So you want to hire a decorator

<div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many people think that working with a decorator is out of their reach financially  or that the results of the pairing would create a <span style="font-size: small;">space that <span style="font-size: small;">wasn't personal.  Neither of the<span style="font-size: small;">se belie<span style="font-size: small;">fs are true if <span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">homeowners </span></span> <span style="font-size: small;">matche</span> <span style="font-size: small;">their </span> needs with the ri<span style="font-size: small;">ght decorator's skill set<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Professional decorators usually hold a <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">set of  <span style="font-size: small;">basic b<span style="font-size: small;">eliefs about designing spaces that support  <span style="font-size: small;">their </span>intera<span style="font-size: small;">ctions with <span style="font-size: small;">clients</span>.  </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For example I <span style="font-size: small;">believe</span>: </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><ul></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">everyone deserves a beautiful space ....</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJh9Ie0gRqbXhmNiPHdBGV7I1fN5NYxNDJLWjxWcu8dZeC1OXOYDwX_6PzUT7_6DNkz4UWG4oXDFZviAA82g4pfWd8BVXMFHohVQZ5m8RGenq69_6C6qslYjJoKl2fKphq3R1lJ9MzVWG/s640/DSCN8735_01.JPG" width="640" /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">interesting and inviting interiors can exist without a high price tag;</span><br />  <span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqeOsZzxhMbqxmZyp10dbXNCLja8sJVUt5yeW6Q9KTZejzWpvL7QLp2oAANlkzBQXJJtJKz2pKcJk6zRFHgrBkBO7_vMMsQwlpoU8sbt5L9ANPhO80DrDiKtsLHmMRr5aJRPQWz5dMP0iR/s640/10+great+room+Ricks66.jpg" width="640" /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photography: Brian Ricks</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">a space should reflect the needs and interests of the owner;</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKM0bZmRdUjlVjc_Ctp-OJ0OfCy5XwZfHjUw2GHCJAMUWPHpEiPEA8zK4YqYXlh6LvtabRUGwsJm758EGdggbUZF5DczS17OKafCNN5DkwRqa_pS-hJlCHTE2LZ81YAHxVtsqxK0huzEW/s640/DSCN652866.jpg" width="640" /> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Margaret Ryall</span>  </span><br /><br />furniture arrangement makes or breaks a space;<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0HS5pO5a_a_K8a8NSAf2te0OSePSbvsfFfkTUN6dp-NgeV0VQ1DYTZQ1Vx3_Jgcv8oFXQFvVF1sFZ2YddYPN_DbUrTbKSh9Z3AUWTps7LHcmFus91xow7wcB7EWTYn-OsbisYzvdHswN/s640/DSCN655466.jpg" width="640" /> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall</span> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">personal items are the best accessories;</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXr7gM9XjabfS8EtZ43B2H0_aIncRlZo4AdHjkLaVjwjJEOxFgJ7tfco4BYf3wmpiYbtEWs7HokzLLQmvLmOyYEpIWBMwMVPSx15ZylF01nmJS6vr882f2QmJfsCKoW9gx1khQwsU3Aja/s1600/DSCN7651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXr7gM9XjabfS8EtZ43B2H0_aIncRlZo4AdHjkLaVjwjJEOxFgJ7tfco4BYf3wmpiYbtEWs7HokzLLQmvLmOyYEpIWBMwMVPSx15ZylF01nmJS6vr882f2QmJfsCKoW9gx1khQwsU3Aja/s640/DSCN7651.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">editing a space can transform it;</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMe1e2eOjmg8gcRAF122sgc_ZtibKAzRmAWMuqYoP4ofA8ayd1vlsXljG0F3ywGV6KGeAwK3eX9jwLiMmFHmstbsC-FysilBXSXhKmRz3tO42tn_lM0b-i_LssQGb6oreF4fD45I9rQjg/s640/16+Master+Ryall66.jpg" width="640" /><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">  Margaret Ryall</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">layering objects, colours and textures create interesting spaces;</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjScmVVeJm1_Le62G26om-CqQtx0LaYEka2Qm9vYuJgvmvo-N7nzSpTBMnWjt-W94IOU4LX2Ej2n5IBaPzYAKdomKNryagA9Y-w7k6xmhdJDz6sSZyrFuvPlHbdaQgQfUX5cilLQyPU2yQY/s640/03+Greatroom+ricks66.jpg" width="512" /> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photography:  Brian Ricks</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">art completes a<span style="font-size: small;">n interior design;</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJuV4srEQRILbzTPOVpwJSocEImz2RSJC32nutY0NxIdWB_iOnynU0smPvFR3x6WmfSyk-C1KRtiF4Q8V9-rwASzi02IfU_bno_Kr8gHPO-iJBFw2OsctXm_mt8YbAYsRYu-taxfjBygB/s640/DSCN570166.jpg" width="640" /> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">harmonizing is more interesting than over <span style="font-size: small;">matching;</span></span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiFdVr2iqRMnJocTc6ZrC90HzjgoWy-lQJRmFVNpMJDhk47BDPIlZ8UM2U_Q5PufWkziJ34juxJgDVZFrEKzk8gqmoT2fV9RenenTnECrZry7T1qnjDVQwLnouWNSY6tsTqpc1BIqsFp3/s640/DSCN8265.JPG" width="640" /> </span></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">designing a room is the same as designing a painting;</span> </span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">and most important of all <span style="font-size: small;">....</span></span> </span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">listening is key to <span style="font-size: small;">designing</span>.</span></div><ul></ul></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> As you can see these are broad beliefs <span style="font-size: small;">that </span>can be applied to most spaces. They do not <span style="font-size: small;">dovetail into any particular <span style="font-size: small;">look.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone is different and th<span style="font-size: small;">eir spaces should <span style="font-size: small;">ref<span style="font-size: small;">lect </span> this individuality. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My approach: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I  compose spaces  in various ways, problem solve situations, use colour to harmonize or contrast; under<span style="font-size: small;">stand <span style="font-size: small;">the various principles and elements of design and put them together to produce  <span style="font-size: small;">interesting spaces. </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I like to meet cl<span style="font-size: small;">i<span style="font-size: small;">ents, find out about them as people, look at the<span style="font-size: small;">ir spaces and <span style="font-size: small;">what they own,  and the<span style="font-size: small;">n</span> create a <span style="font-size: small;">space </span> t<span style="font-size: small;">hat is perso<span style="font-size: small;">nal t<span style="font-size: small;">o them. The <span style="font-size: small;">key to this process is listening and questioning. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do<span style="font-size: small;"> clients </span> have to love what I love?  NO! A<span style="font-size: small;">re there <span style="font-size: small;">projects t<span style="font-size: small;">hat <span style="font-size: small;">are easy for me<span style="font-size: small;">?</span>  <span style="font-size: small;">Yes!  I love <span style="font-size: small;">mid century modern styling and like to mix it with more contemporary pieces for a </span> clean edged  look with lots of neutrals, texture, splashes of colour<span style="font-size: small;"> and interesting lines to create quiet spaces.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Can I<span style="font-size: small;"> create </span> traditional designs?  Yes!   <span style="font-size: small;">How about eclectic?  Yes!  It's all about underst<span style="font-size: small;">anding the characteristics <span style="font-size: small;">of these styles<span style="font-size: small;"> and working with the likes/dislikes of the homeowner.  </span>  </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Is there a decorator in your future?  </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><br /></div>

So you want to hire a decorator

Many people think that working with a decorator is out of their reach financially  or that the results of the pairing would create a space t...

