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Krylon’s 2019 Color of the Year: Gloss Gum Drop

January 21, 2019 by admin

Krylon, a brand of Sherwin-Williams, just announced its 2019 color trends and its color of the year, a lush purple named Gloss Gum Drop. In addition to announcing Gloss Gum Drop, Sherwin-Williams already revealed the Valspar + HGTV Home 2019 color trends.

Krylon proves that you don’t necessarily need a paint brush to achieve perfect color. The 2019 color trends also prove that spray paint is versatile enough to achieve a variety of looks, ranging from rustic to urban. Rachel Skafidas, senior color designer at Krylon, gave Freshome the scoop on the new colors.

Gloss Gum Drop by Krylon

The story behind Gloss Gum Drop

“Gloss Gum Drop is a warm, comforting and reassuring shade of purple that nods to a simpler time,” Skafidas says. She also adds that it’s a nostalgic shade that pays homage to the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. “During that time, our world was ever-changing and unstable, yet we looked to the future with hope and optimism,” Skafidas explains. “We saw this color in patterns from fashion to decor and the hue gave us comfort and happiness.” She points out that, because of its healing properties, this nurturing color is a timely choice. “We see it forging ahead to give us that same feeling of hope moving forward.”

2019 color stories

Krylon’s three color stories of the year are Rustic Country, Urban Workshop and Expressive Color. Gloss Gum Drop is a part of the Rustic Country palette. Above all, says Skafidas,“One of the key drivers for the Rustic Country trend is nature and the comfort its colors bring to us.” She adds that “Most tend to think of blues and greens when thinking of colors from nature but light purple is also there in sunrises and sunsets, gemstones and flora.” Since the color is meant to be comforting and healing, she says it works perfectly in this palette.

Rustic Country

So, how can you use Gloss Gum Drop in your home? “Inspiration for our Rustic Country palette is the landscape that surrounds us,” Skafidas says. “Utilizing it for decor and accessories and pairing it with other colors from this palette will make it a new favorite for DIY enthusiasts.” Since it’s a fun and cheerful color, she says it also pairs well with mattes, metallics, and glitters. The other colors in the Rustic Country collection additionally include Matte Sweet Fig, Chalky Finish Bonnet Pink and Metallic New Penny.

“For Rustic Country, bring nature indoors in a real and figurative way by refreshing accessories in your home with botanical embellishments,” Skafidas says. ”Simply spray painting an old vase and filling with fresh flowers can invite a sense of calm into the room.”

Urban Workshop

The second color palette is Urban Workshop. Skafidas describes this collection as fearless and imaginative. “Makers and designers can extend individuality beyond their comfort zones by creating experimental designs,” she says. “Try exploring alternative materials such as ceramic, stone or perforated metal, and using typography with these bold colors.” The other colors in the Urban Workshop collection also include Gloss Popsicle Orange, Stained Glass Cranberry Red, and Matte Deep Gray.

Expressive Color

The third color palette is Expressive Color. Skafidas describes it as appealing to the dreamer that resides in all of us. “For Expressive Color you can express your imagination through color and craft by using pixelated color patterns to bring a festive mood to unexpected projects and spaces,” she says. Colors in this collection also include Satin Iris, Metallic Iron Ore and Gloss Blue Hyacinth.

So, how did they curate the three new color palettes of the year? “Our color forecasting process involves a yearlong observation of movements in various industries and we then zero-in to the trending colors that are inspired by the landscape of lifestyle trends at home,” Skafidas explains. “The trends showcase an optimistic hope; the color palettes are forward-thinking and meant for the gentle soul, the rebel and the dreamer in all of us.”

What do you think of Krylon’s Gloss Gum Drop and three different color stories for 2019? Let us know in the comments.

The post Krylon’s 2019 Color of the Year: Gloss Gum Drop appeared first on Freshome.com.

You’d Be Surprised What You Can Do with a Can of Spray Paint

January 17, 2019 by admin

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Spray paint is a quick, easy and relatively inexpensive way to achieve the look you want. And the possibilities are endless. For example, if you find an object on sale but it’s not in the desired color, you can always just spray paint it. If you have old, outdated items, spray paint can transform them. And don’t forget there are TV programs dedicated to finding thrift store items, then painting and reselling them at a significantly higher price.

These are just some of the cool ways you can decorate with spray paint.

Spray Paint Ideas

Metallic gold makes everything look more expensive. Image: Rustoleum

According to Kymberlyn Lacy, Principal Designer at International Flair Designs, there are many things that you can refresh and restore with spray paint. “Add a little shimmer to old picture frames by spray painting them with a metallic gold, bronze or silver spray paint,” Lacy says.

“You can also revitalize old brass chandeliers with a vibrantly colored spray paint that coordinates with your room design.”

Depending on your color choice, you can make chairs look vintage or new. Image: Krylon

Here’s another good tip. “Paint wooden chairs or an old vintage piece of furniture to add a wow factor to your room design,” Lacy says.

