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Window treatment ideas for your home.

Window Treatment Ideas for Your Home

Window treatments elevate your home’s style and improve your privacy and energy efficiency. Here are some ideas for your next decorating project.

Window treatments enhance your windows’ beauty and unify the look of your home. Adding new design elements to a room can also improve privacy and natural light. By pairing energy-efficient window treatments with high-quality windows, you’ll increase your long-term energy savings.

Whether you’re investing in new windows or looking for modern decorating ideas for your existing ones, here is a great collection of styling ideas. Keep reading to discover the best window treatment ideas for your next interior decorating project.

What Are Window Treatments?

Window treatments are any type of material that partially or completely covers an existing window. They complement a window’s appearance and even upgrade its functionality. Some window treatments are merely decoration, while others increase privacy.

Not every type of window needs a treatment. Bay, bow, or picture windows have visually appealing designs that a window treatment could diminish. It’s up to each homeowner’s personal preference to install window coverings or treatments.

Window treatments fall into two main categories: hard and soft. Hard window treatments are typically made from solid materials such as wood or vinyl. Soft treatments use cloth. While most window treatment designs stick to one type, some layered treatments incorporate both hard and soft materials. Both options offer various benefits, protections, and styles.

Window Treatment Ideas for Every Room

Whether you have new replacement windows or want to update existing ones, window treatments help create the perfect mood in any room. We’ve curated the below list to help you find the perfect window treatments for your home.

Create Stylish Kitchen Windows With Small Curtain Panels

window treatments - small curtain panels

Adding cafe curtains or valances is a kitchen idea that will bring more warmth and color into the room. Cafe curtains offer privacy and natural light since they hang from the window’s middle to the bottom. A smaller cover that sits at the top of windows, a valance covers any hardware and adds a splash of color.

Complement Room Decor With Wood Blinds

Wood blinds window treatments.

Wood blinds provide rich colors and tones to complement any room. They work well in offices, bedrooms, dens, and living rooms. However, wood blinds aren’t suited to bathrooms due to the humid environment. Real wood blinds are lightweight and come in various stains and sizes. They’re pricier than other blinds but very durable.

Incorporate Vinyl Horizontal Blinds for Multi-Window Projects

Vinyl horizontal blinds are an affordable choice of window treatments if you have many windows to cover.

These common horizontal blinds are an affordable solution when you want to cover many windows on a smaller budget. Vinyl blinds are more durable than aluminum but aren’t repairable. They also offer excellent privacy. These blinds are customizable and available in various colors and even wood grain designs. Vinyl blinds aren’t as energy-efficient since they tend to absorb the sun’s heat.

Install Aluminum Blinds in Sunny Rooms

Aluminum blinds are a great choice of window treatments for very sunny rooms.

Aluminum blinds offer better energy efficiency than vinyl, but they’re less durable and break easily. Aluminum blinds work well in rooms that receive lots of sun. These blinds are repairable. Aluminum blinds aren’t as customizable as vinyl and typically come in limited colors. They’re offered in various slat thicknesses and widths, making it easier to find the right fit for your home.

Mix Window Treatments for More Visual Interest

Mix window treatments for more visual interest.

Add more dimension to your windows by mixing different hanging curtains and drapes. Use double curtain rods to pair the delicate look of sheer curtains with heavier pleat panels. Mix hard and soft treatments to balance privacy and light. Install drapery panels with roller shades to provide light-filtering during the day and complete privacy overnight. For a cohesive look, consider pairing one solid treatment with a coordinated option.

Open Up Space With Floor-To-Ceiling Curtains

Open up space with floor-to-ceiling curtains.

This simple curtain idea works because the eyes naturally follow the full line of fabric from top to bottom, giving the illusion of a taller space. To achieve this look, hang your curtains as close to the ceiling as possible. Use decorative curtain rods for added details or low-profile tracks for invisible installations. Floor-to-ceiling curtains coordinate with any window type including patio and French doors. They also add elegant details to large spaces, such as a family or dining room.

Pair Vertical Blinds With Large and Irregular Windows

Pair vertical blinds with large and irregular windows.

Vertical blinds block out sunlight better than horizontal ones and offer more privacy adjustments. They work better in windows facing east or west. Vertical blinds often reach from floor to ceiling and complement large windows or sliding and patio doors. These blinds are also good for irregular windows, such as bow or bay windows, since their track can run along most shapes (including curved edges).

Protect Sunroom Furniture With Solar Shades

Protect sunroom furniture with solar shades.

Solar blinds are an excellent addition to sunny rooms—add them to your den, sunroom, or outdoor porch. Their UV ray protection and sunlight-blocking fabric allow you to enjoy the sunlight safely. The blinds vary in transparency, offering light sun blocking to full blackout capabilities.

Try Faux Wood Blinds in Humid Areas

Try faux wood blinds in humid areas.

Faux wood blinds offer wood designs at a lower price tag. They’re heavier than real wood blinds but have more flexible slats. Faux wood blinds are low-maintenance, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. They’re also water-resistant, making them suited for kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom installations.

Use Roman Shades to Create a Balanced Home Office

Use Roman shades to create a balanced home office.

Roman shades have sleek, luxe designs, making them perfect for any office space. They come in manual or motorized options, so they’re easy to close when you have an important video call. You can also allow plenty of natural light into the room, which studies have shown helps improve your mood and focus.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Window Treatments

There are many factors to consider when choosing window treatments.

Here are some elements to consider before buying new window treatments.

Light Regulation

Window coverings help reduce or eliminate the natural light entering a room. You should decide how much light you want before making a purchase. If you want more control over the light, consider shades or blinds. You can place curtains around the outside of your windows or add a sheer curtain for limited light control. Blackout curtains are a better choice if you’d prefer to completely eliminate the light.

Privacy

For privacy in bedroom and bathroom windows, blinds, curtains, and drapes offer maximum coverage, whereas sheers offer little. Other window treatment alternatives include frosted or stained glass, which both are aesthetically interesting and protective. Window film helps maintain privacy but reduces the incoming natural light.

Style

Window treatments can add focal points to a monotone room or complement your upholstery. Different rooms have distinct purposes and personalities. Incorporate window treatments that accentuate the atmosphere. For example, implement cleaner lines in the home office for a professional feel, and blackout windows are an excellent choice to accommodate video calls. The kitchen is the heart of many homes, so window treatments that evoke a cozy atmosphere are appropriate. Consider adding blinds to regulate lighting throughout the day and textural curtains for softer details.

For windows with decorative window frames, consider installing blinds and shades that fit the window opening. This preserves the architectural details while offering light control and privacy.

Temperature Control

Window treatments can help regulate your home’s temperature. Curtains and drapes protect your home from external temperatures during the colder and warmer months. These window treatments reduce drafts, which lessens the burden on your HVAC unit. Additional options include cellular shades and shutters, which help control sunlight during the day. For maximum comfort, consider a combination of shades and curtains.

