Category Archives: Color

Learn Color’s important role in design; how to choose it, use it and change it to best highlight your decor spaces..

Just Lookin’ Around

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. . . and here’s what I found!

HOUZZ is on my Tops List of “commercial” or “media” decor websites. APARTMENT THERAPY ties it for first place. Email updates and new articles arrive quite often and I always give them a big slot of time for viewing.

Not sure what search terms I used here, but was probably looking for background or displays for shelves.

Tribeca Penthouse midcentury-family-room

Above reminded me of a paint card sample book. Fun, right?!

PISO PILOTO MYRAMAR DOS eclectic-dining-room

Here, note how they wisely used that alcove for great storage and display space, and then detailed it by continuing the pretty accent wall color just into that upper, open area.  Very nice.

Prospect Heights Townhouse contemporary-family-room

We’re   I’m thinking about a new color for our three main accent walls, and was probably concentrating on colors when I found the room above.  I had a more bronze-ish green in mind, rather than the brighter acid color here . . . BUT . . . look at those beautiful steel doors and the mid-century furniture pieces.  Wow.

Apartment contemporary-family-room

The search topic for this final pick was “window seats”.  While it isn’t exactly that — look closely, those are under-lighted shelves above that seat, not windows — it presents an interesting idea for a small, enclosed room, gives extra storage . . . AND was certainly an unexpected find.

No matter the search term or article title, you always find so much more than you asked for on HOUZZ and APARTMENT THERAPY.  That’s what makes it such fun and why I enjoy spending time there (Hubs says too much time).  But you never know what new inspiration will hit!  My HOUZZ BOARDS are here if you’d like to see them.  So if you’re having a rainy or killer-heat day like we’ve had here lately, settle in, grab the device of choice and go exploring.

Until next time, try to stress less so you can accomplish more.  It always helps me.

Later – Cheryl

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Have You Said the “S” Word Yet?

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It’s another bright day.  Hope your’s was also.  Anyone else thinking the “S” word yet?

Well, not to jinx it, but with all this color thought of late, these warm days just naturally stirred up yearnings for a seasonal change.  I just couldn’t help myself … had to do a little Spring decorating.

This week I spruced up the living (front) room, changing out the door wreath, shelf unit and the mantel.

My “Wreath for All Seasons” was hanging, lonely and bare, after the reds of Christmas and Valentines were removed.

Enough spring stuff was found in the craft room, to liven it up quite a bit.

Artzzle Spring Feature

It seemed a little early for roses … so I didn’t include them.

Artzzle Spring Feature

I was happy with the results.  How about you?

Remember,  this wreath was specifically designed to be changed out for different occasions, so all pieces are attached lightly, with double sided tapes, or just wired in to the original frame; allowing for quick and easy change out.  You all know how changeable I am.

The fireplace … in its’ new location now, under the big clock, looked like this earlier.  I was never completely satisfied with this vignette.

Artzzle Spring Feature

I made a raid on my fabric remnants and found this pretty green piece to ground things.  From there a little house shopping and some experimenting produced this look.

Artzzle Spring Feature

It says “Spring” don’t ya think?

The plate holder by the front door, got a color change with the green plate, and a few butterflies came over to play.

Artzzle Spring Feature

On the standing shelf unit currently in that room, once again the reds of previous holidays were removed, and we went towards the blues and greens to liven up that corner.

Artzzle Spring Feature

The JAW takes top shelf here.

Greenery and the Easter Bunny are a bit springy.

Artzzle Spring Feature

What’s your reaction to the JAW?  I note that it’s a 50/50 swing … people either love it or detest the thing.  Such was the playout when I found it.  A friend and I were at a barn sale, and I immediately HAD.TO.HAVE.IT.  She, on the other hand, thought it was weird … but she’s used to me, and knew I would get it. It was just the jaw piece. I had HUBS use some gorgeous walnut for a base, cut two brass rods and drilled everything out for a perfect fit. The walnut block was left natural, but mineral oil was rubbed in for that beautiful dark dazzle.

Well, a pretty short set today.  Lots of articles in the works, so I’ll  be back soon.

Artzzle Feature Spring

Gracie loved the sun this day. Say goodnight, Gracie.

You know what happens now … I say “Don’t stress so much, just start something!”

Later – Cheryl

Color … Color … and MORE Color

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Not intending to make any of you jealous, I have to share that, it’s been so sunny around here today, and for quite a few days back, too.

ELLE DECOR Magazine has a monthly article “SHORTLIST” which features a quick update on a celebrity, and then lists 12 Things they (supposedly) can’t live without.  My list would, for sure, have Sunny Days and Color on it … and probably close to the top!

