2009 Colour Trends

2009 Hot Colour Trends for Fabrics and Interiors

The Land of Green
Green green green ... whether taking the colour literally or for the “eco-consciousness” that it represents these days, nothing is more powerful that the word “green”. Green creates a feeling of freshness, clarity and aliveness, but when combined with any of the popular clear blues that are prevalent, a feeling of serene peace and the open air is created giving a connection to the outdoors

Where to use it:
Greens are a great choice for kitchens (giving a cooling effect on the hottest room of the house), bathrooms (representing freshness), laundry rooms (adding to clean), and family rooms (offering a feeling of sanctuary).

The new neutrals
The “neutrals” are morphing into a new direction…chalky whites, misty grays, and blue toned muted slates are showing up with combinations of different textures, creating a new sense of lightness and depth. This sophisticated palette conjures up feelings of hope and possibility, with an almost ethereal quality. These shades layered together with a mix of eclectic furnishings, including some modern touches, give an effect of irresistible enlightenment.

Where to use it:
These calming and interesting shades are wonderful for bedrooms (creating a dream like effect), bathrooms (representing hygienic simplicity), kitchens (combining with great stainless appliances gives a crisp worldly look), and living rooms (giving a sense of luminosity and elegance).

Black and white
The still popular combination creates a sense of drama and sophistication in many interiors. The dichotomy of the pureness of white and the formality of black creates a strong energy. The striking look often is accompanied by a jolt of strong colour. The look is often used in modern and or minimalist interiors and is seen with opulent mirrors and accessories.

Where to use it:
This theatrical combination is ideal in kitchens (clearly classic), bathrooms (keeping it pure and simple, and living rooms (encouraging a lively backdrop for conversation and activity).

Rich Brights
Rich reds, lively oranges , bright greens, warm browns and golden yellows are showing up in droves. The infatuation with the warmth and richness of well-rounded colours is in response to the overwhelming existence of technology in our everyday lives….

Where to use it:
These lively shades are perfect for kitchens and dining rooms (stimulating the appetite), as well as living rooms (providing and embracing feeling).

Sitting Pretty

A parking spot for watching TV or a perch for sipping cocktails? A well designed sofa works with your life and sets the tone for the room.

The sofa is usually the dominant piece of furniture in your living room. It's probably the largest piece and will be the focal point for seating. Selecting the right sofa is crucial to a comfortable, stylish room that people will enjoy gathering in. It can be confusing, however, because there are so many styles, textures and sizes available. To make it easier, break down the selection criteria into individual components so that you won't leave anything to chance.

Size
Yes, size matters. It's essential to find a sofa that fits comfortably into the room without overpowering it, yet isn't so small that it feels lost, hanging in the space. Be sure to measure the various locations you're considering - our eye often fools us into thinking our room is larger than it is, and sofas will appear smaller than they really are in the cavernous dimensions of a furniture showroom. Measure! Also think about what you want - an oversized sofa that will envelope you and two or three others, or a compact, cozy loveseat for snuggling?
Also consider the size of the sofa itself – are you looking for a traditional three-person seating arrangement or do you want a sectional? Sectionals offer you versatility - many have a chaise end for lounging and you can rearrange the pieces to fit quickly change the look of the room. A loveseat is ideal for tight spaces, although it will generally hold only two people comfortably.

Style
Classic, contemporary, post-modern and Victorian, the possibilities are endless. Consider the statement you want to make with the sofa. Should it be a relatively neutral backdrop for favorite accent pieces in the room or do you want the sofa itself to make a bold statement? There are dozens of styles to choose from. Generally, the firmer the seat and back, the more formal or modern it will look. Country style and casual sofas will have a more over-stuffed, soft appearance.
Modern sofas run the gamut and often have unexpected elements to give them unique personality and flair. Clean lines and less clutter are common features. You'll also find many modern sofas that are versatile - unusual shapes, spare lines and arms that are metal or no arms at all.
Generally, traditional and Victorian sofas will have a tight, upholstered back (no separate back cushions) and very firm seats. The Victorian or romantic pieces are also often tufted for added interest.
Transitional and casual sofas combine comfort with beauty. You'll find that many of these have either loose backs with separate, unattached back pillows that are shaped to fit, or attached backs with the pillows attached to the upholstered back permanently. You'll also find many that feature a scatter back, where there are more back cushions than seat cushions, usually smaller square ones.

Function
Don't forget about function in the pursuit of the perfect style. Keep in mind what you're going to be using the sofa for - will it be in a formal living room where most people will be sitting attentively, or will there be people lounging on it while watching television? If you'll be doing a lot of reading in it, for instance, you'll want to make sure it has comfortable arms. Do you want something you can take the occasional nap on? Take the time to sit and test the sofas you're considering before you buy.

