From single, lonely monstera leaves to luxurious compositions of roses and peonies – some are wondering how to decorate their home with flowers in a modern and stylish way? Let’s explore some favorite trends of floral design for 2022-2023.

The key themes of recent floral trends are seasonality, minimalism, practical solutions, calm and romantic palette. There are fewer and fewer bulky, lush bouquets in interiors. These days, florists are preferring monochrome and simplicity. Practical and durable compositions of dried flowers, grasses, and artificial plants have become favorites of interior designers lately. Let’s dive a bit deeper into what else is currently relevant in home floral design.

Warmth And Tenderness in Floral Design

Who doesn’t want to plunge into these warm, inviting colors? Modern florists are increasingly using shades of a warm, earthy palette: light coral, mustard, brown, peach, orange, dark pink, flesh. One of the most desired colors of 2022, according to the choice of the Pantone Institute, is Living Coral, their color of the year for 2019 – its warmth and vibrancy have lingered on.

Fresh peonies of this shade, together with orange berries and brown lisianthuses, look very gentle and cozy. Such bouquets bring an extra degree of warmth and comfort to the house. Visually, earthy shades add a bit of depth.

Guests From Fields And Gardens

The eco-trend has not spared floral design either. Small, modest bouquets with the inclusion of field and garden flowers are welcome: daisies, cornflowers, zinnias, asters, marigolds, etc. With the right approach, they can turn out to be chic compositions that are not inferior in aesthetics to proud roses and pampered orchids.

In a bouquet with expensive, varietal flowers, garden and field plants will remove unnecessary pathos and give the composition a zest, relying on the tenderness and beauty of the wild.

Beautiful Asymmetry

Floristry has lifted asymmetrical design from the world of catwalks, where models showed extravagant asymmetrical outfits. Now it is no longer necessary to carefully align the head of the bouquet: on one side, the stems may well protrude more than the others, or the color scheme may be brighter than on the other side. Such unusual compositions are quite ready to become an art object in interior decor.

The fashionable asymmetrical bouquet is well suited for modern styles: eclecticism, postmodernism, avant-garde, fusion, pop art, grunge, etc. Such compositions will definitely attract attention, so they can be placed on key areas in the interior.

Herbs in Floral Design? Of Course

From ordinary ears of corn to South American pampas – what kind of herbs are not used in bouquets these days? This makes the compositions appear lush and rich in texture. Many traders in the field of floristry note an increase in interest in herbs in 2022 and predict the further development of this trend in the next year.

In minimalist interiors, you’ll often find arrangements composed entirely of decorative herbs or even single leaves. They look stylish and unusual. Trending herbal plants for 2022-20: wild oats, palm trees, miscanthus, haretail, brunia, fern, ruscus, etc.

The popularity of the South American pampas is growing. Designers are utilizing pampas grass to create bold, voluminous compositions that are sometimes even suspended from the ceiling. The grass dries well and can last in this form for more than one year.

Refined Monochrome

It’s not about a bouquet of roses of the same color. The idea is about “analog” or related shades: for example, pink hydrangeas along with purple carnations, coral peonies, and fuchsia bush roses. And for freshness, you can add white flowers and greens.

There can be many options for such a mono-mix. Thanks, perhaps, to the smooth iridescence of one color, or adjacent shades and textures of others, eyes will always find something to delight in. The compositions are restrained and touching. With the help of an expanded monochrome floral palette, you can soften contrasting tones in an interior and make a smoother visual transition.

Oriental Zen

The culture of the East has been a source of inspiration to countless designers for decades and decades now. Japanese minimalism has firmly taken its place in contemporary interior design along with the sophisticated art of ikebana. Ornate and at the same time laconic combinations of colors and natural materials have a timeless, sophisticated appeal.

When exploring ikebana, you’ll also find bonsai – another echo of the culture of Ancient Japan. It is not genetic dwarfing but is the art of keeping a tree small enough to be container-grown while otherwise fostered to have a mature appearance. This style is loved by many modern designers and included in projects in minimalist, oriental, neoclassical, Scandinavian, and even industrial styles. Western florists have recognized the apricot mini-tree as a recent big favorite.

Practical Dried Flowers

A few years ago dried flowers occasionally supplemented fresh bouquets, but now mixes of dried flowers have become a fashionable interior decor treatment, which is likely to continue into 2023. You can probably imagine small and large bouquets with dried lavender, poppies, eucalyptus, oats, yarrow, ears of wheat, etc. providing visual aesthetics on windowsills, shelves, and coffee tables.

Despite the fragility and lack of aroma, dried flowers are more economical, do not require special care, and can delight the eye much longer than natural flowers. And if they are placed behind glass and hung on the wall, then their service life is practically unlimited. Some even add dried tropical fruits to the composition of dried flowers. In addition to classic vases, dried bouquets can be beautifully hung, covered with a glass bell, assembled in a wicker basket, mug, or wall panel.

Hot Tropics

Echoing the trend of tropical flora featured in decoration and decor items, floral design experts suggest including exotic plants in home interiors: all kinds of palm trees, orchids, frangipani, succulents, citrus fruits.

Orchids are increasingly being placed in clear plastic or glass containers to expose intricate root plexuses. Thanks to this, the plant looks more natural, and the container does not visually burden the interior (although the right vase or container can absolutely make a setting).

Silk Flowers

Today artificial flowers, like dried flowers, are not bad manners. Thanks to high technology and modern materials, latex and silicone plants are increasingly difficult to distinguish from real ones. International traders have noted this year an unprecedented demand for artificial flowers to decorate private homes, shop windows, and buildings. Aesthetics have become much more practical.

