Top 10 Colors for Fall 2013

Formica Corporation is ready to indulge in the fresh pastels and crisp brights arriving in home and fashion retailers now that Phil had promised an early spring. But with the release of the PANTONE® Fashion Color Report Fall 2013 at New York Fashion Week, our thoughts are already shifting to brisk fall weather. 

So what does fall fashion have to do with home design? We'll likely see these colors influence home textiles and accessories - you'll now have a bit of insider knowledge once your start planning fall décor.

Photo: PANTONE® via Formica Corporation 'Share the Love' Blog

The fall 2013 forecast, according to the Pantone Color Institute®, is "a palette of many moods" that range from "sophisticated and structred to lively and vivid, encapsulating our inherent need for wardrobe variety to reflect emotions that run from thoughtfully introspective to irrepressibly elated."

The report notes that Emerald, the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, will continue to sparkle and will be joined by:

• Linden Green - A yellow toned green that adds lightness and brightness to the deeper shades of fall.
• Mykonos Blue - a bold, meditative blue for a classic and relaxed fall look.
• Acai - a plum full of exotic mystery and richness.
• Samba - a spirited red that brings an expressive and dramatic look.
• Koi - a decorative orange with dazzling and shimmering qualities.
• Vivacious - an unruly and wildly deep fuchsia that adds an ebullient sensuality.
• Deep Lichen Green - a naturally lush shade of green that serves as an anchor.
• Turbulence - a dark mercurial gray.
• Carafe - a rich, glamours brown. 

We had a little fun seeing how closely we could "match the forecast with our own Formica® laminate solid colors - you'll see a few of our new 2013 colors made it into the mix!

Photo: via Formica®

Prep your home for spring by shedding its winter layers and bringing in nature and fresh colors!

Photo: Anita Martinz from Klagenfurt, Austria (Colorful spring garden) via Wikimedia Commons

Spring officially sprung on March 20, 2013 and now is the perfect time to begin prepping for the season ahead. From refreshing your decor and removing winter layers to performing needed home maintenance. The tasks on this checklist will get your house ready for spring inside and out.

Swap Home Accessories: after you remove its cozy winter layers, your house may feel a bit bare; take that as your cue to bring in spring color. A few bright throw pillows, a colorful glass vase and a fun printed rug are easy ways to wake up your rooms.

Switch the Bed Linens and Rotate the Mattress: give your bedroom a spring awakening by pulling off the heavy duvet or thick blankets and layering on lighter bed linens. Remember to have quilts and blankets cleaned before storing tem to avoid moth damage.

Freshen Your Entry and Mudroom: After a winter of snow, road salt, mud and grime; our home's entrances are bound to be a little worse for the wear. Mop the floors, wipe down walls and doors, and declutter. Now is also a good time to take a look at your doormats and consider rolling out fresh rugs for spring.

Spruce Up Your Landing Zone: take a moment to assess the place where you put your belongings when you come in the door. Remove anything that doesn't belong and make a neat spot for keys and mail. A green plant or small vase of flowers on a pretty tray and a dish for change are prefect finishing touches.

Remove Layers: in winter layering your home with textiles feels cozy, but spring is the time for streamlining and shedding excess. Roll up your fluffiest rugs in favor of flat-weave ones or bare floors, and put away throws and pillows that feel too wintry.

Rotate Toys and Books: after months of playing with the same toys, kids are primed for a room update. If you keep a portion of your child's toys and books packed away in a closet, you can rotate in a fresh selection every few months - without buying anything new!

Bring in Spring Branches: if you have blooming branches right outside your door, by all means clip some and bring them in. Displayed in a large vase or jar, they can last for months. Even if it will be a while before the flowers appear, branches with green buds or leaves can make a lovely arrangement. 

Clean Gutters and Inspect Your Home's Exterior: it's important to remove debris from gutters before spring rains and melting snow overload the system - you can hire someone to do this or take on the task yourself (carefully) with a good ladder. Now is also a good time to take a quick walk around the exterior of your home with an eye out for damage that may have gone unnoticed during winter, and if you use storm shutters, now is the time to remove them.

