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Popular Posts
Ideas For ‘Picture Frame’ Wainscoting
When I meet with clients for color consultations, I often get questions about how to paint walls that feature chair rails or wainscoting — namely ‘picture frames,’ which are a series of ‘shadow’ boxes created with narrow strips of molding.
Ah, the joys of molding! We love how it adds character and architectural interest to a space, but at the same time, when it’s time to paint, we are sometimes left baffled. I don’t believe that there is a right or wrong way to paint walls that feature picture frames. Your decision really depends upon the mood you want to create. For example, if you want a dramatic, lively space, paint the inside of the picture frames using a color that contrasts with the rest of the wall. Picture frames naturally lend themselves to color, so it’s a great opportunity to add interest to your room.
Or, instead of painting, consider using a beautifully patterned wallpaper; it will turn your walls into a work of art and create an instant focal point {love this idea!}:
However, if you’re going for a clean, contemporary look, you can paint the wall and all of the molding with the same color. The result will be a more subtle, understated space. You’ll still have architectural interest but the picture frames now become the backdrop as opposed to the main feature. This is a great choice if you want a serene space or if you choose to put the focus on your furnishings.
If a traditional space is what you have in mind, use a singe color on the wall and paint the picture frames a crisp white. You can use two wall colors if you have a chair rail {one color above the chair rail and another one below it}, but make sure you’ve painted inside the picture frames using the wall color that directly surrounds them. This is a classic look that puts the emphasis on your molding, and provides tons of architectural interest:
In a traditional or cottage style, you’ll often see white wainscoting on the bottom portion of a wall, while the top half of the wall is painted a different color. While not my favorite choice, a white wainscoting does bring a light and airy feel to a room. Again, there really is no right or wrong way to approach picture frame wainscoting. You don’t have to go color crazy because the molding is already a feature. Just determine the style and mood you want to create, and go for it!
{Click on each picture to see its link.}
For more trim and molding ideas, see Ideas For Painting Your Trim.
Color Ideas Around The Web
If you’ve been looking for ideas and inspiration to make your home a bit more colorful and cozy for Christmas {and beyond}, I’m dishing out advice around the web:
Sherwin-Williams STIR:
{photos: Porter House Designs; Blik}
Been thinking about an accent wall? It’s a quick way to add color and flare to a room, but how do you know if it’s right for your space? Over at Sherwin-Williams STIR, I’m giving accent color advice — which includes an interview with Scott Flora, owner of Blik removable wall graphics.
Houzz:
{Houzz via Birdhouse Interiors}
Brown is a classic color that will always add instant coziness to your home. Learn how to select the right shade of brown by viewing my featured Ideabook over at Houzz, “Color Watch – Cozy Up With Brown.”
Design Dazzle {sneak peek}
Finally, be sure to check-in over at Design Dazzle soon – where, in my upcoming post, I’ll share gorgeous photos for creating a Girls Christmas-Chic Bedroom.
Have a great weekend!
Room For Color
I can’t believe it’s been a year since my home office {aka my Mom Cave} was featured in Apartment Therapy’s Room For Color contest!
Since then, I’ve had so many opportunities to inspire other busy women and moms to carve out a space of their own. It continues to be a wonderful blessing!
Well, over at Apartment Therapy, it’s that time again and the Room For Color Contest 2010 is in full swing. This contest offers an incredible wealth of color ideas, so check it out and be inspired {and vote for your fave}! Here is a sampling:
{Natalie’s Periwinkle and Orange Room}
{Ashley and Kevin’s ‘Kind of Blue’ Dining Room}
{Joanna’s ‘Cranberry Haze’ Living Room}
{Terri’s ‘Everything But The Kitchen Sink’ Room}
{Jen’s Motley Missoni Bathroom}
Here’s to colorful spaces everywhere, and to the courageous people who create them!
the colors of facebook
We all know that denim blue is the brand color of choice for ‘social media giant’ facebook…
…but do they have one choice color for their working environment? These photos of facebook’s corporate offices suggest not. Not just one color, that is — but instead they’ve used a palette of warm hues and gray tones.
{Check out the DJ turntables. Very convenient for after-work parties.}
I’m always fascinated by creative work spaces {did you see my post about LEGO?} because they almost always include the inventive use of color.
I’m actually surprised that the facebook offices aren’t a little more over-the-top, but it works. Often, industrial environments can look sterile and cold, but because they’ve used splashes of warm hues — mustard yellow, red, rusty orange and warm gray — the space appears somewhat cozy.
Then again, nothing really looks too comfortable. I guess when you’re on top, there is no rest for the weary.
All photos from Facebook FBML Templates.