Is there anyone out there, that isn’t energized and more positive on a bright, sunny day? That’s not unusual.  Bright, beautiful colors have a similar affect on me.  A classic room, a beautiful fabric, a big, bold painting.  Just thinking about color makes my eyes light up and I sigh with pleasure!  See if you’ll have as much fun as I did OVER HERE!

Spring is coming and that in itself says color; with early blossoms and
Artzzle Feature on Color

with seasonal decor and just brightening things up to phase out those winter blahs.

ARTZZLE.COM

Find this easy project here

Colors cause definite physical reactions for many people, including both Dugger and I.   Our former Princeton home was a multi-level.  The lowest area had two separate wall areas, because of a ledge around the entire space, so we chose two colors (blue-green tones) for the builders to paint. The colors were very nice … most everyone said so.  But the area was never comfortable to us.  It literally felt COLD and unwelcoming; not good for a family room, right!?  So we (I) repainted the entire area, again in bluish-green hues, but in warmer tones.  Some people just thought we were nuts.  A new house, freshly painted, why bother with all the extra cost and work?  It looked fine … BUT NOT TO US.  It didn’t feel right.   Afterwards, it became one of our favorite and most used parts of the home.

We both are very happy with the color used in our recent kitchen cabinet project.  So much so that we’ve decided to take it throughout the house, and change out all of our builder basic, orange oak woodwork.

Kitchen Cabinet Uppers Redo

See the entire project here.

No decision yet, if we’ll add extra trim details on all of our flat panel doors … as Hubs did on the inside of our bathroom door last year.

Artzzle Feature

See the whole project here

Concerning lists, topping our primary “to do” sheet is an update for the master bedroom. I’ve been pouring over color shots and paint chips. Hubs and I lean towards browns, taupes and beiges, especially in our open living areas.  We’re both comfortable with warm neutrals and these work great for all the changing and rearranging I do.

For inspiration AND a perk-up, I often use the IMAGES tag on-line.  Wondering about green tones, here’s what I pulled up in my research using GREEN BEDROOMS.  You could literally go on forever … different color rooms, two-color or multiple color rooms.  A nice time filler for a boring, in between time.

Our extra areas and bedrooms are done in brighter hues. We want these smaller, individual spaces to have a more personal look and feel, and as I said, I take “feel” quite literally.  My office/studio, pictured below, is a custom color, a peachy orange.  Even on cloudy days, the room is cheery.  It makes me smile every time I look in there.

Artzzle Feature

More on the office/studio and a PROJECT HERE.

If you’re not tired of internet articles yet, try one more here.   REAL SIMPLE TIPS

We’re tackling that master bedroom very soon, so follow along for all the updates.  In the meantime, don’t stress about your project, just get it started and see where it goes!

Later – Cheryl

“EZ Pack” Summer Trip Wardrobe

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MIX & MATCH
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Let’s drop all the grays today . . . and bring some color out to play!
For a Short, Summer “Trip Away” . . . it’s Mix & Match with these 8 basic clothing pieces. interchangeable, to accommodate varied activities and weather, casual stops and anything a bit more formal, like a dinner gathering.
Daydreaming about the above collection . . . two of my granddaughters were main characters in the scenario.  Each has week-away trips this summer, and so packing, travel and specific included events were considered.  But Fashionistas of any age could easily adapt this look . . . by simply choosing a different skirt and shorts length and style.     Also, some women would want to choose a less flared leg cut in the slacks, for a more flattering look.
Let’s start with these basic pieces. The item list stays the same for everyone, but of course, each of you will consider your individual size, style and color choices.
  • 1 Skirt
  • 1 Pair Shorts
  • 1 Pair Slacks
  • 1 Basic Dress
  • 2 Casual blouses (1 patterned, 1 plain color; short sleeved works too)
  • 1 3/4 Sleeve Top (for variety and rainy/cooler conditions)
  • 1 Jacket (I chose a short-waist, b/w stripe that works as dressy or casual)

 

Are you asking “Why  Choose Black For Summer”?   I chose black because my daydream was about my granddaughters’ upcoming events, and the “on-the-road” aspects. First of all, the “Black goes with most anything” idea and the “Little Black Dress” rule (which also includes slacks) always travel well.  Black doesn’t show spots  and stains as boldly as lighter colors do.  An easy wipe away will usually do the trick, without laundering, which no one wants to do on a short leisure trip (especially teenagers!).

