Tag Archives: color

A January Jumpstart

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The house looked a little empty today,
with the Christmas color packed away.
Even though the day was sunny and bright,
I’m too tired and lazy, to set things right.
From my favorite chair, I took to the net,
to see what inspiration I could get.
Color and clean lines are two boosters for me,
add some great displays to make it three.

Enjoy the pics and explore the source links. They’re sure to jump start your January!

 

Upon discovering this photo quite some time ago, I literally gasped and knew it had to be saved for a future post. A wonderful example of how display can be so very simple but achieve such breathtaking reactions.

Loft Living contemporary-living-room

This is from one of my HOUZZ Ideabooks “Color”. It’s really In Your Face but in a nice way.

Colourful, Fresh Family Home contemporary-bedroom

Ah, can I ever stress “Simple” enough? Substitute “easy” if that’s the word you prefer. Either way, this look could be done by anyone, It just made me smile.

Boys Rooms traditional-kids

Speaking of smiling.

Glencoe Living and Dining Room traditional-living-room

Simple, simple, simple but so effective! Okay, you get the idea.

Yellow Wallpaper contemporary-family-room

Everything just fantastic here and it all works together perfectly. Wonderful display with my three “C’s” Clean, Comfortable, Colorful. Wow.

Bountiful traditional-bedroom

I’m not even much of a “yellows” gal but how could anyone not enjoy this (at least just to look at)!

Guest Bedroom modern-bedroom

And MORE color here! Ahh. And once again, simple. Start with a neutral wall color (will work with lots of themes), choose an inspiration piece (the beautiful toss pillow), bring in colors from that item and finally add an accent color for some extra pizzazz. Here it’s the coral flowers on the nightstand. This is also a great example of some of the “rules” I use. The nightstand has 3 simple items at 3 different heights. There are 3 smaller toss pillows and yes, only two bigger pillows BUT together, you’re still working with an odd number in your display. Unlike what we’ve always been told, ODD is good, DIFFERENT is delightful.

Remember decorating is personal so make it “YOU”. And don’t forget that decor rules are the stairway to your design, but it’s OK to skip a few steps. My Magic #3 is a suggested place to start, but once you get your motor revved up, take off down your own road.

Bedtime contemporary-bedroom

Think my guests would appreciate this guest room. I sure would.

Metal decor collection contemporary-family-room

And finally, sometimes we just need things to be black and white.

This is such fun, I could go on forever, but have to get going on my house. Well, I’m cheered and this has kicked me into, if not HIGH Gear, at least to a bit more driven speed. So I best get goin’ while the gettin’s good!

January can sometimes be gloomy, but find ways to stay positive and you’ll stay productive too!  We’ll talk again soon.  Leave a comment and it’ll be even sooner 😀

Have a most Happy New Year.

Later – Cheryl

You’ve just read “A January Jumpstart” featured first on Artzzle.com. You’re invited to ask a question or leave a comment. I look forward to your input.

 

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Following Trends … or NOT

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Long time readers know that in the past two years, Hubs and I have been redoing the cabinetry in our little house.

The one and only bathroom was attacked first,  with B4’s featured here and resulting AFTER’s here.

It was not too difficult, but very time consuming.  When finished, we decided to live with it for a bit, wanting to evaluate the products chosen, to see how they held up under wear and tear.  And then too, we were just pooped and needed a break.

The kitchen project ahead, took more consideration.  Go with all one color on those cabinets, or the two-color combination, then a big TREND.

And if two colors were used, would uppers be one, and lowers another?  Would everything on the walls be the same and only the island different?  While on break, a color strip from our local True Value store was agreed upon, and a dark tone from that was used for a quick redo on our island.

Newly Redone Kitchen Island

Through the next year, we painted all upper cabinets in a lighter tone (from that strip), and the remaining lowers were done to match the island.  Will the two-color look go out of style?  Honestly, we don’t care.  Our decisions were based strictly on what we liked and thought we’d enjoy for a long time to come.

Artzzle KITCHENS, COUSINS and CABINETS feature

AND, it’ll be just fine, because . . . we’re not going through all that again … at least not for a very.long.time!

