Color matters: how to get it right in your home

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Feb. 4, 2023

Creating a spectacular space in your home doesn’t just happen. It takes thought, effort, planning and careful implementation for a quality result. This is especially true when coming up with a color plan.

It’s far from easy. It’s complicated. It’s not necessarily about your favorite color. It’s why home interior professionals study it for years and most are like me and don’t leave the house without a fan deck in their hand. We are passionate about color. Color is everything.

As a Fort Myers interior decorator, my most requested service is selecting color and creating personalized color palettes for the home. It’s the most difficult part of decorating for many homeowners and there are good reasons. The number one reason being the approach. It’s usually all wrong and results in mistakes and frustration.

Creating a spectacular space in your home doesn’t just happen. It takes thought, effort, planning and careful implementation for a quality result. This is especially true when coming up with a color plan. Before you head out to pick up color swatches, come up with a plan that considers flooring, light, furnishings and upholstery throughout the home. Photo: Benjamin Moore

Most rush out to a big box store, grab a hundred color swatches (all in their favorite colors), take them home, hold the one-inch color swatch up to their existing paint color, make a decision, call the painter and it all begins. And then wonder why it doesn’t look just right.

Trends and changes

Although I always recommend following what you love and a more timeless approach to home decorating, color trends are always fun and there are lots of changes in color choices.

Timeless and classic. A white bathroom with walls in Benjamin Moore’s Ice Mist in matte and wainscoting in White Diamond matte. Aura Bath & Spa. Photo: Benjamin Moore.

• Overall we are seeing warmer colors. Cozy and comfort seem to be what we are craving right now.

• Lots of beautiful earth tones. Be careful of too much of a good thing. Remember how long it took to escape the Tuscan trend.

• Reds, oranges, yellows.

• Neutrals warmed up with yellows, blues and greens. This is a popular choice in Southwest Florida homes.

• Moody hues on walls in darker tones. And lots of navy for kitchen cabinets.

Moody colors are popular such as Benjamin Moore’s Charcoal Slate (walls in matte) and Atrium White (ceiling in matte), trim in semi-gloss. All are Aura Interior Paint. Photo: Benjamin Moore.

Timeless and classic

• White for kitchens and bathrooms.

• Moldings for the entire home. These classic touches give a room what it needs to carry off all-white or dark colors.

Rule #1

When we speak of color and color palettes, we are not suggesting that color only be considered for walls. Your color palette should incorporate the entire look of your home. If your primary color in your living spaces is neutral, the color palette should incorporate other colors throughout to keep it from being boring.

An example is yellow. We are seeing this color return and it is everywhere. But let’s face it: yellow is a tough wall color if you don’t want to tire of it soon. So, work yellow into your palette with towels, linens, fabric, wall treatments and accessories.

And this really goes for any color that you fall in love with. Just because you saw that dark blue in a magazine and you want to try it on your walls, think about it. Consider lighting, architectural features, furnishings, trims and how you use the room before you paint. Most of these rooms in magazines are decorated from top to bottom with custom trims and architectural features. It simply will not look the same in a plain room.

So, what do we do?

Incorporate these beautiful splashes of color throughout your home in other ways. Here are a few:

• Try the color on a ceiling. I have been doing this in homes for years and it gives a splash of color without committing it to the entire room.

• Paint shelves and bookcases in a color against a neutral background. Or go monochromatic with everything in the same color.

• Use colors from your palette in rugs, pillows, window treatments, headboards, upholstery for sofa, and chairs, artwork, mural or wallcovering.

Why is color so important?

• It updates your home without spending a fortune.

• Pulls the space together.

• Makes your home look clean and fresh.

• Color creates a personalized look for your home.

• It makes you happy!

A few more tips

ALL color has undertones. This is where the mistakes are made. If your sofa (or flooring or counter tops) has green/beige undertones and you pick a pinky beige paint color for walls, you will not be happy. This is where a professional can help.

• Think about the rest of your home. Color needs to coordinate throughout. A good rule that I follow: No more than three paint colors in the home.

• What works: I like to select more neutrals for the main areas and incorporate ceiling and trim colors. Bathrooms and bedrooms lend themselves to accent colors.

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 renewing and refreshing home for a new year

 Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Jan. 7, 2023

And just like that, a new year begins. With new dreams, hopes and possibilities. A time to take inventory and come up with a plan that includes what’s most important to us in our homes for 2023. Refocus and reset.

 It takes time to create a home that’s our sanctuary. And it also takes thought and a plan. We can’t do everything at once because of time and/or budget. But we can make a list and set some priorities. A good guideline is to keep it simple and remember: trends are fun but classic style is never outdated.

