Just digested this morning the 2013 color and decor trends which includes "Western" and "Americana" as the new trend as you'll read below.  Then picked up a copy of this new magazine - http://www.romanticprairiemagazine.net/ - From denim to washed linen, American casual is the hot new trend. With the election on the horizon and economic recovery -  we celebrate American determination and durability. Our "Super Bright" colors have been going strong for awhile and will incorporate more neon's. Super fun, with just the right POP - These can be used as accents to pull spaces together. On the flip side, "Art Deco" inspiration makes us celebrate classic "city" design with glitzy metals, sleek lines and the sultry mystic that era represented.


How can you incorporate these color trends?  Use the theme as an inspiration as you redesign or rotate a room. What things do you already have in your home that can be used to freshen a space?  Use the color cues for a new paint hue for your walls, a fabric for a chair re-do, or a palette for a remodel.  If replacing lighting, floors or cabinets, let some of these color trends be your muse.

• The Old West: Color palettes with shades of brown evoke tones of worn saddles leather and  weathered wood, while those with strong hints of red recall clay and prairie land. Faint greens and bolder yellow-greens add out-doorsy diversity, along with stone blues and charcoal grays.

Old West Inspired Space

• Americana

• Bright Colors:

• Art Deco:

I was convinced there was phenomenon occurring, and it was validated this week when I got in one of my to-the-trade magazines and there it was as one of the 2011 Color Forecast trends! I have been say now for a few years that there is a growing trend in homeowners taking the typical container garden or two to a whole new (or shall I say old) level. And even last week on two separate occasions the 1st at a Staging Evaluation at an 1 Million dollar home in a lush suburb - the homeowner proudly showed me her freshly planted vegetable garden along the side of the home, as well as picking out a few new paint colors for an old friend then chatting on her growing seedlings for her Naperville community garden plots she rents each year - Everyone is getting their hands into the earth!

  As the 1st in 4 new color trends forecasted - Depicted as "Well Rooted," in the article goes on to say - "The effect of multiple economic and world crises have driven us back to time at home, centering more on the family and brightening our own environment against the world."

It's Chic to "Farm" Your Home's Land...

For those who know me personally, I've had a flock of chickens now for almost 10 years - Yes, I said chickens - (My friend Ruth in tony San Francisco has done the same for the same length thank you very much -) All nicely laying eggs in my what I call their  "Coop de Jour."  I've also had a potage garden for the same period of time, which every harvest brings me fabulous heirloom tomatoes, fresh herbs and the best un-wind after a hard day's work. Call me a daughter of a depression parent, or now call me - "Recession-Chic..." Read on:

"As people look more to their immediate surroundings, embracing nature becomes more important than ever.  Authentic, honest neutrals as well as greens in layers from yellow to grass and deep forest greens will dominate. Paint Company Benjamin Moore names the same theme “The Farm,” stating recession-chic evokes a call back to basic lifestyles and values. The movements toward locally grown, preservative-free are key drivers in this palette. Shades of the farm include natural neutrals, organic tones and rich vegetables hues.

Farm textures and patterns play out the trend – Gingham checks, burlap, plaid, farm house floral, cows, yarn and rope."





Pony Ottoman from Room Service
http://www.rshcatalog.com/product/Pony_Patch_Ottoman/23

Spring is here and like me, I bet you're ready to refresh and revitalize your rooms!  Why not try some new hues?
Why Color? Because it’s the easiest way to infuse excitement into a room. With a simple color change, whether it is wall color, accessories or window treatments, colors makes an impact. Painting a room is the simplest DYI project and can be done in a weekend for around $50.00. A bit of smart shopping, you can get some key accessories for around $150.00.

Here are some expert advice, tips, & ideas on how you can make a change in your space with color -

• Never redo a room with a color theme! Instead, add to your existing color palette a new POP color, or change out your colors for your ENTIRE home. The biggest decorating faux pas you can make is to have your home chopped into mini-color themes.

• Primer is your friend. They even have paints now with the primer mixed in.

• If you’re a bit color-shy, start with an accessory swap or an accent wall – That will get you going.

• If you’re ready to make the leap without professional advice, ask me to order some 8x10” color chips or paint a poster board and live with it in the room for a day or two. See how the light plays, or how room’s color sidles next to the sister space.

• Watch the Sheen – If you have bad walls, stick with flat, eggshell is my favorite for most projects. Try a higher sheen for an accent wall, door or below the chair rail.

• Remember your room’s Personality and Purpose – Blue makes you not eat, so not the best for Kitchens or Dining Rooms. But, Blue is relaxing and restful in Sitting Rooms and Bedrooms.

• Try Something New – Just like your new found love of avocados, you’ll find, a new color has taken your fancy. Give it a shot in a powder room, in accents or in a secondary furniture piece – Like a chair, ottoman or painted wood piece.

• POP Colors are RED, YELLOW, BLUE, GREEN, BLACK, WHITE.

• A Gallon of paint usually covers about 350ft. – So one can is just right for a small room.