The Finishing Factor

And finally, let’s talk about containers for plants. Classic, minimalist glass and ceramic vases are still relevant. But there is growing interest in substantial containers made of concrete, brass, copper. A light touch of aging on vases is in fashion, which is achieved with the help of special patinas and other processes applied to the material.

Vases and containers with bold shapes and volumetric geometric patterns will fit perfectly into modern interiors. For Christmas, florists are predicting a boom for copper leaves and 1970s-style hexagonal vases.

I’m Always Here to Help with Fresh Floral Design Ideas

If you’d like to spruce up your interiors with some trending floral styling, I’m always available for a consultation to help you decide on the best arrangements, colors, and materials to enhance your home or business. There are so many options and always an abundance of solutions for any decor need.

If that sounds like a plan, let’s talk more about decorating your spaces with current floral design trends. 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.

Here are some lovely interior color trends for 2022 – and how to use them in your home. You may have noticed, we’ve been moving towards a mindset of wellbeing lately. From calming neutrals countering the turbulence of the pandemic to cheerful and optimistic shades, this selection reflects that healing trend and incorporates aspects of wellbeing into the home.

Colors resonate in distinct ways for different people, and while some gravitate towards calming neutrals to counter the upheaval of the past couple of years, others choose to immerse themselves in positive, vivid colors, reaching for optimism. Frankly, I think all of it works to move things (us and all that is wrapped up in our lives) forward with a big smile to the future.

Dulux’s Bright Skies is a fresh and airy blue, Benjamin Moore chose a gentle shade of sage, while Farrow & Ball predicts a cheerful rainbow, from the spicy yellow Babouche No.223 to the lively Breakfast Room Green No.81. All of these make that healing statement of wellbeing for this 2022 year.

Here are some tips on how you can make the most of these 2022 interior color trends in your home.

1. Babouche – the sunny yellow

In 2022, we’ll relish brighter colors that herald a return to normality. The sunny and uncomplicated Babouche is perfect for embracing this – while bold, it never feels garish or overpowering.

Named after the distinctive color of the leather slippers worn by men in Morocco, this shade of yellow can be described as ‘subdued sunshine.’ Despite its bold hue, it’s not overly bright or overpowering, making it perfect for a larger room, where its cheerfulness will intensify. In terms of décor, opt for more minimalist companions, such as simple line drawings, or unobtrusive bright shades.

This buttery yellow can help to brighten a space with limited natural light, and when you consider the color wheel, this particular shade would sit well with a pale blue or a soft pink/red.

2. School House White – the updated neutral

A soft, off-white shade, School House White is designed to look like white in a shaded area. Muted, timeless, and comfortingly familiar, this shade evokes the nostalgia of old schoolhouses. Due to its grounded, unassuming hue, this shade would pair easily with virtually any other color. Ideal for a background on which to feature dramatic, largescale artworks, or even vibrant, statement rugs, it’s hard to go wrong with this particular shade of white.

This shade will also amplify the power of Babouche if you like the idea of combining multiple 2022 interior color trends.

3. Bright Skies – the hopeful blue

This airy and fresh shade breathes new life into any space. It will be a game-changer when people use this tone on their ceilings, with Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director of Dulux, saying it makes the ceiling just ‘melt away.’ This hue is both uplifting and light, while simultaneously being soothing, familiar, and apt for a joyous safe haven. This selection by Dulux was influenced by the aftermath of the pandemic, with many of us craving freedom, expansion, and a return to nature.

This shade has the potential to be the new grey, in a turn towards color with less emphasis on neutrals.

4. Breakfast Room Green – the cheerful shade

The most cheerful of Farrow & Ball’s greens – named after the east-facing rooms designed for languid mornings spent eating breakfast in the dawn light. This soft shade reflects the natural world we’ve often retreated to during the pandemic.

These last two years, many of us spent much of our time reconnecting with our gardens and falling back in love with nature. This shade complements plants, whether art-depicted, or real, and would work well to promote a sense of wellbeing within the home. Pair this shade with Stone Blue for a visual effect that is captivatingly familiar. Due to its calming nature, opt for artwork that speaks to wellbeing.

5. Incarnadine – the comforting red

Rich, warm, and oh-so-comforting, is Incarnadine. This shade combines traditional red while beckoning the spirit of the leisurely Mediterranean. This shade would pair perfectly with warm woodwork and rustic gold touches. Alternatively, angle it towards an edgy twist by pairing it with a bright white shade.

Heighten the contemporary feel in this glossy shade by combining it with a monochromatic palette, or go for opulence with plenty of velvets, deep forest greens or inky blues, and classic antique furniture.

6. October Mist – the palest green

A soft grey-green, October Mist makes a great foundation color from which to build an earthy palette. Much like Breakfast Room Green, this shade encourages a reconnection with the great outdoors and is easy to introduce into your home.

October Mist does well in a farmhouse setting, combined with soft, nature-inspired tones – pale sky blues, a scorched earth red, or chalky whites. A particularly calming color combination puts October Mist with deeper fern greens.

7. Stone Blue – the vintage tone

An appreciation of vintage style shows no sign of faltering in 2022, with the timeless Stone Blue by Farrow & Ball sitting alongside Dulux’s Bright Skies as the most on-trend blue shades.