 And whether “home” is a temporary rental, a studio apartment, condo or estate home, we all want the same thing when we walk in the door: peace and comfort. It’s the only resolution worth having (in my opinion) because if you have peace and comfort, you have everything.

 Each January, after the decorations are put away, I like to take some time to think about how I can renew and refresh. A little reboot for myself and my home. A bit of a reimaging for the New Year. A tweak here and there. Some fine-tuning.

 It can mean anything from new paint to new sofa pillows to a new kitchen backsplash. Depending on your situation, you may be doing major repairs and renovations or looking for a few changes. Here are a few of my suggestions. Maybe a few will work for you or at least give you a little inspiration.

 ·       First, take a photo of the room. A design trick! There is nothing like a photo to help you zero in on what you need. Artwork? New lighting? A new rug? Furniture rearrangement? I promise this tells the truth and will help you to say goodbye to what isn’t working.

·       If you will be hiring a contractor to help with your home, have a plan that includes your vision for your space before work begins. As a Fort Myers interior decorator, I tell my clients it needs to be your home and your vision not that of your contractor. They can help bring it to fruition but it should be with your input.

·       If you’re renovating your kitchen, incorporate a beautiful hood over the range, instead of the often-placed microwave in that spot. And if you are replacing cabinets, take them all the way to the ceiling and close up that useless space between the top of the cabinet to the ceiling.

Try a fresh approach with new throw pillows like these in timeless blue and white. Thibaut Design combines its Brighton Settee in Freeport woven fabric in almond with boxed pillows in Honshu printed fabric in blue and beige. Visit www.thibautdesigns.com Photo Thibaut Design.

·       Too much minimalism can be, well, too much. The trend now is toward rooms that are lived in and blend vintage pieces with modern and a pop of color. Rooms that tell your story.

·       Add some sparkle. An outrageously beautiful chandelier over your bed. If it means removing a fan, give it a try. You can always switch it back or you may love it so much that you don’t give it a thought.

·       Pick one accent color and flow it through your home: paint, pillows, flowers, wall covering, a tray on a table. A little sprinkle here and there. This is an easy one.

Maybe this is the year you will step out and be brave about a new color that speaks to you! Benjamin Moore’s Color of the Year for 2023, Raspberry Bliss is a bright coral with a little pinky orange. Bold and happy, maybe it’s just what we need after so much beige. Photo: Benjamin Moore.

·       Hang a pot rack in the kitchen. This gives the space a new look with a gourmet kitchen feel (even if you never cook).

·       Rethink the walls. Maybe this is the year that you go for a huge change and invest in a beautiful wallcovering. Botanicals are popular and you can’t go wrong. Powder rooms are perfect for this treatment. 

·       Love a new color but afraid to use too much of it? Paint an inside door and the trim. This is a great way to incorporate color with a neutral palette.

·       Supersize lighting. Kitchen pendants and chandeliers are all trending huge and it is a great look. Go big if you are replacing lighting. No more small pendants floating in the space.

·       Call for help! This may be the year that you decide to call one of us to help you come up with a plan. A designer or decorator can keep you from making mistakes, come up with creative solutions that you have never considered and we have great sources.

·        Say goodbye to old headboards, old throw pillows, old wallpaper, plastic patio furniture, and builder lighting. Replace with something fresh and new.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. A cozy window seat window for reading. Maybe a beautiful wallcovering for a bathroom or dining room. Outrageously beautiful fabric to give new life to chairs that have seen better days. Plant colorful flowers in your front yard for a little curb appeal and to make you happy every time you come home.  

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

Finding comfort and joy at home for Christmas

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Dec. 3, 2022

In 22 short days, we celebrate Christmas.

And of course, it’s different this year. But no matter where you will find yourself during the holidays, we’re all due a bit of holiday cheer and that starts in our homes.

Decorate a little or a lot?

Maybe this is the year to give yourself a break and make time to enjoy the season. You can still have a great holiday without trying to make the house look like a Hallmark Christmas movie set. And you don’t have to be broke, overwhelmed and exhausted to celebrate Christmas.

There are advantages to a simple (but beautiful) decorating scheme. It’s prettier. There’s less clutter. It’s not expensive or time-consuming. You can appreciate the quality of your decor rather than creating visual overload with too much. An added benefit: there is less to put away when the season is over.

Here are a few of my holiday tips: for a simple but beautiful Christmas:

Seeing too much red? Feng Shui teaches us that there can be too much red or “fire” energy in our homes this time of year. It promotes burnout and who needs that over the holidays? To prevent an imbalance, think about using more green than red. Plants and evergreens decorated with “cool” colors such as light blue, silver and white will tone down and balance out the red.

