Jerome's Furniture Articles

Create the Perfect Dining Room Setting in 3 Easy Steps.

October 2009

Create a dining room that is both beautiful and intimate

Have you ever noticed that when people are visiting your home—especially for the holidays, they tend to stay in or around the kitchen? Perhaps that’s because that area is where many of us nurture and connect with our families, and it’s a good place to bond with guests and family members as well. 

Eating together is a way that many of us feel close to our loved ones, so it’s important that our dining spaces foster that kind of intimacy. Whether you have a casual or formal dining space, Jerome’s can help you create a space to connect with those you care about most.


1. Soften the mood with color

To keep your dining room from feeling too formal, create a more intimate setting with a soft foundation of color. Warm colors tend to stimulate conversation, and shades of reds are a popular choice for dining rooms because the color represents passion and a healthy appetite. If your space is dark or small, use color subtly. It may be more effective to paint or wallpaper one wall red, or simply hang a large, red-based painting. Or, you may want to paint three walls one color and use a complementary color on the fourth wall to create a focal point.

Other colors that foster warmth and intimacy are yellows and oranges — keep them light and soft for an airy feel. Some color experts say that pinks and purples have a sedative affect, so they’re not ideal for dining rooms. However, greens and blues are relatively neutral and can look very fresh and inviting, especially when paired with white.

Whatever color you choose, try something that complements your furniture and style — as long as you love it, that’s all that matters!


2. Choose furnishings that fit

Furniture should make a room more functional, not overwhelm the space. The table should fit comfortably, and there should be room to move the chairs back without banging into another piece of furniture. Ideally, you want to have at least three feet of space around the table to be about to pull out chairs and get around the table comfortably while people are seated.


The right table – centered on a vibrant area rug – will anchor your dining space. The shape of the table depends on the size/shape of your room (and personal preference, of course).

A round table is popular for more intimate settings and allows for easy conversation — it can soften a boxy room, too. A small square table also does well in tight quarters, while long rectangular tables work best in bigger rooms. You might opt for a smaller table that comes with one or two extension leaves — this will give you more space for everyday use throughout the year, while keeping the option of entertaining more guests when the need arises.

A pub or bistro table with counter stools, swivel chairs or barstools can be a great addition for a small dining nook or a corner of a kitchen. When people are sitting at bistro tables they are almost on the same eye level as someone who may be standing nearby, which encourages conversation.


Choose your dining room chairs according to the wear and tear you expect them to have. If you have small children or pets who like to climb/claw, it’s probably not wise to cover your chairs in silk. A good alternative to plain wooden seats is to buy leather chairs — leather is very durable and easy to clean, and it will maintain its looks over many years of use.


Even in today’s more formal dining spaces, the chairs don’t all have to be the same. If you have a rectangle table with eight chairs, consider getting different chairs for the two end chairs, three side chairs in X-back style, and the last three in a simple micro-suede fabric — then stagger the styles around the table. Or, if you have a round pedestal table with four chairs, you might place two leather armchairs across from each other and two upholstered fabric chairs opposite each other. The idea is to have a common theme — if your chairs are different shapes, use a coordinating fabric. Or for different fabric patterns, keep the same wood stain or chair shape.

The result will be a personal reflection of your style with all the function of everyday furniture.


3. Accessorize to set the mood

Change up your table decorations so that they don’t seem stale and stuffy. Add some fresh flowers every now and then, or feature collections of the season’s colors. For example, in autumn month, display a collection of fallen leaves, pine cones, sprigs of evergreen, and tiny pumpkins or gourds.

Use mirrors to brighten and open up your room. A large mirror is a nice addition to any wall, but it can really help to make a small space seem larger, and the light it reflects from your chandelier, candles or other lighting will enhance the mood of the room even more.

Alternatively, a large piece of artwork or a tapestry can serve as a great way to bring the colors of your room together and can serve as an interesting conversation piece as well.