Window treatments can be adjusted as needed throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky to increase efficiency. According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, 75% of residential window coverings stay in the same position all day. It makes more sense to be strategic with window coverings to benefit from the sun’s natural heat and light.

To find energy-efficient window treatments, check for certified Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) products. The AERC is a non-profit organization that tests and rates window treatments based on comfort level and efficiency. You can browse its database to find window treatments scored by hot and cool climate ratings. The higher the rating, the higher the energy savings.

Consider Practical and Aesthetic Functions

Window treatments are the perfect way to tie your windows into your home decor. Whether you need more privacy, sun protection, or a fresh new look, there are plenty of options and combinations to help you achieve the right aesthetic. Consider the treatment’s practical functions, such as transparency, mechanics, and energy efficiency.

If You’re Inspired by Some of These Window Covering Ideas

Schedule a consult with me and I’ll help you plan out your design ideas and decide on any coordinating window treatments to bring your visions to life.

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen here (and I can assure you, this is just the tip of the iceberg), I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of window coverings that would be best for your needs, lifestyle, and goals. I can guide you in choosing the perfect window treatment solution for what you might be envisioning.

If this sparks your interest, let’s talk more about window coverings – I guarantee you’ll get very inspired by all the possibilities available. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com, and, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

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House plants do clean the air.

House Plants That Clean Your Air

Take care of your plants, and they will take care of you by absorbing toxins and formaldehyde and generally cleansing the air you breathe.

How would you like to breathe easier and cleaner at home or in your office? You can do so by adding some selected house plants to your environment. Certain house plants are better than others at adding oxygen to your living space and improving the overall air quality in that space.

House Plants Do Clean the Air

The science behind this suggestion has been around for decades and actually started with a trio of investigators with NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. They reported that specific house plants were good at removing off-gassing elements from building materials and furnishings as well as air pollutants.

House plants clean the air.

Plants are a natural air purifier because they produce oxygen from carbon dioxide (which you exhale) while also helping remove toxins from the air. Tiny openings in the leaves take in air, and the plant absorbs the carbon dioxide and other substances from that air.

While the plant uses carbon dioxide to make food, it then releases oxygen and water back into the air. Pollutants, on the other hand, are translocated to the roots of the plant, where they may be broken down, used by the plant, or released into the soil.

The use of plants to remove harmful elements from the air is called phytoremediation. If you want to breathe easier at home or at work, feel good about the air you breathe and know you are providing yourself and your family with better air quality, then consider adding one or more of the following air-purifying plants to your home or office space. We will even tell you how to make that plant flourish so you can reap the most benefits from it.

Which House Plants Can Clean the Air?

Aloe Vera: This succulent is probably best known for its ability to help in the treatment of burns and cuts. However, it also takes in benzene and formaldehyde.

Aloe vera can clean the air in your home.

If you want a healthy aloe vera, keep it in a sunny place. It also should be planted in a pot with many drainage holes, because the plant does not do well in standing water.

Areca Palm: This tropical plant can live in just about any indoor environment. It has broad fronds that are adept at absorbing formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene.

An areca palm can clean the air in your home.

Be aware, however, that the areca palm can top seven feet in height. If you purchase a small plant, it will grow about 6 to 10 inches a year in indirect sunlight. These plants do enjoy water and fertilizer.

Bamboo Palm: This plant loves the tropics as well as bright, indirect sunlight. Placing the bamboo palm in your environment will help remove trichloroethylene, a toxin that can damage the kidneys and liver.

The areca palm is a house plant that can clean the air in your home.

Care for your bamboo palm by watering it when the soil is dry. Never overwater the palm or let it sit in water, or it will rot.

Boston Ferns: This frond-rich plant does more than improve oxygen levels. The Boston fern also assists in removing formaldehyde from the air. Exposure to formaldehyde is associated with irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, which suggests having a few Boston ferns in any area prone to formaldehyde exposure could be helpful.

Items associated with formaldehyde exposure include cigarettes, carpet, permanent press fabrics, cleaning agents, fertilizers, cosmetics, paints, varnishes, preserved foods, and insulation for electrical uses.

Strategically-placed Boston ferns can help clean the air in your environment.

If you welcome a Boston fern into your environment, be prepared to give it a lot of space. The beautiful fronds enjoy soil that is rich in peat moss and is watered frequently and stays wet. You also should mist the plant once or twice a week for best growth.

Gerber (aka, Gerbera) Daisies: If you like to color-coordinate your space, then Gerber daisies could be a good choice. These flowers are available in a variety of colors (e.g., bright red or orange, yellow, medium and striking pink, peach, light purple, and white) and sport broad, green leaves that absorb benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Gerber daisies not only beautify your home, but they'll help cleanse the air too.

Gerber daisies enjoy direct sunlight and moist soil. For best results, don’t allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Peace Lilies: Do you know which pollutants are lurking in your home or office? If two of them are benzene and trichloroethylene, then it’s time to get some peace lilies.

Peace lilies will cleanse the air but are also toxic to pets.

If you want to grow this beautiful plant, you should know they do not tolerate the cold and that they enjoy a warm, humid climate. They thrive in well-draining soil and indirect light. They can be toxic to pets and humans, so it’s important to wash your hands after touching the plant, and not place them in a home with pets.

Snake Plant (aka, mother-in-law’s tongue): The snake plant comes in a combination of yellow and dark and light greens. It effectively removes formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air. These toxins are often present in enclosed buildings.

A snake plant is easy to grow and will help clean your air.

This tough plant likes dry soil, so don’t water it too often because the roots can easily rot. Avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Snake plants prefer indirect light.

Spider Plant: If you want a plant that is super resilient and easy to care for, this is the one. Spider plants can absorb many different indoor pollutants while gracing your room with its long, flowing leaves.

Spider plants are easy to care for and they'll clean your air in return.

Be sure to give your spider plant lots of bright yet indirect light. It does best in well-drained soil and when the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings.

Weeping Fig: This official tree of Bangkok will look great and perform well in any room, but especially those with carpeting and furniture that may be off-gassing. That’s because the weeping fig helps remove pollutants from these items.

Weeping figs are popular indoor house plants that will also clean your air.

You can keep your weeping fig healthy by providing consistent temperatures and lots of indirect sunlight. Provide the plant with well-draining soil and only water it when the first two inches of soil are dry.

Bottom Line

Using house plants in your home or office is a great, eco-friendly way to clean the air of toxins.

If you’d like to explore how plants can clean the air and brighten your interiors, I’m always available for a consultation to help you decide on the best plants for your levels of light, ease of maintenance, and other conditions in your home or business. There are many options and almost always perfect solutions for any space. If interested, let’s talk more about decorating with plants that can cleanse the air you breathe. Choose a contact method right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

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Wallflower is Sherwin-Williams' color of the month for May 2023

Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month: Wallflower

Why I love Sherman-Williams’ Wallflower paint color: it’s a lovely retro, joyful, pastel.

