Category: paint colors

Who’s Ready For Summer?

Who’s ready for summer?

who's-ready-for-summer

Dave the Builder snapped the pic of my brother’s freshly cleaned swimming pool right before he dove in.

A cool summer splash revives the mind and refreshes the body on a hot summer afternoon.

All winter long we wished for summer, and believe me, the great genie of hot with a huge dose of humidity granted our wish.

Do be careful what you ask for.

forecast

If summer means I get to color my summer world with tropical brights, fresh and green right off the farm to table seasonal vegetables and fruits, and accents in the so summer appropriate classic color combination of pink and green then I say bring it on.

summer-paint-colors

Sherwin-Williams

farmers-market-summerEd Lester Farms ~ Coushatta, Louisiana via Janohn’s (Official FB Page)

pink-and-green-breakfast-areaTraditional Home

I am seriously considering developing a signature paint color in a stunning shade of pink to pay homage to my first true color love.

The name of my paint color?

I pink therefore I am.

I have a long history with the color pink. My first design and decorating endeavor dates back to the late 1960s, when my very brave and trusting Mother allowed me carte blanche with the paint color and wallpaper selections for my bedroom.

The standout feature of this wallpaper was the texture.

The colors and pattern design captured the flower child chic groovy sign of the times, but it was the the texture of this wallpaper that made an impression on me.

sweetie“Sweetie” by Inaltéra

I love the summer of 1968 movie With Six You Get Eggroll, starring Doris Day and Brian Keith.

vintage retro wallpaper daisies

Retro Wallpaper

Inspiration is everywhere.

with six you get eggroll master bedroom

I don’t believe it a mere coincidence that my bedroom design and decorating choices closely mirrored the master bedroom of the McClure residence as shown below.

benjamin-moore-sweet-16Benjamin Moore sweet 16 pink

Summer is a three month fest of vacations, outdoor living it up entertaining, interior updates and refreshes with summer colors, patterns and textures and relaxing on the patio, porch or deck with a cool beverage embracing the lazy days of summer.

Who’s ready for summer?

Love your style!

 

The Season of Louisiana Gulf Coastal Style

Certain decor styles have a season, and now is the season of Louisiana Gulf Coastal style.

Louisiane gulf coast map

The decor style displayed throughout your home is a 365 day a year love your style affair, but at certain times of the calendar year the appeal of particular decor styles is heightened.

Brown_Pelican3The Brown Pelican – The Official State Bird of Louisiana

Louisiana is a mixed bag of decor styles, dishes and dialects.

Oyster-shuckLouisiana Cookin’

Among the Victorian, Acadian, Creole, French, Spanish and European influences is the Sportman’s Paradise belle of the decorating ball, Louisiana Gulf coastal style.

One Kings Lane Vintage Silvered Oyster Shell Lamp Finials - Set of 2Vintage Silvered Oyster Shell Lamp Finials – Set of 2

Uttermost Oyster Aged Ivory Shell Sculptures (Set of 2)

Uttermost Oyster Aged Ivory Shell Sculptures (Set of 2)

Welcoming_beach,_Louisiana

Cue the magnolias, John James Audubon prints, pelicans, oyster and turtle shells, eclectic objets d’art of beach and bayou and blue and white porcelain.

Pink Backed Pelican

Pink Backed Pelican

fish-set-lobster-plates

Fish Set Including a Large Platter and Six 1960s French Porcelain Oyster Plates

Louisiana+Map+Graphic+Art+Print+on+Canvas

Louisiana Gulf coastal style

Mercana Gold Resin Turtle Shell Storage Box Box Tabletop Decoration

Antique-Turtles-_26-Shells-III-Premium-Gallery-Wrapped-Canvas---Ready-to-Hang

Antique Turtles Shells III Premium Gallery Wrapped Canvas

iCanvas "Alligator Sketch" by Ethan Harper Canvas Print

iCanvas “Alligator Sketch” by Ethan Harper Canvas Print

Stupell Industries Alligator in Business Suit Men's Fashion Reptile Canvas Wall Art

Stupell Industries Alligator in Business Suit Men’s Fashion Canvas Wall Art

Grand-Bazaar-Radiance-Hand-knotted-Wool-Viscose-Area-Rug

Grand Bazaar Radiance Hand Knotted Wool Viscose Area Rug

Louisiana Gulf coastal style blurs the lines of traditional coastal style in a let’s build upon a classic way.

