AN interior designer shared three tacky home decor choices that she would personally never make.
She said that in all the homes she’s seen, she’s never seen one where the decor looked good.
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Sophia, an interior designer, shared three home decor choices that made homes look “tacky”Credit: TIKTOK/@houseofd3
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She suggested avoiding faux plants which don’t look good in personCredit: TIKTOK/@houseofd3
Sophia (@houseofd3) shared the three home decor choices she would avoid.
“3 things are that making your house look tacky,” she said.
“I have literally never seen anyone’s house that looks good with these things in it.”
First up on the chopping block for the interior designer were faux plants.
“Plants are one of those things that can look great in a picture for a moment but when you get into a real room with real lighting and real living, it just looks bad,” she said.
For the look of a real plant but lower maintenance, the designer suggested opting for plants that grow easily indoors and hardly need to be watered.
“It not only looks aesthetically beautiful, it also scrubs your air, brings more oxygen, and helps you feel at peace.”
Next up were word signs: “Words signs are placeholders, they’re something you put on the wall because you have a space and you just want something to fill it,” she said.
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Instead, she recommended replacing the signs with personalized art, family photos, or travel maps for personality.
Last but not least were accent walls: “It just makes one side of your room look extremely heavy and complete while the rest looks unfinished,” she said.
To balance the look of an accent wall, she recommended putting paint on either the remaining walls or the ceiling and being sure to furnish the room with appropriate-sized pieces.
People took to the comments to share their thoughts on her tips.
“I totally hate word signs! Especially when the whole house is covered,” agreed one commenter.
“I’m not into any, love these tips,” said another.
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Instead, the expert recommended opting for real and low-maintenance plantsCredit: TIKTOK/@houseofd3
You’ve probably walked into plenty of half bathrooms, also known as powder rooms, and left with little inspiration. Right? What exactly do you do with a sink, toilet and four walls?
The answer is plenty! These spaces offer the perfect opportunity to let your interior decorator and inner muse shine. The small square footage can even work in your favor, creating an intimate retreat that lets your unique flair stand out.
From accent walls to loud prints, beautiful shelving and distinct color combos, these half-bath decor ideas can take your tiny space to the next level. Use one or a few of these ideas to transform it from a place to sit for a spell or check your makeup to a bathroom your guests and family can’t stop talking about.
Ready to get started? These nine half-bath decor ideas should help inspire you to take risks, be bold and make a statement.
1. Bring in the outdoors
Everything in this bathroom, from the plant in the corner to the vase with dried flowers, shiny metals and a mirror framed by crescent moons, reminds us of the beauty in nature. With a busy small room, it’s a good idea to limit your choice of colors.
Here, the brown, green and maroon palettes help bring it all together. Even the wood frames surrounding the paintings blend in with the decor. The hanging silver cups and toothbrushes are another great idea in small spaces, saving precious countertop space.
If nature calls to you, this may be the inspiration you seek.
2. Add an accent wall
Whether tile, wallpaper, paint or a wall-size mirror, adding a unique element to one wall creates a focal point. It’s used to liven up a space or simply add your favorite color, texture or design.
This pink tile in various shades is reminiscent of the popular hue and design of the 1950s. Of course, currently, it aligns with Barbiecore and the summer hit that has yet to come out.
According to Fixr.com’s 2023 Bathroom Trends Report, ceramic tiles are the most in-demand affordable material in bathroom remodels. People use it on walls (exhibit A), showers and floors.
3. Go dark
What? A small black half bathroom? It sounds like a half-bath decor idea gone wrong, but this space proves otherwise. The lighting behind the mirror casts a luminous glow, and the matching trim brings the bathroom together. The simple, clean lines and limited decor add to the sense of intrigue and shadows. Black is, after all, the color of darkness, power and mystery.
With today’s LED strip lights, you can add illumination from an unseen source to just about any area—under cabinets, behind mirrors and around paintings or other decorative elements. Dark and light make the perfect pair.
4. Make friends with your walls
In a small room, your walls may become your best friends. Added shelving offers a space to add your favorite trinkets, inspirational sayings and required bathroom accessories with nowhere else to go.
Consider artistic shelves that make a statement on their own.