Your imagination is the only limit. Image: Colorshot

“Spray paint works on wood, metal, plastic and more, so you can refresh a variety of existing items in your home with a whole new color palette,” explains Vanessa Aceves at Colorshot. “Use spray paint to update your flower pots and planters with color. Try using stickers or tape to mask off areas for creating cool shapes and patterns when spraying.”

Experiment with different colors. Image: Colorshot

Chloe Tatoe at Colorshot explains, “You can choose an entirely new color family for maximum impact without spending a fortune on all new items.” For example, Tatoe recommends choosing a bold color to make an item the focal point of the room. “Then, surround it with more subdued, yet complementary, shades to help it pop,” she says. Tatoe encourages Freshome readers to go glam with metallic spray paint.

Appliance Spray Paint

The red refrigerator brings this room alive. Image: Adam Butler Photography

If your appliances have seen better days, you can restore their natural beauty – or you can change colors completely – with appliance paint. That dingy white refrigerator can be transformed into a shiny new red one. Note: appliance paint is different from regular spray paint. It’s formulated for indoor metal surfaces and is moisture resistant and designed to withstand heat.

Spray Painting Tips

A vintage vanity gets new life with an ombre paint job. Image: Krylon

While spray painting is relatively easy, Megan Abraham, Associate Brand Manager at Krylon, provides the following tips for the perfect paint job.

Before starting your project, read the label for safety and application instructions and always spray in a well-ventilated area.
To ensure a smooth finish, paint in the shade on days when humidity is low. As for technique, it’s recommended that you move the can back and forth, overlapping each spray pattern to ensure uniform coverage. The best way to do this is to start and stop spraying off of the object.

A spray painted dorm kitchen cart. Image: Krylon

Use two to three light coats rather than one thick coat of paint. You’ll also want to be aware of the recoat times listed on the back of the can, which will tell you the optimal time to apply the next coat.
For the best results, use a spray paint primer whenever possible as it creates a clean, smooth surface that increases paint adhesion, seals your surface and ensures the true paint color is achieved.
Air bubbles are one result you don’t want to see after completing a spray paint project. To ensure a smooth, even finish, make sure the surface of your project is clean, dull and dry before spray painting. Also, it is best to spray paint when temperatures are between 55 and 75° F and humidity is below 60%. If you do have air bubbles on a project, allow the spray paint to dry before lightly sanding the surface area and reapplying.

The post You’d Be Surprised What You Can Do with a Can of Spray Paint appeared first on Freshome.com.

15 Gorgeous Interior Skyscapes for a Celestial Home

January 16, 2019 by admin

One of the prettiest and most artistic developments in home design has to be statement ceilings. These ceilings usually feature bold colors, geometric designs or other amazing visuals. And a classic way to make a bold statement with your ceiling is to have some sort of skyscape on it. Whether it’s puffy clouds or starry vistas, interior skyscapes are a wonderful way to get an artsy home. Plus, they create the illusion of opening up any space. But it doesn’t stop with ceilings. Skyscapes also work as wall art. Take a look below to find some inspiration for interior skyscapes.

Starry Night Ceilings

One of the most common ways to work with interior skyscapes is to create the illusion that your ceiling is opening right into a starry night. The illusion is often created by small pinpricks of LED lights in the ceiling mimicking stars. Other styles opt for a cleverly painted design.

Starry night skies work in any space, too. Many designs can be found in home theater spaces to give a feel of watching a movie at an old-school, outdoor drive-in theater. One unique design places a starry night over an indoor swimming pool to make it look like you’re taking a moonlit swim. Below, you can even see how the concept works in a bathroom.

Lighting systems can do an amazing job of mimicking nighttime stars. Image: Zeta Infografia

This nautical-themed bathroom shows how a nighttime sky on the ceiling can give the look of sailing out under the stars. Image: ECLIPSE Designs

Here’s another home theater that makes you feel like you’re watching a movie outside on a clear night. Image: Benson and Associates Interior Design

The lit galaxy on this ceiling would make it feel like you’re swimming under the stars. Image: Suzanne Hunt Architect

You can also create a conceptual star look in more traditional living spaces. Image: Sporadic Space

Daytime Sky Ceilings

Another option for interior skyscapes is to paint a daytime sky right on the ceiling. That will make it look like your space opens right to the heavens. It’s even a neat little hack to visually open up smaller spaces.

The bright azure of the blue sky adds some uplifting color to the space, along with the pristine white of the clouds. Blue and white tend to be a popular color choice for rooms, so you can also work those colors into the rest of the space easily. Take a look below for some inspiration on how to make an amazing interior skyscape using scenes of daytime skies.

Here’s an example of a realistic sky ceiling; you can see how it seems like you’re looking right up into the sky. Image: Interior Art

This design went for a more fanciful theme and added some cherubs. Image: Interior Art

Here you can fully see how a skyscape visually eliminates the ceiling for a more open appearance. Image: Nasrallah Architectural Group

This ceiling skyscape does a wonderful job of blending into the walls. Image: Amy Sklar Design

Here you can see how well a skyscape works in a child’s space. Even on the rainiest of days, kids can have the feeling of playing outside. Image: Ensoul

Wall Art Interior Skyscapes

Of course, you might be in a position where you can’t paint your ceiling, usually because of time, budget, logistical or renting constraints. Painting a ceiling is delicate and often messy work.