Keep this holiday simple with greenery and pretty candles. Photo: Ballard Designs.

Trade secret: Use white lights and pick two colors for holiday decorating. Cool, calm and beautiful! It works.

Small space? No problem. If your space is small, don’t overdo it. A small tabletop tree, a wreath and a few wrapped gifts will make any space festive. Ornaments in a glass bowl. Holiday music.

Use what you have. Skip a year of buying anything and go with what you already have. Rearrange and find new ways of displaying your decorations. Put the tree in a different room. Decorate the kitchen pendants with greenery and ribbons. Mix real scented candles with faux.

Set a pretty table. Even if you’re not having guests this year. Set the table for the holidays. A few small trees down the center, garland garnished with your favorite ornaments. Colorful placemats and napkins.

Chair wreaths for your dining chairs. Or barstools. These are so much fun. You will need small wreaths, ribbon and a few ornaments that you already have on hand. Or hang a stocking on the back of each chair. If you are like me, you have lots of those stored away.

Simplify. Instead of huge trees that take hours to decorate (not to mention taking them down) try a couple of pencil trees that can easily fit into any corner. They are often pre-lit so there is no struggling with lights. Decorate with only your favorite ornaments and leave the others packed.

However you decorate your home this holiday, let it be enough. My holiday wish is that you find the comfort and joy that the season is all about.

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

After the storm: making home feel like home again

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Nov. 5, 2022

Honestly, this was a difficult article to write. I’ve been thinking about it since Hurricane Ian tore through our area and left a trail of unimaginable devastation. Like everyone else, the damage to our tropical paradise left me heartbroken and shaken to my core.

We learned that we live in a world where we have very little control when it comes to nature. We live in a beautiful but fragile area. Our homes did their best to stand tall against this storm and they did so until they just couldn’t any longer. And now, we have to do our best to put them back together.

Our homes are our sanctuary. The place that serves as our retreat from everything the world throws at us. And whether you had a little damage or lost your home or had no damage and are feeling crushed by what has happened in Southwest Florida, everyone has been impacted. It has left all of us knocked off our center. It will take a while to regain our balance.

But we will. Because our home means everything. Whether rebuilding, relocating, or renting, it’s human nature to want to establish a home again. It may be different. Something you never imagined or expected. But it will be home.

As a resident and interior decorator in Southwest Florida for the past 22 years (and three major hurricanes), I wondered what I could possibly say to my readers and clients that would help. I’ve met with several in the past weeks. Longtime clients that I helped pick out everything in their home from paint color to flooring to furnishings, to new kitchens. They, like so many, are trying to recover and find the energy to move forward. Emotions go back and forth between sorrow and determination. And hope. Lots of hope.

The common thread I have found is that everyone is looking for two things: comfort and simplicity in their space, no matter what state their home is in. If you keep those two ideas in mind, it really clarifies the direction in which to proceed.

So, while I did not think it was appropriate to talk about the usual design topics (time for that later), I instead have a few tips that everyone can use for a fresh, simple, uncomplicated home. And because we are a few weeks away from Thanksgiving, it’s also a good time to give thanks. Thanks for every house that we have ever called home and for the happiness, peace and shelter that home gives us.

Simple and uncomplicated steps to restore calm and peace:

• Uncertain times leave us fearful and feeling empty. What you want in our home may have changed. Priorities may have shifted. Take some time to reevaluate without judgment. Adjust your space to reflect those changes.

• Whether it’s new drywall, paint, cabinets, flooring, or fixtures, this may offer an opportunity to create a fresh and new environment instead of trying to replicate exactly what was there.

• Turn off the news and social media.

• Plant a tree in the yard to mark new life and new beginnings.

• Take an inventory of your house one room at a time. Make a plan.

• Say goodbye to items that no longer serve you. Remove anything from the past that causes stress.

• Shop at local furniture showrooms that are able to get a few basic pieces immediately OR order online with ready-to-ship offerings.

• Set aside a space that provides comfort. Maybe a nook for reading with a comfortable chair and a lamp.

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.

Living well with less: tips for decorating small spaces

Wrenda Goodwyn • special to the Fort Myers News-Press/USA Today Network • Sept. 3, 2022

“A home is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and buy more stuff.”

As an interior decorator helping homeowners in Southwest Florida redo and arrange their stuff and make it look pretty, I love this quote by the late, great comedian, George Carlin. And it’s true.

He also said a home is a “pile of stuff with a cover on it” and if you “didn’t have so much stuff you wouldn’t need a house. You could just walk around all the time.”

Funny stuff. And so true.

Let’s face it: we all have too much stuff. And we keep buying stuff. Trying to find the right stuff and hoping it will bring us happiness.

