The colors for women range from vibrant to subdued, but all are enchanting. Color trends typically begin in fashion, then filter down to home décor. So you’ll see them first on the runways, followed by home interiors.

For nearly 20 years, Pantone, considered the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to first report the season’s most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for fall 2012. Take a look and let me know what you think!

According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute^®, “By playing to consumers’ practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone.”

As the season transitions from the heat of summer, Bright Chartreuse, a vital yellow-green, pays homage to a typical spring shade and creates a bridge into the cooling days of fall. Reminiscent of bright green foliage, it provides a perfect accent to every color in the palette.

Like the name implies, Pink Flambé is a delicious, vibrant pink with a bit of heat to it. Pair it with vivacious and enticing Tangerine Tango for an ongoing retro feeling. Or, to bring a calming element to the mix, combine these vibrant warm tones with Ultramarine Green, a deep, cooling blue-green. Ethereal Rhapsody is a grayed-down purple that also encourages comfort and serenity with its quiet, muted tone.

Honey Gold, a mellow, burnished yellow, suggests the soft-muted tones of sunlight to brighten a fall day. Pair it with sensible and strong Olympian Blue, a patriotic blue that will surely make its way into fall and winter athletic apparel.

Rich and robust, French Roast is a tasty, sophisticated hue that is a great alternative to the black and charcoal basics typically worn in the fall. Other staple neutrals include elegant and versatile Titanium, the quintessential cool gray, and Rose Smoke, a veiled rose tone that pairs well with Rhapsody and Titanium.

Images courtesy of Pantone.

A sensuous red velvet headboard sets the stage for romance in this glamorous bedroom. The bold color is balanced by a black and white palette, while traditional furnishings keep the room from being over-the-top.

A willowy, white canopy and distressed, oak ceiling create a room of relaxed elegance and romance.

A British Colonial, four-poster bed and Spanish Colonial architecture transport this bedroom to another time and place. Luxurious white linens and a pale, blue loveseat conjure further romance and beckon to be enjoyed.

A sleek, masculine bed in black anodized aluminum mixes seductively with red, white and tan accents. All white-walls intensify the modern look of the room, while sheer drapery filters light for romance.

A vintage, wicker bed brings the mysteries of the Orient home, while walls papered in subdued zebra print further the room’s exotic design. The bedroom simply demands exploration.

Which room is your idea of romance?

Images courtesy of House Beautiful.

As a professional designer, I often help homeowners settle in and decorate new homes after a move. This is, without a doubt, an exciting time! But I’ve also noticed how stressed and tired all homeowners are after a move. In fact, did you know that moving ranks as the third most stressful life event, just after death of a loved one and divorce? That’s why I’ve created The Move Magicians.

The Move Magicians is a full-service moving concierge company, staffed by trusted professionals from all areas of relocation services. I’ve partnered with the best in the business to bring you a full-service, moving concierge company with customized services to meet your needs. Whether you want help with just a few items, such as finding a moving company and scheduling service; or you want someone to oversee it all – from utility service connections to hanging artwork – we do it.

I know how busy my clients are and sometimes adding just one more item to the “to-do” list is simply impossible. So let the Move Magicians take care of your next move. Or purchase a gift certificate for our services to help out a friend.

Visit www.themovemagicians.com for complete information and let us help you today. We’ll handle the stress, so you enjoy your new home!

Red Crest Emblem Heart Italian Leather Journal inspired by Peruvian folklore. Handmade in Florence, Italy with lined ivory pages and a border in real gold leaf. Measures 6”x8.” Available at www.barnesandnoble.com for$22.46. 

Silver Beaded Fabric Headband. Elegant beading and fabric mix together to form a shimmering crown-like headband. Available at www.pier1.com for $18.00.

Leather Excursion Travel Case modeled after the classic shaving bags used in the early 1900s. Made of handcrafted top-grain leather. Details include antiqued bronze hardware, a removable canvas lining and convenient hanging hook. Available at www.redenvelope.com for$99.99.

Mother of Pearl Boxes. Delicate mother of pearl tiles from India are hand applied to these solid sheesham wood lidded boxes. Available at www.westelm.com from $34.00 each.