Bohemian Inspiration
There is never a shortage of color inspiration in Bohemian interiors.
The Boho look is my favorite go-to style when I want to show clients that using a mix of colorful furnishings can be comfortable and elegant.
Beautiful interiors don’t always have to be about flawless symmetry, limited hues, and brand newness. Character comes from those things that are colorful, just a little bit quirky, and {gasp!} imperfect.
All photos from Bohemian Shoebox.
Designer Kishani Perera
I love the work of designer Kishani Perera.
Her designs capture all of the elements that I’m passionate about: color, warmth, a mix-match of furnishings, a global vibe, and a little retro-ness. All this equals a lived-in feel which gives a room comfort and character.
Perera’s masterful designs show us that we can use bold colors, thrift store/flea market finds, and new pieces all in the same room and make it look fabulous. You can see more of Kishani Perera’s work at her website.
{Kishani Perera}
Color Behind The Shelves
Painting or wallpapering the back of your bookshelves is a creative way to bring wonderful accent color into your space.
There are so many reasons why I love this living room {shown above}, for example — that delicious sofa — but my favorite thing is the shelving. Look how the back was painted with three variations of the color pink. Very hot. Here are a few other eye-catching ideas:
{domino}
Sizzling Summer Giveaway!
CONTEST CLOSED
I’m so excited to announce a colorful summer giveaway, and it’s pretty hot!
For this giveaway, I’ve teamed-up with Blissliving Home, the super-stylish lifestyle brand that’s all about ‘modern design with a global influence.’ Established in 2007 by Creator & CEO Mei Xu, Blissliving Home has become a trendsetter in the home lifestyle industry, and they are leading the way in the red-hot global design trend. I love how their products emphasize bold patterns and vivid colors, especially the pillows…and one lucky winner will get two pretty pillows in this giveaway!
The 12″ x 12″ turquoise Mallory pillow has a classic flower embroidery and feather down insert.
The 12″ x 20″ pink and green Garden pillow is trimmed in both linen and satin, and also has a feather down insert. This pillow reverses to a solid berry pink.
The winner will receive both pillows!
Here’s how to enter: Go to Blissliving Home.com and take a look at their products {you’ll find gorgeous bedding, bath and home decor items; the Fall 2010 catalog is amazing!}. Then, come back here and leave a comment on this post about any item you liked.
Additional Entry – Join Color Sizzle with Google Friend Connect {see the left sidebar}. Then, leave a second comment stating that you have done this. If you already joined previous to this giveaway, your second comment should state that you’ve already joined the ‘Colorful People.’
Each entry needs its own comment! Please note there may be a time-delay in seeing your posted comments.
Hurry! Contest ends Friday, July 23 at 12:00 noon, EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be announced July 24 in a post on this blog. The winner will have 72 hours to respond, but if fails to do so, a new winner will be selected.
Important: You must be at least 18 years-old to be eligible for this prize. This contest is open to addresses in the USA.
{Some of my favorite things from Blissliving Home}:
Bohemian Hues and Global Textiles
Be sure to read my Living Style column this month over at Sherwin-Williams’ STIR.
My latest story explores global-ethnic influences on the Bohemian design style, and I had the pleasure of interviewing two colorful and inspiring entrepreneurs:
Cristi Ambroson, owns Houston-based Tessera. Cristi regularly travels to Central Asia {and Peru} to hand-pick items for her business which includes textiles, such as suzanis and ikats, from Uzbekistan.
Based in London, Eva Sonaike owns a home furnishings label that bears her name. Eva sells luxury cushions and other unique items made with textiles from her native country of Nigeria.
Global-ethnic textiles are becoming very popular. They’re more widely available these days, and that’s having a huge impact on interior and fashion design. More people are becoming familiar with and inspired by the colors, patterns and history of these amazing fabrics.
Read more about Cristi, Eva and this sizzling trend at STIR.
UP NEXT: It’s Christmas in July…and I’m giving away something!
Bohemian Spaces For Girls
Earlier this week, I posted a story over at Design Dazzle about how to create colorful Bohemian Bedrooms for girls — except that I couldn’t share that with you because my server was DOWN FOR FIVE DAYS!! I am so just about over my hosting company. Anyway…
I just love the Boho style, especially for kids. Its such a great way for children to express their creativity and develop their individual design style. Also, by mixing in global-ethnic accents and fabrics {very essential to the Boho style}, you can also teach your kids about other cultures and countries. Not a bad idea, considering our world is growing smaller.
Read the entire post at Design Dazzle, and to learn more about Bohemian spaces and tribal textiles, check out my upcoming Living Style column in July at Sherwin-Williams’ website, STIR.
photos from domino {top photo – design by Fawn Galli}
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