However, you can still work with interior skyscapes. By using wall art, you might create a more open feel in the space with minimal effort. All you have to do is mount a canvas to the wall. Other designs paint the walls themselves for an encompassing way to get the style. Read on to see easier ways of getting an uplifting interior skyscape right in your home.

Adding a skyscape to the walls of a reading, reflection and meditation space is an instant way to make the room feel more open and relaxed. Image: Art and Atmosphere

You can also go more traditional and use a wall painting that features a scene with a skyscape. Image: rlh Studio

This design uses a skyscape on a wall, which is then extended over the rest of the ceiling. Image: Fontana Painting

You can also go more conceptual with cloud-themed wall hangings. Image: Rikki Snyder

A large sky canvas is easy to hang and opens up any space. Image: Designer Premier

The post 15 Gorgeous Interior Skyscapes for a Celestial Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

How to Decorate With Living Coral – Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year

January 11, 2019 by admin

Living Coral, Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year, is a warm and cheerful color that’s perfect for accessorizing your home. Image: Pantone

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We’re in love with Living Coral, Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year. After the beautiful but tame blue and purple color trends of 2018, a vibrant coral is shaking up the decor and fashion industry. Living Coral happens to be an awesome accent for cool colors like blue and gray, so it’s going to be easy to add it to our existing palettes.

Just how did Pantone arrive at such a bold choice? “Color is an equalizing lens through which we experience our natural and digital realities and this is particularly true for Living Coral,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “With consumers craving human interaction and social connection, the humanizing and heartening qualities displayed by the convivial Pantone Living Coral hit a responsive chord.”

Pantone’s Living Coral is generating a lot of buzz in the fashion and decor industry and it’s easy to see why. Coral is the best of both worlds, with the energy of orange paired with the softness of pink. Living Coral is easy to love, but how can you incorporate it into your decor right now?

Quick Ways to Add Pantone’s Living Coral to Your Home

Living Coral, or any warm and vibrant color, is an easy addition to a cool or neutral color scheme.
Give your front door a makeover with a cheerful coral paint color.
Your bathroom color scheme is an effortless spot for new towels and accessories in Living Coral.
If you’re not sure about committing to a vibrant accent color, start small with two or three throw pillows for your sofa or bed.

Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year is more versatile than you might think. This coral can be used as an accent color in place of a pastel or even a neutral. When Colors of the Year are announced, they are meant as trend statements to inspire you. Living Coral is a beautiful orange with a pink glow, but the perfect coral for your home may be warmer or softer. Here are some of our favorite ways to decorate with coral at home:

Living Coral in the Living Room

You probably already know that adding a throw pillow or artwork is the easiest way to update your living room’s color palette, especially with a bold color like coral. But don’t be afraid to be more adventurous with a coral rug or even furniture. Pantone’s Living Coral is easier to add to your color palette than you might think.

A throw pillow in Living Coral adds color to a neutral sofa. Image: Wayfair

Look for rugs with your coral accent color along with the other colors in your palette. Image: AllModern

Navy blue is one of the most popular 2019 color pairings for coral. Image: Joss & Main

You can bring bright colors into your living room with fun accent furniture like this. Image: Hayneedle

A coral/orange sofa is a bold choice to show off the 2019 Color of the Year. Image: AllModern

Spice Up Your Home’s Color Scheme With a Living Coral Accent Wall

Accent walls will always be a wonderful way to rev up your color palette. With a vibrant color like Living Coral, you might want to consider non-traditional ways to create an accent wall. An accent ceiling or trim color may be just the right amount of coral for your space.

An accent ceiling may be the perfect spot for a bold color like Living Coral. Image: Benjamin Moore

Embrace the warm and bright vibe of coral in a fun color scheme. Image: Sherwin-Williams

If you’re not ready to paint an entire wall in coral, a strategic paint color trim is a stunning alternative. Image: Behr

Brighten Up a Boring Bathroom With Coral

If you’re tired of your bathroom’s neutral color scheme, a bold accent color like coral can warm things up. A white or beige bathroom can benefit from coral towels, or even a shower curtain, to add warmth. Plus, these are inexpensive updates that can be done in a hurry.

A new shower curtain in a warm accent color can transform your bathroom instantly. Image: Wayfair

An ombrè design makes a dramatic statement in a simple bathroom. Image: Hayneedle

Add Pantone’s Living Coral to Your Bedroom’s Color Palette

Even a retreat-style bedroom can use a touch of warm color like Living Coral. Pairing coral with a dark neutral like navy blue or greige can maintain the relaxing vibe of the space. If you love a bright and energizing bedroom, coral is a fun accent for boho and mid-century modern styles.

Pairing navy blue with Living Coral in a color palette works in a variety of decorating styles. Image: Bed Bath & Beyond

Love boho style? Coral completes this energizing color palette for a boho bedroom. Image: Overstock

Sometimes all your bedroom needs is a new accent piece. An upholstered bench with coral accents changes everything. Image: Wayfair

The post How to Decorate With Living Coral – Pantone’s 2019 Color of the Year appeared first on Freshome.com.