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Your March Checklist for a Smooth-Running Home

TopShop News | March 2013

TopShop News | March 2013        NEW! Product Alert Exclusively on display at American Cabinet & Flooring! Since the early 90's, Karran Sinks have been an industry leader in innovation when it comes to the kitchen sink and have always looked at different ways of doing things. When other companies where only putting top mount sinks into laminate countertops, Karran figured out how to undermount a sink seamlessly into any laminate countertop. Producing and distributing kitchen and bathroom sinks is what Karran does. Whether it is the stunning new Edge Series of stainless steel sinks, or the tried and proven Karran acrylic sinks; Karran understands how to make a sink that functions beyond expectation, yet is visually appealing and inspiring.  Come see Karran's new black acrylic sink *EXCLUSIVELY* on display at American Cabinet & Flooring's main showroom! Click here for directions to our main showroom. 10 Popular Home Design Trends | Timely or Timeless? by Samantha Schoech | houzz.com contributor It's hard to know what's going to stick and what's going to go down in history as the next macramé plant holder. Interior design trends come and go and come again, to be sure. In the '50s, people ripped out Victorian details and claw-foot tubs in favor of vinyl and plastic and elements with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the atomic age. in the '70s and '80s, Danish modern pieces and other icons of the '50s were eschewed as symbols of a stuffy, bygone era. Now they are sought-after treasures with giant price tags.  In the last decade, we've seen some new decorating trends emerge. Some will have staying power, and some will go down with macramé plant hangers. We may see them in 20 years and think, "That is so 2012." But which is which? I have my predictions. What are yours? Moroccan Poufs: I am a huge fan of Moroccan poufs. They are great extra seating. They are great foot rests. They are both exotic and modern, and they come in a rainbow of colors. They're modern looking, but with just the right amount of flourish. Not too sleek, not too busy. And they go with any decor: Modern - Traditional - Boho - Eclectic.  But are they here to stay? I'm not sure. Woods Wallpaper: This beautiful and serene pattern hit its apex in about 2010, when it was absolutely everywhere. It's simple, symmetrical and classic. But that may have been what whoever put up the wallpaper of cartoonish bathing ladies in my childhood bathroom thought. Mid-Century Modern Wallpaper: I love wallpaper, and I love the big, graphic patterns inspired by mid-century designs. But they've already done their comeback circle and I'm betting that in a few more years they are going to fall out of favor again.  In 1990 no one would have put this in their home. Now everyone is. What about in 2025? Same goes for mid-century textured wallpaper. Trend. Mid-Century Starburst Mirrors: A starburst mirror is to my mom what a salmon and seafoam room is to me: a design trend from my youth that now seems horribly misguided. She cannot imagine why anyone would want this in a home. But many, many people do want starburst mirrors in their homes. You see them in all sorts of different styles. Does that make them a classic or are they just enjoying one last moment of favor? Mid-Century Everything: All the mid-century design icons have made a huge resurgence in the past decade: Eames, Saarinen, Nelson, and Bertoia. You can't turn around without hitting your shin on a Tulip Chair. Mid-century modern design had real beauty and a very recognizable aesthetic. It is grounded in the philosophy of its time, which sought a sleek simplicity and an integration with the outdoors. The ideas and designs of that time will never fade away. But the trend of creating a period-piece room will. We will always have Danish modern and Nelson lights, but I don't think there will be quite so many rooms that look like Mad Men sets in 20 years. Butterflies: Butterflies are the insect of choice for everything from little girls' rooms to sophisticated dining rooms. In the early aughts it was birds; now it's butterflies. Nature never goes out of style, and we've been stealing its designs since we first wrote on cave walls. But will butterflies scream "2012" in five years?  Old Globes: These are another staple of modern, eclectic design. Just try to score a cheap out-of-date globe at a garage sale. There is no such thing, such is the demand. Old globes do have an innate loveliness. They are bright and round and colorful. They represent exploration and mystery. But will the old globe's current ubiquitousness be its undoing? Ten years from now, will you be able to score one at a garage sale for next to nothing? Fake Taxidermy: This is another big one in eclectic modern design. It's funny and winking and ironic - very much a product of the time. But animal heads fashioned out of cardboard, plaster and ceramic have a limited shelf life. 'For Like Ever' Posters: Already dated. They were just too popular for their own good. It's always possible that they will make a nostalgic comeback in 20 years when all the children of today recall them from their childhoods. But they will never be a classic. Wall Decals: They are great for people who can't or don't want to commit to wallpaper. And they are certainly a lot less expensive than art. But does the wall decal mural have a future? I think wall decals might be here to stay for short-life rooms like nurseries, but their best days are behind them for adult spaces.  Click here to view the houzz.com article slideshow. SALE Buy now with smart financing! Fast. Smart. Simple. 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Emerald: 2013 Color of the Year

