Fall into a new season at home

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network

In Southwest Florida, fall is mostly unnoticed except the days slowly begin to get shorter. I think of fall as a season of hope and good things to come. It’s the hope that cooler weather is on the way in another month or so as we anxiously await that first cool evening that makes us look through our closet for a jacket and that first day when we can open all the windows.

Pick your fall color palette of yellows, oranges, greens with Pottery Barn’s faux yellow beech leaf branch. Photo: Pottery Barn

But until then, we dream of fall. And look for ways to make a few subtle changes in our homes to acknowledge the season. If you have shopped lately, you have noticed that yellow is having a moment. In fashion. Home décor. Nature.

Why?

Pretty entry brings the sunshine inside with Chestertown Buff paired with Atrium White wainscoting. Photo: Benjamin Moore

• It boosts our mood. Think about sunflowers. They are happy, warm, and optimistic.

• Muted shades of yellow are an alternative to traditional whites.

• Major fashion brands are showing a lot of yellow on runways.

• It pairs well with other colors. More on that below.

Tips for using yellow this fall

Say hello to fall with a beautiful bouquet of happy sunflowers and greens. Photo: Pottery Barn.

I always tell my Southwest Florida home interiors clients that a little yellow goes a long way. My own experience was a yellow bathroom that I loved and a beautiful muted yellow in a primary bedroom that I paired with greens and whites.

• Start small. Try yellow in accessories (lamps, mirror frame, artwork, rug, pillows, bath towels, ceramics) before repainting a room.

• Painting a room yellow. Go with a bathroom or powder room and use with a beautiful wallcovering.

• Paint the front door Benjamin Moore’s Sunny Days.

The sun is always shining with this front door in Benjamin Moore’s Sunny Days.

• Layer yellow with stronger contrasts such as dark woods to create interest.

• Go with softer, muted shades of yellows.

• My favorite Benjamin Moore yellows:

Barely Yellow, a soft, subtle. Barely-there shade with green undertones. Works well in minimalist interiors.

Man on the Moon, a pale and luminous yellow that adds a touch of sunshine to dimly lit rooms.

• And if you want to ease your way into using yellow, think about the 60-30-10 rule:

60% for the neutral color; 30% for a secondary shade and the final 10% as a pop of color such as yellow.

How to pair yellow with other colors

• Deep earth tones. Pair yellow tones with rich, grounding hues and contrasting accents to create a balanced fall palette. Warm and earthy combinations make yellow look sophisticated and seasonal.

Feel the sunshine with this HAND-PAINTED, sunflower wallcovering from Serena & Lily. Photo: Serena & Lily

• Jewel tones. Combine yellow with eggplant, burgundy or emerald to add richness to an interior.

• Neutrals. Balance yellow with soft whites, beiges, taupes and grays to let the yellow “pop.”

• Contrasts. Pair yellows with slate blue, navy or black for a modern, dramatic feel.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit spectacularspaces.com. Call 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Have a heart: Show your home some love this month!

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network-Florida

In a time when we need more love more than ever, we find ourselves welcoming February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. With the holidays well behind us, it’s the perfect time to make a few changes to make you love your home again. And to do that by refreshing some spaces in your home.

Heartfelt pillows in a cuddly Teddy bear fabric is a sweet addition to a sofa or bed any time of year! Provided by Pottery Barn

More than ever, our homes are our sanctuary. A place that we return to shake off the day and find peace and comfort. It’s also a good time to think about what your home means to you. Is it a place to pass through and sleep with a busy schedule that keeps you on the run? Is it your happy place surrounded by things that you love? A place of love, warmth, safety and happiness?

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I help my clients decide what is most important and how to best create a space that makes them love their home the minute they open the door. No two homes are the same and the relationship with our homes can be complicated. With some thought and a solid plan, you can soon be on your way to creating a home you love and one that’s in step with your lifestyle.

Decorate your home with love. Cast in metal, these two entwined hearts add style and warmth to a mantle or console. Provided by Pottery Barn.

Love really is the operative word when you refresh. Love what you surround yourself by. Love it or don’t buy it. If you don’t love it, donate it.

