Trends

Bold and Beautiful: Wallpaper Accent Wall

When someone says “accent wall,” does your mind instantly gravitate towards paint? If so, you’re not alone, because most people would say the same. And understandably so – paint is a great low-commitment way to transform a room. However, there’s another great way to create a high-impact accent wall. We’re all about choices here at team Chameleon, and we’re looking at you, wallpaper. We’ve been singing wallpaper’s praises for years, so you know we love incorporating it in our clients’ model homes (they love it, too!). The right wallpaper has the design superpower of creating a bold focal point and setting the tone for the rest of the room’s design. It acts as a foundational base for other layers like color, texture, wall decor, and even greenery.

Wallpaper as an accent is about captivation and drawing the eye into a room in an unexpected way. It can add an upscale feel to model homes and unify a room’s theme. A wallpaper accent works especially well in kids’ spaces, acting as a narrative design element that tells a story, like the adorable woodland and insect-themed rooms our team created below. When incorporating an accent wall into a space, we’re always intentional and strategic about which wall gets the full wallpaper treatment, and which elements work best alongside it. It’s a delicate balancing act, and our clients and their home buyers love the results.

Easy Spring Style — Pretty Pastels

Spring is here, and it brings with it a desire for fresh and clean interiors. We’re saying hello to pretty pastels, a collection of subtle colors that can create a calming, sophisticated, or whimsical look depending on the application. And while pastels for spring aren’t exactly groundbreaking, hear us out. Once reserved for nurseries or kids’ rooms, these cheerful hues have made their way into every room in the home. And their appeal, uplifting feel, and versatility make them a great choice any time of year. A softer palette is a lovely way to invigorate a model home — we like pairing pastels with florals for something playful, or with wood and metallic accents for a modern touch. Millennial pink in particular has had a moment, with soft green, powder blue, and pale peach cropping up in living rooms, bedrooms, and even home offices. Pastels also play well with each other, allowing us to create unique and custom looks for our clients, though we prefer sticking to a maximum of three for a clean look (and to prevent a room from resembling an Easter basket). From cool and crisp or warm and cozy, there’s a pastel shade to suit almost any preference, the pale blue sky’s the limit.

Bask in Black

People are saying black is back, but in our view, it never went away! The chic sophistication of black accents never goes out of style. Some shy away from adding black to the home because they mistakenly think it makes a room appear dark and less spacious. In fact, a bit of black can add dimension to a room and create focal points that camouflage a small space. Pretty cool if we say so ourselves.

We love black’s visual impact and are thrilled to see its resurgence in the home. It’s always great to use black to accentuate a room’s features, but if you’re obsessed with this shade as much as we are, you may want to use it as a main focal point in a room’s design. Be brave and use black from floor to ceiling on an accent wall or opt for an eye-catching contrast with black-and-white striped paint. Go architectural with black interior window panels to frame and separate spaces while maintaining sightlines. In a room layered with whites and neutrals, a pop of black is an edgy counterpoint that helps ground and balance the space’s ethereal quality. Like a metallic accent, a little black goes a long way — even a small pop of black hardware or trim will bring out the colors that surround it. It’s a fail-safe way to add depth and intrigue, no matter your palette or style preference!

Calm Seas Ahead — Aleutian Allure

Like Pantone’s Very Peri, the color of the year chosen by HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams is a departure from all the lovely shades of light green selected by most color experts and paint manufacturers for 2022. And we love it! Aleutian blue, reminiscent of the sparkling sea surrounding the archipelago that bears its name, is equally calming while symbolizing a spirit of refreshed optimism. Blue signifies trust and creativity in color psychology, and this balance of dependability and imagination is what’s transformed it into a neutral in home interiors. Aleutian’s washed indigo hue with red undertones calls up feelings of serenity. A bit of added grey keeps the shade muted and soothing, making it a wonderful choice for creating a tranquil oasis at home. We especially appreciate its versatility, and we’ve used similar shades in many of our clients’ projects. Bathe a wall or ceiling in Aleutian to jump into this color head first, or play up a space with cool-toned accents like rugs, bedding or artwork. Like a true neutral, Aleutian works well with almost any color, though when paired with whites and warm wood textures it’s worthy of a chef’s kiss.

Snow Place Like Home – White Interiors

How much do we love white? Let us count the ways. A home or room with a predominantly white palette is a blank canvas rife with possibilities — when the design is done right. Without proper planning, too much white can have a stark, even clinical look. The gorgeous, bright white spaces on Instagram, TikTok, and glossy magazines are what we’re after-those light-filled rooms that welcome and inspire. White opens and expands to give the appearance of volume in smaller spaces and open layouts. It can also be a source of negative space in a room, a necessary element to give the eyes a place to rest. While natural lighting is ideal for these bright and open spaces, artificial light is a necessity, too. For sun drenched spaces, bulbs on the cooler end of the spectrum are fine; opt for warmer bulbs for darker rooms to avoid a sterile feel. If you want to bathe a room in white, add layers of texture to create dimension with fabrics, woods, rattan, leather, pillows and a rug. In fact, a rug is practically essential in white-dominant interiors to anchor the space and reinforce other textural features. White is also the perfect backdrop to show off a bit of color, but be sure to proceed with some restraint. Keep things to accents or artwork for the most impact. Add warmer tones for a cozy feel, and don’t forget a houseplant or two to bring things to life.