Every December, designers of all creeds impatiently wait for Pantone's (the world leader in color) announcement of its new color of the year. Whatever color is announced is present in all the fashion and decor of the following year. For 2013, Pantone® chose emerald as its color of the year.

Here's what the Pantone® press release has to say about emerald:

Photo: Emerald Steps | Uploaded by Pinterest User: Donita Paul via Decorative Communications

"Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It's also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity - no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity."

So, for all you fashion-minded decorators out there, how should you use emerald in your home decor? Here are some suggestions:

Emerald in the Kitchen

What rooms of the house would use emerald at its best? The kitchen, for one, is one of the best places to use shades of green. Thinking of redoing your backsplash with a pretty mosaic (all the rage these days)? Choose one that uses emerald in its color scheme, along with other warm shades of green and yellow.

If you need to add to your dinnerware, emerald is a good color choice. Not only will it make your food look more appetizing, but it will also add a dash of sophistication to your table. Green dinnerware will look great on a white tablecloth, but will work just as well with yellows, grays and even turquoise.

For the more daring, an accent wall in emerald will do wonders for your kitchen or dining room. It will inspire calm and bring back nature to meal times.

Emerald in the Living Room

Emerald can be used in different moods and styles, depending on the colors it's paired with. To enhance the sophistication of emerald, use it with neutrals like gunmental, pewter and beige. Paint an accent wall in emerald with a grey couch in front of it, along with emerald accessories all over the room.

Emerald can also bring you back to your childhood's country cottage. Remember that old dark green couch that squeaked every time someone sat on it? Paired with colors such as red and blue, emerald inspires the quiet and "old but loved" feeling of the country cottage. Green, red, blue and yellow are typical colors of the traditional tartan; use this to inspire a decor that gives you a sense of heritage.

As an accent color, emerald works well with brown, burgundy and warm yellow. It adds a daring splash of nature-inspired color to any neutral-based decor.

Emerald in the Bathroom

Another room where green has a great place is the bathroom. Along with shades of blue and gray, emerald will bring a instant touch of freshness and sophistication to the bathroom. Keep the blues muted and mixed with gray, and use emerald as an accent in the backsplash or shower tile, with plants (I love to add one of those small potted bamboos on the counter) or with hand towels. 

Emerald is a great color for your soap tray-glass-toothbrush holder kit. I like to use these accessories to change the mood of my bathroom periodically, without spending a fortune. If you add a shower curtain that uses emerald, you can transform your bathroom for less than $100.

Emerald in the Bedroom

It's easy to add a dash of emerald in your bedroom, especially if your decor already uses neutrals. Emerald bed linen, a few cushions or even a new coat of emerald paint on your furniture will give your bedroom a dash of sophistication or of nature, depending on your style. A potted plant with dark green leaves or emerald curtains will make any bedroom feel more organic.

If you want to go all in and redecorate, using emerald as a main bedroom color is a great choice if you value calm, healing and renewal. No wonder green is a popular color in hospitals! (Not that we want your bedroom to look like a hospital room.) If you decide to plant your walls in emerald green, keep one of the walls in a neutral beige to avoid the "oppressive forest" feeling. Use colors found in nature, like brown and sand as accents. A few pops of bright colors like pink, blue and yellow will remind you of flowers growing on the forest floor. 

10 Popular Home Design Trends | Timely or Timeless?

Weigh in on whether these of-the-moment decorating elements will have staying power or become a memory of these times.

It's hard to know what's going to stick and what's going to go down in history as the next macramé plant holder. Interior design trends come and go and come again, to be sure.