Named after the indigo pigment imported in lumps during the 18th century, this warm and timeless blue can be used alongside other warm hues to create an inviting, vintage look. Alternatively, decorate with a cooler tone for a cleaner, more contemporary feel. Bonus points if you pair this shade with other simple and familiar colors that communicate that sense of folk and craftsmanship that is present throughout this palette.

Some very nice colors here, breathing new life into interiors looking for a refresh. Not all of the paints are easily available in the US, but there are a lot of workarounds and parallels. I just wanted you to see some lovely color trends making waves now. And, of course, I’m here to help you pull it all together and find your best personal palette for 2022.

If these colors have inspired you, just give me a call anytime at (407) 743-2399 or message me in the window below this blog, and we can 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.

A fire pit is bound to be the centerpiece of many backyard gatherings.

When you have outdoor space, chances are you want to make the most of it, and fire pits are one lively way to create a focal point in your yard. Aside from the gorgeous ambiance they create and memories you can make around them, there’s also an option for everyone’s budget.

Plus, they can range from simple and temporary to elaborate and semi-permanent, depending on your needs. I can help you with any of these, and show you how to get the most bang for your buck.

• You can keep it budget-friendly by going au naturel with stones and stumps for your fire pit and seating.
• Design your fire pit area as you would a room and define the space with a stone or brick “rug.”
• Throw pillows and cushions are the perfect way to cozy up a hard stone space.

1. Keep it budget-friendly (if you need to)

A ring of stone pavers can serve as a simple, inexpensive fire pit. Fire pit designs don’t have to be fancy to be functional and beautiful. You can use what you have to make it happen. Perhaps a ring of large decorative rocks, bricks, cinder blocks, even a hole in your cement. Or, if you have a home that’s made of stone or masonry, consider adjoining a gas fire pit right up to the house itself. This not only allows heat to be reflected from the home back to the seating area, but it also makes it so you have to build less structure.

2. Define the space for your fire pit

A half wall and a stone patio clearly define this space. Fire pits have a strong aesthetic connection to hardscaped areas. Naturally, stonework gives a fire-resistant landing for any sparks but, beyond that, it also provides a defined space for your fire pit area. Consider the firepit like a mini room with a focal point in the middle. It’s not necessary but having a version of a ‘rug’ will help define it. Of course, you shouldn’t use a rug, but a pebble floor, stone, or decking (not with wood fire pits) helps create a conversation area. Another, more beachy option would be sand!

3. Go portable

A portable pit lets you experiment with location. Committing to a built-in fire pit might not be your thing, whether that’s because of budget or not knowing where you’ll want it long-term. Should you not be ready to commit just yet, a portable or modular fire pit is the perfect place to start before taking the more permanent route of customization. If you think you’ll move it around a bit before finding its home, choose one with wheels for easy rearranging. Once many people find their ideal location, they want to create a more permanent structure and design. Remember, I’m here to help you with that, just a phone call or message away!

4. Have fun with string lights

String lights add both light and ambiance. While the fire from the pit will provide lighting on its own, having low voltage lighting or string lights around the space (not over the fire) can certainly add to the ambiance, making the design all the more magical. It’s a relatively easy and inexpensive add-on that can really elevate the space.

5. Arrange a dining table near your fire pit

Increase the utility of the fire pit by adding a dining table. If your fire pit area will primarily be used for gatherings and entertaining guests, placing an outdoor dining table nearby is an addition you won’t regret. Having multiple social areas that can “double-dip” into the fire pit is ideal. Who doesn’t love a tableside flicker?

6. Incorporate pillows and cushions for coziness

Combat a lot of stone with cozy pillows and cushions. With a hardscape design, vibrant pillows and cushions are a simple way to add a cozy contrast to the otherwise cold (fire not included) space. Make your stony space more inviting with these touches – and blankets – so that relaxing by the fire is actually comfortable.

7. Get creative with seating around the fire pit

Stools, stumps, and benches can all help diversify your seating. While classic Adirondack chairs are always an affordable option, getting creative with seating can go a long way when building an outdoor fire pit area. Repurpose something you already have or thrift some fun outdoor stools. Some have also found great success with boulders and stumps.

8. Try swing seating

A bench swing is inviting and unique. If you are willing to spend a little extra money, and classic chairs won’t cut it for you, a swinging seat or lounger is always a fun alternative for both children and adults alike. Remember, safety first! It’s got to be positioned and designed to utilize the fire but not allow for any unsafe situations as well.

9. Think small and close

A fire pit close to your house means easier access and increased use. Fire pits that are too far from the house often go unused and those that are too big won’t feel as cozy or inviting. Keeping them intimate and close to your home, the experts agree, will make them much more functional and allow for better conversation around the fire.

10. Make the fire pit part of your existing outdoor space

Embrace your existing landscaping to dictate the size and shape of your fire pit area. For a fire pit area design that functions best with the rest of your outdoor furniture, tie all of the materials and colors together so everything matches. This will make the space feel more a part of the rest of the design so it’s welcoming and doesn’t get neglected.

11. Opt for an outdoor couch

A couch keeps things cozy. Similar to the swing seating, an outdoor couch is another cozy option for seating if you’re looking to spend a little more. Whether you choose a loveseat, a three-seater, or even a wrap-around, a couch adds extra warmth so you can bring your throw blankets outside and even swap out pillows seasonally.

12. Incorporate storage into your fire pit design

If you position it safely, your woodpile can serve as a design element. Aside from the fireplace and seating, fire pit area designs with storage are a luxury you’ll be glad to have. Consider creative firewood storage or outdoor trunks that can double as seating and storage for pillows, blankets, marshmallow sticks, and the like.

