Latest Home Improvement, Renovation & Remodeling Trends

You can spend thousands of dollars on a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation but if the paint scheme is wrong then the either the whole mood of the space is tarnished or, at best, doesn’t gel. Because paint and texture can define the size, mood and use of a space as much as the appliances or cabinets.

“Play it safe.” That has been the mantra of the past 20 years. Beginning in the 1980’s renovation and home design magazines were rife with the horrors of 1970’s overindulgences such as olive-green appliances, orange shag carpet and double-knit polyester. The mantra became “neutral” and this has stuck with us since. Oh, maybe some designer got cute with the trim but, except for dark cabinets and some dark tile, beiges and ultra-light eggshells ruled the roost.

But in the past year paint cans have been popping out vibrant colors such as heavy blues, reds and greens, colors which had been relegated to the trimwork in the “rooms-less-used.” And to accentuate the areas behind draperies and around mirrors the primal tones, black and white, are being found.

In addition, the 2008 Olympics has brought the Oriental textures across the pond. Bright red draperies lined with gold thread highlight windows and walls with bright yellow designs, excellent for a feature wall. As well, look for the outside to creep indoors. Olive greens, earthy browns and light blues featured prominently in bathrooms and recreational areas, sometimes in patterns featuring two or more of these colors.

The point is, paint is the easiest and cheapest renovation you can make so why not experiment. If it bugs you a year from now - then change it!