5. Combine light and mirrors
While few of us have the architectural elements and tall ceilings found in this unique setting, we do have access to gold wall sconces and mirrors. This beautiful combination can become the center attraction of any half bathroom.
Wall sconces provide a soft, ambient light that reflects off ceilings, walls and floors. Traditionally, way back when, they held torches and candles. Today, they come in nearly limitless options, letting you find one that aligns with your vision. The hardest part is often selecting just one!
Some other options include candle, lantern, half-moon and multi-light wall sconces.
6. Go wild with wallpaper
Most half baths may only have one sink, but they can all have beautiful peacocks gracing their walls. Do you have a favorite bird, plant, or design? This is the room to let it embolden your walls with its charm.
Add wall sconces and a unique mirror that aligns with your decor, and you’ll have a space worthy of HGTV.
7. Go pink
If there was ever a time to go pink, this is it. What’s required to get in on the Barbiecore trend? A love of pink, parties and playfulness.
From the lighting to the paint, soap dispenser and flowers, this looks like a bathroom you may want to get married in. Another backlit mirror offers a lovely soft glow.
If pink isn’t your dream shade, reenvision this bathroom in shades of teal, violet or Caribbean blue.
8. Go spalike
Just because half bathrooms are small doesn’t mean they can’t ooze a spalike sanctuary. Small amber bottles of oil and a natural bar of soap on a wooden soap dish remind us that sometimes it’s the simple things that create a sense of peace and tranquility.
Add small wooden containers for a touch of earthy dried grass and a functional soap dispenser to complete the essence of relaxation. Now, all you need is the sound of chimes and a gentle stream, and you may find your guests lingering in your half bath longer than anticipated.
9. Go for texture and contrast
Veri Peri-esque bricks and a golden mirror could be the start of a fairytale castle. In this case, it’s the culmination of your half bath. The shelves offer added decor while creating much-needed space for everything bathroom. What would you add to these shelves? Perhaps a purple dragon figurine intermixed with lotions, oils and perfumes in old-world bottles?
Be true to your inner muse
Your half bath serves as a blank slate, a canvas waiting for you. As Michelangelo said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I see him free.” Let these half-bath decor ideas spark your inner artist, then set it free to unveil the essence your half bath is waiting to become.Still searching for your perfect place to decorate? Start here.
Major players in the digitally printed wallpaper market are A.S. Création Tapeten AG, Flavor Paper, 4Walls Inc., Graham and Brown Ltd., Great Wall Custom Coverings Corporation, Hollywood Monster Company, Color X Inc, Moonavoor Seinakattestuudio, Muraspec Decorative Solutions Ltd, MX Display Corporation, The Printed Wallpaper Company, Vision Sign and Digital LTD, John Mark Ltd, Arte wallcovering, Asheu Wallpaper Factory, Astek S.
New York, June 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report “Digitally Printed Wallpaper Global Market Report 2023” – https://www.reportlinker.com/p06466566/?utm_source=GNW A., Glamora Srl, Daisy James and Grandeco WallFashion Group.
The global digitally printed wallpaper market is expected to grow from $7.26 billion in 2022 to $8.13 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.98%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term. The war between these two countries has led to economic sanctions on multiple countries, a surge in commodity prices, and supply chain disruptions, and affecting many every markets across the globe. The digitally printed wallpaper market is expected to reach $13.31 billion in 2027 at a CAGR of 13.12%.
The digitally printed wallpaper market consists of sales of solid vinyl, naturally textured, mylar, and paper-based wallpaper.Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers.
The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
Digitally printed wallpaper is a type of wallpaper that is created using digital printing technology, where the image or pattern is formed, altered, and finalized by electronic equipment and printed by a computer-controlled printer on the wallpaper. It allows preparing more intricate designs and the usage of a wider range of colors to be used compared to traditional wallpaper manufacturing methods.
North America was the largest region in the digitally printed wallpaper market in 2022.Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period.
The regions covered in this report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.
The main types of digitally printed wallpaper substrates are nonwoven, paper, and other substrates.Nonwoven wallpapers are made from synthetic or natural fibers that are compressed and bonded together to create a durable and long-lasting material it is used in commercial and residential places as a decoration item and allows moisture to travel through, preventing condensation and mold growth.
