Bringing warmth and life into our homes, creating atmosphere as well as comfort - color and texture are two critical elements of interior design.
Color is a versatile design tool which can be used to enhance and to alter the quality of natural light, make a room seem more spacious or intimate and create a stimulating or relaxing environment. The new mood in color requires a shift away from the classic neutrals - those ubiquitous shades of cream, gray and taupe that have covered walls, floors and furniture for the last 20 years. These tones have evolved and expanded to include a new collection of colors including the 2015 Pantone color of the year. Marsala, is in fact another neutral that can be paired with any one of the classics to refresh or build your room's design scheme.
Equally important, but often overlooked, is the introduction of texture. Texture works on a number of levels, including - creating contrast, dampening noise and giving a room visual depth. One of the things that I like most is to combine both matte and glossy finishes and textures on the walls, on the floor and on the furniture. By combining both rough and soft materials - a fur bedspread with a natural fiber rug, even in the same color palette - some fabulous effects can be achieved. Or mixing the practical with the beautiful for example: a brick wall, a wood plank table and a crystal chandelier creating a sense of playfulness along with a strength and durability.
And don't forget to look up! No more flat decorator white ceilings if I can help it!
One of my favorite tricks is to create a ceiling with character using glossy dark paints or textured wallpaper - adding movement and depth as a contrast to flat, matte walls.
Be bold and be adventurous with your next design decisions. And if you can't move outside the box this winter, hire an interior decorator to hold your hand through the process. While the classic neutrals will always be safe, color and texture will make your room spring to life!
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