There needn’t have been any worries about styles, then or now.  Trends in kitchens continue to be varied in styles and materials, as well as colors.

The HGTV newsletter recently featured this great collection of kitchens.  Every color – or combination of, along with woods, steel, glass, copper.  And cabinets – modern, closed, glass doors and/or open shelving.

HKITC108_After-Full-Kitchen-Orange-Cabinets_4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725

Above is one of my favorites from the article.  Ya all know I love cozy spaces, AND the color orange, of course.

GH2012_Kitchen-01-4-Hero_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725

↑↑  Here’s a definitely different look . . . and unique combination of materials.

DP_Renewal-Design-Build-White-Kitchen_s3x4.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.1288

↑↑   This could be considered a combination of old and new looks, with the glass doors and open shelving.  Nice use of small spaces.

H2DSW206_Blue-Kitchen-2_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.966.725

↑↑ Talk about color.

Be sure to check it out.  The article has 100 different lovelies to look at.

TIP:  Treat Trends as Treacherous Territory
TREND is one of the words to be used very selectively in decorating. There are always certain looks, colors, objects and so on, that are popular at any given moment. That’s fine and can be fun when with small items or a can of paint; things that can be easily and cost effectively changed out.

TIP:  Take time with MAJOR decisions, changes & purchases
Make sure you go with something you like, enjoy and will be comfortable with for an extended time.  Don’t do something big, just because someone says it’s the trend.

When in doubt, it usually works out to go a bit more neutral in expensive areas, and dress them up with smaller items as “trends” change.

I’ve never really cared to fit myself into y specific “Style”.  I approach decor and design differently, especially when working with others, and that “what style am I” question comes up.  For me, it’s important to stress that they explore and not to trap themselves into one concentrated look.

We’ll talk again soon.  Meanwhile, do a little decorating to chase away those January gray days.

Later – Cheryl

A January Jumpstart

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6

The house looks a little empty today,
with the Christmas color packed away.
Even though the day was sunny and bright,
I’m tired out and lazy tonight,
with slim initiative to set the place right.

So, from my favorite chair, I took to the net,
to see what inspiration I could get.
Color and clean lines are two boosters for me,
add some great displays to make it three.

Enjoy the pics and explore the links for their sources. They’re sure to jumpstart your January!

Upon discovering this photo quite some time ago, I literally gasped and knew it had to be saved for a future post. A wonderful example of how display can be so very simple but achieve such breathtaking reactions.

Loft Living contemporary-living-room

This is from one of my HOUZZ Ideabooks “Color”. It’s really In Your Face but in a nice way.

Colourful, Fresh Family Home contemporary-bedroom

Ah, can I ever stress “Simple” enough? Substitute “easy” if that’s the word you prefer. Either way, this look could be done by anyone, It just made me smile.

Boys Rooms traditional-kids

Speaking of smiling.

Glencoe Living and Dining Room traditional-living-room

Simple, simple, simple but so effective! Okay, you get the idea.

Yellow Wallpaper contemporary-family-room

Everything just fantastic here and it all works together perfectly. Wonderful display with my three “C’s” Clean, Comfortable, Colorful. Wow.

Bountiful traditional-bedroom

I’m not even much of a “yellows” gal but how could anyone not enjoy this (at least just to look at)!

Guest Bedroom modern-bedroom

And MORE color here! Ahh. And once again, simple. Start with a neutral wall color (will work with lots of themes), choose an inspiration piece (the beautiful toss pillow), bring in colors from that item and finally add an accent color for some extra pizzazz. Here it’s the coral flowers on the nightstand. This is also a great example of some of the “rules” I use. The nightstand has 3 simple items at 3 different heights. There are 3 smaller toss pillows and yes, only two bigger pillows BUT together, you’re still working with an odd number in your display. Unlike what we’ve always been told, ODD is good, DIFFERENT is delightful.

