Time for a makeover ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BxOtftVKhHWJsL-_J2as-aosDy7uA2_ZR9SRKcwId05CHxf6EOd6FTUmh_zOFHr7xh9yZZkT8iVea4cBxnhbpqUww2VelOoT58Sd9rH8hODhkZ-HM3bvP8Tgo1ddh_MX7LZgrqPKyK2H/s1600/brickfireplaceb4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579565138760517410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BxOtftVKhHWJsL-_J2as-aosDy7uA2_ZR9SRKcwId05CHxf6EOd6FTUmh_zOFHr7xh9yZZkT8iVea4cBxnhbpqUww2VelOoT58Sd9rH8hODhkZ-HM3bvP8Tgo1ddh_MX7LZgrqPKyK2H/s400/brickfireplaceb4.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Before consultation: room lacked design details</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I really enjoy when I can give my clients the design direction they need to make decisions on their own with confidence. Sometimes just an hour or two of consultation time – plus some follow up emails or phone calls – is enough to make a big difference without having to invest a lot of money.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />For this design makeover, a client wanted to update the look of her living room (pictured above) and she had already begun the process with a new sofa and a pair of lamps. She wanted to add more style to the space and pull the look together but wasn’t exactly sure how to go about doing that. We met in her home, I gave her a list of design to-do’s, and she got the job done (beautifully!)</span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5QrdkZPyzAgU5QX55vO6h54J8jo3ccYN2wJW_NH8nTvxql_EubhYV-mfdkoPS_m47rEnnl6smnY81Jj2OnCU2rTjhMZ5QBB6g6HYw7wDdwXKrumkNstfhLWQ4Svf0b75UmudkcJJ1exX/s1600/blueroomwhitefireplace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579565132491120546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP5QrdkZPyzAgU5QX55vO6h54J8jo3ccYN2wJW_NH8nTvxql_EubhYV-mfdkoPS_m47rEnnl6smnY81Jj2OnCU2rTjhMZ5QBB6g6HYw7wDdwXKrumkNstfhLWQ4Svf0b75UmudkcJJ1exX/s400/blueroomwhitefireplace.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The end result looks modern and bright</span><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1: Color</span><br />New paint color on walls: Benjamin Moore Stratton Blue HC-142 (it looks a little lighter in this picture than it is ... always bring a color home and see how you like it in your space with your lighting)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2: Style</span><br />Newly painted brick fireplace (white is much more modern looking). Although hesitant at first, she was so happy she followed through with this step and wished she had done it years ago.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3: Contrast</span><br />The room was further brightened up with a light textured carpet to contrast with the smooth medium tone wood furnishings, plus a set of white floor to ceiling natural fiber drapes were also added which contrast with the rough texture of the brick.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4: Edit</span><br />Less is more when it comes to decorating. Photos were removed from the mantel and just a few pieces were left. My recommendation was to find objects that reflect light.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5: Add a touch of black</span><br />Especially in a pale colored room, a touch of black can visually anchor the space. The new black fireplace screen that my client purchased adds character to the overall look of the space.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">We have now moved on to tackling a couple of other rooms that were also in need of style updates. I will keep you posted of her progress!<br /><br />If you are having a hard time trying to figure out how to design a room in your home, give me a call at 617-899-1226 to schedule a coaching consultation. I also work via email for those interested in virtual design plans.</span>

Time for a makeover ...

Before consultation: room lacked design details I really enjoy when I can give my clients the design direction they need to make decisions o...

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A color palette from York, Maine

