Trend Watch: Wall colors that are here to stay

If you are in the process of finalizing colors for your walls and are worried about making an out of trend choice; here we are with a list of hottest color trends of this decade…

Selecting a color for your walls may not be as daunting, as confusing it is. The biggest fear is to pick a color that has been long buried in décor guides. Once you know about the best color trends, you can pick a shade that suites your preference (i.e. soothing light shades or bold tones of the same color).

1. Neutral tones:

From fashion world to interior zone all the style trends are breathing neutral tones. While nude is a big time hit in fashion, neutral tones with champagne, silver or mahogany are rocking the interior décor scene. These colors are just perfect for small spaces as they give them more spacious look. If you have a spacious home, you can mix these with brighter tones to accentuate your walls.

When to select neutral tones for walls: These colors work great if you want to display your collection of wall hangings or paintings. These subtle tones do not interfere with visual effects of such decorative pieces and help highlight them.

2. Nature inspired colors:

This is again one huge trend this year (and for many more years to come). Nature inspired color palette may include tones of sunset orange or clear blue sky, or purple with a hint of red. If you want to color all the walls with a single color the best idea would be to choose a subtle shade, but if you want to highlight different colors on your walls, this palette is just for you. Apple red, burnt red, bright natural hues can be aesthetically combined with sober shades are one of the most sought after wall color combos this time.

When to select nature inspired colors for walls: If you want a balance of zing and subtlety on your walls. These are great for multicolored décor. If you are planning to display bright color upholstery, this color palette would provide the perfect base without going over the top.

3. Tribal hues:

Nowadays, interior trends, to a lot extent are more about celebrating the hidden beauty of our surroundings. Tribal hues are bright, vibrant shades that made an entry in 2012, from furniture to décor item, you can spot this trend shaping up almost everywhere. If you are a fan of the rustic charm, you would surely like to have a look at this color palette. The colors to look for are the likes of tangerine, peacock blue, fiery pink, bright yellow, fire red etc.

When to use these colors: These are bright, fiery shades and usually look good on areas that require highlighting. These are great for kids’ room, well decorated lobby areas or as accents for drawing room.

Now that you know about the color trends, the only bit you gotta excel at is mixing and matching these colors skillfully so as to create an amazing overall look. Remember, no shade looks good in itself if the entire décor or theme isn’t telling the same story.

Take a quick look

For smaller spaces: Blue, aqua colors, sunset blue, sunset red, yellowish orange, lighter shades of violet, neutral tones, white, beige

For larger spaces: Mahogany, nature inspired shades of red like burnt apple, brick red etc., rosy shades, plum, rosebud etc.

As highlighters: Peacock blue, fiery pink, electric violet, melon, coral, metallic shades etc.

As base colors: Sea hues, earthy tones, whites, blue mixed green, gray, orange mixed yellow, lighter shades or violet and purple etc.

Feng Shui: Which color means what?

Colors have a vital role to play in Feng Shui. You may not be planning to do your entire house as per Feng Shui, but taking care of a few basic Feng Shui rules is something that many people prefer. Colors and Feng Shui is a vast topic to be explained within one post, but there are basics to it that can be known and followed.

First of all make yourself aware of how Feng Shui actually works. All the elements of Feng Shui, i.e. Wood, Water, Earth, Metal and Fire, work in collaboration with each other to channelize positive energy in your home (or office).

Use of colors in Feng Shui usually revolves around these points:
1. Using the right colors on walls, decor etc.
2. Using the right colors in the right direction (as per Bagua- the Feng Shui energy map).
3. Combining colors so as to enhance their power.

Understanding the Feng Shui colors


Each of the Feng Shui elements (mentioned above) has a few colors that signify or relate to it. Here is a list:
Wood: Green, Brown
Water: Blue, Black
Metal: White, Grey
Earth: Earthy tones like light shades of yellow, earthy colors, light shades of brown
Fire: Strong red colors, reddish shades of yellow, Orange, pink etc.