13. Get fancy with a pergola

Overhead structures can also help define a seating area. Pergolas are elegant ways to draw attention to any area of a yard. Whether you build it yourself or buy it pre-built, it’s a whimsical piece of decor to add to a whimsical evening under the stars and by the fire.

14. Add end tables for food and drinks

Tree stumps can serve as great end tables. Adding end tables around your fire pit for s’mores, beer, or whatever fireside goodies you’re consuming, goes a long way. Like with your seating, you can get creative with these tables so you’re not breaking the bank. Check fireplace wood salvage companies for stumps to double as extra seating or cocktail tables.

15. Add heat lamps for year-round enjoyment

Porch heaters can extend the fire pit season for months. Summer nights by the fire always make memories but if you’re looking to use your fire pit area well into the colder months, you’ll want to have additional heat sources.

A misconception about fire pits is that they are a great source of comfortable heating. To have an outdoor fire that is large enough to keep you warm without it getting too hot is hard to balance. Incorporating infrared heat lamps is the best – and safest – way to find this balance.

Insider’s takeaway

With a little creativity, designing an outdoor fire pit space can be fun – and doesn’t have to break the bank. Start by defining your space with stones, bricks, pebbles, or the like, and then add in seating, tables, lights, storage, or other decor to elevate the space and really make it your own. Sticking to a budget? Use what you already have around your yard or head to a thrift shop or wood scrap yard for inexpensive goodies.

I’d love to help you out and show you how to tie everything together to create your perfect vision for your backyard fire pit. Just contact me for a consultation. You can message me here, right below this blog post, or click this “contact” link, or you can also email me at: carmen@sohointeriordesign.com And, of course, you can always call me anytime at (407) 743-2399.

My 2 Sponsored Christmas Trees for the Festival of the Trees

A special tree honoring our Healthcare Heroes

Cool elegance to inspire warm memories of home

Inspiration is everywhere

I even created a restful space around the Corcoran Premier Realty tree. A special thank you to La-Z-Boy Orlando! They provided the two chairs, side tables and area rug, all of which tie in perfectly with the color scheme of the tree.

A new season of holiday decor will be here sooner than you think

These days, if you’d rather skip the after party to go home, light a candle and break out the slippers, then this lovely neutral is for you. After years of bright jewel tones and chic neutral hues, Sherwin-Williams has announced Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), a strikingly soft and soothing green, as its 2022 color of the year.

“Evergreen Fog is a sophisticated wash of color for spaces that crave a subtle yet stunning statement shade,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Evergreen Fog inspires us to begin again and is a great choice for modern interiors and exteriors.”

The calming green represents much more than a deeper dive (and perhaps return) into a more muted palette that is appearing from a wide variety of sources. Wadden explains that in the past few years, neutrals have been warming up and we have prioritized sustainability and organic living more than ever. While just five years ago we may have gone for that polished contrasted look in our homes, more people are flocking to organic textiles and natural materials.

The Rise of Green

Sherwin-Williams isn’t the only major brand touting green in 2022, either. Benjamin Moore’s 2022 Color Trends Report pointed to “October Mist 1495”, a subtly smoky sage, among more earthy and soft-bold colors.

“Specifically, there’s been rising interest in greens. The green color family is so diverse, from calming rich sages like Evergreen Fog to earthier tones and more dramatic emeralds,” Wadden told Forbes Home. “All of our research and these trends helped Evergreen Fog emerge as a clear choice for the 2022 color of the year.”

What’s more: This year’s 2022 color of the year reflects our reality having gone through (and still going through) a worldwide pandemic. Green is often associated with healing and growth, and while it’s simple speculation, it’s easy to correlate the selection for this year’s interior color schemes with what so many of us have realized we really needed over the last year and a half: a calm, safe space.

“Green from a color psychology standpoint is the color of nature and revitalization and growth, and green is emblematic of that newness,” Wadden continues. “The popularity of this soft gray-green right now shows how poignant that color and its meaning are. It’s about rebirth, growth, and beginning again. From the Sherwin-Williams perspective, we announced last year Urbane Bronze as our Color of the Year, which was all about sanctuary, safety, and cocooning.”

Evergreen Fog’s Best Color Pairings

While Wadden maintains that Evergreen Fog is an extremely versatile color, there are a few key colors she would recommend to pair it with.

“The familiar, comfortable nature of Evergreen Fog shines as a reassuring backdrop and freshens up any space,” Wadden said. “Create depth and texture with a mix of natural-looking textiles. Add a little gleam with a fusion of metals—champagne gold, warm brass, or inky black.”

Wadden recommends pairing Evergreen Fog with organic neutrals such as Shoji White SW 7042, Accessible Beige SW 7036, and Woven Wicker SW 9104, as well as tonal luxurious hues such as Urbane Bronze SW 7048, Über Umber SW 9107, and Bakelite Gold SW 6368.

Where to Use Evergreen Fog

I love this hue’s versatility and ability to fit into nearly any design style, including art deco, modern organic, and postmodernism.

“Evergreen Fog brings a regenerative touch to any environment, whether hotel room, restaurant, or office,” said Wadden.

The toned-down and composed color lends itself to dynamic areas of the home, such as lounges and other areas used for rest and relaxation, to encourage the adaptability of the space, but can also be used in entry areas and lobbies to create a comforting welcome.

