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Four simple tips for designing an on-trend home for 2014

(BPT) - The new year will usher in a new era of home decor by welcoming an "anything goes" attitude as designers mix old with new; DIY and high-end; as well as rustic and sleek to create eclectic, one-of-a-kind looks that are just as personal to the homeowner as they are unique.

"We're seeing a lot of flexibility in the way people approach design throughout their homes; a trend we think will continue to grow in the coming year," says Judd Lord, lead industrial designer for Delta Faucet Company. "People are learning that high-end design doesn't always equate to perfectly matched pieces. In fact, many well-appointed homes achieve a seamless look by employing a variety of design principles and influences."

While achieving this aesthetic may seem incredibly simple, it can be easy to go overboard when blending multiple patterns, accents and colors all under one roof. Follow these simple tips to create a well-appointed home.

Incorporate the "new" neutral

Tranquil tones - especially white - offer a timeless backdrop against pops of vibrant colors and eclectic furnishings to create a space that's visually interesting without being overwhelming.

In the kitchen, glass front appliances in a cool white finish are especially prevalent in niche, high-end markets, but you can also achieve this look by having walls and cabinets painted or refinished in a variation of this hue. Installing creamy white fixtures can also help bring this aesthetic home in a different way.

The contemporary Brizo Solna kitchen faucet is offered in a soothing matte white finish and also incorporates SmartTouch Technology, allowing the faucet to be turned on and off with a simple tap of the hand, wrist or forearm, to better assist you in the kitchen while also helping to keep your faucet looking clean.

Keep your technology in-check

Speaking of technology, innovation has infiltrated nearly every area of the home. Add smart features in areas that work best for your family, while being sure to keep things simple in parts of the home where technology may not always be desired.

An electronic thermostat, like the Nest thermostat, which can be operated remotely outside of the home and gets to know your family's unique heating and cooling preferences, can help increase your home's overall efficiency. Conversely, other high-tech gadgets, such as an umbrella dryer, may not be as practical for everyone.

Be selective in what you choose to bring into your home and focus on investing in tools/appliances that will benefit the whole family to help keep your space from feeling too cluttered or messy.

Punctuate your space sparingly

With neutrals expected to dominate the color landscape, there's a growing interest in incorporating bold patterns throughout the home, whether isolated on an area rug or highlighted in the tiles on your kitchen backsplash. Bold accent colors, such as skydiver blue, lemon zest and even stark black are also becoming more prominent and will add intrigue to muted palettes.

Be selective in what elements you want to stand out and incorporate patterns and bright colors sparingly to add visual interest and depth. A beautiful herringbone pattern in your wood floor, for example, could be lost if you choose to cover it with an extremely lively area rug.

Add timeless glamor with metallic accents

While pulling inspiration for your home from the pages of today's magazines will help ensure your decor is on trend, also consider building in some timeless accents to help ensure your space is designed to last.

Unlike specific fabrics, colors or wood stains, metallic fixtures and accents will remain stylish through multiple generations. Chrome is currently the most popular finish, however, brass and gold can help enhance a home's warmth. Experiment with a variety of brushed, polished and distressed finishes to find the style you like best, and remember, it's OK - and even desired - -to mix and match metals within the same room.

2014  Design Trends

Top 2014 home decor trend: Personalized design

(BPT) - Interior design is in a constant state of transformation, and this year homeowners are taking control. The "keeping up with the Joneses'' mentality is giving ground to the desire for personalized design that reflects the exact needs and design aesthetic of the residents. In 2014, more people will actively embrace the role of designer in order to create a home that is truly one of a kind.

"We're at a fascinating point in the evolution of the interior design process. Interior design professionals once ruled the roost, but that's all changed with design TV, blogs and the Internet," says Elaine Griffin, New York interior designer and author of "Design Rules." "Clients today are well educated and have taken back the power. They're so knowledgeable that they're doing it themselves."

Assuming the role of designer doesn't have to be intimidating. Griffin offers a few expert tips for taking your home design into your own hands and creating a custom space that's perfectly personalized:

* Research and check twice
 Taking the time to properly research and educate yourself is important so you get beautiful results without unwanted surprises. "You want to know what your options are in terms of price, value, quality, design and style," says Griffin. "What's returnable? What's not? Sometimes custom means you buy it, you own it. Do your research." Griffin also suggests being cautious when measuring. "Always measure twice, buy once," she says. "That's the first place where DIYers fall short. You only have one option when you're going custom - just right. Scaled drawings should be involved."

* Customize visible features
 Griffin suggests investing in highly visible features of your home. "Like in the bathroom, you can focus on something that's focal-point-worthy, like the KOHLER Artifacts faucet collection. It's a piece that just belongs to you," she says. Artifacts collection allows you to create a custom faucet by choosing from a variety of spouts, handles and finishes for a look that's all your own.

