Hello Everyone, here in Sioux Falls things have been in a state of deep freeze, for a couple months now (although winter has been pretty mild so far, so no complaints!) We thought in honor of the start of a new year- we would update y’all on our very own DUPERT FAMILY HOME. If you know the owners of our company: Ashley and her husband Jared (aka. “Mister Omorfia,”) then you’ve probably met at least one of their 4 beautiful daughters: Riley, Peyton, Braylin or Charley. To know the Dupert family is to know Patience, Resilience and Faithfulness in The Lord. {If you are new to these parts, you can CLICK HERE to get to know the Dupert Family, a little better!} The Dupert’s have been in this home for many LOVE FILLED years. God has provided a safe haven/shelter within these walls for their family to grow and blossom!! So now after- 12 years, 4 children (3 TEENS!), 3 dogs, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and 1 unfinished basement…. this HOME is finally getting the TLC it deserves. 
*If you’re an avid follower of our Instagram Stories, you’ve seen some major progress pictures recently!! They’ve updated the ENTIRE House and we’ve got the 411 on the whole process (we’ll have a blog about the entire process, in the future!)

As if carrying an entirely new beginning with it- the New Year has rushed in like a wind. With 2020 leaving a resounding chaos in its wake, the world is struggling to find a new “normal” in all of the uncertainty… grasping at anything that remotely resembles some of the life we once had. So it is with great pleasure that we start 2021! We press on and push forward toward a fresh start with new goals, new concepts, new ways of thinking and most importantly NEW DESIGN/COLOR TRENDS!!!

It has been a long standing tradition for companies to release color forecasts for the next year, pointing toward the top emerging trends for the design world. Companies like Sherwin-Williams, Behr, HGTV and Benjamin Moore have all released their own colors of the year, but none are as influential or highly anticipated as the Pantone Color of the Year. The trend analysts at Pantone Color Institute, have the thankless job of deciding the new color of the upcoming year. 2020's Classic Blue (chosen long before the year's tumultuous fate, was sealed) was all about "calm, confidence and connection.” Now, as the world has turned over a new page- Pantone has chosen two colors of the year! This is only the second time in it’s 20-year history that two shades were chosen (the first in 2016; Rose Quartz and Serenity gradient.)

Pantone Color of the Year: ULTIMATE GRAY & ILLUMINATING
“The selection of two independent colors, highlights how different elements can come together, to express a message of strength and hopefulness- they can conveying the idea that it’s not just about one color or one person, it’s about more than one.” “The union of enduring Ultimate Gray with vibrant Yellow Illuminating, expresses a message of positivity and happiness supported by fortitude. Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and encouragement- that is essential to the human spirit,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.   

Illuminating Yellow
Illuminating— is a lemony, cheerful hue that has a sense of delight, warmth and power. It casts light, positivity and visibility on everything in its path... similar to sunshine. Yellow is often considered the brightest and most energizing of the warm colors. It’s associated with optimism, happiness, hope, building confidence and encouraging communication. Yellow’s vivid appearance means its best used when you want to command attention so it works well as an accent color. Because of its intensity/boldness, it can effortlessly overwhelm- so it is best to use in small amounts and balance it with a subdued/basic hue. The overall vibe of your space will turn fun and moody, with the bold pop of yellow bringing energy and color throughout a neutral backdrop.

Ultimate Gray 
Ultimate Gray— a neutral, generally considered on the cool end of the color spectrum. This durable shade has a deep connection to natural dependable elements (rocky cliffs, pebbles on the beach, stone formations, ancient temples and monuments) that highlights an ability to withstand the ravages of time and provide a firm foundation. Gray quietly assures encouraging feelings of composure, steadiness and resilience; it reminds us of eternal basics and balance. Since it is subdued and reserved…it can sometimes be considered conservative, moody, dull, emotionless or depressing. It’s a diplomatic color, negotiating all the distance between black and white, it is impartial- most commonly associated with neutrality, conformity, compromise and modesty. Since it is ultra-saturated, use furniture and decor that would contrast and soften the color. 

