2017 Colour Trend Wins

Paint colours are the most picked up and implemented trends throughout in Interior Design. From 1860s, different schemes have been adopted throughout the decade’s most running across 10 years. However from the year 2000, a regular change can be observed every year. These colours are influenced by fields such as photography, graphic and fashion design. 2017 was an experimental year with deeper colours being adopted as the main colours. Designers have moved from the greys, beige and “Greige” and have picked up dark orchid, teal and sea grass tones.

Colour psychologists have come up with theories about colour and how it influences the human senses.  Green colour for example represents freshness and balance. It alludes to wealth and growth. Blue colour represents loyalty and calmness and alludes to dependability. Purple colour represents creativity and royalty. It evokes serenity and artistry.

Other design elements implemented in smaller scales are fabric type and patterns, metals, wood tones and stone finishes.

1. SHERYN WILLIAMS ;  COLOUR OF THE YEAR – POISED TAUPE

Poised Taupe is a neutral colour with a very earthy base. It’s an effortless mix of brown and grey which makes it easy to pair. This colour is timeless and fits in both classic and modern templates. Due to its base colours, Poised taupe can be paired with a very wide variety of colours such and deep blues, purple and burgundy. Used sparingly, mustard can also pair well with taupe. For lovers of neutral schemes, off whites with cream bases will give that elegant look.

3. DULUX ;  COLOUR OF THE YEAR – DENIM DRIFT

Denim drift seems to be the colour that was adversely used in 2017.  However, the darker shade of it;  Midnight show has become more popular.  This colour works well with neutral, wood and natural stone look in bathrooms. When used with white doors and architraves, cornices and also skirtings, this colour stand out. Midnight snow can be used on kitchen cabinetry, internal and external doors and also externally at the entry porch.

 

3. BEHR ;  COLOUR OF THE YEAR – GREEN AGATE

This colour has mostly been used in Kitchen cabinetry. In a two toned kitchen, the upper cabinets can be left as white or off white while the lower cabinets as Green agate. Designers have got even more creative and used gold and brass accessories as accents. Green being a colour that aludes to freshness,  this colour has been used in bedrooms and lounge areas as the main colour.

Inspiration pour la journee

Below is a video to inspire you on other 2017 design trends as per House and Home .Also check out other articles  published by Elle Decor and House Beautiful .

New beginnings 2. Planning a redecoration

What is the difference between redesign and redecoration?

Clients have asked me this lot of times before as it is not really clear to them the difference between design and decoration.  The scope of redesign includes builders works such as demolitions and construction. It is also inclusive of any new electrical, Mechanical and plumbing works such as new wiring, drainage pipe work etc. Redesign requires and Interior designer as the main consultant and based on the extent of the new work, consultation from Mechanical, electrical and structural engineers may be required. Redecoration on the other hand is purely the change of aesthetic elements in the house such as finishes (Floor, wall and ceiling), electrical and mechanical fittings/ accessories and change/refurbishment of furniture. In redecoration, there is no builders work involved and therefore, only services of an Interior designer or Interior decorator are involved. 

How should one plan for a redecoration?

There are three main things one should do before embarking on a redecoration.

1.   Research and establish a style
2.  Prepare a moodboard
3.  Prepare a schedule

 

1)      Research and establish a style

There are very many different types of styles one can adopt in Interior design. Each style has its own properties and characteristics. The difference between the styles mostly falls in the colour palette, types of fabrics, pattern and prints, furniture styles, lighting and sanitary elements and accessories, rugs type and pattern styles and sometimes furniture arrangement. Lots of these styles have been outlined in https://www.houzz.com/ a really good source for design inspiration and in other platforms on the internet. However, these are not all styles available. Styles such as Minimalist, Japandi, Bohemian, Traditional African, African chic, Swahili , Marrakech, Nautical, etc have not been captured on Houzz but have been captured on other platforms online.  Before one begins a redecoration, one needs to research and establish the type of style they would like to adopt and also the elements they need to incorporate to achieve this style. 