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbD0D_lqGa_utLkXzwT9NBrkWEO5-pEn-BsLDg-KNlOtd4R-0Vh6dxZHRG2vf_wA4vtwq5A5lI4oazjs3cJXC6jlTZzSa9vxAZ4Hz0WUEIvMs4kbLrAwDMCXhvtq14R_rU9a5lkeDckk/s1600/shellsanddollar.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370591408601346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbD0D_lqGa_utLkXzwT9NBrkWEO5-pEn-BsLDg-KNlOtd4R-0Vh6dxZHRG2vf_wA4vtwq5A5lI4oazjs3cJXC6jlTZzSa9vxAZ4Hz0WUEIvMs4kbLrAwDMCXhvtq14R_rU9a5lkeDckk/s400/shellsanddollar.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Seashells on a picture ledge</span><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhSUFLgDqQP6fzxigw9nKgTJEkhKvUYit7je0GJ2cSqVgsZuEe5orYsyMQnjuSE1_lmj0rWP17T-hse8uFp_vhL6-KkN0KxGcMJa4kPf0XJKZqUVKbU_QrocmM2Pbq491bmJFWAR-3Fo/s1600/linenwhiteBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148122281027410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhSUFLgDqQP6fzxigw9nKgTJEkhKvUYit7je0GJ2cSqVgsZuEe5orYsyMQnjuSE1_lmj0rWP17T-hse8uFp_vhL6-KkN0KxGcMJa4kPf0XJKZqUVKbU_QrocmM2Pbq491bmJFWAR-3Fo/s400/linenwhiteBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 117px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviJRG9Oi3DIyRV6YxEV6W6uzTTgaNnhleyyB884Cnkg1xme7F_S54Ais24SPBwIP3Ad5D1fvRAluiD-OB9nDJ73BfhcRxerCWCtEDnNg-4xcp_VicwBumEd5PZEF7dQhEj3LKTEa6W0s/s1600/queenannepinkBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148248007565394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjviJRG9Oi3DIyRV6YxEV6W6uzTTgaNnhleyyB884Cnkg1xme7F_S54Ais24SPBwIP3Ad5D1fvRAluiD-OB9nDJ73BfhcRxerCWCtEDnNg-4xcp_VicwBumEd5PZEF7dQhEj3LKTEa6W0s/s400/queenannepinkBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 117px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcFo4OLlUtqpdkR-DGJBmXwUZpkcAljEXb8fyjz7rBBafYf8WXuGPEcKJMsjzLIK9o3u6KP9EDMkp8-RLtjvl_4KGRgAOkmw59NwplOcGGx83s1LGBEzR6_NWAQfP7Wkfu90TU4vRgiA/s1600/edgecombgray.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148245903824162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPcFo4OLlUtqpdkR-DGJBmXwUZpkcAljEXb8fyjz7rBBafYf8WXuGPEcKJMsjzLIK9o3u6KP9EDMkp8-RLtjvl_4KGRgAOkmw59NwplOcGGx83s1LGBEzR6_NWAQfP7Wkfu90TU4vRgiA/s400/edgecombgray.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi102jxc6V2kpNWevPTq0DRyUl03FRwgtRz4nMADbsg8JfPkCQItM6WRZi1_KPPtyenM6jmnSk-5w-woDdzOI9ZHdnwdnjCYeeDSdpaaSNU2R32tO6_aZR5es5lJyty13xCUJ_5saoJQBg/s1600/wickhamgrayBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8Q25PFrHdJ-ZQh8HJZtDsWd-Da_TxPfZF08giNQ5SgoFMXOjQ1wcwFN9lnVOXurW9Ivs4bAuQfX2OM1LQnhQQrsdos11JhLPsdQHlJNuvc-XTMGLJc2vy3kQU-NyIsM2gJKHaLHqPEY/s1600/whitehydrangea.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370576946380562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU8Q25PFrHdJ-ZQh8HJZtDsWd-Da_TxPfZF08giNQ5SgoFMXOjQ1wcwFN9lnVOXurW9Ivs4bAuQfX2OM1LQnhQQrsdos11JhLPsdQHlJNuvc-XTMGLJc2vy3kQU-NyIsM2gJKHaLHqPEY/s400/whitehydrangea.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 315px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Hydrangea blossoms in my mother’s garden.</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DhNkg7qvfQhoiefJwrw3E8sC07xiKiOE7PBRpmmh-nqV95BUic6dLgMxvz9icwZOLBlL61H2M8qdR5G-nYlK1plBB5HoWMtShFxzJkcXf4attm-4sETf-U6tlwwneZ5yZ9F9rHDtIMk/s1600/darklinenBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148127257439410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DhNkg7qvfQhoiefJwrw3E8sC07xiKiOE7PBRpmmh-nqV95BUic6dLgMxvz9icwZOLBlL61H2M8qdR5G-nYlK1plBB5HoWMtShFxzJkcXf4attm-4sETf-U6tlwwneZ5yZ9F9rHDtIMk/s400/darklinenBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScWYsXwsUa5rZGdpgwwfnTpSh3m8NZ-3rUyvEKvNlHQPMxjsXn0kDHhxEjKPtuDnV39hRITS2nchTUDfMsTiRIu_re_7z0jiEg5FuC8gIFFpkia7iRU4zxXlqM_wPyFnUtu7vjGKedZc/s1600/pleasantpinkBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148119717499730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScWYsXwsUa5rZGdpgwwfnTpSh3m8NZ-3rUyvEKvNlHQPMxjsXn0kDHhxEjKPtuDnV39hRITS2nchTUDfMsTiRIu_re_7z0jiEg5FuC8gIFFpkia7iRU4zxXlqM_wPyFnUtu7vjGKedZc/s400/pleasantpinkBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pc3bM1pWJrJRwQOYjKGGwQPwJTuAV-Xv-TN5Z_aqbkESsDiweT20QeuNqdCI5QbFNCYO4IusM7t1cY-KP-0FaAserEYB5R0Qo3bQt-k5QOU1ndoCPL64_63XV9pAerdSfZXMuob_GJ8/s1600/adamsgoldBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507147901339982914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pc3bM1pWJrJRwQOYjKGGwQPwJTuAV-Xv-TN5Z_aqbkESsDiweT20QeuNqdCI5QbFNCYO4IusM7t1cY-KP-0FaAserEYB5R0Qo3bQt-k5QOU1ndoCPL64_63XV9pAerdSfZXMuob_GJ8/s400/adamsgoldBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 117px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhSUFLgDqQP6fzxigw9nKgTJEkhKvUYit7je0GJ2cSqVgsZuEe5orYsyMQnjuSE1_lmj0rWP17T-hse8uFp_vhL6-KkN0KxGcMJa4kPf0XJKZqUVKbU_QrocmM2Pbq491bmJFWAR-3Fo/s1600/linenwhiteBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DhNkg7qvfQhoiefJwrw3E8sC07xiKiOE7PBRpmmh-nqV95BUic6dLgMxvz9icwZOLBlL61H2M8qdR5G-nYlK1plBB5HoWMtShFxzJkcXf4attm-4sETf-U6tlwwneZ5yZ9F9rHDtIMk/s1600/darklinenBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRevAdjwUuY4jOtV9Yj1jRZETb9rpoAUPIW19b-JUOeBzkSR6R4b3PdRcLqeeDvbHI_x5r77ZM4aWtCBGuZIlFQzhNCQHze8uLuGQVs6bZ25BgEubYM3Ttzx25MlaXg8LP8rvwlMlrjg/s1600/goldmossonrock.