05.08.08
Posted in The Garden Shed at 3:22 pm by admin
(ARA) - The latest home decorating color trends reflect an “anything goes” attitude, according to Dutch Boy color specialists. No one trend dominates the decorating arena, and the combinations of colors seem to be endless.
“The dominant theme is eclectic, rather than one specific trend,” says Peggy Van Allen, Dutch Boy color services manager. “Consumer choices are driven by individuality and diversity.”
Bold ethnic looks utilizing bright or earthy tones are still popular, as are the soft pastel water-inspired hues. There is some movement toward a warming and softening of tones, but the overall outlook is optimistic.
Almost anything can affect color choices, including current events. Terrorist attacks and recent world events have evoked an outpouring of patriotism, and red, white and blue tones have remained popular over the past few years.
“There is a new emerging need for cheery, hopeful and inspirational colors like pinks, softer reds and yellows,” says Solveig Elios, Dutch Boy color specialist. In fact, many designers are calling yellow the “new neutral,” replacing the tried-and-true white or beige tones of the past.
Demographic trends show that people are staying in their homes longer, and moving less often. That means they are less worried about resale value, and more willing to try something bold, rather than sticking to a neutral palette.
In addition, many younger consumers who may be decorating their homes for the first time tend to prefer brighter colors. “It’s not uncommon to find the red dining room, the yellow kitchen, the green den, the lavender baby’s room — all throughout the same house,” says Elios. “Consumers are no longer taking one color and painting the whole house. It’s no longer intimidating to choose different colors throughout the house.”
One of the most exciting trends is the pairing of “muddy” or deep-toned colors with bright happy tones, Elios adds. “We’re seeing pretty botanical, youthful colors such as vibrant lilacs, periwinkles and pale warm greens paired with mineral earthy tones such as gray-browns and gray-blues.” She cites examples such as the fresh clean pink of “Lover’s Lane,” paired with a dusky green called “Wooden Path,” or the pale green “Lettuce Leaf,” highlighted by the deep purple of “Eclectic Plum.”
Decorator-savvy consumers are sparking these unique combinations and diverse styles. With the proliferation of both television programming and magazines devoted to home decorating, the consumer is becoming more and more sophisticated.
“We think of painting as the easiest and least expensive way to decorate,” Elios says. “Yet consumers are picking up on techniques that create complex layers of color, texturing, and shading. You can create texture on your walls through faux finishing or by using textured paint such as Brushed Suede, Granite or Antique Crackle.”
And these consumers are typically women, often do-it-yourselfers who want to try something new. “The female consumer has become savvy enough to try faux techniques and bolder colors,” Elios explains.
Consumers realize that their choice of wall color can create a bridge between their furnishings and accessories, as well as an overall mood, Van Allen says. “Color is very personal and based on personal experiences. And the variety of techniques and color combinations means there is no limit to personal creativity.”
For more information or to locate a Dutch Boy Paint retailer, log onto www.dutchboy.com, or call (800) 828-5669.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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Courtesy of ARA Content
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04.07.08
Posted in The Garden Shed at 3:43 pm by admin
If you want to build an attractive landscape, but do not where to begin, there are plenty of common landscape design ideas and features available for you to gain inspiration. You can use the ideas yourself or add a little twist to make the landscape design all your own. There are any number of conventional landscape ideas that can help you get started on your own projects and provide inspiration for future projects.
Some of the most common landscape design features are decks and patios. These can either be professionally installed or you can build one yourself. Patios and decks provide a great deal of enjoyment on many levels as part of the use of space in the landscape design. You can use decks and patios for family gatherings or for entertaining. They can also be used to great effect as places to just sit and relax and enjoy. While a basic square shape is the most common of these landscape features, it is also possible to get them in different shapes, depending on your preferences and your needs. However, if you care for your landscape yourself, the square is very convenient for other activities, such as mowing and trimming the lawn.
Rock gardens are features that are rising in popularity as well. These landscape features can provide a great deal of attractiveness, but make use of fewer plants. Landscapes that include rock gardens need less water and less attention. Additionally, the plants that often go with rock gardens are usually hardier and need a little less care. These are easy to care for, and can save money. Additionally, it is possible to build your own rock garden in the landscape, saving you even more money.
English cottage gardens are known for their lack of formality. There is no rigidity in their designs, and because they are more or less allowed to “just grow” require less maintenance than some other types of gardens. These are common gardens because they evoke a sense of charm. They are most common in backyard landscaping, for those who want to enjoy the garden and show an informal sense of elegance while entertaining. In the United States, of course, the lawn remains the most dominant landscape feature, especially in the front. But an English cottage garden can be very fine due its riot of flowering plants. Most landscape features of this sort include rose bushes, perennials and vines. Sometimes they are even allowed to go across pathways. Because perennials are so used, they grow back every year, without much effort.
An increasing trend in landscape design is incorporating elements of the Japanese garden. Of course, in Western circles, many of the times this is interpreted to mean showy flowers. These showy flowers grab attention, and many times landscapes will center around these plants. They can be difficult to take care of, as they are often non-native. They can also be expensive. However, some people are turning their backyard landscapes into gardens that are more in keeping with traditional Japanese garden principles of simplicity including more foliage and design structures. These types of gardens are less expensive and can be equally attractive.
And, of course, the most common landscape feature is the lawn. This is because the lawn allows a platform for family activities. Additionally, overall, it is also fairly easy to care for. It need only be mowed by machines that are relatively easy use, and it can be fertilized and watered fairly inexpensively, if one does so properly and with common sense. Different people do a variety of things with their lawns, and it has become increasing popular to add a small flowerbed in the middle of the lawn for decoration. Having trees on the lawn is also another popular way to adorn the lawn and make it more inviting and attractive.
Creating a beautiful landscape is a matter of enjoyment for many people. However, many of them find it difficult to know where to begin, and know what is possible. But it you are hesitant about where to begin or what to do, trying a tried and true landscape feature can help you succeed in your endeavors to beautify the home environment.
You Don’t Have To Hire An Expensive Landscaping Professional To Enjoy The Garden Of Your Dreams! You Can Do It Yourself - To Save You Thousands Of Dollars That You Would Otherwise Spend! You may reproduce this article only if you include the hyperlink.
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