“Evergreen Fog is such a versatile color that it can be paired with any style of design or décor to help create your desired mood for each room. It serves as a sophisticated backdrop for a home office and is a soothing hue for spaces where you want to relax, like a living room or bedroom,” Wadden said. “I also think that it’s a fresh take on cabinet storage in a kitchen or mudroom or trim paired with white paint for walls and ceilings. It’s as beautiful for exteriors as it is for interiors, and I would use it as a mid-tone for the whole home or a welcoming accent on a front door, shutters, or trim.”

If this new color for 2022 has inspired you, and you’d like to see how to incorporate it into your spaces, I’m always available for consultations If this sounds appealing, let’s talk more about how Evergreen Fog can enhance your interiors. 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.

I love fall decorating! But sometimes the transition from summer to fall can seem a bit sudden when it comes to home decor; however, planning a gradual transition is an easy way to make your home style come together. Instead of swapping all your decor at once, start by slowly bringing in fall accents towards the end of summertime (I know, here in Florida, it’s “fall-ish”). This gradual transformation will help you have a fully festive harvest home by the time the fall season arrives – I’d say, just pre-Halloween to post-Halloween. From simple decor swaps to lighting to comfy additions and more, here’s how to transition your home from summer to fall to get ready for the harvest season.

Put Your Summer Decor In Storage To Make Room For Fall Decor

The first step in transitioning your home from summer to fall is to gather all your summer decorations and items to put into storage. The idea is to start putting away anything that either has a summer theme or gives off a warm summer feeling. This can be a gradual task; you don’t necessarily need to put away everything at once. Start with individual rooms, and continue to place items in storage as the summer season ends. Decorations can be the first to go, followed by more practical summer items that you might still need until the very end of the season.

Summer Items To Place In Storage

• Decorations with summer themes and colors
• Faux plants and flowers
• Summer wardrobe and accessories
• Outdoor seating (this can stay outside until the weather starts to get cold)
• Summer scented candles
• Lightweight bedding, curtains, and blankets
• Summer pillows and seat cushions

Bring Comfort To Your Home With Warm Lighting & Fall Scents

The fall season is all about comfort and coziness within your own home. As you shift your home from summer to fall, it’s important to start bringing in that comfortable aesthetic to make for a seamless transition to the next season. Start adding some comfy cozy elements to each room of your home to get ready for the fall season.

There are so many ways to add warm and cozy elements to different areas of your home. Through lighting, scents, and more, you can easily make the seasonal shift feel natural and normal. Check out some ideas below for inspiration on how to create that cozy feeling in your home.

Cozy Fall Elements To Add To Your Home

• String lights & lanterns. Warm lighting is a great choice for your first fall addition to your home. Adding some string lights and lanterns to your home will give your space a cozy feeling without jumping too quickly into a fall theme.
• Fall scented candles. Bringing fall scents into your home is another great way to gradually transition into the harvest season. Add some fall candles to your home with warm scents such as pumpkin spice, cinnamon, apple cider, bonfire, sandalwood, clove, and more.
• Comfy fabrics. Adding comfortable fabrics throughout your home is another way to create a cozy fall environment. This can include faux fur blankets, large rugs, and plus towels.
• Wood materials. Using wood materials strategically throughout your home is a great way to continue the warm feelings in your space. It can be as simple as adding some wood accents and decorations, to adding a new warm wood side table to your living room, using a wooden planter to hold fall flowers, or adding a wood accent chair to your home. And, of course, so much more.

Add Some Subtle Fall Colors For An Easy Seasonal Transition

While summer color schemes are bright and bold, the fall season has more muted and warm colors. In order to make a smooth transition into the harvest season, you can gradually add fall colors to your home with the help of small accents and other items. This is a great way to make the transition less jarring and more natural.

How To Add Fall Colors To Your Home

There are many ways to bring fall colors into your home; however, you need to start in a more subtle way if you want that smooth transition. Find areas of your home where you can swap summer colors for fall ones, or areas that are lacking a solid color scheme. Here are some easy ideas for adding fall colors to your home in a small way towards the end of summer.

• Add a fall flower arrangement to your coffee table or dining table
• Hang up a fall wreath on your door
• Lay out a fall garland across your mantel
• Display orange and red candles throughout your home
• Hang up fall colored towels in the bathroom
• Use fall-colored string lights throughout your home

Swap Your Throw Pillows & Linens For A Fall Style

Another easy way to transition your home from summer to fall is to swap out your throw pillows and other linens. As mentioned before, fall time is all about the warm and cozy feeling in your home, and swapping out fabrics is a great way to accomplish that. This is an especially good idea if you currently have light and flowy summer fabrics throughout your home.

Make sure to swap these fabrics and linens for thicker and warmer items. Popular fall fabrics include wool, faux fur, and thick cotton. Take note of these elements to include them in your decor spread throughout your space. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out some ideas below for what to swap.

Fabrics & Linens To Swap For Fall

• Throw pillows and blankets on the couch and bed
• Rugs in your bathroom and other areas of your home
• Window coverings and curtains
• Comforters and bedsheets
• Hand towels and bath towels

Add Pumpkins Gradually To Your Decor For A Smooth Transition

Fall time comes with many iconic symbols, so it’s only fitting to start decorating with those symbols. However, if you want a smooth transition from summer to fall, you have to start on a smaller scale. The best place to start is by slowly adding pumpkins to your decor spread to get a subtle fall appearance.

Pumpkin decorations can come in all shapes and forms. Start by adding a few ceramic pumpkins to your coffee table and entryway table. Then, as the fall season gets closer, you can slowly incorporate more pumpkins through the help of wall signs, patterned pillows, and other themed accents. Starting with just a few pumpkin items will help give off that subtle fall transition without overloading your space.

