up the look of a room is to change out accessories such as pillows, slipcovers, lamps, table settings, plants and smaller area rugs. By incorporating interchangeable accessories into your design, you can easily transition your space from season to season or holiday to holiday without spending a lot of money. This is also a great way to experiment with different styles and colors without committing to a total redesign. 4. Consider the long-term functionality of a room. As your needs evolve, it's fantastic to have spaces that can adapt to these changes. When designing a room, think ahead to future uses and embrace a core design that will work for now and later. For example, a playroom can easily transform into a teen gathering room or hybrid workspace by swapping out child-themed art, cutesy toy chests and bins for more mature A/V, décor, desk and storage solutions. For furnishings focus on choosing “workhorse” items that will span the phases of your room’s life: seating, lighting, floor coverings, window treatments. At work, consider layouts that are flexible so you can accommodate a growing onsite staff or different display needs. 5. Don't be afraid to mix and match. Stay away from sets and overly matched items and eras. By combining different elements, you can create a space that is unique and reflective of your personal style. Play around with different combinations of colors, textures, materials and styles in a cohesive look that works for you. By taking a more piecemeal approach and not being too reliant on one particular style, you can switch out just an item or two, create a whole new vibe, highlight the things you love and not throw off the balance of your total design. With these guidelines, you and your interior designer can create spaces that resonate and work for you and your family, your customers and employees.
By proadAccountId-422147 04 Oct, 2023
Renovating a home can bring both excitement and stress, especially with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. It is essential to thoroughly understand the renovation process's typical stages and timelines to manage your expectations and plan your life and work at home accordingly. Let’s review five stages of home renovation. 1. Planning Thoughtful, experience-based planning sets the foundation for a successful project. Homeowners often underestimate costs and rush through planning, leading to hiring the wrong contractors for the job. To avoid these pitfalls, it is crucial to do the research, establish a realistic budget and work with credible contractors. Of course, we advocate working with a knowledgeable designer from the outset to ultimately save you time, money and stress! Being proactive and planning for contingencies can mitigate the probability of setbacks and delaying the project. The planning stage may take between four weeks to six months, depending on the project's complexity. 2. Design The design stage follows the planning stage and typically lasts two to six months, depending on the project's size and scope. At this stage, interior designers or architects (or some combination) lead a team to create drawings and technical specifications for your renovation project. It is essential to be involved in the design process to ensure that it reflects your preferences and meets your needs. This stage can involve several iterations until the final design is approved and may present challenges such as delayed material delivery or sourcing materials that are not readily available. To avoid any unnecessary delays, it is crucial to research materials and finalize design plans before starting the project. 3. Permitting After your designs have been solidified, it is time to obtain your permits. While many people consider this to be a painful part of the process, it is an advisable one and can take several weeks, depending on the project's location and extent. For construction and renovation, you must obtain permits before starting in most towns and municipalities. This is especially critical for a smooth future resale and most homeowners like the security of knowing that plumbing, electrical and engineering has been done correctly and is up to code. 4. Demolition Hardhats, sledgehammers and releasing frustration! It is demolition time, which clears the way for new construction. As much fun as smashing through a wall can be, this phase can also reveal any unexpected structural damage or safety concerns. Hiring a reputable contractor can help spot potential issues before they become a significant problem. Considering possible contingencies and adding a buffer to your timeline and budget can avoid unnecessary delays. 5. Construction This is where ideas come to life and all the prep comes to fruition. Of course, the construction process has many elements and can last months or even years, depending on the scale of the project. (Think framing, plumbing, electrical, drywall, carpentry, flooring, tiling, appliance installation, painting, plus all the finish work.) When unforeseen complications arise (e.g., weather delays, supply chain interruptions, subcontractor backups) it is helpful to have contingency plans in place, maintain open communication with the contractor and design team, and to stay informed. At the end of the process, with any obstacles overcome, it is doubly rewarding to move your dishware into those beautiful new cabinets, luxuriate in a spa-like bathroom or simply admire how crisp new bed linens offset your paint color.
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