Bring autumn flair to living spaces with color, texture
It’s that time of year when our sense of design begins to switch over from lightweight, airy and cool to items that have a little more texture and warmth.
Clothing racks flaunt the newest color trends, showing basic black moving over for navy blue, paired with spicy autumnal shades: russet red, lime, yellow and a splurge of passionate pink.
It’s no surprise that interior decorating colors are following suit. Back from the summer holidays, September heralds new beginnings, a fresh start and renewed energy. Although we can’t redo the house every season, small adjustments are easy to make. Check out what’s new, and make a plan.
If you are ready to paint a little drama into your living space, navy blue is a good bet. This shade is a classic, and it goes with anything. Navy is dramatic, yes, but it’s relaxed, too. It’s a royal color that works in most rooms. White trim will keep your navy color scheme looking fresh.
Orange continues to be popular, but think spicy — tinged with brown to tone it down a little. This pumpkin shade is always cheerful and full of energy, and it makes a great focal wall to use as a backdrop for some modern art or an eclectic display of memorabilia.
This year, red is veering toward plum or purple, but as powerful as ever. Red steps up the heat in both clothing and decor and will become a focal point, whether it’s used on the wall or as a statement piece — a side chair, a row of cushions or a lampshade. It is said that red increases brain activity and promotes high energy and chatter, so be careful not to overdo it.
Yellow and lime green are shaded toward the exotic and are best chosen as accent colors. Clean and clear, they suit a kitchen.
Gray is still a favored neutral year-round; it’s a classic unifier that suits all styles. But this versatile color can be dull. Pair it with any of today’s shades to freshen your space.
Metallics are a stunning accent that can be introduced in many ways.
There are metallic paints to add a luxurious touch to trims and moldings. Fabrics are shot with metallic threads that glitter softly on cushions and upholstery. Chairs and sofas are showing off metallic legs that update more traditional pieces with a modern flair.
For a modern edge, note the legs on the oversized bubble chairs in the www.
HomeSense.com vignette shown here. Living-room tables tell their own story now, combining glass and metal in interesting new shapes. Tripod tables are styled to move inside each other in small spaces and can be separated to different locations when company visits.
Area rugs come in so many patterns and color combinations that it is difficult to choose between the myriad of options.
Size matters. A rug will define a living space. For the living room, choose a rug large enough so the chairs and sofa can sit on it. Rugs afford balance. If your room is decorated in dark tones; then a rug that is light will keep the space from feeling too heavy.
You want your rug to last a long time, so choose one that you won’t tire of quickly. Funky designs and colors are great for a den or other room that is not used often. Wall art of all kinds is flourishing. There’s plenty of choice in moderately priced pieces. When you are making up a collage of artwork, it’s helpful to connect disparate pictures by frame or color. Mixing and contrasting creates interest and makes a great focal point. Play with what you have. Use artsy lamps, vases and sculptures, along with framed pictures.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Email questions to house2home@debbietravis.com. Follow Debbie on Twitter at www.twitter.com/debbie_travis, or visit her website, www.debbietravis.com.