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370472364601330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMRevAdjwUuY4jOtV9Yj1jRZETb9rpoAUPIW19b-JUOeBzkSR6R4b3PdRcLqeeDvbHI_x5r77ZM4aWtCBGuZIlFQzhNCQHze8uLuGQVs6bZ25BgEubYM3Ttzx25MlaXg8LP8rvwlMlrjg/s400/goldmossonrock.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A stone wall decorated by nature’s brush.</span><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroraF9sWHTXk4IZ6I1KNDXHHB0Vz-FQPXwzBny0FRsvuNLXE1tckks7qGMQuWZJfejwu-X0HGsMITuhEgoIH58Z0vAd0ScfhQoP7pwWDF73L-0E_89PyqcN6KeHkWD5hfOnYP-VJVEko/s1600/stuartgoldBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507151913849577042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhroraF9sWHTXk4IZ6I1KNDXHHB0Vz-FQPXwzBny0FRsvuNLXE1tckks7qGMQuWZJfejwu-X0HGsMITuhEgoIH58Z0vAd0ScfhQoP7pwWDF73L-0E_89PyqcN6KeHkWD5hfOnYP-VJVEko/s400/stuartgoldBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 118px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi102jxc6V2kpNWevPTq0DRyUl03FRwgtRz4nMADbsg8JfPkCQItM6WRZi1_KPPtyenM6jmnSk-5w-woDdzOI9ZHdnwdnjCYeeDSdpaaSNU2R32tO6_aZR5es5lJyty13xCUJ_5saoJQBg/s1600/wickhamgrayBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148240269697586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi102jxc6V2kpNWevPTq0DRyUl03FRwgtRz4nMADbsg8JfPkCQItM6WRZi1_KPPtyenM6jmnSk-5w-woDdzOI9ZHdnwdnjCYeeDSdpaaSNU2R32tO6_aZR5es5lJyty13xCUJ_5saoJQBg/s400/wickhamgrayBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 118px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjHnaZ8mZlVOFuDSOW-_mWGk6EfFM_3ZJvgY3w2oy7pOKXVdMgPKbfoyh4zzkjuloPitsusCHUmUM_wFDIDbtjuurTekhP7IFsD79xEio2_4jrbtJ3O6oWeYdjPL6Y2YOewscpJuFuOw/s1600/stormyskyBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507148113727470834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjHnaZ8mZlVOFuDSOW-_mWGk6EfFM_3ZJvgY3w2oy7pOKXVdMgPKbfoyh4zzkjuloPitsusCHUmUM_wFDIDbtjuurTekhP7IFsD79xEio2_4jrbtJ3O6oWeYdjPL6Y2YOewscpJuFuOw/s400/stormyskyBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 118px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YgtvMcpCBn8TRytEgmyjVZ-2RBY4Ou1Eswyy7MX5JnwhC0Hrk5m782y_BEoPwso23LePeLeSv2jMRJn8DSg_og7r-OCT0-8zP3BfCNO_y1HXQqRl3WKAT4mhRfZv14X-R5EtLFAR0o8/s1600/rocksonbeach.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370457909640034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0YgtvMcpCBn8TRytEgmyjVZ-2RBY4Ou1Eswyy7MX5JnwhC0Hrk5m782y_BEoPwso23LePeLeSv2jMRJn8DSg_og7r-OCT0-8zP3BfCNO_y1HXQqRl3WKAT4mhRfZv14X-R5EtLFAR0o8/s400/rocksonbeach.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Stepping stones on the way to the water.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72zmO-vnUUPdZfPGKd0Knf5fxPX-mY1RkuDhsNuw5aaQQJFXqD-eJPgREEZgr7DMxoRidJtalNM2uH0zo6y5wNEYpJiOH0yo6CtV_XNzRlaYbfTLMburt2THAgpkHWhGN2m3buKve_Qo/s1600/seahazeBM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507147913511985058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72zmO-vnUUPdZfPGKd0Knf5fxPX-mY1RkuDhsNuw5aaQQJFXqD-eJPgREEZgr7DMxoRidJtalNM2uH0zo6y5wNEYpJiOH0yo6CtV_XNzRlaYbfTLMburt2THAgpkHWhGN2m3buKve_Qo/s400/seahazeBM.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi102jxc6V2kpNWevPTq0DRyUl03FRwgtRz4nMADbsg8JfPkCQItM6WRZi1_KPPtyenM6jmnSk-5w-woDdzOI9ZHdnwdnjCYeeDSdpaaSNU2R32tO6_aZR5es5lJyty13xCUJ_5saoJQBg/s1600/wickhamgrayBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszcTy6NSw6AtPR40eLBo2fZSOf4_9B1NfonZV8RNz8GR6WqBpHO7jF76onhcOpC-KAO1J_64UOiyUfeNcO7csPvjVU68b5V8n7u28-9-iOIWAD0cPkacrzV8BS65QjyblC09fYiPcBxU/s1600/goldrushBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507151913236819346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszcTy6NSw6AtPR40eLBo2fZSOf4_9B1NfonZV8RNz8GR6WqBpHO7jF76onhcOpC-KAO1J_64UOiyUfeNcO7csPvjVU68b5V8n7u28-9-iOIWAD0cPkacrzV8BS65QjyblC09fYiPcBxU/s400/goldrushBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0nMfenXfiFQvRcAfFLMQCO39q_wtF_M_KIt1ETGGxwvuwNSDteExLSKG-RG_yq7_Z4C_GMB9IFeDpJZ6jQbhoQxI2KwDe-PptZAt334iRYXw0boMjW2EKU_tlrCWzcrg5IexsEcv_Bs/s1600/gravelgrayBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507153823193472098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0nMfenXfiFQvRcAfFLMQCO39q_wtF_M_KIt1ETGGxwvuwNSDteExLSKG-RG_yq7_Z4C_GMB9IFeDpJZ6jQbhoQxI2KwDe-PptZAt334iRYXw0boMjW2EKU_tlrCWzcrg5IexsEcv_Bs/s400/gravelgrayBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCjBpcPIZsKsZroKGh10tu7fmBI0xEDAWXb8nrCR6tUkKgRhZ8_oG0aIyEXQwwBuzi7Hax8CKCv3Y09lNOaKupI_koUpuoncOW99sc135-mRcupPhJQpCapxRZuLkOw-Ev3ePKlbXjwU/s1600/seaweedwaterrock.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370461986690466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCjBpcPIZsKsZroKGh10tu7fmBI0xEDAWXb8nrCR6tUkKgRhZ8_oG0aIyEXQwwBuzi7Hax8CKCv3Y09lNOaKupI_koUpuoncOW99sc135-mRcupPhJQpCapxRZuLkOw-Ev3ePKlbXjwU/s400/seaweedwaterrock.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >A vision of brilliant textures and colors.