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How do you like your blue?

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7VXrHLr93Qr-K_u96bAwTcFOrXPPUWRZ7eBBWy2LbBGrKCo1lDRZ6fiTRANBaf7EhBqV3gpnm89yuWS6135qzXs0ixIe9uBKiMgIygtWJMeBO4TTGnm4L5AkDar_VY374Xs7j4IlxngF/s1600/11610911509599145_CnJq1501_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7VXrHLr93Qr-K_u96bAwTcFOrXPPUWRZ7eBBWy2LbBGrKCo1lDRZ6fiTRANBaf7EhBqV3gpnm89yuWS6135qzXs0ixIe9uBKiMgIygtWJMeBO4TTGnm4L5AkDar_VY374Xs7j4IlxngF/s320/11610911509599145_CnJq1501_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/01/3013.html">source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I spend part of every year living on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in a small community in Newfoundland.  Being in such close proximity to the sea influences my colour interests.  It is no surprise that I like watery blue greens. These combinations show up in both of my homes and even in my art work.   </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK3yVKwi4sExdzxv2Gg2EpovGqtmHAnxVlfqM_p6TB7NoGc5e0I8604nhiKmqf3LjPNCAOSrRFsxMBdUX_Q9H_Jh7LpWLFF4j7pxjdn4QGYu5izI0Na3HnedVtYcutEy5hOI34qvmKl6c/s1600/under+water.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK3yVKwi4sExdzxv2Gg2EpovGqtmHAnxVlfqM_p6TB7NoGc5e0I8604nhiKmqf3LjPNCAOSrRFsxMBdUX_Q9H_Jh7LpWLFF4j7pxjdn4QGYu5izI0Na3HnedVtYcutEy5hOI34qvmKl6c/s400/under+water.JPG" width="301" /></a> </div><b> </b> Margaret Ryall<b>, Slow Drift</b> (2012)  6x8 in.  encaustic monotype on board<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXz0htorfIUdPgfwVuVWJ9Q6YDVtTqwTd3H9goqnRL8xMuFcSgd7iSDKqoud7e8-RMn60ZaHV6ro0C9a5eYPP_Tv30b1DBeVQSvxgRqNkJi5mY9UZtTUl58aZr4bTfoXMXYAW-8pwwm8Y/s1600/37999190575418132_ogdyMk7Z_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXz0htorfIUdPgfwVuVWJ9Q6YDVtTqwTd3H9goqnRL8xMuFcSgd7iSDKqoud7e8-RMn60ZaHV6ro0C9a5eYPP_Tv30b1DBeVQSvxgRqNkJi5mY9UZtTUl58aZr4bTfoXMXYAW-8pwwm8Y/s400/37999190575418132_ogdyMk7Z_c.jpg" width="313" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lisasherryinterieurs.com/"> Lisa Sherry</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you mix spring greens and  watery blues the result is always  fresh and lively. There are lots of patterns and textures in this room and the use of an old map as wall art references  land and sea.  Are you beginning to see how both of my careers dovetail?  Interior design and visual art feed each other on a daily basis in my life. Lots of times looking at a room will give me an idea of an art series!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha0EWGXVpOo7sVuooIfaoW7jhcj-vQnN5p-VEncn0VpvVClnFgrTpSGa3mhf2tTNHk6M5Efpn6D8GEuqsqtcE35_JCJnT4OZhHdBgBJHNFgt3Wp85z8IRtcRGI7L9-1adEFfCBPdl5A3Fc/s1600/94364554662796950_w88a13yL_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IdEHsn0cG9cbzlYBBpOPH6jSWr3paDONnMU9oERb5mHMH_1XllIIlEml8kTAQtsGDla__eBVUjzkOtjWHkApjBjmxEGuT1MBs4Z27KbCu7fZRLtFQ2Y7HBi3L48P53abQTrgESXTKp9n/s400/35606653274231279_L0UfYwpy_c.jpg" width="266" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://greigedesign.blogspot.ca/2012/05/bits-of-blue.html">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is lovely combination  inspired by the spectacular art work over the sofa.  The room is fresh and inviting and the plant adds to that vibrancy.  White, cream and the softest yellows  are the perfect foils for blue green combinations. If you would like to see more of this room check the link above. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZsdywXEELffAo936Bf7U3EI4W47taVsHw6MSytyl63kB4fDxXUJNv9CDpI8_jT_Qh0Zn0HmbmobCMhFMSGOWSqphw1ipzaXeQUTGULUbRMWjXiscypZ_6kR_qNoQYON-4r-I-1cSRBkv/s1600/52495151877796272_rOXtgCGn_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZsdywXEELffAo936Bf7U3EI4W47taVsHw6MSytyl63kB4fDxXUJNv9CDpI8_jT_Qh0Zn0HmbmobCMhFMSGOWSqphw1ipzaXeQUTGULUbRMWjXiscypZ_6kR_qNoQYON-4r-I-1cSRBkv/s400/52495151877796272_rOXtgCGn_c.jpg" width="298" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://berengia.tumblr.com/post/32922772214/via-just-cooks-and-nannies"> source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yellow brings out the best in aqua because there's yellow in its composition . The magenta area rug grounds the design, but for me it has to much energy for a bedroom.  