Fall 2011 Color Trends - Part 4 of 4 (Tribe)

It takes a village to raise a child, right? As our economy has slipped, it's no surprise to see people coming together to help one another more.  It's about a real sense of community; your tribe, so to speak.  So, it's not a surprise, either, that our final color trend pulls from tribal influences.


When I think of "tribal" I think of a variety of things.  The actual color trend is that of deep browns, coppers and bronzes, rich oranges and deep reds.  Texture and pattern plays a large roll, too.  Rich hued natural woods, papers, and fibers all work well.  Personally, when I think of this trend, I imagine a beautiful African tapestry of rich browns, tans and black. Those colors may feel a bit dark for a nursery but consider a creamy off white color with accents of browns, black, and metallics. Tribal masks may seem a bit scary, too, but consider those that are giraffes or zebras.  A shade for the window made of natural materials like bamboo help to the pull the theme together.

If African tribal isn't to your liking, it's okay to stray from the color trend while still keeping a tribal theme. Why not travel to the jungle?  Imagine yourself in the Amazon rain forest; surrounded by the lush deep green canopy and the brightly colored birds and butterflies.  It's okay if you break the rules of reality and include animals that don't really live in the jungle, too, like lions and elephants and giraffes.  Your little Tarzan or Jane will learn the truth soon enough.

 

Fall 2011 Color Trends - Part 3 of 4 (Escape)

If the farm isn't your "happy" space and modern lines feel too rigid to you, find your bliss by escaping to the clouds.  Ethereal wispiness is what this trend is all about and, if you're considering it for your nursery, it can produce beautiful results.

If you're having a girl, pinks - from rosey to pastels - are a definite must.  Imagine a summer sunset with pearlescent clouds and the shimmery last rays of sun.  Beautiful, right?  Translucent butterfly or fairy wings make a great compliment, too!

Baby boys don't have to be left out of this trend, though.  All shades of blue, from pastels to deep navy - can be incorporated for a celestial nursery theme.  Accent with silvery clouds and golden stars and you've got a dreamy spot for baby to slumber!

Finally, when it comes to fabrics, satins and anything with some shimmer will tie in quite nicely.  Anything that makes you, and better yet your baby, feel like you're floating on clouds is perfect!

Fall 2011 Color Trends - Part 2 of 4 (Order)

Welcome to Part 2 of our short series!  If you read Part 1 already, you know that colors from the farm will be popular this fall.  But, if feeling like you're hanging out on Old MacDonald's farm is not for you, keep reading.  Our next trend couldn't be any more opposite.

Finding balance through order isn't so surprising.  With the busy-ness of our lives these days, decor that offers simplicity and order can be just what the doctor, well, ordered (no pun intended).   How exactly does that translate to nursery decor? 

First, think primary colors.  I did this with my first child's room.  Everything was red, blue, yellow, and white.  Okay, I cheated a bit and added green but they were all very basic colors.  It was a delight to be in that room.  It felt like the promise of a freshly opened 8 crayon box of Crayolas.

If a splash of primary colors still seems a little much for you, try just one but do a monochromatic theme in the room.  Multiple shades of blues, for instance, is beautiful and reminds one of the peacefulness of the ocean or the clear sky in summer.

Still need more simplicity?  Go black and white but add some pops of bright color here and there.  A shock of hot pink in a crib blanket or a splash of orange on a bookcase; it can be the dramatic touch you're looking for without feeling like you're going overboard.

Finally, this trend embraces clean lines and simple shapes.  Whether it's polka dots, stripes, or graphic shapes randomly appearing throughout the room, it all works.

Fall 2011 Color Trends - Part 1 of 4 (Farm)

Expecting a baby this fall and wanting to do more than decorate the nursery in traditional pink or blue?  No problem!  At Benjamin Moore's recent ColorPulse 2011 web conference fall trends were discussed and there were some great ones!

The first of the trends in the overall theme of balance that we'll discuss is Farm.  Yes, farm.  It's definitely in response to the economy.  We're all getting back to basics. 

For wall and linen colors, you can go bright or neutral.  If brights are your thing, think of the vibrant orange of carrots and pumpkins, the vivid greens of peas and beans, the deep reds of ripe tomatoes or radishes.  If you're looking for a more neutral tone for walls, look to earthy browns and tans.  When it comes to whites, forget the stark version and go a bit creamier.  And, yellows are light like freshly made butter or new sweet corn. 

Maybe you're more inspired by print or texture.  Black and white cow print will surely add some whimsy this fall.  Textures like burlap, straw, or old boards fit right in with this trend, too.  Not sure how to bring that into a nursery, though?  Try a series of hooks to hang baby's first shoes, special trinkets and coats from.  Start with an old board cut to your desired length, top with a strip of burlap, and finish off with vintage style hooks.  Super simple and loads of charm!

Need some artwork that's a little more personal?  Now's the time to ask Grandma for a special needlepoint or crosstitch piece.  A sampler is a great standby if your not sure of a design or theme for a piece, too.  All those letters and numbers will surely come in handy when baby gets older and is learning the A, B, C's and 1, 2, 3's!

Stay tuned for Parts 2-4.  We promise, if Old MacDonald and his Farm aren't your cup of tea, there will be something else to excite and inspire you!