<br /></span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_m9z3IcqdbAFfYAII4Gn2gztmzWmpdDrxC7oHN9WxoaSsEIn6_7O-phZkNx9QjmMXAN4L7pUHDI2wwgsoO98BwQ4tZtPwf6WRajOw-1cOsK084UnAuR2hZ_eR-mLiG5U7w-l9ZuIFR0/s1600/brightlimeBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGllmXLamM5s-Rj9RlGBd3DMRVYoCOkZIwU72oE_kr1YkOy9z1OFb2fHm9hhrVjr2oIB6rsPjqSVq5DdGd6zYqPqySxtRKiXvItRghc5TfK6nsy0n2ob2wFv-4sJO_VTmJzUEVarphU6Q/s1600/terrapingreenBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507147913340893682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGllmXLamM5s-Rj9RlGBd3DMRVYoCOkZIwU72oE_kr1YkOy9z1OFb2fHm9hhrVjr2oIB6rsPjqSVq5DdGd6zYqPqySxtRKiXvItRghc5TfK6nsy0n2ob2wFv-4sJO_VTmJzUEVarphU6Q/s400/terrapingreenBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 118px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtUnqM2bt9OdGD2dC5iGdd_w4Xs1E3fzah9HnUBKOeTyTUP31cU5Cti6NznVfVT9AparzU27b8srhctTWIZmu6Osox3PVfSb1PGy7D2EaXWy_lgmip16USGmLmjOG_ESN7oSi3ODVItrk/s1600/yewgreenBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><span><span></span></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhNBRgpRYfp6MMFjMxnSLF_rqTVbUxXDhc39ZmNT2V0i5uR1dRWNKPIWKJAPyPXW8HaFDKa9mZc4hsvTmkkwCBqCPDGLFYKqPdbDaMO8_g6Y2sqr83tVT_8DgGxJLYDHa2qvQnygdtas/s1600/yewgreenBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507155832507597154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvhNBRgpRYfp6MMFjMxnSLF_rqTVbUxXDhc39ZmNT2V0i5uR1dRWNKPIWKJAPyPXW8HaFDKa9mZc4hsvTmkkwCBqCPDGLFYKqPdbDaMO8_g6Y2sqr83tVT_8DgGxJLYDHa2qvQnygdtas/s400/yewgreenBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggajYR2Lt78OJIr9ERcGVCecQ5tscANPkDmY4BdR7vin_HvStin-f7toGE3hWv-e-F_qOWtEEAtIDyrhjpY-5XItk9sAPBcv8Ber2o1ZvmKzvVLHGsYwxmyXt-nFB6pd1UcAUUtvfU5q4/s1600/waterburycreamBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507151908068002626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggajYR2Lt78OJIr9ERcGVCecQ5tscANPkDmY4BdR7vin_HvStin-f7toGE3hWv-e-F_qOWtEEAtIDyrhjpY-5XItk9sAPBcv8Ber2o1ZvmKzvVLHGsYwxmyXt-nFB6pd1UcAUUtvfU5q4/s400/waterburycreamBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 118px; height: 118px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiihbeUwK43BQqnCGuQ3mu97RdYaBwi5ETIjVmfUv4YtgqtkOSwEwH9PODdibPGguF1SkVIllIutETe2WBIRMuABDowWg4xvefsBSX8gksq4eKSkjZy0FwylhxQkSsgdurkPZRHYyie2I/s1600/shortsands8.10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504370451341726994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiihbeUwK43BQqnCGuQ3mu97RdYaBwi5ETIjVmfUv4YtgqtkOSwEwH9PODdibPGguF1SkVIllIutETe2WBIRMuABDowWg4xvefsBSX8gksq4eKSkjZy0FwylhxQkSsgdurkPZRHYyie2I/s400/shortsands8.10.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Short Sands at the end of a beach day.</span></span><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Apq17-ShanAdaFswQDuW7Y7njbM43AKmiYkOlMtHWAWObDrC15TUeSMX6QIESiJRFcfgJaza-9liz53rlqShgPbfYlEKqBgTmNIn-GVI9WHCTTymuX43qCMxh2peNXKr22DDTXDOD4/s1600/beacongrayBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507147903665636162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj7Apq17-ShanAdaFswQDuW7Y7njbM43AKmiYkOlMtHWAWObDrC15TUeSMX6QIESiJRFcfgJaza-9liz53rlqShgPbfYlEKqBgTmNIn-GVI9WHCTTymuX43qCMxh2peNXKr22DDTXDOD4/s400/beacongrayBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOrdjhNiU8B_F5tL31ZZGejxguLfiJ9cKYEKKcohpontxmSRi3g5V6HFC6N4deaPI0t1lc72jDt6wIQC0jvda4XFM7fQGL9NJCFvWNUEBQjyQJxD7Jg7LisKmx0DyhyibfrdMV_EmDN4/s1600/oceanairBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLex6YGyRJaDfJ4y1Bd5KOnw6aUx85ZVeJy48A4BEQrRo2cgVCl9NcRhlKmTfh6xjD2MBXTYTRaASumt6MfBzXxBGWssyA36eAC5OE9U69Y0OQqwcvG4z-F_TMYUhsS6Mp8-sYKJq3So/s1600/cascadewhiteBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507153838288433250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLex6YGyRJaDfJ4y1Bd5KOnw6aUx85ZVeJy48A4BEQrRo2cgVCl9NcRhlKmTfh6xjD2MBXTYTRaASumt6MfBzXxBGWssyA36eAC5OE9U69Y0OQqwcvG4z-F_TMYUhsS6Mp8-sYKJq3So/s400/cascadewhiteBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 116px; height: 116px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh7G96vtcU4SnoK7HC2bfb2weORA3rnj1Cas4ov5_u4Ioxz_amo2sX-fedyixrFU84ZHVBPcTiv8pl0acgugxZ_icJmxYLwBXu-zJLd1q46c39xwauuTWlZcIZj0Y6GsbuWz73zzgxoQ/s1600/blackbeautyBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507154747275189234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioh7G96vtcU4SnoK7HC2bfb2weORA3rnj1Cas4ov5_u4Ioxz_amo2sX-fedyixrFU84ZHVBPcTiv8pl0acgugxZ_icJmxYLwBXu-zJLd1q46c39xwauuTWlZcIZj0Y6GsbuWz73zzgxoQ/s400/blackbeautyBM.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 117px; height: 117px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjHnaZ8mZlVOFuDSOW-_mWGk6EfFM_3ZJvgY3w2oy7pOKXVdMgPKbfoyh4zzkjuloPitsusCHUmUM_wFDIDbtjuurTekhP7IFsD79xEio2_4jrbtJ3O6oWeYdjPL6Y2YOewscpJuFuOw/s1600/stormyskyBM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /><br />What views have inspired<br />you this summer?<span style="font-size:78%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Paint Colors: <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps.portal?_nfpb=true&_windowLabel=contentrenderer_1_6&contentrenderer_1_6_actionOverride=%2Fbm%2Fcms%2FContentRenderer%2FrenderContent&contentrenderer_1_6cnp=public_site%2Farticles%2Fmain_page_articles%2Ffa_colordirection&contentrenderer_1_6np=public_site%2Farticles%2Fexplore_color%2Fec_virtual_fan_deck&_pageLabel=fa_colordirection">Benjamin Moore</a><br />Inspiration: Mother Nature</span><br /></span><br /><br /><br /></div>