Construction
This is the most important part of the sofa, yet most people don't take the time to really check out the construction. The frame is key to the comfort, stability and longevity of a good sofa. It might be made of solid wood, engineered wood or steel and the type of construction determines the price range of the sofa. When purchasing a sofa, you should always buy the best possible frame construction that you can afford.
The best frames are of kiln-dried hardwoods to give proper support and prevent warping or cracking. Oak, maple and poplar are excellent choices; try to avoid pines and soft woods. The framing pieces should be at least one inch thick and screwed together, not nailed. You can also find very good frames made from engineered or composite woods, but be careful to ask about their manufacturing process. While very strong and durable, some composite woods are treated with toxic sealants to prevent potential water damage. Avoid particle board frames - they aren't strong and tend to warp.
Steel frames are becoming increasingly popular because they are lightweight and, in some modern styles, can actually be incorporated into the visual appeal of the furniture. These are extremely durable and are often used for sofas with moving parts such as sofas with built-in recliner sections and sofa beds.
There are various spring, webbing and support systems available on the market. They each come with their own pros and cons. It's important to ask questions and be informed on what you're bringing into your space.

Composition
The composition of the sofa refers to the stuffing of the upholstery and cushions. All fillings have their good and bad points, it's largely a matter of personal preference.
High density foam is the firmest choice and will hold up well to wear and tear. It is usually a solid piece and is sometimes wrapped in a polyester foam material to soften edges.
Foam fill is loose foam and will provide a softer seat with "sink in" comfort. Look for fill that is tightly packed.
Down is the most luxurious and costly composition material and is high-maintenance. You'll have to fluff the cushions every day to prevent packing of the down.
A composition blend of down and loose foam is a good balance and will lessen the need for fluffing.

Material, Color and Pattern
The first thing most people will notice is the material and pattern (if any) on your new sofa, and you'll be living with it every day for the next several years. Choose wisely. You may love that deep, vibrant eggplant in the store, but will you get tired of seeing it every day in your living room?
The options are endless - chenille, leather, vinyl, microfiber, velvet and cotton are just a few. Narrow down your choices by considering who, how and when you'll be using the sofa.
For durability and ease of cleaning, consider leather, microfibers and vinyl - particularly if you have children or pets. Leather is a wonderful material for its breathability, supple feel and the many rich colors it now comes in; however, it does come with a price. Microfibers are soft and supple and extremely stain resistant. Vinyl cleans up easily, but it can be sticky on hot days because it doesn't breath.
If you prefer natural fibers, cotton canvas and cotton velvets are a good choice; however, velvet will show wear faster in areas where people sit a lot because the nap will wear off. The cotton canvas will hold up to years of wear. Chenille is another great option – it's durable, comfortable and wears like iron.
The color of your sofa will ground your room. You can either contrast with your walls (for impact) or choose a shade of the same color (for a restful, monochromatic feel). Either will work, but do be aware that the color you choose will, apart from the walls and floor, be the largest block of unrelieved color in the room – you'd better love it.
Make sure that the pattern you choose isn't too distracting or overpowering. While a bold pattern might be great if your room has a few other solid pieces, it may be overwhelming with an oriental rug, patterned drapes and a striped chair. An excellent compromise is a rich tone-on-tone material which will give you depth and interest without being too busy.

Décor Dilemmas……………..part 2

We selected a few common design dilemmas that are often asked of us and thought we would share more of them with you……..

Q. How can I dress up a plain staircase ?

A. Paint the treads and the handrail high gloss black; paint the risers and ballisters white. If you add a carpet runner, leave 3” of stair on either side and install metal rods for extra punch

Q. How do you create a modern design without losing a sense of the past, especially in an area with older homes?

A. Reinterpret traditional design and elements with newer materials. The proportions of the exterior should be inspired by tradition rather than recreate it. By offering modern cues, such as the mailbox or front railing, you provide glimpses of the design inside without being too jarring. Sometimes the street can provide clues as to what to emphasize: the character of the house, openings like windows, and landscaping. Create a transition: the front, which belongs to the streetscape as much to you, should harmonize with its neighbors.

Q. How do you create points of interest or focal points in an open concept space?
A. Group furniture into conversation areas in larger spaces- place sofas and chairs facing one another for an intimate grouping or back to back to create two separate points of view. Anchor one or both ends of a large space with substantial or tall items such as an oversize painting, a mirror or a fireplace with art hung above it.

Measure for Measure: Part 2

Have you ever wondered how high to hang a chandelier or what size of area rug to purchase? If so, our crash course on the rules of proportion and placement in interior design is for you…..

The rules are based on human ergonomics, so following them not only results in harmonious spaces but also helps avoid mishaps…..

DINING ROOM

Place Settings

Optimize comfort and sociability by counting on at least 24" and up to 30" per person along the sides of the dining table and at least 15" between a place setting and the end of the table to accommodate the settings for each head of the table.

Dining Table and Chairs
New furniture generally comes standard sizes, but when pairing mismatched pieces or antiques, keep the following measurements in mind: comfortable dining table heights is 30”, and there should be at least eight inches between the bottom of the table top or table skirt and the top of the chair seats.

Chandelier
Getting chandelier placement right can make all the difference to the ambiance of your dining room. Hang a chandelier so that the bottom is centered 30-36”above the top of the table. Choose one with a diameter that’s at least half the total width of the table

Artwork
The rule of thumb for hanging works of art is that the centre of interest in the picture should be about 60-66 inches from the floor, which is average eye level. In the dining room, art will be appreciated by those seated, so works can be hung a few inches lower.