Embrace your inner flower child with a purple pastel who’s anything but shy. This retro muse can lift the mood with a feel-good energy that finds joy in everything. 

Wallflower color sample

Wallflower Gives You Happy Vibes

Slip away from the stress of the outside world and unwind in a simpler space. Rooted in a philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and joy in the little things, the pastel Wabi-Sabi style blends a minimalist approach with muted pastels. Wallflower’s soft purple shade fits right in with a calming aura that sets the tone in a restorative sanctuary space. Add natural materials to balance the room’s tranquil energy with an earthiness that helps keep this dreamy hue grounded.

Wallflower door color

Wallflower color in a child's bedroom.

Wallflower is Positively Pastel

An uplifting hue like Wallflower (SW 6281) shares its playful spirit wherever it goes. Take a small secondary space that can feel like an afterthought, and once filled with this shade’s happy vibes, it becomes a bliss-filled haven. Feel-good spaces like this lift the spirit and remind us of the unique capacity of color to inspire joy.

Wallflower creates a delightful bathroom.

Wallflower paint color goes nicely with natural elements.

Another photo of the Wallflower paint color used in the bedroom.

Colors that go nicely with Wallflower.

These colors coordinate well with Sherwin-Williams’ pale lavender Wallflower paint color.

If you like the color vibe you get from the Wallflower paint color and would like some help figuring out how/where to use it, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, and we can set up a consultation to explore this colorful territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Time to transform your backyard?

Time to Transform Your Backyard?

Because a primo backyard improves aesthetics and your home’s value.

Nothing ruins a sunny day faster than a backyard that’s too ugly to enjoy. Plus, a gnarly yard dings your home value, making it a double bummer.

Here are seven backyard before-and-afters to show how yards can become chock full of sunny-day delight — and home value.

#1 Go for a Total Yard Makeover

Go for a Total Yard Makeover

Whoa. A total landscape makeover takes this home from “The Brady Bunch”-ugly to Insta-lovely.

The Value of Curb Appeal

A well-landscaped and maintained yard will reap more ROI when you sell than a kitchen or bath upgrade.

Landscaping an entire yard is pricey, but you’ll likely get all (or more) of the money back when you sell, says the “Remodeling Impact Report” from the National Association of REALTORS®.

And . . .  you’ll get a fabulous yard to love right now!

#2 Dump a Dying Deck for a Pretty Patio

Dump a Dying Deck for a Pretty Patio

Decks are great. But when they need more repair than maintenance, it’s time for plan B. This flagstone patio is set-it-and-forget-it, a classic look you’ll still love when you’re eligible for AARP membership. Plus, you’ll recoup the cost if you sell before your membership kicks in.

#3 Swap Dying Grass for an Outdoor Room

Swap Dying Grass for an Outdoor Room

Yes, grass adds value. But if mowing and seeding aren’t your thing, it’ll turn more gross than green. An attractive mix of hardscape and low-maintenance plants is money in the bank (returning around 100% — or more — of their cost) and gives you more living time, too. Fewer hours mowing mean more hours sipping cocktails on that fab patio.

Bonus: You can sell your lawnmower when the lawn is gone.

#4 Turn a Tiny Condo Yard Into a Mini Escape

Turn a Tiny Condo Yard Into a Mini Escape

What’s better?

A) A patch of dirt

B) A serenity spot

Yes, exactly. It doesn’t matter if Zen is your aesthetic. The point is you can transform a small yard by building the right features on it. This pint-sized yard lives large with the addition of a water feature, deck, and stone planter.

#5 Clear the Bramble and Make a Yard

Clear the bramble and create a yard

Buyers LOVE well-cared-for lawns. A lawn is like an outdoor carpet — perfect to pair with a patio. The raised beds off to the side make gardening an option without overtaking the yard (and are easily dismantled if you want even more lawn).

#6 Upgrade Your Pool Patio

Upgrade Your Pool Patio

The rule of pools is that they’re all about love; they don’t generally add home value. But let your pool turn into an abandoned waterhole surrounded by overgrowth, and it totally can affect home value — in the wrong direction. A savvy upgrade includes a built-in fire pit and a gorgeous patio, which both have legit ROI.

#7 Plant a Petite Patio in a Flower Bed

Plant a Petite Patio in a Flower Bed

A master gardener would replant that dead flower bed. A master relaxer turns it into a budget-friendly patio with concrete stones and tidy brick edgers. It’s money well-spent because patios almost always pay for themselves when you sell, so you’ll feel even better about relaxing with a beer instead of tending to peonies.

Ready to Transform Your Backyard?

If your backyard could use a makeover, please let me know and I can consult with you on how to make it into an outdoor space perfect for your needs. The ideas shown here are just the tip of the iceberg. Message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And you can call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

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2023 paint trends for spring.

Meet Spring 2023’s Coolest Paint Trends

New season, new palette. Here are some colorful blooms in spring 2023 paint trends.

As we’ve said goodbye to the winter blues, homeowners and decorators are embracing the fresh new looks that spring brings. For some, embracing the seasonal shift is as easy as assembling a bouquet of flowers or adding some new accessories to the mix. 

But for those who are really looking for a change, a fresh coat of paint is the color equivalent to spring cleaning. Though applying it may require some extra time and elbow grease, the right shade can seemingly transform your space overnight. (Or however long it takes for your paint to dry.)

Oftentimes, spring and pastel colors go together like primer and a brush roller—but there’s more to this season than blushes and sky blues. “Consumers have grown more confident in their taste after spending much time at home in lockdown,” explains Gemma Riberti, WGSN’s head of interiors. “Color becomes the paramount way to update a space without major investments or renovations.”

With the rainbow renaissance in full swing, versatile neutrals and bold, can’t-look-away colors are fair game this season. The catch, Riberti says, is that many people are giving their preferred palette a tonal spin. “It’s about layering the same color in two different intensities or saturation,” she adds.

So many options, so little space—so where to begin? After all, choosing one color from all of the swatches is by no means easy. Though beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, Riberti is sharing the top hues to keep an eye on. From lights to brights, there’s bound to be a shade you’ll love—this spring and beyond.

Earthy Greens

We have to respectfully disagree with you, Kermit: It’s never been easier to be green than this spring.

Earthy greens are big in the spring paint color palette.

When the shelter-in-place order went into effect in 2020, biophilic tones like browns and greens mimicked the connection with the great outdoors that so many people desperately craved. Fast-forward three years and verdant tones have become a mainstay in many homes. But this season, we’re not just talking about any old green. Specifically, “Mossy, verdigris, and lichen greens, in particular, are coming to the fore,” Riberti explains.

“What is interesting is seeing them being treated as neutrals,” she continues. “Layering the green walls and furnishings with plants, for instance; [the color is] also ideal for cabinetry.”