These Are The 2019 Color Trends We’re Loving

January 7, 2019 by admin

The new year is here, bringing with it all sorts of new interior design trends to fawn over. Today, however, we’re focusing exclusively on color. Each year, color giants like Behr and Sherwin-Williams release their top picks for which colors will soon be everywhere. From their wide selections, we picked the 2019 color trends that we think are most likely to take off and laid out how to use them. Read on below to get ahead of the curve.

A dark green shade called “Night Watch” is PPG’s 2019 Color of the Year. Image: Black Lacquer Design

Dark greens

Recently, a dark green shade called “Night Watch” was given the honor of being named PPG’s Color of the Year. According to a senior marketing manager with PPG, this color was chosen because “the restorative power of nature is important in society now more than ever. Night Watch is about bringing the healing power from the outdoors into your home through color.”

We couldn’t agree more. We’ve progressively been seeing nature-inspired decor take over our interiors. From incorporating live plants to embracing the jungle trend, we can’t get enough. That’s why we think dark green shades are set to be everywhere this year.

As for how to use this shade in your home, embracing dark greens is all about creating a bold look. Pair it with darker neutrals like black and brown or opt for an even more on-trend aesthetic and incorporate some jewel tones. Choose warm metals like copper or gold to create a sense of contrast.

Bye, Millennial Pink. Hello, Dusty Rose. Image: Nathan + Jac

Dusty pinks

For years, the cheekily-named Millennial Pink has graced us with its presence. It was nearly impossible to see a scandi-inspired interior without it. However, 2019 is all about change. These days, we’re seeing the bright, almost bubblegum hues of Millennial Pink being replaced with a more subdued, timeless version. It’s time to say hello to dusty pinks.

This year, as part of their Colormix Color Forecast, Sherwin-Williams released 42 trend-forward shades that spanned six unique color palettes. Dusty pink shades showed up on three of them. For us, that’s enough indication that this color will soon be everywhere.

This color is a wonderful accent shade. Use it in an accent wall, a piece of statement furniture or some throw pillows. You can bring out the color to its fullest by pairing it with plenty of white, which will give your design a sense of contrast. Alternatively, you can go a bit more playful and round out the look by incorporating plenty of richer reds or pale blues.

Warm creams are the new “it” neutral. Image: Jenni Leasia Interior Design

Warm creams

Since the era of gray-everything is finally coming to an end, it’s time to zero in on a new neutral to take its place. Enter warm creams. This group of colors is especially exciting because it offers the perfect middle ground. It’s less stark than the all-white interiors we’ve grown used to seeing in conjunction with modern aesthetics, yet it’s less expected than a traditional tan shade.

Benjamin Moore’s Color Trends for 2019 feature two distinct cream-inspired shades: “Cloud White” and “Balboa Mist.” With just 15 colors in total, that’s not a bad percentage. However, we suspect this is just the start of seeing warm creams crop up everywhere.

Using this color is all about adding a sense of warmth and serenity to the room. Think about pairing it with warm neutrals like browns and tans. Serene blues and grounding earth tones are also a good match. In this case, you’ll want to stay away from colors that feel harsh and opt for more muted versions.

“Blueprint” is Behr’s 2019 Color of the Year. Image: Jessica Buckley Interiors

Medium blues

Our final 2019 color trend alert is for medium blue shades. This one comes to us from Behr, who named a hue called “Blueprint” their 2019 Color of the Year. On the choice, Erika Woelfel, Vice President of Color and Creative Services at Behr, explained, “Much like the sketches builders rely on to bring an architectural design to life, Blueprint S470-5 lays a foundation for consumers to make their unique vision a reality. This universally appealing hue provides a steady stream of positivity and is poised to be an instant classic for years to come.”

We like “Blueprint” – and shades like it – because they’re incredibly versatile. On the one hand, like navy, a medium blue can be used as a neutral shade. It can stand up to bolder colors like vibrant reds and yellows. However, on the other, a medium blue shade can also be an accent color. It can be the pop of visual interest that livens up an otherwise neutral design.

The post These Are The 2019 Color Trends We’re Loving appeared first on Freshome.com.

Here Are Your Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019 According To Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

January 5, 2019 by admin

Nippon Paint, Asia’s largest paint brand, has released their Colours of Fortune Paint Collection for 2019. Grand Master Phang, Nippon Paint’s Colour Advisor and one of Asia’s top authorities on feng shui and Emperor Star Astrology, put together the collection of feng shui lucky colors to ensure your home attracts plenty of wealth, health, luck and love.

Find your Chinese Zodiac animal first and then scroll down to learn about your home’s feng shui lucky colors, according to Nippon Paint:

Year Born | Chinese Zodiac Animal

Rat Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Cool, coastal colors are your lucky colors for 2019. Think pink sand beaches, sunny skies and azure waters.