I like my floors muted and just there. Do you like this combination?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0dM9gnWpe292A8V8sb6sIybjYJv5k_sQcJo_bT-hQy82pc49A7u6vHUJQIsGYIy3DtriKxkzox90V3v-y7NiEf1sS-o38poSRoR28oh9SGaVYaL4qqW6RwLL0VYNcabU4dWdg62A1PX2/s1600/121667627404387266_tYTrrVEl_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis0dM9gnWpe292A8V8sb6sIybjYJv5k_sQcJo_bT-hQy82pc49A7u6vHUJQIsGYIy3DtriKxkzox90V3v-y7NiEf1sS-o38poSRoR28oh9SGaVYaL4qqW6RwLL0VYNcabU4dWdg62A1PX2/s400/121667627404387266_tYTrrVEl_c.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/">House of Turquoise </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A vibrant, casual  sun room in blues and greens.   Just the place to sit and have a cool drink with friends. The colour scheme helps to draw together the variety in furniture pieces. Don't be afraid to use what you have in a room and then  use colour to link the design together.  Matching furniture  is highly over rated! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23OKjnT-AR238HzjKodg1ATBVnnWvLiS_JHXaLpYoHhtdenFGdVSD4feAVrie6YUObuJ-25Lu70qEyAA3Y_LbGjXO1RNW9jcfHllsZCmv0ZY-o2EXJ9bvQ-f8i0yHgmsslw0r1sEyGKU2/s1600/157977899399380400_jDfLqgxQ_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23OKjnT-AR238HzjKodg1ATBVnnWvLiS_JHXaLpYoHhtdenFGdVSD4feAVrie6YUObuJ-25Lu70qEyAA3Y_LbGjXO1RNW9jcfHllsZCmv0ZY-o2EXJ9bvQ-f8i0yHgmsslw0r1sEyGKU2/s400/157977899399380400_jDfLqgxQ_c.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh23OKjnT-AR238HzjKodg1ATBVnnWvLiS_JHXaLpYoHhtdenFGdVSD4feAVrie6YUObuJ-25Lu70qEyAA3Y_LbGjXO1RNW9jcfHllsZCmv0ZY-o2EXJ9bvQ-f8i0yHgmsslw0r1sEyGKU2/s1600/157977899399380400_jDfLqgxQ_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Waverly Solar Flair Lime/Indigo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look to fabrics for colour scheme inspiration.  Deeper blues can serve as a good grounding colour in a blue green scheme.  If you like painted furniture choose this colour for high impact . Deep blues are trending for 2013.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IprNCpLALHLuUZHJhJOhS7jug7gl8g4c2eM1Zl9-rbkxICTFrtlM4zRyFIApG_LmFAQtiSnVyGjefZWY5yOyNjRumTtAEsopZsWM9bgP5qBrYqNYLiAFJqCdmwbfhkip1gZ6Lk3I_iH0/s1600/100979216616824782_2eDsgzu6_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0IprNCpLALHLuUZHJhJOhS7jug7gl8g4c2eM1Zl9-rbkxICTFrtlM4zRyFIApG_LmFAQtiSnVyGjefZWY5yOyNjRumTtAEsopZsWM9bgP5qBrYqNYLiAFJqCdmwbfhkip1gZ6Lk3I_iH0/s400/100979216616824782_2eDsgzu6_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/decorating-ideas/home-decor-trends-2013-blue-furniture#slide-3">Good Housekeeping </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnAQGAL1DTIkS01wNo5D_Rcf18Oa7-yLoFhe-z5NaBDnJdIJ68OtXUQY-tJQLy8FtsCENt2-Mj60h7TgoBdo0_2qE_yCo_Hpog8_nDAVos633ywpKOM7ANqASOsIGFBhsw-f_Vtvl3ey-/s1600/101401429081413591_23QslHvE_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnAQGAL1DTIkS01wNo5D_Rcf18Oa7-yLoFhe-z5NaBDnJdIJ68OtXUQY-tJQLy8FtsCENt2-Mj60h7TgoBdo0_2qE_yCo_Hpog8_nDAVos633ywpKOM7ANqASOsIGFBhsw-f_Vtvl3ey-/s400/101401429081413591_23QslHvE_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christopherfarrcloth.com/collection/indoor/273"> Christopher Farr</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Or reverse your combination and use a striking aqua colour and support it with deep blue. Not everyone can live with this much pattern, but you don't have to.  Imagine this piece against  soft creams, charcoal or even purple! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How do you like your blue and what's your favourite combination? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As you can see I like mine with lots of yellow and leaning into green.  Check this <a href="http://www.joehallock.com/edu/COM498/preferences.html">fascinating survey</a> to see how people feel about blue depending on sex and age. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

