COUNTERTOPS 101

I thought I would offer a list of the most popular countertops available that most people select and a little info about each.  It seems in the interior design business Kitchens and Baths are the most popular rooms to be renovated. Functionality, individual lifestyle and of course aesthetics are important when taking on this renovation.

Countertops ‘101’

When selecting a countertop for our kitchens or baths we can become overwhelmed by the selections available and which work best for us individually.  If you want low maintenance you would not go for marble.  For the low maintenance crowd, quartz is one of the best products available. Over the years manufacturers are coming up with better and better products.

Solid Surface

The generic term, ‘solid surface’ refers to any material that is solid all the way through. This means it doesn’t have a topcoat that is different from the centre core. Solid surface materials are consistent in colour and content throughout. The advantage of this can be durability, hardness, temperature dispersion and edge profile options. Marble, Quartz, Granite and Corian (or similar materials like Gibraltar or Zodiac) are all considered Solid surfaces. The seams on the material are almost invisible and it is resistant to stains, so you can expect the countertop to stay in good condition for years. However, solid-surface material is not heat resistant and it's vulnerable to abrasive damage. Take care with how you use the countertops to avoid damaging the material.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic Laminate‎ is a thin plastic sheet molded around a particleboard centre with a few options for edge detail. This is not a solid surface material. Although not loved by designers, real estate agents or homeowners alike, laminate can be a practical and inexpensive solution in certain spaces. Also, laminate companies continuously coming out with new colours  and options. This is the most affordable option.  Despite being made with heat and pressure, laminate is vulnerable to heat damage, so it's important to avoid placing any hot pots or pans on the surface of a laminate countertop. This material also has a shorter lifespan than most other countertop options and it is prone to peeling.

Corian

Corian is a man-made resin product that comes in multiple colours. Corian is well known for its integrated sinks and seamless joints. Less glossy than quartz or natural stones, it has a softer look and feel. An advantage to Corian is that it can have adjustments made to it such as extending a counter top without removing the top or creating seams. ‎Corian is an easy to maintain pliable material with a premium price tag!

Marble

As beautiful as Marble is, one must be careful when selecting it.  It stains very easily so in a bathroom it can become damaged by some of the chemicals used.  When used on a kitchen countertop it requires maintenance but as it ages, it is beautiful.  If you want the look but not the maintenance, think about using it for your backsplash. The reason being, it can be very sensitive to wine stains or de-glossing from lemons, tomatoes or vinegar. A matte or leathered-finish marble can be slightly more forgiving, but it’s only for customers who can handle the natural marking that will occur. If you can’t handle this, choose something else!! Marble is expensive, beautiful but sensitive!!  Marble holds up well against heat and it is racking, chipping, or breaking, allowing it to last for years without problem. However, this lry material is vulnerable to scratching and staining, which is why it's necessary to have the marble sealed at least once a year to keep it in good condition.

Granite

Granite is a different natural stone than marble, in the fact that it is impervious to wine, acidic food and most scratches & wear and tear. ‎(Hence tombstones are now granite and no longer marble!). Granite has more of a pebbled pattern and less veins than marble. If it is taken care of properly, a granite countertop can last for decades. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you will need to apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years..

Quartz

Quartz is the generic term used to describe a man-made material formulated from the quartz found in granite and then recast in resin. It is very hard, non-porous, scratch resistant and nice looking. It is softer in pattern than granite, but it is not as reliable for heat dispersion. You may want to stay away from quartz around fireplaces and try not to rest hot pots on it. Quartz is a good choice if you want a variety of colours or lots of companies to choose from. It costs about the same as granite.  Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing the countertop regularly. However, it's important to avoid placing hot objects on the engineered quartz because it is vulnerable to heat damage and may begin to melt. Additionally, engineered quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so consider the layout of your kitchen before choosing this material for a new countertop.

Silestone

Silestone is a quartz material, offering over 60 stunning colours in 2 unique textures. Silestone is composed of natural materials resulting in slight variances in colour, shade and particle structure.   Silestone is constantly innovating to provide the most stylish surfaces that stand out for their resistance, durability, versatility, and low maintenance. Silestone offers a unique combination of antibacterial protection, NSF, and Greenguard certifications. It is a durable, non-porous and low-maintenance surface that delivers premium performance resistant to staining, scratching, impact, and scorching making it the perfect partner for any project in your home.

