Decorating is rapidly undergoing a facelift. The days of decorating with white and beige walls seem to be fading fast. Color is gaining a stronghold in the world of decorating. Painting with color is the least expensive way of making a dramatic difference in your decor. Color can be bold, dramatic, eye-catching and wow. Nothing can give your room more instant pow-wow better than color. My favorite pastime for years when I wintered in Florida was visiting model homes. I especially liked viewing the million-dollar plus homes - just to ooh and ahh and copy ideas, of course. I have witnessed the evolvement from light colors to deep and dramatic ones, from less carpet to tile and wood floors, and from an absence of heavy drapery treatments to a lighter airy look with a variety of blinds, shutters and window toppers.

There is less emphasis on formal and a trend to a more casual contemporary look to match today’s lifestyle. Even formal dining rooms have been eliminated from many house plans today. Ceilings are high and dramatic. Roof lines are multiple and high. Two-story homes are popular. Floor plans are open and spacious - quite a difference from the ’50s ranch style. Hard surface floors have captured 40 percent of the market, according to Steve Erickson from the Carpet Shoppe in Escanaba. He explained why: “Wood transcends time. It goes with any decor; less cleaning and maintenance, longevity, just looks more expensive, adds to resale value, and think of the health-wise benefits for people with allergies to dust mites.” Think about it. Our grandparents had hardwood floors which later generations covered up-and now people are discovering these beautiful floors beneath carpet. Hard surface floors include wood, laminate, tile, slate, marble - virtually any hard surface. Eileen Gustafson, color consultant with Sviland Paint in Escanaba, explained that wood floors created an evolution from dark trim to white and light trim and doors. “Every new home I go into has light trim,” says Eileen.

“And that in turn begs for color on the walls. Many elements enter in choosing paint color: How does the color make you feel? Is the room on the north or south side? Do you have a particular style; contemporary, traditional, casual or country?” We built our home eight years ago. At that time I was into white: white walls, white carpet, white doors and trim and white cabinets. Recently our space has received a facelift. Drama, drama and more drama was achieved with khaki walls, black accents, and crimson red walls in the kitchen. I replaced all of the carpet with laminate wood floors for both beauty and health reasons. The khaki walls and northern birch floors provide a warm look and a drastic change from my previous all-white decor. My furniture is British Colonial (Ernest Hemingway collection) so I chose a tropical fabric with reds, yellow, sage, and black for accents and window toppers. And loads of greenery. I marvel every day at the change - and love it. It makes me feel energized. Drama and color may not be for everyone just because that is the current trend. Individuality and personal taste need to be taken into consideration. For example, as much as I like color and drama, I chose a pale lavender for my master bath, accented with sea-spray and purple in towels and florals. I wanted it to be soft and feminine - a retreat from the rest of the house where I can bask in my soaking tub with a candle or two for aroma. It is not necessarily what a decorator might suggest - but it’s what I like and isn’t that what really matters? Of course complex neutrals still flaunt a sophisticated flair - with the look of luxury. The newer neutrals are deeper and more intense; they offer depth and drama rather than the safe off-white palette of yesteryear. Sviland’s has received a new color palette of the softer tones for those that may not be as daring or adventurous. The favorite newer look for kitchen appliances is still stainless steel. According to Julie Leisner from Iverson’s Kitchens, “Granite is the premier product for counter tops. Color trends lean toward darker and more dramatic in contrast to lighter cabinets,” Julie explains, “You want it to pop, be exciting and a focal point in your kitchen. Your space should reflect you and your personal taste. Color does change the character of the room - and also your mood.” Granite is a higher end product but according to Julie - a great investment. Pat Waeghe, at Roy Ness Contracting and Sales, Inc. Kitchen Division says, “All stops have been pulled and anything goes. Exciting new looks are created by mixing woods and adding glazes. Hardware is no longer just chrome and brass.” Pat’s design philosophy is to work with customers to teach them what is available and offer different ideas until the layout works for that customer - adding drama as their budget allows. “As popular as granite is,” says Pat, “the laminate companies have such great copies that can save thousands and still add “wow” to a kitchen. Painted walls can create wonderful contrasts so that every size kitchen can make a statement on any budget.” Picking out just the right color or shade of paint can be frustrating. Sviland’s offer an in-home color analysis - a great service because mistakes can be costly. I needed help with just the right shade of khaki to offset my white trim and was pleased with Eileen’s help. If you do decide to go with a deep dramatic color after having little or no color on your walls - give yourself a few days to acclimate to the change. Color is an inexpensive way to unleash your inhibitions. Have fun. Color your world with drama and excitement. I did. — EDITOR’S NOTE - Patt Abrahamson, Escanaba, is a free lance writer and published author of “Brain-Injury: A Family Tragedy.” She can be reached at pattabe@charter.net.

source : www.dailypress.net By: By Patt Abrahamson