In the '50s, people ripped out Victorian details and claw-foot tubs in favor of vinyl and plastic and elements with the sleek, modern aesthetic of the atomic age. in the '70s and '80s, Danish modern pieces and other icons of the '50s were eschewed as symbols of a stuffy, bygone era. Now they are sought-after treasures with giant price tags. 

In the last decade, we've seen some new decorating trends emerge. Some will have staying power, and some will go down with macramé plant hangers. We may see them in 20 years and think, "That is so 2012." But which is which? I have my predications.

What are yours?

---

Moroccan Poufs

Image Source: Bungalow1a (blog)I am a huge fan of Moroccan poufs. They are great extra seating. They are great foot rests. They are both exotic and modern, and they come in a rainbow of colors.

They're modern looking, but with just the right amount of flourish. Not too sleek, not too busy.

And they go with any decor:

• Modern

• Traditional

• Boho

• Eclectic

But are they here to stay? I'm not sure.

Woods Wallpaper

This beautiful and serene pattern hit its apex in about 2010, when it was absolutely everywhere.

It's simple, symmetrical and classic.

But that may have been what whoever put up the wallpaper of cartoonish bathing ladies in my childhood bathroom thought.

Image Source: Piet Hein Eek Wood Wallpaper via Charlie and Caroline (blog)

Mid-Century Modern Wallpaper

Image Source: UltraswankI love wallpaper, and I love the big, graphic patterns inspired by mid-century designs. But they've already done their comeback circle and I'm betting that in a few more years they are going to fall out of favor again. 

In 1990 no one would have put this in their home. Now everyone is. What about in 2025?

Same goes for mid-century textured wallpaper. Trend.

Mid-Century Starburst Mirrors

A starburst mirror is to my mom what a salmon and seafoam room is to me: a design trend from my youth that now seems horribly misguided. She cannot imagine why anyone would want this in a home. 

But many, many people do want starburst mirrors in their homes. You see them in all sorts of different styles. Does that make them a classic or are they just enjoying one last moment of favor?

Image Source: Bright Bazaar (blog)

Mid-Century Everything

Image Source: Jay Johnson | Examiner Home DesignAll the mid-century design icons have made a huge resurgence in the past decade:

• Eames

• Saarinen

• Nelson

• Bertoia

You can't turn around without hitting your shin on a Tulip Chair.

Mid-century modern design had real beauty and a very recognizable aesthetic. It is grounded in the philosophy of its time, which sought a sleek simplicity and an integration with the outdoors.

The ideas and designs of that time will never fade away. But the trend of creating a period-piece room will. We will always have Danish modern and Nelson lights, but I don't think there will be quite so many rooms that look like Mad Men sets in 20 years.

Butterflies

Butterflies are the insect of choice for everything from little girls' rooms to sophisticated dining rooms. In the early aughts it was birds; now it's butterflies.

Nature never goes out of style, and we've been stealing its designs since we first wrote on cave walls. But will butterflies scream "2012" in five years? 

Image Source: Etsy via Aliette | The Hand Made Home (blog)

Old Globes

Image Source: Longwood Eduation (blog)These are another staple of modern, eclectic design. Just try to score a cheap out-of-date globe at a garage sale. There is no such thing, such is the demand. 

Old globes do have an innate loveliness. They are bright and round and colorful. They represent exploration and mystery.

But will the old globe's current ubiquitousness be its undoing? Ten years from now, will you be able to score one at a garage sale for next to nothing?

Fake Taxidermy

This is another big one in eclectic modern design. It's funny and winking and ironic - very much a product of the time. 

But animal heads fashioned out of cardboard, plaster and ceramic have a limited shelf life.

Image Source: Etsy via For Each Wind That Blows (blog)

'For Like Ever' Posters

Image Source: Style Files, Plush Palate, Coco & Kelley via CreamyLife (blog)Already dated. They were just too popular for their own good. 

It's always possible that they will make a nostalgic comeback in 20 years when all the children of today recall them from their childhoods. But they will never be a classic.

Wall Decals

They are great for people who can't or don't want to commit to wallpaper. And they are certainly a lot less expensive than art. But does the wall decal mural have a future?

I think wall decals might be here to stay for short-life rooms like nurseries, but their best days are behind them for adult spaces. 

Image Source: Etsy via Julian

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10 Popular Home Design Trends — Timely or Timeless?