Adding warm color and visual interest with accessories will help you create a dining space that is full of personality and ready for entertaining family and friends.

 

 

 

Add Personality to Your Home

September 2009

September is National Home Furnishings Month, and it’s a great opportunity to transform and breathe new life into your home!
Jerome’s understands that having a beautiful home is a goal for many homeowners, but no one wants a cookie-cutter approach to decorating.
Part of the joy of home ownership is the ability to personalize your space, making it a reflection of who you are and what is important to you. And think about it: the more comfortable you are in your own space, the more time you’ll want to spend there and share it with your loved ones.
Adding a dose of your personality to your living space is simpler than you might think. Here are a few ways you can make your home a place that is uniquely YOU.

Color, color, color!

White walls do very little to show off your personality. Adding color doesn’t mean you have to have red walls or a lime green sofa. But adding even the softest of hues to your walls can make your room feel more inviting, exciting, peaceful, or energetic. Also try introducing colors and patterns into the room with area rugs, accent pillows, window treatments, or artwork.


Create a focal point
Use a special collection of objects or art as a focal point in the room. One great focal point is over the fireplace in a living room, but you can use a bookshelf, entertainment center, or shelves on the wall. If you can, arrange furniture around or pointing toward this focal point, and choose colors, patterns, and fabrics to highlight your collection.
Adding personality also includes your furniture! New upholstery pieces, even if it is just an accent chair, can pack a punch of your own style. Pair a striped upholstered chair with your leather sofa instead of matching all the pieces in a room — an eclectic grouping of furniture that you love is the surest way to show off your own individuality. Even if you have hand-me-downs that you want to keep, make them your own with a fresh coat of paint, a different wood stain, or new fabric.

Your story in pictures


Most people have some photographs of family or friends on display, but the way you display them can give them more prominence and personality to your space. Collect several generations of family photos, and mix them together in different frame sizes and styles. Consider enlarging some of your best photos to create even more interesting dimensions in your collection. Try using only black and white or color-tinted images to create one unified “gallery” on a wall.

If you love different cultures but don’t have souvenirs or objects to display, try framing postcards or maps of cities you've enjoyed visiting or favorite places you've lived. Some are free online to download and cost very little to print. Similarly, your hometown newspaper may have vintage photos of your birthplace that they’re willing to sell or let you copy. Your favorite resort may have a promotional photo of their most spectacular view – ask if they’ll email or send you the image, and then frame it alongside your own candid shots.

Consider a theme
Personalizing a space is about surrounding yourself with things that are important to you. However, if there’s no order or focus to your items, they can quickly begin to look like clutter instead of a prized collection. Having a specific theme to a room (or just a corner of a room) can bring some unity to the look and feel you want to create.
Developing a “theme” doesn’t mean it has to look juvenile or contrived. A theme is simply a way to showcase something that you love, and that can be anything from your favorite sport to your family photos.
While a sports fan might love a collection of signed memorabilia and framed jerseys, a music fan might decorate his or her space with a retro record player, instruments and a collection of album covers on the wall. World travelers can group seemingly random souvenirs together in a bookshelf to make excellent conversation pieces, and avid readers can assert their personalities by proudly displaying their book collections.

Remember, less is more

To get the full effect of your theme, don’t go overboard. Too many objects just makes your prized possessions compete for attention – or even worse, look cluttered and messy. Accessorize in small groups, and leave some space around the collection so that it stands out better.
Having trouble deciding which ones work best? Stick with the things that are the most unusual and interesting conversation pieces. One of the easiest ways to give your room some personality is to add photos, pieces of art or furniture that guests can talk about. Even if you don’t entertain guests very often, having your most unique items on display will make your space even more personal for your own enjoyment

Create a Bedroom that is Organized and Truly Restful

August 2009

Today, the bedroom represents more than just a place to crash at the end of the day. For many people, their bedroom is the place to relax and unwind, read, meditate, exercise, watch TV, play on the computer, and of course, to sleep. But because it serves so many functions, the bedroom is one area that can quickly become cluttered and chaotic.