Soapstone

Soapstone is new to the solid surface lineup, although it’s been around for a long time. It is naturally heat resistant and easy to maintain. You can have integrated sinks, with soapstone, included within the counter top. It is less glossy than marble or granite and offers a variety of pattern, but always in a dark tone. It is an excellent material for dispersing heat so it’s perfect around fireplace openings or in high-wear kitchens. Soapstone is the same in cost as high-grade granite.In order to keep soapstone kitchen countertops in good condition for years to come and to help develop the patina on the surface, it's recommended to treat the countertop with mineral oil about once per month during the first year after installation.

Quartzite

Often confused with the name quartz, quartzite is a natural stone that has the durability of granite, but the veining pattern of marble. It is a delicate material during manufacture, so it requires a good fabricator. Once it is installed, it performs well. Slabs generally have soft wave patterns in a full range of largely neutral colours. You can expect premium pricing with Quartzite.  Quartzite typically comes in light neutral shades of white and gray, but the minerals found in the sandstone can lend pink, gold, or rust hues to your countertops. This material looks similar to marble, but quartzite boasts more strength and durability at a lesser cost. It  is  durable and low maintenance, however it is expensive and requires resealing annually.

Butcher-block

Butcher-block countertops are a breed of countertop all by themselves. They offer the aesthetic warmth that the look of wood provides while at the same time providing a versatile work surface in the kitchen. They bring a distinctive look that's appropriate in a kitchen that's hard at work or "dressed up" for entertaining.

Deciding whether it's the right choice for your kitchen takes an understanding of just what a butcher-block countertop is, how it's made and how you're going to use it.

Remember that butcher-block counters that you will cut and prepare food on will need frequent cleaning and oiling. If you're someone who just isn't up for this level of maintenance, consider getting "non-working" butcher-block countertops and use a separate cutting board for the food preparation. If you neglect the cutting board, you can just toss it out. That's harder to do (and more expensive) when you've neglected your countertops.  The wood is tough and durable, allowing it to stand up to years of use without failing. However, the fibrous nature of wood means that the surface of the countertop can become scratched, stained, or even burned. You can sand and reseal the wood about once every two to three years or as necessary to restore the original appearance of the countertop.  However, it should be noted that the wood needs to be regularly oiled and would benefit from being sealed to prevent mold, mildew and bacteria from seeping into the fibrous countertop.

Concrete

The decision about installing a concrete countertop versus granite, marble, corian or laminate can be a difficult one.  When thinking about this keep in mind you will need the correct cabinetry infrastructure to handle the weight so putting concrete on 30 year old cabinets may not be the best idea.  Concrete is both beautiful and budget-friendly. If properly installed and sealed, concrete countertops will last practically forever. Concrete works well in a modern or industrial looking kitchen.  Concrete is a porous material and will absorbed liquids and stain.  Acidic substances will etch the concrete and cooking oils can leave dark stains.  Applying a sealer to the surface will lessen the chances of damage.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel has always been popular in commercial kitchens; but it's become a trend in residential homes as well.  This type of countertop is an instant way to give your kitchen a stylish, industrial look.

If you clean stainless steel properly with a little bit of soap and water or a product formulated specifically for this surface, it's easy to maintain.  But the longer you leave a splash or spill the harder it is to clean.  Stainless steel also shows fingerprints and water spots easily, so it isn't ideal for a home with young children.

Another pitfall of stainless steel is that it can dent and scratch.  But for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable and entirely non-porous.  Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens dur to the non-porous construction that makes it easy to keep clean.  This is one of the types of countertops for the kitchen that resists mold, mildew and staining.

To complete the process you will have to select an appropriate edge for your counter, and depending on the material selected , it can be brought up to the backsplash for a clean continuous look.  Of course sinks and faucets will need to be decided on.

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2023

Welcome to 2023!

I have been a  little behind in posting this past few months but I am back in the saddle as the saying goes. Unfortunately my computer is still on a break, however I believe it is back now.

Every year the Colour Marketing Board announce what they deem to be the colour of the year.

All the large paint companies also offer the colour of the year from their palettes.  This year the CMB has selected Viva Magenta.18-1750.  They describe it to have vim and vigor.  It comes from the red family which expresses strength. It is bold, brave and fearless and promotes optimism  It connects to nature which is a theme throughout the design industry as well as all other areas such as graphics and design, fashion, beauty, home furnishings and accessories.