Window treatments and lamp shades are other highly visible features of the home that are too often ignored. Updating these features can instantly breathe new personality into a room. "Lamp shades deliver great bang for the buck; remember you always want to take the lamp with you when shopping," Griffin suggests.

* Customize color
 "It's all about the customization of color," says Griffin. "It's not just about a color palette for personality, it's about having that shade that no one else has." Numerous paint manufacturers offer technology that allows you to provide a fabric swatch or other color sample and they'll recommend a custom hue for you.

* Salvage and tell
 Using salvaged materials in a renovation isn't only green, it's also a chance to incorporate your family's history. "When you're remodeling, always look for pieces to salvage: timbers from old floors, side tables, etc," says Griffin. "We've always loved our heirlooms, but now we're looking at recycled and salvaged stuff in a different light. We have a green eco-conscious, so we want to save what we can."

* Don't overlook the ceiling
 "The ceiling is the second biggest real estate after the floor - don't neglect it!" stresses Griffin. "Especially in small or awkward spaces - like the foyer, powder room, stair hall - do something sexy with your ceiling. Add a striking color, install wallpaper, add beams."

When it comes to customized design, the sky is the limit. Expect 2014 to be the year when homeowners take charge and create spaces that truly speak to them from a functional and design perspective. With these expert tips, the one-of-a-kind results will be nothing short of magazine-worthy.

Five hot decorating trends to make your home interiors pop

(BPT) - Looking for ways to switch up your style this year? From the right patterns and colors to impressive accents, the latest home design trends will keep your space looking fresh and fabulous in 2014.

"Now more than ever, homeowners are willing to experiment with design," says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality. "The start of the new year is the perfect time to add character and personality with unique details, patterns and pops of color."

Here are the top five home decor trends Nayak predicts will make a big impact in 2014:

* Painted detail on furniture pieces

A hot trend in 2014 is to bring flea-market furniture back to life with painted patterns and details. "Refurbishing old furniture pieces is a popular - and easy - look to achieve," says Nayak. "All you need is a little bit of paint and a lot of creativity."

New pre-cut, patterned painter's tape makes this simple project much easier. FrogTape Shape Tape is available in three of the most on-trend patterns: chevron, wave and scallop. Before painting, simply apply the tape in the desired pattern on a hand-me-down or thrift store find to create a custom piece for your home. Plus, since Shape Tape is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, you'll create super-sharp lines and help prevent paint bleed.

* White hot

White is a mainstay in home design. It's timeless, classic and extremely versatile. In 2014, try pairing white with different textures, like natural wood. You'll create a unique focal point while highlighting other warm features in the room, as well. "Another method is to create contrast with white. Use a single, bold accent color, like yellow, fuchsia or navy, to move your eye across the space," Nayak recommends. By simply rethinking how to use white, your home will be a warm and inviting haven all year long.

* What's old is new again: vintage details

You can create a home filled with vintage details, regardless of the age of your house. In 2014, try using muted color palettes, like gray, taupe or certain shades of green or rose, and industrial accents to transform its appearance. "Incorporating pieces of distressed wood will also add to the overall vintage effect," adds Nayak. "You can create this look - even with pristine lumber - by adding nicks and scrapes to the surface with a heavy metal chain and a hammer. Once you've added the desired amount of distress, cover the wood with a dark stain. Quickly wipe away, allowing the color to settle into the imperfections." Whether it's displayed prominently as a focal point, or used sparingly on accent pieces, distressed wood elements will help tie the vintage trend together.

* Masculine meets feminine

"Merging styles to make the entire family happy is not always easy," says Nayak. Instead of looking too rugged or too girly, a key trend in 2014 is to blend both masculine and feminine components into your home design. "Combining two styles doesn't mean the end result will be safe or boring. There are a number of creative solutions that will satisfy everyone's tastes while making an impressive design statement." Try painting a design on a wood floor. This technique allows the raw, masculine features of the wood to show through, while introducing a feminine overlay of patterns or colors. Popular patterns include quatrefoil, herringbone and modern floral designs.

* Metallic finishes and accents

Using metallic accents creates the perfect finishing touch in any room of the house. "The right accessories, like eye-catching metallic, make any space look and feel complete," says Nayak. In 2014, the hottest finishes include brass and antiqued mirrors: both add depth, light and just enough sheen to make accents feel extra special. Best of all, there are a number of quick and easy DIY projects you can complete to bring this trend into your home. One is to spray paint branches silver or gold and then pop them in a vase - it will add instant glamour and help your home design shine well into in the new year.

"Don't be afraid to mix and match the latest trends to reflect your personal style," adds Nayak. "With the right on-trend elements and a dose of character, you'll transform your house into a home fit for the new year."