Four rules to keep in mind to love your home

 Find your inspiration. Is it a new color, light, mirror, piece of furniture? If you need a change but don’t know where to begin, walk through your home and take notes on each room. What can you say goodbye to and what do you need to change?

Classics never go out of style. Trends come and go and can be fun to sprinkle here and there but you can’t go wrong with the classics.

I call this one “facebook envy.” We are bombarded daily with the latest and greatest, most gorgeous ideas for our homes. Before you go off the deep end making a pile of changes, take a deep breath and think about what really matters. To you. No one else.

Purchase mindfully. Before you buy, think carefully about what would make you love your space. Do your research, go on a few shopping trips to look. Take your time. It’s not a race!

A few ways to give your home a loving refresh!

• Make home repairs that you have been putting off.

• Set a pretty table.

• Give your entry a new look with a dramatic color.

• Paint your front door.

February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. With the holidays well behind us, it’s the perfect time to make a few changes to make you love your home. Shown: Benjamin Moore’s favorite Valentine palette.

• Wallpaper a powder room. Something outrageously beautiful.

• Add some sparkle: a chandelier in the living room or bedroom (you really don’t need a ceiling fan in every room in the house). Or hang one in the master closet. It will make you happy every time you walk in.

• Soften the harsh, recessed lighting in the kitchen with a lamp on the counter or island. You won’t believe the change.

• Invest in hotel-style bedding. Don’t be afraid of white linens (always go for a high thread count). White sheets are so popular now and for good reason. Easy to care for and you can change your color scheme whenever you like.

• Hang something colorful in your laundry room.

• Change your drapes or drapery panels over the sliders. Make sure you hang them high: just below the ceiling or molding.

• Delete what is no longer working in your home. I do this seasonally as things do tend to accumulate no matter how hard we try.

• Add a little glam to each room: a tufted sofa or a chaise lounge. Pick a color that you love. Or a new mirror or a few glass accessories for some sparkle.

• Want color but afraid to commit to an entire room? Fine. Paint the ceiling that color that you have always wanted to try. Yes, the ceiling!

• Create a gallery-style wall with your favorite art.

• Need a new kitchen backsplash? Check out the new textured, handmade subway tiles. Spectacular!

• Add a few new pillows.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and certified gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. As a writer, blogger, stylist and color expert, she has helped homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and to solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Love your home again: decorating ideas from the heart

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network Feb. 4, 2024

There’s a pretty townhome in Notting Hill with a bright pink door and a window just above that says “Love.” I read about it in a travel article and on my last trip to London, tracked it down because I will do just about anything to see a home so loved that its owners would install this window. And there it was. Just a simple window with a huge message to anyone walking by.

In a time when we need more love more than ever, we find ourselves welcoming February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. With the holidays well behind us, it’s the perfect time to make a few changes to make you love your home again. And to do that by refreshing some spaces in your home.

Our homes are our sanctuary. A place that we return to shake off the day and find peace and comfort. It’s also a good time to think about what your home means to you. Is it a place to pass through and sleep with a busy schedule that keeps you on the run? Is it your happy place surrounded by things that you love? A place of love, warmth and happy memories?

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, I help my clients decide what is most important and how to best create a space that makes them love their home the minute they open the door. No two homes are the same and the relationship with our homes can be complicated. With some thought and a solid plan, you can soon be on your way to creating a home that you love and one that’s in step with your lifestyle.

Throw a teddy faux fur heart-shaped pillow on Pottery Barn’s curved silhouette swivel to round out any space. Photo: Pottery Barn

Love really is the operative word when you refresh. Love what you surround yourself with. Love it or don’t buy it. If you don’t love it, donate it.

Four rules to keep in mind to love your home again

Find your inspiration. Is it a new color, light, mirror, piece of furniture? If you need a change but don’t know where to begin, it may be time to call a professional to help.

Classics never go out of style. Trends some and go and can be fun to sprinkle here and there but you can’t go wrong with the classics.

Stop scrolling. I call this one “facebook envy.” We are bombarded daily with the latest and greatest, most gorgeous ideas for our homes. Before you go off the deep end making a pile of changes, take a deep breath and think about what really matters. To you. No one else.