I have to say it is a very uplifting and cheerful colour which we can enjoy after the past few Covid years.

Below are a few bright photos which certainly are alive and fun. 

My next few posts will be about the 2023 Trends to look forward to.

The Colour of the Year 2021 as determined by the Colour Marketing Group

Each year we are informed of what the colour of the year will be by the Colour Marketing Group.  This year there are two  Pantonne Colours  -Ultimate Gray and Illuminating a bright yellow 

A not-for-profit, international association of color design professionals, Color Marketing Group ® is a forum for the exchange of all things color. Members represent a broad spectrum of designers, marketers, color scientists, consultants, educators, and artists.

It is said that the Pantonne Colours of 2021 are a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting.  A dynamic duo. Perfect for this coming year. They are two independent colors that highlight how different elements come together to support one another,

STILL CHECKING OUT HOME FURNISHINGS AND DECOR STORES

Well I have to share some of the fantastic items at Kitchen Stuff Plus (KSP) which a lot of people know about.  They have a wide array of kitchen/dining products from everyday to party.  They also have bath products and so many little gadgets you will go crazy wandering through this great store.  I am attaching some photos below of the kitchen/dining products in this post. I will share the other products in a future post. They carry high end end pieces like Staub Cookware, Henckels &  Zwilling Knives at great price points. You can even purchase dining tables and chairs, a lovely bar with storage and all the linens you would need. I could go on about the many fabulous products but you really should take some time to visit this store at one of their many locations.

  

Transitional Design

I planned on writing an article on this topic, however when I came across this by Steven Sabados I knew he had nailed it  so here it is.......

Not too fussy, not too stark: Steven Sabados breaks down the hard-to-define transitional design

How to build a balanced room that looks and feels just right

CBC Life · March 6

Transitional design has been described many ways: updated classic, contemporary decor, modern classic, modern traditional... many people have been trying to define it, but transitional seems to be the name that has stuck! Transitional most often describes the room as a whole. At the core of this style is the balance of modern and traditional design. The real appeal is the style's ability to have the best of both worlds – it's not too fussy, but not too stark or cold. Furniture pieces in varying applications can take on totally different looks, so this style is all about how they come together to create a harmonious and balanced space. Here is what Steven Sabados says to keep in mind to achieve the look.

Simple profiles

Transitional blends the comfort and coziness of traditional design with the clean lines and profiles of the contemporary look. The fastest and easiest way to begin to achieve a transitional look is with your furniture, providing you with a harmonious space that meets somewhere in the middle of traditional and modern.

For sofas, such as the one above, anything with a traditional line should not be ornate. This one has a relatively low profile and more contemporary nailhead detail. The gentle curves need to be balanced with something more rigid within the space, but in general, opt for a sofa with narrow and sleek arms so that you can get that nod to traditional design while still saving on space.

These low profile chairs are simple but not cold or uncomfortable in their design. Their rigid lines help balance out the softness of the sofa. The elongated legs make the chairs feel elegant and modern, and the print adds visual interest without adding a lot of distracting colour to the space.

It is always a great idea to round out the room with something right in the middle of the style spectrum. This chair has a timeless profile – it looks simple and sophisticated, but is still modern thanks to the vertical tufting, where tufted panels replace traditional button tufting for a sleeker finish.

Strike a balance with texture and finish

Any finish with a tactile appeal fits into transitional decor; think leather, chenille, linen, woven, wood, glass, chrome gold, and so much more. The challenge is not to go overboard or you'll lose the sleek elegance that at the core of transitional style.

Mix metals but keep your accents minimal, like the coffee table and end table that are simply styled. The interest comes from the finishes, not in the volume of accessories. The table has sharp contemporary lines, but still looks traditional because of its brushed brass finish. Its hidden base creates the illusion it's floating, adding another contemporary touch. This choice is balanced out with a stunning antique mirror at the bottom.

This lamp is another example of the perfect transitional piece – the column is traditional, but the solid glass column gives the lamp a contemporary edge making for a truly balanced piece.

