(BPT) - The latest trends in home decor reveal a desire for a feeling of tranquility and calmness, perhaps as a response to today’s overly busy and distracted lifestyles. From Marie Kondo’s decluttering craze to a return to natural materials in home design, everyone is looking for a way to create a peaceful, less hectic inner space. When it comes to home decor, less is definitely more.

How can you tap into this yen for a little more Zen?

1. Simplify your design strategy

When revamping your room to create a more minimalist effect, choose a limited color palette, meaning one to three colors at most. Select mostly more muted or neutral colors, though you can use one vivid color in a piece of furniture or art to grab the spotlight.

Let the textures of the materials that you use for the floors, walls, ceilings and furnishings — whether they are natural wood, stone, ceramics, glass, tile, fabrics or canvas — create the room's visual interest instead of yesterday’s too-busy colors and patterns. Choose a couple of contrasting textures, like glass and reclaimed lumber, or woven fabric and stone, to highlight in the room for the best effect.

2. Declutter your spaces

Decide what items you really want and need to be in each room and get rid of the rest — or find a way to store it neatly, preferably out of sight. One of the greatest visual clutter culprits today comes from technology. It's hard to know what to do with the mass and tangle of cords from all the latest gadgets, power strips and chargers everyone uses in their homes.

To streamline the technology you use for viewing TV, movies and more, a product from LG Electronics USA can solve your cord clutter problem and turn your living room into an amazing home viewing theater. The LG CineBeam AI ThinQ 4K Laser Projector (HU85LA) creates an impressive 90- to 120-inch cinematic screen by placing it just 2.2 to 7.2 inches away from the wall, needing no complicated installation. With its streamlined and compact design, the state-of-the-art projector incorporates LG's ThinQ AI and has the Google Assistant built-in so you can control your compatible smart home devices with just your voice.

3. Choose furnishings with clean lines

When you're selecting new furniture for your minimalist rooms, look for high-quality, standout pieces designed with clean lines, with no fussy design details or busy patterns. Don't acquire more furniture than the room really needs. Chances are you can do without all those end tables and extra chairs.

Make one exceptional, stylish piece of furniture be the focal point for each room, and don’t over-furnish or over-decorate the space around it. Then avoid the urge to smother the couch or sectional with tons of blankets and throw pillows. Let the furniture speak for itself.

4. Streamline artistic expression

Instead of filling every wall with pictures, choose just one accent wall, eliminating excessive decor elements around it. Let one work of art dominate that space, reducing any competition for attention.

The LG CineBeam Laser Projector can display a chosen photograph or work of art on your accent wall. With 8.3 million pixels, it delivers impeccable precision and detail at four times the resolution of full HD, along with incredibly vibrant color reproduction. It works without the need to darken the room around it, using gentle light that produces clear images without any harsh brightness.

5. Leave plenty of open space

Resist the urge to fill every corner and surface of the room with ornaments and knickknacks. It's the open space, unencumbered by any visual clutter, that creates the feeling of calm and tranquility you're craving.

And if you're lucky enough to have a great view out the window, install only simple, streamlined window treatments — or no window treatments at all — to highlight that view.

Minimalist decor is all about making careful choices and choosing the best quality furnishings and decor over quantity of items. You can turn any room into a beautiful showcase that you'd be happy to entertain and live in, with some thoughtful decision-making. To learn more about improving your home technology, visit LG.com.

Give Your Home a Modern Makeover

(Family Features) Even if your home has seen a generation or two of living, creating a contemporary new look may not require a full-scale renovation. The key to creating a more modern feel is all in the details.

Many of these elements can be tackled one by one so you can transform your home into the modern marvel you desire on a timeframe and budget that fits your lifestyle. If a contemporary home is your ultimate goal, start with these key features to create a more modern look.

Lighting
Dingy lighting and dim rooms are the antithesis of modern design. A contemporary space is airy and bright, and the lighting fixtures often help set that tone. Replace outdated fixtures with modern alternatives that boast sleek lines and finishes. Add more fixtures, including table-side task lighting and floor lamps, to brighten a room with limited natural light. Have some fun with the lighting by incorporating colored or textured globes that allow the fixtures to become focal points of contemporary design rather than functional afterthoughts.