That’s why I decided to write this article. Our stuff is out of control. Try downsizing to a smaller space and you will quickly come to terms with what you really need and what’s most important.

This is not an article about tiny houses. It’s about living in less space in comfort while regaining control over your quality of life. With a little less stuff. It’s not about condensing your life down to almost nothing. It’s about surrounding yourself with what’s most important. And even if you don’t live in a small space (small being relative), the tips are the same. We never really have enough space no matter where we live. The guidelines apply to any home or space.

Make a small space yours with a reclaimed wood console table that is the perfect base for building a collection of treasures. Artwork, greenery, books, lamp and natural touches including natural seagrass beachcomber baskets that are beautiful and perfect for storage. All are anchored by a handwoven diamond-wrapped jute rug. Check out Pottery Barn’s small space furnishings online. Photo: Pottery Barn

As an interior decorator, I’ve helped many clients who show up in Southwest Florida try to figure out how to downsize with a moving van full of huge, heavy stuff from their previous home. It can be a huge challenge. And an emotional one. Here is a little cheat sheet to get you started and then read on for a few things to keep in mind. If all else fails, call a professional. We know lots of tricks!

Small spaces cheat sheet

Make a thoughtful plan. Before you head out the door to buy containers to store things under your bed, creating a plan will save time, money and stress. The more you plan in advance, the easier living in a smaller space will be. The big question: how do you want your space to feel and what is most important to you?

What are your non-negotiables? What can you absolutely not live without? An antique or vintage piece. Collections from travels. A beautiful sofa that you love. Artwork that makes you happy. Anything that makes you so comfortable in your home that you would be sad to not see it every day. These are you non-negotiables and give you a place to start your plan.

Small space does not mean small furnishings or artwork. It does mean fewer pieces to fit your space. More about this below.

Make your space your own. Don’t be influenced by over-styled magazine photos. It’s about what you love and need to be happy and comfortable.

A few small space don’ts

Don’t over-accessorize.

Don’t arrange furniture against the walls unless there is no other option.

Don’t take everything to your new space. Declutter. Eliminate what you don’t love.

Don’t skimp on countertops. Remember, you have less space so buy quality that will last.

Small space dos

Replace all builder grade mirrors and lighting. No more needs to be said. And if possible, add crown molding in your entry and living spaces. It will give your small space a finished, curated look.

Consider lighting. If your space is flooded with great natural light, go bold with color. Not so much light? Think neutrals and softer tones.

Curate your space. Include a few statement pieces for visual interest. Mix old and new. Refresh vintage pieces with new upholstery/fabric.

Create an entrance. Even in the tiniest space. A small table with a lamp and a place to put mail is all you need and it says “welcome home.” West Elm has some good choices.

In a guest bedroom that does double duty as an office, a daybed that serves as a sofa (with a really good mattress) offers a solution. This Toulouse daybed adds a little French chic to a room that is a busy workspace and an occasional bedroom for visitors. Photo: Pottery Barn

Kitchen. Think about a banquette that can be used for eat-in and dining table. Create one to fit your space at Ballard Designs. If redesigning a kitchen, incorporate drawers instead of lower cabinets. Take the upper cabinets to the ceiling. Countertops: if budget permits, go with quartz for quality: shop for a remnant for your small space and save a lot.

Living room. Go with a full size sofa. Not a love seat. Swivels chairs and rattan chairs are great space savers. Use a rug and make sure it is large enough. Window treatments: Shutters for a clean uncomplicated look. If you prefer drapes, make sure they go all the way to the ceiling. Instead of a coffee table, go with a soft, pretty ottoman.

Bedroom. If purchasing a new bed, go with one with storage. A good source: Pottery Barn. For a small room, skip the headboard and go with a piece of art.

Closets. Well worth installing a closet system with drawers. Saves space and requires less heavy furniture needed for storage.

Paint. Depending upon your color palette, walls and ceiling can be painted the same color. If you are going all neutral, a favorite is Benjamin Moore’s White Dove. Stay with two colors: blues, blue-greens, creamy whites, greens are good choices.

Appliances. If you need to downsize appliances in a small kitchen, there are options. A prep sink, Smeg fridge, a dishwasher drawer. Lower cabinets and upper shelving for space saving.

Guest bedroom/office. Typical of a small space, we need to make this room function as both. Consider a built-in desk with shelving. A daybed for guests and use as a place to sit in your office. A closet system that works for clothes as well as office storage.

And if you don't plan to downsize but would like to stay in your current home with less, these tips work for everyone in any size home. Just be sure to keep what you love. It's what makes your house a home.

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 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