She Walks in Beauty: A Woman’s Journey through Poems by Caroline Kennedy. The collection includes works by Elizabeth Bishop, Sharon Olds, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Mary Oliver, Pablo Neruda, W. H. Auden, Adrienne Rich, Sandra Cisneros, Anne Sexton, W. S. Merwin, Dorothy Parker, Queen Elizabeth I, Lucille Clifton, Naomi Shahib Nye, and W. B. Yeats. Available in hardcover at  www.barnesandnoble.com for$17.73.

Whiskey Stones Gift Set. Set includes six innovative soapstone cubes designed by Andrew Hellman, which chill spirits without diluting them, and two elegant sipping glasses. The stones are milled in Perkinsville, Vermont by the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States. Glasses made in Slovenia and the Czech Republic. Available at www.uncommongoods.com for $58.00.

Window treatments do more than just provide privacy and block outside light. They can completely change the look and feel of a room by adding texture, color and visual height to the space. Quality treatments can also protect valuable home furnishings from damaging UV rays. And with so many options available, there are treatments to suit every style.

Drapes, or curtains, are usually the best window treatment option if your goal is to soften the right angles of a room, insulate a room from light or outside temperatures, or absorb sound to make a room quieter. They are also one of my favorite ways to dress up a room! Drapes are dramatic and provide maximum impact. They’re also great for covering glass doors, multiple adjoining windows or very large picture windows.

Try luxurious fabrics with ornate valances or trim for an elegant, formal look; or opt for panels in light weight fabrics or sheers for a clean, contemporary look.

Blinds are often the smartest choice for those looking for maximum light control and economical window treatments. Blinds offer no nonsense style and function, and a clean look because they are confined to the window space itself. They are also more efficient for small spaces than curtains.

Popular styles include real or faux wood in rich or weathered finishes; and durable, easy to clean metal available in numerous colors.

Shades are the chameleons of window treatments. Like drapery, they are available in countless colors, fabrics and patterns. But, they lack the wavy appearance of curtains and are of a similar size to the window itself. Like blinds, they provide a more efficient use of space and a cleaner look. Shades are also more moderately priced than curtains, and are usually the best option for small spaces and living areas with frequent use. They are not recommended for large windows.

Shutters are known for their classic style, durability and ease of maintenance. They offer a traditional look, work with almost any home décor scheme and never go out of style. Shutters offer bold door and window embellishment with great light control, energy efficiency and noise insulation. And because they operate with louvers, not cords, they are also a safe choice for households with small children or pets.

Shutters are also the only form of window treatments that actually increase your home’s value. Once attached to your windows, they become a “permanent” part of the home, just like granite counters and tile or hardwood floors. Their estimated value is considered by home appraisers and added to the appraised value of your home.

Image sources: 1) House Beautiful, 2) & 3) Smith & Noble, 4) Orlando Shutters.

Moldings and trim create architectural interest, add style and definition, and bridge the gap between walls and ceiling. In short, they dramatically alter a room, and with little expense and time. Here’s all the scoop on selecting the right trim for your home.

Choosing the style. Think ornate and layered for more formal or traditional looks; while contemporary or modern styles are best achieved with simpler profiles with less detail. You may love deep crown moulding and a center medallion on the ceiling, but this traditional look would probably not work in a contemporary or ranch style home.

Chair rails work with almost any style and not only protect your walls, but add warmth and visual interest as well. You can further add interest and contrast by painting the portion of wall beneath the chair rail a darker color than above. And picture frame moulding in a box configuration under the chair rail provides an elegant and traditional look.

Picture frame molding attached to the flat exposed sides of cabinetry, kitchen islands and fireplace surrounds also provides a dramatic, designer look.

Deciding on size. Crown moulding should enhance the look of a room, not overpower it. A general rule of thumb is to choose the width of crown moulding based on the height of the ceiling, usually 1″ of depth for each foot of ceiling height for ceilings 10′ or higher. And keep a consistent scale from floor to ceiling. While it’s tempting to install an impressive wide crown molding and settle for a smaller, less expensive base, molding sizes should be balanced throughout the room.