Major technologies are inkjet and electrophotography and they are used in various end-user industries such as residential, commercial, and automotive, and transportation.
Increasing focus on better aesthetics is expected to propel the growth of digitally printed wallpapers going forward.Digitally printed wallpapers are used in home decor to create accent walls, dramatic wallpaper designs on the ceiling, wallpaper murals, and scenic designs that can transform a room into a work of art, which aids in adding functionality to places, fitting occupants’ lives, making places more welcoming and linked, enhancing the value of properties, and other activities.
For instance, based on a Home Décor Survey conducted by Sullivans, a US-based home décor company, in May 2021, it was found that around 76% of consumers intend to purchase the same or a greater amount of home décor items compared to the previous year.Consumers typically purchase home décor items to create a unique ambiance, express their personal style, and enhance the safety and comfort of their living space.
Therefore, increasing focus on better aesthetics is driving the growth of the digitally printed wallpapers market.
Technological advancement is a key trend gaining popularity in digitally printed wallpapers.Major companies operating in the manufacturing of digital products are focused on developing technological advancements to strengthen their position in the market.
For Instance, In June 2021, ColorJet Group, an India-based manufacturer of digital textile and inkjet printers, introduced SONIQ HQ PLUS, a high-quality printing machine for large format Eco Solvent printing.SONIQ HQ PLUS is a model of sustainability which offers green printing that incorporates GreenTech® and BioPrintTM technologies to provide environmentally responsible printing solutions by printing on biodegradable and 100% recyclable fabric media.
It is powered by cutting-edge technology that streamlines procedures and ensures a continuous flow of work using Forefront Gantry Precision (FGP) technology enabling exceptionally low deviation from jet to bed distance (0.1mm) across the printing span, resulting in consistent print quality. Its edge excellence aids in the seamless transition of carriage direction, resulting in less jerk and less wear and tear and eventually increasing machine life. Its airflow resistor guarantees that airflow is controlled.
In June 2021, Shutterfly, LLC, a US-based photography, photography products, and the image-sharing company acquired Spoonflower for a deal of $225 million.Through this acquisition, Shutterfly, LLC aims to extend its reach in the personalized goods platform into the rapidly developing home decor category and gain a presence in the creative marketplace.
Spoonflower is a US-based digitally printed wallpaper, fabrics, and home decor.
The countries covered in the digitally printed wallpaper market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
The digitally printed wallpaper market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides digitally printed wallpaper market statistics, including digitally printed wallpaper industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a digitally printed wallpaper market share, detailed digitally printed wallpaper market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the digitally printed wallpaper industry. This digitally printed wallpaper market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06466566/?utm_source=GNW
About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need – instantly, in one place.
A whole lot can go wrong when flipping a house, particularly in today’s market—and few know this better than Page Turner, the star of “Fix My Flip.”
On this HGTV show, now in its second season, this Log Angeles–based real estate broker helps overwhelmed house flippers finish their projects and sell at the right price. She even invests her own money, banking that her 20 years of expertise in the industry can help save even the most hopeless of projects.
Curious to hear more about her experiences, we had a chat with Turner and learned a lot about real estate that could benefit not only flippers, but homeowners, sellers, and buyers alike.
Many may fantasize about renovating a house and selling it for a profit, but the reality is that’s much harder than people think. What are the biggest mistakes you see?
One of the biggest mistakes I see from flippers is that they don’t know the specific neighborhood and market that they’re in. They don’t know the neighborhood well enough to know what buyers want in a home. So I see a lot of flippers adding a thousand square feet to a house where, within a 2-mile radius, there are only two-bedroom cottages. So why would you build a 2,000-square-foot house?
And of course, not budgeting and not knowing how to adapt in this quickly changing housing market that we’re in. That’s where a lot of flippers are losing right now.
Page Turner, the host of HGTV’s “Fix My Flip”
(HGTV)
What do you think homeowners can take away from your show?
“Fix My Flip” is definitely a show where you can learn how to renovate spaces in your own home.
I have a she shed on the show where I put beautiful wallpaper in it. It was just this ugly old barn, but we made it so cute. Little, different ideas like that. That’s what I hope that the homeowners will be able to take away as well. Like, you know what, I’m not flipping my house but I would like to add that wood-slatted wall or peel-and-stick wallpaper.