Windows
When it comes to curb appeal, windows play an essential role in the overall aesthetic. Old, outdated windows are a tell-tale sign of an aging home, so when you’re planning for a modern exterior upgrade, be sure to include the windows as part of your plan. An option like Milgard Trinsic Series vinyl windows offers an expansive viewable glass area and a narrow frame to help you embrace modern home design. Not only do they provide even sightlines for clean, unobstructed views, they’re manufactured for maximum durability and energy efficiency and require little to no maintenance.

Walls
No matter the color, a freshly painted space simply feels new. For a true contemporary style, honor simplicity in design and keep colors on the lighter side. However, don’t be afraid to introduce a pop of color in the form of a bold accent wall or even wallpaper that makes a statement. A good rule of thumb: maintain a simple palette of no more than three shades to incorporate a truly minimalist, modern atmosphere.

Doors
The entry and exit points to your home are more than functional features; think of them as a canvas for making a bold design statement. For the patio, consider a sleek and contemporary door with a frame profile so narrow you’ll hardly know it’s there. For example, Milgard offers a contemporary Trinsic Series sliding patio door with the maximum available viewable glass area and an optional narrow handle that blends seamlessly into the frame to lend a modern flair. The doors are also ideal for low-maintenance living; the durable vinyl frames don’t absorb moisture or require painting. 

Hardware
Even the smallest details matter when it comes to contemporary design. You may not need to replace or update your cabinetry, but you’ll most likely want to select hardware that fits a more modern motif. Avoid weathered and overly polished finishes in brass or nickel, and opt instead for selections like matte black, gold and copper, which are all well-suited for contemporary kitchens. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for a bit of an eclectic look, such as different pulls for the upper and lower cabinets or a unique style for drawers.

Explore more contemporary design ideas for your home at Milgard.com.

On-Trend Home Design

6 design approaches to explore in 2019

(Family Features) The influence of global cultures is increasingly visible in home decor as technology expands homeowners’ worldviews. Acting on the inspiration of global trends can be as simple as shifting your outlook to bringing eye-catching features and everyday functions into your home.

For example, playing with color, replacing doors and incorporating unique accents can help contribute to an on-trend style that flows seamlessly from room to room. Colors offer the opportunity to create a mood and update a space. Doors provide an average of 800 square feet of previously untapped design potential that can add visual interest and enhance the functionality of a room. Unique accents invite whimsy and individuality.

As you make plans to redesign spaces within your home, watch for these trends in 2019 to support your lifestyle needs and design aspirations.

Nordic Noir
If you crave simplicity and cleanliness, embrace the Scandinavian approach to design that’s all about moderation. Nordic Noir upholds values of minimalism and timeless devotion to well-made elements that are beautiful in their own simplicity. Muted colors like blue-gray and pale rose come to life on walls and in fabrics. Doors made of dark metal and wood paired with glass panels bring natural light and warmth into the home.

Urban Country
This trend brings the look and feel of rural living to urban spaces by pairing crisp white and warm neutrals with ornate fixtures. Elements like a craftsman-style front door with sidelights help to accentuate the home’s original detailing, while well-crafted, handmade pieces bring the heart and soul of country living into the space. Urban Country is perfect for the fast-paced urbanite looking to live a more balanced, slow-paced lifestyle.

“These macro-trends influence our home design choices, down to the style of a front door,” said Lorena Morales, creative director for Masonite International, a leading designer and manufacturer of interior and exterior doors. “With about 800 square feet of design space to work with, doors should play a pivotal role in the design of any home. A homeowner can begin to transform a room’s entryway from Urban Country to Nordic Noir simply by choosing a door with glass that’s clear over glass with iron caming. Materials, textures and colors are incredibly impactful elements in these trends.”

