Decorating a small space can seem like an impossible challenge.  Furniture can seem cramped, the room can appear dark, and frustration can ensue.

1. Paint the walls a light color.  The lighter the walls, the more spacious the room will appear.  Pale colored walls will fade into the background and allow the rest of the room to take center stage.

2. Avoid heavy window coverings.  Covering up the windows restricts light and makes the room seem cave-like.  If possible, hang window treatments on the wall next to the window so as not to block any light at all.

3. Hang mirrors up to reflect light and make the room seem larger. A mirror hung directly across from a window not only reflects light, but reflects the window and doubles its room enhancing benefits.

4. Place objects and artwork high.  Pictures hung low will draw the eye downward; you want to draw the eye up, making the ceiling seem taller.  Instead of bookshelves that are low to the ground, place books on wall  mounted shelves.  Be creative in getting things off the floor and onto the wall.

5. Find pieces that can multi-task.  Day beds, trunks, and storage ottomans can all serve as seating while also serving their intended purpose.

With these tips, a small space can become one of your favorite spots in the home.  Pair these basic rules with your favorite fabrics and colors, and your once tiny room will now be packed with personality.’

Photos: House Beautiful, Southern Living

Photographed by Russell Smith

“Luxury” is this year’s keyword, and jewel hues add lavish sophistication to any style. Be on the lookout for furnishings and decorative accessories in regal gold, shimmering blue and green, majestic purple and lush orange.

Gilded age
“Metals will continue to shine in 2012 but with soft matte overtones,” reports The Chicago Tribune. “Brushed gold will shine next year, bringing a golden versus shiny glow. Metallic and pearlized colors will abound in home accessories and fashion alike.” As we reported last month, all metals will step up, including bronze, copper, platinum and silver, but gold will be the frontrunner — showing up in everything from wall decor and decorative accessories to upholstery, bedding and rugs.

Into the blue
Intense blues are strong this year. While blue always has been a favorite among consumers, the look as been updated to a richer, more true blue. For example, the Pantone Home + Interiors 2012 Indigo Effects is inspired by the celestial blues and deep blue indigos of the twilight sky. Sherwin William’s 2012 Colormix features “a pair of functional and treasured blues: denim and water. It explores the darkest indigo to faded-jeans hues, some with violet undertones, as well as the calm, shimmery shades that reflect rivers, lakes and seas.” Finally, Benjamin Moore’s Fluid Blues palette covers a range, from gray-blues to aquas to deep-sea navy.

Emerald waves
Sherwin Williams’ Colormix casts aside the yellow-tinged greens of the past, instead focusing on “greens that are lush, moody and complex. It showcases the depths of the sea and forest; leafy motifs; rustic natural textures; and organic elements such as algae, moss and seaweed.” Benjamin Moore’s Elemental Greens palette also evokes nature, “from spring’s yellow-greens to the blued grays of woodland shadows.”

Purple reigns
Purple still is one of this year’s hottest hues. What makes this color so popular is its versatility. Pantone’s Back to the Fuschia palette calls attention to the bright, bold purples, while Benjamin Moore’s Violet Twilight palette features hues from the “deepest amethyst to a dream-like pale violet,” and purple’s “beautiful blue-tinted variations.”

Fiery orange
Another versatile hue is orange. Go tropical with citrus, warm with terra cotta or cozy with pumpkin hues. The reddish orange Tangerine Tango, Pantone’s color of the year, is “sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, with a lot of depth to it,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

We’ve looked at the sofa basics before, deciding what size and materials are best for your purposes, but there are also many style and shape options to take into account.  Determined by the look of the arms, back, and legs or skirt, a sofa’s style defines the room because of its large presence among the other furniture.  Let’s take a look at some of the most common sofa styles.

• English Sofa: The English sofa typically has a tight back and loose seat cushion.  The arm and back have a slight rolled appearance and are set back from the front of the sofa.  When you sit in an English sofa, you will notice that you sit back in it.  Though you can certainly have an English sofa made with a skirt, traditionally only casters are seen.

• Tuxedo Sofa:  If you are in the market for a contemporary sofa with lasting appeal, the Tuxedo could be the perfect fit.  The Tuxedo’s arm seem to blend into the back as they all come to the same height.  With extremely clean lines and a modern yet timless feel, the Tuxedo sofa is a sophisticated choice.

