THE INNOVATIVE LEGACY of design in Houston

Summer Design Refresh

With summer and sunshine upon us, it is natural to feel the need to bring life and light to your home with the changing season. Kathy Anderson, principal designer and owner of Eklektik Interiors, shares her expert advice on three ways to create visually interesting and engaging spaces and breathe new life into your home this summer.

Color

Color is not something to be afraid of; it gives life to a space in a way that few things can. Adding even one accent color to a previously flat-toned space can uplift the spirit of the entire room. Choose one or two areas of the room to highlight with a bold statement of color to create focal points. This could be a feature wall, a piece of artwork, or a brightly colored piece of furniture. This will draw the eye and add interest to the space.

When choosing the colors, think about the mood you want to create. Different colors can evoke different moods and emotions and hold different energy. For example, blues and greens can create a calming and serene atmosphere, while yellows, oranges, and pinks can create a more energetic and vibrant space. The use of a single color gradient can create a smooth transition of colors that evoke a feeling of warmth and summer. Once you’ve chosen colors that will create the mood you want for the room, add in some accent pieces for pops of color. Throw pillows, accessories, rugs, and curtains are all fun things to update and add more color throughout the room.

Texture

With the guidance of a professional designer, adding layers of texture can change the tone of a room from one that feels sterile to one that feels intimate. Texture also creates a tactile and natural feel that evokes the warmth and richness of the season. Since summer is associated with being outdoors, incorporating natural elements along with design elements like lines, shapes, and patterns, will create a sense of movement that mimics the energy and liveliness of the summer season.

Texture can easily be added with textiles like blankets, pillows, rugs, and window treatments, but you can also work in different textures in your furniture or wall treatments. Once you have your color palette, it’s time to select textured materials that will complement your color choices. For example, you might choose a soft, plush rug in a neutral color to add texture to a room with bold, colorful walls.

Alternatively, you could opt for a roughhewn wooden table or textured wallpaper to add visual interest to a space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match textures in your space. Combining a smooth leather sofa with a chunky knit throw or pairing a shiny metallic lamp with a woven basket, can add depth and dimension to your space. The key is to create a balance between the different textures, so your home doesn’t feel too busy or overwhelming.

Consider The Lighting

Texture and color are both important elements in interior design and using them together can create avisually interesting and engaging space. But also keep in mind that lighting also plays a key role in howtexture and color are perceived in a space. For example, a dimly lit room may make textured materials appear flatter, while bright lighting can enhance the texture and make it more noticeable.

Lighting is one of the simplest but most effective ways to transform a space. The style of fixture, tone of light (warm to cool), and direction of light all have a prominent effect on anyone walking into the room.

Here are a few simple ways to update your lighting that can have a huge impact:

Dimmer switches are an easy way to adjust the brightness of a room and create a mood. Theyalso save energy and extend the life of your light bulbs.

Accent lighting can highlight a particular feature in a room, such as a painting or sculpture. It can also be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

LED strip lights are a flexible and versatile way to add lighting to your home. You can use them to highlight a particular area or to create an interesting visual effect.

Pendant lights can be a stylish and functional addition to any room. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, and can be used to provide task lighting or to create a focal point.

Recessed lighting can be used to provide general illumination in a room or to highlight a particular feature, such as a piece of art or a bookshelf.

A statement chandelier can add a touch of elegance and drama to any room. Choose a style that complements your decor and make sure it’s appropriately sized for the space.

Don’t forget about natural light! Consider adding skylights or larger windows to bring more natural light into your home. You can also use sheer curtains or blinds to control the amount of light that enters a room.

The most important thing to consider when renovating or updating a space, is that this is YOUR home and it should enhance the way YOU live. Overall, incorporating texture along with color and lighting in the design of a space can create a dynamic and visually interesting environment. Experiment with different textures and colors and lighting options to find the perfect balance to refresh your home for summer and add new life and function into your well-loved spaces.