Terra-Cotta Reds

Speaking of the color wheel’s outdoorsy offerings, the muted reds that naturally occur in the wild shouldn’t be discounted.

Terra cotta reds are a warm rich color trending in 2023 paint trends.

“Russet reds, rust, terra-cotta, amber, burnt sienna, and the like are important,” Riberti explains. “They have an artisanal and sunbaked quality that warms up interiors year-round and works across materials both hard and soft.”

When it comes to interior design, red might elicit visions of Big’s accent wall in Sex and the City. Fortunately, this season’s volcanic tones are considerably less saturated, making it possible for them to fit in a variety of rooms.

Terra cotta is a rich, warm, earthy tone to use on a wall or a whole room.

“An amber glow is key to this color group, infusing interiors with sunlight,” Riberti adds. “Walls in hospitality and residential projects alike are clad in this tactile terra-cotta pigment, daring this color [to be used] as a kitchen backsplash or in the entryway as well as warming up north-facing rooms.”

Though softer reds might seem like a design dark horse, they’ve been on the industry’s radar for quite some time. In fact, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams named Raspberry Blush and Redend Point as their 2023 Colors of the Year, respectively.

Light Blue

Equal parts calming and cool, blue has been a consistent power player on the color wheel. But as spring emerges, expect to see a surge of sky, powder, and whisper-soft blues.

Light blue is a calming 2023 paint trend for spring.

Though the deep, notoriously dramatic navy has historically been an obvious choice, Riberti argues that “tranquil blues are also very important to the conversation.” She explains, “We are seeing this quality of blue across a broad spectrum of applications, from displays and beautiful walls and floors to decorative items and furniture.”

Fittingly enough, Chairish predicted that a cornflower color called French Blue would be trending in 2023. As the brand says, “It’s a sophisticated but often subtle way to make a color statement without shouting.”

With the ability to transcend time and trend, lighter blues can be treated as neutrals. While sprinkling in various shades of lapis and cobalt can put blue front and center, this trendy tone will look particularly good with warm woods, pinks, and hints of burgundy, Riberti says.

Lilac

Spring might be perpetually synonymous with light, airy pastels, but Riberti says this tried-and-true palette will look different this year. “Overall, pastels are moving away from candy sugary hues and taking on a more nuanced, more refined direction,” she explains. This season, trade in traditional blushes and soft yellows for a head-turning lilac.

Lilac is a color that's blooming in 2023 paint trends

Of course, you’re not the only one who feels the lavender haze creeping up on you: WGSN dubbed Digital Lavender as its 2023 Color of the Year—and for good reason.

“It’s a sensorial shade that connects to holistic well-being and digital optimism,” the trend forecasting company previously told ELLE DECOR. “This shade poses that much-needed cautious optimism and escapism that people are craving post-pandemic, and even in times of budget crunch, it is imaginative and creative but also speaks of hope and balance.”

Lilac is a soothing 2023 paint color trend.

Purple is a downright regal choice for wall paint—but Riberti says it’s also an in-demand option for window treatments and ombré tiles.

Textural Black

Though spring and deeper tones may seem at odds with each other, this season is swinging the pendulum toward the dark side. While deep reds and aubergines are trending, Riberti says black is “widely present.” But since black is a drastic shade, it’s important to think strategically about how it fits in your home.

Textural black colors and treatments feature big in 2023 paint trends.

“It is quite dramatic as an effect, so it needs to be used considerately,” she adds. “Nonetheless, dark and textural materials are an important direction at recent shows, especially on wood.”

Textural black in smaller amounts can add a lot of punch to any room.

Instead of coating your floors or walls with an inky black, a touch of noir will feel a tad fresher on wainscoting or window trims.

Fiery Oranges

Calling all maximalists: Spring is encouraging you to fully embrace your bold streak.

Fiery oranges are the hottest of the emerging colors in 2023 paint trends.

“There is definitely a lot more demand for bolder hues, even in paint,” Riberti shares, citing lime green, fuchsia, and fiery oranges as the ones to watch.

Though there will always be space for neutrals, uplifting brights offer something different: a moment for celebration. “There’s that need for joyfulness and unapologetic exuberance that is driving the rise of energetic brights,” Riberti adds. “The growing confidence in self-expression via color translates into a seemingly eclectic yet considerate mixing and matching of different levels in fresh plays on highs and lows.”

If you’re new to statement shades, Riberti says painting your cabinets or doors is a suitable starting step.

Warm Neutrals

Contrary to popular belief, spring’s trendiest colors don’t have to be fleeting. “Color choices should be based on the comfort level of the people within a given space,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Warm neutrals, especially paired with even warmer woods, are emerging as a key 2023 paint trend.

If your personal palette skews more toward the subtler end of the color spectrum, you can’t go wrong with light-as-air neutrals. Not only did Behr name a warm white called Blank Canvas its 2023 Color of the Year, Pantone pegged neutral as a top pigment pick. According to Pantone’s View Home + Interiors 2023 trend report, welcoming creams and ivories “suggest an enduring interest in notes of classic luxury.”

Lovely gentle warm neutrals are part of 2023 paint trends

Riberti agrees, noting that spring’s overall palette represents “care and well-being, and the many facets this embodies—from restorative neutrals to nourishing naturals.” And should you want to experiment with spring’s other popular pigments, a warm neutral provides a wonderful backdrop for them.

The color lineup for spring is mostly matching up with color trends discussed in January, when winter was still well upon us. Ms. Riberti was discussing color trends on the horizon for 2023. A couple of unexpected additions like “textural black” have added some interesting possibilities. I’m always available to help you find your best color palette for your personal spaces.

If spring has you itching for a color upgrade, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, and we can set up a consultation to explore some beautiful color territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Area rug trends for 2023.

Area Rug Trends That Will Freshen Up Your Floors

An area rug can pull together a room’s design elements, ground the space, and give it a cohesive look. A quality rug can be a big investment, though, so it’s important that you find ones that best suit your style and space. Before you commit to purchasing a trending look, be sure to read my other article, “How to Choose the Right Rug” to get some smart rug ideas.

The Right Area Rug Can Complete Your Space

Whether you’re looking for the perfect area rug to finish off a room, or just want to know what’s trending for 2023, I’ve got your back. Here is a sampling of five rug trends that will set your space apart in the new year.

Rug Trend #1: Vintage-Style Rugs

Whether it’s a hand-me-down from your grandmother or just made to look that way, vintage-inspired rugs are still in style and trending strong. Their traditional patterns, intricate designs, and soft florals lend a warmth that makes any room feel homey.

Area rug trends for 2023.

Just because it has a vintage look doesn’t mean it has to be stuffy. Pair your favorite vintage style rugs with contemporary furniture for a traditional-meets-modern look that infuses your home with cozy, chic style.