How do you like your blue?

source I spend part of every year living on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in a small community in Newfoundland.  Being in such close proxim...

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Is coral an 80's colour?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfd-iH0v7loHUAWmHOwPARXhIT9vVPEVaU7A196QyZEyWhW8xrJr_jhKbQ92_BJYymPn4KQjMspz_kYoHJqR24bw-yXV875mODAlT8ONEDfVqKuGiOYA7eiN-zLY23ups2Xyf0749VQwf/s1600/152066924888891031_wuJgiHBd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div> Colour is the least expensive change you can make to your space and still have huge impact.   Certain colours often get a bad reputation because they were overly popular at a certain period.  No colours get more ridicule than the salmons, corals  and peaches because they were everywhere is the mid 80's.  But don't let that stop you from using them. It's all in the pairings.  These designs are timely and inviting.   What do you think? <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR59BbH2SY6SIoDX3mcAs7SlkMpUQzrSDPGctS-MZsLb32MzXIc-hCXXv_AQNQdBWgV-tTDON4RBDswhiDQy66DwaDMeT-vN0oaJnQMqpXzI-yTzG6Z1rQmm3QE-zT29MTbs7rZpRQzsEN/s400/12877548904101092_CMEauKyj_c.jpg" width="336" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Salmony orange  with charcoal gray can be extremely elegant and contemporary.  Many Turkish rugs use salmon as one of the main colours which makes this a timeless colour.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdpOxitOQzxj05rGaKz6WP4EwLc-E2xE45n29R9IFRE8lLUKjyyEQkMZW93bG4bCXJULFmKD-M_Wu3AmgpR1gMUe_I6s1CyyeS3jY4q5iNxk9jPByeT2tt20xFxAxSvtt564aLb4UPsVD/s1600/171277592048166312_oxdCTTgT_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdpOxitOQzxj05rGaKz6WP4EwLc-E2xE45n29R9IFRE8lLUKjyyEQkMZW93bG4bCXJULFmKD-M_Wu3AmgpR1gMUe_I6s1CyyeS3jY4q5iNxk9jPByeT2tt20xFxAxSvtt564aLb4UPsVD/s320/171277592048166312_oxdCTTgT_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> You can put any colour with black and white and it looks stunning.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIuhqI_DQ3egAMDl_MB-TeZkPCZBetWUxHFDUGA_oRQ4SyCMnX53D6OT3w_s9RYhuAd9y_D_P6lxWFbmATVfYI_yIknlDhTG5WuBmibFWmqp4QbI8Du0pEBmgVzH3eOLvXKn-oWYDAfr8/s1600/63261569735814319_dh1xpy5L_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIuhqI_DQ3egAMDl_MB-TeZkPCZBetWUxHFDUGA_oRQ4SyCMnX53D6OT3w_s9RYhuAd9y_D_P6lxWFbmATVfYI_yIknlDhTG5WuBmibFWmqp4QbI8Du0pEBmgVzH3eOLvXKn-oWYDAfr8/s320/63261569735814319_dh1xpy5L_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> And with white and soft gray this version of orange  is positively fresh. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> If  you like something a little more restful consider muted oranges with  earth tones ...</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfd-iH0v7loHUAWmHOwPARXhIT9vVPEVaU7A196QyZEyWhW8xrJr_jhKbQ92_BJYymPn4KQjMspz_kYoHJqR24bw-yXV875mODAlT8ONEDfVqKuGiOYA7eiN-zLY23ups2Xyf0749VQwf/s1600/152066924888891031_wuJgiHBd_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfd-iH0v7loHUAWmHOwPARXhIT9vVPEVaU7A196QyZEyWhW8xrJr_jhKbQ92_BJYymPn4KQjMspz_kYoHJqR24bw-yXV875mODAlT8ONEDfVqKuGiOYA7eiN-zLY23ups2Xyf0749VQwf/s320/152066924888891031_wuJgiHBd_b.jpg" width="282" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWdpOxitOQzxj05rGaKz6WP4EwLc-E2xE45n29R9IFRE8lLUKjyyEQkMZW93bG4bCXJULFmKD-M_Wu3AmgpR1gMUe_I6s1CyyeS3jY4q5iNxk9jPByeT2tt20xFxAxSvtt564aLb4UPsVD/s1600/171277592048166312_oxdCTTgT_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP8ReyFE9tCM-kjwf7xab37GdKxVPDGB-pPe0JJJTTNwkYXw_BQO5uX97a-NtVoka2IGXk6BpBinhasLPf80g2KMSWluTmrNg0Hv7z6VzkTyF6_bl0Nvxz7WgSLVVLU7FwktpOOd6eqox/s1600/54887689178773233_kttKGjbK_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP8ReyFE9tCM-kjwf7xab37GdKxVPDGB-pPe0JJJTTNwkYXw_BQO5uX97a-NtVoka2IGXk6BpBinhasLPf80g2KMSWluTmrNg0Hv7z6VzkTyF6_bl0Nvxz7WgSLVVLU7FwktpOOd6eqox/s400/54887689178773233_kttKGjbK_c.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />like in this lovely living room...<br /><br />or mix in blue with earth tones like the bedroom below.  <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav4LzWPCIsO22bGReD1_52bMbVGW6oT7HiGLE5hIgQ-OQY0cflqk-6uNKy6Ro4ymn7XbOoRDYHyJlKsVGZEuxDxfWR8eVKoNXLx7vr0AGgUh2bvN58h4SRlvemtK78ZFJl41fdYbEphNJ/s1600/212654413625325836_pm24e4cO_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav4LzWPCIsO22bGReD1_52bMbVGW6oT7HiGLE5hIgQ-OQY0cflqk-6uNKy6Ro4ymn7XbOoRDYHyJlKsVGZEuxDxfWR8eVKoNXLx7vr0AGgUh2bvN58h4SRlvemtK78ZFJl41fdYbEphNJ/s320/212654413625325836_pm24e4cO_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> I would mix  these colours with an cream walls but the blue works well too.  Colour is such a personal thing; I never want to see too many colours in  a room where I want a  restful look.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLq8yI6nINgw8ThMWB3XptUv9GjvwnN7f0ngJQJIbprLhBWnE22OCyY1pd8DjyV8ldMw31w-W8s6mhjyXwWrnWfpUid0Dw8Zw2aBWYj5vu0cMvGS5ldWxsd1jSED7WwxBfrUccm61FVZ7/s1600/18647785927314198_bqzoY9qu_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgLq8yI6nINgw8ThMWB3XptUv9GjvwnN7f0ngJQJIbprLhBWnE22OCyY1pd8DjyV8ldMw31w-W8s6mhjyXwWrnWfpUid0Dw8Zw2aBWYj5vu0cMvGS5ldWxsd1jSED7WwxBfrUccm61FVZ7/s320/18647785927314198_bqzoY9qu_c.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">   A crisp look with a salmon /tangerine combination.