Bright Colors
Cheerful Emotions
By Marianne Lods

Trends in style are often fleeting while others are long lasting and a good investment. If you were paying attention to the morning talk shows this spring, you know that tangerine is the hottest color for fashion in 2012. This popular shade has also invaded home décor shelves in high end and discount stores that are in our shopping centers.

You should think carefully before replacing your color scheme in your home to suit this year’s most popular shades. How long will tangerine be around? My guess is it will probably fade away during the autumn months. You should look at classic color combinations to maximize your decorating dollars. For instance, gray with taupe and beige can be good foundation colors that you can accent with brighter colors for seasonal accents such as tangerine and lime for summer. Put away the fashion accent pieces in late September and replace with warmer tones that will carry you until you decorate for the holidays. 

Don’t spend more money than your budget allows.  Visit vintage shops, consignment boutiques and thrift shops to save huge amounts of money. Chances are that this year’s colors were popular a few years ago or even decades before and you will be able to find objects of arts, toss pillows, table runners and more in these stores. An example of the most hip colors today can also be found from over 70 years ago in Fiestaware china.  The vivid bright colors were first created in the Great Depression to be a cheerful diversion during a difficult era. Our strained economic times is an influence on designers and manufacturers today for many of the same reasons.

We all want to enjoy the changes that will transform the look of our favorite rooms, but be smart about your choices. Buy in thrift or discount stores and take pleasure in decorating. Store the items in plastic bins to be able to bring them back next summer or a few years from now. Invest in good quality traditional cushions, table linens and area carpets.Top your table with a decorator runner or place a colorful smaller rug under your large coffee table to accentuate your room. 

Most of all, have fun while you are doing the planning, shopping and decorating.  Your friends will notice and you can brag a bit about the pleasure of capturing a great look for you home!

We invite you to explore the galleries and shops of the Glasstown Arts District to help you find your “look.”  Several new shops have recently opened that carry home décor, art, antiques and vintage items.  Check our online directory of businesses at www.GlasstownArtsDistrict.com. or download our free smart phone app: MillvilleApp.com.

Marianne Lods
Executive Director

Marianne Lods is the Executive Director and Certified Main Street Manager of the Millville Development Corp., Main Street Millville and Glasstown Arts District.  

856-293-0556;
Marianne@glasstownartsdistrict.com