Purchase mindfully. Before you buy, think carefully about what would make you love your space. Do your research, go on a few shopping trips to look. Take your time. And take photos.

Refresh old pendants with something fresh and new. Shown: Scallop rattan suspended from an antique bracelet chain. Photo: Serena and Lily

A few ways to give your home a loving refresh!

• Make home repairs that you have been putting off.

• Set a pretty table.

• Give your entry a new look with a dramatic color.

• Paint your front door.

• Wallpaper a powder room. Something outrageously beautiful.

• Add some sparkle: a chandelier in the living room or bedroom (you really don’t need a ceiling fan in every room in the house). Or hang one in the master closet. It will make you happy every time you walk in.

• Soften the harsh, recessed lighting in the kitchen with a lamp on the counter or island. You won’t believe the change.

February, a month that’s all about hearts, love and showing a little extra kindness to others, ourselves and to our homes. Shown: Benjamin Moore’s Valentine color favorites. Photo: Benjamin Moore

• Hang something colorful in your laundry room.

• Change your drapes or drapery panels over the sliders. Make sure you hang them high: just below the ceiling or molding.

• Delete what is no longer working in your home. I do this seasonally as things do tend to accumulate no matter how hard we try.

• Add a little glam to each room: a tufted sofa or a chaise lounge. Pick a color that you love. Or a new mirror or a few glass accessories for some sparkle.

• Want color but afraid to commit to an entire room? Fine. Paint the ceiling that color that you have always wanted to try. Yes, the ceiling!

• Create a gallery-style wall with your favorite art.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces, color palettes and solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Tips for using color in your home

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • August 6, 2022

Color. It’s the tricky part of home decorating.

Too much of it and your home can look like the circus is in town. Too little of it and you end up with blah rooms that have no personality. We don’t want to be boring.

The trick is to get it just right.

Home office in above photo follows the three color rule: walls in Nimbus Gray, matte; barn doors in Storm, advance interior satin; and trim in Pure White, pearl. Photo: Benjamin Moore

As a Southwest Florida interior decorator, two truths guided me when I began my business 20 years ago and continue to drive my design today. First, you don’t have to be rich to have a beautiful home. And second, no matter what your budget, color is the most important part of your design plan. It sets the tone for everything else.

A few color facts

• Color will change how you feel about your home.

• Color is powerful. A refreshed color plan in your home will take it from blah to WOW.

• Everyone has a color palette. You just need to find one that inspires you.

• The 60-30-10 rule works. This classic decor rule that helps create a color palette for a space, states that 60 percent of the room should be a dominant color, 30 percent should be the secondary color or texture and the last 10 percent should be an accent. But remember: rules are made to be broken.

So many ways to color your home

• You don’t have to put paint color on the walls (necessarily).

White on white with textures and subtle accents, make this a beautiful color choice. Wall in Linen White OC-146, Aura Interior Paint, matte; shelves also in Linen White, advanced interior satin. Photo: Benjamin Moore.

• It’s possible (and very pretty) to have a neutral background and still have a home rich in color. Artwork, rugs, window treatments, upholstery, pillows, trims, lamps/lampshades, chandeliers, countertops, cabinets, books, backsplashes, furniture, the backs of open shelving, wall coverings, furniture, artwork. All opportunities for color.

• Ceilings (especially coffered ceilings) offer places for color with painting an entire room.

• No rule says you must have a brown sofa. Please try a color.

A few ways to use paint color

• One of my goals is to (usually) use no more than three paint colors in the home. This includes a neutral and two additional colors.

• If you have a color palette that you love but are hesitant to use any of the colors on the walls try this: paint a coffered ceiling, molding or trim in the color. With a pretty neutral color and the third color for accessories and the list above, you have a color plan.

Make a splash that radiates summer fun and happiness with Wild Flower 2090-40. Try it in a powder room or accent wall. Photo: Benjamin Moore.

• Note: a paint plan that worked in one home may not work in another. There are many differences to consider. Lighting, size of the home, furnishings, finishes. It’s easy to fall in love with a palette that worked previously but allows for some changes to suit your current home.

Remember these guidelines:

• If you are hesitant about color, remember, less is more.

• Artwork is a great way to create a color palette.