Arguably the most important thing you can do to create a stylish (and functional) bedroom is to buy quality furniture that is not only good-looking and durable, but works with your lifestyle as well. Jerome’s offers plenty of smart furnishings to help you clear up clutter and store as much as you can out of sight, which will make your bedroom appear more peaceful and roomy.


Invest in a Bed with Storage Options

The bed is obviously the biggest piece in the room, so if clutter is a concern, choose one that has built-in storage options! Jerome’s offers several great bed frames that combine clean, modern lines and lots of storage space for shoes, blankets, extra pillows, magazines, toys, or anything else you want to keep off the floor.


Whatever you choose, make sure you pick a frame that is not only stylish, but also well made. Invest in one that will hold up after many years of use.


Tables and Other Furnishings

You should plan on getting a nightstand for both sides of the bed, with a lamp on each for reading or performing other tasks. For additional storage space, consider nightstands that have drawers and/or cabinet doors to hide books, magazines, lotions, pens, etc. You might also consider buying several simple, shallow baskets that slide under the bed to store shoes, handbags, out-of-season clothes, and other items.


Similarly, your other bedroom furnishings, such as dressers and armoires, should help you organize your belongings effectively. If your bedroom is small, think vertically – invest in a taller piece of furniture that maximizes the amount of storage available within its space in the room. You might also consider a tall bookshelf that can be outfitted with baskets, cabinets or drawers to organize everything from magazines to photos to extra socks.


Additiional Seating

It’s very practical to have at least one other area to sit besides on the bed. Depending on the size and layout of your room, you might choose a padded bench or ottomans at the end of the bed – several models open at the top to reveal additional storage space.


Maximize Your TV Space

Most people have a TV in their bedrooms, and consequently need somewhere to put it. Unfortunately, it usually ends up stacked on top of a dresser that was not designed to hold it. Invest in a piece of furniture that will support and display your TV proudly and provide storage solutions as well. TV consoles are available in a variety of styles and finishes to coordinate with your bedroom furniture, and many have drawers and cabinets below for components, DVDs, and other items you want to keep tucked away.


solutions as well. TV consoles are available in a variety of styles and finishes to coordinate with your bedroom furniture, and many have drawers and cabinets below for components, DVDs, and other items you want to keep tucked away.


If you want to hide the TV when it’s not in use, Jerome’s also offers consoles with a “power lift” feature that raises the TV out of the console at the touch of a button, then lowers it back inside to keep your flat panel TV safe and dust-free.

Accessorize Sparingly

Choose a beautiful piece of artwork to go above the bed that incorporates some of your colors. Place a framed photo, a plant or a scented candle on the bedside table(s), but keep your accessories to a minimum so that they truly stand out as prized possessions.

Having the right furnishings is a huge step toward a clutter-free bedroom. Then the key to getting better organized is to start with one small step and then take others one at a time, even if it’s just 15 minutes at a time. Once you’ve started, stick with it. Getting organized is the first step — persistence and follow-through will keep it that way!

Pick the Perfect Sofa

June 2009


Why is shopping for a sofa so intimidating? Sometimes customers are more comfortable dropping $30,000 on a car than to pick out a $1,000 sofa (and the latter will probably last longer). Perhaps the biggest hesitation comes from a fear of making a mistake — whether it’s about how much to spend, the color, the fabric, the size or shape.

Jerome’s wants to help you eliminate some of those concerns before you buy to make sure your sofa is the perfect fit for your home. Here are a few things to consider while you’re shopping, and if you still have questions, give us a call — we will be happy to help you!


Know your budget. Sofas can run anywhere from $299 to $10,000, so the first thing you need to do is set a realistic budget. Sure, they may look all the same to you, but there’s a huge quality difference in that range. Consider stretching a little beyond what you think you can afford — in a few years, you don't want a budget compromise to have become the shabbiest piece in your room because it couldn’t stand up to your lifestyle.