Rug trend #1: vintage-style area rugs

A new take on this repeat trend features distressed rugs in monochrome palettes that have varying hues of all one color, or shades that are similar to each other like blues and purples, orange and reds, or even shades of gray. New vintage-inspired rugs can even have modern, abstract or geometric patterns, but will have a well-worn patina and/or distressed look.

Rug Trend #2: 70s Shag Style

The 70s are having a heyday in fashion, with everything from shaggy haircuts to crochet tops becoming popular again. This resurgence in the 1970s aesthetic has influenced home design trends too, by inspiring interior designers to use materials with interesting textures, earthy hues, and even curved furniture and decor. Perhaps none of these trends are more quintessentially 70s than the shag carpet.

Rug Trend #2: Shag-Style Area Rugs

Named after its shaggy rug piles, this ultra plush carpet is often seen in vibrant colors, but looks great in neutrals too. Once the disdain of new homeowners, shag carpeting has gone in and out of popularity over the years. Now, it’s back, but with a modern look and more palatable color options. Whether bold or neutral, shag rugs will infuse your home with personality and a lush look.

Shag area rug in neutral setting.

Rather than wall-to-wall shag, try strategically placing shag rugs in lower-traffic areas like bedrooms and offices for a pop of irresistible texture. They’ll last longer and are less likely to trap unwanted dirt and objects in their snag-able pile. Also, look for shag rugs made of natural fibers like wool rather than synthetic ones. While wool rugs are more expensive, they’ll last longer and keep their fluffy texture better than alternatives.

Rug Trend #3: Mixed Pile Rugs

For transitional areas and multi-functional spaces, a mixed pile rug might be just what you need. This trend is taking off, with more rugs featuring a blend of both high and low piles. They’re great for a variety of uses because they incorporate the coziness of a high pile rug with the clean look – and durability – of a low pile one. With fibers at varying lengths, these rugs add low-key texture and undeniable interest to your space.

Rug trend #3: mixed pile rugs.

For a fresh take, check out the biophilic design trend which is a philosophy that incorporating the outside world into interior decor can increase mental health and decrease stress. This popular trend is slated to continue growing through 2023. Applying a biophilic design approach to area rugs would be as simple as finding rugs made of natural materials and those with textures and designs that mimic organic objects found in nature.

For transitional areas and multi-functional spaces, a mixed pile area rug might be just what you need.

Rug Trend #4: Mismatched and Layered Rugs

Another retro-inspired look that we will see more of in 2023 is the mismatched and layered rug trend. Taking cues from boho and maximalist styles, this trend is all about creating a relaxed yet eclectic vibe in your home. Layering a patchwork of smaller rugs lends great texture and coziness to your space. Group rugs with similar colors together for a toned-down vibe or pair rugs with varying weave, patterns, and colors for a more bold approach.

Rug trend #4: mismatched and layered rugs.

Great for apartments, this look gives you the benefits of all-over carpet while staying fresh and flexible. You can rearrange your rugs with the changing seasons for an updated look. This trend is perfect for those looking for new ways to use their old rugs and works well with the vintage trend too.

Rug trend #4: mismatched and layered area rugs

Trend #5: Rugs in Unexpected Places

This final rug trend for 2023 includes placing rugs in unexpected places, like kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, or unused corners. We’re seeing more designers doing this, as it adds ambiance, comfort, and style to areas that tend to be devoid of personality.

Trend #5: rugs in unexpected places.

This trend makes it easy to carry your style throughout a space, including the oft-ignored and high-traffic areas of your home. Small area rugs work well for this and are often more budget-friendly and easier to refresh or replace as trends change. If you aren’t sure what size rug you need, click the link for a really handy Rug Size Guide.

Freshen Up Your Floors with an Area Rug that’s Perfect for Your Style.

Whether shopping for something completely new for next year or just looking to revive your current decor, take these 2023 area rug ideas and customize your space with a fresh look and beautiful floors that match your favorite aesthetic. And just let me know if you’d like me to help you with that.

It’s easy to reach me! You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some exciting living room decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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How to choose the right area rug.

How to Choose the Right Area Rug

Your living room (or any main room) typically isn’t complete without a rug. But with so many options out there, finding the best one can be like trying to solve a puzzle.

The right area rug will pull a room together and is something you can keep for years.

How to choose the right area rug.

For a primary room to feel pulled together, most designers will tell you, it needs a rug.

But area rugs can be expensive. And because a large-scale item like that is going to have a big effect on the way a room looks and feels, choosing one can be intimidating. The right rug may live in your home for decades. The wrong rug will serve as a daily reminder of the money you wasted — and the money you’ll have to spend if you want to replace it.

And getting it wrong is all too easy, given the range of materials, colors, patterns, and sizes available. Finding the ideal rug, observed the New York-based interior designer Celerie Kemble, is a “complicated puzzle.”

To help you solve that puzzle, Ms. Kemble and other designers and rug manufacturers offer good advice.

Use One or a Few

There is no rule that says you have to limit yourself to a single area rug in the living room. Designers often use multiple area rugs in larger rooms to define different areas. So how do you know whether one or a few is best?

A boldly patterned rug can serve as the defining feature of a living area.

A boldly patterned rug can serve as the defining feature of a living area.

Smaller spaces, and living rooms enclosed by walls and doorways, usually benefit from a single large rug.

“I’m often dealing with apartments where the goal is to expand the sense of usable space in a living room,” Ms. Kemble said. In those cases, “I usually want to use one rug, and make it as big as I possibly can.”

Sprawling, open-concept spaces, like lofts, are more likely to benefit from multiple rugs, which help ground disparate groupings of furniture and can be used to separate a living area from a dining or media area, in the absence of walls.

Can’t Decide? Then Layer Them

Another option is to layer rugs on top of each other, with a single large, plain rug on the bottom to cover most of the floor, and smaller decorative rugs on top to anchor different seating areas.

“One of my favorite tricks is to use a very big sisal rug, which is relatively inexpensive, and then layer softer, plusher kilims or dhurries on top at the seating areas,” Ms. Kemble said. “It tells everybody, by the enormity of the sisal, that you’re all at the same party.”

Layering different area rugs creates varying sizes, textures and colors.

For a living room in Wilton, Conn., Carrier and Company layered an antique Persian rug over a larger sisal rug.

Determine the Size

It is important to work around a room’s obstructions when planning a rug purchase.

“We always start with the practical and then get to the decorative, while considering the architecture and mechanics” of a home, said Jesse Carrier, a principal of Carrier and Company, a New York interior design firm. “Are there doorways and door swings to consider? Is there any floor grille for HVAC that you don’t want to cover? Is there a fireplace where you have to deal with a hearth?”

After taking these details into account, consider circulation around the seating areas.

“There’s nothing worse than being forced to walk on the perimeter of a rug,” Ms. Kemble said, with one foot on and one foot off.