• Camelback Sofa: One of the most traditional sofa styles, the Camelback dates back to 18th Century London and the furniture maker Thomas Chippendale.  The serpentine curve on its tight back is the distinguishing feature of the Camelback sofa.

• Chesterfield Sofa: For your office or library, an iconic choice would be the Chesterfield upholstered in leather.  With its rolled arms and back of even height, and tufting throughout the back and sometimes seat, the Chesterfield is the quintessential masculine sofa.

• Lawson Sofa: The Lawson has a low squared off back, with lower square or rolled arms.  Usually seen in loose seat and loose back, the Lawson sofa is a comfortable choice for a family room.

• Bridgewater Sofa: Bridgewater sofas have low arms and a high back with loose back and cushions.  They are almost always skirted.   It is a comfortable, casual look, perfect for busy families who want to relax in their home at the end of the day.

• Mid-Century Modern Sofa: the Mid-Century Modern sofa looks like it would be at home in a space with retro appeal.  The clean, square lines seem to float on thin legs giving it a sophisticated and streamlined, yet fun, look.

Discover hot new trends

Need help choosing the right sofa for your home?  Contact us at 800-254-7373 or email myroom@ciaointeriors.com

When considering new window treatments in your home, there are 3 key areas that you need to look at: privacy, light control, and style.

1. Privacy can be essential for those of us that live in close proximity to other homes.  You will want your bedrooms and bathrooms completely blocked off from your neighbors and those passing by.  If you live on a busy street, you’ll also want privacy in  your lower level rooms that are on the front of the house.  This can be accomplished by layering roller shades or wood blinds behind your drapery, or by installing drapery panels designed to close.

2. Because fabric fades with light exposure, light control is best achieved with non-fabric window coverings.  Wood or metal blinds can be tilted to block out light, and natural fiber shades, such as bamboo, will create a pretty, filtered light look.  If you are set on blocking light without using blinds or shades, then you can use a blackout lining in your drapery or have your windows tinted to block out UV rays.

3. The most fun part of choosing a window treatment is figuring out the style that you would like to use.   Below are examples of some of the many options out there:

Natural, woven shades with drapery panels create an elegant look.

Roman Shades pop in a fun fabric that coordinates with the monochromatic green palette of the room.

Bright, contrasting ties on a simple shade create a lively look for a child’s bedroom.

Wooden blinds are functional for light control and privacy in a window filled family room.

We are often asked what kind of sofa we should buy.  Since we are surrounded with late winter it seems like a good time to answer that question.

Good upholstery can be expensive.  Even cheap sofas cost a lot.  This is why I believe it is always worth buying the best you can afford.  In every instance when I have been able to persuade a client to bear the cost of a good sofa, they have been delighted once they’re using it.

One of best companies for comfort options is Lee Industries.  Most pieces are available in wide array of cushioning options from their standard “eco-friendly” version of soy and renewable products or try their softer eco-lux cushions wrapped with fiber, down and feathers “ooh so soft”.

I personally think that buying a sofa from the big box stores or catalogs is the very last place you should purchase from, their sofas are uncomfortable and there is nothing worse than coming home at the end of the day and sitting down on something that shoots you straight back out or sinks to the floor!  Looking for good advice with a lasting look in fabric a great choice is Velvet or soft handed chenille upholstery in a rich jewel color.

Another option is a slipcover that allows a different look for that change of seasons or a quick cleaning in the washing machine if children are around.  Once you get your wonderful soft sofa, there is the question of how to deal with it in the room.  For TV and more informal spaces it is great idea to cover the sofa with an assortment of soft filled throw pillows along with a blanket or quilt hanging over the back.  The pillows and blankets are not just for comfort; they also visually help settle that large piece of furniture in the room.

At Ciao Interiors we are always getting in new arrivals.  Check out some new pieces from Dovetail Furniture, Younger Furniture and Leather Living.  Contact us for pricing, details, size and color options.

Dovetail Furniture:

Founded in 1992 by Charlie Shaw and Ted Einstein, Dovetail has developed an expertise in sourcing an eclectic range of handmade furniture, accessories and textiles from around the world.

Dovetail Dining Tables and Chairs

Younger Furniture:

Younger Furniture has been providing style, quality and comfort since 1989.

Younger Sofa/Chaise

Leather Living:

Established in 1986, Leather Living is proud to rank among North America’s finest manufacturers of top quality upholstered furniture. With more than 50 years of leadership in fashion forward design inspirations, we continue our rich heritage of traditional European craftsmanship.

