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Popular Posts
Why You Should Have A Gray Room
I’ll admit it. It took me a long time to warm up to gray.
At first I couldn’t get passed associating gray with dreary days and overall gloominess. I’d seen gray spaces that I really liked, and I’ve even written about gorgeous gray rooms — but I convinced myself that gray would not work in my home because it wouldn’t vibe with my warm-autumn palette. But as I write this post, I’ve just bought a gallon of gray paint {Pussywillow by Sherwin-Williams} and my dining room, and maybe the study will be painted gray before Christmas.
{Niki Papadopoulos via houzz}
Gray has shaken off its bad rep for being drab, and it now represents glamour and sophistication. Gray is truly the “It” neutral of the moment and it will definitely remain a hot hue going into 2012.
Gray’s wild popularity has most likely been fueled by our technology-driven society {think sleek laptops}. In its other forms, gray appears as chrome, stainless steel and white gold — materials that represent a chic modern lifestyle.
Gray is definitely on trend, but that’s not why I embraced it. The more I saw gray rooms, the more I liked what I saw, and I began to notice a warmth in some of the tones. I started to really analyze this color and was struck by its many unique variations.
Not every gray works for every space. With it’s myriad of undertones, gray can look blue, green, purple, pinkish or brown. So, selecting the right gray can be tricky. The key is to compare a few different tones and then select the one that will best work with your furnishings and colors without it being too dominant. That’s because gray represents a strong emotion {i.e ‘feeling gray’ and ‘gray skies ahead’} so it’s important that your choice of gray doesn’t overwhelm the space.
For example, in my home, Pussywillow {shown above} will work because it has silvery-beige undertones which gives it just enough warmth to complement the amber colors that will surround it. It will make a better background color in my home than a bluer, cooler gray would.
The other great thing about using gray for a neutral backdrop is that it looks good with every other color on earth. The same is not always true with beige. For example, certain shades of yellow and beige combined can look like something gross. On the other hand, put any type of yellow with gray and the result is stunning:
{I also love gray with red. Photo from decorpad}
There is definitely a gray for everyone and every style. I’ve heard from some of you who live in rainy/cloudy climates {like Seattle} who say you would never consider a gray room, but this color can work for you, too. Just look for the lighter tints and embellish the room with vibrant accent colors. You’ll be surprised.
These days when it comes to color, using gray is the best way to update your home and give it a current look right now and for years to come {or at least the foreseeable future}. That’s why you {and I} should have a gray room.
Thank You!
I have so many blessings to be thankful for — including Color Sizzle readers.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Purple Spaces To Swoon Over
I can never let too much time go by before I write a post about purple!
As many of you know, my favorite colors are lavender, plum and every tint and shade in between. I’m always looking for a reason to love on purple.
So, to celebrate the design of my new blog header I’m sharing a fun collection of purple spaces. Purple people, enjoy!
{I’m obsessed with this tile! Photo by decorativehomeinterior.}
{decorativehomeinterior}
{creamylife}
Restaurant Color {The Silver Star Diner}
You may remember my eDesign post when I gave you a glimpse of my color design for The Silver Star Diner in Ontario, Canada. Well…
…I was so happy to discover that the restaurant finally opened, and from the photos I’ve seen, it looks terrific! I was so honored when the restaurant’s owner {who is also a top chef} contacted me about creating the color design for his modern diner, which was still under construction at the time.
I didn’t travel the 400+ miles to the site {although I would have gladly done so}. Instead, the owner and I exchanged sketches, drawings and photos via email, and we also had a couple of phone conversations. In the end and after several months, The Silver Star Diner opened for business earlier this year. Let me take you on a tour:
The restaurant’s owner wanted stand-out colors that would fit the diner’s modern take on tradition. He also wanted the colors to attract customers and make them feel welcome. I chose Eastlake Gold for the main color {very warm and inviting} and charcoal gray was used for the upholstered banquettes.
And for a little bling at the bar, I specified a metallic-silver upholstery for the stools.
{All paint colors are from Sherwin-Williams}
For the accents I selected fun, punch colors: Robust Orange, Gentian and Ionian. All of these colors are featured on the bar wall and on the upholstered chairs. I wanted to have the bar wall color-blocked to create a strong focal point. Then, chose Ionian for the coffee station wall:
Using ‘in-between’ colors gives a space tons of interest because they are so intriguing. In this palette, Gentian is in-between purple and blue. Ionian is a cross between green and blue.
Another great feature in this space is the ‘welcome wall’ at the front of the diner. The owner wasn’t quite sure how to treat this wall, so I suggested a silvery-gray glass mosaic tile. The idea was that the tiles would twinkle — just like stars.
Setting the mood with color is so important in commercial spaces. Just like we want to feel comfortable in our homes, we also want to feel at home in our favorite restaurant. I hope The Silver Star Diner becomes a colorful favorite for many!
Photos by: Class Act Productions; Reclaimed
Crimson and Cream Christmas
Are you ready for the Holiday season? This year, I’m gearing up early and looking for inspiration…
…So, today’s post features a tried-and-true traditional Christmas color scheme — Crimson and Cream. {The photo above is from countryliving.com}
{I love the simplicity and whimsy of this festive space from homeklondike.com}
{For the cupcake display shown above, I purchased red velvet cupcakes and added the peppermints on top; then I arranged them on a red cake plate. Quick and easy!}
Delicious dessert table ideas from highlowfooddrink.com}
{keepingthechristmasspiritalive365}
{These pretty ornaments are available from homedecorators.com}
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