(NC) Prepare your paintbrushes: colour is back. Neutral aesthetics have dominated for seasons on end, but design tastemakers have shifted their focus to adventurous interiors.

Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares how to confidently move on from neutral tones and kickstart a colour revival.

Balance a room
“Colour has visual weight, so be mindful of the size of your space,” Grech advises. Larger rooms can handle darker tones and strong saturation. Smaller spaces can benefit from airier, pale tones; but with ample lighting, a bold hue can be a joyful transformation.

Make a statement
There is something alluring about a room that is bursting with colour. Be bold in your expression and have fun. Instead of using an oversized piece of art for your wall, create an area of interest by painting a wall section behind a favourite piece of furniture. Paint unexpected corners of your home, like a bookcase, chimney or ceiling, to add a splash of colour and inject your...

(NC) If there’s ever a perfect moment to refresh your home, it’s at the start of a new year. Now is the time to reimagine your space with a fresh look that brings you joy. Whatever you’re envisioning, look to these expert décor tips and trends from celebrity designer Amanda Aerin.

Be bold
Looking for ways to upgrade your space and make a statement? Aerin recommends incorporating more colour and patterns into your home decor. This year’s popular shades will be saturated, bold and uplifting, so don’t be afraid to switch things up and step out of your comfort zone.

Curate your look
Aerin says curated home décor is hot on the trend list for 2022. Dress your space with a mix of old and new, incorporating vintage finds, travel treasures or family mementos.

“My approach to design is to create concepts that are visually stimulating, tactile and invoke feelings of happiness and relaxation,” says Aerin.

Mix patterns like a pro
Mixing and matching...

(NC) Ready to repaint but not sure how to pick the perfect neutral? Benjamin Moore colour and design expert Sharon Grech shares her top four tips to help you choose the perfect white paint for your space.

Know your exposure.

Overall lighting and the orientation of your room are the most important considerations when choosing paint colours, especially when it comes to selecting the right tint of white. Whether your room faces north, east, south or west, there is a white paint designed to bring out the very best in your space’s natural light.

“If you have a north or east exposure, opt for warmer whites. Look for options with cooler tones to counterbalance south and west exposures, such as Decorator’s White OC-149.”

If you’re in a space with limited natural light such as a basement or small den, consider Chantilly Lace OC-65, a bright designer favourite to bring an added sense of space and light to any room.

Pay attention to the undertone.

When selecting neutral...

(NC) This year’s home must-have is an office space that offers flexibility to go seamlessly from video calls to virtual classroom to everything in between. To help you create a workspace that works for you, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares three affordable tips to create a stylish office no matter your style or budget.

Choose colours that promote productivity.

Struggling to find focus when working from home? Your wall colour can help promote a sense of calm and concentration to help you through your busiest days. “Tints and shades of green such as Spa AF-435 or Flora AF-470 can help foster a sense of calm and support your productivity,” recommends Grech.

Giving your home office a coat of green paint is a project you can do yourself, and the increased focus and reduction in eye strain will help you work smarter all year long.

Make room for your workspace.

If you don’t have a dedicated home office, you can easily create a place where you...

(NC) The return of warmer weather doesn't just mean the start of summer, it's also the kickoff to home improvement season. Every home deserves a light, airy refresh to embrace a brighter season ahead. Fortunately, transforming your space doesn't mean you need a big budget or a lot of time.

Elevate your home in just one weekend with these easy DIY projects inspired by Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert.

Go for faux wallpaper
From painting one wall a bold colour or adding interest with a stylish painted arch, there are endless options for creating a focal point in your space with colour. This season, accent walls are going graphic and taking inspiration from wallpaper — with a lot less fuss.

"Whether you choose polka dots, thin lines or an intricate pattern, this transformation is an easy way to give any space personality," shares Grech. "This project is perfect for those looking to get creative — use a stencil for flawless results in no time."

Make a statement...

(NC) Minimalism is getting maximum attention these days, since this style of design no longer needs to have hard edges or be uncomfortable. The new approach celebrates nature and serenity without sacrificing warmth and comfort. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour marketing expert, shares her three tips on how to create a warm and inviting minimalist space in your home.

Build on your base colours: Like all good design, minimalism starts with the basics. The first step to beautiful design is selecting your colour palette of two to three colours that you will use throughout your space. Warm neutrals like creams, beiges and greys will help create a timeless and subtle starting point that lets your décor shine. “Neutral paint colours like Thunder AF-68, White Heron OC-57 and even a muted rosy hue like the Colour of the Year 2020 First Light 2102-70 are ideal choices for an inviting minimal space,” says Grech.

Add natural textures. The key to an inviting design is...