A color palette from York, Maine

Seashells on a picture ledge . Hydrangea blossoms in my mother’s garden. A stone wall decorated by nature’s brush. Stepping stones on the wa...

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Color Stories: Back-to-school palette

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArUgHwMcMyvG1qLtjSH9amrXbBTIou17ctr1zZ7DX3Ag4xCrAAMJsr6R9kHAKiv3brXIFSydFmTRFp3bZvFh-GkdCXqLCErktPRY0dTc5de1MuH3XBFHwp1r7u2tLfvA9zYYEvA0oqR4/s1600-h/bus.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380301901569556482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArUgHwMcMyvG1qLtjSH9amrXbBTIou17ctr1zZ7DX3Ag4xCrAAMJsr6R9kHAKiv3brXIFSydFmTRFp3bZvFh-GkdCXqLCErktPRY0dTc5de1MuH3XBFHwp1r7u2tLfvA9zYYEvA0oqR4/s400/bus.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">With the start of the school year officially well underway, the color yellow is looking pretty good to me! Here are some design choices in back-to-school colors that make me smile ...</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJO-xgTn67gwDivHg6-B90FzYjWipkG6zJOD6Gb7TWW3IUSs5vtnau5uB5jqyzxTUx-Csv_nxcZuICN7BSwG2lCxMlnJSvrDueTcQFX8xUiW8TeP8gkTlRYMvtltn3ntjLGWOnxMjlqE/s1600-h/yellowgroundFB.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380319292686451234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJO-xgTn67gwDivHg6-B90FzYjWipkG6zJOD6Gb7TWW3IUSs5vtnau5uB5jqyzxTUx-Csv_nxcZuICN7BSwG2lCxMlnJSvrDueTcQFX8xUiW8TeP8gkTlRYMvtltn3ntjLGWOnxMjlqE/s400/yellowgroundFB.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 330px; height: 208px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size:180%;">Paint colors from Farrow & Ball ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Yellow Ground 218 combined</span> <span style="font-style: italic;"> with Pitch Black 256</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_2Jp5R0ra2vfIrUPF35_W3kp1704D0tMrohMLPM9kZA2ROuLiYYsf-iswcpr4goaO9Lt9LOZEnFtcork3jhbbWn7AKPuGJmUp8GDHQuMBwt5QGD50xvf_MbeyArn9yIDynvWslBDirE/s1600-h/pitchblack.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380340073973091266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_2Jp5R0ra2vfIrUPF35_W3kp1704D0tMrohMLPM9kZA2ROuLiYYsf-iswcpr4goaO9Lt9LOZEnFtcork3jhbbWn7AKPuGJmUp8GDHQuMBwt5QGD50xvf_MbeyArn9yIDynvWslBDirE/s400/pitchblack.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWDTXwI5Id9-T0U28QNm60RSBCCm8_uLcXbBQScU2TcLvjddDzBJejqTBvMV7FDEPscHuX-pTH2n9sTmmu8GsGNzOZbrn4HlMfWAdnd264NsHeaKEwuM0jViVeULjk3CobhCLW5tSjFE/s1600-h/yellowblackcottagetablesCF.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380324336228531010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWDTXwI5Id9-T0U28QNm60RSBCCm8_uLcXbBQScU2TcLvjddDzBJejqTBvMV7FDEPscHuX-pTH2n9sTmmu8GsGNzOZbrn4HlMfWAdnd264NsHeaKEwuM0jViVeULjk3CobhCLW5tSjFE/s400/yellowblackcottagetablesCF.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 380px; height: 360px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />A basic piece done with class ...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/catalog/details.html?x=252&t=table-occasional" style="font-style: italic;">Maine Cottage Occasional Tables</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from Circle Furniture</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_rQITfaE5tK34K6jFOWysSrWd6gdn02-0uEXQ5d8TMCUywNpbVddOwaEXifMMH32ZgDB5VGKXJpV76ZKR54_tCygidAK2m0gvAAlW68CL92mDHXrgpajeoXEY4aZw6koQX1xHmOUBsg/s1600-h/ponychairARW" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380335127227886850" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_rQITfaE5tK34K6jFOWysSrWd6gdn02-0uEXQ5d8TMCUywNpbVddOwaEXifMMH32ZgDB5VGKXJpV76ZKR54_tCygidAK2m0gvAAlW68CL92mDHXrgpajeoXEY4aZw6koQX1xHmOUBsg/s400/ponychairARW" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Best dressed ...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.artfurnitureontheweb.com/noframe/items/179212nf.html" style="font-style: italic;">Pony Leather Chair</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from Art Furniture on the Web</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SQvULQViEGs1fVN04wBkwSyFY71A_dalAa6dZHYNycxdlDoWh_ojrIrgoQRmrWM8_jQqfrtr6vFDpgh97K4oEeCDrLX2XDB3IVPkwkg_33Im7flcJ1CmIpfAmzE9NAxa0V8YbRxZz6c/s1600-h/tangoblackCC" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380336490483993106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SQvULQViEGs1fVN04wBkwSyFY71A_dalAa6dZHYNycxdlDoWh_ojrIrgoQRmrWM8_jQqfrtr6vFDpgh97K4oEeCDrLX2XDB3IVPkwkg_33Im7flcJ1CmIpfAmzE9NAxa0V8YbRxZz6c/s400/tangoblackCC" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">When fabric imitates art ...</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/shop+fabrics+by+color/black/tango+positivo.do" style="font-style: italic;">Tango Positivo</a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from Calico Corners</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR54e2DZi3Oy99kgIYN_oaHWQJY5L18JMT6RLf9H-Eh-5DqqRdTUYwrv4hufSgZNDS9auG6bv5EQO_EkXfwdqzi6KMQIedxU-jQchMBnT2X7zGnJCqZn_COR7BhpYTynDNVjpjnJpolM/s1600-h/object_utils.display_object.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380180081002803490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeR54e2DZi3Oy99kgIYN_oaHWQJY5L18JMT6RLf9H-Eh-5DqqRdTUYwrv4hufSgZNDS9auG6bv5EQO_EkXfwdqzi6KMQIedxU-jQchMBnT2X7zGnJCqZn_COR7BhpYTynDNVjpjnJpolM/s400/object_utils.display_object.jpeg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 347px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:180%;"><br />An educated choice</span><br />(made from recycled wood)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chalk It Up Wall Bins</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">from </span><a href="http://www.vivaterra.com/pls/enetrixp/%21stmenu_template.main?complex_id_in=482007.484184.919994.3891116.page" style="font-style: italic;">Viva Terra</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRbfS_SflV05VlqrcazXJQatLSDvzm-Yi1R7z6QkPs-rm-TGLsIzhE93ZBZPi7Cn6txq73jzJZh5T9CrfUau8yaCycKbhSY5eZrkA8TiFQfm5Oe3iKG3d6v3nwcPkCcW7aAhrbvNqC9c/s1600-h/WSlemonsink" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380332461116990418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRbfS_SflV05VlqrcazXJQatLSDvzm-Yi1R7z6QkPs-rm-TGLsIzhE93ZBZPi7Cn6txq73jzJZh5T9CrfUau8yaCycKbhSY5eZrkA8TiFQfm5Oe3iKG3d6v3nwcPkCcW7aAhrbvNqC9c/s400/WSlemonsink" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;">This water bubbler is </span><span style="font-size:180%;">tres chic </span><span style="font-size:180%;">... </span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.homeportfolio.com/catalog/Product.jhtml?prodId=187908&listGridPref=grid" style="font-style: italic;">Linea Pocieta</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> in Yellow Lemeon</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from WS Bath Collections</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />as shown on HomePortfolio.com</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><span class="manName"> </span> <div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM__bHEZMbVjrBW0CbtiVTglffZJDmQqn_L6GzYyuP1WB6PbXtN-7M2-JVAU9pwAJmeR2L2S1v2IbhXUlsjBEFCUa3zs5OFIC6EXtjhqwwse-oz1fAyreYpFvgFFViAKeT7fqHSi_VCqg/s1600-h/31ZYaOF6CuL._SL500_AA267_.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380190516999161426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM__bHEZMbVjrBW0CbtiVTglffZJDmQqn_L6GzYyuP1WB6PbXtN-7M2-JVAU9pwAJmeR2L2S1v2IbhXUlsjBEFCUa3zs5OFIC6EXtjhqwwse-oz1fAyreYpFvgFFViAKeT7fqHSi_VCqg/s400/31ZYaOF6CuL._SL500_AA267_.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 267px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">A school day is a good day ...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Smiley Happy Face Mug</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />from </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Treasured Designs</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />available on </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Smiley-Happy-Face-Coffee-Great/dp/B000MBT8OG/ref=pd_bxgy_k_img_b" style="font-style: italic;">Amazon.com</a></div></div><br /></div>

Color Stories: Back-to-school palette

With the start of the school year officially well underway, the color yellow is looking pretty good to me! Here are some design choices in b...