I really feel that even homeowners who are not looking to flip will be able to have great takeaways that they can do in their homes as well.
Homeowners and flippers are always looking for beautiful yet budget-friendly design updates. Are there any trends you recommend?
You know what I’ve been doing a lot of? Wood accent walls! There’s these wood slats that you can get off really any dot com. They’re peel and stick, and they bring so much life and character to a room.
I think we’re in a time now where instead of just painting a feature wall one solid color, you can experiment with your own patterns and bringing in colorful rugs and putting a different type of textile on the wall, or removable wallpaper.
You can really get away with putting gorgeous, removable, inexpensive wallpaper in a bathroom if you can’t afford tiling. Why not?
I think anything goes as far as being creative and really loving your own space. We want people to be creative with design and not be boring. I’m sick of white, black, and gray.
Watch: Exclusive: Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent Open Up About Their Own Struggles With Design
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Do you think flippers should include trendy designs in their flips, given trends come and go?
Well, on Season 2 of “Fix My Flip,” I’m really like: We’ve got to start living a little bit in these flips. And so you will see me design with pink, or even green and purple, glass tile, and my thought process behind that is that I grew up in a generation where tiles lasted for 30, 40, 50 years and the tiles were pink and blue and yellow and black and they were gorgeous—and those are classic colors!
So now I’m like, let’s not go for the primary pink, but let’s do a light, soft, glassy pink or lavender. And let’s re-create what a lot of generations think classic is. I’ve been wanting to do a pink bathroom on this show for two seasons now. I’ve done it in the kitchen. I haven’t done the bathroom yet.
I’m so sick of white for the tiles. I use it to complement something else, and a lot of times I have to use it because these aren’t my homes. It’s not a Page Turner takeover. I have to sometimes yield to what the flipper wants, too.
Turner in one of her recent flips
(HGTV)
What’s your take on adding high-end appliances? As a flipper, do they provide a good bang for your buck?
A lot of flippers skip it, and I think that it behooves a flipper to put in a higher-end appliance that you don’t have to pay full price for. You can go to a scratch-and-dent. You can find appliances that might even be secondhand but gently used through one of the social media platforms.
I think that you have to do that because buyers will come in. They’re going to ask for a refrigerator anyway. … Do you pay now or do you pay later? Put it all in so you can get the most for your house upfront instead of a buyer walking in and seeing where you cheated the house.
Southern California has a notoriously pricey housing market. Should flippers aim to work in places like this?
I’ve been in real estate for two decades and licensed in three different states, so I’m very well-versed in learning markets. But I lived in Nashville, TN, for a long time and when I moved back home to L.A. and had to continue my business, I’ll admit the numbers scared me.
I was flipping in Nashville for $400,000. Here, the house costs one million before I even touch it. But I have to just remind myself that everything is relative, right?
If somebody is not from L.A., who just jumped into this market without understanding the market, understanding how hot the numbers really are, there’s risk of losing a lot of money. But flipping is a business. Whether you’re here or in Nebraska or Kentucky, you still have to learn how to run the flipping business. If you do that, then you can succeed in flipping anywhere.
Was there any one house that was particularly surprising this season?
I don’t know if they will show this, but I do walk into a house—and I’m highly allergic to cats. Nobody told me what I was walking into because they didn’t know I’m allergic to cats. But this house was on the news for rescuing over 130 live cats from this house. I could barely even go in the house to film. So I think there will be some very interesting takes from that because I couldn’t stop sneezing, coughing, gagging. I had a hairball in my throat. It was horrible.
Is there anything you’ve learned from those you’ve helped?
That you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make them drink. I’ve had to learn when to walk away, and it’s OK. Because this is my business. It is my brand, and I’m here to help. But if you reject the help, then we can shake hands and I just walk away.
Did you have to walk away from a flip this season?
A couple of times, yes. It wasn’t easy because I want everybody to win. I wanted them all to win, but if they call me in and reject everything I say, why am I here? The one thing about “Fix My Flip” is that it’s real life. When a flipper refuses to listen or accept the help that they called me in for, I have to walk away.