A transitional palette

Warm neutrals tend to rule this look but are not the only way to go. The safer and most popular choice is always cream, tan, khaki, warm grey, and chocolate brown. But to push it a bit further, look to heritage or naturally occurring colours, such as forest greens, terracottas, or in our case, ocean blues. Choose clean and simple art; a tidy frame, large matting and fairly simple artwork will pull the room together nicely.

Overall impression

Above all else, a transitional space should feel comfortable and restful. All accessories are artfully placed, without going overboard. It's best to take a Goldilocks approach – the room shouldn't feel overdone, or minimal and cold, but just right!

How do Interior Decorators create that perfect space?

There are many variables involved – the correct use of colour, textures, lighting along with space planning and creative furniture placement, in order to maximize rooms to their best potential. 

Colour and lighting; whether natural or artificial can impact on how we feel in the space.  By using cool or warm hues we create a feeling for the space.  A variety of textures add interest and depth to the space.  There is no right or wrong opinion about neutrals vs. colour; it’s all a matter of applying the colour in an appropriate manner.

Decorators are able to create functional yet fabulous designs, both being equally important.  A decorator can lend that polished look, with attention to details, creative lighting, custom millwork and window treatments.

A decorator creates innovative designs, manipulating the scale of furnishings and prioritizing features for both function and style, especially in small spaces.  A decorator can transform your space into the dream you have always envisioned. A decorator can take your ideas, make suggestions and in the end transform them into a perfect space.

An Interior Decorator can offer a full range of residential design options such as Color Consultations, Space Planning, Furniture Selection, Custom Draperies and Soft Furnishings, Flooring, Wall Coverings, Kitchen and Bath Planning, New home specifications and preparing the home for Resale, as well as Selection of Artwork and Accessories.  A decorator can assist in the Refreshing of a room by Repurposing and Repositioning pieces to create a new look.

There is great deal of flexibility when working with an Interior Decorator.

A decorator will work with you to develop a decorating plan and establish a realistic budget.  Any project can be broken down into manageable pieces to be completed at a later date.

Ultimately an Interior Decorator’s job is to add the icing to the cake.

Outdoor Living - Creating your Outdoor Kitchen

Creating your Outdoor Kitchen

When we think of an outdoor kitchen we should think about our indoor kitchen.  What do we like or not like about the indoor kitchen which can be related to how you create your outdoor kitchen.  An outdoor kitchen takes a lot of planning.  You need to think about many factors including the type of cooking you will do – charcoal, smokers, pizza ovens, gas/propane and then the other aspects; chilling – will you want a refrigerator, ice makers, water, counter top for preparation, bar, seating, and storage.

Ultimately the look is important and how all of the elements fit together and of course your budget. As in creating your indoor space, you should select one element/area to be the focal point and build around it.  Keep in mind the following – Fence lines and setbacks; the type of greenery; lighting, landscape currently in place; accessories.  Also keep the location of your barbecue so that the smoke does not drift into the seating area.  Don’t block views when you select your location as the view and surrounding floral and greenery add to the ambience.

Create this outdoor space with attention to details and incorporate appropriate furniture.  Will you have a roof over your kitchen? What type of flooring will you want?  Think about your indoor kitchen and try to incorporate some of the best features of it to your outdoor kitchen. 

The addition of the outdoor kitchen and appropriate sitting area to your home will give you many years of enjoyment.  Outdoor kitchens, when done right can add to the value of your home.

Gresham House Furniture

This morning I had the opportunity to visit and take a tour of the Gresham House showroom and workroom where all of the beautiful furniture is made.  They create everything from sofas, sofa beds, ottomans, chairs, headboards, bed rails and so on.  Yes, it is Canadian made hardwood with all of the very best in construction as well as fillings.

It starts with Canadian hardwood which is corner blocked, dowelled, screwed and glued.  Sinuous springs and web and coil are offered.  The arms and backs are padded with cotton felt and green soya foam to offer comfort that lasts.  A single upholsterer works on each piece individually from start to finish. 

The seat cushions are made with eco friendly foam, soya, which is extremely durable and is wrapped in a soft fibre channeled so that it won't move around, and finished in a cotton casing to ensure futher durability. It is much nicer if one opens the outer fabric to see a nice white casing rather than just the foam.  

If you prefer feather cushions, for their luxuriousness, there is a feather blend.  100% waterfowl feather wrap for seats with a foam core and 60% waterfowl feather, 40 % fibre for the backs.  The ultimate in luxury is down fill (20% down, 80% waterfowlfeather in the backs and enveloped wrap on seats.