Shape up your style. Because a sofa is one of the largest pieces of furniture you will buy, the safest shape is something squared off and simple. However, pick a silhouette that suits your space and lifestyle. A piece with legs and slimmer arms makes a room look less crowded. But, if you're looking for a weightier feel, choose something that reaches to the floor. You may also want to check out loungers, sofa beds, futons, corner units, sectionals and L-shaped seating, which may suit you better than the standard two- or three-seater. Jerome’s has several sectional options that feature a modular design — this lets you customize your sofa to fit your room by adding pieces and choosing a configuration that works best for your space.


Size it up. Many people actually forget this step, only to discover that the sofa they picked in the showroom doesn’t fit in the space in their home! Do you need it to be big enough for your entire family, or just for you and your faithful four-legged friend? A standard sofa is 84 inches long, but if you’re considering a sectional or oversized piece, but sure to know what your room (and your doorframe) can handle. Try cutting an old sheet or laying out newspaper to get a sense of how much space you have to work with. Also, you should figure in at least three feet around a sofa for people to pass by — any less and your space will feel crowded and cluttered.


Look under the hood. Ask about the sofa’s construction. Is the frame made with a durable hardwood (such as maple or beech wood) or a softwood (such as pine)? Are the corners secured with dowels (better) or staples? And check out the springs: a more expensive piece could have as many as five or six rows per cushion area, while the cheapest may have two or three.


Color your world. There are two basic options for the cover of your sofa: leather or fabric. Leather will offer that richer look and offer years of durability with proper maintenance. However, fabric allows you to be more creative with patterns and colors, and recent advances in textiles have given some furniture fabrics a big boost on the durability scale. Most people feel comfortable picking a neutral color for the sofa and dressing it up with bolder colors or patterns on the walls, cushions and throws. On the other hand, if you love bright splashes of color and your wall color is rather neutral, go ahead make your sofa the centerpiece of the room. Just remember that a bold-colored sofa will be the strongest element, so be sure the surrounding pieces don’t compete for attention. Ask for a swatch of material to take home and get a better idea of how the colors of the sofa will look against the décor you have.


Try it out. Obviously, you should see how it feels to you before you bring it home, because “comfortable” means different things to different people. Sit on it, and if possible have at least two other people sit on it as well. Are you more comfortable sinking into the cushions or with firmer support? Is the seat the correct height for your leg length? What about the arm height? If in doubt, sofa experts advise that you opt for a firmer model because it will be better for your posture, is less maintenance, and sofas do soften with use.


When in doubt, ask! Our salespeople will be able to find the answers to any questions you may have about the sofa’s construction and quality, so use them as a valuable resource in making your decision. Jerome’s also offers complimentary design services to cater to your own personal interior design requirements. Let our expert interior designers assist you to execute your vision and create the home you’ve always wanted. Best of all our design services are absolutely FREE!


It's Not Your Grandpa's Recliner

April 2009

Do you have fond memories of your father or grandfather spending quality time with his family from his favorite chair? Maybe it was even his favorite TV-watching, reading, coffee-drinking, and napping spot in the entire house. For many of us, we picture recliners as a large, overstuffed thing that is heavy on comfort, but not exactly the most stylish item in the house.

Well not anymore. Today’s recliners combine all the comfort you expect from Dad’s Favorite Chair with the chic design elements that make Mom happy, too — and they are available in a variety of styles, colors and sizes. Also, many of today’s recliners come with lots of options to complement your lifestyle, from hidden cup holders, massage functions, lumbar support and storage spaces for remotes. Whether you like the look of leather or the softness of microsuede, Jerome’s has a great selection of recliners to choose from!

So what should you look for when shopping for a new recliner? Here are a few suggestions to help you find the one that fits all of your expectations:

Size up your space.