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcY9nluzcvEUHFDUfaY07p5yP2OKqeolhQvGs6FhzBCfIs5tS9P-mKCbNZ38X-M4Cz2CG0g83dU6Yh_huCuc2bvkbl66d1f8MBrWYiFQH7T0Cte973HH0EK2qpgk9uLKxLhC7HYLfP7Wh/s1600/100416266661552343_sprjEPdo_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcY9nluzcvEUHFDUfaY07p5yP2OKqeolhQvGs6FhzBCfIs5tS9P-mKCbNZ38X-M4Cz2CG0g83dU6Yh_huCuc2bvkbl66d1f8MBrWYiFQH7T0Cte973HH0EK2qpgk9uLKxLhC7HYLfP7Wh/s320/100416266661552343_sprjEPdo_c.jpg" width="320" /></a>  </div><div style="text-align: center;">And for a girl's bedroom mix it with a pale aqua. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcY9nluzcvEUHFDUfaY07p5yP2OKqeolhQvGs6FhzBCfIs5tS9P-mKCbNZ38X-M4Cz2CG0g83dU6Yh_huCuc2bvkbl66d1f8MBrWYiFQH7T0Cte973HH0EK2qpgk9uLKxLhC7HYLfP7Wh/s1600/100416266661552343_sprjEPdo_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIOQpw1sUvKGpJVcA1wBNo69iX3NY63JNEVNCPfu74sV6v-1x5RC7_mAR5cEnKjwc64vQiy2d0UYihXOyBWuYaqC_vOpkTU0aB6hUecO4BvQhPcCab5YRd2GYqMIYvz87XzcNsCuqaoP2/s1600/peach-living-room-with-blue.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAIOQpw1sUvKGpJVcA1wBNo69iX3NY63JNEVNCPfu74sV6v-1x5RC7_mAR5cEnKjwc64vQiy2d0UYihXOyBWuYaqC_vOpkTU0aB6hUecO4BvQhPcCab5YRd2GYqMIYvz87XzcNsCuqaoP2/s320/peach-living-room-with-blue.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">or  with true blue and white  in a living room...<br />   </div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JXMyHBa79h55UQULOexu8ObeITri-ScD-zB4zJxkB_a6nzjzbY3nNoPLdgkTbph8eR3aXRfb8rhHVwBQgg4HrEYeY0PK7pKJtQIrFVJrC1EkQ8n-xtRVDkaH9O8mWLiA5IYYjoBKAfjO/s1600/51158145736676599_qxv9jvsR_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JXMyHBa79h55UQULOexu8ObeITri-ScD-zB4zJxkB_a6nzjzbY3nNoPLdgkTbph8eR3aXRfb8rhHVwBQgg4HrEYeY0PK7pKJtQIrFVJrC1EkQ8n-xtRVDkaH9O8mWLiA5IYYjoBKAfjO/s320/51158145736676599_qxv9jvsR_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>or even with a muted purple in a bedroom or nursery.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIuhqI_DQ3egAMDl_MB-TeZkPCZBetWUxHFDUGA_oRQ4SyCMnX53D6OT3w_s9RYhuAd9y_D_P6lxWFbmATVfYI_yIknlDhTG5WuBmibFWmqp4QbI8Du0pEBmgVzH3eOLvXKn-oWYDAfr8/s1600/63261569735814319_dh1xpy5L_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>But I'm trying to warm up to mixing it with greens.  Too many memories there .... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcY9nluzcvEUHFDUfaY07p5yP2OKqeolhQvGs6FhzBCfIs5tS9P-mKCbNZ38X-M4Cz2CG0g83dU6Yh_huCuc2bvkbl66d1f8MBrWYiFQH7T0Cte973HH0EK2qpgk9uLKxLhC7HYLfP7Wh/s1600/100416266661552343_sprjEPdo_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yeBiUJLFDrGZWwzWRqNyyxllI9LRKWfU_-21JMznvzt4n1Xulyh11eC7yEPJdDt7YVuezxrwt3JQqjBAQqu3Uk76qdr2u7DLG7xe4fl9IQ8Vp336eSp1YNQjGvQQi7xj33RAVruPny1-/s1600/121456521170126608_jxtx8X88_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yeBiUJLFDrGZWwzWRqNyyxllI9LRKWfU_-21JMznvzt4n1Xulyh11eC7yEPJdDt7YVuezxrwt3JQqjBAQqu3Uk76qdr2u7DLG7xe4fl9IQ8Vp336eSp1YNQjGvQQi7xj33RAVruPny1-/s320/121456521170126608_jxtx8X88_c.jpg" width="278" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yeBiUJLFDrGZWwzWRqNyyxllI9LRKWfU_-21JMznvzt4n1Xulyh11eC7yEPJdDt7YVuezxrwt3JQqjBAQqu3Uk76qdr2u7DLG7xe4fl9IQ8Vp336eSp1YNQjGvQQi7xj33RAVruPny1-/s1600/121456521170126608_jxtx8X88_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">especially this particular green </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnax-ApcB57q8Chs1exQ8W8EDbSEyEcodgiI78U0TrojHs5_bFSbWEjgMsqE1odiSsT1bjnubeuz3u1QHSZNgsvaXU6Y_7_4poQZ52y-wchL2XSbimHOH_KrE3s-408B-1it3xwjYGErv/s1600/kids-room-peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnax-ApcB57q8Chs1exQ8W8EDbSEyEcodgiI78U0TrojHs5_bFSbWEjgMsqE1odiSsT1bjnubeuz3u1QHSZNgsvaXU6Y_7_4poQZ52y-wchL2XSbimHOH_KrE3s-408B-1it3xwjYGErv/s320/kids-room-peach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/tag/peach-decor/">source </a></div><br /> I'm perfectly fine with it in a kid's room.... and a few hints of magenta would liven it up and make it more current. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaewV4NHFhYla81kJgqNtea3NY6zKabzwBrfieOb1T6HYlazyaEsQgrt0_135lYJbGRSkQDXWd_wHC0F7dmi9YbFAptY-0mH5RgpIVJUm7MSOxQtPWFKjTZS0z8XkQUPdrnOjB7Xwu6HyS/s1600/traditional_living_room_peach_warm_colors_green_accents_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaewV4NHFhYla81kJgqNtea3NY6zKabzwBrfieOb1T6HYlazyaEsQgrt0_135lYJbGRSkQDXWd_wHC0F7dmi9YbFAptY-0mH5RgpIVJUm7MSOxQtPWFKjTZS0z8XkQUPdrnOjB7Xwu6HyS/s400/traditional_living_room_peach_warm_colors_green_accents_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/tag/peach-decor/"> source </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But I just don't like the combination when it is mixed with toned olive greens.  <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg8QDZy_Tqy3_ls9SmYIUNpTEin7WrPu19EG1QMr1nmuS50XP-jZ_RsIlAl6mbwUyiCXv6Bi2vfV2iyOOGs6sLMX_5ognaKcUBsTTeXsyLtO2f9er31qk4EyoWQcvjnT-C3FzJN2V8dhA/s1600/171277592048628929_OCua6OB7_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheg8QDZy_Tqy3_ls9SmYIUNpTEin7WrPu19EG1QMr1nmuS50XP-jZ_RsIlAl6mbwUyiCXv6Bi2vfV2iyOOGs6sLMX_5ognaKcUBsTTeXsyLtO2f9er31qk4EyoWQcvjnT-C3FzJN2V8dhA/s400/171277592048628929_OCua6OB7_b.jpg" width="254" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This green is a fresh spring green  mixed with lots of lights and the salmon is deeper  so it gets my nod. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Would you use coral/salmon/peach in your home?</div><br />All links to images can be found on my Pinterest board for <a href="http://pinterest.com/mryall/colour-scheme-inspiration/">Colour scheme inspiration. </a><br /><span id="goog_1388516610"></span><span id="goog_1388516611"></span><br />