All paint color swatch images courtesy of Nippon Paint.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

This year’s colors are perfect for a spa-like bath. Image: Monterrey Peninsula Condos

Paint your cabinets and walls in complementary colors to freshen up your space for 2019. Image: Brett Mickan

Ox Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Oxes will find that they’re not only lucky when they include plums, merlots and pinks in their decor, they’re also on-trend for 2019 and beyond.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Layers of polished pinks, plums and berry tones freshen up this elegant living room. Image: Niche Interiors

The luckiest colors for the Ox this year would work well in the bedroom. Image: Tahar Decor

Tiger Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

If you’re a Tiger, choose warm and rich colors like golds, tans and mustards that replicate the regal animal’s coloring.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Classic neutrals flow well with a bold mustard-colored grasscloth wallpaper. Image: ATG Design

Add warmth to your room with luxurious furniture in mustard. Image: Blazing Embers

Rabbit Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Berries, mochas and chocolates sound like the perfect dessert, but they’re also the luckiest colors for those born under the Rabbit Chinese zodiac year.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

A soothing bedroom ties together the color theme of pale mauve, ivory and grey. Image: Chateau

This room is all about luxurious texture with a chocolate velvet sofa and plum silk pillows. Image: Living In Space

Dragon Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

The Dragon is the most powerful animal of the Chinese zodiac. This year, the peace and tranquility of modern neutral colors bring you good luck.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

The pale grey walls pull together the beautiful veining of the marble surfaces. Image: Brett Mickan

To keep neutral colors like ivories and beiges interesting, layer shades in dark and light accents for contrast. Image: Brad Ford

Snake Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

The Snake should reconnect with the colors of a beautiful spring day to achieve the most wealth and luck for 2019.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Sumptuous layers of periwinkle, lavender and ink create an intimate bedroom setting. Image: Stephen Fletcher

The combination of lavender and sage brightens a room – and the outlook for Chinese zodiac Snakes for 2019. Image: Just Perfect Home Staging

Horse Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

The overall theme for 2019 for most of the Chinese zodiac animals includes cool shades like pale greys, blues and purples. Horses should include a splash of invigorating yellow or gold to keep luck and abundance flowing.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

A simple bed runner in a vibrant yellow magnifies the luck of this bedroom. Image: Just Perfect Home Staging

Coordinating walls painted in mauve and yellow bring in good luck for those born in the Year of the Horse. Image: Shamanth Patil

Goat Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

If you’re born in the Year of the Goat, be sure to complement your blue room with earthy red accents, or vice versa.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Adding accent furniture in your feng shui lucky colors creates the flow of luck in your space. Image: Stephen Fletcher

Sky blue and red are an unexpected color pairing, but this modern kitchen combines the two well. Image: Amitzi

Monkey Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Monkeys should incorporate colors and accents that inspire optimism (green) and passion (red) into their spaces for the best 2019 possible.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Red adds a striking effect to a neutral room featuring deep olive green walls. Image: Brett Webber

This regal bedroom features luxe fabrics like silk and velvet in bold colors like red and emerald. Image: Katie by Design

Rooster Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Get ready to bring in good tidings, Rooster, by creating a soothing, tranquil room in cool, neutral colors.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Layers of understated neutral tones are both tranquil and elegant. Image: Kravet

If you’re decorating with neutrals, be sure to add unique art or architectural details to make your space memorable. Image: Bellas Arte Design

Dog Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

Dogs should work with plenty of bright and optimistic blues and greens for a 2019 full of good health, wealth and love.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

If you want to warm up a blue space, paint the walls in a deeper color tone. Image: Storybook Interiors

The striking color combination of this living room is inspired by the colors of a peacock. Image: Rikki Snyder

Pig Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019

It’s your lucky year and you should embrace the beautiful, modern tones of indigo and greys, which have been so popular in home design as of late.

Here’s how to use your lucky feng shui colors:

Layers of indigo blues create a personalized bedroom. Image: Lindsay Pennington

Have fun with your favorite shade of blue by mixing and matching fabrics, textures and varying tones of your blue. Image: Dulux UK

Don’t forget to look up the Chinese zodiac sign for those you live with, too. Mix and match the colors to create the luckiest home possible for you and your loved ones.

The post Here Are Your Feng Shui Lucky Colors For 2019 According To Your Chinese Zodiac Sign appeared first on Freshome.com.

Not Your Shrinking Violet: Here Are 15 Ideas For Decorating With Purple For A Modern, Sexy Space

January 2, 2019 by admin

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We continue our series on decorating with colors like orange and olive green by throwing violet into the home design ring. Also known as purple, aubergine and amethyst, violet is one of the hottest colors for the home this year, especially as we move into fall and winter.

Decorating with purple is less challenging than you think. There’s a rainbow of tones (from cool to warm to neutral to vivid) available to add a little violet to your life. Here’s how:

Decorating With Purple In The Dining Room

A vibrant violet or rich aubergine (eggplant) is a natural color for a dining room. Sumptuous, warm and intimate, try it as a wall color, accent furniture shade or by including tableware in purple.