Each piece is hand cut individually in order to ensure that patterns are matched and then passed to the sewers.  The sewers do their part and then it is passed to the upholsterer who as mentioned earlier does the entire piece.  When sewing, the piping is cut on the bias for a better look and fit.

Outdoor Living

Last week I attended a wonderful and educational two day conference on Outdoor Living at SOFA which was filled with a plethora of valuable information.  The venue was filled with designers, decorators, landscape and gardening professionals all interested in learning more about the ever growing area of Outdoor Design.    Outdoor spaces have come a long way from some folding chairs, a picnic table and hibachi.  We want to extend our time enjoying the outdoors and do it in the same comfort at our indoor spaces.  Many of the outdoor ‘rooms’ rival our indoor rooms.  Not only do these outdoor rooms add to our enjoyment but, if done well,  they add to the time we can spend outdoors.  We are so lucky to have so many options available nowadays and so many professionals who focus on this valuable added space to our homes.

Why create an outdoor space?  It can extend the time we have outdoors; it can increase the value of our homes and, add to our general wellbeing by offering a place for relaxation without the usual distractions found indoors; such as promoting communication when sitting around a fire.  We live in such a fast paced world it is just nice to venture outside and spend time doing nothing.  It becomes a retreat.

Where do we start to create this space?  To build a successful outdoor space many factors must be considered.  The very first thing to consider is how you want to use the space.  What is essential to your needs and wants? Is it for relaxing or entertaining?  How much time do you want to be outside? You then need to have a ‘space plan’ just as you would when designing your indoor space.  This helps with dividing the different outdoor rooms you will create.  Think about how you will enclose the space – fences or shrubs and how you will create privacy.   

Let’s consider the following elements -

Heating - There are many heat sources available and of course checking with your individual municipality by-laws is crucial before thinking of any type of fire.  Fireplaces, both gas and wood burning; fire pits or fire tables, electric heaters are all available.  Do you have a safe area on your property to have a live fire?

Cooking – Barbeque grills, wood-fired pizza ovens, bars, a complete outdoor kitchen which could include a refrigerator, sink, grill, storage cabinet, etc.

Seating – Do you want a place to eat and have dinner parties?  Then a table and chairs will be on your list. Do you like to relax and read outside or sunbathe? Lounge chairs and sectional seating have become very popular.  In fact some of the outdoor furniture seating arrangements are very similar to those we find inside.

Flooring – Will you have a deck or porch? Perhaps brick, stone, slate, stamped concrete. There are so many options available and depending on your property size and grade a professional will help you in making the best selection.

Landscape Materials and Plant Materials – this is where it is in your best interest to consult with the professionals on how to best add soft and hard surfaces to your property

Water – will you want a swimming pool, hot tub, pond or waterfall?

AV – Many of us want to listen to our music outside.  There are a full range of speaker options available which can actually be hidden within your plant material for a clean look. Some people desire an outdoor television which is available but, be sure to purchase one that is waterproof and has an anti-glare surface.

Shelter – will you want a covered porch, a sunshade, gazebo, sunroom or will an awning or umbrella be sufficient?

Lighting & Accessories – as is the practice for indoor decorating, the same principles hold for outdoors.  Lighting is one of the most important features for your space.  We see many types of pathway lighting and of course you can hire a landscape designer who will assist in offering you many other options.  Lighting can highlight certain features in your garden – deck, path, shrubs, fountain, pool, steps and so on.  Accessories are the fun stuff – garden sculptures, tabletop décor items, area rugs within the seating area.

By working with the professionals you can achieve a completely wonderful and useful outdoor living space.

                      Stay in touch for more information and images on outdoor living.

Let’s go “shopping”….. at home!

You have decided it is time to give your home a new look but your budget just isn’t up for a complete makeover.  In times of tight budgets, not to mention all the attention to the four “R’s” – Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Re-invent - it can be fun to “shop in your own home”.  You probably have many good pieces that can be re-purposed. Home Re-styling without Spending Money is a great way to redecorate a room.

Pick the room that needs a makeover.  Look at the space carefully; decide what you like about the room the way it is now, and what you would like to change.

The next step is to take pictures of your room and you will see it in a totally different way.  Any flaws will stand out right away and this will assist you in your makeover. Be objective.

