Change a Room Fast - PAINT!

One of the quickest and easiest ways to change the look of a room is to paint. In my business this is the first thing I often consult on in doing a room makeover. If you have been thinking of doing something new to a room or are ready for a change, paint!

It would be fun if we could just afford to buy all new furniture every time we want to make a change in a room that feels dated or boring, but for many of us that is not possible. Consider changing the color instead. Going from white to color can make a dramatic difference in a room. Changing from a dated color that may have looked good when last painted in the 80's to something more contemporary may be all you need. It will instantly feel fresh, clean and new.

Deciding on a color may seem daunting when you look at all the selections and the fear of making a mistake by picking the wrong color or shade may make you hesitant. I recommend you not running out to the nearest paint store and just looking at all the many, many selections, this will make the decision harder. Instead think of how you would like the room to look first. What would be a nice compliment to the furnishings you already have? Picture or visualize the room in the color that comes to mind. Find the color in something you have around the house, then take it with you to the paint store. Bring the color swatch home and look at it in the room and in different lighting. It is also important to pay attention to how the paint store has the color grouped; greys can go from dark charcoal to lavender, so the grey closet the the reds will tend to look a little purple on the wall. Some paint stores now let you purchase small samples of a color so you can test it on the wall, this may be a good way to go if you still are not confident in your selection.

If you are a Do It Yourselfer you can save money, but remember that a neat paint job is essential! Make certain you purchase all the supplies needed to do a good job. You can also save yourself and employ a painter for a few hundred dollars more (depending on size of room) and the good thing is that he/she will already have all the supplies needed to do the job. Lastly consider a decorator to help with this decision. A decorator can take all the stress out, make certain correct color selections are made & set you on the right path to beginning your room makeover. As they say, it is so worth it!

Painted hallway Before & After

The Best in Design Mag

INTERIOR DESIGN MAGAZINE

For the latest in design I like to look at INTERIOR DESIGN magazine. Here you can find some of the best and boldest in design. Unlike some other magazines I actually do enjoy checking out the ads, here you will see what some of the manufacturers are producing that's new and innovative and some times just plain bad ass. It is indeed a publication geared more for the industry so I wouldn't recommend subscribing to this pricey magazine, but do pick up a copy from time to time or when you are looking for some inspiration for an upcoming home improvement project. Most things found here and in other design magazines can be purchased through your designer or decorator.

HOT CHOCOLATE!

Mocha, espresso and cocoa are not just words to talk about the ever popular and trendy cups of java ,they are used to describe one of the hotest colors in design today. Brown can be found in every room in fabrics, accessories and furniture. It is considered a great base color for a room because it complements surrounding colors, making them come alive. When it comes to chocolate brown, it is all about shape — the more simple the piece, the better it looks. Through Interiors by Rohmi I have used a lot of brown, especially in furniture. Today's chocolate brown furniture has clean lines without a lot of detail, which allows you to mix several pieces without overpowering a room and making it look too dark. For a stronger, darker look, go with modern furniture because its simple geometric shapes are shown off best by dark brown. Working with chocolate brown is simple if you remember the basic rule — keep proportions while balancing everything accordingly. This color always acts as a great anchor, so it is all about using it as a base. Any color paired with brown looks new, teal-inspired shades combined with brown are a fresh alternative to spa blue and brown schemes so prevalent last year.