Posted by Jason Gettum on Thu, Jan 31, 2013 @ 07:00 AM
Color Trends 2013:
Because it's a basic color in nature, green tends to be easy on the eyes. Whether paired with happy spring colors or deep, rich shades of fall, the hue can blend or stand out as you see fit in your interior decor. Each year, Pantone, the color guru's of America for the past 50 years, have forecasted tangerine, honeysuckle and turquoise as the trending color of the next 12 months. For 2013, it's Emerald's turn to shine. Here's how to easily incorporate the vivid hue into your home dcor without it quickly growing outdated:
In the Living Area
Using your living room as a canvas for the new color is one of the boldest ways to incorporate Emerald into your home. If you love the look, adorn an accent wall or interior lining of a bookshelf with this fun hue. For a more subtle inclusion, pair matching Emerald lampshades with rich shades of furniture you already own.
In the Bedroom
Beside pillows, consider an Emerald colored tufted headboard or curtains that hang breezily over the Shade Store's window blinds. Paired with deep browns, rich navy and subdued metallics, the pop of Emerald will add a dramatic flair to your room. If a complete makeover isn't in your plan, include the jewel tone in an extra subtle way crisp, white sheets adorned with Emerald embroidery threading.
In the Kitchen
Using a pop of green in your kitchen can help the space come alive and feel welcoming, balanced and in harmony with all of your other rooms. Pair tea towels with a multicolored rug and matching place mats in the dining room. Find jewel colored accessories to place throughout the space, such as a metallic-Emerald front for the toaster or mixer, salt shakers or serving trays. For a less pronounced approach, fill a clear vase with Emerald-colored sea glass to do the trick.
In the Office
According to a press release, Emerald is known to signify new life, growth and prosperity.
"Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today's complex world," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Use the color in your office to motivate you and encourage personal, financial and career success in 2013.
In the Bathroom
The bathroom is the best place to go bold because accessories are often replaced every few years. Let an Emerald waterfall-ruffle shower curtain be the room's focal point or pair a patterned Emerald wallpaper with bright-white linens. Incorporate the color throughout the room in less dramatic ways, like in towel threading, cabinet knobs or colored soaps.
In Your Closet
Granted you'll want to have a few key pieces of Emerald in your closet, such as a handbag or pair of shoes, but what about your actual closet? Bring forgotten colors out of the woodwork by painting the interior walls a radiant Emerald. Substitute paint for light wallpaper. If all else fails, add a pretty rug to meet your Emerald fix.
About the author:
Margaret Branson
Margaret has been redecorating homes since was 6, when she created curtains from pink Kleenex to match the parlor furniture in her dollhouse. She's been enjoying decorating and accenting rooms and giving advice to her readers on decorating, ever since.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Tue, Nov 20, 2012 @ 11:34 AM
Add mid-century design flare to your home
Trends come and go... and then come back again. Mid-century modern design has come full circle and back into everyday home decor. But you need to be careful: you don't want to go overboard and have your whole house look like a mid-century catastrophe. Here are six ways to add some vintage flair into your home without overdoing it.
Furniture
Dig deep and find inspiration from the iconic 50s and 60s furniture. Spruce up your bedroom and find some retro wood nightstands. Look for one with two deep drawers, steep slim legs and a nightstand that's low to the ground. Modern sleek and simple designs dominated the 50s and are sure to transform any room.
A great way to incorporate some style is to include a bar cart. "Mad Men" displays the importance of cocktail culture that was a staple of the era. Select a gold cart and decorate it with vintage glassware, cocktail shakers and ornate decorations.
Bedroom
Don't forget the bedroom—bold patterns, contrasting colors and a striking print-adorned bed will add just the touch your modern room needs. If you need a new mattress, now is the time to look. Slim profile mattresses were especially in vogue in the 50s and 60s. If you're going to get new bedding, go out and get a new mattress as well!
Art Work
Retro art work will add an unexpected element to any room. Find abstract art or vintage silk screen pieces. A popular vintage art piece is a graphic wall hanging consisting or squares or circles in red, orange and brown components.
Wood Pieces
Let all the wood pieces take center stage in any room. For a living room, accent wood pieces by using neutral wall colors and soft fabrics. If using a modern wood couch, decorate with earth tones and decorative throw pillows (shag, perhaps, if you're feeling daring).
Lighting
Mid-century-style lamps are easy to find in any vintage or antique store. You might even be able to find the perfect style for you by looking in your grandparents' house. Look for a curvy base with a tall, long, slim lampshade.
For a bold look, update that entryway or any ceiling lighting with a brass helix-style chandelier. Using this style of lighting will tie the room together and won't hurt the pocketbook too much either; you can find great retro lighting at flea markets and antique stores.