Choose a size that either completely covers the walkway or leaves the floor exposed where people need to pass by. Then decide how far beyond the furniture the rug should extend. A common way to size a rug is to ensure that it reaches underneath all four feet of all the furniture.

Or you could use a smaller rug that runs under the front feet of the sofas and chairs, and stops there. Just make sure that smaller objects at the rug’s edges, like end tables and floor lamps, are completely on or off the rug, Mr. Carrier said: “You don’t want unbalanced, rocking end tables every time you put something down.”

What about small rugs that float in the center of a room, untethered by sofa and chair legs? Many experts advise against them.

“Small rugs look a little bit lost and unfinished,” said Susanna Joicey-Cecil, the marketing director for the Rug Company, in London. “It can feel like a postage stamp, which is not so pleasing for the eye.”

Large wool Sandeep rug from Patterson Flynn Martin.

All the living room furniture in a home in Cartagena, Colombia, designed by Richard Mishaan, sits on a large wool Sandeep rug from Patterson Flynn Martin.

Choose a Patterned or Plain Area Rug

A boldly patterned rug can serve as the defining feature of a living area, but because it has so much impact, it’s a choice that requires courage. Deciding whether to go with a graphic statement rug or something more understated comes down to personal preference, as well as your overall design vision and where your home is.

“In the city, oftentimes clients will want to invest in an antique carpet from an auction or one of the great rug vendors as a showpiece,” Mr. Carrier said. But in country homes and beach houses, “we’ll often do some sort of sisal, sea-grass or coir carpet, because it’s a little more informal and rustic.”

If you decide to shop for a patterned rug, there are endless choices available, from free-form contemporary designs to more traditional ones. But if you’d rather keep it simple, there are plenty of opportunities to introduce pattern at a smaller scale.

The Catalyst wool-and-linen rug for Merida is used as a feature element in a home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Celerie Kemble designed the Catalyst wool-and-linen rug for Merida, and used it as a feature element in a home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

“For more laid-back, Zen environments, there are fantastically beautiful sisals with patterns in them, like herringbones and subtle stripes,” said Richard Mishaan, a New York-based interior designer. “To dress them up a bit, add a fabulous binding in leather or suede. It doesn’t increase the price enormously, but it’s very chic and beautiful.”

Pick a Material

Rugs come in many materials, including plant-based fibers like cotton, linen, sisal, jute and allo; downy, natural fibers like wool, silk, and mohair; and synthetic materials like nylon and solution-dyed acrylic. There are also nonwoven rugs made from stitched-together materials like cowhide.

Each offers a different look and feel, with varying characteristics related to how well the materials wear and how easy they are to clean. They also range widely in price.

Rugs made from plant-based materials are often among the most affordable and offer an easy, casual look. But different fibers have different durability: Cotton and linen, for instance, age fairly quickly, while sisal and allo can take more abuse.

“We’ve had some disasters with linen,” Mr. Carrier said, “which is very, very beautiful” — at least when it’s new. But because it is easily damaged by wear and spills, he added, “we’ve had to replace a lot of linen rugs in our time, and now avoid them like the plague.”

Allo, on the other hand, is “very cleanable and doesn’t retain stains,” he said.

A custom-designed wool rug anchors a seating area in a modernist house in New Canaan, Conn.

A custom-designed wool rug anchors a seating area in a modernist house in New Canaan, Conn., with interiors by Carrier and Company.

One of the most popular materials is wool, which can offer a range of looks depending on how it’s handled, from thin, flat weaves to hairy, hand-knotted shags. Wool tends to be more expensive than most plant-based materials, but it is stain resistant, softer underfoot, and durable enough to last for centuries.

“Wool has lanolin in it, which makes it a very cleanable, stain-resistant fiber,” said Bethany Hopf, a sales manager at the House of Tai Ping carpet company, in New York. “When you spill, it sits on top for a little while before it will actually absorb,” which gives you time for cleanup.

Even when a spill soaks in, she said, “we have a lot of success getting stains out.”

The same cannot be said for silk, which is generally more expensive and delicate, but has a softer feel and a lustrous sheen. Some upscale rugs are made entirely from silk, while others combine wool and silk to create various effects.

In patterned rugs, “very often we have a wool background and then highlight the motif with silk, because it helps it pop,” said Ms. Joicey-Cecil, of the Rug Company. “You can have lots of fun playing with those two textures, because the silk has a lot of sheen to it.”

A Brink Ivory wool-and-silk rug by Kelly Wearstler for the Rug Company.

A Brink Ivory wool-and-silk rug by Kelly Wearstler for the Rug Company extends under the front feet of a sofa, while smaller objects, like the end table and floor lamp, sit on the bare wood floor for stability.

But Ms. Kemble cautioned that mixed-fiber rugs can be difficult to clean: “Silk can’t take water, but wool needs water to be cleaned. So when you have silk-and-wool mixes, it creates hard-to-sort problems once there’s a spill.”

Consider Indoor-Outdoor Area Rug Options

If spills and stains from children and pets are a concern, it may be a good idea to choose an indoor-outdoor area rug made from a synthetic material like solution-dyed acrylic, polypropylene or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), which are now often so soft and appealing that they can be hard to distinguish from indoor-only materials.

This wool-and-silk area rug takes center stage in a small sunroom.

The Akimbo I wool-and-silk rug from Edward Fields takes center stage in a small sunroom.

“They’re impenetrable: You can’t stain them; you can’t ruin them,” said Mr. Carrier, who replaced a wool rug with a nylon one in his own home when his children were younger, then switched to sisal when they grew up. “In certain applications, that’s the way to go.”

Don’t Forget the Rug Pad

It’s tempting to bring a rug home and put it down immediately, but there’s a step you shouldn’t skip: putting a nonslip rug pad underneath.

Cut the pad to a size slightly smaller than the carpet. A general rule is that it should be trimmed about an inch shorter than the rug on all sides, to provide maximum grip while preventing a visible change in level where the rug transitions from pad to floor.

Rug pads offer a touch of additional cushioning, Ms. Hopf said. But their real utility is more “about keeping it in place and preserving the life of the carpet,” she said.

In other words, it ensures that your new rug won’t slide like a banana peel

Here are my Pro-Tips on how to choose the perfect area rug:

  1. Measure your space. …
  2. Pick the right style. …
  3. Consider the material. …
  4. Contemplate foot traffic. …
  5. Choose between solid colors or patterns. …
  6. Layer complementary rugs. …
  7. Invest in a rug pad.

Here’s another tip: If at all possible select the rug first then design around it.

Whew. There’s a lot to take in here, and I know it can be overwhelming. If you’d like me to help you choose the right area rug for your environment, please reach out to me – I’m always available for a helpful consultation, and we can take it from there. 

You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some exciting living room decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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Shag rugs help anchor a room's design and add a warm, cozy touch.

