Your home. Your cottage. Your business. With or without realizing it, the places in your life can express different sides of your personality or evoke certain moods. Combining colour and décor ideas can be passionate undertakings! Even if it's just the first inkling of inspiration, every project can find its starting point at the paint store.

Where to begin?

Start with inspiration gathering. What are your thoughts or goals? Put together clippings, fabric swatches, favourite paintings or the 'thing' that inspired the idea. These can help to create a personal colour palette. This palette can include colours for: walls, accents, wallpaper, accessories, furniture and draperies. Wouldn't it be great to have a colour plan in place before you go shopping? Ask your favourite paint store for colour fandecks and wallpaper books for more ideas. As well, inquire about big chips and tester pots of paint for purchase. Often times, there may even be an on staff colour consultant that offers at home service through private appointment - or consider it as a thoughtful gift for a housewarming, birthday or Mother's day.

What's the hottest industry trend?

The Environment. Restoration. AND... Wallpaper!

Awareness and concern for the environment is touching all aspects of living. Companies are striving to meet new industry standards and it's becoming a level of expectation with consumers. Ask about VOC compliant, low or no-VOC products.

Old is new again.

Restoring and refinishing with paint and stain can achieve exciting and rewarding results. Let's see... what to do with an old bookcase? How about tacking some crown moulding around the top? Sand, prime, paint and line the cabinet backs with gorgeous wallpaper! Your piece will be envied.

Do you have an antique side table of sentimental value that doesn't quite belong anywhere? Cut down the legs about 3 inches, then sand, prime and paint in a soft pink — what a cherished, beautiful desk for a little girl.

Don't think of big elements as hopelessly out of budget to replace. Rejuvenation is easier than you think. If the brick fireplace in the family room is overwhelming or distracting, then paint it! If your staircase is looking weathered, consider a great contemporary colour for the handrail and then paint the pickets white. WOW! It's an immediate and inexpensive update.

As for wallpaper... it's back, it's hot and it's trendy!

It's being used most commonly in places where we would have previously seen accent colours — in powder rooms, dining rooms, on accent walls or just framed pieces, like art work. Most substrates have been redesigned for excellent durability and with proper wall preparation will peel down in one strip.

Look around your surroundings with fresh eyes. There are boundless opportunities to explore your creativity and indulge the senses.

This article has been provided by The Paint and Paper Place, who’s company mission is "To be the premier destination for home by providing quality products and educated customer service." For more information, visit http://www.homeanddesigncentre.ca/ .