If you love jewel tones, group a vibrant violet color with other rich colors like indigo and emerald. Image: Homepolish

A primary purple curtain serves as a room divider between the dining area and living space. Image: Alpha Blinds

Beautiful, mid-century modern dining chairs in eggplant flow with the warm wood tones and neutrals in this dining room. Image: TS Design

Purple Wallpaper Ideas

Painted walls in a bold color are a good way to update a room, but wallpaper adds a big design effect, thanks to the patterns and textures available.

Grasscloth is a natural wallpaper material made from exotic, dyed grasses. The finish is matte and features a subtle, irregular texture that adds dimension to a wall. Image: Icon Interiors

This purple wallpaper pattern is subtle due to the metallic graphics that reflect light, making them appear lighter than the deep violet paper. Image: Schaefer Architect

A simple, white room gets a focal wall wallpapered in a bold purple floral pattern. Image: Elliott Walsh

When adding purple wallpaper or paint to your room, tie the color in by adding at least two more accents in purple in the space. This room features a bed runner, pillows and curtains. Image: Tendance Co.

Add Purple Home Decor To A Neutral Room

Adding just one or two purple home accents to a room may infuse enough violet to breathe life into the space. Check these out:

purple decorating ideas for the living room

Oversized abstract wall art in purple adds a contemporary tone to your room. Image: EM Design

A purple area rug, paired with acrylic furniture, adds a contemporary look to this home office. Image: Smart Homes

Purple accessories transform a neutral living space into a stunning and personalized room where you can relax and lounge. Image: Tapeten Fieber

Mixing Purple And Grey

Grey has been the classic go-to color for modern living. Purple pairs perfectly with all shades of grey, making the duo a match.

A wall was painted in two complementary tones: purple and grey. Other neutrals were layered for depth. Image: Niche Interiors

Throw pillows in the room colors – violet and charcoal grey – pull the space together. Image: DKor Interiors

Why You Need Some Violet Velvet

Velvet fabric amps up the rich tone of purple. Look for purple velvet upholstery, throw blankets or accent pillows to add a luxurious look and feel to your room.

There are several bold design choices in this room. Check out the floral rug, dimensional wall and deep teal paint. But the velvet violet sectional is the star of the show. Image: Mike Shilov

Nix the sofa and create a circular sitting room featuring deluxe purple velvet armless chairs. Image: Archidea

When decorating with purple furnishings, include other similar tones like red, raspberry and fuchsia. Image: Roche Bobois

Love these purple decorating ideas? Check out these purple and violet accents, in stores now:

The post Not Your Shrinking Violet: Here Are 15 Ideas For Decorating With Purple For A Modern, Sexy Space appeared first on Freshome.com.

2018 Design Trend Recap: The Year’s Most Daring Home Design Trends

December 30, 2018 by admin

It may be hard to believe, but it’s almost 2019. That’s why we’re taking this opportunity to pause and look back at the last year at Freshome. We explored a lot in 2018. But what really made its mark? Which daring trends reshaped our homes – and maybe even our lives? Which have enough staying power to survive into 2019 and beyond? Let’s find out as we walk through a brief 2018 design trend recap.

A black accent wall? Why not! In 2018, there were no limits when it came to color. Image: AMR Design

With color, anything goes

Yes, neutrals are still – and will always be – important. But 2018 invited us to blow the lid off our preconceived notions about color theory and have some fun. Jewel tones started making their mark on the scene, inviting us to amp up the saturation and give our spaces a feel of richness. Previously off-limits colors were welcomed into our homes. Black even set itself apart as a decidedly trendy and luxurious color for walls, flooring and cabinetry. And as we expanded our color palettes, we also expanded the way we use color. Gone are the days of a single accent color. In 2018, layering multiple different accent hues helped a room shine.

And beyond simply choosing which colors to implement in your home, 2018 was a year to explore where you use those colors, too. Often forgotten spaces like the foyer, ceiling and front door got new leases on life thanks to the drive to add vibrant and interesting hues everywhere in the home.

Feeling overwhelmed by the overload of color options? Don’t worry. We have a guide on how to balance bold colors to help you out.

When putting together rooms this year, designers started agreeing that more is more. Image: Jonathan Adler

Maximalism starts making its mark

No 2018 design trend recap would be complete without taking a dip into maximalism. If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed that home design seems to be trending in the direction of more. We just talked about how we started making our foray into more color. We also went for more pattern and texture, like eye-catching or moody floral wallpapers, interesting kitchen backsplashes and colorful grout. Maximalism is all about filling a space with things you love and that bring you joy, and we jumped on that opportunity in 2018.

Out of all the different home changes we’re exploring in this 2018 design trend recap, we think maximalism is the one with the most staying power.

Your lighting fixture could be the most interesting part of your room. Image: Poliform Australia

Eye-catching lighting sets the stage

Sure, our parents told us not to stare at the sun. But in 2018, it’s been hard not to stare at the light – at least, the lighting we brought into our homes. Gone are the days of boring, basic lighting that just gets the job done. This year, we took pendant lights from simple to really something. Suddenly, you could find them in architectural shapes and mixed textures hung in new and exciting configurations.