A tiny mobile home in Palm Springs, CA, rumored to have once been actor Desi Arnaz‘s makeup trailer is this week’s most popular listing on Realtor.com®.
Named “Lucille” after Arnaz’s real-life wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the 336-square-foot abode is part of a mobile park community known as Horizon Mobile Village. Located directly under the famous Bob Hope House, the affordable and adorable dwelling is already pending sale.
Other real estate offerings that made the popularity list include a massive Lone Star estate with a 50-car garage, a California megamansion that Eddie Murphy once owned, and a hobbit-style home in Arizona. (How’s that for variety?)
For a full look at this week’s 10 most popular homes, keep on scrolling.
Price: $2,150,000 Why it’s here: Dubbed “The Black House,” this is a departure from traditional, Charleston-style architecture. The gabled roof and striking, black exterior were designed by local architect Kevan Hoertdoerfer to stand out.
The three-bedroom contemporary was built in 2019 and features 2,894 square feet of sleek living space. With its glass-paneled, front entry and floor-to-ceiling windows, the space seamlessly blends with the outdoors. The interior is all white and features an open floor plan, soaring ceilings, and a minimalist style.
The primary suite comes with a wall of windows that open to a private terrace, and there’s a cabana out back.
Charleston, SC
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $9,950,000 Why it’s here: When you have a sprawling estate in Texas, you naturally need a 50-car garage.
The 11,008-square-foot mansion is certainly worthy of note, but the showstopper is the 9,240-square-foot garage, which can hold 50 cars. It also features nine roller doors, multiple auto lifts, an office, and a half-bathroom.
As for the five-bedroom, brick-front manor, it boasts a Tuscan-inspired design, travertine and wide-plank wood floors, Venetian plaster walls, and marble and granite surfaces. Luxury amenities include an elevator, two staircases, Juliet balconies, a bar, and a chef’s kitchen.
The home sits on a 3.4-acre lot and comes with a sunroom, gym, home theater with stadium seating, and pool with a cabana.
Houston, TX
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $395,000 Why it’s here: This modestly priced home will need some TLC, but it comes with a detached pool house and several acres of gardens.
It doesn’t look like much has changed since the three-bedroom home was built in 1971. The bones of the 2,637-square-foot home appear to be in good shape. The living room has a fireplace at one end and beautiful arched windows at the other. The family room has a wood-beam ceiling, an enormous stone fireplace, and built-in bookshelves.
The property’s 5 acres include a two-car garage and carport, a gazebo, and a detached exercise room with a sauna and hot tub.
Hendersonville, NC
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $599,900 Why it’s here: This custom-built stunner starred in the Spring 2022 Parade of Homes.
Located in the Magnolia Ridge subdivision, the three-bedroom dwelling shows off a swanky, modern style. Throughout its 2,884 square feet of living space, soaring ceilings, custom wall and ceiling treatments, and brick accent walls can be found. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinets, a “hidden” walk-in pantry, and granite countertops. The primary suite has a built-in vanity, soaking tub, and shower. An upstairs bonus room could be used as a home office.
The 1-acre lot includes an in-ground pool, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen.
After a week on the market, the home is pending sale.
New Diana, TX
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $1,350,000 Why it’s here: With its indoor saltwater pool, 12-seat home theater, two bars, and a private lake, this 1980s-era compound was designed for entertaining.
The five-bedroom residence features a massive, 7,838 square feet of living space. The two-story great room includes a floor-to-ceiling fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the lake. Sliders open up to a wraparound deck with a fireplace and outdoor cook area. The indoor kitchen has custom cabinets, high-end appliances, and even a dumb waiter. The dining room features a heated floor. The lower level contains another kitchen, a wine room, and an office. The home is equipped with an elevator.
The 3.5-acre lot includes a two-level sports center with two kitchens.
Pekin, IL
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $299,900 Why it’s here: This petite townhouse features a cozy 769 square feet of living space.
Built in 1900, the affordably priced, two-bedroom unit has been entirely updated. The cute kitchen offers stainless-steel appliances and a breakfast area with a bar, and there’s a more formal dining room. Two bedrooms with arched ceilings can be found upstairs.