Selecting the material. Home centers offer a variety of premilled molding materials. If you plan to stain the trim, solid wood trim is the best choice, although more costly. Custom milling can be done by local woodworking shops, but custom work is naturally more expensive.

If you will be painting your molding, consider finger-jointed wood, wood composite or urethane trims to lower costs. Urethane trim offers many benefits: it’s lighter weight, can be installed with construction adhesive and typically allows you to use larger profiles.

Up next, the conclusion of New Year, New Home: Window Treatments!

Images courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

Lighting sets the mood for the entire room, yet it’s often the most neglected element of interior design. There are four basic types of lighting and layering is the key to a successful space. Here’s how.

Ambient lighting, also called general lighting, illuminates the entire room. It includes chandeliers, ceiling fans with light kits, recessed lighting and other ceiling fixtures. It is the first layer of lighting and can make or break a room. An elegant chandelier or modern pendant light can be a showstopper, while a dated ceiling fan can be, well…a showstopper. Consider the mood and function of the room, and choose accordingly. Also, install a dimmer switch for greater lighting control and ambiance.

Task lighting helps you perform tasks and is an inexpensive, yet often overlooked form of lighting. It’s the light you need to perform tasks, such as reading, cooking or applying makeup. It includes table and floor lamps, under counter lights and vanity lights among others. Table and floor lamps are without a doubt one of the quickest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a room. They add warmth and function to the space, and can be used solely to light a room when a more intimate or calming setting is desired.

Accent lighting illuminates and highlights specific objects, such as wall art, a statue or an architectural element. It adds drama and style to a room, and directs the eye where to go. It includes track, recessed and wall-mounted lights. Accent lighting completes the space.

Natural lighting is the last and crucial form of home lighting. It is the light that comes through skylights and windows, and greatly impacts the mood of the room and the people within. Inadequate natural lighting can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and depressed. Replace window treatments that block excessive amounts of natural light with lightweight curtains, sheers or a combination of curtain toppers, blinds or shades which will allow for maximum light control. And for dark spaces or rooms without windows, consider adding a skylight when your budget allows.

Up next: the importance of trim!

Source of images: Decor Pad

When selecting accessories, there are two important things to keep in mind. First, choose items that suit the mood you are trying to create. Second, choose items that are in harmony with the colors and scale of the room. Accessories need to be in proportion with the size of the room and the items placed around them. But if you’re like most people and design concepts just give you a headache, here are some practical tips.

Be inspired by the season. Faux fur throws, wood logs in a basket and candlesticks add warmth and luxury to rooms in winter. Colorful vases, pillows and floral arrangements bring the spirit of new life indoors during the spring.

Experiment with pillows and throws. Pillows and throws are two of the easiest ways to experiment with color and pattern. Try an assortment of new pillows on the living room sofa, or drape a beautiful throw across an ottoman or chair.

Display art. A work of art that you love can become the focal point that defines a room. But there’s no need to spend more than you can afford. Artwork abounds at home décor and even discount stores. Or try your own hand at creating a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! Personal artwork is especially fun and charming for children’s rooms and less formal spaces.

Think in vignettes. Group items of differing heights, which will allow the eye to move around the display, and layer the elements to create depth. Add in objects such as lamps, artwork and vases, and use a touch of metallic for glamour.

Add a touch of green. Greenery adds life and warmth to a room. Floral displays are art in themselves and nothing cheers up a lonely corner quicker than a thriving tree or large plant.

Up next: turning on the light!

Image sources: 1) House Beautiful, 2) HGTV.

Consider your existing decor.  When choosing an area rug, try to coordinate with existing paint, furniture, bedding or window treatments. Or, if you are starting from scratch, choose a rug first and build the room’s color scheme and style around the new rug.

Consider your lifestyle and budget. Rugs are made from a variety of materials. If you like to change your decor frequently or have a small budget, synthetic rugs, made from polypropylene or nylon, are a good choice. Synthetic rugs provide water and UV-resistance at low prices and are good at hiding dirt. Nylon is the higher quality of the two because of its greater bulk and ability to hold color well. Cotton rugs are even more affordable, but they can stain and wear out quickly.

