We are often inspired by colors or design we see when we are dining out or traveling. The hospitality industry has embraced design as a way to not only create ambiance but to attract our business.
Many of the interior designs in this industry are what I call ‘aspirational’. The designer has expertly pulled together every detail to create a look and mood that many of us would like to duplicate in our own homes.
But why wait for these trends to hit our favorite restaurant or resort? At the recent Hospitality Design Expo many designers including our own Color Maven Denise Turner had a chance to see all of the latest and most fabulous elements available to them when they create their next sensational interior.
Denise shares what inspired her at the HD Expo…
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Today’s decorating dilemma:
We’re in the process of selling and our agent has recommended we repaint our cabinets. They are currently green with the walls and trim being light blue and light yellow. Our appliances are stainless and we have verde butterfly granite. I am really not sure what color to go with- any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Nic
Kate suggests:
By painting your cabinets to be more neutral the Verde Butterfly granite will show off more. (more…)
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The annual Kitchen / Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS) brought some of the biggest names in the kitchen and bath industry to Chicago recently for its annual showcase of the newest products, appliances, design trends, and cutting-edge industry information.
The four-day conference and expo featured must-see new products, innovative design ideas and the latest trends in kitchens and baths and Denise Turner was there to report back on the latest trends.
See the important trends on the horizon for kitchen and bath…
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Today’s color dilemma…
Hi Kate. We are in the process of finishing our basement. It is about 2100 feet and will have a main living area (pool table, air hockey, TV area, and a large bar/kitchen), exercise room (the wall that connects to the main living area will be half glass with glass doors), a bedroom and a bath.
The bar and pool table will be a medium oak. Our house is decorated in warm earth tones throughout, and we would like to carry this down to the basement. However, we don’t want to simply replicate the upstairs. I would like it to be a little bit more lively and fun.
We have no direct light from windows, so we are concerned about the space feeling too dark. If you have any color suggestions, we would love to hear them! FYI, our contractor includes Behr or Benjamin Moore paint. Many thanks, Francie
Note from Kate–
Hi Francie, I am out of town presenting at the House Beautiful Color Institute in Chicago but your in luck because the very talented Barbara Jacobs will be responding to your question. Take it away Barbara.
Barbara suggests…
You are thinking in the right direction to want to make your more active space have a more energetic and lively ambiance. Not only will it create variety of design in your home, but it is really more effective from the ‘color psychology’ perspective to create a more high-energy feeling in the kind of social area you’ve described. (more…)
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You’ve finally decided to remodel that 1970s kitchen. Out with the Avocado Green; out with the Harvest Gold tile. Wait! Those colors are back.
Presuming you have a design, licensed contractor and building permits; there are some things to consider before bringing in the wrecking crew.
- Temporary Kitchen. Patios are ideal. Water and drain lines in exterior walls, can occasionally be temporally routed to a utility sink. It beats washing dishes in the bathtub.
- Construction Zone. Stay out of the way. It’s for your safety.
- Be flexible! Unexpected situations will occur.
- Contractor’s Aid. Designate a bathroom; keep snacks and nonalcoholic drinks coming.
Keep your sense of humor! You’ll soon have the home you desired.
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Last month I wrote about Cottage Magpie’s green challenge but this month I decided I would play along and share some of the yellow things in my home.
I have lots of yellow kitchenware from the 40’s and 50’s. I started collecting Harlequin dishes and Hall pitchers when I was in college and still enjoy them.
The Harlequin teapots are my absolute favorite and I have them in 9 or ten colors. I just love the pointed handles and bright colors.
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