Now remove everything from the room including pictures and wall art.  If painting is on the agenda go ahead.. You have a blank slate to work with.

When you have a general idea of how you want the room to look, decide what stays and what goes.  Remove any pieces of furniture that will not fit in with your new design. For example, if you’ve decided on a more sophisticated look, the country style pine pieces will not work in the new design. Make a list of what needs to be done to make the room look the way you have visualized it.

You are now ready to go “shopping.”  From the list you made, walk through the other rooms of your home and go through stored items to see what will be useful to you. To save yourself time and effort, measure any potential furniture pieces to see if they will fit in the intended space in the room you are redoing.

Once you have prepped the room and chosen the furniture pieces that will stay and the ones that will be moved from the other rooms of your home, you are ready to place the furniture. View the room as you would like to use it, and keep in mind what worked in its former set up.  Before you start moving around furniture, draw up a floor plan on paper to decide where you want each piece to go. 

Take into account any pieces of furniture that need to be near a power source like the end tables or the TV stand. Also, take into account the room’s traffic flow, heating vents, etc.  Your room must not only look pleasant but it must be functional.

When everything has been placed in the room according to your plan, including decorative items rescued from other parts of the house, you are ready for the fun part – adding the finishing touches. You don’t want to spend very much, so prioritize the items you want to add. New accent pillows, decorative candles and picture frames don’t have to cost much if you get them on sale. Make a list and stick to it. The whole purpose of the exercise is to give your room a new look – you don’t want to end up spending a fortune.

Colour - Go for it!

“Colour is like food for the spirit – plus it’s not addictive or fattening” says Isaac Muzrahi

2016 color trends bring an abundance of variety to suit everyone, even the diehard neutral lovers.  Our Colour of the Year is actually two colours - Rose Quartz and Serenity which are soft pink and blue.   In looking forward to spring we think in color, so it only makes sense to add some of that refreshing color to our homes.  Colour trends in interior décor tend to follow those of fashion runways and this spring/summer is no exception with both fashion and decor very colorful.

Colour is a fundamental and important design element.  When used properly, color provides cohesion of design, and, color themes can evoke different moods or a tone to a room.

Linking rooms enhances any space. If rooms have good color transition and correlation, they have a smooth & harmonious flow. It is essential to create a flow in a house with an open floor plan or one in which rooms connect through wide openings, by choosing colors that relate to each other in a pleasing way. The challenge is to give each space its own identity according to its function and still achieve a feeling of unity. The connection can be as subtle as a recurring color in the fabrics, accessories and furniture in each room, transitioned with wall colors that are closely related and similar in value and intensity. Using unrelated colours in adjoining rooms can make the house feel like a disjointed series of spaces, while colours that relate to each other draw the eye from one room to the next and create that pleasing flow.

Colour affects our emotions and the effective balance of color will provide a harmonious setting, which in turn creates a pleasant “feeling” in the space. Decide on how you want to “feel” in the room - calm or energized, intimate or open, dramatic or playful; the use of different color will promote this “feeling or mood”.  It is also important to look at another factor when selecting colour.
                                                                                                                                    

Lighting is one of the most crucial elements when selecting color.  The room’s exposure; type of light – direct sunlight, indirect sunlight or artificial light; and time of day you will most likely use the room; play a part in your decisions.  Since colour changes when viewed under different light sources, paint and accessories should be viewed in the actual space and lighting where they will be used.

The use of color is the easiest way to transform a room.  This can be done with paint, wallpaper, tiles, fabric, flooring, art & accessories.  Paint is one of the least expensive ways to transform a space. Though more costly, wallpaper has made a large comeback this season, with contemporary, simple patters and graphics.  Colourful accessories can add impact and freshen up a room without breaking the bank. When a space requires a sprucing up, color, no matter where applied, can make the largest impact.

The use of color does not mean you cannot have a neutral pallet. Adding a dash of color to the already neutral palette gives the room a new look and this color dash can be removed at any time.   Keeping large items such as sofas, chairs and draperies neutral and enhancing with colored toss cushions, accessories, lamps, art, etc. adds style to your space.  These small items can be changed by season, or as you tire of them, without great expense.