Is coral an 80's colour?

 Colour is the least expensive change you can make to your space and still have huge impact.   Certain colours often get a bad reputation be...

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2013 decor trends with staying power

Here are predictions for 2013 that should  have some staying power.....<br /><br /><b>Geometric patterning </b><br />Really, geometric patterning has never  gone out of style; it has periods of resurgence and 2012-13 seems to be one of those periods.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WZyrRZ6Tsvn78NuooJZj9gdo_yPfK95JAgoqJiD3954HbxIPDtjCaMBEQb5U_x3-HRdocr1EC4IGPtOMT5-7fmemqAlgF4EN6zlbpOKvcOTN5A20KHreHcoh00RGVMH3JkaaFZZhRSLH/s1600/graphic-patterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3WZyrRZ6Tsvn78NuooJZj9gdo_yPfK95JAgoqJiD3954HbxIPDtjCaMBEQb5U_x3-HRdocr1EC4IGPtOMT5-7fmemqAlgF4EN6zlbpOKvcOTN5A20KHreHcoh00RGVMH3JkaaFZZhRSLH/s400/graphic-patterns.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/decorating/5-home-decor-trends-for-2013.html">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lffm7cJZ4bKJCu1EdlpIZsQ9PgDIqUfNNH99PsEMG4fjlfZJBuMSubOrHF4kGO_x1PqldP2vJ7HG8c44SlmFd2fNsPhByJAdCkTqF-eN49ezz1N6EiCBR4KCa9W9N8OFZDUBrB_gWAjC/s1600/171277592050099975_6pd5krDD_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lffm7cJZ4bKJCu1EdlpIZsQ9PgDIqUfNNH99PsEMG4fjlfZJBuMSubOrHF4kGO_x1PqldP2vJ7HG8c44SlmFd2fNsPhByJAdCkTqF-eN49ezz1N6EiCBR4KCa9W9N8OFZDUBrB_gWAjC/s400/171277592050099975_6pd5krDD_c.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Pantone's colour of t he year 2013 (Emerald) in a  geometric trellis pattern  with a botanical motif on cushions.  I've always loved the look of florals and other nature inspired themes  with geometrics.What is fresher than white and green?</div><br /><b>Nature motifs </b><br />Naural elements run the gamut from  flora or fauna to stones and seashells.  Use of feather motifs and faux furs are on the upswing .   Look for botanical or animal motifs in art,  fabrics, or accessories.  <b><br /></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmTQzjtJDMypiSXtI7fT-ATM5RfveLKjO3QEnFi3UgNpfOOaBulCm53qBdgt9KHNGdn8HnWL-UfQcm9z3bk1a795ubN0iySgnba8z3KDegXu016V6ahOwLnm7JDBTYj-n3Deebqgu9c7v/s1600/peacock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmTQzjtJDMypiSXtI7fT-ATM5RfveLKjO3QEnFi3UgNpfOOaBulCm53qBdgt9KHNGdn8HnWL-UfQcm9z3bk1a795ubN0iySgnba8z3KDegXu016V6ahOwLnm7JDBTYj-n3Deebqgu9c7v/s400/peacock.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eyefordesignlfd.blogspot.ca/2012/12/decorate-your-home-with-color-peacock.html">Eye for Design </a></div><br /> Peacock feathers are everywhere lately.  I just saw a great display on the Pier 1 website and here's another selection.  The colours are so fresh; you can't go wrong with a peacock blue accent in your home.  It works with so many colours from chocolate brown to cream. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63X79IGzF9ckYHh4WDm93cK7rAA5D0ep_P1nmG7zn1lZkyi-xjU480EujHb4Z8MoZr1M4cdquzXxCPt3GYYNpHGReW_KXODCsHm9Ld2-JVLU2YVoHadqh-3FcFGQC40LZZUAoIoAhtiMv/s1600/107523509824912345_rX0Mp8dW_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63X79IGzF9ckYHh4WDm93cK7rAA5D0ep_P1nmG7zn1lZkyi-xjU480EujHb4Z8MoZr1M4cdquzXxCPt3GYYNpHGReW_KXODCsHm9Ld2-JVLU2YVoHadqh-3FcFGQC40LZZUAoIoAhtiMv/s400/107523509824912345_rX0Mp8dW_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://lauriepearsonblog.com/">Laurie Pearson </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">More feathers, but this time the real thing used as a centerpiece.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45emUW_0ppWpFvj19nY_ZIbfvo85qxP3jnhhNWkr73K60rz96-H5rK17KAL3y6h2fT6fdDEDUrYhyOUu8XGjgciNvfARspM9qW9JEtIZcLAQH3pQJgrOC8uJVrygJzH6MhkL9FtuVMsaD/s1600/3e589007433cd5d6_il_fullxfull.158748149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45emUW_0ppWpFvj19nY_ZIbfvo85qxP3jnhhNWkr73K60rz96-H5rK17KAL3y6h2fT6fdDEDUrYhyOUu8XGjgciNvfARspM9qW9JEtIZcLAQH3pQJgrOC8uJVrygJzH6MhkL9FtuVMsaD/s400/3e589007433cd5d6_il_fullxfull.158748149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Etsy<br />Found treasures on a lovely printed runner.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JMt2hBZsE0uFGEyK7ydUEUx9QNEIvN2BJL_1Lf9lQLD_SRb2YI89rabI0XJoHrofNEoFekuM9wtkN7jQfrdhwpu45MTH0sOvNc16DadqybXbB9HaP7FoHgoyuX2Rg2Mi6o-GySbqe3tR/s1600/171277592050268122_dy0nTvKw_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JMt2hBZsE0uFGEyK7ydUEUx9QNEIvN2BJL_1Lf9lQLD_SRb2YI89rabI0XJoHrofNEoFekuM9wtkN7jQfrdhwpu45MTH0sOvNc16DadqybXbB9HaP7FoHgoyuX2Rg2Mi6o-GySbqe3tR/s400/171277592050268122_dy0nTvKw_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <a href="http://seattletimes.com/html/realestate/2017770757_realspringcolors18.html">source </a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsIksNO_j0ZsJwWJdgGiMA0dZ5ZyemHE5rw5VSAuhzhkzQWCWWqgLMeABM5br4d4BX1ZwDojao9ngK_sA25MtuH3HmrDw3hLKnduYKUUOIisvXPOOY5PoV5SBN-curG3xrQwrmNR7jHTD/s1600/171277592050268144_n83NbqFS_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsIksNO_j0ZsJwWJdgGiMA0dZ5ZyemHE5rw5VSAuhzhkzQWCWWqgLMeABM5br4d4BX1ZwDojao9ngK_sA25MtuH3HmrDw3hLKnduYKUUOIisvXPOOY5PoV5SBN-curG3xrQwrmNR7jHTD/s320/171277592050268144_n83NbqFS_c.jpg" width="320" /></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVsIksNO_j0ZsJwWJdgGiMA0dZ5ZyemHE5rw5VSAuhzhkzQWCWWqgLMeABM5br4d4BX1ZwDojao9ngK_sA25MtuH3HmrDw3hLKnduYKUUOIisvXPOOY5PoV5SBN-curG3xrQwrmNR7jHTD/s1600/171277592050268144_n83NbqFS_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">West Elm </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And feathers lead to birds of every variety.  