The New Neutral: Gray Sofas

To the surprise of absolutely no one, the gray sofa is THE furnishing for 2021. It’s everywhere right now, from high-end glossy design magazines to style influencers on social media. It’s easy to see why — it’s versatile and goes with everything, from era and motif to mood and vibe. There’s always a showstopping design element in a room (at least there should be) and this neutral sofa acts as a jumping-off point for creativity, color, and pattern. It’s a neutral blank canvas unbound by seasons or color palettes for layers that are bold and bright or luxe and textural. A gray sofa pairs well with Scandi or Japandi design, which have both become increasingly popular as we seek to create calming spaces in our homes. And if you’re a long-time gray lover and use it throughout your home, prevent a cold, austere look by dressing up the sofa with pops of color and playful decor. Our recent project at Rancho Palma is a great place to look for inspiration. Also, as a plus, a gray sofa is both kid and dog-friendly because dirt, stains, and pet hair will be relatively hidden. A smart design choice that’s also chic!

Imagination Station: Kids’ Bedrooms

It’s October and we’re heading into the dress-up and decorated months of the year (our favorites!). We express ourselves and tell stories in our clothing and costume, and there’s no good reason why our homes shouldn’t do that too. In the spirit of make-believe and pretend play, kids’ rooms can be an extension of their personalities and style. Like grownups, they deserve a thoughtfully created space they can call their own. Unlike other rooms in your home where you might proceed with caution in design, kids’ bedrooms invite an adventurous ‘go for it’ attitude. They present an opportunity to experiment with vibrant color, pattern, and shape. Need a creative nudge? Start with a theme – one of their hobbies or interests will do – or even a fun piece of statement furniture. Bold walls are next, like bright color, a mural, decals, printed wallpaper, and stencils for unique paint accents. Don’t stop there — you’ll need places to keep their toys and books. And in a kids’ bedroom, simple storage simply doesn’t cut it. Fancy it up with a woven basket or two or shaped shelving and cubbies (clouds, houses, and geometric shapes are good bets). Before too long, they’ll enjoy a bespoke bedroom that’s as playful as their imaginations!

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Rugs That Have Us Floored: Bold is Better

Staring at the floor will be your new favorite hobby once you set your sights on that gorgeous area rug in the room! Rugs are essential as they blend function and style in space. They provide a softer surface to walk on, offer noise insulation, and protect hard flooring from foot traffic and spills. But beyond that, they can be design superstars by adding dimension to a room through color, texture, print, or pattern. A well-placed area rug can define a space, create a sense of intimacy, and add character, especially in open floor plans. Transform a neutral living room into a calming oasis with a bright blue area rug or elevate your sectional with a bold patterned rug and complimentary throw pillows. Slide a rug under the bed in a bedroom for texture and softness underfoot. You can place one outdoors as well to define and add color to a deck or patio. When selecting a rug, consider how its size, material, and color work together in the room’s design. Pay attention to scale too. A rug that is too small can visibly shrink a room, so don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to ensure it fits beneath most furniture! Layer one on any floor for even more texture and dimension to break up the wall-to-wall look. Like art for your floors, rugs can be focal points, conversation starters, or finishing touches, and we love how they tie our clients’ rooms together in a way nothing else can.

Accent Chairs that Sit Pretty

You might need to take a seat after hearing all about why accent chairs are the standout style icons of 2021. Accent chairs are that perfect combination of function and form since they not only provide extra seating, but they also have the potential to define a room. Their smaller footprint creates an opportunity to go big and bold with design, from shape and color to material and texture. Modern, traditional, minimalist—there’s an accent chair for every style. When selecting accent seating, consider its purpose and location. Keep its height consistent with existing furniture for cohesion, but don’t be afraid to mix things up. Play with scale, texture, and style. Go sculptural to make a statement or modern with a metal-framed chair. A wingback chair can be dramatic and bright for an unexpected pop in a classic space, while a barrel chair softens a space with its curved design. For material, feel free to deviate from the sofa’s look and have fun with texture. Leather, suede, velvet, rattan, and faux fur are all great options. Don’t forget to use accent chairs to elevate your outdoor space, too, and create a stylish open-air oasis!

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Photo Credit: Chameleon Design

Let’s Take This Outside – Why a Cozy Patio is Essential

It’s time for an escape. . . to your soon-to-be amazing outdoor oasis. You may have used your patio during this past year as a makeshift office, Zoom background, or a place to take a break from the kids for a few blissful minutes (no shame in that game!). Necessity is the mother of invention, but now’s the time to level up your outdoor space. Open-air and sunshine are proven to make us happier and increase our sense of wellbeing, so harness that with a patio that is soon to become your new favorite hangout spot. To kick off your new open-air retreat, start with some lounge-worthy furniture that is just as comfy as your living room sofa. Invest in a sectional with thick cushions and be sure to layer on the pillows. For all those cool evenings outdoors, don’t forget to keep a blanket or two nearby to keep warm! You can also add a market umbrella or another sun-blocking feature for those sunny summer days, as well as a dark outdoor rug to define the space and add texture. If you really want to set the mood, add a Wi-Fi extender so you’re always ready with some ambient music. Ready to entertain? A bar cart keeps you outdoors with the margaritas flowing, surrounded by all your favorite people. Cornhole, croquet, and other lawn games are always a good idea if you really want to up the entertainment factor. To fully take in the evenings, add in a fire pit that you can lounge next to while stargazing. Summers are meant to be enjoyed slowly, and there’s no better place to do so than your own stylish backyard.

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design

Photo credit: Chameleon Design