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HGTV Design Star kitchen reminds me of ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrgwMJYapzMQBfQkBpPFVvFAAvSBS98_rtt2uS2RoT47XgvU3_jtfX9tR9Isz9strimgx4VQ8YcnbWiIgPugE7b2nRqLSZLus85_q8J-S59Ix4Zt8XLUqx3YU0-uuTaD21gS8sDhgQbQ/s1600-h/HGTVdesignstarkitchwall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375973914967069250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrgwMJYapzMQBfQkBpPFVvFAAvSBS98_rtt2uS2RoT47XgvU3_jtfX9tR9Isz9strimgx4VQ8YcnbWiIgPugE7b2nRqLSZLus85_q8J-S59Ix4Zt8XLUqx3YU0-uuTaD21gS8sDhgQbQ/s400/HGTVdesignstarkitchwall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 253px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">This week</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’</span><span style="font-size:130%;">s episode of <span style="font-weight: bold;">HGTV Design Star</span> opened with the four remaining contestants meeting in the kitchen of their stylish home base. Lots of bright colors and modern elements fill their living quarters. In this shot (taken while I was watching the show on DVR) I took note of the rich purple wall with the </span><span style="font-size:130%;">proclamation<br /></span><span style="font-size:180%;">EAT.</span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Flash back almost ten years ago to one of my very first design clients<br />who happened to be very modern with a fondness for bright colors ...</span><br /><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb2WmvP_FcCn1h2ewgD-9IvgLkQdkrXmTOdcpO9PQ1sifQJRHe0agA5JfZzdb25MOASrRBxifYfsGKxBr7LLM0JCtFb9-3kxNHHtrBcwEEPiHUncy6gnY_cL5Pe6ZSrf-Mj38o48RjVE/s1600-h/YUM.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373728696773143122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyb2WmvP_FcCn1h2ewgD-9IvgLkQdkrXmTOdcpO9PQ1sifQJRHe0agA5JfZzdb25MOASrRBxifYfsGKxBr7LLM0JCtFb9-3kxNHHtrBcwEEPiHUncy6gnY_cL5Pe6ZSrf-Mj38o48RjVE/s400/YUM.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 334px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Good design is timeless!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">This almost all white kitchen with soaring ceilings (sorry, I don</span><span style="font-size:100%;">’t have a full picture to show) gets a jolt of color with this bright eggplant backsplash. The word YUM! was a final touch that my client added above the cooktop.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I had a lot of fun helping out this particular client. She called me after seeing an ad I placed in the local paper when I was just starting out. At our initial meeting, I didn</span><span style="font-size:130%;">’t even own a color fan deck of my own. We used Pantone color chips from my graphic design past to get the ball rolling. At our next get together, I showed up with a huge Color Preview kit from Benjamin Moore. Soon after, we were able to transform her mostly white walls with some really fun color combinations. (And she later referred my name to a number of her friends who then became clients and so on). I will always be fond of this project. It was fun to work with someone who did not hesitate to go bold.<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Here are a few more pictures from her</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"> home which was a confident mix of contemporary, modern, and traditional with a touch of whimsy. My role in this project was choosing colors to energize and unite her spaces, while providing decorating ideas for her to complete on her own.</span><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gDFJbc-JTLJpA-fcLLxo-FSKUuTxqZjyeTWkDN5dSVbgcMgssavP4lKO34wgi8lT42gbOqGlN_q_IE1v4jQdeU-NbzqB66Q2RnsHDseBK_-9Eps5PKNXtmhmhTdZO9kRo5mS8lN21aw/s1600-h/crushedvelvetwall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375977976315927250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gDFJbc-JTLJpA-fcLLxo-FSKUuTxqZjyeTWkDN5dSVbgcMgssavP4lKO34wgi8lT42gbOqGlN_q_IE1v4jQdeU-NbzqB66Q2RnsHDseBK_-9Eps5PKNXtmhmhTdZO9kRo5mS8lN21aw/s400/crushedvelvetwall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />The artwork in this entry way was the starting point for our color story. Benjamin Moore Crushed Velvet was a bold choice for the walls, and a real “wow” factor. This lucite bench was recovered in a bright red and purple stripe to coordinate with the art above. The homeowner discovered a perfect match in a striped pillow while a teal vase adds a pop of contrasting color, which is visually repeated in the painting. Even the recessed light seems to coordinate with the full moon.<br /><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UTeMfdjd90NrslHNIxFMAoyRZLV4cCKqyV5XMlhUQxttRZW3GxaTW9twB6GsUTxM8vijPvbMrglKxOVbGZ6GZSGdFFgjdP-DYympT1TbddJ65QitE75v4jDIKIRWgPFNxN1zSPgJx1U/s1600-h/silverfushia.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373728682912888178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UTeMfdjd90NrslHNIxFMAoyRZLV4cCKqyV5XMlhUQxttRZW3GxaTW9twB6GsUTxM8vijPvbMrglKxOVbGZ6GZSGdFFgjdP-DYympT1TbddJ65QitE75v4jDIKIRWgPFNxN1zSPgJx1U/s400/silverfushia.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Opposite the bench, a utility cabinet almost disappears by being “painted-in” with the same vibrant hue as the walls. A collection of silver items is the first hint at the silver painted walls found on the lower level. Before our mini-makeover, the large expanse of mirrored closet doors was the first thing anyone saw upon entering. Now, they seem to recede into the background while the saturated mix of bold colors sets the tone for this home full of unique and lively character.<br /><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbljRJD9K3Kgl7XuCKuIiYstRvOc0E6scmZFVuSD_xyPGwmpOxjGsIR0CUoKjMVpSF-KzQSdrE_hzRKXB4H0tNWrQPl8QXa4oICYvjTHoU40JOv4c_mUSfSjxnnI7tE5mIhs9EZzCJc-U/s1600-h/stonegray.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373728690631664066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbljRJD9K3Kgl7XuCKuIiYstRvOc0E6scmZFVuSD_xyPGwmpOxjGsIR0CUoKjMVpSF-KzQSdrE_hzRKXB4H0tNWrQPl8QXa4oICYvjTHoU40JOv4c_mUSfSjxnnI7tE5mIhs9EZzCJc-U/s400/stonegray.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 310px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">In the living room, a dark gray wall (Benjamin Moore Eclipse) adds drama while allowing the natural grays of the stone hearth to really shine. Moving furniture to create areas of interest, created this stylish corner. A new pillow on a classic wing chair is a modern update. I think I love the fabric on the chair even more so today. The oranges and blues are such a great color combination, and the pattern is fluid perfection!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My client has since relocated to a warmer climate. I am sure that she has transported her fearless decorating, modern style, and love for color to her new surroundings.</span><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdjhtiszZk3H_ifxzke9WzTMVzlYa7I2hNVyANuZKAm0DuzuwMoBsDNu5p4T6lRuNL35B_4bsVVfbVdCB6TeNiY7fVhuMH135YflV8X5o8f3XTQl9VIr1m15vR3xsqiYo86KDE48BghM/s1600-h/tabletop.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376001320775135538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdjhtiszZk3H_ifxzke9WzTMVzlYa7I2hNVyANuZKAm0DuzuwMoBsDNu5p4T6lRuNL35B_4bsVVfbVdCB6TeNiY7fVhuMH135YflV8X5o8f3XTQl9VIr1m15vR3xsqiYo86KDE48BghM/s320/tabletop.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 231px; height: 320px;" /></a><br /></div>

HGTV Design Star kitchen reminds me of ...

This week ’ s episode of HGTV Design Star opened with the four remaining contestants meeting in the kitchen of their stylish home base. Lot...

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A decorators Q & A luncheon in York

