Splurging on home decor is yesterday's trend. Today, it's all about decorating on a budget.
And going into fall, that concept remains -- where homeowners once revamped their interiors to suit a new season, updates now are more low-key than they may have been in the past.
That's why we asked the experts: How can I transition my home interior from summer to fall without breaking the bank?
"In good economic times, people tend to favour brighter colours, while in difficult economies, more somber hues like white, beige and grey are the preferred choice," says Jennifer Jones, marketing communications manager of CIL Paints.
As luck would have it, those are three neutrals that work well in any abode. As a backdrop to traditional, contemporary or transitional spaces, shades of grey, beige, white or 'greige' (a popular combo of grey and beige) homeowners simply can't go wrong.
If the home is painted in a soft, warm neutral, it's easy -- and cost-effective -- to switch out accessories from season to season. White toss pillows in summer become rich, paisley patterned ones come fall. Silver photos frames are traded out for warm, dark woods. Fresh-cut hydrangeas are replaced with tall vases of sculptural branches. But the paint remains the same.
"During difficult economic times, neutrals are popular because they are safe," Jones says. However, with a recent uptick in the economy, brighter colours may return to the forefront.
"We expect to see a move toward colours that are lighter in mood and more optimistic in feeling as people's spirits lift in response to improved forecasts of the world's economy," Jones says. "Adding lively colours to home decor may not change the economic reality, but it will definitely provide a lift during difficult times."
And incorporating colour through paint is much less expensive than buying a crimson sectional.
"Paint is the most economical way to transform an interior space," says Debbie Zimmer, the Paint Quality Institute's paint and colour expert. "A simple change of paint colour can rejuvenate a tired kitchen, warm a family or living room or help to create a restful bedroom. Not many home improvement products can provide as much punch for the dollar."
Indeed, one weekend of work, a couple cans of paint, and voila -- any room is easily transformed, changing the look from the crisp and breezy days of summer, where cool whites, apple greens, punchy yellows and coral pinks reflect the temperature outside, to a more cosy, welcoming fall look. This season, try slate grey, warm copper, or that perennial favourite, chocolate brown, for a stylish cool weather look.
"Paint and room colour can have an effect on the body and mind," Zimmer says. "By understanding the impact of colour, consumers can better incorporate the hues that help create the desired living space mood and setting that best suits their family and personal lifestyle."
