Search Results for: dark gray

January 6th, 2014 No Comments

this week’s color palette: neutral whites

Continuing with neutrals this week I have selected some of my favorite whites that all have a bit of gray in them- even though the computer doesn’t show the colors as they really look. The exception would be Picket Fence which is a darker neutral. These shades of white change throughout the day when they are in your home. Decorators White is my go-to white when I need a clean white for cabinets, moldings etc.. All paint swatches are from Benjamin Moore Paints. Above are some beautiful neutral knitted scarves from Purl Soho, a wonderful shop in New York City … Read more

December 30th, 2013 No Comments

Color Palette: Blues and Neutrals in 2014

As we look ahead to 2014 this week, as far as color predictions, Pantone’s color of the year is “Radiant Orchid” while Benjamin Moore shows us the “New Neutrals” in soft shades of blues, violets, grays, tans and even pale peach- a bit similar to this inspiration photo above. My favorite color is blue but taking a cue from this photograph, folding in neutrals like gray and a creamy tan really seem to elevate it to a more sophisticated and very usable color palette when designing a home. The darkest color is wonderful for lower kitchen cabinets, bathroom … Read more

October 31st, 2013 No Comments

10 kitchen design tips for a classic kitchen

When designing a kitchen it can be quite overwhelming, I know. There are a lot of choices to consider. Here are a few quick tips to consider if you’d like that classic look to your a kitchen. 1. When in doubt, use a white subway tile backsplash, it is a classic choice and goes with most any cabinet style. 2. If you would like to have color in your kitchen cabinets, but you are not sure how to infuse it, keep the color on your lower cabinets (like you see above) and select white upper cabinets. This keeps the kitchen … Read more

August 29th, 2013 No Comments

how to create a soft look to your home

Ever look at a picture like this and wonder why you can’t quite create this soft soothing look to your own home? First it starts with the floors. A dark wood floor would not give you this overall look. By staining your floors a soft gray or even a white you can begin laying in this soft palette. (Minwax has several grays to choose from.) If you don’t want to stain your existing floors another color then choose a large area rug in a soft gray, light pale blue or cream and have it cover most all of your … Read more

August 20th, 2013 No Comments

summer table settings made up of bountiful vegetables (and where those glasses should actually be placed)

This table setting caught my eye. As I noted yesterday golds are still making a showing for tabletop items, from candles to candle sticks to flatware. It’s slowly been folded into the trend market for the past 5 years and it’s still holding tight. But let’s talk about summer vegetables for centerpieces, votives and even salt cellars. How creative this is to use lettuce as individual salt and pepper cellars- and a radish hollowed out for a votive holder. These are clever ideas and using vegetables as your centerpiece in late summer certainly can be elegant and seasonal. Using a … Read more

May 13th, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: blueberry blues

Blue is my favorite color, so I love experimenting with blues. I think I mentioned my whole beach house is in shades of blues, whites and gray, with my dining room and TV room painted in Benjamin Moore’s blue note 2129-30, which you can see in my kitchen palette post. Shades of blue from room to room or dark blues used for doors or molding trim can be very striking. Consider outdoor furniture in blue too, it can look crisp and clean with white or a shade of blue cushions and less harsh than black patio furniture. My painter taught … Read more

April 22nd, 2013 No Comments

this week’s color palette: orange and red with gold, pink and green accents

This week’s color palette is inspired by a ‘street style’ photo from Elle. Orange and red, being wonderful warm colors can look beautiful with gold accessories, like you see here with the model’s jewelry. But if you love this palette for your home, think about gold accents, like hardware, lights, decor accents or even gold end tables.  When you find a photo that really inspires you, look closely because it’s usually something about all the elements together that attract you. So take for instance her light gray bag, the dark brown buttons, the dark green foliage and even the … Read more

March 25th, 2013 4 Comments

this week’s color palette: seaside blues and white in my farmhouse kitchen by the beach

House Beautiful published my kitchen in their April 2013 issue. I’m honored that they chose it as their “Kitchen of the Month”. I thought I’d share with you the photos from the magazine & link you to the story so you can read it yourself. There are several tips for small spaces- like under-counter refrigeration and a vent for the stove that pops up from behind the range- freeing the space of a giant hood.  I’d also like to share with you the Benjamin Moore paint colors of this kitchen in case you like the blues. … Read more

December 27th, 2012

6 of my favorite new neutral paints from benjamin moore’s color stories line

As much as we talk about color and what the new ‘it’ color trend will be this year, I started talking about whites and creams at the beginning of the week to close the year.  Neutrals are a great backdrop for these pops of color that all the shelter magazines endorse and realistically what most homes are painted. Not many people venture out to paint a room a bold red, or a cobalt blue or a sunflower yellow I have found during my work. Most people ask for a calming, perfect neutral color. And really, if you plan to sell … Read more

October 10th, 2012 No Comments

vintage tabletop pieces make great hostess gifts

Vintage pieces are always great to pick up at flea markets or antique markets either as gifts or for the upcoming holidays. If you don’t have time to hit the markets my shop has a few pieces like napkin rings, sugar spoon sets with mother of pearl spoons etc.. These make wonderful hostess gifts too if you are invited to someone else’s home for the holidays. Felt placemats are also a nice gift. My shop carries them in this blue you see pictured above or in a dark charcoal gray. We also carry felt trivets, bags and … Read more