The lovely black and white accent chair or the graphic bird sheets  would work well with bold pops of colour - remember the peacock blue?  </div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lighter hardwood floors </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know everyone was talking about dark, dark, dark floors and cabinets over the last several years, but the trend is swinging back quickly. <b> </b>That doesn't mean you have to follow it.  Go with what you love.  Personally you would never get me to put dark wood in my home - too oppressive and heavy.  Whatever is in style my floors will be as light as I can get them.  </div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/27826/Botkier-residence-contemporary-living-room-new-york"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/b3015b3e0a830c83_8-1000/contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/vpinteriors/valerie-pasquiou-interiors-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">valerie pasquiou interiors + design, inc</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYzbrAUrN_Mt-qp4DlxMnXnl0DtWeS0nQ61W7yPtITIctOtehVfdbQbTF3MczIrGYUV3xrT-j0bL5DtjDJFRvkkHNLDUQBqIc-wVL6Oodhy_dVJbo_BXsfesjtlmCC1P9mtG2uXYzI2Ch/s1600/171277592050141204_k1O46591_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYzbrAUrN_Mt-qp4DlxMnXnl0DtWeS0nQ61W7yPtITIctOtehVfdbQbTF3MczIrGYUV3xrT-j0bL5DtjDJFRvkkHNLDUQBqIc-wVL6Oodhy_dVJbo_BXsfesjtlmCC1P9mtG2uXYzI2Ch/s400/171277592050141204_k1O46591_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxxNZWMkNW8jrI-fAChMja8aUQYFtEi7bnp41DRaWYxXKKKCDVX9b8PParUiTmqSpgHenI5wqMhEnH9IVyVrIx_79YVBhtEFC6QYMk_NVL4oVsCv2YnK1ex5XbusBvEHvy2Yo7EATy2L/s1600/161496336609108481_m5YjDjyT_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxxNZWMkNW8jrI-fAChMja8aUQYFtEi7bnp41DRaWYxXKKKCDVX9b8PParUiTmqSpgHenI5wqMhEnH9IVyVrIx_79YVBhtEFC6QYMk_NVL4oVsCv2YnK1ex5XbusBvEHvy2Yo7EATy2L/s1600/161496336609108481_m5YjDjyT_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisoxxNZWMkNW8jrI-fAChMja8aUQYFtEi7bnp41DRaWYxXKKKCDVX9b8PParUiTmqSpgHenI5wqMhEnH9IVyVrIx_79YVBhtEFC6QYMk_NVL4oVsCv2YnK1ex5XbusBvEHvy2Yo7EATy2L/s400/161496336609108481_m5YjDjyT_c.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592050107992/"> Pinterest </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A move back to lighter and mid tone woods especially bamboo is  trending in the new year. Bleached  and grayed woods are everywhere.  Lighter tones are so much easier to decorate around and they provide a more expansive look  in smaller homes than the darker woods of the last several years. From Veranda magazine..."When wood flooring is reclaimed or has the look of being previously used even if it wasn't, it has a softer quality that allows it to blend in as another neutral without calling too much attention to itself or instantly drawing your eye downward."<br /><br /><b>Resurgence in gold toned accents </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrKSF2Qmxgzke9zWygpPCWsNtqChk4DUyqoPQhmAdYLgF53P1dvsB13fhaDzyckuwryhHIeMKIjAGWgCvefHGcLdScs2CqFkvtU89xxcOKDBEeh-5cyHzJGCaooL-2jdmljZA5BNO0l5C/s1600/171277592050141379_73UN9sD0_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhrKSF2Qmxgzke9zWygpPCWsNtqChk4DUyqoPQhmAdYLgF53P1dvsB13fhaDzyckuwryhHIeMKIjAGWgCvefHGcLdScs2CqFkvtU89xxcOKDBEeh-5cyHzJGCaooL-2jdmljZA5BNO0l5C/s400/171277592050141379_73UN9sD0_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIcLSkEYoF0oGRWi9ASyxO5CgdFzc4mSLpVfdMyX3fRqFKuObQhtf-5-OebsXGBWPxVjGUMUU8FHSxCFMVSrwj_rQuN26DxKvOP9zQ-c2UZHyq-T7E5HtT55wRXwPIaqf84CmkdFz71Kz/s1600/171277592050195679_3lUa3s9g_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIcLSkEYoF0oGRWi9ASyxO5CgdFzc4mSLpVfdMyX3fRqFKuObQhtf-5-OebsXGBWPxVjGUMUU8FHSxCFMVSrwj_rQuN26DxKvOP9zQ-c2UZHyq-T7E5HtT55wRXwPIaqf84CmkdFz71Kz/s400/171277592050195679_3lUa3s9g_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5787296/list">Houzz</a></div><br /> Gold finishes are becoming more prevalent  in  furniture, lighting, and hardware.  They work especially well with complex grays and dark chocolate browns. <br /><br /><b>Open walls in kitchens </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxaqyJ-GsmxYYwK3Voa4TyhX7yX0J5bfWvi1-v4kviYqZ7D9A2i0bN8O7rPh4PD6rlPicxO5B2mDc4kGn7sYS5WsealzyQ8Ne2MMduowfzB_9cDeG8DMC3eWJW8rm1f5Hjsm-6MmuluJq/s1600/77757531037836496_sgVL3evQ_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxaqyJ-GsmxYYwK3Voa4TyhX7yX0J5bfWvi1-v4kviYqZ7D9A2i0bN8O7rPh4PD6rlPicxO5B2mDc4kGn7sYS5WsealzyQ8Ne2MMduowfzB_9cDeG8DMC3eWJW8rm1f5Hjsm-6MmuluJq/s400/77757531037836496_sgVL3evQ_c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592050177932/">Pinterest </a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Much of what is trending in kitchen design comes to North America from European design centres.  Travelling provides a glimpse into how different our kitchens are when compared to those in Europe where lighter and sleeker looks prevail. Slab doors, no handles etc.  Be prepared for a decrease in upper cabinets and more open space, supported by larger pantry areas.