Color Trend 2013

Have you noticed a trend in colors for this year?

I've seen a lot of emerald green, whites, and light neutrals and according to examiner.com the colors this year will be 1. "bright & bold", 2. lots of white, and 3. earthy tones.

Image from lvdesigncenter.com.

Denverpost.com said this upcoming year will bring "blue with a touch of green." In the same article, Mark Woodman stated, "Blue will dominate the color movement for years ahead. It's stable, comfortable and well liked."

Image from ballarddesigns.com.

The "new" blue for this year will be warmer than in the past. Woodman also stated that, "Tropical, watery blues with a touch of green will dominate."

Image from ballarddesigns.com.

The paint company, Sherwin Williams announced their 2013 color of the year to be Aloe, a soft green-blue.

Sherwin Williams Paint Color SW6464 Aloe.

This color is so relaxing to me... and there's a good reason why! Blues and greens psychologically have a calming impact on a person. Jackie Jordan, a Color Marketing Group chair holder, said that these light colors are making their debut now because "it takes people back to the 50's, a time that was a little more carefree. The color is fresh, fun, optimistic and hopeful." (denverpost.com)

Image from ballarddesigns.com.

I love this fresh new palette with whites, light neutrals and splashes of breezy color!

Image from designsfromhome.webs.com.

Mesa Remodel - Kitchen

Here are the final photos from the Mesa Remodel for the first floor. You can find the family room photos here and the living room photos here.

The kitchen had already been upgraded with beautiful granite countertops and painted black cabinets. Accent lighting had been added beneath the upper cabinets and in the niches, which really made the kitchen stand out. All it needed was a few accessories. 

New construction in the southwest often includes niches to fill the space the vaulted ceilings have left behind. When accessorized right, these niches can bring the eye up and add interest to an otherwise dull space.

This kitchen happened to have four large niches.

One of the best things to think about when filling a niche is scale. Don't be afraid to use large objects and wall art, and when you have multiple niches to fill, keep it simple. Too much clutter will make it feel like the walls are coming in on you... but just enough will add the finishing touch.

Add variety too. I already had two iron pieces in the kitchen so opted for this bronze metal piece in the last niche. The other two niches simply have a large vase and some greenery. Not every niche needs to have artwork in it; just the focal points are fine.

A few useful accessories on the kitchen counters complete the room while keeping the look clean.

And whenever possible, add fresh flowers!