"It's My Color - Beige!"
Elsie De Wolfe on seeing the Parthenon for the first time
January is filled with new ideas, new resolutions and new energy. In the decorating world, January is also the time where we talk about new color trends. This is one of the most popular topics people want to learn about!
The color that's been getting a LOT of buzz in the design community comes from Pantone and is called 'Honeysuckle'.
Here's Pantone's description of their color of the year:
A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It's a color for every day — with nothing "everyday" about it.
Wow! Who knew we'd be in the pink? Welcome 2011!
But what does it mean when 'new' colors are introduced every year? Most of us don't redecorate annually, so how should we regard new color trends?
From Daly's perspective, color trends are a fun way to jump start us into thinking about our homes and how we can easily change things with a fresh injection of color. You don't need to get rid of everything you've already done, but perhaps you might want to introduce a splash of new color here and there.
Imagine an accent wall in the powder room painted in C2 Paint's "Lip Service". Vavavoom! Or maybe you add a few toss pillows to liven up a beige/neutral sofa with a graphic print highlighting the new color. No need to break the bank to add punch and new vitality.
 | | C2 Paint 'Lip Service'
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Finally, while design and color trends are super-fun and inspirational, the best trend is the one that works for your individual taste and style.
If you'd like guidance discovering your best colors, we can help! Daly's has designers who make house calls, and we can help you create your personalized color palette for your home. Give us a call to set up an appointment; if you're in Seattle call (206)633-4200 and on the Eastside call (425)454-3093. You can even go online to get the process started.
Feather Your Nest Coupon
20% off any C2 Paint purchase!
Coupon good until February 12, 2011.
Click here to download your coupon »
Out with the Old and In with the New Year!!
Did you know that Robin Daly co-writes a design column in the Journal Newspapers each month with Seattle-based interior designer Christian Ursino? Here is their latest article. Enjoy!!
Congratulations, you've made it through the holidays! Dreams of sugarplums, those sneaky extra helpings, and the social whirlwind of parties and friends are done for the season. It's time to sit back and relax.
But no. The real challenge is now upon you: where to put all the stuff you either unearthed for the season or received as gifts.
Don't despair. It's a new year, which gives you the perfect opportunity to take a serious look at your household with a critical eye towards editing. Think of it as putting your house on a diet. What do you want to bet that there's a lot of extra stuff hanging around serving no purpose other than taking up space?
Luckily, unlike diets for our bodies, this requires no sit-ups and you can have all the carbs you desire. Here is our step-by-step process to create your own New Year, New Look Diet for your home. This can easily be tailored to fit almost any situation whether you are editing a single drawer or an entire household.
Step 1: Admit it
You simply have too much stuff. Trust us, you are not alone. If you don't recognize the need to edit and move toward a simpler lifestyle, you won't be motivated. It's not an entirely enjoyable process, so you really have to choose to engage in it. If others reside in your household, it is helpful to enlist their support.
As designers, we have clients who hire us to create beautiful rooms. But you can't put lipstick on a pig and call it pretty. You've got to get rid of what no longer serves you, to make room for what does.
Step 2: Game plan
Sit down with a pencil and paper and determine the areas that require your attention. This can be a general list (hall closet, back bedroom, laundry room). It is also helpful to list them in order of priority.
Step 3: Timeline
Commit to a schedule but be realistic. Don't set yourself up for failure. Keep in mind that it's a process, not a race. Break your tasks down into small steps that are easier to accomplish so you won't be overwhelmed by the entire process and feel defeated before you even start. Before you know it, you'll notice that your small accomplishments quickly add up to big changes.
Step 4: Labor and materials
Do you need to bring in outside reinforcements, like hiring a hauling service to take your discards away or finding someone to do the heavy lifting?
Perhaps a well planned trip to the storage supply store for totes and boxes? Think of the old adage. “A place for everything, and everything in its place.” One of our favorite tools is the labeling machine. Nothing is as satisfying as putting a label on the container and knowing that it's stowed properly for future access.
Step 5: Beneficiaries
You probably have created a great pile of items that are leaving your home. Now what? Just because you no longer need these things, it doesn't mean they are headed for the dump (although you might have a pile destined for there, too). Now that you don't need this stuff, who does?
List the likely recipients for your discards, such as the Goodwill, Sharehouse, shelters, church, friends or family. Be green and make certain the items land where they will serve the best purpose.
Step 6: Start
This is where the rubber meets the road. Be certain to check off each area on your list so you have a sense of accomplishment. It is also more reassuring to donate as you go through the list instead of saving it until the end.
Step 7: Review
Revisit your accomplishments to remind yourself how much you will enjoy your new, lighter lifestyle. Make a plan as to how you will add to the household in the future by asking yourself these questions: Do I need it? If I bring this in, what can go out? Will this add to the household or simply occupy space?
Step 8: Keep up
Dedicate a space, box, bag or cupboard as a collection point for anything that needs review from time to time. As you move through your house, be vigilant about what will be heading out the door to better serve others and create space and simplicity for yourself.
Design dilemmas? Ask Robin Daly, co-owner of Daly's Paint & Decorating in Seattle and Bellevue, and Christian Ursino, a Seattle-based interior designer. E-mail your questions to robin@dalyspaint.com or christian@christianursino.com — their answer might appear in a future column.
Our Locations
Seattle 3525 Stone Way North Seattle, WA 98103 206-633-4200
Bellevue 13238 NE 20th Street Bellevue, WA 98005 425-454-3093
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