Blue_crabBlue Crab found on the Southern Louisiana Coast

coastal-palette-f

Create a custom piece by replacing existing cabinet hardware with decorative cabinet knobs.

It’s amazing how a piece can go from to plain to pizzazz with the addition of decorative embellishments.

cabinet knob trio

Table lamps and wall sconces are like jewelry in that these are the accessories that complete the look.

driftwood-sconce-silverRegina Andrew Design Driftwood Sconce

Corfu Coastal Blue Striped 32-inch Table Lamp

Corfu Coastal Blue Striped 32-inch Table Lamp

shell shaped wall sconce light

Shelly Wall Sconce

Gwen Table Lamps, Set of 2

Gwen Table Lamps, Set of 2

grand-isle-louisiana

palette-coastal-colorsSherwin-Williams

LC_body_of_water

We take just enough decorating liberty with traditional coastal to make it our own, enhancing the look with a dash of native to Louisiana flavor without walking too terribly far way from the core notes.

Louisiana-coastal-designJarod A. Hebert Architect, LLC

cyan-design-driftwood-table-lamp

Cyan Design Driftwood Table Lamp

Wyeth Cream Accent Table

Wyeth Cream Accent Table

Noble House Petes Club Chair, Beige and Dark Brown

Noble House Petes Club Chair, Beige and Dark Brown

Scouted décor additions to further complement and enhance the Louisiana Gulf coastal style aesthetic.

Roah Rustic Solid Wood 27-inch Trestle Side Table - Off White

Roah Rustic Solid Wood 27-inch Trestle Side Table – Off White

Haveli Mango Wood Night Chest - Brown

Haveli Mango Wood Night Chest – Brown

Safavieh-Handmade-Ikat-Madyson-Modern-Wool-Rug

Safavieh Handmade Ikat Madyson Wool Rug

Jalen+W+Linen+Balloon+Chair

Linen Balloon Chair

Florence 6-Drawer 2-Door Carved Sideboard

Florence 6-Drawer 2-Door Carved Sideboard

Windsor-Floor-Lamp-wood

Windsor Floor Lamp

White Washed Rattan End Table

White Washed Rattan End Table

Furniture of America Jill Modern Metal Crocodile Textured End TableFurniture of America Jill Modern Metal Crocodile Textured End Table

A maddening search of warehouse and storeroom for my Great blue Heron John James Audubon print got this Louisiana Gulf coastal style party started.

Audubon-blue-heronAudubon Oppenheimer Octavo Edition, Pl. 369 Great blue Heron

Great-blue-Heron

garden-crane-statue-set

Bronze Cranes

Avalon-Rattan-Bar

Avalon Rattan Bar

Accents and accessories-

Bryn Modern Coastal Table Lamp in Rattan

Bryn Modern Coastal Table Lamp in Rattan

Gold Polyresin Coastal Fish Sculpture

Black Crocodile Removable WallpaperBlack Crocodile Removable Wallpaper

Hanging the Great blue Heron print in the dining room is under decorative consideration, and the best way to rule it in or rule it out is to actually hang it before the second and final coat of paint.

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Decor

Metallic Gold Alligator Sculpture Table Decor

I do this often when it is convenient.

If I decide against the piece, Dave simply caulks the nail hole and we’re on to bigger and better items.

Great-blue-Heron-Audubon

Updated to reflect the decision to add the print to the dining room décor along with a few new pieces.

dining-room-gallery-wall

Driftwood_on_the_beach,_Louisiana

The natural color palette so beautifully found along the sands and water’s edge of the Gulf Coast inspires the softer shades of traditional coastal colors.

coastal-paint-colors

Sherwin-Williams

Natural Brown and Clear Glass Wood-Framed Rectangle Console Table with Natural Branch Sculpture Base

Brown and Clear Glass Wood Rectangle Console Table

Coastal cocktails anyone?