• Pillows, throws, accents, accessories add color that can be changed when you need a refresh.

• In open floor plans, be guided by the architecture to let you know where to start and stop paint color.

• Cohesion is key. We don’t want every room to be a different color. That would be too jarring. But we do want to carry something of our color scheme from room to room. This can be done in large ways or with accents or accessories.

• Link the outdoor spaces to the indoors by using the same color palette.

Create a color plan and take into consideration:

• Where is your home located?

• Do you prefer calm neutrals or dark rich colors?

• How will your plan work with your existing furnishings?

Find your inspiration

As someone who loves color, I keep a fan deck close at hand. I’m constantly saving photos of colors and palettes. And for me, most of those come from nature. Blues, greens, sandy whites and creams. To be honest, there is not a color that I don’t like. Well, maybe beige with lots of yellow undertones. It’s all a matter of finding the right balance.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solve decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Tips for finding comfort at home for fall

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Oct. 2, 2021

Fall arrived quietly a few days ago and in Southwest Florida and we’re anxiously awaiting a cool morning breeze, an evening that makes us look through our closet for a jacket and any signs that a new season has arrived.

And while our northern neighbors are covering the pool and bringing in the patio furniture, we’re looking forward to heading outdoors after a long, sizzling summer. And it only takes a few news reports of snow storms to realize again, how lucky we are to live in this tropical paradise.

But until then, we dream of fall.

As the sun is sets on summer, there are lots of color palettes and ideas from Kravet to welcome the fall season to your home. Photo: Kravet

Just as the trees shed their beautiful leaves, we’re reminded that it’s important to let go of what no longer serves us or supports us. And that’s what fall is all about. Letting go. Hope. Comfort. Change. In our lives and especially in our homes.

And even though there are only subtle changes, it’s important to acknowledge the season. Especially now as we continue to navigate through challenging times.

As a Fort Myers Interior decorator, I believe adding little things that give us comfort in our homes and making small changes to mark the coming season. Some of my favorites include:

• Start with a good decluttering. Say goodbye to anything that no longer makes you happy or supports your lifestyle.

• Go to your closet, bring the long sleeves and jackets and boots to the front.

• In the pantry, clean out all of the old spices and make room for the new as we get ready for the coming holidays.

• Visit fall art shows and flea markets to invest in a new piece of art or an accent piece.

• With shorter days, now is a good time to take a look at your lighting and perhaps add a new lamp or two.

• The change in seasons is a perfect time to invest in new linens, towels, throws, blankets.

• Freshen up a room or outdoor space by adding a new rug.

• For an outdoor space, add string lights. They are cheerful and add atmosphere to an outdoor dinner.

• Change your fireplace mantel or tablescape with creamy neutrals accented with seasonal tones, gourds, pumpkins, leaves, baskets, accents.

• As you spend more time outdoors, add some new pillows and throws (for chilly nights) to your chairs.

• Start at the front door with mums, a new welcome mat, wreath and faux pumpkins (Tip: spray paint the pumpkins to reflect your color scheme).

• While you’re at the front door, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Think about some yummy seasonal colors from Benjamin Moore: Peach Cider, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Seeds, Autumn Cover and Witching Hour. Check here for tips on painting a front door.

• On the first cool morning: open all of the windows and let the fresh air into your home and breathe it in.

Happy fall!

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information, visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog

Open your heart on Valentine's Day

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Feb. 6, 2021

Strategically placed between Christmas and Easter, I like to think of February as love month with Valentine’s Day right in the middle. It gives us that little bit of hope as we recover from what I call the “holiday slump” until we can make it until spring. It’s a time to show some love to your home, others and yourself.

Love your home

Set a pretty table. Then settle in with a latte and a croissant. Shown: Table cloth is Adelyn Handblock in Rose. Napkins are Hixson Linen in Blush and Kaya II in Berry. All available at Kravet to the trade. www.kravet.com. Photo Kravet.

One of my favorite designers, Tobi Fairley calls them her “non-negotiables.” Those things that are so important to you that there is no excuse for not incorporating them into your home and your life. I love that term because with what we’ve experienced this past year, we haven’t had much control over our lives. But you can control your non-negotiables. What are yours? A few of mine include:

Color.