Perhaps the best reason for black in basic pieces is . . . it’s trait of adapting so well in a mix & match group.  It DOES go with almost anything, and BETTER yet, in classic styles as seen with this dress and slacks choice, these items can be “dressed up” or “kept more casual”, depending on which accessories you use.
Accessories List.
  • 2 – 4 Pairs Shoes.  The 2 for me would be the striped heels and the aqua flats.
  • 2 – 3 Belts
  • 2 – 3 Scarves
  • 1 medium sized purse/bag
  • 2 – 3 each of jewelry pieces, i.e. necklaces, bracelets, earrings, optional broaches

 

Here comes the color . . . and the Fun!

OUTDITSartzzle.com
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Do more with everything.  For example, that cute striped jacket looks great with the black slacks.  And the separate jewelry items can be mixes in a million ways.
The purpose of MIX & MATCh is versatility from few items.  These clothes (and necessary personal pieces) will fit into one decent sized suitcase.  A smaller, carry-case would hold accessories, makeup, hair essential and the like.
So you’re on your way,to that quick, easy and light trip . . . but you have all you need!
TIPS:
  1. Folding and packing clothes FLAT allows more room AND doesn’t wrinkle as badly
  2. Slip shoes into ZIP LOC bags to contain pairs, and not get clothing pieces dirty
  3. CHOOSE easy care fabrics when possible; can be rinsed/hung/dried by next day
  4. ZIP LOCs are also great to contain all those small items AND jewelry if you don’t have a cloth jewelry roll available
  5. Bags are best for all liquid and twist lid items.  No problems accidental leaks.

I would love to get your ideas on outfit combinations . . . and all else from today.  Leave a comment or you can find my email on my profile page.

This post was fun for me . . . hope you like it too!

Remember  . . .  if you stress too much . . . that trip won’t be as much fun!

Later – Cheryl

PS:  APOLOGIES for the erratic spacing in this post.  Working between VISUAL, TEXT and three individual Polyvore articles, seems to have scewed the platforms.

*** This original article “EZ Pack Summer Trip Wardrobe!” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation from contributors. Outside sources are marked when available.

Copyright © 2013-2014  Artzzle All Rights Reserved

A LOOKBOOK . . . In Grayscale

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IT’S POSSIBLE THE “G” COLOR IS IN MIND LATELY BECAUSE . . .  I’m such a magazine maven, and it’s everywhere one looks, in all my magazines and books.  I’ve been putting together a piece from the July/August TRADITIONAL HOME, with some beautiful stuff for you.

THEN TODAY, WOULD’NT YOU KNOW …  my email contained a Joss And Main flyer, and there it was!  A Grayscale Lookbook!  Just for me … well … at least in MY email 🙂

In+Grayscale Joss and Main

View their IN GRAYSCALE LOOKBOOK .

IT HAD TO BE DESTINY . . .  because things didn’t stop there.

Loomed+LargeJOSSandMAIN

LOOMED LARGE . . . another LookBook, had so many ideas in grays AND coordinating accents.  Of course the first picture (above) jumped right out.  

ONE OF MY LONDON FOLLOWERS . . . Jess Weber, recently purchased a new “flat” and asked me about gray (grey) carpets.   Hey Jess, look at all these great examples! Catch her hilarious blog at JESS WEBER.

AS FAR AS NEUTRALS GO . . . most people consider either beige or grays as the main choices, other than white, of course.  Many relate beige with warm and gray with cold.  I’m here to prove that . . . “It Ain’t Necessarily So”.  And as for whites, go to any paint store or website and look at their “Whites”.   You’ll find a wide range of choices, BOTH warm and cold!

EVERY COLOR IN THE SPECTRUM . . .  has warm AND cool tones, even those you consider as neutrals.  Also, the “feel” of the color can depend greatly on the accent and accessory colors you use with it, and those in adjoining spaces.

DONNA FRASCA IS A COLOR EXPERT . . . literally.  Check out what she has to say about neutrals.  Here’s Another interesting perspective on her blog.

YES, IT’S STILL CRAZY BUSY . . . around our place.  I have at least four other ideas I’m developing for articles.  After the great results with our bathroom cabinets redo, Hubs and I have begun those in our kitchen.

YOU  MAY FIND IT DIFFICULT . . . to believe but, we didn’t choose the same gray finish for our kitchen.  Big shock there, huh?  And we want our island to be a different color than the rest of the cabinets out there.  There was an entire quart left over of the gray from the bathroom.  Now, I had (what I thought to be) a clever, and cost effective idea.  I took it to my favorite paint mixer,  Sue, at our local Marv’s TRUE VALUE.  

