Sherwin-Williams Introduces 2013 Designer Colormixes

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - We've noted in earlier posts about the propensity for new color stories to come out at the beginning of each new year in order to sell new product waves ranging from fashion to appliances. Paint manufacturer Sherwin-Williams has also been in that mileau, and this year they've created four divergent color stories, each setting different moods and style guidelines. 

Click here for more information on Vintage Moxie, Honed Vitality, High Voltage, and Midnight Mystery (directly above) from Sherwin-Williams, with Vintage Moxie forming a color collection around their 2013 Color of the Year, Jade SW 6464.

 

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3 Things We Hate in the Interior Design Industry

Irwin Weiner ASID - If you've followed our Design2Share videos in the past, you know that we have our own "pet hates" about the design industry. Our Worst Home Design Mistakes video has garnered many thousands of views because people are naturally drawn to worst dressed lists and other industry rants. By and large, we try to stay on a positive, upbeat path, but here are three aspects of the interior design industry that I can't stand ... and I'm not going to take them sitting down any more!

1. Home Goods Shipped in Flimsy Packaging

More designers and their clients are turning to online decorating resources and having merchandise shipped to their homes or job sites. Why do some companies fail to understand that merchandise is fragile and should be well packaged so home goods arrive unscratched, unbroken, unmarred, unbent, and ready to use? I've had mirrors packaged in flimsy cardboard boxes; they arrive with the broken contents tinkling around inside the container. Not acceptable! Advice: Be sure you do not accept any merchandise delivery until you open it up and carefully inspect all items. Do not sign for or accept something that is damaged. Have it sent back and work with your designer to get a free replacement rush shipped in proper packaging - a crate if they have to in order to ensure a better condition upon arrival.

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The 8 Best Interior Design Color Sources

Irwin Weiner ASID - I love how both the fashion and interior design industries are run by "trends." So-called experts and manufacturers come out at the start of each new year with their color trend prognostications. They group colors together into compelling "stories" and tie in editorial hogwash aimed at attracting consumers.

"These shades of green will give you the comfort you're looking for in a world plagued by a declining economy - and who can't use a reassuring life?" "These colors radiate warmth and sunniness, putting you into a good mood and energizing your life." It all sounds good, but it boils down to the very real psychology behind colors. 

Cool and warm colors impact our moods, and if you're running a paint company or coming out with new appliances or floor fashions or wall coverings, it pays to tap into the psychological vein, spin some color palette stories, and call them hot trends in the hope that consumers will buy more of your products. 

I don't think color trends amount to compelling information you must  use to keep your house fresh, au courant, and trendy - you know how I hate that. Be done with the fashion victim "hot color of the year" cycle and make your home timeless looking. Stop being a trend slave. But do look at what the color experts are putting together when it comes to "color stories."

These can be helpful ways to group colors that make sense and sometimes form surprising color blocks that might shake your interiors out of the doldrums. Experts are putting these stories together, so look at a variety of them and gravitate towards the one that you'd like to live around day after day in your home. Here are the 8 best sources that can give you color inspiration; click on the links below for more information.

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Trends from Latest AD Home Design Show

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - The Architectural Digest Home Design Show isn't the sole arbiter of style trends for the home, but it's interesting each year to see who exhibits and is putting money and public relations into their product lines. Will someone new break through the noise and become a standout and a true trendsetter? The following LifeMinute.TV video shows their favorite trends including some mid-price pro ovens and a refrigerator solution from Jenn-Air, US-made shagreen furniture from Skatemoderne, fascinating stereo speakers turned into high art from TON Art (each piece combines gold and light), and indoor-outdoor furnishings from Oasiq Outdoor Furniture.

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