Tuesday, April 24, 2012

How To Use Trends Without Looking Too Trendy

   






We all love to add a new trend to our homes once-in-awhile. How  can we add something that is trendy without looking like we jumped on the trend train in full force, and over did it?

Use the trend with restraint!

 Today I would like to talk about one particular trend that is being seen in home interiors as well as fashion is, bright pops of color. 

The reason I am choosing this trend, is because all of us can add this easily to our existing designs in our homes.


Personally I am glad to see the design world getting away from the all white/neutral interiors.

 As serene as a neutral color scheme  can be, a bright pop of color is always welcomed in our world. 

The above image shows a neutral room with a pop of green. The room comes alive!



(Pops of color are brought in with pillows, and sunflowers.)

Yesterday as I was reading one of my favorite blogs, Isabella & Max Rooms, by the lovely Janell. In her post she showed how a pop of color can totally change the look of a room.

Janell is a wonderful designer, and DIY'er. She has the ability to do makeovers that always improve the look, and feel of her home on a budget in such creative ways.

This particular vignette is on her sideboard in her dining area. Notice the wall behind the sideboard, she stenciled that herself. That alone gave this room a Wow! factor, but she takes it a step further by adding a bit of color……….. 


bird cage 1
I love the pop of turquoise used here. Notice the touches of Spring, a bird cage, and two little brass birds that echo the brass in the hardware on the console table. 

This already looks great, but Janell is a creative spirit, and took it a step further…………….


bird cage after 1
A bright pop of a coral/pink is added to the birdcage. Now this vignette becomes elevated to a whole other level.

?What can we all learn from this?

By adding one contrasting, or complimentary color in small, restrained doses, our homes can look fresh and current.

How can we apply this technique in our own homes?

1. Take a look around your home, and think of the
    color families you have in your rooms.
    
2. Choose an existing color you already have in your
    home, and look at some of the brighter values of
    that color.

3. Choose a new accent color,  and make it brighter
    than you would usually use in your home.

4. Select an element you can apply the color. Don't
    forget the use of bright flowers or fruit. Bright 
    natural elements in any room will bring life to a
    room.




   
Have fun with it and remember just a pop of color will not only brighten your room, but I think it just might put a smile on your face!