Remember decorating is personal so make it “YOU”. And don’t forget that decor rules are the stairway to your design, but it’s OK to skip a few steps. My Magic #3 is a suggested place to start, but once you get your motor revved up, take off down your own road.

Bedtime contemporary-bedroom

Think my guests would appreciate this guest room. I sure would.

Metal decor collection contemporary-family-room

And finally, sometimes we just need things to be black and white.

This is such fun, I could go on forever, but have to get going on my house. Well, I’m cheered and this has kicked me into, if not HIGH Gear, at least to a bit more driven speed. So I best get goin’ while the gettin’s good!

January can sometimes be gloomy, but find ways to stay positive and you’ll stay productive too!  We’ll talk again soon.  Leave a comment and it’ll be even sooner 😀

Before I sign off, I want to thank the author of Leaf and Twig for allowing me to use her beautiful photo in my newest header.  Hope you enjoy it and the background change.
Have a most Happy New Year.

Later – Cheryl

You’ve just read “A January Jumpstart” featured first on Artzzle.com. You’re invited to ask a question or leave a comment. I look forward to your input.

 

Fall’s Finale

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Sharing Nature’s splendor today

Fall Finale

Some last bits of color as Fall slips away

Fall Finale

No matter the weather, there yet seems to be

Fall Finale

Each day, still a bit of beauty to see

Fall Finale

Forward, as early darkness descends

Fall's Finale

We’ll be staying inside with our floral friends

Wishes to all for a wonderful weekend,
and a safe one for all of you deer hunters!

Later – Cheryl

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

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

With a Little Time and a Little Space

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You’ve got a nice little update for your place.
And don’t worry … NO SEWING today.

Lately, I’ve been talking “decorating” with lots of lovely ladies … in lots of age groups.  Nothing too unusual, but it interesting to hear two commonalities across the board.  The first, and most discussed area was Color; how to choose it, where/when to use it.  This is such a key part in décor, but clearly one that’s a huge cause of concern for many.  It’s a topic that could consume thousands of posts and today we’re talking “time” so we’ll visit Color another day.

The other issue popping up often was Space.  Funny, but not one gal complained about TOO MUCH SPACE.  No one said “My place is just too big to do anything with!”  You may agree with the real problem though, which of course, was not enough space … for furniture, for storage, to show off all our stuff.

Let’s tackle an easy tip today, on using extra spaces that people often overlook.

Now … you’ve been bad … so I’m making you sit in the Corner!
Seriously, corners are the most available, yet ignored, wasted spaces.  We all have em’ but few of us use them effectively.  And there is so much more we can do with corners, besides send the bad kid there!  No dunce hats now!

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Here’s our corner; pretty tiny with the longest wall at 49 inches from corner to window, and the smallest at 34 inches .  The smaller section is on the primary wall, the one you see directly when viewing or entering this room.

I began with house shopping, to find a few possible things to use.  Then we considered the furniture pieces presently in the room, along with others in different rooms. Let’s try three different items.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Doesn’t work. Much too small.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Better but still not right.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

For a change, we decided to try the clock … something different.  This is fine.  Nice scale and balance

Included this next photo (below) to demonstrate what I call “The Dance Hall Effect”.  When I was little, my dad had a band that played for Saturday night dances throughout the county.  Many times we would either find them, or move them ourselves … chairs pushed up against the walls, way off the center floor, to open up enough space to dance.  It’s a must for dance halls but a big No-No for homes.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Don’t you agree that the angle works better, at least in this instance?

This cute little barrel was in a workroom but we needed a side table here.  A copper tray in the kitchen cabinets, fit perfectly on top.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

In most instances, I feel a side table AND lamp, are needed for each seating area.  Here the lamp was not necessary and wasn’t working with the table, so it was removed. Add a little pretty and a little texture … that’s my mantra … well at least one of them.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Still not quite right. Let’s add a little texture and more height for interest.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

This is our final look for the corner.

All told, this project really took very little time, and uses space that had been had been empty.

I’m often speaking about my collections and favorite items.  Since there’s Time in the title of this post, before I go, thought I’d share with you some of the clocks hanging around our place.

Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space
Artzzle Feature: Little Time & Little Space

Just a teaser for next time …

Contemporary Living Room contemporary-living-room

Well, guys and gals, as always, don’t stress too much about it, just start that project.

Gracie says Good Night.

Artzzle Feature: Gracie Mae

 

 

Later – Cheryl

Sunday Scenes

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Sunday has provided time . . . to consider thoughts of many kinds.

A mid- summer Sunday
Trees swing and sway
Clouds intermittent, white to gray

ARTZZLE.COM

***

My living room has creams and browns
and lots of straight lines can be found.

ARTZZLE.COM
Seeing below, I want some rounds
And need to add more color!

BHG August PublicationSource:  Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, August Issue

***

Saw my girls yesterday
Realized how time slips away
ARTZZLE.COM

From little ones to keep in tow
See how quickly they did grow.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

***

Here’s one more pretty for you today
Then I must be on my way 🙂

ARTZZLE.COM

Glad you stopped by again.
Remember now, don’t stress too much, just go ahead with something.

Later – Cheryl

*** This original article “Sunday Scenes” 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

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

***
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

Do You Remember These?

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  Hi All.

DON’T  WORRY  . . .
today’s post IS NOT a rerun!
It’s just a fun new project with items you may remember
from past articles.

Do you remember these?
On one of my “Junk Trips” last summer . . .

ARTZZLE.COM

I found all these wonderful wooden pieces,
and mentioned them HERE 

And most of you . . . even Newer Readers, will probably recognize . . .
the wall artwork in this picture

ARTZZLE.COM

Followers with me from the get-go . . .
may remember the same painting . . .

ARTZZLE.COM

hung in a different direction.
The art piece was done years ago. I needed something BIG and colorful.
And everyone knows how manically changeable I am,
so I wanted options there too.

ARTZZLE.COM

One afternoon, as I woke from a nap,
sleepy eyes caught a wonderful pattern.
reflected from a multi-paned window,
great lines and shapes in light and shadows.
On that day, and at the same time for the next two days,
I worked to capture the design on my drawing pad.

After scaling it up proportionately,
Hubs cut a piece of plywood in that size.
I graphed out my design . . . and began to paint,
using colors from throughout my home.
When the paint was completely dry,
I came in with a narrow brush and some metallic copper paint (by Behr),
and carefully trimmed each section with a thin copper border line.
Hubs added a simple, modern look frame and it was finished.

WELL . . . it met my initial wants and needs,
BIG, BRIGHT and CHANGEABLE.
I could hang it several ways,
and I painted new colors whenever I wanted.

BUT, there was always something not quite right. Know what I mean?
Oldest son and youngest daughter
are always my best “art” sounding boards.
We all agreed that it was lacking . . . it was boring, it was too FLAT.

ARTZZLE.COM

Well . . . FINALLY, the other day . . . I had this idea.
In Hubs’ shop, I rounded up some of my barn sale junk
and raw walnut pieces,
and an odd collection of small, miscellaneous items.
I just played with them, placing them randomly
on the painting until satisfied.
I then used wood glue to adhere the items to the painting’s surface.

ARTZZLE.COM

After waiting for two days, to assure that
even the heaviest pieces were attached,
I had more fun, playing with some fun-tac and small accent items.

ARTZZLE.COM

The pictures show the succession of arrangements.

ARTZZLE.COM

My final look . . . ( or should I say, present look ) is below.

ARTZZLE.COM

I hung a cup from the hooked wooden piece,
and tacked it’s saucer flat to the surface.
I am crazy for wooden branches and included two.
And finally, I printed an excerpt from a Van Gogh painting I favor,
then cut pieces of it to use as inner liners on three of the wooden items.
The larger figurines and dishes used, are of a Japanese theme.
Birds, butterflies and a Victorian styled medallion were also included.

So the painting is no longer boring and flat.
I’m happy . . . for now, at least, ha ha.
It would be fun to know what you think of my collage.

As always, thanks for stopping by.
And don’t stress too much, just start that project.

Later – Cheryl

***
This original article “Do You Remember These” 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