Colors can be exciting with each year that a new trend appears in home styles, fashion, and design. The inspiration for this year’s decorating color trends are derived from the external environments of urban and rural settings.  Some designers are noticing a move towards both simplistic earthy decors and romantic posh chic design.  Even though both styles are completely different from each other, the colors of 2009 are being incorporated into each look.

Today’s simplistic decor fashion  can be rustic and minimalist at the same time. Rich earthy tones of browns, yellows, oranges, and honey beiges are being utilized as color coordinates in homes. More popular colors are the sand tones that can contrast excellently with hot oranges and yellow. Also, traditional browns and whites are still being seen within home decor as found in today’s flooring products of bamboo, natural woods, and cork materials.  Even muted yellows that resemble the color of straw are being combined with caramels, beiges and mocha colors.

For those who prefer more modern and cool colors, the color choice today is pale blue and bold pumpkin oranges.  There is an influence of past designs affecting today’s color palettes with a mixture of bright primary hues with contrasting neutrals like white and brown.  A move towards combining both rural and urban looks has been seen in flooring, kitchens, bathrooms and living spaces.  There is a tendency to bring the “outside” inside!  People are looking for inspiration from both natural and commercial architecture when it comes to selecting colors and accents.  Some homes are incorporating a minimalist feel that is modern, but warm at the same time.  For example, concrete floors are popular with rich color tones incorporated into its look. Also, kitchens are still being designed with rich wooden cabinetry and stone counter tops, but modern styles are also incorporating glass and sleek cabinets with bold modern colors.  Design has influenced every facet of homes, but individuals are still choosing products, colors, and accents based upon their personal preferences and lifestyles.

Today natural colors and product accents have become a popular design style in both indoor and outdoor decor!

Creating warmth in a space can be as simple as adding a rich color like orange or yellow with a mixture of browns and creams!

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

The bedroom started off a bit dull and monochromatic with beige and brown.  But, Home Link Design found some easy fixes with a few pillows, accessories and comforter changes!  Look at the photo below to see how this look was achieved:

 This is the bedroom that Home LInk Design started off with.  Now, compare the looks below!

AFTER PHOTOS!

The look is a contrast from before with the bold reds and browns incorporated with accessories, pillows and fabrics.  A makeover like this can be easy and simple with a few changes as listed below:

!. The pillows were added to give depth and color contrast against the espresso brown color bed frame.

2. Layering of a red comforter with a brown velor coverlet below.  Also, adding sheets that were neutral in color added a simple backdrop to the focal color of the comforter.

3.  Simple boxes and books were added to each night table for color and interest.  The red wicker boxes give a punch of color to the room and coordinate with the bed scheme.

4. Simple tossed floor pillows with a brown wicker basket were added to the foot of the bed.  This creates interest to the eye as one scopes the room from top to bottom. (This is a great trick to change and add color to an existing area rug.)

5.  Prints were added to the wall with reds and browns.  Changing art work or picture frames can be a wonderful way of changing the look of a room!

6. Creating a focal backdrop behind the bed frame can be an interesting way to add changes in a bedroom.  In the after photos, Home Link Design made one look different by adding a larger basket with an Asian red hat inside to make a focal point.  However, in the other photo provided, Home LInk Design kept the original art work to show viewers that one can keep accessories and add new ones at the same time.

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Valentine’s Day is when most couples pay more attention to their bedroom than probably any other time of the year! Usually, it is this special occasion when people notice the absence of decor, or lack of appeal in their private retreat.  This is a common occurrence for most couples because the bedroom is sometimes the last room of the house that gets any changes made.

In retrospect, the bedroom should be one of the most important areas that needs special attention when decorating.  (Especially if you are married, or in a relationship!)  But, for some reason, the master retreat is most often ignored or forgotten.  Why does this happen?  Well, most people lose interest and inspiration once they have renovated the majority of the house.  Most times, people feel that their bedroom does not warrant any decor changes because they think no one will notice.

This is the wrong attitude to have when looking at bedroom decor! People should concentrate more towards creating an inviting, comfortable and romantic retreat when deciding on bedroom makeovers. More importantly, couples should know that the bedroom is one of the most significant places where they can come together both emotionally and physically without feeling uncomfortable.  The main piece of bedroom furniture is obviously the bed.  Without it, there would be no focal point or purpose of calling it a bedroom!  That is why there are key factors to consider when planning a bedroom makeover:

1.  Bedsheets So Sweet!  Yes, bedsheets are very important for not only their appearance, but feel.  Having the right kind of bedsheets will definitely enhance your love life, and at best, your sleep! There are many kinds of thread counts and Egyptian cotton sheets that can make your bedroom feel more sexy.  However, a thread count of 250 or more is usually better to the touch.  Remember that the higher the thread count, the softer the feel.  Yet, the higher the thread count signifies that it will not be as durable because the thread is finer and more delicate.

In order to create a great look with your bedsheets, try to select a contrasting color that will make them pop against a comforter set or duvet!  If your duvet or coverlet has a mix of colors, then try to pick one of the tones for your bedsheets.  Another  way to creat a great contrast is to add stark white cotton bedsheets against a solid comforter color like brown, black or purple!

2.  Throw Pillows Galore!  Adding pillows can create a luxurious look and feel to any bedroom!  Who would not want to settle into a bed that has soft pillows?  Make sure to add pillows with different textures and colors to coordinate with your comforter set and sheets.  Adding, both large and small pillows to your bed will create an inviting look and comforting feel!

3.  Sensual Scents!  Adding scent or fragrance to your bedroom can stimulate your hormones and sensory system.  Do not go crazy with too many different fragrances.  Instead, use soothing scented candles, oils, soaps, or potpourri that are pleasing to the smell. Also, you might want to consider adding fresh flowers or green grass for a modern touch and natural fragrance!

4.  Area Rugs!  Adding texture and color to your room can be as simple as adding a great area rug.  This will create a focal point to ground your bedroom furniture.  There are fantastic shag and jute area rugs that can create both warmth and interest within a room.  Try to coordinate the color of your area rug with the throw pillows on your bed.  Think of the visual flow of your bedroom with colors that blend and coordinate from the top to the bottom of your bed.

5. Layers!  Add layers to your bed with different comforters and/or throws!  Try to layer the look of your bed with a bed skirt, duvet, coverlet and throw to make the bed visually appealing.  Also, adding layers with textures that are smooth, soft and fluffy will appeal to your touch and create a cozy feel.  Be cautious not to over do your bedroom look. However, you can make your bed either modern or luxurious depending on your preference. A key factor in a bedroom is to have a bed that looks inviting to jump on!

6.  Bathroom too! Yes, incorporating your bedroom look with your master bathroom is a very good idea!  This means that you should try to keep a similar color tone and feel within both areas.  Many people forget their master bathroom as well because they do not think it needs to flow into the master bedroom.  But, if you want your master retreat to feel even larger and more inviting, then incorporate the decor into the bathroom.  Try to coordinate towels, baskets, shower curtains, bath mats and accessories that are similar in color and style.  For example, if your bedroom is an urban look, then try to create the same urban feel in your bathroom!

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.