As the economic downturn begins to subside, what were once green shoots of recovery are becoming more than germinating seeds.

2011 sees optimistic and striking colors present amongst the darker tones with colors that indicate new growth, such as those in "Spirit", sit alongside those that donate vibrant determination like the rouges in "Genteel".

Post-futuristic palettes are also popular - the bold pigments of "Risk" and brushed steel of "Whisper" - as technological advancement reaches new levels of sophistication.

Color Forecast 2011 Overview

"The universe will reward you for taking risks on it's behalf."
Shakti Gawain, Author

It used to be that once the latest designer colors hit the fashion runway, it would be another 3 - 4 years before we would see those same colors in the home furnishings market.

But not today! In this fast paced world with information flying around the globe faster than we can blink an eye, we are seeing the same fashion runway colors almost instantly in the home furnishings market.

• Does this make creating our home's perfect atmosphere with color harder or easier? Neither, really. But, what is does do is gives us more options. Is this good or bad - that's up to you!

• As you take a look at these different color stories, pay attention to how you are reacting to the different colors.

• Keep in mind - each story has colors that will create the color story feeling individually - don't look at using all of the colors as shown together - rather look at selecting variations of the hues.

• Challenge yourself to find your favorites and have fun!
  
  
  "Whisper" Color Story
  

"Whisper" Color Story

In a world of smoke and mirrors, Whisper takes on the illusory nature of the mirage in soft colors and hand tinted finishes reminiscent of pre-color photography. Yet, this is not a static homage to a bygone age.

Movement is inherent in everything, from dancing flames to the dripping of a tap. Whether wet, frosted, burnt or cloudy, surface textures play with different levels of opacity, while furniture and architecture are skeletel, as interiors seamlessly blend with exteriors allowing the inside out and vice versa.

"Spirit" Color Story

"Spirit" Color Story

Steeped in folklore, Spirit is an homage to the coming of Spring, perhaps evoking a bucolic idyll that never really existed beyond a Sunday night TV costume drama. The message is simple: fresh nature, fresh colors, rustic textures and hand-crafted objects.

It's a return to our roots, or for the city dweller, a fantasy about getting your hands dirty, baking your own bread and growing your own vegetables.

"Genteel" Color Story

"Risk" Color Story

Sci-fi meets low-fi in a reflection of our troubled times. Our post-industrial society embraces the beauty in the old, while melding it with the modern and the futuristic. The result: an environment filled with science fiction references from Flash Gordon to any of the current crop of Marvel Comic re-makes.

Finishes and materials combine these two elements: rough and smooth - crude oil, coal and rough glass contrasted with super-sleek airbrushed finishes polished to a mirror-like gloss.

For Color of the Month Updates:
click here

• Do you take a shower, quickly dry and exit the bathroom?
• Are you thinking that you've grown and changed in the last 10 years - and your   bathroom needs to catch up with your style?
• Do you drool over every HGTV bathroom remodel show?
• Have you been making a new year's resolution to remodel your bathroom since 2007?
• Do you close the door and hope none of your guests need to use the bathroom when they visit?
• Have you started a subscription to Consumer Reports to just read up on bathroom remodel products?
• Have you made the decision to stay in your home, but only if you can update the bathrooms?
• Do you google "BATHROOM - HELP!"?
• Do you toss and turn in the middle of the night thinking about your bathroom remodel to do list?
• Do you wake up well rested in the morning having dreamt of relaxing in a beautiful new spa bath?
  
  
  If you answered "yes" to any of these questions - guess what -
  
  You are ready to remodel your bath!
  

  

• In the "before" photo, note the ceiling height is only 7' and it has a soffit below which houses the light fixtures making you really feel like you might bump your head.
  
  
• Wallcovering with an all-over print covers all the walls enclosing the space and the tub has a fabric shower curtain further enclosing the space.
  
  
• The only light in the space is the fluorescent over the vanity - the worst kind of light for makeup and shaving and, of course, no light gets through the shower curtain to the tub area.
  

These "after" photos show the dramatic transformation!

    

Try these bathroom remodel "tricks" to open up your space.

