October 2012 Editor’s Letter

As a blogger and editor for a home magazine, tracking design trends is one of my favorite parts of the job. I recently presented a talk on the subject at the Fall Atlanta Home Show, which highlighted some of today’s biggest trends such as the move toward transitional styling, or cleaner more modern looks throughout the home.

Trends are big business in the design industry. Over the years, trend cycles have gotten shorter and shorter, with “it” colors being predicted yearly, even seasonally. Some looks take hold more than others, and, of course, what’s trending in Atlanta and the Southeast can be completely different from other areas of the country. One recent survey revealed that the color orange is especially hot with Southern homeowners right now.

Still, many professional designers balk at following any particular home trend. Rather, they prefer to follow timeless design principles, favoring a neutral palette that can be redecorated easily as trends come and go. Whatever approach you are comfortable with, it’s all about choosing what is best for your tastes and lifestyle. Over the past couple years, many people, unable to sell their homes, have embraced this concept.

As a magazine that covers home design and remodeling, we consider it our responsibility to present both trend and tradition, leaving the final decision to you. Working with a professional will help produce the best result. He or she can help get the look you want at a price you can afford while offering valuable feedback on trends and more, from concept to completion. As a springboard for ideas and a resource for connecting with local home professionals, we are excited to be part of your home improvement journey!

3 Things You’ll Learn This Month

1. How to get a new look with traditional flooring materials such as natural stone
2. Ideas for using beadboard as a design element in your home
3. The amount of energy you can save by strategically placing trees in your landscape

Coming in November

Special Section: Home Entertainment

Get connected with the latest technology for music, movies and more

Photo courtesy of JJS Carrion

Indoor Fireplaces

Staying warm and toasty never looked so good

Winter Landscaping

Tips for protecting your yard from the cold

Enter our “Decorating on a Dime” Contest for the chance to win fabulous prizes and be featured in the February 2013 issue of Atlanta Home Improvement.