</div></div><br /><b>Backsplash to the ceiling  </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8Z22MmrcTG0qrRM8p61nIjP1ocunZR0sKDjU4O1rP4utBl4ca3DyzNdekEjhRSL6JTAhqgVaK8j0eA__9XzW2tIXky50xIc0zZAos4nKZfMgW96u8JarE8rYcHWAqmjVjwv5u0feCrr1/s1600/29977153740293133_INS4dpTZ_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8Z22MmrcTG0qrRM8p61nIjP1ocunZR0sKDjU4O1rP4utBl4ca3DyzNdekEjhRSL6JTAhqgVaK8j0eA__9XzW2tIXky50xIc0zZAos4nKZfMgW96u8JarE8rYcHWAqmjVjwv5u0feCrr1/s400/29977153740293133_INS4dpTZ_c.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Style at Home</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSL4WA7GaX3uV_bz2Vfo6zVQhU2S03qfYXN2mlJlT8W8oKOffSaHHf-eZDyBZWfC0KWLnVuBQMKFuLqW91_EYKFcbk-pHMbzkVk_TfCs8E7-v_skj_Dwhz-50PQZqP-kaNT3g4PsI16WG/s1600/natasha+bradaran+eat+in+kitchen+white+skylight+bright+counter+to+ceiling+tile+backsplash+glass+upper+cabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqXRx8a5KFfnYHXfE5MXXN4g2xbwZ6ulaWKdcUJmeW1n_1rWXkcAs0g5lcomeALsNU646tFYWv49qzXPyPlF3mbE4f7g1ApvXQdMjjG5v5kWCyUhsNLONqlnQgcD7sB8aHpHVbHiWEHqn/s1600/8bfa94f753ff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwqXRx8a5KFfnYHXfE5MXXN4g2xbwZ6ulaWKdcUJmeW1n_1rWXkcAs0g5lcomeALsNU646tFYWv49qzXPyPlF3mbE4f7g1ApvXQdMjjG5v5kWCyUhsNLONqlnQgcD7sB8aHpHVbHiWEHqn/s400/8bfa94f753ff.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=57129">Decor Pad</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />With the appearance of open spaces on walls above the stove or around a window, tiling goes to the  ceiling. Stainless backsplash tiles in both glossy and matte finishes are popular and will have good staying power as long as stainless appliances are around.  They work with wood and light cabinets.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Mixed colours in cabinets </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOpaAiQdW5Vz8QlXJJI-NXAKuqLISO-QFHMU3bYtdy-oV1-5r3J7b-PTNLeFP-xMpJQO4wIuP1Fx-EHmcNsVOx3aL9eWuMEzqWDXWudNOxUQukhOGwRKskB4nz3MFcg4yxnoPFQYS7_D1/s1600/228205906089508436_QOwT0RVK_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmOpaAiQdW5Vz8QlXJJI-NXAKuqLISO-QFHMU3bYtdy-oV1-5r3J7b-PTNLeFP-xMpJQO4wIuP1Fx-EHmcNsVOx3aL9eWuMEzqWDXWudNOxUQukhOGwRKskB4nz3MFcg4yxnoPFQYS7_D1/s400/228205906089508436_QOwT0RVK_c.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/171277592049917197/">Pinterest </a></div><br /> Cabinets in two colours are currently trendy, but be careful that you don't create problems in balance when you have high contrast colours.  Be especially careful of this look in smaller spaces where it can look very chopped up. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cFB5ZBe6J4rcVzb11cf2VQPLiFMprDrOfmYFLd8s9g3Z8D_LAG4tKEvOAr3suL5cF2a1gfqr0z_mwj4hRctvVoRS5d2tYjefx5EcuSXG0mZYzdMBM3UUkPllB6ZZrWtd652nwZjybKpo/s1600/34832597088816552_d1whnc3q_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cFB5ZBe6J4rcVzb11cf2VQPLiFMprDrOfmYFLd8s9g3Z8D_LAG4tKEvOAr3suL5cF2a1gfqr0z_mwj4hRctvVoRS5d2tYjefx5EcuSXG0mZYzdMBM3UUkPllB6ZZrWtd652nwZjybKpo/s320/34832597088816552_d1whnc3q_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Houzz</div><br /> A darker island is always an option if you want to use two colours. Visual weight can be balanced by other darks in the space. <br /><br /><b>Reclaimed materials/eco friendly </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeeINvsNRs1ulBZWlqfjo9C1jnMM6L5cu-9ooUG5owV3rygsRcAXL6fWQVv11OeOTTPEWs70-0ax3ByxVWs-6yAduxAIMn9d3HTKNal8-or10j1uCBUMQ-UEQUZzkYiFG-fvVu2L7qNEh/s1600/eco1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAeeINvsNRs1ulBZWlqfjo9C1jnMM6L5cu-9ooUG5owV3rygsRcAXL6fWQVv11OeOTTPEWs70-0ax3ByxVWs-6yAduxAIMn9d3HTKNal8-or10j1uCBUMQ-UEQUZzkYiFG-fvVu2L7qNEh/s400/eco1.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31Q-PQkoJCJBA58LkmLEc8Vh2ZSl0LUeVIx1jXhuIjhi6PPvJDtW9e2AeVyKWlIWKPcEEz_a50q1eRcPBJMrc_azkTPK98AyTJL1qhtc6_iANEf5h90XZ9l5Dqvt8pKfmZ0erfR5HOOg_/s1600/153333562282767041_JpvNK3Zn_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31Q-PQkoJCJBA58LkmLEc8Vh2ZSl0LUeVIx1jXhuIjhi6PPvJDtW9e2AeVyKWlIWKPcEEz_a50q1eRcPBJMrc_azkTPK98AyTJL1qhtc6_iANEf5h90XZ9l5Dqvt8pKfmZ0erfR5HOOg_/s400/153333562282767041_JpvNK3Zn_c.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Stylizimo</div><br />The patina of reclaimed materials adds depth to a neutral scheme. Repurposing, recycling and reusing  has been a strong trend for a number of years now and will continue as an earth friendly alternative to the consumption of new materials.  In eco- friendly style only the basics are considered necessary and a  less cluttered, more zen-like environment is created.<br /><br />  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-LBuS-K8KdW2-y-m1rgF8x9_hScjVe3Gi4NGUTfgxdOHJEOhnhq-41O103xHZE0CCm49WRkruU2OkBMcd92J7Ghf35x788ZDScT_KylQVToBO-l-1iBvVIXbmWg4WOQUFa9FlYWs1nd6/s1600/170925748327196872_VM0tAsgx_c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-LBuS-K8KdW2-y-m1rgF8x9_hScjVe3Gi4NGUTfgxdOHJEOhnhq-41O103xHZE0CCm49WRkruU2OkBMcd92J7Ghf35x788ZDScT_KylQVToBO-l-1iBvVIXbmWg4WOQUFa9FlYWs1nd6/s400/170925748327196872_VM0tAsgx_c.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Pinterest </div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div> You will often see the use of simple materials  paired with more upscale objects like the zinc lamps and upholstered ottoman. You can create an interesting room by blending objects of low and high prices, textures and design elements.<br /><br />

2013 decor trends with staying power

Here are predictions for 2013 that should  have some staying power..... Geometric patterning Really, geometric patterning has never  gone ou...

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