Shag Rugs Are Back: The Coziest Options for Your Feet

It seems that shag is back, and, while we typically associate the deep-pile carpet with the ’60s and ’70s – hello, Carol and Mike Brady’s living room – the origins of the shag rug are in fact more ancient than vintage.

Berber shag rug.

Referred to by many different names – rya, berber, flokati, tulu – the shag rug has a long and colorful history. In Greece, flokati rugs were popular as early as the 4th century B.C., when Alexander the Great used flokati wool in his tents and clothing during his military campaigns. (Think Colin Farrell in Alexander keeping warm with a shag rug.) Centuries earlier in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the shepherding Beni Ourain tribes began weaving wool into blankets, and by the mid-20th century had attracted such famed devotees as Le Coubusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Eero Saarinen. Today these Beni Ourain rugs are some of the most highly prized.

Beni Ourain shag rug.

Moroccan Beni Ourain shag rug.

Coming in a variety of colors, materials, and weights, there is sure to be a shag for everybody. So kick off your shoes and get comfortable – here are some shag rugs to keep you cozy all through the house.

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If you’d like to explore a shag area rug for your home (or business) environment but aren’t sure where to start, let me know and I can show you how to find the perfect shag rug for your needs and aesthetic, or I can source it for you. There are a lot of things to consider like size, color(s), texture, and pile, just for starts, and I can definitely help you with all of that.

You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore some exciting living room decor ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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These 7 Colors Will Be Everywhere in 2023

These 7 Colors Will Be Everywhere in 2023

Buckle up for a rainbow renaissance.

“There isn’t a shade or color I’ve ever seen that I haven’t liked,” Mario Buatta, with characteristic wit, observed. The late great decorator, who passed away in 2018, would be pleased, then, to see the spectrum of shades and tints that are poised to dominate our homes in the year ahead. Gone are the days of straight-laced, all-white rooms; instead, as we emerge from three (have I got that right?) years of uncertainty, experts predict a rainbow-bright renaissance in 2023 colors.

“The colors [consumers] choose are reflecting their mood—and they are much freer in how, when, and where they use it on themselves and in their homes,” Gemma Riberti, head of interiors at the trend forecasting agency WGSN, tells us. “Going into 2023, color is reflecting well-being, discovery, acceptance, transformation, comfort, simplicity, and (why not) pleasure.”

While some of these observations might sound like sound bites from your last therapy session, the “It” hues I’ve seen come to the fore these last few years show a collective desire for coziness and a closeness to nature (read: green-everything) and more expressive materials (see one of the year’s biggest trends, bold marble). “One of the most significant themes we’ve identified for the 2023 colors is warmth,” Sherwin-Williams’s Sue Wadden affirms. “People are moving away from the cool grays that defined the past decade and exploring hues that exude kindness, serenity, and empathy.”

There were also some surprises in the mix, according to the color experts we spoke to, namely the emergence of a genre of, literally, out-of-this-world colors: “Near-neons and hyper-brights are also making a comeback, driven by the metaverse, with colors making an impact in both digital and physical realms,” Ribaldi says. That entails vivid, bold hues—especially as Gen Zers begin decorating their first homes.

But if you aren’t entirely ready to paint your bedroom acid green just yet, read on for a list of the seven color trends that will be all the rage in 2023.

Green: Sage is giving way to deeper emerald green in 2023 colors.

Green is a hot 2023 color!

The color experts have said it before and they’re saying it again: Green shows no sign of fading in our homes, and it’s a surefire bet—whether you opt for a soothing sage or a pale pistachio—the hue will remain in fashion for years to come. “We’ve definitely seen an increased interest in greens this year, with that shade representing three of our top six colorways for 2022,” says Natalie Ebel, copresident of direct-to-consumer paint brand Backdrop. But while last year paint companies were predicting dusty verdant variations (for instance, Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color of the Year, October Mist), Ebel, along with many other experts, predicted an uptick in punchier, truer greens and emeralds.

What makes green, well, evergreen? International color expert and executive director at Pantone’s Color Institute Leatrice Eiseman, makes the case for its beauty as a neutral. “My students hear me lecture over and over and over again about using green as a neutral color,” she says. “Mother Nature uses it ubiquitously in plants and foliage.” Watch for this hue in everything from marble to tile to furnishings in the year ahead.

Cool Lavenders and Lilacs: Lavender and lilac hues are rising in popularity among Gen Zers.

Lavender/lilac is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

An emerging color trend that demonstrates the power of newly initiated Gen-Z consumers is the rise of soft, dusty shades of lavender and lilac. 1stDibs, the digital antiques marketplace, saw interest in lavender spike in 2022, up to 14 percent over 6 percent approval the previous year. WGSN forecasters, meanwhile, spotted the shade—which they’ve dubbed “Digital Lavender”—everywhere from Jil Sanders collections to Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles to Andrés Reisinger virtual furniture.

Riberti, along with WGSN’s color strategist Clare Smith, predict the color will dominate tabletop and soft furnishings, in addition to our walls. “It’s a sensorial shade that connects to holistic well-being and digital optimism,” they tell us. “This shade poses that much-needed cautious optimism and escapism that people are craving post-pandemic, and even in times of budget crunch, it is imaginative and creative but also speaks of hope and balance.”

It also speaks to nostalgia: Smith and Riberti have noticed it paired with chrome, glass, and other reflective surfaces, an indication that the ’80s are officially back. 1stDibs also saw a correlation between soft powdery pastels and an increase in ’80s-era interest.

Orange: Flame orange is dousing some walls lately.

Flame orange is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

Orange, as Pantone’s Eiseman pointed out, has consistently remained “at the bottom of the totem pole.” But her team’s research has indicated that the hue is “definitely on board for next year.” It’s a trend also mirrored in WGSN’s reporting: “Saturated tones will return yet in solid color statements, enabling new forms of self-expression,” Riberti says, like fiery orange. And while some designers might opt for saturated versions of the shade on walls, many will use the pigment to add pop to furnishings and accents. “It’s the combination,” Eiseman says. “There are creative opportunities to put colors together that really tax your imagination.” (I’ll add: in a good way)

But homeowners and designers are also drawn to earthier, terra-cotta-tinged shades. In fact, according to 1stDibs’s latest trend research, burnt orange was its third most popular color, behind (you guessed it) emerald and sage green.

Light Brown: Milk chocolate never looked so delectable.

Light brown is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

Forget gray; brown is 2023’s new neutral. In fact, all varieties of this cozy shade are appearing in the color-forecasting tea leaves. “Light browns, dark browns, and beiges are making a comeback because of their earthiness, meaning they ground us and help us feel more connected to the beauty and restorative properties of nature,” says Wadden of Sherwin-Williams.