And we didn’t stop with pendants, either. This year, lots of designers and decorators took risks with unique and funky lighting. Even the humble string light got a major upgrade and expanded usage this year. Some of the trends might not survive past this 2018 design trend recap, but some – like abstract metal chandeliers – are surely just starting to enjoy their time in the, ahem, light.

This year, we blended the clean lines of industrial style with the softness of nature for more comfortable spaces. Image: ALL & NXTHING

Natural and industrial blend

In 2018, we finally started finding ways to marry our innate craving for nature with our love of the sleek simplicity of industrial design. That was thanks, in large part, to the concrete craze. All of a sudden, we were pouring cement for our countertops, floors, mantels and more. As a key element in industrial design, concrete lends an inherent sleekness even as it mimics natural stone. With concrete in place, we had our canvas to bring other natural textures into our homes, like greenery walls and roughly-hewn wood.

We also looked to plant life to soften the edges of industrial and minimalist spaces. Potted plants are having a moment, but you’re not limited by open floor space. Hanging and wall mounted plants trended in a major way in 2018. We even added greenery to our roofs. This year, we blended natural and industrial. Looks like we finally figured out how to have our cake and eat it, too.

What trends were you surprised to see Freshome cover in 2018? Which ones would you have liked to learn more about? Which ones did we skip in this 2018 design trend recap? Let us know! We’re coming up on a new year and are excited to explore 2019’s design trends with you!

The post 2018 Design Trend Recap: The Year’s Most Daring Home Design Trends appeared first on Freshome.com.

How Cold is Too Cold for Exterior Painting?

December 25, 2018 by admin

Painting your home’s exterior is a massive project, and you may have been putting it off due to time or budget restraints. But now that the temperatures have dropped, is it too cold to paint outside? Below is advice from painting professionals on the ideal temperature range for exterior painting, the lowest temperature to paint or stain at and general tips for painting and staining your home’s exterior.

How Low is Too Low?

When the temperature is too low, dust and insects will be attracted to the wet paint. Image: John M Holmes Architect

To a certain extent, optimal temperatures for exterior painting vary by the type of paint. “When taking on exterior paint projects, always keep in mind that the best temperature for latex paint falls between 50 and 70 degrees F, while the best temperature for oil-based paint falls between 45 and 90 degrees F,” explains Tina Nokes, Owner of Five Star Painting of Loudoun, VA. However, she says that some paints are rated down to 35 degrees.

When you go below 35 degrees, Nokes says you can encounter several problems. “You risk the paint taking too long to cure, which attracts insects, dirt, grime and other debris to the wet surface,” she says. “Oil-based paints will also thicken in low temperatures, causing stiffer brushing, heavier application and less coverage per gallon.”

According to Mike Mundwiller, Benjamin Moore Field Integration Manager, you should always check the information for the product you plan to use. “While some exterior paints can be applied down to 35 degrees, it’s not only important to be aware of your ambient temperature but also the temperature of the surface you are painting.” In addition to the current temperature, Mundwiller advises painters to be aware of the forecasted temperature, since this will determine how long it will take the paint to dry.

Follow the Sun and Avoid the Warmest Part of the Day

For better results, follow the sun when painting. Image: CK Building Design and Repair

“Following the sun around your house will prevent painting in direct sunlight and on an overheated surface, which can be a problem even in cooler temperatures,” explains Nokes. What does it mean to follow the sun when you’re painting? “In other words, move around the house behind the sun as it moves so the surfaces are warm but not so hot that paint dries too fast.”

The warmest part of a winter day seems like the perfect time to paint, but Nokes advises against it. “While it can be tempting to paint at the warmest parts of the day, make sure you leave enough time for the paint to dry before sunset, which will bring even cooler temperatures and the formation of dew.”

If You Have to Paint When It’s Bitterly Cold

Some paints are formulated for colder weather. Image: Mark Winter Constructions

“If you have no choice but to paint in temperatures below 45 degrees F, purchase latex paint specifically formulated to perform in temperatures as low as 35 degrees,” Nokes advises. “This paint contains coalescing agents that bolster film-forming attributes during low temperatures.” Different types of paints are rated for different temperatures and she says it’s vitally important to use a paint rated for the colder weather.

When the air temperature is 35 degrees F, substrates may be colder. “Prior to painting, check to be sure the air, surface and material temperatures are above 35 degrees F and at least 5 degrees F above the dew point,” advises Mundwiller. “Do not apply when air or surface temperatures may drop below 35 degrees F within 48 hours.”

Exterior Painting Tips

Cover imperfections before you start painting. Image: Moissev-Gordon Associates

“Prior to painting, remove surface contaminants with an appropriate cleaner, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry,” advises Mark Eichelberger, Senior Product Manager at Sherwin-Williams Consumer Brands Group. “Remove peeled or damaged paint, sand glossy surfaces until dull and make sure that cracks and imperfections are patched or caulked.” To avoid occasional paint drips or splatters, he recommends starting at the top and working your way down.

When painting vinyl siding, Eichelberger says you should repaint with a color similar to the original color to avoid excess heat absorption, which prevents buckling or warping.

What About Staining?

