It is as much a tradition as setting your goals for the New Year.  Every year, the color authority ‘Pantone’ picks the color for the year, amid a lot of excitement and speculation in the interior design industry as to which will be the next year’s color inspiration.

The color chosen for 2010 is turquoise, a color that, according to ‘Pantone’, reflects “thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing”.

It is certainly a very valid and important reason to choose such an important color, one that may bring calm and happiness in such turbulent times we are living in today, but also one that has to be considered carefully in order to use it in the right way.

Turquoise is a very strong color that must be used as a complement with lighter tones so as to not overwhelm the space and to make it look classy and fun.  It can look great in bathrooms, as it reminds us of the beautiful tones of seawater, and it can also be an amazing accent color for living rooms or bedrooms.

We always want to follow the trends in design and fashion, even more so when we start seeing the beautiful décor in magazines and TV shows; however, it is important that you also consider if the trends fit your life and home, because even if it looks great in a magazine, it may not be the right choice for your surroundings.

The best way to go when you want to make a bold change in your home’s décor is to ask for professional advice.  An interior design specialist will help you find the right way to use turquoise in your living space, or any other color for that matter, and she will explain what truly works for you, your family and your lifestyle.

If you live in the area, the Seattle interior design industry is booming with expertise, and is ready to start the New Year with you the right way and with the right colors.

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If you just moved to a house that is nothing like you, or if you are just bored of the decoration and furniture you’ve had for years, maybe it’s time to change a few things (or maybe a lot!). Here are some suggestions and ideas for you to start renovating your residence.

- Add one fine art piece to decorate

You cannot imagine how much one single piece can do for a room. Think about your personal taste, your favorite artists and the style of the room in question. Choose the perfect art piece, and it will change its look completely. It could be a sculpture, a painting, or a vase. It is better if the piece has a special meaning for you. Go to your attic and dig into all those piles of things. You will certainly find some hidden treasures that will look great in your house.

- Renovate an old piece of furniture

Do you have a desk that belonged to your grandfather, and you love it, but it looks too old and worn out? Don’t you think about giving it away! There are many ways in which you can recycle a piece of furniture and take it from ‘old’ to ‘antique’, which not only sounds more glamorous but also looks very refined. Find out about the different products that will help you to preserve the piece’s wood. A good option is to do a patina on the piece; it is modern and looks great.

- Change the lights

Changing the color of the light (for example, from white to amber) provides a new face to the room and changes the colors of the curtains, floors, and walls. Amber lights are better for the eyesight, and give spaces a warm look. Add a big  floor lamp in a corner, or reading lamp on your nightstand. You can even put spotlights in a modern room, or you can also make a hand-made shade and add it to a lamp that you already have.

- Display your collection

Have you been keeping beautiful souvenirs inside a box in your attic for years? Maybe it is time to go up there and take a look at them. Pick a few and put them on a table in your living room or kitchen. Needless to say, it all depends on the style of the room, but it is worth placing them and seeing what happens. It will give the room a new touch and you will have more space in your attic to keep other things.

- Redecorate the whole interior design

Hire an interior designer and the work will be done for you. Any interior design firm in Seattle, New York, or LA will be able to capture the client’s needs and preferences. They manage to turn simple rooms into dynamic and fulfilling spaces.