Just released, these 2011 neutrals (complete with inspiring accents colours) are a hit with our Interior Designers at Accentuate Home Staging Design Group.  

These colours introduce a fresh new look at neutrals that we can all draw inspiration from as we prepare homes for SELLING and for LIVING.   Paired with touches of dynamic accent colours like Charlottes Lock No.268, Off Black No.57 or Babouche No.223 these colours are sure to add a contemporary spin to any interior…or exterior for that matter.  

	Oxford Stone No.264 Named after the stone often used in Oxfordshire village houses, this colour is perfect for creating a warm interior.
	Manor House Gray No.265 Inspired by the quintessentially English manor house, this definite grey has its roots in the 18th century but can be used to striking effect in modern schemes.
	Mizzle No.266 A soft blue grey reminiscent of a West Country evening mist. The blue will become more intense when painted in a smaller room.
	Dove Tale No.267 Named after the well known carpentry joint but with a twist in the tale! Some see this colour as a grey while to others it appears to be warmer and more stony.
	Charlotte’s Locks No.268 Highly dramatic and extremely contemporary especially when combined with Railings. Widely used as an accent colour in the minimalist decoration of the 1950s.
	Cabbage White No.269 A delightful clean colour that takes its name from the distinctive wings of the Cabbage White butterfly.
	Calluna No.270 Named after the Scottish heather, Calluna has a contemporary look but with the delicate inclusion of black, it retains a vintage feel.
	Brassica No.271 An aged, darker version of Calluna, named after the familiar purple colour often seen in the Brassica family of vegetables. This colour comes alive when combined with Calluna and Pelt.
	Plummett No.272 Named after the lead weight used to sink a fishing line, this mid-tone grey is appropriate for interior as well as exterior use as often seen in Gothic architecture.

For more details about Home Staging, Vacant Staging, Occupied Staging or Interior Design, call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group today at 604-328-6479 or visit our website at http://www.accentuate.ca/.

Pantone LLC, an X-Rite company (NASDAQ: XRIT), and the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries has announced PANTONE® 18-2120 Honeysuckle, a vibrant, energetic hue, as the color of the year for 2011.  

At ACCENTUATE Home Staging Design Group, we LOVE this colour…for interior design and home staging projects alike.     It’s a true “statement colour” that is energizing and guaranteed to liven up any room of the house.  

Go ahead, give it a whirl….try it in the entry, in your dining room, a bedroom or bath.   Too dramatic for you?….use it to “ACCENTUATE” your rooms in smaller doses.   Paint a key “accent wall” , add a few toss cushions, some terrific vases or a new piece of art “touched” with honeysuckle.  

Tell us what you think!  We’d love to hear your adventures into this dynamic new colour trend.

Read on for the full article from Pantone.   

These days it’s not always us baby boomers that are thinking about downsizing.  Many of our parents, relatives, “Senior” friends and client’s are also facing the same reality of moving from their larger homes to smaller, easier to manage homes.   And most often – they need our help.

Whether downsizing into a retirement complex, an assisted living complex or simply a smaller home or apartment because their current home is just too unwieldy, the transition can be a daunting one.   The process can be stressful for everyone involved…the Senior as well as the family member or friends assisting them with the move.

Not only must they pack, store, donate, sell many of their own possessions in order to “fit” into the smaller home….but they must consider the details of preparing the new home in a manner that accommodates them in terms of safety, practicality and interior decor.  Details such as:

• Can they navigate through the new home with a wheelchair, walker or cane…..what about visitors that require walking aids?
• How will they open the doors, drawers, closets if their hands have limited mobility?
• Can they get in and out of their favourite chair or even their own bed on their own?
• If they are visually impaired, will they be able to easily distinguish the edge of the countertop?

In hiring a professional Interior Designer, you’ll not only receive invaluable downsizing and de-cluttering advice, but you’ll benefit from expert knowledge in space planning and furniture ergonomics with a focus on providing the perfect blend of safety, practicality and pleasing design that “feels like home”.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing a new home for a Senior:

1.    Sturdy, ergonomic furniture.

• consider higher seats  for ease of use (toilets too)
• firmer seats
• upholstered backs for comfort
• sturdy arms to assist with getting in and out of the chair

2.    Comfort flooring

• non-slip flooring in kitchen, bathrooms, laundry
• low pile carpeting in living room and bedroom – easier on the feet and cushions falls

3.    Door, drawers and kitchen faucets

• lever handles are easier to grasp than knobs

4.    Wider aisles

• ensure that the furniture layout can allow a  wheelchair or walker 36″ to pass or turn around.  
• don’t need any walking aids?  Consider wider aisles for any visiting guests that do.

5.    Kitchen, bathroom and laundry countertops

• Safety First!
• ensure that countertops are darker than the floors to easily distinguish the edge of the counter. 

And don’t forget to make it feel like home!   Colour, patterns, textures mixed with memorabilia and ‘favourite things’ are guaranteed to transform the house into a HOME.

Want more details or looking for some professional Interior Design assistance?  

Call Accentuate Home Staging Design Group at 604-328-6479 to learn how we can help Seniors transition into their home with dignity, ease and style!