Dream Kitchen #2

If you follow my blog, you know I've been dreaming of a new kitchen for some time now. (See my previous post from December 2011).  I like the idea of an all white kitchen, but if I did that it would have to have a splash of color!  Searching the web, I came across this magnificent kitchen designed by Jute Home and fell in love!!!   Check out the photos below, I love the pop of blue against all the white as well as the contrast of the dark kitchen table.  

Be sure to check out Jute Home's website for more eye candy!

Coral & Orange and shades in between

It's hard to look at a design magazine lately and not see shades of orange everywhere.  I have to say I love a pop of coral or orange in any room.  It's a warm tone that mixes nicely with a variety of other colors.  Whether it's used boldly as a wall color, or as an accent color, it adds vibrancy to a room! When using it as a wall color, I'd stick with neutral furnishings and avoid the use of too much black.  Check out the rooms below, all of which, I think have incorporated the color nicely!

   

Photo credits:  Martha Stewart, Pintrest, Decorpad, Caitlan Wilson, Tobi Fairley, HGTV

For a great orange wall color try:

Benjamin Moore Adobe Orange #2171-30

Accent Walls

I am often ask my opinion on "accent walls" and over the years my response has been the same.....they work in some applications.  My favorite place to have an accent wall is on the headboard wall of a bedroom.  And over the years it has been the one place I've use them.  Here are some examples of some well executed accent walls.

oops...more on this later...........I accidentally published this post before it was complete!!

Sherwin Williams 2013 Color of the Year

 Sherwin Williams has announced the 2013 Color of the Year and it's.................Aloe  

Sherwin Williams Aloe #SW 6464

I love this color, it's so crisp and clean and it's a perfect color to embrace the new year with!!

It's the color I plan to use in my next home.  I've promised myself that my next home will be a tranquil space that will highlight my favorite colors of turquoise and beige, colors reminiscent of the beach. 

Here are a few photos of a home designed by Elizabeth Hague feature in Traditional Home that capture those color tones perfectly!  Don't you agree? 

A New Year

2013 is almost here and I must say that with the recent events of Sandy and Sandy Hook, I am happy to ring in a new year.  Words can't describe the sense of loss that accompanied both tragic events and I only hope that the new year brings peace, hope and comfort to all those affected.

Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy and colorful year!

Painted Ceilings

A few years ago, I had a client who wanted to paint the ceiling of her daughter's room pink. In fact the photo below was her inspiration, and I must say it turned out great!! Ceilings are often forgotten in the painting scheme.  While blue remains the most popular ceiling color, over the years I've used pink, orange, yellow, green and metallic silver...all to raving reviews! Below are some great examples of the how a little paint above can create an eye-catching room!

Sources: Traditional Home, Decor Pad, House Beautiful, Google, Coastal Living, Pintrest and Apartment Therapy

Black Rooms

It's been a month since my last post and it seems like ages ago.  In the last 4 weeks we had a spectacular wedding in the outer banks of North Carolina (thankfully the weekend before Sandy), a Super Storm and a Snow Storm!  Luckily we did not have any major damage from the storm but we did lose power for nine days!  I did feel guilty while many of my neighbors weathered the power outage in their cold and pitch black homes for nine nights while we stayed dry and warm, thanks to good friends with a generator who shared their home with us.

There is no great segway to this post....but I thought it would be fitting to feature some black painted rooms.  It's a very daring paint color, but I think it's worth it if you are looking for some high drama in your room.

Decor Pad

 Apartment Therapy

Decor Pad

House and Home

HGTV

It's been 15 days since the storm and there are still thousands of people without power or worse yet, without homes.   My thoughts and prayers are with all those who continue to suffer from Sandy's destruction.