Design Trends

New Vintage
A fusion of eclectic styles adapted for the modern home – a new, romantic take on modern elegance and stylish femininity. Pastel shades are central to this look, mixed in with glittery accessories – crystal chandeliers, beaded bags and curvy 1950s style mirrors all evoke the right feel. Try paint finishes in smokey pastel pinks and dreamy blues, and combine with stencil graphic versions of flowers or butterflies to add a touch of romantic atmosphere. Bedrooms in particular look great with a scattering of shaded butterflies.

When painting, water-based acrylics are a good choice as they have low odour and dry faster. And to find the right "vintage" accessory, have fun hunting for "real" period pieces that fit – flea markets are great, antique shops are always fascinating, or scour through your own vintage treasures. Recapture the pleasure of collecting, and express your own style with your own vintage mix!

Bold & Beautiful
Go wild with a riot of colour – be bold and experimental. The key to making this look really stylish is to use strong colours in a limited area – paint one aspect of a feature wall with bold patterns and balance this with neutral walls elsewhere – or alternatively, contrast with black soft furnishings. Using a base colour such as pink works well, and then overlay with simple but striking geometric shapes like stripes, circles or panels, chosen from a small selection of bright colours. This look is great for kids rooms and fun and easy to do. Using masking tape is a simple way to get the shapes – and if you paint a white undercoat before applying the stronger colour, it should give the hue of the top coat a more vibrant note. Using a high quality acrylic paint is advisable, as it will give you a smooth, durable finish which will stay looking good longer. Accessorize this look with strong patterns – don’t be afraid of clashes, this look depends on bold contrasts. So, trust yourself, express your individuality, and have fun – fortune favours the bold!

Still going Strong
Greens are strong again this season – first picked up as an of-the-moment colour late 2003, greens are still "hot", but in a new, more muted, relaxing and soothing context. Juxtaposition is key for fall and winter. Use natural tones, textures and materials. Muted greens, warm hues of weathered wood, and contrasting textures all combine to create an environment of comfort, sensuality and stimulation. For best results, keep pattern to a minimum, and allow the fabric textures to work on their own. Soft cozy chenille throws, Charming braided  floor matting, the intricacy of a quilt bedspread all combine for a warm inviting feel. A good matt acrylic wall paint will work wonders in the right shade of soft green – and if you want a small eye-catching feature, attach some canvas over a rectangular piece of wood and paint in simple blocks in soothing natural colours which will subtly off-set against the main wall colour. So let nature inspire you – and create your own comfort zone, whatever room it may be!

Winter Wonderland
Who said white and off-whites are boring? They’re back, but in a totally new guise. Gone are the days of boring magnolia, and monotone white – use varying shades of whites and combine with soothing shapes to give your home a stylish, slightly minimalist touch. This look works with retro-chic furniture – urban, contemporary but also relaxing, with a balanced feel to it.

High sheen and flat matt paint finishes contrast well in white to give a subtle textural feel to a section of a feature wall. Try experimenting with smooth, round shapes in a satin or silk emulsion that will shimmer mysteriously against an off-white matt wall finish. Make sure you have a well-prepared surface before painting, as white reveals imperfections and stains quite harshly, and invest in a good quality acrylic emulsion that has excellent washability and dirt pick-up resistance.

Ronnie Laan
You will find these colours, our quality paint products and tools you need to transform your living space at your local Cloverdale Paint location. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will advise you on tips and techniques to achieve the look and feel you want and are always ready to answer any questions you may have to make your project go smoothly.

Introducing Canadian award winning interior designer Ronnie Laan of Laan Group Consulting. Ronnie is the national designer for the 53 Sears home coverings outlets across the country and 3 time designer of the PNE prize home. Recipient of the building industry¹s prestigious Georgie award for her work in design, Ronnie¹s work has been showcased in commercial buildings, private homes and show homes throughout Western Canada and the United States.