Traditional Color Scheme
Embrace the modern mid-century era and focus on colors in shades of mustard, avocado, tangerine and browns. A great way to implement the color scheme is to use suede or leather couches in yellow or avocado and accent the room with wood pieces, wood floating shelving and a natural cream wall color. If you want to tone down the room and not go full 60s, place a few mid-century pieces (wingback chairs with wooden legs and a low mod table) in a room and keep the other details simple by mixing grays, whites and blacks.
About the author:
Lisa Gonzales Lisa is a freelance journalist who writes about food and travel, especially to her native country, Mexico.
Posted by Jason Gettum on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 @ 09:30 AM
A garage addition example of the importance of matching home designs when remodeling
Yet again, we harp on the importance of matching your next renovation and remodel project with its existing surroundings. We take it seriously. So should you. For those who have missed the preaching, take note: Anything you add to your home should always match what you have.
When renovating or adding on or anywhere near a historic, period home it is even more important! Building with inappropriate materials or a contradicting style can kill the overall look and feel of an otherwise important home!
Here is a great example:
Below, is a picture of an existing garage on a historic period home in the Indianapolis area. Note the slate tile roofing, prominent dormer on the roof, the overhead garage door at the end, and the exterior trim detail.
Existing house and garage:
The objective:
The homeowner wanted a detached garage to the rear of the home.
Our challenge:
To not only replicate the look and feel of the existing home, but also the materials used originally.
We feel the completed project accomplished the objective: to create a great garage and storage space that served the purpose, yet match the original as close as possible.
The wall heights of the new garage matched the existing garage. The windows were an upgraded, yet similar replication. The brick blended seamlessly, as did the slate tiles. The dormer styling completed the blend. And accurate trim detail set the project off!
Completed project pictures:
The moral is, as is always the case, it's best to blend new with old. For this project, the objective was to create more garage space. But for this home, it was important to maintain the character of the existing home. However, even the newest of homes benefit from improvements matching the original styling and feel.
Additions and renovations can meet their intended goals without looking as thought they "just landed". It's important. Not just from a stylistic view, but from a realistic, resale point of view. Keep this in mind when considering your next remodel, renovation or home improvement project. Not only do you want your home to be consistent in it's detail, but so do potential buyers, should you ever want or need to sell your home. Curb appeal adds value. Inaccurate room additions or other modifications to your home will detract from it's value. Do your homework and find out what makes sense for your home!
For more on curb appeal, get the FREE "Indianapolis Curb Appeal Guide."
To learn more about blending in your dreams with your existing, consult with a reputable, Indianapolis-area design and remodel contractor, like Gettum Associates Inc. It is possible to make your house your dream home!
Posted by Jason Gettum on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 @ 11:30 AM
A patio roof covering offers shade without sacrificing view
For homeowners looking to create the backyard of their dreams, a porch or patio usually is a big part of the overall plan and design. There are many options to choose from. Many begin with a simple deck and upgrade to a pergola. Some may choose a porch. For those with a porch in mind, there are a few variations.
A screen porch is certainly one popular option. These structures are ideal for extending the indoors outward. They can be equipped with lighting and electronics, such as Tv and stereos. They offer the advantage of shade, as well as a bug-free experience. However, a simple covered porch or patio is desirable as well. In many cases, a covered porch is like a screen porch, without the walls and screening.
Similar in many ways, a covered porch can have many of the amenities a screen porch does. It can be wired and equipped with audio and visual equipment, as well as lighting in the ceiling. However, given the lack of walls and screening, a covered porch offers an uninhibited outdoor experience. As is the case with many additions completed by a professional remodeler, the ideal porch should blend into the existing structure as if it was always there. Avoiding the added on look is key! The design details should be a direct reflection of the overall style of your home, right down to the trim and column details, if applicable.
So, when planning your dream backyard be sure to choose the structure that meets your family's needs. And remember, a coverd porch or pation can, in most cases, be converted to a screen porch or 3-season room in the future.
If your in the Indianapolis area and are interested in learning about the benefits of a design/build remodel contractor for your next porch, click below to schedule your no cost, no obligation remodel consultation:
About the author:
Gettum Associates, Inc is an award-winning design and remodel contractor located in central Indiana that has been serving the Indianapolis metro area since 1987. Specializing in full- service remodeling, Gettum Associates completed projects of all sizes. From screen porches, patios, sunroom and room additions to simple bathroom and kitchen makeovers. Whatever your needs, Gettum Associates has the experience and know-how to get the job done right. For more information, visit their website at www.Gettum.com