SUE REALLY KNOWS HER STUFF AND WE’VE WORKED TOGETHER BEFORE.  (That’s probably why she groans when I walk in!)  I explained my idea was to tint the gray to a bit different shade.  After agreeing to sign in blood, saying I wouldn’t have repercussions if things didn’t turn out as I had hoped . . . we worked (for at least an hour in between other customers) until I hit on something I liked.

Below is the color our island will be.  Only the drawers and doors are finished at this point.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I’M NOT SURE WHAT YOU WOULD CALL THIS COLOR . . . gray, brown, greige?  With the light and wall color in the room where this picture was taken, it looks almost lavender, but really isn’t.  Whatever, we love it – yes, Hubs does too!  So a money saving, good idea right?  Well, YES and NO.

TIPS:
1.  Yes, it is possible to retint leftover paints.  Just be sure you’re working with someone who knows what they’re doing … like SUE.
2.  BEFORE you have extra paint recolored … REMEMBER to keep a bit of the original color, for retouch and patching on your original project.  Ooops … Cheryl forgot that part 😦
3. Always keep in mind that all colors NO MATTER WARM or COOL, are affected by their light and surroundings. You need to be aware of that when choosing your paints.

NOW, I’LL CLOSE WITH ONE MORE FANTASTIC GRAY . . .
ARTZZLE.COM

the lovely, Gracie Mae. And aren’t those pink, beige and gold accents so becoming!

IT’S THE STANDARD LAST LINE . . . don’t stress, just start!

Hope this was a fun one. Check out all the links . . . they’re good ones!

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “A LOOKBOOK … in Grayscale!” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation from contributors. Outside sources are marked when available.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

AFRAID of GRAYS . . . Part 2

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JUST A QUICK POST TODAY . . .
Perhaps to change some minds about GRAY!

AFRAID of GRAYS . . . # 2

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WHY DOESN’T THIS GRAY BELOW FEEL COLD? The picture below is from one of my HOUZZ IDEABOOKS. It’s a favorite for many reasons, but note the gray walls and patterned wallpaper. It’s nice and warm because of the furniture pieces.

The shelves pick up the warm oranges, browns and gold with the accessories and the gray wallpaper backing works, because of the added neutral pattern. This paper use also adds texture and a fun interest to the room’s decor.

Bruce Avenue Residence Lower-Level Family Room 4 transitional-family-room

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HERE’S ANOTHER PAPER BACKED SHELF EXAMPLE.. Erin over at How to NEST FOR LESS used it in her pantry.

NESTforLESSproject

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LOOK AT THIS WILD GRAY! It certainly heats up this bedroom! (get it, hot … bedroom … maybe I’ll just stick to decorating!) 😦 Anyhoo … another of my HOUZZ pictures.

Austonian Luxury Condo contemporary-bedroom

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AS PROMISED, CLOSING NOW TO KEEP THIS SHORT. Have fun with all the links . . . and some of you gray grievers, let me know if things are warming up for ya!

YOU KNOW THE LAST LINE. Don’t stress out, just start something.

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “AFRAID OF GRAYS … Part 2!” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation from contributors. Outside sources are marked when available.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

ARE YOU AFRAID . . . of Grays ?!

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Canopy Contest

CRAZY … CRAZY… CRAZY !   That’s our place lately. So I multi-tasked today and combined Polyvore work with this post.  Above, the task was to create a bedroom for myself, decorated personally and including a canopy bed.  Grays have been batting my brain cells around, so I used a gray-blue color range and a few specific, spunky pieces.  Go ahead and link up for all the details.   Canopy Contest by artzzle-com

APOLOGIES FOR . . .  so few posts of late, but honest . . . I really have been working on them. What’s  happening though, is so many great ideas are flying around that, I have trouble finishing any because I need to write down another one before I forget it!

COLORS AND PAINTING . . .  are topics that have been right up front in my thoughts most often. Both because Hubs and I are working on main projects in our own home, and I’ve been researching for an upcoming series of posts.

READERS, YOU PROBABLY AREN’T SURPRISED . . .   when I say that our preferences always lean WARM. Lots of beige, browns, coppers, and like that! Well you may be shocked to hear that we’re (mostly I’m) craving a change.  We just bought new furniture pieces . . . two recliners and a cute little love seat.   Don’t get too excited yet . . . they’re brown. A beautiful soft, chocolate tone. 