Drumaridly+3-Shelf+Bar+Cart (2)

Addison 3-shelf Multi-use Cart by Greyson Living

Louisiana-shells-on-coast

I believe we can all agree that summer is the season of coastal décor style, and the popularity of Louisiana Gulf coastal style is simply experiencing its day in the sun.

Love your style!

Inspiring Gray Rooms

The popularity of inspiring gray rooms proves the crush the design and decorating faithful is stronger than ever.

gray-cottage-pantry-with-gray-plank-trim

 Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

There’s been no break-up with or we’re done color revelation.

In fact, most of us asked gray to move in and stay awhile.

Behr

Gray is experiencing quite the color your world love affair with many a living room, bedroom and kitchen.

Design and decorating relationships between a proven color base of space and go-to neutral is color palette perfection; one that beautifully creates flawless and inspiring gray rooms.

decorating with gray as a neutral colorBetter Homes and Gardens

“The tones of gray, pale turquoise and pink will prevail.”

-Christian Dior

gray-pink-green-wallpaper-throw-pillows

Mayme Baker Studio

Neutral colors are no longer being thought of as dull, boring or unimaginative home decorating, accents, paint and furnishings options.

As seen in the image above, gray is a strong neutral- a formidable color that refuses to simply fade away into the background of the wallpaper, chandelier patina, or the headboard.

The tones subtlety take control, guiding the eye to the prevalent and pronounced color pops.

Traditional-Oriental-Area-Rug-Grey

Traditional Oriental Area Rug Grey

Colors and patterns play so well together on this stylish playground.

dark-gray-wallpaper-on-back-of-light-gray-built-ins

 Lark and Grace Interiors

As the color foundation of the space, gray does not overpower nor underwhelm.  It this case, however, the different shades do command attention to detail.

Toronto Custom Home

Recognized in design circles as a space changing tour de force, a gray color palette exhibits the decorative power trio we all look for in design and decorative execution- drama, elegance and style.

gray-wallsArchitectural Digest

Accent colors take to the depth gray offers, proving its impressive ability for enhancing color and creating flawless gray areas.  

gray-mudroom-lockers-with-wood-and-leather-pulls

Chango & Co.

It is quite an amazing and appreciated foundation shade.  

gray-round-wall-mirror

Antique Rustic Iron Chippendale Inspired Wall Mirror - Gray

Antique Rustic Iron Chippendale Inspired Wall Mirror – Gray

Gray is a stunning neutral, a color that has come into its own as both an elegant anchor and palette powerhouse.

Benjamin Dhong Interior DesignBenjamin Dhong Interiors

Complementing shades of gray frames the walls, marble floors and millwork as an interior design work of art.

gray-bathroomArchitectural Digest

Nine impressive shades of gray from Benjamin Moore paints ~

Shades-of-Gray-Benjamin-Moore

Ashley Gray || Revere Pewter || Gray Owl || Silver Chain || Stonington Gray || City Shadow || Street Chic || Smoke & Mirrors || Perspective

gray-colors-Giclee- Canvas-Art-Print

As the base or simply as the focal accent color, gray is color capable.

Linon Cora Roll Back Tufted Chair

Linon Cora Roll Back Tufted Chair

If that is not reason enough to consider incorporating the color gray in your décor take a look at the gorgeous image below.

Shades of gray, when paired with elegant accents in think outside the matchy-matchy box contrasting colors, give the space its personality and command a sublime reaction.

Love your style!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand Recognition and Interior Decorating Ideas Association

Brand recognition and interior decorating ideas association influences the market and the buying public.

Shopping in retail, grocery, electronics, big box, dollar and home improvement stores for the items that keep the all things house that make a home process up, running and connected is what you make out of it.

Some love the thrill of the shop, search and source while others find the process about us much fun as spending the day in the dentist chair getting a root canal.

My approach and attitude toward this necessary ritual is rooted, no pun intended, in the glass half full it’s what you make of it attitude.

640px-Coles_South_City_aisle_1Commons

I have a resourceful tool of spin I use when the aisles begin to close in- a friendly game of brand recognition and the interior decorating ideas association.