Area Rug
A dining room area rug should be at least 24” larger than the table on all sides, so that the chairs can be moved in and out without getting caught on the edge of the rug

Sconses
The placement of wall mounted fixtures can vary depending on the room, its furnishings and window placement. Here, the sconses are mounted 10” from the sides of the artwork so as to not crowd it and so that their centres are about 60” from the floor, which works well with the horizon line of the painting.

Centrepiece
A centerpiece should never be so tall that it impedes eye contact between your guests, keep it less than 12”

Measure for Measure: Part 1

Have you ever wondered how high to hang a chandelier or what size of area rug to purchase?

If so, our crash course on the rules of proportion and placement in interior design is for you .

The rules are based on human ergonomics, so following them not only results in harmonious spaces but also helps avoid mishaps.

LIVING ROOM

Rug

A living room area rug should be large enough that the front legs of all the furniture in a conversation grouping are on the rug. There should be 18inches of flooring between the rug edge and the wall.

Side Tables

The heights and depths of either side or occasional tables varies widely, so a good rule of thumb is to match the height and depth of the sofa's arms as closely as possible.

Coffee Tables

The standard height for coffee tables is from 16 to 18 inches, but may go as high as 21 inches. A higher table is a smart choice if you entertain frequently so that guests don't have to bend too much to set down their drinks. But, ultimately, the height of the adjacent upholstered pieces should determine the height of the table. One guideline is that a coffee table should be about the same height or one or two inches lower than the seat height of the sofa. The length of a coffee table should be about two-thirds the length of the sofa (not including arms). The width should be determined by how much room you have between the soft upholstered pieces and the table in your seating arrangement - leave at least 16 inches around each side of the table.

Artwork

Artwork behind a sofa should take up wall space equal to on half to two thirds the sofa's total length. The width of a grouping of works includes the measurements of each piece plus that of the spaces between them. Hang a grouping of pieces with equal space between each frame- two to three inches is best. Ensure that the bottoms of the frames are between eight to twelve inches from the top of the sofa.

BEDROOM

Lamps

If you enjoy reading in bed, choose a bedside lamp that is tall enough so that the bottom of the shade is the same height as your shoulder when you're sitting up in bed. Choose translucent shades so that the light comes through the shade, as well as above and below it, for a soft, romantic mood.

Bedside Tables

The height of the bedside tables should be within a couple of inches of the height of the mattress, which can vary widely depending on the bed frame and the mattress design. Choose tables that have a large enough surface to accommodate a lamp, clock, and a few personal effects, like books, and reading glasses. Place the tables a few inches from the sides of the bed, so that reaching for items on the table is easy but there is sufficient space for bed making.

Look for our "Measure for Measure" part two in next month's newsletter ...

Decor Dilemas

We selected a few common design dilemmas that are often asked of us and thought we would share them with you ...

Q. What is the rule of thumb for hanging drapery rods?

A. They should be about three inches above and beyond the window frame. Be careful about hanging them too high ... when the drapes are open too much wall will be exposed above the window, and the look will be awkward.

Q. How do I determine the right height for hanging a picture on a wall?

A. As a general rule, centre the piece according to average eye level, which is five feet six inches. (If you have cathedral ceilings, you may want to change the rules a bit and hang some pieces a little higher.) The space where the art hangs should also be considered. For example, on a larger wall, smaller picture frames may look best in groupings. If you're creating a photo wall, you may want to mix up the heights of the pictures. These rules are just guidelines, but generally the most common mistake is to hang art too high ... you should look at it, not up to it.

Q. Blinds or Drapery?

A. That depends on your budget, your style, the shape of the window and the amount of light and privacy you need in the room. Generally, the clean look of blinds works well in contemporary spaces, and drapery enhances more traditional looks. But a combination of blinds and framing side panels is also a great look, even in contemporary spaces.

Q. What's the secret to good lighting, and what should be avoided?

A. Lighting should be soft, warm and welcoming. Keep it closer to the perimeter of the room, so it reflects off the walls and/or the ceiling. Dimmer switches are crucial - add them to any overhead lights and pot lights as well. Also use light at different levels by combining table lamps and floor lamps. Avoid any bright, direct downlighting, as it causes heavy shadows and isn't that flattering.

Look for our "Décor Dilemmas" part two in next month's issue ...

Designer Art ... Personalized For You

Want to add a splash of colour or texture to your home?

Each tile is a 5 X 5 canvas (you can customize your size as well) and it is a great and inexpensive way to add "original art" into your home.
Each 5 X 5 canvas retails for $50 and you can choose the colour palette that is right for you.

It is a great idea for smaller unique walls, bathrooms, kids rooms etc.

Arrange the tiles in groups of three, six or nine.Several smaller works of art can pack as powerful a visual impact as a single larger one. The key is to respect the area's proportions.


COME IN AND WORK WITH ONE OF OUR OWN ARTISTS. WE WILL CO-ORDINATE YOUR INTERIOR COLOURS WITH THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF CANVASES TO GET THE PERFECT "DESIGNER ART" FOR YOU!