INSPIRING DESIGNS

Change of season offers opportunity to transition decor around your home

In designing a space, one place to start is to be inspired by a season. A seasonal inspiration can allow for a springboard to a design especially as it relates to color. Seasonal design can also allow an opportunity to transition or rotate your decor throughout the seasons.

In the winter, we often think of colors such as white and taupe that seem to mimic the wintry weather, while in spring we typically see a shift to more fanciful and playful colors that are bright and friendly such as yellows and pinks. In summer, in some geographic areas there is a focus on natural elements such as beaches and oceans, with a gravitation toward blues and soft greens. In fall we a see a shift to warm colors such as red, orange and deep yellow.

Before you purchase furniture or decor, a great place to start is with an inspiration. An inspiration can be a previously designed space, a specific piece of furniture or art or even a travel destination that inspired you. Upon selecting an inspiration, allow your intuition to be your guide. Evaluate those elements that inspired you, whether color, design or architecture.

After you kick-start your design with inspiration, build upon your design by incorporating a selection of similar elements. In general, colors that are tints, tones and shades of the same color will blend well together as will colors that are complimentary on a color wheel.

SPRING

This is the time of year when bright, playful colors dominate. Vibrant colors in a space can help to uplift a space and even help to make a space feel “happier” and more inviting. Spring colors can be fanciful like hot pink and cotton candy blue or more subdued such as pastel colors such as pink, yellow and mint green.

SUMMER

This season is typically a time when thoughts of sun, sand and beach come to mind. Nautical elements and textured materials also blend with water inspired colors such as blue and green.

FALL

Autumn is a season that is typically associated with warm colors. These colors are typically “fire” colors such as red, orange, yellow and even brown. In decor, these warm colors can help to add a sense of coziness to a space. These colors work especially well in large, cavernous rooms and spaces in which the goal is to make a space feel less cavernous and homier and more comfortable.

WINTER

Winter is a time when, in many instances, the climate is dominated by cold, snowy nights and shortened, darker days. Colors such as white, taupe and light gray can help a space feel brighter. This is also a great time to add and incorporate extra light into a space as well.

SCOTT GABRIEL MORRIS/TNS Fresh spring colors help to add a sense of vibrancy in a children’s bedroom.

COURTESY Various shades of blue and green help to extend a cool summer vibe in a lakeside home.

COURTESY Warm fall colors adds coziness and warmth to a guest bedroom.