In addition to pumpkins, you can also slowly incorporate other fall symbols and patterns. This can include things such as plaid, fall foliage, apples, and any patterns with red and orange color schemes. Bring these patterns in with small decorative accents – this will help you notice the change but it won’t give your space a full harvest transformation at once.

Create Small Fall Decor Spreads Throughout Your Home

Another simple way to transition your home from summer to fall is to create small fall decor spreads throughout your home. Small setups throughout your home are a great way to bring the fall feeling to your space in a subtle and seamless way. Find areas of your space where you can create these displays without interrupting the style of the room.

A great place to start is with your mantel. The mantel display in your living room can instantly establish the theme of your space; adding a small fall spread will help you transition into the harvest season. For instance, you can add a small fall sentiment sign with a couple of decorative pumpkins or a grouping of gourds. This may look very simple, but you can always add extra fall accents to your mantel as the harvest season gets closer.

In addition to your mantel, you can also set up small fall decor spreads in other areas of your home. This can include areas like the entryway table, coffee table, kitchen island, bathroom shelf, or bookshelf. Find small open areas to create these displays or even find areas with summer decorations that can be swapped for fall accents. These small changes will add to your home transition in a big way.

I’m always available for consultations and design projects to help you bring fall into your home or business. There are so many beautiful choices to make any space gently transition to the fall and/or holiday season. Or if you do like a clean sweep, I can do it all in one visit. If this sounds appealing, let’s talk more about warming up your spaces with the colors and scents, and textures of the fall season. 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.

Bring a touch of the outdoors inside and add some warmth to your spaces

Decorating with plants is something anybody can do

Breathe easy with the beauty of plants

A little living beauty goes a long way

Now there is one thing to remember

Automation Welcomes Us Into the Future!

Smart homes are one of many great leaps we’ve made into the future; if you’re not already controlling your appliances, lights, HVAC, and security systems from your phone or tablet, you will be soon – and that includes motorized window treatments.

Voice-controlled devices like Amazon Alexa®, Google Home®, and Apple Homepod® are also quickly gaining popularity and becoming a staple in homes across the U.S. It’s no surprise either, with their ability to play music, set alarms, and tell you the weather forecast or latest news upon request – they simply make everyday life easier.

These innovative devices are fueling the growing trend to adopt smart home benefits and efficiency; and like many industries, window treatment manufacturers have taken notice of the need for automated products. “Alexa… open the living room shades” is now part of the smart-home mix!

The top window covering manufacturers that I represent have embraced emerging technologies, creating intelligent hubs and motorization that make it much easier to integrate your shades, blinds, shutters, or draperies with home automation systems. There are many benefits to going motorized; syncing your window treatments to work in perfect harmony with your smart lights, thermostat, and entertainment systems is only one of many highly sought-after advantages.

The Best Benefits of Having Motorized Window Treatments

1. Simplicity

With the push of one button, you can control single shades or every shade in the room simultaneously. No longer will you have to struggle with hard-to-reach windows that are behind furniture or up too high. If you have lots of windows, automation will help you save a little time every day and night that you can use however you’d like. Do you have elderly parents? Motorized shades and blinds eliminate the difficulty of reaching for or manually operating their window treatments. With Christmas just not too far away, right now is the perfect time to treat yourself or your parents to a simpler life.

2. Style and Sophistication

There’s something deliciously luxurious about using your voice or the push of a button to open or close your window coverings. Motorization and smart home automation allow you to easily respond to the mood of the moment, effortlessly and easily. And you can stay focused on what held your attention in the first place, without having to get up and manually open or close your coverings. It also goes without saying that there’s an inherent big “Wow!” factor as well. My clients tell me the convenience factor is worth its weight in gold!

3. Lower Energy Bills

Solar power, proper insulation, and more have been a growing trend in homeowners’ efforts to more effectively manage their energy consumption and lower their bills.Installing motorized shades, sheers, and blinds can definitely help you increase energy efficiency. With automated, hub-based systems, it’s easy to integrate your window treatments with smart thermostats, like the Nest® Ecobee® Lyric® or Honeywell®, allowing you to control room temperature with window adjustments before using the HVAC system to heat or cool your home. Integrating a sun sensor with your smart-home devices means your blinds can lower or rise on their own even if you’re away. This important feature helps manage your home’s heat gain during summer months and heat loss in the wintertime.

4. Improve Home Resale Value. with Motorized Window Treatments

Since most window treatments are attached directly to the home, more and more buyers expect that they’ll be included in their purchase. Today, motorized shades and blinds are especially desirable and in high demand by prospective home buyers for their ease of use, ability to synch with smart-home devices, and green features that boost energy efficiency. Definitely a win-win!

5. Set the Mood

Need some mood lighting for a special occasion or while entertaining? Your voice command, phone app, or remote-controlled window treatments will gladly assist. It’s easy to store predefined room “scenes” to orchestrate and manage your artificial light, favorite music, and more to create the perfect setting. I’d love to show you the options available.

6. Boost Privacy

Motorized window treatments are a favorite among homeowners who enjoy their privacy. Do you have windows in close proximity to a neighbor’s house or worry that passersby can easily peer through your windows from the street? Simply push a button to lower your shades at any time and even set up automated scenes to close your window coverings at the desired times daily. For these kinds of situations, many homeowners like the top-down, bottom-up feature of honeycomb shades the most, and they can also be easily motorized and automated.

