Creating Your Color Palette:Home Design through the SeasonsBy Kevin GrantAs a young adult just starting out, it can be a daunting task to create a sophisticated yet comfortable living space but it can be done, and on a budget too. I am going to give you the tools you need to make your home or apartment pop with color and personality without breaking the bank or causing you a headache. It all starts with choosing your inspiration and I suggest heading outside to do just that.The key to having a mature and sophisticated living space is to avoid themes or kitschy dcor. I find the easiest way to do that is to get inspiration not only from your favorite locations in nature, like a beach or your favorite park, but also your favorite time of year or season, such as spring or summer. Starting with neutrals, such as natural wood and stone tones, gives you a base to build your palette from even winter has some beautiful browns and grays.One example is the beach throughout the year, from spring to winter a color palette opportunity that can change as you do, or be adjusted through the year to match the season. It all starts with a neutral such as a sandy tan, a driftwood natural wood tone, or the gray of a pebble or shell. Another neutral is blue but I prefer to use blue as an accent as they can often make your dcor darker if it is a prominent tone. From there, you can adjust the depth of colors depending on the season, with lighter neutrals that progress to darker as the seasons pass.You can purchase your larger items, such as sofas and tables, in these neutrals and then accent with the colors found throughout the year in the scenery of the beach. Spring and summer allow for rich, warm tones of yellows, greens, blues and coral-reds. Autumn, even at the beach, suggests darker tones that still have a hint of warmth, with the focus being more on the greens and blues. Winter is the darkest and coolest palette at the beach, with the focus being almost purely on the neutrals and a mix of cool and warm blues.Once you have chosen your palette base park, beach or other favorite natural spot and the season you enjoy the most, you can begin picking secondary accents such as metallic tones and accessories with texture. The idea is to create an oasis that transports you to that place in nature that brings you the most peace or happiness. If you are considering the beach, as mentioned above, the metallic tones would be cold golds, silvers and other brighter metallic options. Textures would be patterns with waves, perhaps beaded work or something with a sandy appearance just remember to keep patterns and textures complementary. I would suggest avoiding obvious elements like a smattering of sea shells with metallic tones unless they really speak to who you are, the clutter is unnecessary. I am utilizing distinctive mirrors, simple yet modern artwork, and elements like throw rugs, pillows and blankets to add pops of color and contrast. If you do like knickknacks, consider finding everyday items that are multi-functional yet stylish such as vases or boxes that match or complement your palette. One item I used in my beach palette apartment to add texture and really bring that natural feel to the rooms is corkboard coasters for drinks both decorative and functional. Once you have chosen your palette and textural elements its time to plan out your space and make sure everything you purchase will work in your apartment or house through measurements and lists. Just because you want a sectional does not mean you have the space for it and it is more of a hassle to return stools for an eat-in kitchen counter than it is to measure for them. And of course, if you are working from a budget, plan out what you need now such as bedroom or living room furniture and then add pieces as the budget allows over a period of time. I suggest shopping at stores like IKEA, HomeGoods and even Target. They have a wide variety of good quality pieces to begin creating your perfect living space. I hope you take my suggestions and venture out and find that place in nature that brings you joy and work to incorporate its elements in to your house. It will be sophisticated without being stuffy, and you will truly feel like it is an extension of who you are. Have fun with it and always remember to try and purchase items for longevity and comfort, as that will save you more in the long run than impulse purchases.