NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T

Image:  No Vacancy

Whether or not you have the luxury of a dedicated home office, you don’t necessarily want to look at your workstation 24/7, do you? Leave the office behind—behind doors, tucked away in a murphy desk situation, or cleverly hidden in one of many other furniture options available these days. Out of sight may not be completely out of mind, but will make it easier to focus on other important things like your family, pets, hobbies, etc.

LET THERE BE (NATURAL) LIGHT

Image:  The Kitchen Master

Even if you work all hours, it’s good to know when the sun rises or sets. It helps with circadian rhythm, the internal body clock that helps us function. Ideally, your workspace will have natural light through a window, door or skylight. If not, you may have to try a little harder to check in with the sun. On nice days, can you move your workspace to a patio, screened porch, or picnic table in a park? If that’s not possible, schedule regular breaks to get up, go outside and breathe fresh air. Your body will thank you!

INSPIRATION STATION

Image:  Etsy

Make your workspace a place you enjoying being in. It’s not frivolous, it’s practical. Why? If something about your home office rubs you the wrong way, that little irritation will always be there—and it’s not likely to turn into a pearl. A gloomy space can be depressing, making it harder to focus on and enjoy your job. The solution: Add soothing or uplifting colors to walls, art and/or furniture. Include things that inspire you: photos of your family, inspirational quotes, pictures of your next vacation and anything else that reminds you why you do what you do.

BE-LEAF IN YOURSELF

Did you know? Having plants in the office lowers anxiety, anger and tiredness. (See the stats.) More calm, happiness and energy makes any day go better, don’t you think? Of course, “real” plants are best, what with the improved air quality and all, but this year’s trend of bringing the outside in can work for anyone. Even those who can’t keep a plastic plant alive. For example, you can add natural elements through earthy neutral paint colors or wallpaper inspired by the great outdoors. For help transforming your walls, contact us.

Is it time to stop thinking of your home office as a stopgap solution? Don’t be afraid to invest some time, thought and (maybe) money into creating a workspace that will make ‘going to work’ better for you, even if your commute only takes you across the hall.

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COLOR

Image:  Lauren Chambers Interiors

It’s time to say goodbye to all those monochromatic shades of grey color schemes. That doesn’t mean you have to toss everything out and start from scratch. Try adding splashes of color with a cheerful new rug, artwork or painted furniture. For even more impact, consider adding a personality with a fresh paint color on your built-ins, walls or ceiling. We can help! Contact us to learn more.

VINTAGE PIECES

Image:  Julian Hochgesang

Nothing says home like Nana’s rocking chair (or whatever beloved hand-me-down you’ve picked up along the way). If you don’t have family “heirlooms” to work with, not to worry: that’s what antique stores and flea markets are for. This year, designers are mixing vintage with modern for an eclectic style that’s comfortable and character-full. Not sure how to put it all together? Check out these tips from BHG.

TEXTURED WALLS

Image:  True Value

We’re seeing designers move away from flat white, shiny reflective surfaces, and with good reason. ‘Textured walls can be a strategic design choice to hide imperfections or irregularities in the wall surface,’ say Rashi Bothra and Ruchi Gehani, founders and interior designers of Azure Interiors (on LivingEtc.com).

CURVES

Image: Italian Bark

Everyone is talking about the uptick in curved furniture—and they don’t just mean sofas and chairs. Sectionals and coffee tables are also leaving the straight and narrow. Even rugs are getting into the act with random shapes. Be sure to try before you buy—that curvy loveseat may look fabulous, but be uncomfortable to sit on, especially for more than one person trying to have a conversation.

STATEMENT LIGHTING

Image:  Lamps Plus

That old ceiling fan just isn’t cutting it anymore. Designers are turning to large-scale fixtures, pieces featuring Murano glass, Victorian-inspired chandeliers and sculptural shapes to shine a new light on things. Per Forbes, another trend to watch is “monochromatic lighting schemes”—think lampshades and bases in the same color, repeated throughout the room.   

What do you think? Are you going to follow one of these trends or start one of your own? Whatever you decide, make sure your choices reflect your personality and lifestyle. A home that doesn’t feel like you just won’t be comfortable, no matter how trendy it is. Happy decorating!

The post TRENDSPOTTING – 2024 DECORATING STYLES TO WATCH appeared first on ProTek Professional Painting Services.

LIMITLESS

Image:  Glidden

“Call it anything but yellow,” Glidden says about their 2024 choice for color of the year. This not-yellow shade strikes the perfect balance between a primary color and a neutral. Let it stand on its own or pair it with one of the other colors in Glidden’s 2024 trending colors palette. Not sure which of their palettes is the most “you”? Take their 2024 Trends Quiz to find the one that best matches your style and vibe.

CRACKED PEPPER

Image:  Behr

When you want something more dramatic, Cracked Pepper from Behr may be just what you’re looking for. Described as “A versatile soft black that accentuates the spaces you create life moments in,” Cracked Pepper makes a statement as an accent or main color. To get a feel for how Cracked Pepper will look in your home, claim a free Peel & Stick (while supplies last).

RENEW BLUE

Image:  Valspar

Maybe you already have enough drama in your life. Valspar has a color solution for that.  “Most of us,” Valspar says, “are seeking an end to feeling overwhelmed – less stress, less information, less technology, fewer choices. Simplicity.” Enter Renew Blue, a “nourishing, green-influenced blue that creates a sense of peace wherever you place it.” Valspar’s website also offers ideas on how to “curate accessories for calmness” and a palette of colors that “quietly recharge us for the challenges ahead.” We feel better already.

PERSIMMON

Image:  HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams

Persimmon is an “earthy terracotta infused with tangerine tones” that can be used to soften your space, both inside and out. It’s one of ten shades that make up the “Renewed Comfort” 2024 Color Collection of the Year created by HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams. Described as “both uplifting and refreshing,” Persimmon pairs well with many other colors, making it an easy addition to an existing palette.  

IRONSIDE

Image:  Dutch Boy

A deep olive green with black undertones, Dutch Boy describes their 2024 Color of the Year as “the perfect backdrop for showcasing furniture, art and accessories.” Ashley Banbury, NCIDQ and Color Marketing Manager for Dutch Boy® Paints, says Ironside, “Wraps you in softness and an all-over sense of sophisticated comfort.” It’s the anchor color for Dutch Boy’s 2024 Color Trend palettes – Embrace, Retreat and Inspire—and their website has plenty of photos and ideas to spark your imagination on places to use it in your home.

Whether you think one of these colors would be perfect in your home, or you have something completely different in mind, request a consultation and together we’ll make your space just right for you.

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