Understanding colors in relation with Bagua


Bagua has defined the positions of each element of Feng Shui. If you study a Bagua carefully, you will see the Feng Shui elements as given below:
Rear Left: Wood
Rear Middle: Fire
Rear Right: Earth
Middle Left: Wood
Center: Earth
Middle Right: Metal
Front Left: Earth
Front Middle: Water
Front Right: Metal

How to use colors to make your home a Feng Shui home



Now that you know about the elements, it is not hard to understand that the colors corresponding to these element should be used in the mentioned directions.
The fact is, Bagua has its own color preferences for all the elements. For example: Middle right and front right, both represent metal hence colors corresponding to metal can be used. Still, strict Feng Shui followers like to go by the Bagua preference of white and pastels in middle right and black, grey and white in front right.
The shade selection is also a matter of choice. Just make sure that you do not select a color that may contradict the energy of a particular region. For example: Rear Middle is Fire, you should not select colors of the Water element for this direction as it may affect the fire element. Your goal should be to create harmony among all the elements to help yourself achieve harmony with universal energies.

 

Utilize your bathroom space to the fullest

In space starved urban dwellings, a super-spacious bathroom is often a luxury beyond reach. Still, people want to pep it up to the best of its capacity. This can be done. A bathroom built over a large area may not necessarily be the best. It’s smart planning that makes it so. Find answers to a few most vital questions here:

Usually architects give a broader design of partitions and they do not provide internal detailing, not unless you have asked for it. If you are doing the layout on your own, be very cautious about what you do with the space. Know one simple rule, a bathroom looks best with sufficient open floor area.

The importance of free space


Whatever size your bathroom is, it must have a little free space to make it look good. You may want to include some fancy products in your bathroom, but this isn’t the wisest of ideas if all that it does is to make the bathroom look all crammed up!
Thanks to designers, you have size and design options to almost all sort of tools and equipment. So your goal must be to include items that make the bathroom look good besides being useful.

List down the items you want to install in your bathroom


Making a list would help you understand the real requirements and save you of unnecessary clutter. This would also give you an idea of how large a piece does your bathroom actually require.

How to make the list


Divide this list into three parts: Essentials, Desired and Optional.

List 1: Essentials: This is the most important list. Identify essential items that your bathroom must have.
Wash basin, basin mirror, toilet, toilet paper holder, geyser, laundry rack, toothbrush holder, a small vanity, towel rack, soap dish (in case you need to fix this on the wall) etc. would fall under this category.
This list will not include necessary equipment like faucets etc. which are installed during constructions.
* The size of products should be proportional to your bathroom space. An extra large mirror would not look good in a normal sized bathroom. Similarly do not go for an extra large cabinet.

List 2: Desired: This list should include items that you wish to install in your bathroom. The items included in this category may be the once that have caught your fancy. Since you are done with the first list by now, you would have a fair idea of the space left with you.
a) You can write down details of products like a fancy shower panel, bath tub, jacuzzi etc. in this list (Of course you wouldn’t go for all of it in one bathroom, select the one that may fit well within the bathroom space).
b) If you wanted to include some additional stuff like an extra cabinet for your makeup products, a linen closet, a dresser, steam showers etc., include it in this list.
c) Whatever product you finalize later, try to visualize your bathroom with all of it and see how much free area would be available. If the bathroom appears a little over-crowded, make some vital changes. For example: You can replace an extra large jacuzzi bathtub with a slick shower panel or steam shower to save some space.

List 3: Optional: As the name says, items on this list must come last, that is only after picking items from the first two lists.
If your bathroom space still permits inclusion of some other items, go ahead and include that fancy seating, LED, music system, decoration space, that you have always wanted in your bathroom.
Remember, more items you include in your bathroom, more free space it requires. So, be wary of creating a clutter.

Making the final selection


The final selection will need fair analysis of all the three lists.
1. List the items you have zeroed in on in one list according to the priority.
2. Finalize the item size keeping in view space occupied by each item on the list. You may need to reduce the size of the cabinet to create a little space, or you may need to zero in on a smaller bathtub.
3. DO NOT compromise on the essentials. Selecting a smaller washbasin or toilet to be able to place a vase in not a wise idea. This selection should entirely be based on the functionality of the products.

