Real Talk!

Under the current dreary economic conditions, it has never been more important to create visual attractiveness in our surroundings. Designers suggest we think "cool and refreshing" as we transition our living spaces for the summer of 2011.

We've all heard about curb appeal (the view people have when they drive by or arrive at your place) and the same improvements apply to the inside; as they do the outside. There are times that adding elements can improve appeal, but there are other times when removing something is even more effective.

Take down those tired Christmas lights, seasonal wreaths and other leftovers. Get a nice, new, fresh welcome mat for your door.

Most buyers cannot visualize changes, and often won't view a place if the first look isn't appealing. Home buyers who can visualize changes, and are prepared to make them, expect you to reduce the price of the house to compensate for the work they plan to do.

While "sprucing up" is a very important task for those considering a sale of their property, it should be something that we do for our selves, too. It's important to remember that buyers are inspired by what they see in home magazines- so it's best that our places are current and fresh, without being trendy to the point where the average person can't relate to the decorating.

While it's pleasing to express ourselves in our surroundings, there's no doubt that the general perception of "what’s hot and what’s not can" change daily, you want the place to be attractive to a wide demographic– not just those who share the same tastes you do. This doesn't mean that you should only make “safe” choices without personality but rather, it is wise to incorporate trends in things that can be more easily moved or replaced.

After decluttering (which is the number one item on the list of things to do that will improve the look of your environs), consider the versatility of paint colour – walls can always be repainted, and really should be repainted every 5-10 years, as a matter of maintenance. Colour is a brilliant and inexpensive way to brightent the drab. The key is to use colour in small but effective ways. By layering the room with the color in a few small ways you can acheive a change in the look without any major changes.

This summer, decorating musts include decluttering and visually sweeping spaces clean. Much like we rake lawns and flowerbeds to get rid of the debris that gathered over the winter and spring, less is more when it comes to decorating. Find new ways to arrange your furniture- we all must stop jamming it against the wall.

When selecting a colour pallette, it's a good idea to have an idea of current colour trends- the stuff in home and decorating magazines. The "Tuscan" that featured golds, greens and rusts is out, although those colours- used in different ways- can still be used effectively. Today's golds are more the "honey" tones, reminiscent of warm, worn leather. These are frequently teamed with saturated and wholesome colors including nature-inspired, rich greens and splashes of strong tones of orange, citrus lime and red may be used sparingly as accents.

Contemporary design is in- this is not to be confused with modern (lots of metallic and glass surfaces), contemporary is simple and plain. You might say that it is a cleaner approach. In contemporary decor, one wall might be painted in a dramatic colour – say a red or blue – to create high-contrast and that colour would be repeated strategically in the room but not throughout and using colour to focus on where the attention will be drawn, for instance: on an original art piece, a large statue or a unique flower arrangement. The absence of art just screams fear or laziness.

Another attribute of contemporary design is the uniqueness of the decor such as odd shaped vases, unconventional lamps and avant-garde chairs or tables. Bigger, bulkier pieces like a sofa should be in solid colors, and then add patterns around it with chairs or accessories. It’s nice to have a balance of warm and cool colors, for example: it's nice to integrate orange and blue in the same room.

A more urban contemporary look mixes cement tones: grays, deep and deep purples with black-gray undertones. Here, white might be the accent colour. Texture is key to another trend. The color selections are soft and faded. Windswept and washed effects and monochromatic layering also set the palette. Accent colors include light pink, slate blue and grayish brown. Gray is the new beige.

Deep Fuschia and honeysuckle pink are the hot colour pick of designers this year but blue remains the consumer leader. (Pink is one of the most difficult colours to accept in decorating although if used properly, it becomes unnoticeable.) Brighter colors lighten the mood and, with flat weaves, give the feeling of a summerhouse. Removing heavy throws, pillows and rugs can make a room feel lighter and creates a more airy feeling that opens up the space.

Bring the outdoors in with outdoor furnishings and pots. Taking cues from nature and flowers, current popular colour themes are drawn from owls, butterflies, leaves, birds and dragonflies- to create a sense of nature and nurture.

If a room is bland and box-like, incorporate an interesting focal point featuring colour- perhaps a display of colourful china or a huge piece of art, or a large piece of free-standing,vibrantly-painted furniture. Purples, pinks, reds and yellows are summer colours and add a cheery vibe to a room. A simple vase of fresh flowers or branches are a nice celebration of the summer season. A glass bowl of lemons, limes or oranges treats you and your eyes to a picnic of color.

Some very effective decorating utilizes a neutral pallette with a punch of colour thrown onto a feature wall. The feature colour can then be used for a few, simple accessories. When decorating with neutrals you must think of it as an intentional design. Develop the scheme with a variety of textures and materials that combine smooth and rough or shiny and dull for depth and interest. Whites, creams, beiges, and taupes may have undertones of blue, green, yellow, or pink- be sure the undertones of your selections work together

For a bedroom, it's still wise to use the lightest of colour. Light creamy green or blue is relaxing. Pop colour through accessories. In living rooms, the trend has moved away from traditional whites, light blues and browns, toward dramatic feature walls and touches of bold pattern. In a large room, where you want create a cosy a sense of seclusion and relaxation, opposing walls can be painted the same colour. Bright, sunlit rooms can accomodate big, bold shades of fuchsia or topaz.

Warm reds, yellows, pinks, turquoise, greens and oranges are all the rage, for the kitchen. Warm gray neutrals, natural limestone colours and textures, paired with sleek white cabinets or dark woods. Again, dynamic pops of bold colour and bright prints paired with classic earthy neutrals create a feast for the eyes and resonate exotic destinations. Retro looks from the 50s and 60s are still in vogue.

It's best to avoid using greens and yellows in a bathroom, these colours reflect into the mirror and change the perception of your complexion. Instead, look toward beiges, peaches and softer shades of pink that complement the skin tone. Corals and reds are envigorating.

When doing colour in the home, the general rule is to select three main colours. You many use other colours, here and there. Many decorators opt for the 60-30-10 principle: 60% being the wall colour, furniture and fabric 30% and 10% for accessories. Three is a magic number- it's always recommended that you use an odd number of items when accessorizing. A coffee tables should only have one or two things on it, otherwise it looks like a clutter collector in the middle of the room. It's good to use repetition- such as three artistic vases in a row on a dining room table, or groupings of similar, small objects on end tables or walls.

When it comes to window coverings... don't go too short. Place the curtain rod as close to the ceiling or molding as possible. Look for curtains that are lined with cream or white cotton and the material should "break (like a gentleman's trousers) one-half inch from the finished floor. Patterned or sheer panels work great in bedrooms or informally decorated rooms. The safest way to take a risk with bold colours is through throw cushions.

If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove, in the non-heating season you should clean the space and set up a nice collection of candles.