• Work on the lighting: Remove the existing soffit and add more balanced light throughout - add downlights over the sink for accent and ambiant light; add sconces on all sides of the mirrors (ideal location for make-up and shaving); add a downlight over the tub (for bathing and accenting the tile work on the wall); and finally add light under the vanity that sits 9" off the floor on decorative legs (further opens up the space by adding more light at the floor level). And remember - each set of lights must be on their own dimmer for multiple flexibility.
  
  
• Install frameless shower doors in lieu of a shower curtain - perfect for bathroom remodels. This adds more openess to the room since this area is no longer blocked with a solid curtain and it allows the tile design in the tub area to become a work of art in the room.
  
  
• Make the ceiling appear higher: the mirrors are large and go up to the maximum height possible - this pushes the ceiling up because it draws your eye up to the maximum height. Also, note the frames on the mirrors are large scale and add boldness to the room so it no longer feels small. (Don't make the mistake of putting small things in small rooms - that will just make the room feel smaller.)
  
  
• Paint the walls and ceiling light tones. The solid color paint helps open up the room and makes it feel less cluttered without the busy wallcovering. Three color tones are used in this room which helps define the space, adds interest and sets off some of the deeper color tones in the gold sinks and counter. A medium gold was selected for under the tile chairrail and then a lighter tone on the upper walls and finally a pale cream for the ceiling. 
    
  
  Always remember that there are unlimited possibilities -
  

You don't need to have a HUGE space to make a make a
HUGE difference!

Are you ready for your Bathroom Remodel?

I'm happy to discuss your bathroom remodel possibilities -
call or send any questions you may have to barbara@barbarakrai.com .

• Use of formaldehyde-free adhesives in cabinet construction
  
• Use of waterborne stains and paints for all finishes
  
• Use of renewable resource species such as Lyptus and Bamboo - examples below
  
• Member of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Member U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
• Member Environmental Stewardship Program (ESP)

 

Eucalyptus trees grown on plantations in Brazil produce beautiful eco-friendly Lyptus wood.

Lyptus wood is known for its density, finish ability, overall strength and exotic appeal - all elements desirable when designing a functional kitchen or bath that is also beautiful.

   

Bamboo is truly amazing - a grass that grows to a harvestable height of 60 feet in three to five years, growing as much as 2 feet per day! This material is available in both veneer and solid 1/2" and 3/4" plywood - everything you need to create beautiful bamboo kitchen and bath cabinet designs.

I'm designing a very spa-like guest bath right now and we have selected the bamboo in the center for the cabinets - stay tuned for renovated bath photos in the near future!

• Sometimes I will come across a little gem of a line that is absolutely delightful and this one certainly is! All of these products are hand made by Kathy Bachman and she's proud to say they are VEGAN! She uses only fresh fruits, pure essential oils and the finest plant and mineral based dyes on the market.

• Artisan soaps are made with hand-squeezed lemon, lime, tangerine and grapefruit juices and zested peels along with freshly brewed teas and coffees. In addition, she uses whole, ground, fresh and dried herbs and spices including fresh vanilla beans.

• Kathy knows where her ingredients come from and how they are harvested - she wants to provide only products that minimize environmental degradation. Always using as little packaging as possible and materials that are recycled and 100% biodegradable.

• And as a bonus, Kathy's business donates a percent of their profits to Amnesty International.
  
  So you can have it all - wonderful  interior design accents that not only delight the eye, but also enliven your spirit!
  
  
  

• cardboardesign - creating furniture from widely-available, low-cost recycled materials and made wholly from recycled paper and wood products. These pieces are produced using pre-existing manufacturing processes in order to reduce their overall impact on the environment. Although a tad narrow - I found this chair pretty comfortable. How about adding one of these to your interior and making an eco-friendly design statement?
  

• Kalei - creating art with mosaics - transforming living spaces with custom murals - modern to chic. This glamorous sculptural chair covered with sparkling gold glass tiles is the perfect example of a functional work of art to be used in interior design today. Although a tad "firm", I found this glowing gold lounge chair pretty comfortable. But more than that - it made me feel glamorous!
  

• Two'sCompany - This is the ultimate recycling spirit for today's interior design! I'll bet you've never thought about saving your large plastic detergent bottles to create a colorful chandelier! Are you up to adding one to your interior or even exterior?
  