The fenced yard has a pleasing patio designed for relaxing. A sale is already pending on the property.
Mansfield, MA
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $8,000,000 Why it’s here: This palatial estate near California’s capital city is where Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell once lived when they were married.
According to the Sacramento Bee, the couple had the 11,500-square-foot home from 1998 until 2006, when they divorced. Murphy reportedly sold the seven-bedroom estate for $6.1 million the following year.
It has since been on and off the market, including in 2018 when it was listed fully furnished for $10 million. The current price represents a significant discount.
The 2.5-acre parcel, which overlooks Folsom Lake, includes a guesthouse, a pool with spa, tennis and basketball courts, and a nine-car garage.
Granite Bay, CA
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $275,000 Why it’s here: If you have always wanted to live in a former theater, here’s your chance.
Built in 1880, the historic Granite Grange Hall has been used as a senior center, boys-and-girls club, and wedding venue. It’s now being offered as a one-bedroom home with 3,600 square feet of living space. The property still features a stage and ticket counter, and there’s a “secret” second staircase that leads to a trap door with access backstage.
According to the listing, plans for converting the property into a residence are included in the sale.
Milford, NH
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $550,000 Why it’s here: This uniquely outfitted, hobbit-style house comes with a separate guesthouse.
The one-bedroom home features a circular front door, a spacious living room, and a colorful kitchen with stainless-steel appliances. The two-bedroom guesthouse was finished in 2019 and has a modern interior.
With a total of three bedrooms between the two homes, the unusual property offers income potential.
Prescott, AZ
(Realtor.com)
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Price: $150,000 Why it’s here: Consider this your formal introduction to “Lucille,” the must-see mobile home that is said to have been the makeup trailer for actor Desi Arnaz.
Named after his then-wife and “I Love Lucy” co-star, Lucille Ball, the one-bedroom vintage dwelling has been entirely transformed and updated with the midcentury modern style that’s so popular in Palm Springs. The 336 square feet of living space now features a kitchen with a retro fridge and a bathroom with a blue-tiled shower.
Over the last decade, it is safe to say that gray has been one of the most popular colors to decorate with in the home.
A sophisticated, adaptable neutral that can coordinate with pretty much any other color, it is no wonder so many of us have embraced gray room ideas in our interior spaces. However, decorating with gray isn’t always as simple as it seems – having too much of a good thing doesn’t always equal decorating success. Indeed, it seems that many of us have fallen out of love with the shade: ‘what color is replacing gray?’ has soared in popularity as a search term online.
room color ideas, as their versatile nature means they can seamlessly coordinate with a whole host of varied home decor ideas and styles.
However, without the right design knowledge, a gray scheme can quickly fall flat, so we have asked a collection of designers for their top design mistakes to avoid when decorating with gray.
1. Using too much of the same gray shade
(Image credit: Susie Novak)
As tempting as it may be to use a favorite color in abundance for your decorating ideas, overusing the same gray shade across paint ideas, furniture, accessories and more, will establish a bland and unexciting space that lacks colorful depth and contrast.
Instead, embrace multiple shades of gray to create a stylish, layered design rich in tonal variation.
When deciding on the perfect palette of grays for your space, Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene (opens in new tab) and Paint & Paper Library (opens in new tab) advises that ‘different pigments in grays will affect the overall undertones and how the colors sit together in the scheme. If it’s continuity and consistency that you are aiming for, consider grays with similar undertones for a harmonious palette that ties together seamlessly. It’s much easier to go with grays from the same color family as this will make it easier to build a cohesive scheme.’
In this beautiful gray living room above, designed by Susie Novak Interiors (opens in new tab), the gray color scheme establishes an elegant and sophisticated space. The light gray paint on the walls has been complemented by couches in a slightly lighter gray with the same tone, and gray shades with darker and bluer undertones have been used across other furniture pieces and accessories, establishing a successful gray room that feels perfectly balanced.
Ruth Mottershead
accent colors for gray, the options really are endless.
‘When choosing grays, go for something well balanced like our ‘French Grey (opens in new tab)’ family. ‘French Grey’ is very versatile as it is not too cold nor too warm. These grays can be paired with other shades with ease, combining well with blues, greens and pinks. Accent colors should be used to highlight and work in tandem with the base shade, rather than against it,’ advises Ruth Mottershead.