7. Wake Up Peacefully

For many people, alarm clocks have been replaced by cell phones. Once motorization is added to your windows, you’ll have the option to get a peaceful wake-up call from nature. Adjust your shades to gently wake you each morning by letting in the sunlight when it’s time to get up. I can show you how to create your own natural alarm clock.

8. Motorized Window Treatments are Cordless & Kid Friendly

Motorization means no unsightly strings or cords. Say goodbye to those pesky tangled cords hanging from the shades; and more importantly, eliminate all possibilities of your children or pets playing with your blinds. Cordless window treatments are attractive, easy, and safe.

9. UV Protection

Motorized shades will help you protect your woodwork, upholstery fabrics, floors, and artwork from UV damage and inevitable fading. Your motorized window treatments can close and adapt automatically during the harshest part of sunny days.

10. Motorized Window Treatments are GREAT for Security

Window treatments can deter thieves and intruders when coupled with home automation systems, by giving the appearance that you’re still at home. Simply schedule the operation of your shades and blinds while you’re away on holidays or business trips. With hub-based systems, if you forget to preprogram things you can still easily control your shades and windows remotely via your mobile phone or tablet.

Thinking About Upgrading to Motorized Window Treatments?

Let me help you choose the right window treatments to motorize or automate. Power can be added to most types of treatments, in a wide variety of styles, textiles, and finishes. When you work with me, you’re choosing an expert who knows technology and design. You would never ask your electrician to pick out your chandelier! Don’t settle for function over design when you can have both! Let me show you how.

If you’re considering motorized window coverings, I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of motorization for your specific needs, lifestyle, and convenience. There are a lot of issues to explore, and I can guide you to choosing the perfect motorization solution for what you envision. If interested, let’s talk more about motorization. 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.

While my clients love to have their window treatments motorized, going that route is often accompanied by a lot of questions, which is understandable. I’ve compiled a list of the most common questions here, along with helpful answers and guidance.

What are some of the key benefits of motorized window treatments?

Here are three key reasons behind going the smart home/motorization route:

Safety: Smart window coverings make spaces safer, as children and pets can no longer get tangled in hazardous loops or control cords. And thanks to preset scenes and timers, smart window coverings are continuously in motion, making your home always seem inhabited. It creates a sense of security and helps to prevent break-ins.

Energy efficiency: Smart window coverings are able to automatically adapt to changing conditions inside and outside the home. This makes it possible for you to regulate the indoor climate and save energy by making the best use of the insulating properties of window coverings.

Convenience: Smart window coverings make everyday life even more enjoyable. As part of a smart home ecosystem, where various smart devices such as smart lighting and thermostats seamlessly work together, window coverings automatically move to the rhythm of your daily life, creating the perfect atmosphere at any time.

So you can see that the key benefits of smart window coverings perfectly align with the main motivators for people choosing to make their homes smart. The extra investment makes life safer, more energy-efficient, and more comfortable. These are major considerations when deciding upon motorized window treatments.

Motorization always seems expensive…I love the “wow” factor, but I’d still like you to help me justify it in my thinking.

Think about the benefits of energy cost savings that motorized shades provide. Many motorized platforms present unique features like sunrise/sunset detection to seamlessly automate a shading system. Also, energy-efficient homeowner rebate programs are currently in development through the Attachments Energy Rating Council and nationwide utility providers, further supporting the energy benefits of motorized window treatments.

In addition to energy savings, motorized window coverings deliver on their promise of convenience. Many popular motorized shading systems are designed with a wide range of features that enable effortless control of a motorized shade. Through devices such as push-button remotes, voice assistants, or home automation systems, my clients have greater flexibility to personalize how they interact with their shades.

Many existing manual shades, blinds, and drapery systems can be converted to a motorized operation with retrofit capabilities through motor offerings. My customers always have the option to purchase new motorized systems for key areas in the home and opt to upgrade existing systems now or later to spread out their investment.

Did you know I offer motorized plantation shutters too! Way cool convenience! Sorry for the pun. 

And let’s not forget, one of the key reasons for motorizing your window treatments is that it is a child- and pet-safe solution for the home, keeping our loved ones safe from the potential hazards chain and cord shading solutions present. That alone is very important to many of my clients.

The connected home continues to be a growing trend, and motorized window treatments are a natural fit to expand your home’s capabilities.

Do you need different motors to power different window treatments like shades, shutters, and drapes?

Yes, there are different motors for large or small windows and roller shades, draperies, roman shades, shutters, blinds, and even transitional shades. There are many reasons for this. A motor that powers a shade is different in form than a motor that powers a motorized drapery track. Other factors are the size of the shade and the weight of the fabric being motorized. All of that has to be taken into account. Plus, my clients need to decide whether they want a wired solution or a battery-powered solution.

Do I need my electrical system reworked to accommodate motorization?

Many motorized window treatments run on household batteries which means they can be installed anywhere in the home without requiring a nearby power socket. And they’re rechargeable, so you can get good functionality from battery operation. There’s no need for special electrical rewiring with the variety of options available. Since rechargeable batteries can last for many years without being replaced, these blinds require minimum maintenance – and they’re super quiet.

Tell me more specifically about motorizing my draperies.

Motorized drapery hardware’s control technology should be able to be controlled with the touch of a button, simple voice commands, and third-party devices. Motors should be quiet, so sound levels need to be checked upfront too, along with warranties.  And these days, even a manufacturer’s reputation is important.  