Note: What is essential for someone may fit in someone else’s ‘desired list’. Not everyone may find a shower panel essential. The list should be totally based on personal needs and priorities (and of course, budget)!

How to select the right bathtub?

Market is so flooded with varieties of bathtubs that there can be no best choice. In such a competitive scenario, how should you select ‘the one’ for yourself? Here is a five step guide to selecting the right bathtub:

Plan your budget
This is the first thing you gotta do. If you are planning to go have a look at the market and then buy any piece that catches your fancy, you would end up being even more confused. The prices of bathtubs are so different that you cannot go on looking for just any price range. While finalizing a budget, longevity of the bathtub should be kept in mind too. A good quality bathtub is usually a buy of life. So plan your budget sensibly.

Finalize the size and design requirements
Do not go finalizing a bathtub unless you have a fair idea of the kind of design and shape you want. Jot down your personal requirements like what length, breadth or depth would be ideal for you, whether you want a bathtub for two, what kind of color and design would go with your interior etc.
Do not forget to measure the bathroom space. You cannot install an extra large bathtub in a medium sized bathroom. A bathtub must have a little free space around it, so when you measure the tub areas leave at least one feet space on all sides (or as suggested by your architect). For smaller bathroom spaces, smaller bathtubs are available as well. So make a selection based on the space availability.

Do some research about material
This is one of the most important steps. Before going to a bathtub dealer, it is wise to do your bit of homework. You should know what all materials are available in your price range. Research about their pros and cons and talk to your dealer about all of it. The cheapest of the bathtubs have some monetary value attached to them; hence, you should look for an option that is durable, doesn’t fade easily and is easy to repair. This would save you of an extra expenditure of replacing a bathtub due to some damage later.

Compare the available options
Once you are clear about your budget and design preferences, try and locate dealers who have most range of products within your price range. Usually the dealers aiming at luxurious collection have less samples of mid-range or cheaper bathtubs. Similarly, housing reasonably priced products have scarce high-end pieces. So, there are better chances of grabbing a deal at an outlet displaying bathtubs in your price range. These may not be difficult to locate as mostly luxurious and budget stores like to promote themselves according to their USP.

Give a thought to the installing process
Though installing of a bath tub is a one time process, there is no guarantee that you would not need to uninstall or re-install a bathtub ever. Alongwith the preferred dimensions of a bathtub, write the dimensions of the door of the bathroom as well. If your bathtub is very large and heavy, it would be difficult to pass it through the bathroom door if you ever need to uninstall it. So pay attention to every bit, right from the strength of the bathroom floor to the side space between walls of the bathroom and the bathtub.

Like many other things, a bathtub too shouldn't be purchased on the basis of its design. Even the simplest design looks good if it gels well with the interior.

Know what Bathtub Material is good for you. See this link: http://disdesign.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/understanding-the-bathtub-material/

Understanding the Bathtub Material

A bathtub is often selected on the basis of its look and capacity of the buyer’s wallet. Know about best and worst of different bathtub materials here, and bowl over your dealer with the tid-bits of details while he is busy bragging about his stuff...

Porcelain Bathtubs


There is no doubt that porcelain bathtubs are one of the most popular choices. Their being reasonably priced and not-so-fussy to maintain also contributes a lot to their popularity. The bathtubs do not get damaged easily, but they are not totally unforgiving to scratches and all. Once they get scratches or bruises, be ready to live with it because you cannot get rid of them. Usually they are easy to clean.
Porcelain bathtubs are actually made of steel shells, fused with porcelain enamel to form a shiny, glassy coating, which actually looks great!
Now, to talk of the bathtub using experience, this material is cold to touch. Usually porcelain bathtubs aren’t longer than 5 and a half feet. Though there can be some pretty nice exceptions.
Budget factor: Porcelain bathtubs are popular because they are not very expensive.

