Design of the times: a fall color palette
What's hot in home design changes year-to-year, but luckily the key to great home design is choosing what you love.
"Popular colors are fun, but ultimately it's what you like - what you want to live with," says Stephanie Henley, principal, Beasly and Henley Design.
Henley also points out that almost any color can work well in any room - it just depends on the vibe you're going for. Think soft, cool tones for the rooms you use to relax and vibrant, fun colors for the places you gather with friends and family.
Pantone, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, says the fall 2012 color palette is all about balance.
"By playing to consumers' practical side with versatile neutrals, and boosting their confidence with bold, spirited hues, this skillfully balanced palette has something for everyone," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
If you're a homeowner who loves bold, bright colors, try Pantone's color of the year for 2012: Tangerine Tango. This exotic color is the perfect accent to an otherwise neutral room.
For a bold statement, paint it onto an accent wall. Don't worry about it going out of style right away.
"People talk about tangerine like it's new," Henley says, "but orange in some form or another has been popular for about 10 years now."
Not into reds and oranges but still want to make a statement? Try a bold green hue like Bright Chartreuse.
Pair it with a color in the kitchen to really make it pop, or with a bright pink (like Pink Flambé) to create a wild and crazy kid's retreat.
Don't fret if bright, bold colors aren't your style. Golds, grays and browns are also in this season and pair nicely with neutrals you may already have in your palette.
Honey Gold, Pantone's take on the gilded classic, is reminiscent of a sunset in fall - the perfect color to add to your home this season.
"Yellow and grey is a popular combination," Henley notes. "Gray and silver are still pretty strong."
The combination of soft red and soft blue is also very popular this season, specifically in fabrics. It's surprisingly soothing, Henley says, and is a great choice for any room in your house.
If paint seems like too big a commitment to trends you're not sure you'll love next year, you can still find ways to use these colors in your home.
"A good rule of thumb is to stick to neutrals and add pops of color," says Henley. "If you have a blue sofa, then everything else is cream - if everything's blue than nothing pops."
Try adding pillows, window treatments and rugs in some of your favorite on-trend colors.
Keep costs down by checking out local discount retailers for accessories in hot fall colors at low prices. After all, you may not keep them forever so you shouldn't spend a fortune.
Art is another great way to add color. Purchase (or create) a few pieces that incorporate your favorite colors and switch them out once in a while.
It will keep the room fresh, fun, and up to date with color trends.
Ilyce Glink is an award-winning, nationally syndicated real estate columnist, blogger and radio talk show host, and managing editor of the Equifax Finance Blog. Follow her on Twitter @Glink.