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM78SXLc6OGS1hK_0Lq6frzhBA1394MiK2ycciLqjUsDzTr9_Pp8_EaLlBgdJcTvWfSIMg8vDVNQmNUe7vkfO-gk3mEJW1Tc1tX_mLFbYAp9Jb0u8nJ1CoBpGHAKsxFB0reaa-zWk0iA/s1600-h/readingroompc.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367396505389870690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXM78SXLc6OGS1hK_0Lq6frzhBA1394MiK2ycciLqjUsDzTr9_Pp8_EaLlBgdJcTvWfSIMg8vDVNQmNUe7vkfO-gk3mEJW1Tc1tX_mLFbYAp9Jb0u8nJ1CoBpGHAKsxFB0reaa-zWk0iA/s400/readingroompc.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 312px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Postcard image of the York Harbor Reading Room</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Recently I enjoyed a design discussion/luncheon presented by the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/">Museums of Old York</a> at the <a href="http://www.yorkharborreading.com/AboutYHRR/default.aspx">York Harbor Reading Room</a>. A panel of five decorators from the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">McIntire Farm Show House </a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">presented tips, techniques and design stories that related to both their work on this year’s show house and the business of design. After the initial introductions of the panel (in order </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/life-in-new-england/fd-hodge-interiors-updates-from-old-york-designer-show-house/">Frank Hodge</a>, Kacey Graham, Michaele Boehm, <a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/life-in-new-england/ny-interiors-updates-from-old-york-designer-show-house/">Nicole Yee</a>, and <a href="http://www.joycejordaninteriors.com/">Joyce Jordan</a>) the guests in the audience were able to pose their decorating questions. Here are some questions (and answers) that I thought would be of interest: </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ3LP37dgxEAq_69ZM8wnaDyrmAJWH2qhuFTMlJvHQ4pFxr9fe8iYd1Xt1DQzEj6BJcITDXJOsMMog4GjeGS2DC9ZUldSKQ0zrswi-LmprGAy3KBN_9_Ed79ULZ0c4ZV4nBe7r7AAn5c/s1600-h/seashorepage.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366949616499162738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ3LP37dgxEAq_69ZM8wnaDyrmAJWH2qhuFTMlJvHQ4pFxr9fe8iYd1Xt1DQzEj6BJcITDXJOsMMog4GjeGS2DC9ZUldSKQ0zrswi-LmprGAy3KBN_9_Ed79ULZ0c4ZV4nBe7r7AAn5c/s400/seashorepage.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >A story board I designed around pillows from my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5555213">Vintage Seaside Collection</a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >based on colors from the shore: coral, sand, seafoam and beachglass</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What color did you use in your room?</span><br /></span><br />A. When people see a room that makes them feel good, the first question they ask is often about color choice. If you see a room that you like at a show house, don’t be shy ... ask the designer directly. If you see a room that you like on the web or in a magazine, keep in mind that the image is most likely affected by the printing process or monitor settings. Bring a magazine image directly to a paint store, they can color match what you see to get the result you fell in love with. But beware ... a wall color is greatly influenced by <span>fixed variables like lighting, flooring and objects in the space</span>. I always recommend to choose colors for your home while in your home – take a look around and see what colors are already there that will be interacting with a color you saw and loved somewhere else. Also, as most of the panel noted, a good design plan will take into consideration the colors in adjoining rooms for the best overall flow of the space.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsgqCaIfdsLvFdpFCfHtf141-s5nLNhjMu-o7iGSRGWxwB0outTFgsWjVQUWabsjn9FBnUJ5AMxr8SBM2Aafcwpbsf_UArYsdqiMnS8mbQY51WpaqN-RFP19fHCdYH8yaoj7VBykzBM/s1600-h/bluedining.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367387639477471378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJsgqCaIfdsLvFdpFCfHtf141-s5nLNhjMu-o7iGSRGWxwB0outTFgsWjVQUWabsjn9FBnUJ5AMxr8SBM2Aafcwpbsf_UArYsdqiMnS8mbQY51WpaqN-RFP19fHCdYH8yaoj7VBykzBM/s400/bluedining.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 234px; height: 297px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I chose a blue ceiling to make this dining space more intimate.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Jamestown Blue<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Walls: Benjamin Moore Yorkshire Tan</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are your thoughts on colored ceilings?</span><br /><br />While some designers prefer white ceilings, others treat the ceiling as an opportunity to add intimacy and/or interest by treating it with a color. A color other than white on a high ceiling can make a room feel much more cozy. Give it a try if you never have. Blue on a ceiling is a lot like looking up at the sky (I loved it with yellow walls in my first baby nursery). Even using a 50% value of your wall color can add a new dimension to the overall look of a space. Something all of the designers could agree upon, however, was to refrain from painting a textured or “popcorn” ceiling with a color. If at all possible, have it scraped down (add a skim coat if necessary to clean it up) and then feel free to highlight with that touch of color.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJVCkprSXzouY4MCRcJkNWwaIYguel_-5w-OETzLoDQ3VzxF3AwS0djgsThjry8iNrGPfS5S8U05xwlmHdUdreW5Kn3FF6epslpGqdLGr5MUaahhRu-JN31Pkox_8LPb7Lqx7g2bGPM/s1600-h/graynichewithflowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366943931773368642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSJVCkprSXzouY4MCRcJkNWwaIYguel_-5w-OETzLoDQ3VzxF3AwS0djgsThjry8iNrGPfS5S8U05xwlmHdUdreW5Kn3FF6epslpGqdLGr5MUaahhRu-JN31Pkox_8LPb7Lqx7g2bGPM/s400/graynichewithflowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >From my home, a recently added niche in the foyer</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >painted entirely in Benjamin Moore Aura Paint in Secret</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Flower arrangement designed by <a href="http://www.friendswhodesign.com/Flowers_and_Jewelry.php">Beth Hylan</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are some current design trends?</span><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >A. The color gray is hot</span><br /><br />I love grays ... they make everything else pop. Put a bright white in front of gray, furnish with rich chocolate browns, add vibrant colors as accents ... it’s all good! Gray acts as the perfect backdrop to make everything else look its sophisticated best. As the design panel mentioned, gray is the new neutral, replacing beige in a lot of instances. My tip: If your room does not receive a lot of natural light during the day, I would recommend going with a warm gray (more brown in undertones) as opposed to a cool gray (which can be more blue). Well planned lighting will help to keep the space feeling warm, like the recessed light I had installed in the niche above.<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" >A. Going “green” is in</span><br /><br />Green decorating is not just a passing trend. Choosing energy efficient appliances, natural fabrics, paints that produce low emissions (like the Aura paint used above), reducing waste in building materials and re-purposing existing furnishings are now common requests from clients and are highly recommended by designers. While costs in the past have been higher for eco-friendly design, with the increase in green providers we are now experiencing a larger supply of choices that will hopefully drive prices down (so glad I took economics in college!) My advice: start small. It doesn’t have to be an all or nothing way of decorating. Even the smallest green choices can make a difference to our environment while adding to the comfort of your home.<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. How do you deal with a client’s collections?</span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" ><br /></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExBMJ1_mlJm2bJRew-RYPxnysCIINi86QjNp-59cRY_8cXGsIg02D4AbTGZQblAMMxEGNzgRL0_5uThtNHY0eJu8bX-2cM9eJqnTsCJdGxMlFsYpfjA8Q5R48vIS10WkoKFGswHqH_cQ/s1600-h/RDR-+kitchen+after.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366327780927587698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExBMJ1_mlJm2bJRew-RYPxnysCIINi86QjNp-59cRY_8cXGsIg02D4AbTGZQblAMMxEGNzgRL0_5uThtNHY0eJu8bX-2cM9eJqnTsCJdGxMlFsYpfjA8Q5R48vIS10WkoKFGswHqH_cQ/s400/RDR-+kitchen+after.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >I was inspired by my clients collection of pink appliances (she has a great Kitchen Aid Mixer, Blender and more in pink) and her large collection of vintage tea pots, cups and saucers when choosing the colors and fabrics for this kitchen makeover. The china cabinet was painted a shiny black to anchor the space while being the perfect backdrop to the variety of china patterns. The yellow dinette set is the one unexpected color in the space that keeps the palette interesting.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Pleasant Pink</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Walls: Benjamin Moore Cappuccino</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span><br />A. Grouping collections together will offer the biggest impact. Collections truly tell the story of the home owner. Whatever your collection is, be proud of it and find a special place to display it. Rotating items in and out of your collection is a nice way to keep the look fresh while not overdoing it. One great tip for starting a collection inexpensively was to add seashells to a space. They come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors and textures, and are extremely accessible. Keep this in mind when strolling the beaches this summer ...