Before you start getting flashbacks of generic ’90s tract home dens, consider the versatility of today’s beige: “What we’re seeing with the neutrals is that there are many more nuanced neutrals that seem to have an undertone that really pops out at you,” says Pantone’s Eiseman. ELLE DECOR editors are also spotting a variety of finishes with these trending tints, ranging from lustrous taupe lacquer to textured limewash in spaces from kitchens to bedrooms.

Mustard: For ’70s flare, you might try giving your walls a mustard makeover.

Mustard is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

Do you prefer honey or dijon? Yellow or hearty whole grain? Whatever your preference for mustard, it’s a go for 2023 colors. In addition to Raspberry Blush, Benjamin Moore named the khaki-colored Savannah Green as part of its forecast for next year. “Almost like gold leaf for your walls, this rich ochre features a balanced undertone of green and yellow,” the hue’s description reads. Chairish, the vintage furniture online marketplace, saw an increase in searches for mustard-colored items on its platform. For our part, we’ve been seeing varieties of mustard everywhere from walls to textured bouclés.

Rose: A lovely, warm unexpected neutral in 2023 colors.

Rose is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

Next year’s outlook is rosy, according to color forecasters—from bright fuchsias to delicate, neutral-leaning pinks. On the subtle end of the spectrum, Sherwin-Williams inaugurated Redend Point, a serene gray-pink, as its 2023 Color of the Year. “This gorgeous hue tells a story about warmth, exploration, and the importance of self-care, and is the perfect example of the warm, versatile, and unexpected neutrals we expect will become increasingly sought after in 2023,” Wadden tells us.

Pantone, meanwhile, named Viva Magenta! as its frontrunner for 2023 colors – a jubilant purply red that felt in line with the digital-first zeitgeist and “this idea of needing more energy, more vim and more vigor,” Eiseman tells us. Mauve is also making moves, 1stDibs predicts; the company saw a 4 percent increase in interest for mauve in 2022, another indication that the ’80s vibes are in our future.

And there’s more: Benjamin Moore named Raspberry Blush 2008-30 as its color-to-watch of 2023. “We love seeing Raspberry Blush on all four walls to make a bold color statement,” Arianna Cesa, the company’s associate manager of color marketing and development notes. “We particularly love it in a dining room as a modern, blushed update on the classic deep red dining room. For those who want to dip their toe into bold color, it’s great for an accent wall, a ceiling, painted furniture, or trim.”

Powder Blue: A feel-good soft trend that adds balance.

Powder blue is one of the 7 colors that will be everywhere in 2023.

Softness has been trending in a major way across the homefront, ranging from amorphous shapes to fuzzy finishes. It’s also appearing in our homes via pale, powdery blues in particular. Experts say it exemplifies a collective desire for calm in a crazy world: “Luminous powdery sky blues and barely-there pastels will speak to the need for softness and for balance, and help support physical and mental health,” Riberti predicts. Chairish, meanwhile, predicted “French blue,” a pretty cornflower hue, will be appearing increasingly in furnishings and accessories. The sky, apparently, is the limit with this feel-good tint.

Wow, the outlook for a colorful 2023 is bright! I hope you found inspiration in the colors shown here. And that’s the tip of the iceberg. You know I’m here to help you pull it all together and find your best color palette for your personal spaces.

If these 2023 colors have inspired you, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399. I’m easy to reach – you can choose a contact method right below this blog post, and we can set up a consultation to explore some lovely, colorful territory together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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2023 bathroom trends.

The Biggest Bathroom Trends for 2023

Hello, wild wallpaper and spacious showers. And that’s just for starts, in 2023 bathroom trends.

While we realize that good design outlasts fads, few among us can resist a good trend prediction. So, I’m here to separate the good from the bad and deliver to you the 2023 bathroom design trends that actually look like they will have legs. 

Although bathrooms often go overlooked, they’re a necessary part of any home – and, as the place where we often begin the day, they should set us up for success. So, let’s take a look at what makes sense for bathrooms in 2023.

Bold Powder Rooms

Small powder rooms are the perfect places to experiment with bold color and pattern. The small square footage of this Manhattan apartment gives a pattern extra drama, and creates a visual surprise for your guests. As wallpaper continues its newfound popularity into next year, there will likely be a steady rise of eye-popping powder baths.

Bold powder rooms are big for 2023 bathroom trends.

Antiques are Finding Their Way into 2023 Bathroom Trends

Spurred by the combined forces of production delays for new furniture and an eye towards sustainability, vintage and antiques are enjoying newfound popularity. Many designers are incorporating them into bathrooms in exciting ways, like what was done here with an antique chest that was retrofitted as a vanity using a vintage sink.

Antiques are part of new bathroom trends for 2023.

Fluted Edges are One of the Biggest Bathroom Trends for 2023

Fluting is one of the biggest trends on many design radars right now, and the look has myriad uses in a bathroom, whether on cabinet drawers like shown here, or with fluted edges on countertops, detailing on backsplashes, and more.

Fluted edges are one of the biggest bathroom (and other design) trends for 2023.

Next-Level Millwork is Making Its Way into Bathroom Design

Speaking of fluting, forecasters are anticipating a rise in millwork details of all kinds. Lately it’s been predicted that we’ll see more detailed cabinetry in kitchens next year, and I’m betting that will move into the bath space too. While you may not go quite as all out as done for this “Library Bath,” take this as a sign to add a little oomph to those plain shaker cabinets.

Next-level millwork is a big bathroom trend for 2023.

Wet Rooms

In this primary bathroom, statement marble (another trend!) and a spacious “wet room” for the shower, provide the feeling of being in a luxury hotel. These extended spaces are notable for many reasons: They tend to be more accessible, making them optimal for aging-in-place, plus they enable the bathroom to be more multifunctional, essentially dividing it into separate rooms without breaking it up visually.

Wet rooms are a big bathroom trend for 2023.

Statement Stone

Bold marble is another look many designers anticipate going strong next year: You’ll note that in this bathroom, when used right, a natural stone surface can act as de-facto wallpaper.

Bold marble is a BIG bathroom trend for 2023.

New Wainscoting

When you hear the word “wainscoting” you may envision a 90s-looking beaded half-wall—but today’s designers are making the look chic again. In this bath, a typical half-paneled wall gets a modern, graphic spin with vertical subway tile.

Wainscoting is chic again in 2023 bathroom designs.

Bidets are Trending Big for 2023 Bathrooms

I hate to break it to you, but If you’re not on Team Bidet yet, you should be. Once mostly regarded by Americans as a European eccentricity, bidets have now become mainstream, with brands like Toto offering them up built into high-tech toilets, or companies like Tushy selling versions you can add onto an existing toilet.

Time to jump on the "bidet bandwagon", a big 2023 bathroom trend.

I hope these 2023 bathroom trends have inspired you! If you’d like to have me bring some of these decor ideas into your bathrooms, let me know. You can choose a contact method right below this blog post. And feel free to give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399, and we can explore bathroom design ideas together. You can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com and you can also click this link to message me via my website.

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