There’s also a temperature limit on staining. Image: Hickman Construction Company

There’s also a temperature limit when staining in cold weather. “Applying stain finishes becomes more difficult as the temperature gets colder, as it won’t dry or adhere as well in low temperatures,” says Jenny Burroughs, Senior Product Manager of PPG’s Architectural Coatings. Depending on the product, you can apply a stain when the temperature is as low as 40 degrees F.

It’s important to protect your home’s exterior wood surfaces by applying a stain or sealant before temperatures begin to drop, as cold weather and snow can cause peeling, leading to moisture intrusion and wood rot.

Burroughs also recommends assessing your home’s exterior wood surfaces for vulnerabilities before you want to stain or seal. Some key signs that your home’s exterior wood surfaces need to be refinished include:

Water is being absorbed and is not being wicked from the surface.
Paint and/or stain is peeling, pulling or lifting from the surface.
Areas of the home appear to be faded or discolored.

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5 Easy Ways to Get 2019 Interior Design Trends

December 23, 2018 by admin

Half the fun of the approaching new year is looking forward to all those new design trends. And 2019 has some stellar upcoming trends. Interior designers have been discussing what will be popular in 2019 since the middle of this year. What they’ve come up with include rich colors, clever use of space, elegant furniture and an eye towards sustainability. These trends might seem daunting to place in your home. But below we’ll cover some easy ways to make these new 2019 interior design trends work for you and your space.

Colors of the year

One of the best parts of looking at next year’s design trends is taking in all the different colors of the year. It seems like all the major paint companies have their own eye on what will be big in the following year. With so many options, like Behr’s Blueprint, you have plenty of choices for staying trendy.

In the spirit of keeping new colors easy, you might want to incorporate these shades in throw pillows, blankets or a single painted accent wall. You could even try simply painting your molding with a new shade.

With that in mind, here are some of the big colors of 2019:

2019 Interior Design Trends Blueprint Color

Behr’s 2019 Color of the Year — Blueprint S470-5

Sherwin-Williams 2019 Color of the Year — Cavern Clay SW 7701

2019 Interior Design Trends Night Watch Color

PPG’s 2019 Color of the Year — Night Watch PPG 1145-7

If you’re incredibly devoted to color inspiration, you might want to check out the hefty PANTONEVIEW home + interiors 2019, which focuses on the bold culinary-inspired CRAVINGS palette and the warm CLASSICO palette.

Go artsy with an on-trend boho look. Image: Breeze Giannasio

Boho is big again

Boho never became unpopular, exactly. It has been a favorite of any homeowner who loves bright colors, artistic styles and free-spirited themes. However, it’s back in a big way in 2019 interior design trends. If you’ve been looking for a new style for your home, boho might just be the way to go to stay on trend. And with so many boho products out there, like area rugs, styled pillows and wall hangings, boho has never been an easier style to get.

If you’re not looking to go full boho, you might also want to consider Haute Bohemian. Haute Bohemian is all about getting an upper class, cultured look, like the home of a fine art connoisseur. You can also want to try boho chic.

2019 Interior Design Trends Small Spaces

Small spaces are becoming more common, so smart ways to use them are more important than ever. Image: Ikea

Ingenious small spaces

Step into Ikea lately and you’ll see how designers are making use of the small spaces of the future. And it’s not going away in 2019 interior design trends. With trends like tiny homes and downsizing, small spaces are here to stay. So a huge trend in 2019 is smart, functional and creative ways to make use of those small spaces. Ideas focus on multi-functionality spaces, fold-out storage and clever room dividers like curtains.

Even if you don’t have a small space, you might want to consider trendy space-saving techniques like stand-alone closets, convertible furniture, fold-down desks or compact kitchen storage. These ideas can lead to a clean, minimalistic and streamlined space.

Expect sustainably sourced materials to trend, like the sustainable Kirei bench in this home spa. Image: Studio Santalla

Sustainable design in 2019 interior design trends

Sustainability is a popular concern. So expect to see 2019 interior design trends that help people live eco-friendly. For instance, indoor gardening like a vertical herb garden is a popular feature in kitchens. That allows you to grow your own fresh cooking ingredients in a way that couldn’t get more local. Living plant walls have become a huge trend that don’t appear to be going away in 2019, either.

You’ll also likely see sustainable design materials. For instance, the photo above features sustainably sourced materials in the furniture and fabrics. Even the wall art is sustainable: it’s made of black and white recycled plastic! Finding trendy and eco-conscious pieces like this can be an easy way to make your home more sustainable in 2019.

Curved furniture is finding a place in contemporary styles. Image: Amy Lau Design

Curved furniture

Perhaps one of the most surprising trends is the return of curved furniture. This style of furniture was popular in the mid-20^thcentury. It has since been replaced by stark geometry using sleek lines. But now curved lines are back.

Expect to see furniture with curvilinear cuts, from chairs to sofas. So if you’ve been needing to replace a piece of furniture and want to be trendy for the new year, maybe try a curved piece like in the photo above. The slight curves give a look of relaxed elegance. Curves also fit in especially well with natural, casual or artistic room styles.

Which 2019 design trends are you excited about? Let us know in the comments.

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