You can watch the runways to get a sense of upcoming home decor trends, according to Elissa Scott - a home transformational consultant specializing in eco-friendly, sacred spaces.

Watching fashion runways this season brings sneak previews to upcoming home decor trends. Forget about what others are doing and view fashion ideas for inspiration. In a time where anything goes, daring and bold is extra fashionable…taking tastes from tame to tangy can make for stylish spaces.

Keep your eyes open.

Window shop.  Notice what people are wearing on the streets.  Take a look around your own closet.

One of the best ways to inspire new decorating ideas is to look at pictures.  Pick up a few fashion magazines to catch up on the latest fashions.

Determine what you like and translate for you.

Once you get a sense of what you like and what you don’t - you want to think about how you want to incorporate those styles with your personality.

Scott explains how home decor reflects personality types by looking at four basic groups of individual traits:  Are you more social or reserved?  Are you more emotional or rational?

Outgoing and emotional people have stylish and expressive tastes. Maybe your space looks like an ethnic bazaar filled with multicultural exotica accessories, celebrating the freedom of your traveling spirit.

Tailored interiors appeal to the rational and social type. Charcoal flannels, smoky leathers, lustrous stainless steel and rich blues all add Wall Street flair. Ladies with this style prefer sleek and sexy minimalism, interpreting a femme fatale design into their homes.

Smooth and glossy tiles embellish this trend, likely in a downtown loft where they make their home.

Rational and socially reserved folks prefer formal and conservative spaces to simmer in. Adding the simple sensuality and romance of the wholesome ’50s can add retro va-va-voom.

Simple round mirrors, peacock feathers and a side bar are other charming touches.

Modest, unassuming types suggest casual comfort. This solid group admires farm-girl romantic chic, dishing out florals, lace and prints displayed in wallpapers, fabrics and eyelet bedding.

No-nonsense naturals and neutrals bring straightforward sophistication.

via Get inspiration for home decor from fashion | Interiors | Homes-Extra | Edmonton Sun.

There’s inspiration for everyone.

Whether you’re outgoing and expressive, or you prefer no-nonsense sophistication - you just need to translate what you see into what you like and make that fit who you are.

We’d love to hear how you get inspired - share your home decorating ideas.

But decorating a monochromatic room can seem forced - if not executed properly.

Avoid that risk by not using too much of a strong hue throughout the room.  Use a wide variety in your color scheme to balance the overall effect.

So, go ahead - be bold, create decorative drama.  You can have a green patio, or even red dining room -  just remember, variety creates balance and avoids seeming forced.

More Decorating Tips >
Painting Your Living Room? 5 Steps to Avoid Surprising Color Schemes
How to Create the Right Color Scheme: Top Picks for Decorating with Color

* image courtesy of The Paramus Post

Drumroll please…

The Color of the Year for 2010:  Turquoise!  Get ready to welcome the inspiration of water and sky, as we say goodbye to mimosa, the warm, sunny yellow that was the hot color for 2009.

Although not historically a mainstream color for home decor, turquoise is actually a versatile color that compliments a variety of color palettes.  Available in both warm and cool hues, we’ve seen turquoise become more mainstream for fashion and accessories.  So, it’s only natural - and exciting - to think that we’ll be seeing a turquoise as trend for the home.

From the Pantone Color Institute®:

“In many cultures, Turquoise occupies a very special position in the world of color,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “It is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that Turquoise represents an escape to many – taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy.”

Read More

Posted using ShareThis

Tip #1: For circulation space, consider the paths of movement that could transpire between entry points and among various destinations.

Tip #2: After you outline traffic patterns, you can identify the optimum use of space and create functional groupings as you plan your furniture layout.  To plan the furniture layout for a cross-functional bedroom, you want to consider walking space between the door and the bed, the bed and the desk, and any other destination, such as the closet.

Tip #3: Considering that the closet may be used for storing clothes as well as office supplies, the furniture layout should be conducive to reaching the closet from both the bed and the desk.

With your plan in place, you can move your furniture and the remaining essentials into your space.

Step 1: Make sure you have a variety of colors that interest you.  Because color schemes can be surprising in different textures and light, you’ll want several options to consider before finalizing what works best for your living room.