Before buying a recliner, you need to measure the space where the chair will be located and make sure you have plenty of space to recline the chair fully. Some models are engineered so they can be placed within a couple of inches of the wall and still fully recline, but you’ll need to know how much space you have to work with.

Also, you should measure the doorways and/or hallways that your recliner will have to fit through to get into your home. If space is a problem, check with the salesperson to see if the back comes off of the recliner and can be re-assembled in your home.

If you're unsure about space, use Jerome's Free Online Room Planner to lay out your room so you know what will fit and what won't. Click here to try it now

Look for a quality frame.

The quality of the piece of furniture starts with a quality frame, and you want one that is strong and supportive. Look for a frame made of a hardwood such as oak, beech, ash, maple or cherry. Ask if the wood was kiln dried; this ensures the frame won’t crack as it adjusts to various climates. Also, check if the recliner comes with a warranty for the frame. Many manufacturers will offer lifetime warranty on the frame, and most will offer at least 10 years.

See how it fits.

Recliners don’t have to be a one-size-fits-all purchase. There are recliners built specially for large body frames, more petite women’s frames, and even recliners especially for children — most medium-sized recliners, however, will work for the average-sized person.

Test the reclining mechanism.

The reclining mechanism is one of the most important elements, of course, since it is the part of the furniture that is going to move and get the most wear. Test it out in the store. Recline it and close it several times. What feels best to you? Is it easy for you to use and get the chair into the fully reclined position? If not, you might even consider some recliners that feature a power mechanism to recline the chair at the touch of a button.

How does it sound? Is it quiet and smooth, or ratchety and creaky? Floor models can give you a good idea of how the mechanism will stand up to frequent use.

Also ask about the warranty for this mechanism — most reputable manufacturers offer some kind of warranty for this part of the recliner.

Choose a material.

Recliners come covered in a variety of materials, so consider which one fits your lifestyle best. Leather will offer that richer look and offer years of durability with proper maintenance. However, fabric allows you to be more creative with patterns and colors, and recent advances in textiles have given some furniture fabrics a big boost on the durability scale.

• Fabrics:

Choose a fabric that not only looks nice but will be able to withstand a lot of use. Cotton looks nice because it takes dye really well, but it also can stain really easily. Nylon and rayon both resist stains better than most fabrics. In the end, it is a good idea to look for fabrics that are a mixture. When purchasing fabric recliners, be sure to invest in the stain-resistant finish to protect it from spills and stains.

• Leather:

Leather is classic and quite durable, but you should understand what you are getting in a leather recliner. Many leather recliners use a “leather match,” which features leather on the seat, arms, and footrest, and the sides and back will usually be vinyl dyed in a matching color to the leather. Building the recliner this way instead of using leather all around generally helps to keep the price lower; also, because leather stretches, if you put it around the parts that move, you may end up with sagging wrinkles. Some manufacturers use a leather match for the entire chair, though, so know what you’re buying before you bring it home.

• Microfiber:

When it comes to bang for your buck, microfiber may be your best bet. With a nice suede feel to it, it feels soft and comfy — and it has excellent stain-resistant properties. It is more durable than anything other than leather, is easy to take care of, and generally costs more than traditional fabrics but less than leather.


Is it Time to Retire Your Old Mattress?

May 2009

Most of our lives are hectic and full of stress, and bedtime is one of the few times we’re actually relatively still for a few hours. But if you’re like most people, you spend those hours tossing and turning, waking up with each movement of your partner, or fighting the deep depressions in the mattress that threaten to swallow you whole. With all these problems, it’s no wonder you wake up tired, with a sore neck or back the next morning!

Shouldn’t you be getting better sleep to recharge you for what the next day may bring? Jerome’s has a great variety of mattresses to help you get a great night’s rest — every night.