Looking for great texture and something eco-friendly? Plant-based fibers such as sisal, jute and bamboo are biodegradable and made from renewable sources. They are also relatively inexpensive, but they are difficult to clean and may only last a few years with heavy use. They are a good choice for short-term use, outdoor rooms or light-traffic areas.

Looking for high-quality and durability? Wool rugs are naturally stain-resistant, don’t flatten easily, are soft to the touch and can last for decades with good care. But, of course, you get what you pay for. Wool rugs are more costly than other options, but are worth the extra cost and can actually save you money in the long run if maintained and enjoyed for many years.

Consider the size needed.  Area rugs create a focal point. If the rug is too large, this benefit is lost and the rug simply looks like wall-to-wall carpeting. If the rug is too small, it fails to draw the eye and provide the desired impact. But what is too large or too small? Here are some general guidelines.

For the family room, select a size that covers at least the length and width of your furniture. A 5′ x 8′ or 6′ x 9′ rug is a good size to cluster furniture around for an intimate area; or select a larger size that outlines the furniture to expand the space. Furniture with the front feet only on the rug creates a casual look, while furniture entirely on or off is more formal.

For the dining room, the rug should be large enough to allow space for chairs even when pulled away from the table. Measure your table and add approximately four feet to the measurement(s), diameter or length and width. Any surrounding furniture, such as a china cabinet or serving pieces, should be on the floor, not on the rug.

For the bedroom, the rug may serve as an accent at the foot of the bed (with the footboard on the rug) or next to the bed. Or, the bed may rest entirely on top of the rug to provide both style and comfort. Allow at least 18 inches from the edge of the bed if the bed will rest on top of the rug.

In all cases, try to have at least 18 to 24 inches of uncovered flooring (wood, tile or carpet) around the perimeter of the room. And when in doubt, use painter’s tape to outline the size rug you are considering. This will help you visualize the rug better and determine if you like the size.

Up next: the power of accessories!

Image sources: 1) HGTV, 2) West Elm, 3) & 4) House Beautiful.

Today’s blog is the first in a series called “New Year, New Home,” and I hope you find the ideas inspiring. First up is one of the best ways to clean and brighten a space: paint. Painting is easy, relatively inexpensive and a perfect do-it-yourself project. But what color do you choose to transform your space?

Avoid bright colors and neon shades, or colors that are very dark.  The hottest trends in paint colors are soft creams, taupe, and pale buttery yellow tones. Neutrals have universal appeal and are best when trying to sell a home. To jazz up neutral spaces, add pops of color with accessories such as throw pillows, lamps and vases. But if you’re not planning on selling your home anytime soon, feel free to experiment and find the paint color that makes YOU happy.

Consider the mood of the room. If you’d like the room to have a restful, soothing mood, choose soft, cool colors and neutrals. Looking for a little drama? Use stronger colors. Want a social space that stimulates conversation? Warmer, contrasting colors create a social atmosphere. And while you might be drawn to bright colors for a child’s room, avoid intense hues. Some brighter colors can over stimulate and lead to unrest and irritability.

Look for inspiration. If you’re not sure where to start, select a favorite color from a piece of art, a rug, throw pillow or accessory in the room as the wall color.

Sample variations of the color by painting a white poster board and propping it against the wall. Observe the paint during morning and evening hours to see how the colors change with the light throughout the day; and live with the colors for a few days before selecting one. This will help you determine if you truly like the color in the space before painting the entire room.

Consider the color from an adjacent room. How will the color you’ve chosen interact with adjoining rooms? You will see portions of the room from other areas of your home and an easy flow from room to room is desirable. Clashing colors will create a startling and tense mood, while colors than transition smoothly will create a serene and inviting home.

Ready to start painting? No? No problem. There are many other simple ways to transform your home. Next up: how to reinvent and revitalize with rugs.

Image sources: 1) House Beautiful, 2) HGTV, 3) Elle Decor.