NOW, THAT SAID . . .  we are changing accents and a few wall colors.  They’re running to GREEN (warm of course), and I’m bringing back a favorite, AQUA.  Not the bright, neon shades.  I’m muting them, with warm gray tones.  And speaking of gray, I’m pulling in several versions of it, and a couple of wonderful gray-blues.

ARE YOU MAKING A SOUR FACE YET . . .  at all the gray?  The nose turned up . . . the lips scrunched and grimacing?  “Grays . . . seriously?”  Well . . . YES, and let’s do get serious.  All you TREND FOLLOWERS will be on top of things with grays.  They are VERY POPULAR presently in decor.  Not only have color combos with grays as primaries, been favorite decor schemes for decades, they continue to be as useful as the beige family, for neutrals OR accents, as well.

TAKE A QUICK LOOK . . .   at the Polyvore set below.  Some of these ideas are on the mood board Hubs and I are working on.

Great Grays

IN A SERIES OF UPCOMING POSTS . . .  I’ll feature more info, ideas and examples of just why grays are so wonderful to work with.

LEAVE A COMMENT AND TELL ME  . . .  how you feel about GRAYS. Then we’ll see what you think at the end of the series. Who knows 🙂

MEANTIME . . . you know the line. Don’t stress too much, just start something.

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “ARE YOU AFRAID . . . of Grays!” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation. Outside sources are marked when available.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

The Blues

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The Blues
Hi All.
So many of us are welcoming Spring with new looks in a room or two.
We’ve often talked of monochromatic color schemes,
HERE . . . and  HERE.
You’re working with just one main color,
using tints and shades of it.
It makes choosing colors much easier,
and you know that they will work together,
because they are in the same family.
***
Studies show that blue is one of the most popular decor colors.
Trending currently are blues in the aqua hues,
so I’ve put together an inspiration board,
with fun colors, textures and patterns.
I hope these get some ideas flowing.
***
Remember, the three important basics of good design . . .
Color, Texture and Pattern
Combining these compatibly, always creates interesting spaces.
Thanks for stopping by.
Have a great weekend and as always,
don’t stress, just start!
Later – Cheryl

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This original article “The Blues” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

GREAT ways WITH GRAYS

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GREAT ways WITH GRAYS

 

Hi All.  How’s your Friday going?

Well, finally Spring has arrived . . . or at least is very close by.
While we’re all glad for better weather,
many are anxious for other changes as well.
At our house, we want to paint the main living areas.
Wait, let me rephrase that.
We both want new paint, but Hubs wants me to be the only one painting.

While we usually lean towards browns and beige,
since our BATHROOM CABINET PROJECT,
we’re going for grays.

So I’m heavy into research for gray combinations.

50scolor

True, gray tones are trendy right now.
But it’s not at all new in interior design.

In the 1950’s, gray was very popular combined with a dusty pink,
or with a low intensity turquoise.

Think “Poodle Skirts“.

ARTZZLE.COM

BETTER HOMES and GARDENS online,

BHGartzzle.com

has a wonderful article on how great gray is to use,
with nearly any accent color.

Here at our place we’ve decided on two tones of gray,
a light neutral and a mid-tone, darker shade.
As for accent colors, well . . . that’s gonna take a while yet 🙂

Have a great weekend and as always . . .
don’t stress too much, just start it.

There are lots of fun links today, so check them out!

Later – Cheryl

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This original article “GREAT ways WITH GRAYS” appeared first on Artzzle.com. No included content or photography can be used elsewhere without specific permission and accreditation to sources.

Copyright © 2013-2014 Artzzle All Rights Reserved

Daydreaming of Spring Greens

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Hi All.

Like a broken record, the winter weather goes on and on. And with two broken ribs, the discomfort continues on as well. So, I’m repeating a very early blog I posted from around this same time of that year. So many followers and readers have joined me since, so it will be new to most.

On the mend.
Later – Cheryl

ARTZZLE

The calendar says it is Spring but the weather keeps denying it. Recently, I’ve been daydreaming of all the beautiful greens of Spring. I thought how that color family is also a popular interior choice as well. Beginning decorators are especially drawn to warm greens, perhaps because we see those everyday in nature.

Greens are comfortable for guys and gals alike. They are great companions for woods, stone, ceramic and natural accessories. It’s also very easy to find coordinating fabrics that will also give you additional accent colors to use with your greens.

The featured group of three Benjamin Moore paint strips shows cool, mid-tone and warm greens. Cool green has more blue in color mixture. Mid-tones (brighter) are a more even mix of blue and yellow, and the warms have more yellow in the mixture. The lone strip is a Better Homes and Gardens sample and though not showing…

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