Incorporating Color Trends into your Home
Pantone suggests “applying them in the way that they were intentionally chosen: use Ultimate Gray as your foundation and tie in bursts of Illuminating.” In design, Gray backgrounds are very common- timeless, practical and versatile;  making a great canvas to a wide variety of colors. Incorporating Yellow into more muted color schemes can create a relaxing environment, uplifted by the burst of brightness. Ultimate Gray provides a firm foundation for Illuminating Yellow, that heightens awareness and enhances intuition; they increase intellectual curiosity, originality, creativity and mental resourcefulness. Even on the exterior of a home these colors can evoke the same emotions, says Pantone “Painting a front door in bright yellow Illuminating conveys a warm and welcoming message when supported by solid and dependable Ultimate Gray in the exterior finishes.” Dress up Ultimate Gray with rich neutrals like leather, dark brown woods, stark blacks/whites and some textured tans—embracing a neutral palette while creating a space with a ton of depth. Capture the energy of Illuminating, throughout your architecture by painting archways, adding wall art or accent chairs; this is a fun way to bring in a bold color that you aren’t ready to commit to on a larger scale.
*The most important thing to remember is BALANCE!

Design Trends on the Rise in 2021

Gray Color (and All Neutrals)- Neutrals are timeless and exciting- differing shades create a calm/serene atmosphere. Neutral colors are more effected by the colors that surround them. Neutral colors often have great versatility- serving as both, center stage or a great backdrop to base a design.

Industrial Interior Design- Generally, this trend is about incorporating unexpected materials and giving a raw, unfinished look in your interior. Key characteristics of industrial design: provide style and function, exposed ducts/pipes, wood and metal surfaces and vintage furniture/ accessories. 

“Grandmillenial”- This type of interior design, brings the nostalgia! Mainstream culture might consider this traditional design “outdated” or “stuffy.” Give a 21st-century makeover, to the floral and chinoiserie-filled interiors our grandparents once enjoyed.

Vintage Style- This type of design utilizes symmetry and natural materials such as wood, stone and forged elements. Combine artificially aged décor or classic design styles from the 20th century, with new elements to create a harmonious feel without being outdated. 

Houseplants or House Gardens- Houseplants/gardens create a layered space and welcome the outdoors in. Research links our natural environment to human well-being/mental health. This type of design creates connections with nature while allowing us to unwind from our tech-driven lifestyles. 

Decorative Glass- A form of art that can express your feelings and create a personalized space. Adding glass to the walls or floors (glass ceilings, decorative windows, dividers, etc) comforts but also utilizes decorative elements to create an atmosphere. 

Organic Products (Including Sustainable Products)- This type of design, focuses on sustainable materials/products with an emphases on functionalism. Organic design embraces green living; from furniture to fabric- you incorporate more natural characteristics!

Statement Pieces- Add character, flair, depth and personality to your space (color, artwork, furniture and lighting.) Statement pieces are pieces that- draw attention, are bold and unique from the surrounding elements and stand alone, as a point of interest.

Wild/Textured Walls- Textured walls are an artistic expression with functional purpose, as they help hide signs of drywall installation. Wall coverings (wallpaper, tapestries, etc) can simulate natural elements or give you that wild pop of character, your space is missing. 

Bright, Happy and Mood Enhancing Décor- This type of design focuses on improving humans’ responses to the environments around them. Incorporating different colors, shapes, lighting and textures to create/enhance a specific mood.

Our Designers want to HELP!
Here at Omorfia, our desire is to make life better and more BEAUTIFUL for you! If you’ve fallen in love with this years Pantone Colors of the Year (or any new color palette) and you want to incorporate it into your current style; but you aren’t sure how? Start by chatting with us in a FREE 30-minute phone consultation or schedule a personal {$99/2 hour} appointment with one of our designers. Call us at 605-223-0193 OR go to omorfiadesignsinc.com/getstarted