With most products, it’s fairly obvious when a replacement is needed. If it no longer works or has signs of wear and tear that impair its ability, you know its time for a new one. However, realizing that it is time for a new mattress and foundation isn’t always so obvious. Similar to your favorite old chair or worn pair of shoes, your mattress can still feel comfortable long after it has lost its ability to provide your body with the proper support and comfort it needs. Because sleep is so critical to our ability to function and feel our best, it is important to evaluate your sleep set on a regular basis.

The Better Sleep Council lists the following as signs that you may need a new mattress and box spring:

  • You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains
  • You had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (such as a hotel)
  • Your mattress shows visible signs of overuse (it sags, has lumps, the interior is exposed, etc.)
  • Your mattress is 5-7 years old (How long a mattress will last depends on several factors, such as amount of use and original quality, but in general, a mattress set that has been in use 5-7 years is no longer providing you with the best comfort and support.

Shopping for mattresses

Shopping for a new mattress can be a hassle if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. On the other hand, a new mattress can improve the quality of your sleep, and your overall health, so it’s definitely worth finding the right one.
The best way to ensure that you’re a satisfied customer is to shop at a store you know and trust to give you good information, good service and top quality products — like Jeromes!

When comparing, remember that a “bargain” mattress and foundation are no bargain when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Shop for the best value, not the lowest price. And, buy the best you can afford. Considering that you’ll probably be using your bed more than any other product you own — including your car, TV, computer or cell phone — the mattress you sleep on is one of the best cost-per-day values on the market today.

Jeromes has a great variety of mattresses to choose from, and we’ll help you pick the right one for your needs, and your budget. Each Jerome's location features our Certified Sleep Experts. These highly trained sales people will walk you through a simple, 3-step process to help you determine the right mattress for your body type and sleep style. Then, we'll show you only those types of mattresses until we narrow it down to the one mattress that's perfect for you.

With dozens of different brands, sizes, materials, comfort levels, and accessories, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. This is where Jerome's San Diego furniture can help. Jerome’s has been doing business with the biggest names in the mattress industry for over 50 years, and we have developed exclusive agreements with companies like Simmons Beautyrest, Primopedic, Serta Perfect Sleeper, and Sleep Care, allowing us to offer the best in memory foam and latex technology, pocketed coils, and overall quality. You can even go green with our line of Sleep Therapy mattresses, which use soy-based foams and renewable, wood pulp-derived, four-way stretch fabric.

Let us help you find the mattress guaranteed to give you a good night's sleep!



Lighting! Lighting! Lighting!

February 2009

Proper lighting is one of the most important elements in interior decorating because it helps to set the mood and activity in a room. Jerome’s has lots of lighting options to help you create the perfect mood throughout your home.

Think of lighting from two aspects — functional and aesthetic. Functionally, home lighting needs to provide the correct type of light in sufficient quantity for the intended purpose. Aesthetically, it can be configured to create the desired mood through its intensity and color.

There are four basic types of home lighting: Ambient or general lighting — these are the typical overhead lights that illuminate the whole room. Certain wall sconces may be another example.

  • Task lighting — helps you perform the task at hand, such as reading, cooking, shaving, etc. Task lighting should be glare-free, and it should make things easy to see without straining your eyes.
  • Accent lighting — used to illuminate a sculpture, piece of art, or architectural element in a room. Accent lighting is about three times as bright as ambient lighting.
  • Natural lighting — comes through windows, doors, and skylights. Depending on the time of day, season, or weather, it can vary in brightness and intensity.


If you’re looking for new home lighting fixtures, consider the different activities that will occur in each area of the room, and don’t be afraid to use multiple types of interior lighting in a room. That’s the best way to be able to adjust the lighting to suit the mood and activity you are trying to create. The key to a great design is a balance of task, accent, and general lighting.

For additional flexibility with your overhead or other ambient lighting, consider installing a dimmer in your bigger rooms so you can adjust the brightness as needed.


