Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2016
Autumn is one of our favorite times of year. Not only can we get the perfect spiced pumpkin latte, don our new boots, and cozy up with a soft scarf, but it is also that time of year when color trend forecasts for the coming year start to roll in. We love the excitement, the surprise, and the inspiration!
Benjamin Moore just released their 2016 Color of the Year and we think it is an interesting choice!
Take a peek and see what you think.
Flokati
The original Flokati rugs are made from sheep’s wool, but synthetic versions are also popular in the marketplace. The natural color of a traditional Flokati rug is off white, but modern dye techniques allow them to be offered in a rainbow of colors.
Surprisingly easy to clean, Flokati rugs can be vacuumed with the beater brush turned off or spot cleaned with mild detergent. If small enough in size, Flokati can even be run through the washing machine. Most of the time, though, a good shake is all it needs.
Fun and fabulous, Flokati rugs work almost anywhere but are particularly well suited to modern spaces and children’s rooms.
High Point Market Fall 2015
This event is THE event of the season for home design professionals – Showrooms cover 11.5 million square feet of event space and thousands of new products are introduced, this. Over 100 countries from all across the globe are represented, offering delightful diversity in design aesthetics throughout the show.
A not-to-be-missed gathering, High Point Market is the home décor destination of choice for many each year because according to High Point Market, “if you can’t find it in High Point…it probably doesn’t exist.”
To catch a glimpse of the wonderful variety of products, ideas and inspiration at this year’s show, take a look at this highlight reel:
Four Ways to Protect Your Floors This Winter
Winter brings harsh weather and with all that ice, snow and rain, our floors can take a beating.
Following these four guidelines will help keep your floors in great shape all the way through the season.
- Line of Defense #1: Keep walkways and driveways clear of snow, ice and debris. The less there is to track in, the less there will be in the house.
- Line of Defense #2: Invest in a good doormat. A mat with enough friction will remove sand, dirt and salt from guests’ and family members’ shoes. This has the added benefit of keeping your doorways dry and safe.
- Line of Defense #3: Remove shoes. Even better than simply wiping feet is taking off all shoes at the door. A nice basket or bin can keep footwear organized.
- Line of Defense #4: Vacuum and sweep floors regularly. It is unavoidable. Some dirt, salt and sand will inevitably be tracked into the house. Being diligent with cleaning will preserve the floor.
Make a Statement
An area rug grounds a room, creates a defined border, and provides for softness underfoot. While the role seems simple, the styling is key.
Large neutral rugs create blank canvases to enhance boldly upholstered pieces of furniture, but the addition of a boldly chosen area rug as a statement piece truly changes a space. Graphic prints, upscale feminine or modern florals, and industrial glam geometrics are perfectly on trend.
Patterns with small scale and repeating colors work well in neutral and otherwise monochromatic spaces where the busy colors shine without detracting from the rest of the décor.
In a neutral space, a daring graphic print works well as the focal point. Experiment with a bold stripe or more subtle ombre style, try a playful chevron, pop some polka dots, or dabble with diverse ethnic styles such as Ikat or Kilim.
One rug creates a boundary for a space, for a different effect try playing with the juxtaposition of two rugs with contrasting colors or dissimilar textures. The layers of colors and texture build interest.
A rug can unify a space, but with a little confidence and courage the rug can become the star.
Serene Spaces
Our homes serve as our refuge from the world. The busy world continues outside as we arrive home at the end of each hectic day. We cross the threshold, kick off our shoes, and prepare to unwind.
Try these tips for building serenity and calm into your spaces:
- Color definitely affects our mindset. Soothing colors include soft neutrals, verdant greens, calm blues, and pastels. Brighter colors such as purple or yellow can be calming, if they are tempered with a dose of gray.
- Symmetry is calming. Asymmetrical placement of furnishings, light fixtures and art pieces keeps the mind unbalanced and wondering what to expect. Symmetry brings balance and allows for relaxation.
- There is nothing like collapsing into softness at the end of a busy day. Fabrics, rugs, carpets, and pillows add texture and softness to our spaces. Upholstery feels cozy and rugs dampen the sound in a space with hard surface floors.
- Sunny days uplift our spirits, and interior lighting is a factor when it’s time to unwind. Soft lighting, lamps with warm bulbs, and even candlelight help to bring serenity.
Let your home become your retreat from the world.