Paprika, lilac and electric blue - those are some of the colors that designer Deanna Whetstone of Whetstone & Associates told me recently are the hottest of the year.
"Everything has a little pop," she said. "Everything is a little brighter. Nothing is really muted."
Paprika and other shades of orange are particularly big.
So are lavenders, lilacs even purples. But the plums that are more gray in tone are going out, Deanna said. Pink is in, as long as it's a hotter shade.
And blue is a big trend. (Check out these blue glass bottles and jars from Pottery Barn, on sale now for about $10.)
"We're talking a rich, Mediterranean blue to an electric blue," she said. "Everything is a little punchy."
Neutrals are moving to a warm-gray color, rather than beige. And that gray-taupe can be paired with all the new brighter colors.
So how do you incorporate one of these bold new colors in your already decorated rooms? You do it with what Deanna calls "disposable design."
"You go to Target, Pier 1, Pottery Barn," she said. "They have great pillows for $20 in all these fun colors. So you throw a couple new pillows on the sofa and you've got a change."
Get rid of a few older accessories and then purchase one or two inexpensive new ones in trendy shapes and colors to bring your room up to date. Look for something that's interesting, that makes a statement. Check out this Calvin Klein Twill Stripes Bedding Set at right from Macy's for $30-$190.
"Be purposeful, but don't over think it," Deanna cautioned. "A lot of times people go to the store and get so overwhelmed they can't commit to something. But with disposable design, you're talking about a pillow or a tray. It's not very costly and you're not talking about a lifetime commitment or a seven to 10 year furniture commitment."
Just makes sure you keep the receipt, she said, in case you don't love it once you get it home!
Photos at top:
1. DwellStudio for Target Duvet Set - Khaki Leaves, www.target.com, $89.99 for king size. 2. Orange Aster Salad Plates from Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com, $40. 3. Blue Floral Pillow from Pier 1, www.pier1.com, $25.95. 4. Modern Home Dots Towels blue/green from Target, www.target.com, $23.99 for a set of three. 5. avalisa - Park Stretched Print on canvas from 2modern, www.2modern.com, $99 for 18-inch by 18-inch. Other sizes and colors available. 6. Thai Silk Pillows in orange from Target, www.target.com, $24.99-$29.99.