Step 2: Once you’ve found a suitable selection of colors, take your fabrics, swatches, or pictures to the local paint store and choose a sampling of paint swatches. The purpose of this visit to the store is to collect samples, and not to purchase anything.

It may be exciting to think you’ve found just the right color, but hold off on those emotions. The reason so many people are disappointed in paint colors is that various lighting and textures can make a wall color look completely different in one environment than in another.  To avoid that common mistake, you want to make sure you see the colors in different textures and light.

So, collect all the sample swatches you want, and then take them back to the room you’re planning to paint.

Step 3: After you return home, compare the color swatches in your living room to help you narrow your selection further. Make sure you look at all of the colors in both daylight and artificial light.  Lighting and texture can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of color.

Step 4: Once you’ve viewed the swatches in the room in different light, you should be able to determine which color you like best.

Step 5: If you find you still can’t make up your mind, you can always purchase small quantities of paint and try viewing them side by side.  If you paint one section of a wall using each of your selected colors side by side, you’ll be able to see the colors in the context of the light and texture of your living room.  Doing so will help you finalize your decision, putting you on the path to painting your living room the ideal color.

More Decorating Tips >

How to Create the Right Color Scheme: Top Picks for Decorating with Color
How should I arrange my living room seating?

One of the best ways to inspire new decorating ideas is to look at pictures. Buy a few magazines. You don’t have to feel restricted to home and garden magazines; think about architectural magazines and interior decorating books, too.  Consider anything that has a variety of pictures.

Flip through your selection and mark those pages that reflect which themes appeal to you. You’ll narrow down your likes and dislikes in the process, ending up with just the right idea for your master bedroom.

More Decorating Tips >
Make Your Bedroom a Quiet Space - Relax and Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Looking to Create the Illusion of Space? Discover How to Use Color and Light to Your Advantage

Whether it’s the master bedroom, the kid’s room, or your guest room, a bedroom should be comfortable and relaxing.  You should be able to enjoy the space and sleep quietly and peacefully through the night. If your bedroom could talk, do you think it would say and do what you expect?  If you’re not sure, ask yourself the following (5) questions:

Question 1:  What is the tone of the room?
You have to know the tone you’re looking to create so that you can select the right colors, accessories, and even choose the right furniture.  If you’re looking to create a formal, ornamental bedroom your selection of decor will vary significantly from the choices you might make in creating a bedroom with a rustic feel.  If you’ve not thought about it until now, your bedroom might be a space of confusion.

Question 2:  Do you have the right furniture?
Your bedroom furniture sets the desired tone for the room.  Bedroom furniture is available in a wide variety of designs that vary from formal, antique furnishings to modern, modular sleeping furniture.  Make sure your bedroom furniture fits the style and tone of the room.  And, your furniture should give you enough drawer and storage space to meet your needs.

Question 3:  Have you selected the right colors?
Warm colors are typically associated with coziness, whereas cooler colors generally suggest more formality.  Choose wall colors and accessories that are consistent with the tone you’re looking to create.

Question 4:  Do you have easy access to what you need?
Make sure that your bedroom layout is convenient for you.  If you want to read in bed, do you have a lamp and table nearby?  Your furniture should be arranged for easy access to what you need, for your convenience.

Question 5:  Is it quiet?
A bedroom should be a quiet place for relaxing, but most importantly so that you can get a good night’s sleep.  Bedrooms should be remote areas.  But, if you do need to block noise, you can rearrange furniture.  For instance, if your bedroom shares a wall with the family’s TV room, consider moving your bed to the opposite wall.  Carpets, rugs and even ceiling treatments can also help to manage noise.  The key is for you to have a quiet space where you can get a good night’s sleep.

More Decorating Tips >

Redecorating Your Master Bedroom? A Quick Tip for Choosing the Right Atmosphere
Avoid Mishaps and Hassles in Rearranging Furniture

Shop unique home accessories for your home >

Is your dining area an informal space that you use daily, or is it a separate room intended for more formal use? Regardless of the area, your dining room should be functional and comfortable for you, your family, and your guests. You want your dining room decor to send the right message. Are you getting what you expect and need from yours?