• Envision Glam - This is the ultimate in glamorous crystal decor for your interior - cascading strands of shimmering crystals- use your imagination to create a stunning backdrop, room divider or window adornment - interior design ideas are endless!
  

     

In today's interior design, there are accessories and then there are accessories! Take a look at these two very diverse looks - practical and recycled verses glitz and glam!

• Two's Company - Ever wonder what happens to all those old circuit boards? Can you imagine them being used as today's interior design accessories? What kind of notebooks, notepads, pens, etc. do you and your colleagues have on your desks? What do your kids carry to school? These great desk accessories made with old circuit boards recycled into everyday items are durable, fun and make the perfect eco-friendly statement!

• Evision Glam - Everything doesn't have to be "over the top" to add glitz and glam. Sometimes even the smallest touches can make the perfect interior design statement for you. Try using these accents: crystal upholstery studs or crystal braid on your next piece of custom furniture - or add to an existing piece! You will quickly and easily create the perfect understated glamorous look!
  

   

  

   

  Lighting Series:

Click on these links or scroll down for my Lighting Series: get practical lighting tips and interior design ideas that you can use to enhance your home decor.

Action Step #1: Switch Your Switches
Action Step #2: Light Your Life with Lamps and Lights
Lighting Series Intro: Lighting Interior Design Ideas - Lift Your Spirits with Light
Action Step #3: Accentuate with Accent Lights - Coming Next

Please write with your comments or questions and let me know how I can best help you with interior design ideas for lighting solutions that will lift your spirits and create a positive impact in your life. barbara@barbarakrai.com

Barbara Krai Interior Design - Serving Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Oldsmar, Dunedin, Odessa, Safety Harbor, Lutz, Avila, Cheval, New Port Richey, Bradenton, Lakeland and all surrounding Tampa Bay Beaches and regional areas along the West Coast of Florida.

Place this freestanding unit anywhere - choose
from a wide variety of colors, styles and shapes.

Coordinate or contrast your design style.

These units also work beautifully outdoors!

add drama and warmth to any space!

• Basically, it's very simple - all of these units burn clean Ethanol fuel - no venting required.
• Freestanding models are portable pieces of fine furniture. There is no tearing out walls or any build-outs required. Simply unpack the unit and put in position. Add the fuel and start enjoying beautiful fire light!
• Fireboxes of stainless steel can be installed into any combustible or non combustible wall unit, piece of furniture or directly in the wall and need no venting. Other units may be hung anywhere on any wall.
• Add stones or glass rocks to enhance your experience.
• All of these units can be used indoors or outdoors for ultimate enjoyment!
• Bonus - You will receive your tax credit information at the time of purchase.

• William Kidd, Miramar Florida – Ceramic Forms - BEST OF SHOW!
  
   
  Amazing work – truly unique - so textural - you have to touch!
  
  
• Leslie Belcher, Saint Petersburg, Florida - Accessoreez
  
  
  
   
  
  Beautiful art glass jewelry – fun and whimsical!
  

• Bea Lily Hatala, Danielsville, GA – Glass Impressions
  
   
  Wonderful technique of fused glass - amazing brilliant colors!
  
  
• Matthew Hatala, Danielsville, GA – Woodturner - AWARD OF MERIT!
  
  
  
   
  Can't you just see this gorgeous wood medallion on the ceiling highlighting a chandelier?
  
  
• Lisa Cimino, Baltimore, MD - Chee-Me-No
  
  
  Perfect combination of elegant and whimsical - charming and sophisticated!
  
  
  
• Greg-Thomas Moore, Deltona, Florida - The Little Wooden Box Company
  

  
  

   
  

  Finely crafted tiny box drawers – amazing woods - wonderful accent!
  

  
  
• Nikki Sedacca, Sarasota, Florida -  SEDACCA – The Art of Jewelry
  
   
  "For the woman who loves art and jewelry - to dazzle the eye - to uplift the heart!"
  
  
• T.R. Reed, Chattanooga, TN – Artist Deluxe
  

  
  

   
  

  Interpreting 19th century whirligigs - kinetic sculptures for the perfect touch of whimsy!
  
  

  NOTE:
  

  You may reach any of these artists by contacting
•  barbara@barbarakrai.com
  
• and I will be happy to put them in touch with you!