It makes me happy. I can’t do without it. It doesn’t even have to be paint (although a beautiful color on coffered ceilings is nice) but a carefully curated color palette that works throughout your home can change your day-to-day life. It’s a fact. I can tell you that after years of helping Southwest Florida homeowners create new color choices, it’s also the best place to put your decorating budget.

And if you’re thinking about hearts, Benjamin Moore even has a color named Valentine’s Day along with My Valentine, Kept Love Letters, I Love You Pink, Love Always, Love Story.

Photo: Benjamin Moore

Set a pretty table.

You look at your table every day, so why not make it pretty (every day)? Pick the table that you use the most: eat-in kitchen or dining room. Or on a porch or lanai. Pick a table runner or cloth, placemats, napkins, napkin rings, centerpiece, flowers, candles. Whatever makes you happy. What’s making me happy right now: two turquoise vases from West Elm filled with pink Gerber daisies, a vintage box from an antique market filled with glass balls, shells and beads. Candles in Valentine’s Day scents. White dishes, pink heart napkins with “love” napkin rings. Then settle in with a latte and a croissant.

Start at the front door.

A new yard flag. Mine is hearts and no message. Invest in a new welcome matt and wreath. The holidays are over so it’s time to freshen up a bit with a new look. It makes you feel good when you walk through your front door. And speaking of the door, now would be a good time for a fresh coat of paint if it needs one.

A sweet welcome and a heartfelt goodbye, this doormat sends hugs and kisses all year. Available at www.potterybarn.com. Photo Pottery Barn

Share some love

Who doesn’t love a Valentine? This holiday was made for reaching out. Contact a nursing home about delivering Valentines for every resident. You can buy a pack or two from a card store and write sweet messages. It’s also a good time to ask if the nursing home needs personal items for its residents. Call a few friends and take this on as a project. Don’t underestimate the fact that you will make someone’s day. And yours.

Send a Valentine to someone that you may not have been in touch with during this isolated time. Phone calls are great but it’s so nice to receive a handwritten card that someone went to the effort to mail.

Lend a helping hand.

Check in with elderly neighbors who are having a difficult time getting an appointment for a COVID vaccination. Many do not use computers and the frustration can be very stressful for anyone. Imagine what a gift you would be giving to help with an appointment, driving them to the location and being there to provide a little comfort. And when you pick them up, take a little bouquet of flowers. No one likes to get a shot.

Don’t forget the dogs (and cats).

Do a little light decluttering of your linen closet and gather up towels and sheets that you can spare and take them to an animal shelter.

Tricia Boone at Gulf Coast Humane Society says that in addition to these items, they also welcome donations of paper towels, durable toys, cleaning wipes and Dawn dish soap. The shelter also needs canned kitten food (Fancy Feast: chicken and turkey). These sweet critters need our help now. And if time doesn’t permit, you can make a donation at www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org

Love yourself

It’s been a rough year for everyone. Take this holiday to do something that makes you happy. We are so lucky to live in Southwest Florida where there are so many options for getting outdoors. Watch a sunset. Rent kayaks and explore our beautiful waterways. Take a walk on a beach. Go for a bike ride.

Champagne and strawberries also work.

Take a hike. Pick a trail and get outside. One of my favorites: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Find yours at www.leegov.com/parks/parks

Art. It’s healing and soothing. Best of all, it gives you a mental break and takes you someplace else.

If you love Chihuly as much as I do, Artis-Naples, the Baker Museum, is showing Dreaming Forms: Chihuly Then and Now. It’s on through Feb. 28.

And if you’re up for a road trip, head to St. Pete and immerse yourself in Van Gogh Alive at the Dali Museum through April 11. It’s just what we need now.

Wrenda Goodwyn is a Southwest Florida interior decorator, A.S.I.D. associate and gold member of the Interior Redecorators Network. She helps homeowners throughout Southwest Florida with timeless, affordable ways to create beautiful spaces and solves decorating problems. Her articles appear the first Saturday of each month. For more information visit her website at spectacularspaces.com. Call her at 239-850-5800 or e-mail wrenda@spectacularspaces.com. For more decorating tips, articles and photos, visit spectacularspaces.com/blog