I am not endorsing or granting preferential product treatment or mention, but it’s not hard to connect the dots.

This is simply a shared exercise that serves as just another source of inspiration for incorporating beauty, color and style into the day.

Quaker-Oats-LogoThe Quaker Oats Company

The stately portrait of the white haired gentleman framed in attire and colors befitting the home of the red, white and blue is the brand hallmark of a classic breakfast cereal.

This famous logo never fails to bring to mind the Federal era, American antiques and star spangled decor.

federal-paletteHouse Beautiful

Well, hello!

Talk about gorgeous on a most colorful scale.

bright color decorHouse Beautiful

Going boldly with bold color, furnishings in unique form and placement, and pattern play perfection are design and decor treatments that will have people talking.

black white marbleBlack and White Marble

Black and white and basic.

Or is it?

Twenty odd years ago a major grocery chain in our area introduced a line of generic brand products packaged in no-frill black and white packaging.

I mean this packaging was straightforward and to the point with white being the predominate color choice accompanied by plain text black lettering.

black white tablescapeDomino

One would think the plain, ordinary, lackluster, non-descriptive packaging would have faded into shelf obscurity, but not in this case.

The complete opposite effect took place, and the basic packaging stood out above all the others.

Why?

I can only venture a guess, but I think as eye catching as colorful and bold packaging can be, it served as a frame to draw the eye and attention to the generic brand and away from all others.

black-white-bedroomThe Glitter Guide

Visually commanding focal points are not decoratively exclusive to interior design and home decor accents.

The generic brand packaging successfully caught the eye in spite of the basic branding.

Less is more proved brilliant in this case.

Connecting the dots to decorating yet?

 Kate Jackson Design

It is amazing how many brands utilize the color combination green and blue in product packaging.

I’m beginning to catch on to the genius behind this clever marketing choice.

It’s hard to deny the power of this color combination and the association of it to the calm and cool coastal waters of Any Beach, USA.

From sea to salad, tranquility sells, sales and sails!

coastal-paint-colors

The next time you are shopping, searching and sourcing, remember this decorating exercise in brand recognition and interior decorating ideas association.

Inspiration is everywhere!

Love your style!

Look Who’s Making Changes Now

Spare time is a hot commodity around our house lately. Busy is good, but it makes finding the time to concentrate on and complete in house projects difficult.  Our dining room redo project came to an abrupt halt when the first and second paint sample choices on the wall fell short of decorative expectation. It’s taken a while to bring this dining room redo to fruition, but look who’s making changes now.  Two gallons of Valspar Creme Fraiche and decorative determination lead the charge to change.

Valspar-creme-fraiche

Lantern love has made its way from outdoor fixture to dining room focal point. To glass pane, or not to glass pane, that is the question bugging the &#$! out of me.

lantern

I’m going to bring you all into the loop, answering the question of why I work around the dark (very dark) dining room furniture.  For those of you who do not know, my parents live with me and Dave the Builder. The dining room furniture belongs to my parents, and under the circumstances surrounding the reason why they live with us in the first place, Dave and I have made many concessions regarding furniture.  One of my recent Facebook posts includes the Franklin D. Roosevelt quote, “Peace, like charity, begins at home.”  I can attest to the truth in that statement!

lantern-fixture1That’s Better!

Coming back around to topic- the combination of the dark wall color, the absence of natural light, and the dark Mahogany dining furniture brought me to my this has got to go moment.  As much as I hate to do it, an impending breakup with an old favorite, Sherwin-Williams Fired Brick, is a must.

captains-chair

Going with a different fixture and repainting the space in a lighter shade of gorgeous did wonders to light the way to change.  Now we are getting somewhere.  Repurposing and editing from within gave me the idea to replace the Chippendale captain’s chairs with a matching set of upholstered arm chairs. The look is looking like it will strike the right amount of both visual and style mix balance.

dining-room-redo

As it is with interior design and interior decorating projects, accents and accessories often must be introduced in stages as the install advances. Trial, error, patience and two coats go with the territory.  Stay tuned.

Love your style!