by Kristen Schwartz, Design Consultant
I love this time of year, not only is it sweater weather but it’s when the major design players start releasing their picks for next year’s “Color of the Year”. Now this may not seem all that exciting to you, but after 3 years of “pandemic gray” on everything I am jumping for joy to see less & less of this color. Don’t get me wrong, gray is a fantastic neutral & it definitely has its place – in small doses. When finishing your lower level, where natural light may not be abundant, the colors I’m seeing (as well as other design features), should get your blood pumping as well!
Redend Point (SW 9081) – Sherwin Williams 2023 Color of the Year
As I worked with our clients in 2022, I tried to move them away from the cool gray palates & toward warmer, earthier tones that lend a cozier feel to a room. In selecting Redend Point, the Sherwin Williams marketing director had this to say: “Homeowners are opting for warmer whites, beiges, pinks & browns. Redend Point is an earthy color, & its subtle pink undertones exude a feeling of warmth & exploration – something people want to feel in their homes.” Evergreen Fog (SW 9130), the 2022 Color of the Year, is a calm, soothing sage green. Redend Point stays in the same natural, earthy category, but offers more fire, spice & soul. Whether used on cabinets or walls, this cozy color will wrap you in a warm hug, especially when paired with natural wood, green plants & chunky textiles. The colors I’m seeing in 2023 are cozy, warmer neutrals – the kinds of colors found in nature.
Smaller, Walk-Up Bars
The wet bar is still a must-have in any basement finish. Since creating family hang-out & entertainment space is typically the number one reason for finishing this valuable real estate, having a sink, beverage/wine or full-size fridge & possibly a microwave or dishwasher built into the wet bar is almost a given. In the last year, many of our designs included specialty wine storage, like the glass enclosed towers in the photo (right) as well.
A huge design advantage of a walk-up wet bar is that, unlike a design that includes a large island or peninsula, it leaves room for a dining or game table. Not only will a table typically seat more people, but it offers the flexibility for things like game night, crafts with the kids, puzzles, or poker – things that just aren’t practical when your family or friends are bellied up to a bar.
Bathrooms with Personality
Bathrooms are the perfect rooms to let your personality shine: they’re small, single-use spaces where a little can go a long way. Why not use this smaller canvas to try design ideas that may seems “too much” for a space where you’ll spend a lot more time?
Floating or open storage vanities in a statement color, accent walls in tile, wood, wallpaper or paint, & unexpected light fixtures are just a few of the ways we take our bathrooms up a notch. In addition to these details, 2023 will continue to see the use of mixed metals, integrated storage & large showers, some with luxury steam units. Design can & should be fun. Our goal is to marry function with your personal style for a beautiful outcome!
Custom Cabinetry
Nothing personalizes a space more than custom built furniture pieces. With Built by Design, all our cabinetry is custom built to the exact size & specifications of each unique project. I work with each of our clients to design the finished cabinetry to meet their individual needs, from door style & wood species, to interior accessories, crown molding & door hardware. Dark paint colors & wood tops are just a couple ways to personalize these pieces even further. With supply chain delays still affecting the retail furniture industry, the uptick in custom built pieces is certain to continue into the foreseeable future.
Color Trends
If the last few years of the pandemic taught us anything it’s that we want to be surrounded by colors in our homes that make us feel happy, optimistic, cozy & cared for. I’m not only talking about the colors on our walls, but on our floors, furniture, textiles & décor – goodbye dreary gray, hello sunsets & cozy fall days! The great thing about so many of these colors is they act as neutrals, making decorating around them simple & they work well with basics you may already have in both warm & cool tones.
Along with Redend Point & Evergreen Fog, some other Sherwin Williams colors I expect to see a lot of in 2023 & beyond include Urbane Bronze, Shitake, Foothills, Reddened Earth, Malted Milk, Skyline Steel, Serape, Kale Green, Indigo, Peppery, Kinstrel White & Pure White. Combined with warm wood tones, mixed metals, & soft or chunky textiles, these colors will work well with any style from mid-century to suburban farmhouse to modern.
Built by Design is the metro’s top rated custom home remodeling company. We would love to bring some color to your world in 2023 – request your bid now! Request a Bid