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIUE_DIOnUWKPal3aDbcNMgJBDw9Pb_YYSTkfR-KJlIT0fZQndiUCATNalLH7YaGjWpOhxXuspXhcwTy3yM7wPVkbJuos0BGroEbzMAjjKcW1Kh03Q3oPeO5VhQWgfhtEZvgrZtDyzSI/s1600-h/kitchenaidmacys.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367402363556598930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIUE_DIOnUWKPal3aDbcNMgJBDw9Pb_YYSTkfR-KJlIT0fZQndiUCATNalLH7YaGjWpOhxXuspXhcwTy3yM7wPVkbJuos0BGroEbzMAjjKcW1Kh03Q3oPeO5VhQWgfhtEZvgrZtDyzSI/s320/kitchenaidmacys.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">If you love pink, embrace it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kitchen Aid available at </span><a href="http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=106695&CategoryID=29425" style="font-style: italic;">Macy’s online</a></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" ><br /><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><br />Q. In your opinion, what are some of the top decorating faux pas?</span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:180%;" ><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANsBztU2DS-K4LP6ZyD9hylNL9wskLYP1m1hBvKS8-n9VKXxkQrVvof2J0pwHFUfY8jRupFEgXeZTe5ozGuNJT7S3wAjcENpZK1iZcuMWfKqaxf9IZpDMk3iT79I2blqw0kmdp3PFbOo/s1600-h/CP+-+fireplace+b4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366335233031323586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANsBztU2DS-K4LP6ZyD9hylNL9wskLYP1m1hBvKS8-n9VKXxkQrVvof2J0pwHFUfY8jRupFEgXeZTe5ozGuNJT7S3wAjcENpZK1iZcuMWfKqaxf9IZpDMk3iT79I2blqw0kmdp3PFbOo/s400/CP+-+fireplace+b4.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />A client of mine inherited this room in her new home that was painted with blue walls and a white ceiling that included the slants of the roof lines.<br />Highlighting too many angles created a disjointed look.</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYSC-gsmCDk4modIsxL-5TU4UXGeNXAO6p5CsAQebsVwmHtntuUbhnSmUilLd3GFskCEBoMJn4CttMtbAacqWLAHolFO3CrVI5svPzR2TA9DjD8LTKwbhlpCg9-3kxBojOhKW1ghps-g/s1600-h/CP-+fireplace+bottles.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366334745776961202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYSC-gsmCDk4modIsxL-5TU4UXGeNXAO6p5CsAQebsVwmHtntuUbhnSmUilLd3GFskCEBoMJn4CttMtbAacqWLAHolFO3CrVI5svPzR2TA9DjD8LTKwbhlpCg9-3kxBojOhKW1ghps-g/s400/CP-+fireplace+bottles.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My advice: By painting the entire room the same color (treat slants as part of the wall, not the ceiling) the angles disappear allowing focal points more prominence. A new collection of colored glass bottles creates interest in what once was a dead corner.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Walls and ceiling: Benjamin Moore Timid White</span></span><br /><br />A decorating “mistake” that I often run into are slanted walls that are treated as part of the ceiling as shown above. The room will look so much bigger when wall color is applied to the slants, extending the visual dimensions of the room. The McIntire Farm panel mentioned a few of their pet peeves: Overdoing a theme was one. Not editing a space another. Not choosing the right scale of furniture or objects for a space. Special challenges that many clients face today regarding the subject of scale include the wide array of over-sized pieces that have been created to fit in the “great room” scenario. A better way to approach this “how do I fill such a large space dilemma” is to break the room out into smaller conversation areas instead of trying to fill the space with the largest sofa available.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-family:lucida grande;font-size:130%;" >Q. What are your thoughts on HGTV and do you have a favorite designer?</span><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT9hsG_eFIHu-G8hodyr3U71ayXwtuGUmqJ1WBgCZSb5Sr-9yXAdTeev5ier2jxSNwVrtzYWCuzx8NkuApymnQ13bajnr58o8uIuJh2A7PDajQbE7MKQA9GGGYIPxkQG1mHxI9kIsSCw/s1600-h/candace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366322196182287634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkT9hsG_eFIHu-G8hodyr3U71ayXwtuGUmqJ1WBgCZSb5Sr-9yXAdTeev5ier2jxSNwVrtzYWCuzx8NkuApymnQ13bajnr58o8uIuJh2A7PDajQbE7MKQA9GGGYIPxkQG1mHxI9kIsSCw/s400/candace.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Candice Olson autographing my copy of her book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Candice-Olson-Design-Inspiration-Ideas/dp/0696225840"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Candice Olson on Design</span></a> at a lecture she gave at <a href="http://www.circlefurniture.com/">Circle Furniture</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > Yes, she is just as tall, gorgeous and funny in person as she is on her </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >HGTV </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >show Divine Design!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/divine-design/show/index.html">Candice Olson</a> received a lot of nods from our designer panel as an HGTV favorite, and other prominent designers <a href="http://www.barbarabarry.com/">Barbara Barry</a> (love her!) and design legend <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/architects/legends/archive/baldwin_article_012000">Billy Baldwin</a> were mentioned. While a lot of good ideas can come from televised design shows, most of the panel agreed that they present an unrealistic picture of what actually can be done “in a day” and “on a dime.” The largest omission is the cost of labor (and materials) for each makeover, which significantly adds to the reality of a projects bottom line.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV94GFJQpFWZovaAsN-RnkC-nLI6Gy8-o42-AwpX-EdCM-YF5Fj7kfUaN3NBzymUXES_MrxY7vomRUxJ7wrhIFxvIQbuKRkhpDTc0eZX0fK9wKRmBKUVZDgEqWiuQ16rjzCau85ozcv4o/s1600-h/natesbook.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367437453247713474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV94GFJQpFWZovaAsN-RnkC-nLI6Gy8-o42-AwpX-EdCM-YF5Fj7kfUaN3NBzymUXES_MrxY7vomRUxJ7wrhIFxvIQbuKRkhpDTc0eZX0fK9wKRmBKUVZDgEqWiuQ16rjzCau85ozcv4o/s320/natesbook.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 320px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">My (unsigned *sigh*) copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Home-Rules-Transform-Place-Youll/dp/1401301371">Nate’s book</a></span></span><br /><br />Another favorite design personality of mine is <a href="http://www.nateberkus.com/">Nate Berkus</a> (and not just because he is adorably handsome!) His love of organic objects in a space and creating sacred moments in a persons home is something I firmly believe in. Items do not have to be expensive to be of value. I actually got to see Nate in person at the <span style="font-style: italic;">Oprah Live your Best Life Tour</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>when it was in Boston. The question I wanted to ask him at the time was how he felt about the incredible amounts of money spent on a lot of the decorating makeover shows. While I didn’t get the chance to pose my question that day (honestly, I got too nervous to raise my hand!) soon after that event Nate became the host of <a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/oprahsbiggive/index?pn=about"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oprah’s Big Give</span></a>, a show that rewarded the contestants for their creative ability to find ways to help those in need. I think I know what his answer would have been to my unasked question. Creating beautiful living spaces can certainly have a positive influence on one’s overall well-being, but in doing so, it is important to keep in mind that people, and not things, are what truly matter.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153);font-size:130%;" >What design questions would you ask if you had the opportunity to receive free advice? Post your questions on my blog, and I will answer as much as I can with pictures to illustrate if possible.<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />And if you haven</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >’</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >t already, there is still time to visit the <a href="http://www.oldyork.org/visit/showhouse.html">York Decorator Show House</a> (it is open through August 15th). If you are lucky, you just might meet one of the <a href="http://blog.accentmagazine.com/new-england-style/meet-the-designers-update-from-old-yorks-decorator-show-house/">designers</a> mentioned in this post (I thought each of their spaces were truly fabulous and I really enjoyed hearing them talk about their love for the design process – I hope to run into them again soon). Remember, don’t be shy ... introduce yourself and ask them about their work. Half the fun of being in a show house is to see how people react to a designed space (the other half is getting a new client or two, of course!). At the end of the day, a person who designs interiors is very much like a favorite artist ... our canvas just includes four walls, a floor and quite likely a ceiling! </span><br /></div>

A decorators Q & A luncheon in York

Postcard image of the York Harbor Reading Room Recently I enjoyed a design discussion/luncheon presented by the Museums of Old York at the ...

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