Leather Living Sofa

The following are some clever tips and tricks for updating your bedroom.

Create a small sitting area in an empty corner of your room.  A comfy chair will become a beloved spot for you to relax with a good book or a cup of tea, to sit while getting dressed, or to simply reflect at the end of a long day.  If your room is large enough, try incorporating two chairs and a small table; otherwise a small slipper chair will work perfectly.

If you are short on space, mount your bedside lamp from the wall.  You will have more space for your nightstand essentials and if you use a swing arm sconce, you will have the ideal bedtime reading light.

Add visual interest to the room with a piece of furniture placed at an angle.  Try your bed or dresser entering the room from one corner.

A bold comforter or quilt can become the centerpiece of the room.  Everything else can be neutral in a room when there is a graphic, statement comforter to take the center stage.  Choose a print that will carry you year round or vary it according to the seasons.  Add luxurious linens and soft pillows that will make getting into bed a treat.

If a plain wall is asking for something exciting and you don’t have any artwork available, try a beautiful quilt or large piece of fabric.  With a strong graphic print that contrasts with the bedroom wall, there is no need for a more expensive piece of art or headboard.  Coordinate with the bedding for a sophisticated look.

When many of us think of pink rooms, we think of a ballerina pink for little girls or a hot fuchsia in a tween’s bedroom.  Pink does not have to be childish at all!  In the spirit of the month, we are going to look at pink rooms that are not only grown up, but stylish as well.  To ease into pink, opt for pale shades that can pass as neutrals.   Grays, tans, and whites offset the sweetness of a pink and give it a sophisticated side.  You can also make your pale pink look glamorous with gold accents and shiny mirrors or crystal lamps.  With a bold pink, pair it with black and a little animal print to create an edgy look or contrast it against crisp white.  Use the pictures below as inspiration to incorporate pink and its spirit of youth and vibrancy into your home this February.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Ciao Interiors

Photo: Jonathan Adler

News from the High Point International Furnishings Market

(Benjamin Moore, 2010)

“2012 Pantone palettes feature something for every taste”

The inspirations behind Pantone’s color-trend forecast for spring/summer 2012 home interiors run the gamut from nature to anime, comic books to twilit skies and jewel-toned gemstones to citrusy popsicles. The palettes could not be more different, offering a little something for everyone. Here, we break down five of the nine forecasted color trends.

Nonchalance: Neutral taupe, gray and off-white serve as the foundation for this casual palette that’s offset with a misty gray-blue and a trio of pink, periwinkle and grape hues reminiscent of lush hydrangeas fresh-cut from the garden. It’s all about keeping it simple, carefree and tranquil.

Indigo: The cosmic nature of Indigo is inspired by the transition from day to evening, when the sky turns a hazy shade of purple, blue and pink. Aurora borealis-like hues such as Celestial, Royal Blue, Maroon and Woodrose are settling accents and perfect foils for the intense blues (Indigo and Blue Indigo) that firmly anchor this rich, mysterious and otherworldly palette.

Back to the Fuchsia: Back to the Fuchsia is most definitely not for the shy. The lively palette dances a jig of near-eye-scorching brights best reserved for fiestas, flashing neon signs and saris. The reds provoke, the pinks pop, peridot green energizes and the purples are hot, hot, hot. Attention-getters will love this palette, which can turn ho-hum décor into something a little more exotic and exciting.

Reflections: Chrome is king and metallic finishes and glossy surfaces once again reign supreme in this palette. Think Jetson-ish kitchen appliances finished in a riveting Garnet, modern Blue Moon or deep Turkish Sea Blue. Traverse the universe with hard-shell luggage enrobed in a sparkling Pale Gold or polished-black Beluga. A touch of shimmery-white Cloud Dancer brings an understated elegance to all the silver and chrome.

The Comics: It’s “FLASH!” “BAM!” “POW!” in the interior design world. Inspired by Japanese animé, the pop art of Warhol and digital animation, the Comics palette offers up a modern take on traditional primary colors. Strong Blue, Fiery Red and Primrose Yellow share cyber spa with Green Flash, Cyan Blue, Sulphur Spring and Red Orange. This year’s “it” color, Honeysuckle, also is thrown into the mix, which is grounded by Phantom black. Nothing goes with the other; it’s a dizzying mash-up of clashing colors meant for nothing more than to add a little whimsy into your ordinary world.