In this gray dining room, designed by Mary Jo Fiorella (opens in new tab), the gray painted walls have been uplifted by the warming metal tones of the pendant and picture frame, and further complemented by the cream and blue seating, creating a harmonious mix of warm and cool tones.
3. Not considering the natural light in the room
(Image credit: Susie Novak)
When choosing a room’s color scheme, Clara Ewart, head of design at Kitesgrove (opens in new tab), advises ‘considering the lighting of a room before confirming colors, and wherever possible, try the swatch in situ before making a final decision, as different lights and seasons can change its appearance.’
How much natural light a room receives, and the warmth (or coolness) of that light, can have a big impact in on your chosen color scheme. If a room is north-facing for example, and you want to enhance the cool, natural light as much as possible, stick to warmer, pale grays, which will help make a dark room lighter, brighter, and warmer, too. Or, go for darker, moodier shades, still with warm tones, if you want the effect to be cozy and cocooning.
If you’re intending to design a space that contains lots of gray elements, always consider the overall mood and feel you are trying to create in comparison to the light the room receives. A room that fills with lots of natural light can help colors appear more vibrant and bright, whereas in a space where light is lacking, colors will appear duller and darker.
Bear in mind, too, how your evening lighting will affect the grays you choose – sample swatches on each wall, surveyed over days and evenings, are always worth the effort.
Clara Ewart
Stacy Garcia (opens in new tab) says, ‘as pretty as gray is, it can be somewhat cold, so adding in warmer tones, like sand and taupe, to a gray room, will help cozy it up. If you’re looking to stay on-trend, warmer neutrals or warm neutrals blended with gray is the way to go.’
Sue Wadden (opens in new tab) from Sherwin-Williams suggests that ‘over the past few years, we’ve begun to see popular tones of gray shift from cooler, modern tones to warmer hues inspired by nature. The earthy undertones in Slate Tile SW 7624 (opens in new tab) make for a grounding hue that pairs well with warm neutrals like Shoji White SW 7042 (opens in new tab).’
To help a cool gray room look warmer, and prevent it from feeling too cold and uninviting, ensure to balance out cooler gray tones with warming neutrals such as beige and brown, or more colorful brights such as pink, yellow and orange; this can be achieved through paint, lighting, furniture accessories and more.
Stacy Garcia
texture and depth will feel flat and lifeless – even more so when working with a neutral such as gray, so incorporating layers of textures, as well as complementary colors, is key.
‘While many may think of gray as an overly-sophisticated color to weave into interior design, it can also be fun and eye-catching when used with the right texture.
For light gray walls, try a deep gray or charcoal-colored carpet to ground your room and create a cozier feel. For darker gray walls or accent walls in a deep gray shade, we love a natural fiber carpet with dark and light flecks – this balances the light in your room and creates a seamless transition from wall to floor, while helping the space to maintain an open atmosphere,’ says Lorna Haigh (opens in new tab), creative director at Alternative Flooring.
From the warmth of wooden furniture to the softness of carpet ideas underfoot, a thoughtful mix of textures and colors will help a gray scheme feel more balanced and rich with eye-catching visual interest.
Lorna Haigh
White room ideas are renowned to make spaces feel lighter and brighter, and just like gray, white is incredibly versatile and timeless. From white furniture, to soft furnishings such as curtains and cushions, uniting white with gray will make for a soft and soothing space.
For more colorful room ideas, embrace a bold, bright accent color such as yellow or a beautiful sky blue. These inviting colors of nature will establish a stylish contrast with a gray room; and uplift the space with joyful color and character.
‘We’ve seen gray take over home furnishings over the last few years, but now, I suggest using gray as more of an accent color, rather than for an “all-over” gray affect,’ says interior designer Stacy Garcia.
As gray is such an adaptable shade, we should be celebrating its magnificent ability in being able to work wonderfully with literally any other color
As we have explored, using too much gray can create a design that is far from warm and welcoming. Instead, let gray provide a calming, neutral accent, or act as the backdrop for a standout piece of colorful furniture or artwork, and remember, a successful scheme is always one that embraces beautiful contrast.
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