Bring Fall Indoors with Colors That Reflect the Season

11/16/2007

(ARA) - The scent of cinnamon-infused cider fills the air, crisp leaves crackle underfoot and you're able to enjoy long walks in the cooler evening as summer eases into fall. As you settle into the season -- perhaps by supplementing your fall-weather wardrobe with a toasty sweater or two in rich shades -- consider giving your home a little seasonal lift as well. Updating your rooms with color is a quick and easy way to embrace this time of year, and will put you in the mood to enjoy all the bounties these autumn months offer!

Begin your project by taking a look at what surrounds you. Note the colors you see in everything from the fashions at your favorite shop to the cars whizzing past you on the street. Which colors appeal to you? Which make you feel calm? Which energize you? Which give you a cozy feeling that's just right for fall? Let the wheels start turning and see which shades your inner designer is drawn to -- there's no right or wrong answer.

"Color is always evolving," says Becky Ralich Spak, senior designer for Sherwin-Williams. "Color knows no bounds -- it is fluid, not static; it intermingles in unexpected combinations; and it explores many paths to achieve its goal."

Following your instincts is the best way to approach your color update, experts agree, because there is no one single color hue or palette that will dominate this fall, or even in the coming year.

Color inspiration comes from just about anywhere and everywhere. Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, who partnered with Sherwin-Williams for her fall 2007 fashion show, lets her journeys guide her color selections. "I find inspiration in adventure, and these colors remind me of places I have traveled," she says. "Colors such as Evening Shadow, Marquis Orange and Iron Ore remind me of the desert; Real Red, Cocoon and Liberty Blue of a New England road trip; and Aquarium and Frank Blue of architecture in southern Spain and Morocco."

Deep and dashing, bright and bold, many of the opulent shades that are perfect for fall decorating might seem a bit intimidating at first, but fear not; there are many ways to dive into the wonderful world of color. Consider the following approaches:

* Saturated browns impart a toasty vibe on a living room accent wall.

* Plum hues spark great energy in the foyer.

* Deep purples are both soothing and interesting in a powder room.

* Warm neutrals are a timeless update for all rooms and let vibrant accessories take center stage.

In the end, no matter which colors you select, just remember that paint is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to the change the atmosphere of a room, so "don't be afraid to try new colors and patterns and to play with contrasts," Rowley recommends. By following your instincts and personal fashion sense, both you and your home will feel warm and toasty this fall. Courtesy of ARAcontent