Ask yourself the following (5) questions to make sure you’re making the most of your dining room decor.

1) Do you know what type of atmosphere you’re looking to create?

If you’re looking to create a less formal dining area, you will make different selections in your decor than you will if you are looking to create a more formal dining space. Your color palette, accessories, and even the selection of your dining room table are dependent upon the type of atmosphere you desire. As a result, you will want to make certain that you begin by knowing the desired tone for your dining room.

2) Do you have the appropriate dining room table?

Your dining room table should suit the desired tone for your space. Formal dining spaces are associated with long rectangular tables, with a position for the head of the table. Similarly, oval tables are viewed as more formal. Square tables and round tables suggest less formality and are typically used more often in informal dining areas. Select the appropriate table to suit your desired atmosphere.

3) Have you selected the right colors?

Color schemes can create surprising effects and yield interesting results in the perception of a room. If you’ve opted for a more informal setting, consider a warmer color palette. Warm colors are most often associated with cozy, less formal spaces, whereas cooler colors suggest more formality.

If you plan to change your color palette, choose your colors carefully. When selecting a new color scheme, make certain to view color swatches in the room itself, in both daylight and artificial light. Lighting and texture can have dramatic effects on the perception of color.

4) Do you have easy access to what you need?

A great dining room is not only great in form, it must be great in function. Make sure that you have convenient access to what you need. If you store serving platters and glassware in the side table, your side table should be easily accessible. Organization is a key element to arranging a dining area that works for you. Buffets, side tables, and other furniture should be arranged based upon how you naturally use your dining area.

5) Is it easy to serve and entertain your guests?

In arranging your furniture, you need to also consider how you serve and entertain. You should definitely have enough room to walk around and serve family and guests. When you arrange your furniture, remember to leave sufficient space for chairs to be pushed back. Your furniture should be arranged comfortably and conveniently so that everyone can enjoy your dining room space.

More Decorating Tips >

Make a Small Room Appear Larger - The Impact of Color and Light on Our Perception
How should I arrange my living room seating?

Shop blueddango’s unique home accents for your dining room >

Step 1: Begin by measuring your space and defining the amount of room available, typically in terms of square footage.

Step 2: It is important to consider how the space will be used.  Define all of your needs and determine all of the functions the space is intended to serve.  Make a list of the particular functions your space will serve.  A list will provide the framework for assigning areas to those functions.

Step 3: Once you’ve assigned your areas to particular functions, make a drawing of your space.  You’re essentially creating a blueprint that will act as your guide to determine the amount of space you actually have available.

The key is to plan first and move second.  Doing so will help you avoid those mishaps and hassles before you begin rearranging your furniture.

More Decorating Tips >

How should I arrange my living room seating?
Home Decorating Trends Change Frequently - Discover the Easiest Way to Change with the Times

1. The Proper Table

Your table should accommodate the people using the area regularly, as well as potential guests. Choose a table that sets the desired tone for the room. Square tables and round tables suggest a more informal environment, as there is not a position for the head of the table. Long rectangular tables, and even oval tables, suggest more formality.

2. Furniture Arrangement and Serving Space

In arranging your dining room furniture, remember to leave sufficient space for chairs to be pushed back, as well as room to serve guests comfortably. Since dining space is often adjacent to the kitchen, arrange your furniture for convenience.

Buffets, side tables, and other furniture should be arranged based upon how you naturally use your dining area. For instance, if you store serving platters and glassware in the side table, you should consider placing your side table on the wall nearest the kitchen, for convenience.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

Making the most of your dining room involves creating a functional space and a dining area that is aesthetically pleasing. Knowing the overall style you wish to portray in your dining room allows you to display furniture and accessories that are consistent with that image. For instance, informal rooms are most often associated with warm colors, whereas cool colors suggest more formality. Displaying tablecloths, accent vases, and other accessories that are consistent with your overall theme adds to the aesthetic appeal of the room, therefore making the most of your dining room.

Add aesthetic appeal to your dining room with unique home accents designed by international artisans and produced according to fair trade standards.