As an interior redesigner and home stager, people often ask me my opinion regarding the latest design fads.
Some redesigners get caught up in the latest fads or trends without really thinking it through. Being flashy or cutting edge is not representative of good design. Painting a client's home all grey because that is the latest color "craze" is definitely not the way to go.
Good design principles require us to consider what will still be "in-style" ten years from now. How does that avocado color refrigerator look in your kitchen now or that 1970's wood paneling on your living room walls?
Going green is also a big trend right now, but the higher price tag can turn off some buyers. Home Depot's The Freshaire Choice paint offers an environmentally friendly paint option that contains zero VOCs (volatile organic compounds). Benjamin Moore Paints also has a green paint selection called Natura. Natura can be tinted any of the Benjamin Moore color choice you select.
Going green and recycling your building materials whenever possible is definitely an option that I support. You could also save at least $10 per gallon of paint and just cut up an onion and place it in the room you are painting to absorb the paint smell.
Remember, when selecting accent pieces, furniture, or paint colors for your home take a second and reflect on your choices. I always ask myself, "Will the client be able to live with this choice ten years from now?" It is always better to go more conservative when selecting furniture and more adventurous in selecting art work for your wall. Following the latest design trends using art work is a safer choice and much less expensive.
Kate (www.kateshomestaging.com)
Hi Kate,
Welcome to Active Rain and congratulations on your first post! The opportunities to learn and network are incredible here. Best of luck to you!
-Keith
Keith,
Thank you for your kind words!
Kate