Another factor that I have to work with is matching the motor to the drapery’s weight. It’s essential to know and verify that your draperies can operate seamlessly no matter the length, weight, or area the treatment covers. Aesthetically, I look for decorative motorized products that complement my design and what my clients want to achieve. I choose motorized drapery products that offer the same details that decorative hardware does, as well as a wide choice of finishes, rod sizes, and a host of other specifics relative to the window covering process.

What do I need to know about motorizing very large shades, screens, or other window treatments?

Shades can be motorized practically without a size limit. In fact, motorization is key to enabling the proper function of the largest of shades, as they cannot easily be opened or closed by a person without motorization.

The good news is these systems for large window coverings still operate inexpensively with current radio frequency remote controllers and home automation hubs, so we can take advantage of all the systems currently available (e.g., Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant) to command even the largest of shades, shutters, and blinds.

It all seems very complicated. Is there anything simpler?

If you are looking for a more price-conscious way to motorize window treatments without the use of remotes, consider a motorized wand. It’s a simple and affordable solution, and motorized wands offer intuitive operation with a three-button controller. As a safer alternative to corded lift options, these wands can provide function as well as peace of mind.

When is it appropriate to use a solar battery charger?

Although solar panel efficiency relies on numerous factors (the direction it’s facing, shadows going over the window during the day, the height of the window, etc.), in most cases, solar panels are more than enough to charge a blind’s motor. Because solar chargers typically need a few seconds of some really good sun to get started, it can be difficult to get them working in some locations during darker months of the year (but we rarely have that problem here in Florida). However, newer solar systems are more efficient and can provide enough energy for proper functioning even in isolated conditions.

I was thinking about motorization for my office in a different location. Is there a difference between residential and commercial motorization?

Motorization is essentially similar between residential and commercial projects in that they both utilize motors to provide hands-free operation of blinds and shades. However, commercial and residential projects have several key differences.

Commercial projects are typically focused on energy efficiency and worker productivity. Utilizing the combined data from weather sensors, central control units, occupancy sensors, and temperature sensors, commercial window treatments become an integral part of keeping the workforce comfortable and the building sustainable.

While automation is still often an essential part of a residential project, the integrations are much simpler, easier to install, and focused on on-demand use and predictable scheduling. For example, residential motorization is often integrated into the Amazon Echo or Google Home system for voice commands such as, “OK Google, raise my living room shades.” Further, scheduling the window treatments’ movements in residential projects typically revolves around optimizing one’s home experience by coordinating the shades’ movements with routines, such as waking up, watching TV, and going to bed.

In a larger context, commercial solutions can dynamically manage the movement of shades across many zones to allow any size building to have highly specialized climate control depending on how each part of the building is impacted by the sun, occupancy, and temperature throughout the day. As a result, sophisticated commercial automated shading solutions also require a commercial specialist with greater expertise to design and install that kind of system.

What are the differences between indoor and outdoor motorization hardware? What about outdoor hardware in particular?

With motorized indoor shading, you typically attach the product—valance, rollers, headrail, brackets, etc.—at the top of the window only. Power (low voltage or high voltage) is typically routed down through the header to the motor location. For battery-powered systems, you might have a solar panel to consider. Radio motors are popular for many applications.

With outdoor shading, there are more considerations. The product will face the elements and wind, which means it will need side guides. In some products, these are guide wires and in others, they are metal channels. I have to consider the whole opening, including how to anchor side guidance to the structure, leveling, and aesthetics. Manufacturers carry channel adaptors to help install side channels secure and parallel, which is critical. Adaptors are aluminum pieces that help the installation look and perform its best.

Power is another important consideration. Due to the heavier product and environment, higher-voltage, slower-RPM motors are required. Radio obstacle detection motors are popular options for outdoor applications.

Any tips for a great smart hub experience with using my motorized window treatments?

The single most important tip I provide to my clients and customers is to keep it simple. I recommend that my clients keep their commands simple and specific. For example, a good command would be “Living Room Close” or “Ryan’s Room Open”. By keeping the commands simple, they become easy for all users to remember. Making statements difficult can lead to users forgetting the commands and make the automated hubs ineffective and less user-friendly.

I’m concerned about the security of the device that will be used to operate my motorized treatments. How can I be sure that this technology is safe and won’t get hacked?

In spite of recent events showing us that there are vulnerabilities in technology, there are a number of safety nets that should put you at ease.  

First, there are systems where all actions and equipment are encrypted. This keeps them protected at a very high level. The software is constantly being updated, both so it performs at its best and security stays very strong. These updates are done wirelessly, are encrypted, and require no additional effort by the user.  

Like smartphones, many automation systems have privacy features that can be turned on and off. For example, some systems have an option for geolocation accessibility so my clients can have the motors go up or down based on sunrise and sunset. This location information is set to a low-precision value (specific to a city or region, for example, but not an address) so that the data is efficient while not being invasive. There are no logs kept of product usage. This feature can also be turned off.  

And finally, we can look for manufacturers who don’t monetize the data they get from smart home devices. Many companies these days will give you a low-cost product in exchange for your private information. Others will not ask for or collect personal data, which gives you the greatest option for protecting your data and home. This can (and should) be verified upfront if this is a major consideration.

I hope this has given you a better understanding of various aspects and considerations for the motorization of your window coverings. If you’re considering going this route, I’m always available for a consultation to help you determine the best kind of motorization for your needs, lifestyle, and goals. As you can see, it’s a very complicated process, but I can guide you to choosing the perfect motorization solution for what you envision. If this has sparked your interest, let’s talk more about motorization. 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.