Color Forecasts for 2012

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We here at Rancho Interior Design are always excited to see the color trend predictions  each new year. One resource, Brentano Fabrics has made their predictions for 2012.  Brentano Fabrics is an internationally represented textile manufacturer, manufacturing everything from upscale textiles to affordable residential fabrics. Their design department looks back on the success and trends of 2011, considers client requests and what they have observed lately in the world of design.

Based on their research, they have come up with six colors which were singled out for 2012 including updated neutrals Paper White, Graphite and Linen, and bold and jewel toned hues.

Marine- A continuation form 2011, marine is a navy that plays up the rich jewel toned aspect of the color blue-a classic color for interiors.

Sprout-This bright yellow-green shade is perfect for livening up an atmosphere. Use it for accent pieces to give interiors a pop of color surprise.

Tangerine-A reddish orange that works well with neutrals.

Paper White-A true white getting away form the creamier neutrals, pure, clean, crisp and luxurious with any color.

Graphite-Grays have been strong and now we see grays shifting to darker charcoal that looks beautiful with deep yellows and purples as well as neutrals.

Linen-Linen looks beautiful as a crisp white or in its natural  unprocessed form. It works well as a neutral and perfect for a subtle palette.

Watch for more color and design trend predictions in upcoming blogs.

 

Window Treatments Can Make a Room

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One of the most important elements of a room design is the window treatments which play an important role in defining a space and completing the design of the room.  Windows allow natural light into the room which affects the way everything appears in the room at different times of the day from colors on the walls to fabrics on your furnishings. Window treatments are categorized as functional and decorative. Thousands of fabrics from classic to contemporary can be used to create your window treatments and there are just as many custom drapery options. Choices range from simple fabric panels that complement blinds or shades, to multi-layered treatments that add beauty and drama to formal rooms.

 

It’s important to determine what functional treatments you require first. Examine the lighting in the room at different times of the day in relationship to the furnishings in the room. Consider where you want privacy, need to avoid glare (where is your TV located), where you need natural light for reading and performing tasks (like the kitchen, bedroom, office), and harsh sunlight streaming into a room that can ruin fine fabrics (a window over your sofa). Once you determine which windows need a functional treatment, decide which product suits your needs and style best. There are many functional window products to choose from such as shutters, blinds, cellular shades, Roman shades, woven wood shades and panel track shades.  They all serve the same function of providing privacy and controlling the amount of light in a room however remember shades can only go up and down unlike blinds or shutters that have vanes that can be adjusted to let different amounts of light in.

 

Decorative treatments can be draperies, panels, valances, cornice boxes, or lambrequins. The clean lines of an upholstered cornice or the elaborate detail of a valance can add just the right touch to any window. Drapery panels are a beautiful way to frame your windows especially when you have a functional hard treatment. They soften and complete the window design. Drapery panels can be fabricated with different headers from French pleats to grommet tops-formal to casual and contemporary. Your design style will determine what type header you choose. You may opt for a full, functional, traversing drapery that covers the entire window.  Full draperies are a nice choice when a hard treatment is not required or can be combined with fabric shades in a formal room or with woven wood shades or blinds in a casual room. Properly scaled hardware is just as important as the fabrics you choose. Remember the fabrics and hardware should complement your style, décor and room color scheme.

 

If this sounds overwhelming, consult a professional Interior Designer for advice.  Your choices are endless but the final result will be beautiful and functional window treatments you can enjoy for years.