One of the first things most interior designers will tell you when it comes to color is to determine the paint for your walls AFTER you have selected the more expensive pieces in the room. The reason is simple, always match the paint to the furniture. Paint is one of the least-expensive decorating elements in a room and can be easily altered and changed as needed.  There are more colors available in paint than any other medium available. 

The best way to establish a color palette for your home is to have a starting point or inspiration piece, a painting, carpet, pottery chair, from which to draw out the color. Look for a pattern that appeals to you. Use that inspirational piece and break it down in terms of color “priority" to create your scheme.  Ultimately, select in the color family that appeals the greatest to you, while keeping in mind all the other factors involved – mood, lighting, theme - when making this selection.  Most Important – Have Fun!

SOFA - Universal Design

1. "Universal design makes things more accessible, safer, and convenient for everyone. Also called "Design for All" or "Inclusive Design," it is a philosophy that can be applied to policy, design and other practices to make products, environments and systems function better for a wider range of people. It developed in response to the diversity of human populations, their abilities and their needs." - The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access   www.universaaldesign.com
2. "Universal Design ("UD") increases usability, safety and health of environments, products and systems in response to the diversity of people and abilities. With attention focused on the changing demographics, differences in functional ability and preferences are part of everyday life experience. UD represents a paradigm for design of the built environment and products to address this diversity and increase use by all by introducing flexibility, choice and accommodating features to the physical world and business practices." - ThUniversal Design is an evolving concept, and as such, different people have slightly different definitions. We gather here some definitions from leading Universal Design experts and organizations. e Global Universal Design Commission

The 7 Principles of Universal Design were developed in 1997 by a working group of architects, product designers, engineers and environmental design researchers, led by the late Ronald Mace in the North Carolina State University.The purpose of the Principles is to guide the design of environments, products and communications. According to the Center for Universal Design in NCSU, the Principles "may be applied to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process and educate both designers and consumers about the characteristics of more usable products and environments."  

The seven principles of Universal Design are as follows:

1. Equitable Use: The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.
4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.
5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.
6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably with minimum fatigue.
7. Size and Space for Approach and Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Principle 1: Equitable Use
The design is useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities.

Guidelines:

1a. Provide the same means of use for all users: identical whenever possible; equivalent when not.

1b. Avoid segregating or stigmatizing any users.

1c. Provisions for privacy, security, and safety should be equally available to all users.

1d. Make the design appealing to all users.

Principle 2: Flexibility in Use
The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

Guidelines:

2a. Provide choice in methods of use.

2b. Accommodate right- or left-handed access and use.

2c. Facilitate the user's accuracy and precision.

2d. Provide adaptability to the user's pace.

Principle 3: Simple and Intuitive Use
Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

Guidelines:

3a. Eliminate unnecessary complexity.

3b. Be consistent with user expectations and intuition.

3c. Accommodate a wide range of literacy and language skills.

3d. Arrange information consistent with its importance.

3e. Provide effective prompting and feedback during and after task completion.

Principle 4: Perceptible Information
The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

Guidelines:

4a. Use different modes (pictorial, verbal, tactile) for redundant presentation of essential information.

4b. Provide adequate contrast between essential information and its surroundings.

4c. Maximize "legibility" of essential information.

4d. Differentiate elements in ways that can be described (i.e., make it easy to give instructions or directions).

4e. Provide compatibility with a variety of techniques or devices used by people with sensory limitations.

Principle 5: Tolerance for Error
The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

Guidelines:

5a. Arrange elements to minimize hazards and errors: most used elements, most accessible; hazardous elements eliminated, isolated, or shielded.

5b. Provide warnings of hazards and errors.

5c. Provide fail safe features.

5d. Discourage unconscious action in tasks that require vigilance.

Principle 6: Low Physical Effort
The design can be used efficiently and comfortably and with a minimum of fatigue.

Guidelines:

6a. Allow user to maintain a neutral body position.

6b. Use reasonable operating forces.

6c. Minimize repetitive actions.

6d. Minimize sustained physical effort.

Principle 7: Size and Space for Approach and Use
Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility.

Guidelines:

7a. Provide a clear line of sight to important elements for any seated or standing user.

7b. Make reach to all components comfortable for any seated or standing user.

7c. Accommodate variations in hand and grip size.

7d. Provide adequate space for the use of assistive devices or personal assistance.   http://universaldesign.ie/What-is-Universal-Design/The-7-Principles/