Rustic Luxury
Geared toward those who need a personal space where they can restore energy and find balance, Rustic Luxury design helps homeowners disconnect from the demands of everyday life. With this trend, the focus is on creating harmony between natural and architectural design elements. Try mixing sculptural design pieces and greenery with natural wood doors and concrete benches for a calming counterbalance to frenetic, fast-paced living.

Pretty and Calm
As female buying-power continues to increase, spaces are being redesigned to fit the lifestyles of modern women who often appreciate both contemporary and traditional design. Biophilic elements mixed with pale-hued colors, luxurious touches and textured glass doors are all key features for Pretty and Calm design. To achieve this style, play with textures that feature warm yet bold colors like pale blue, sunshine yellow and sage. Don’t be afraid to experiment with dissimilar materials to find the right combination of interest and comfort.

“Trends like Pretty and Calm lean on neutrals that are more compelling than beige to create beautiful and calm interiors,” said Kate Rumson, interior designer and founder of The Real Houses of Instagram. “When these pale hues are layered with dark, smoky colors like blacks and grays, this trend can appeal to nearly everyone. To complete the room, pair an ornate door featuring glass or polished nickel hardware with a soft finish to create a design element that’s timeless.”

Live and Work
If you’re one of more than 3.4 million Americans working from home at least half of the time, you may require transitional spaces that accommodate both productivity and downtime. To adopt this design trend, consider the use of furniture and products that can serve multiple purposes. For example, modern barn doors in bold tones of vibrant orange or cool blue can provide privacy during work hours and serve as an industrial design accent off-hours.

Mediterranean Escape
If you classify yourself as a traveler, you may favor the style of Mediterranean Escape. People who travel tend to bring blended influences from various cultures home. This trend helps homeowners showcase the intricate detail and culture in those treasured pieces. Paired with wrought iron accents, warm colors and arched doorways, Mediterranean Escape adds sophistication and story to nearly any space.

Decoding Door Styles

Swinging Door: This is a hinged door that swings into or out of a room and is the most standard interior door application.

Bifold Door: A folding door that has several sections that fold in pairs. Bifolds are most commonly made for closets but may also be used between rooms.

Bypass Door: A bypass door consists of two or more sections that can slide in either direction along one axis on parallel overhead tracks so that they slide past each other. They are most commonly used as closet doors to access one side of the closet at a time. The doors in a bypass unit will overlap slightly when viewed from the front to eliminate any visible gap between them.

Barn Door: An on-trend interior door option that uses externally mounted hardware to allow the door to slide over an opening without taking the space needed for a swinging door.

Trends don’t have to impede individual design. Global influences like sustainability, craftsmanship and simplicity can be the foundation for creating an environment tailored to meet unique lifestyles and needs. Find more information and 2019 design inspiration at MasoniteTrends.com.

Refresh Your Space

5 steps to simplify your next paint project

(Family Features) A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to upgrade your home. Whether you’re revamping a main living area or freshening up your home’s curb appeal, some planning and preparation, plus the right painting tools, go a long way toward helping you achieve a professional-looking finished project.

Execute your paint project flawlessly with these tips and tricks from Jennie Kitchen, product manager, Valspar Applicators at The Sherwin-Williams Company, Consumer Brands Group:

Step 1: Choose Your Color
Selecting a color can often be the most difficult part of a paint project. While browsing through all the colors can be overwhelming, a resource like AskVal.com offers a variety of tools to help you select the perfect shade. You can also have paint chips delivered to your home for free, allowing you to see how they look in your space.

Step 2: Pick Your Tools
Every paint project is unique and may require different tools depending on the size of your space and type of paint you choose. However, there are a few must-haves for nearly every project such as brushes, rollers, roller frames, an extension pole, a paint tray with liner and rags.

“The quality of your paint rollers and brushes is just as important as the paint you use,” Kitchen said. “For a smooth finish and easy application, I recommend Valspar’s line of applicators and accessories, which are now available at Lowe’s and work well with all paints and stains. Our quality painting tools make it easy for DIYers to bring their projects to life.”