Fiberglass Bathtubs


Fiberglass bathtubs are made of layers of fiberglass held together with polyester resins. It is also known as FRP and is a molded bathtub. Fiberglass bathtubs are very light-weighted as compared to the usual bathtub options. They are inexpensive and cracks and all can be repaired using an epoxy resin kit.
Now look at some negative features of fiberglass bathtubs. Fiberglass bathtubs are strong, yes, but do remember that a fiberglass bathtub is a molded bathtub, and like many molded equipment, even this bathtub may break under more weight or pressure. Like lots of things that are made of fiber, a fiberglass bathtub too sustains scratches very easily. Bad news is this that you cannot get rid of these scratches.Your dealer may try to convince you with its shiny colorful surface, the fact is, it wears off with time and the fiberglass bathtub will start getting dull over the years.
Budget factor: Fiberglass bathtubs are one of the most decently priced bathtubs available in markets.

Cultured Marble Bathtubs and Marble Bathtubs


Cultured Marble bathtubs do look like made of marble, actually they are made of limestone and polyester resins. A real marble bathtub is made of marble, but you have to be very careful while selecting one out of these two varieties. Cultured Marble bathtubs suffer less scratches, so with real marble bathtubs. One fact is that though marble bathtubs are luxurious and costly, even they can break. Both of these tubs are easy to clean and do not harbor moulds and mildews. (In pic Stone Forest Papillian Bathtub)
Budget factor: Cultured marble bathtubs are costlier than acrylic bathtubs yet a cheaper option than cast iron or marble bathtubs.

Acrylic Bathtubs


Acrylic bathtubs are one of the most popular options available. They are light weighted, shiny, easy to clean and convenient to install. An acrylic bathtub gets scratched easily, the good thing is that it is repairable. You can even get it painted in some other color, if you decide to change its color sometime later. Acrylic bathtubs usually face competition from cast iron bathtubs when it comes to the bathing experience. There are lots of sizes and varieties available.
Acrylic bathtubs lose heat easily, so you can arrange for double insulation. Talk to your dealer regarding this and see if he can help you out. Or may be you can invest in a maintenance water heater.
Budget factor: Acrylic bathtubs are reasonably priced.

Cast Iron Bathtubs


If you are one of those who like to soak for longer duration, cast iron bathtubs are for you. They can hold heat for longer duration thus saving you the expenditure and pain of arranging insulation (Though you would not bother this cost much if you are ready to spend on a cast iron bathtub).  Cast iron bathtubs look very decent; though sometimes they tend to put off buyers due to their heavy weight. They are very heavy, thus not very easy to install. You may need to understand how much weight your floor can bear, before going for a cast iron bathtub or any other option for that matter. (In pic, cast iron bathtub by Devon & Devon)
Budget factor: Usually, these are one of the costliest options among bathtubs.

Whichever bathtub you decide upon, it’s important to give a thought to the installing process. Remember, the problems you face during installation, may get repeated when you are uninstalling or re-installing a bathtub, probability of which can not be negated. See the depth and size of the tub carefully, because at the end, it is the bathing experience that matters.

(Pics for representational purpose only)

How to select the right fabric for curtains

Decor isn't only about creating a 'wow' space, it is equally about functionality. Interestingly, most of us tend to overlook the latter over former. The smallest selection is important while decorating your sweet space. Here are our tips for one such perfect selection- curtains. Read on:

What all fabric choices do you have?



Well, lot many. From cost effective nylon, rayon and cotton to luxurious silk, linen etc. you are actually spoilt for choice. Focusing on the right fabric for curtains. Not only you should focus on the 'look' of the fabric, its durability, maintenance, price etc. are a few important points you would like to know about.

The right way to choose a fabric for curtains

While looking for the right fabric for your curtains, do not look for just any good looking thing available within your budget. Analyse the fabric, your requirement and your means well, before taking it home. Below is your step-by-step guide:



Step one: Decide on the look

It's important to know the kind of look you want your windows or doors to have. You gotta be very clear whether you'd like your curtain to be opaque or sheer. Discuss this requirement with your dealer and  start selecting the print, colors and patterns after that.