2)      Prepare a moodboard

Mood boards can be physical or digital. In this day and era, digital mood boards are the best as one can be able to add or delete elements easily from the page. There are many software’s one can use to create this. However, the easiest software is Microsoft PowerPoint. PowerPoint is easy to use and is easy to add images and texts. Mood boards help one visualize the room with all elements on one page including fabrics and colour palette. If for example one has come across a beautiful sofa in the showroom or in a magazine, one should take a photo and paste it in the mood board. Many shops now have also digitized their products and one can get clear photos on their websites.

3)      Prepare a schedule

Schedule preparation is the most exhausting part of the process as one is required to accurately put in the Description, Source, Dimensions, Quantity, Cost per item and the total cost. An image is also required for easy identification. This needs to be accurate as possible because it helps one generate a preliminary budget.  Quantities of items such as drapery may be a bit difficult to calculate and therefore one can use fabric calculator for this. Once this is complete, one can then approach the different suppliers and request for a quotation of the actual items. It is necessary to ask the supplier to include taxes, lead time, extra charges such as transport, payment terms, validity period of that quotation and of course the discount. 

Want inspiration on redecorating your home?

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Keep reading to get information on the different styles of design. We have published Victorian Style and  Traditional Style

New Beginnings 1. Planning a remodel

The beginning of a new year is always very exciting. It’s a time when people think about all the possibilities with the fresh new start. People get an opportunity to plan for the new year.  A home is a very important element in everyone’s life. Every day, each one of us spends some time in the house. In a day, we generally spend between 6-14 hours with even more time spent during the weekend. Therefore, one needs to think about how to not only have a house, but to make the house a home.

Re-modelling is a good way to intentionally convert spaces that were not working optimally to more functional spaces. Before one plans on the type of remodel, one needs to set up the budget for the works. Once this is established, one can then choose the type of remodel they would like to do. There are three types of remodel: 

1. Minor remodel with Major redecoration
2. 50/50 remodel and redecoration 
3.  Major remodel

One also needs to establish areas to prioritize that either will generally improve the day today function of the home or will largely optimize the use of the space. 

 1. Minor remodel with Major redecoration

Minor remodel includes addition of smaller items that are inexpensive, are smaller in size and can be DIYs. These items can be bought pre-cut or finished and all we have to do is installation. One minor remodel that makes a very big difference is installation of storage shelves. Storage is important in almost every room. It helps to keep the room clean but mostly organized.  Shelves are easy to install and can be bought finished. General repair works such as fixing broken cabinets, leaking mixers and broken down door lock or handles is also an easy way to improve the home. Once these items are fixed, a whole fresh new coat of paint brings life to the space. The choice of colours is important because it can either bring glam or make the space dead.

 2.50/50 remodel and redecoration

In this type of remodel, it is necessary to chose rooms that require more attention than others and those that will make a total difference to the house. The kitchen, bathroom and laundry room/area are the most important. Cooking and cleaning which is done most of the time is done in these rooms. Due to their heavy use, these rooms require constant attention in cleaning. Therefore, this rooms need to be functional, easy to use and maintain. Partial re-decoration can also be done to the other rooms to give them a new sense of “fresh”.

3. Major remodel

A major remodel can be an expensive affair. This type of remodel includes a complete change of floor, wall and ceiling finishes. It also included demolitions to open up spaces or reconfiguration of space layouts. A major remodel will require services of an interior designer and a good contractor/builder.  This is because, there may be interference with electrical and plumbing systems and will need a whole new planning.  This type of remodel also takes time both planning and implementation and may require one to completely move out of the house for it to be done.  It is necessary to do this type of remodel at least every 15-20 years because the use of the different spaces in the house may have changed. The users themselves will also have changed in age and therefore will require different needs. 

P.S Tips on remodeling.

Check out ideas from Better Homes and gardens on remodeling on the link http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/advice/creative-remodeling-ideas/  

Check-out my next post on “Planning a redecoration” to give you insight on how to improve a home significantly by change of FF&E (Furniture fittings and equipment).