Step 3: Prep Your Space
Start by removing all of the furniture or pushing everything to the center of the room and covering it with a drop cloth or plastic sheet. Remove outlet and switch covers, and clean dirt, dust or grime from the walls using a microfiber duster or vacuum attachment. Don’t forget to lay drop cloths, tape off trim and fill in any small cracks or holes.

Step 4: Apply Your Paint
Start at the top, beginning with the ceiling, and work your way down to the walls and trim. A tool like Valspar’s Wall and Trim brush is ideal for most interior painting projects. Its thin, tapered design provides ultra-clean lines when cutting-in around windows, door frames and molding.

When you’re ready to roll, start at a corner of the room in a 2-by-4-foot section at the top of the wall. Then roll downward into a narrow V shape, filling in any unpainted areas as you go.  Once you are done with the top section, move down and repeat until you’ve reached the baseboard.

If you’re painting standard height ceilings or taller, it’s helpful to use an extension pole. For a seamless finish, it’s important to always keep a wet edge and let the weight of the loaded roller do the work. Some pressure can be applied as the roller cover starts to run out of paint, but if you hear a “sizzling” sound, that means it’s time to reload with more paint. To finish, use the roller and roll straight down all the way across your walls. 

Step 5: Clean Up Your Mess
Remove tape while the paint is drying to avoid paint peeling, remove drop cloths and then rearrange furniture. Between paint projects, always clean brushes with soap and water, but don’t leave brushes soaking in water. Always save the package, known as the keeper, to help the brush retain its shape.

Find more tips and tricks for your next paint project at valsparpaint.com/applicators.

Bring New Life to Your Kitchen with Color

(Family Features) Just as filling your plate with colorful foods is typically good for your body, filling your kitchen with color can be good for the soul. In fact, color is an important element in interior design not only for its aesthetic value, but also because it can shape perceptions and emotions.

“Color is powerful – when you walk into a room, you can instantly feel its subconscious effect on your mood, your heart rate and even your appetite,” said color trend expert Janice Fedak. “That’s why it’s important to choose colors that ‘speak to you,’ express your unique personality and truly make you feel at home.”

The experts at Elmira Stove Works offer these design tips, which take into consideration the psychology of some of the most popular colors for the kitchen.

Red
A strong, vibrant color, red is often associated with passion, pride and strength. In the kitchen, bold pops of red can command attention. Red is a perfect hue for appliances – both large and small – and also works well in a patterned backsplash or on decorative items such as canisters and cookware. Consider red “crystal” grout instead of traditional white grout for tile to create an unexpected look.

White
Associated with clarity, cleanliness and purity, this “non-hue” promotes a sense of order and can provide the ideal backdrop for other colors and design elements. For a streamlined kitchen, pair white countertops with a white tiled backsplash and cabinetry. For a more relaxed but still fresh look, introduce a few colorful kitchen accessories or paint an accent wall in your favorite hue.

Blue
Soothing, calm and reminiscent of the sea and the sky, blue evokes feelings of health and well-being. Adding this naturally relaxing hue to the kitchen, which is often the busiest room in the home, can transform the space into your own personal retreat.

One way to bring blue into the kitchen is through 1950s-inspired appliances from Elmira Stove Works in Beach Blue, a hue that takes its cue from days spent lazing by the pool or at the seashore. From refrigerators and ranges to microwaves and dishwasher panels, retro appliances can bring a fun, welcoming vibe to kitchens.

“Color – whether bold or on the subtler side – can really make a kitchen come alive,” said Tony Dowling, vice president, Elmira Stove Works. “Appliances are a great way to introduce color while also creating the foundation for the rest of the space.”

Yellow
One of the happiest colors on the spectrum, yellow is a lively hue that represents youthfulness and joy. It can inspire reflection and creativity, lift spirits and encourage optimism. Use yellow in your kitchen to bathe it in year-round “sunshine,” especially if your kitchen doesn’t get a lot of natural light or could use an extra dose of warmth and cheer.
Black
Although it has a reputation for darkness and mystery, black is also associated with sophistication. Think of a black-tie affair, where the dramatic attire and decor create an upscale atmosphere. Black design elements can lend that same sense of elegance to your kitchen. Appliances are commonly available in black, but you can also incorporate black through tilework, granite or marble countertops, or an eye-catching porcelain or soapstone sink.