Step two: Understanding the fabric

Cotton is one of the most commonly used fabrics for curtains. Not only it is easy to wash and hang, it is reasonable, organic, and available in variety of weaves. You can select a light cotton curtain or a heavy one as well. This is easy to wash, though if you are buying light cotton fabric, you might have to iron it after every wash. It is good for summers and is one of the most varied curtain fabrics. If you want to avoid frequent washing and ironing, go for heavy weight cotton curtains. Another durable and reasonably priced curtain fabric is nylon.  You can even go for polyester blends, they do not wrinkle easily. If you can afford delicate fabric and are looking for a rich look that boasts of your taste for everything rich, silk or linen are the fabrics for you. Fabrics like silk are best suited for indoors. If you are buying rayon curtains would have to tend to them because it might shrink.

Step three: Choosing the fabric

Every fabric has a distinct sheen to it. For an ethnic drawing room with rich silk cushions and covers, a printed cotton curtain is a decor disaster. So, decide on the fabric by the look and feel of it. Your second focus should be on the maintenance requirements. If you hardly have any time for extra cleaning at home, a curtain that needs a wash or ironing every other day is the last thing that you would want. Similarly, if you are looking for budget decor, rich emroidered or brocade curtains are the last thing you'd like to buy. So analyse how easy or tough it is for you to arrange a frequent wash for your curtains; whether you would like to own such high-maintenance pieces, or the kind of weight and weave you want the curtains to have. This will save you from any impending inconvenience.

The fabric which answers most of your queries is the best choice for you. Happy decorating!

How to select the right wall color

Selecting the right paint for your house isn’t only about finding your favorite color and splashing it all over your place. It’s a lot more than that. A color may look good in itself, but if it isn’t able to hide flaws in the architecture of your home, it is nothing more than just another expenditure.

Go easy with your favorite color

There is no doubt that people tend to choose their favorite colors for wall paints too. It’s perfectly fine, as long as you know how to use different shades of that color to highlight the beauty of your house:

1. Be careful with the selection of shades. Color selection plays an important role in deciding the look and feel of your abode. If your flat is small, the best way would be to use lighter shades of your favorite color, if you must. For larger spaces dark shades are just perfect.
2. If you want a vibrant look, select lighter shade of a peppy color and splash a contrast bright color at bits and places. Do not overdo highlighting, it may ruin the impact.
3. Do not pick the most tempting, luxurious shade of your favorite color. A wall color makes a good impact in entirety. If finishing of the wall doesn’t support satin color, it would look a disaster despite your spending a fortune over the costliest of paint.

Selecting the right shade

1. Do not buy a color by looking at the print sample of it. Lighting makes a lot of difference to the overall impact. A sample color may not look the same as on a computer designed 3D room image, or a print color identifier, or even in the color bucket itself. Light of surroundings changes the complete look of a color. The impression you get on your walls depends upon the lighting arrangement at your place.
2. Always apply a color to a small portion on a wall before deciding on it. Ideally you should apply two coats of it on a wall that you often notice. Expose yourself to this color as much as you can. Still, if after a week you find yourself looking at that colored patch with admiration, you know you have made your choice.

Selecting the right finish

1. Matte, satin, glossy, flat, there are so many paint accents and finishes. Satin and glossy look expensive and rich, but they are meant for perfectly finished walls with no visible signs of scratches or peeling or chipping. If your walls have that nice, smooth finish, you can think of it. Otherwise, a flat and matte paint is the best deal. It looks great, and it hides little marks and flaws as well.
2. The finish of the paint should be decided based on the room lighting as well. Matte is usually great with all bright and dull lights because it doesn’t scream attention. If your room has scarce natural light, select a paint that helps in reflecting it. 
3. Whichever shade you choose finally, select one shade lighter paint as a single color paint looks a little darker when used on all the walls.
   Overall, your focus should be on selecting a color that adds in the overall impression and not be a patch on it. Remember, colors can easily be complimented with right accessories and upholstery.