To create a cozy and romantic atmosphere in any room, consider adding an electric fireplace. Electric fireplaces can be installed virtually anywhere because they do not make real flames or fire, which is one reason these units are becoming more and more popular. Electric fireplaces also emit no fumes, and a vent or chimney is not required. The only thing necessary is the space to put it, and an electrical source.


Here are a few other suggestions for lighting various rooms in your home:

  • Family rooms: Place a lamp behind every reader’s shoulder — about 42 inches above the floor. Highlight a framed piece of art with halogen track lighting or by attaching a picture light. Install recessed lighting as your general lighting or to bring out beautiful wall textures (try a dimmer as well).

  • Bedrooms: Place table lamps on your bedside tables, but avoid halogen lamps (which can get very hot) in children’s rooms. Don’t forget candlelight if a romantic setting is what you have in mind.

  • Kitchens: A grid of recessed ceiling cans will provide great general lighting, and under-cabinet lights make excellent task lighting.

  • Dining rooms: A chandelier over the dining room table creates a beautiful setting (use a dimmer); however, if a chandelier is not your taste and you have a long table, try a trio of pendant lights.

  • Bathrooms: Use shadow-free fluorescent or incandescent lights around mirrors. And don't forget to install a nightlight!


Get Ready for a Colorful New Year!

January 2009

Get ready for a colorful New Year! If you’re looking for new ways to spice up your home for the New Year, the color trends for 2009 offer some bright ideas. Whether you want to update your living room sofa or simply refresh your style with some affordable accessories, Jerome’s can help you find just the right products to give your home a colorful kick.

According to Color Marketing Group, one of the world's premiere color forecasting groups, the top color choices for 2009 have been influenced by both our concern for the economy and our optimism about the future.

“We’re finding comfort in colors that are familiar, and yet, at the same time, we're embracing colors that make us happy — especially as accents," said executive director, Jaime Stephens. “Everyone’s concerned about the economy, yet the spirit of the country coming together after the election is powerfully reflected in these choices. Also, the demand for colors and products that reflect an environmentally ‘greener’ world goes way beyond a trend. It’s now ‘a given.’”

CMG offers these color trends for 2009:


• Purple, purple, purple! — Emerging as a hot fashion color last fall, purple is not just a fad, it’s an entrenched trend, strongly influenced by the election. (After all, red plus blue equals purple.) Look for a greyed-out violet that works equally well as an accent or a neutral, as well as redder, plummier purples and blue-influenced fuchsias in a huge range of products. Purple is 2009’s “must have” color.


• Blue is the new green — Various greens have symbolized “green living” over the last few years, but in 2009 the “green” environmental message is delivered by the color blue. There are watery blues, sky blues and a whole range of blues that now represent our commitment to living on a greener planet.


• Cooled-down, greyed-out browns and greys — Complex neutrals satisfy our urge toward classic colors in an economically challenged time. They also bridge the area between black, which seems harsh, and brown, which doesn't seem strong enough.


• Yellow for energy — The neutrals may have greyed, but look for lots and lots of bright vivid yellow to give us energy as we re-build the economy. It’s the stand-out accent color for 2009.


• Bright accents from India, China, and Turkey — The exotic has become the familiar. Oranges, turquoises and teals, reds, and yellows will abound in hues from far-away countries that now seem very near. They are the optimistic touches we crave.


• White is now a business color — Technology has produced amazing new (and very practical) finishes, which helps explain why white is showing up everywhere, even in corporate board rooms. The contrasts are all in the finishes: matte versus gloss; shine and shimmer on reflective surfaces; textured whites versus smooth — all washable and cleanable. White also represents purity of thought, motive and result — exactly what we want from businesses now.


• The return of the “M” word — It's mauve. Remember mauve? An old color that looks new again, in dusty violet shades, mauve works as an accent but also serves now as a neutral, punched up by those bright Asian accents (orange, turquoise, teal, red, and yellow.)