“Whatever colors you choose for your kitchen, the most important thing is to trust your intuition and to wrap your kitchen in hues that make you feel good,” Fedak said.

Explore more colorful ideas for your kitchen at elmirastoveworks.com.

Living in Color

(Family Features) When picking a color for cabinetry, personality and lifestyle are essential considerations. Gray and white cabinets are options for the modern active living lifestyle, whereas green and blue tones may work better for a more eclectic existence.

Whichever way you go, colored cabinetry is more than just a trend: it's a design approach that is here to stay. That's why careful planning is necessary when you set out to redesign the kitchen. After all, this essential living space is an area where you spend plenty of time, so it should feature visual elements and colors you find appealing.

White kitchen cabinets have dominated the market for many years. White cabinetry is constant, safe and classic. However, reports from designers and data on market buying trends are showing a slight shift in painted cabinetry design from classic white to pops of color.

"We know kitchen cabinetry is an ever-evolving dynamic, but we also believe certain trends are more constant and everlasting," said Angela O'Neill, director of marketing and advertising at Wellborn Cabinet. "We trust consumers and we believe they have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry."

The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet's latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and blue.

A Calming Effect
Letting your personality show through with color in the kitchen doesn't have to mean going outlandishly bold. Paint hues like aqua, mint and olive can all set the stage for a calm, inviting atmosphere. Each of these shades provides a mild taste of colored cabinetry, imparting an effect that is subtle but bold enough to make its presence known.

Mink Gray
Exploring shades of gray is another way to develop a unique look. Some shades result in a calm, tranquil effect. However, if you're looking for a more dominant color, an option like Mink Gray from Wellborn Cabinet gives the feel of a much warmer space. Minimalists swoon over this classic yet clean gray because it isn't overpowering, and the timeless color adds to the transitional styling of cabinetry.

It All Started with White
It's true that white cabinetry set the pace for painted cabinetry, and it's likely to remain a popular option for homeowners. Remember, though, that not all whites are the same and different shades can elicit a different design motif entirely. Cabinets in shades of white are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional and even modern kitchens.

Also remember that although it's simple, there's nothing dull about white cabinetry. Embrace the classic white spacious kitchen in your home but take it up a notch with brass lanterns, a round dining table and fabric- covered chairs.

Choose the Right Cabinet Color

Once you've made the decision to add colored cabinets to the kitchen, there's an obvious next question: which color? With so many options to choose from, you may need to answer some basic questions to narrow down the field.

Bold vs. Subtle
If you're looking for a dramatic change, a bold approach may be the perfect solution. Just remember that a bold space can border on overly bold. It needs to be a color and shade that you will continue to enjoy over time. On the other hand, if you're set on adding color but not sure something so vibrant will do, a softer shade of that color may offer a more subtle solution.

All Over vs. Accent
Consider whether your vision calls for paint on all of your kitchen cabinetry, or if you're simply looking to create a standout feature. A color that looks terrific as a focal point may overwhelm if it's applied throughout the room, so evaluate which of the options you're weighing is best suited to the use you have in mind.

Fit Within the Home
In many homes, the design style flows from one room to the next. It's important when making a major change like colored cabinets to understand how the new style will fit with the rest of the house. For example, whether it will complement or contrast, and if it contrasts, ensure that's the look you're truly going for.

Completing the Design
Another often-overlooked consideration is how you'll complete the room once the cabinetry is installed. Think about the rest of the woodwork, other finishes like backsplash and flooring, and dining furniture in the space. Also consider your appliances and any decorative items you may wish to add. Ensure the color you're considering will fit with the other elements. If it doesn't, you may have to consider upgrading those features to achieve a cohesive look.

If you're still having trouble narrowing down your selection, many designers recommend selecting an inspiration piece and designing the rest of the room, including the cabinetry, to complement it.

Find more inspiration and planning tools to create the contemporary kitchen of your dreams at wellborn.com.