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Last week I was browsing through some photos of my kitchen in a former home when I lived in Portland. I had totally remodeled it shortly after I moved in. Since much of the wall area was covered with cabinets, doors, windows, and such, I chose a red paint to create a burst and energy to a busy area of my home

Many designers would concur that RED is a secret weapon that instantly adds a statement to a room.  Even in small doses via a pillow, for example, it catches the eye.  I also think red lifts your mood and is a happy color and introduces a ‘wow’ factor into your interior.

Red Kitchen

There is a shade of red for every decorating style and to match colors already existing in your home. For instance, I love red with shades of lime green.  In traditional interiors red tends to be cranberry but in modern interiors it is more of a true red.  Asian style often includes red. In a room with little light, it instantly brightens the room.

As a summer project, consider painting an old piece of furniture like a chair, chest or bench a bright red gloss paint.  The  furniture piece will quickly become the eye catcher in the room. On smaller pieces using a can of spray paint is an option after properly prepping the furniture.

Think of red as you think of how you select your nail color or lipstick or purse.  If you have a built-in bookcase, consider painting the interior red or perhaps the ceiling of the powder room. 

Here are some of my favorite reds from Benjamin Moore:
2004-20 Chili Pepper
2003-10 Million Dollar Red
1322 Ladybug Red
1309 Moroccan Red
1315 Poppy

Do you have a favorite red to share? Please share yours with a comment. More tips

Tags: color, decorating
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 4 Comments »

Teen bedrooms  need colors and designs that are fresh and exciting.  Benjamin Moore’s 2010 Color Pulse palette titled Ingenuity is about passion, creativity, free-form perspectives, redefining, renewing and re-purposing. Ingenuity colors are sporty with names like:  Salsa, Mesquite, Mauve Bauhaus, Yellow Finch, Seaweed, Bronze Metallic, Hummingbird, Midnight Navy.

Most often a re-do of a teen bedroom starts with bedding.  How about a rug to create a splash of energy as a starting point instead.  Here are some colorful rugs using bright colors and unusual shapes to jump start a teen bedroom design:

Company C

C Breeze Company C

Barbie Pink Foreign Accents

Surfboard Foreign Accents

Next Steps:

1. Let your teen weigh in on a rug of their choice.
2. Select an accent color from the rug.
3. Head to the paint store for paint samples to test on the wall. Remember color intensifies so go a shade or two lighter.
4. Use the accent color behind the wall with the bed
5. Find bedding in a solid color from the rug but different than the wall color.
6. Consider monograms on bed pillows.
7. Involve your teen for art like posters, photos.
8. Add a shelf to show mementos, stuffed animals, awards, ribbons, and such.
9. Find a funky, colorful lamp.
10. Fill in with fun, low-cost novelties like beanbag chairs in jellybean colors.

Tags: Area Rugs, color, teen bedroom
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 5 Comments »

Not so long ago children’s furniture was clunky, predictable and mostly a cliche. Not any more. Design- conscious consumers spurred the furnishings industry to introduce multiple models for all tastes.

I think it’s important to keep safety on the forefront of your selections along with practicality.  So consider wide seats, sturdy frames and durable finishes to minimize wear and tear.

My favorite for all the parents with pink in their homes is the Lou Lou Ghost Chair by Philippe Starck for Kartell.  Offered in numerous shades it can work equally well for boys or girls.

LouLou Ghost Chair

Gummy Bear Chair

For a modernist interpretation check out the NotNeutral BB2 chair. It features stain resistant paint and exposed rivets.  The angled legs keep it firmly on the floor and difficult to tip over.

BB2 chair

Great for outdoors or indoors, the Panton Junior by Vitra from Kid O is an icon.  A nice feature allows these chairs to be stacked.  The curves soften the design so no sharp points interfere with play.

Panton Junior by Vitra

Tags: chairs for kids, children's furniture, color
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 2 Comments »

Do you want to add some zing to your home this spring? I have 6 tips that you can readily use to update your space.  Ready to begin?

1. Rotate Your Accessories  – you can change seasons with fresh colors and patterns. Choose 1 0r 2 accents colors that boost your mood and add them in vases, throws, pillows and other accessories.
2. Get Cagey in the Kitchen – can’t afford new cabinets right now?  Why not paint or replace the fronts.  Even replacing the hardware will provide a fresh look.
3. First Impressions Count – why not paint your front door?  You will enjoy this change immensely.  Test a few colors first but don’t be shy.
4. Give Open Shelves a Color Boost – check out Crate and Barrel for colorful bowls, mugs and other serving dishes.
5. Add Some Attitude on the Floor – rugs are affordable and today’s rugs colorful, graphic and fun.
6. Make Your Entry Standout – hallways often are neglected but with a strong color, a bright hallway runner, a stunning mirror you add glamour and pizazz.

Ikea PS Stuga Rug

Colorful Vases from Crate and Barrel

Orange Front Door

Bright colored tabletop

Tags: Accessories, color, redecorate, season, spring
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | No Comments »

One of my favorite places for tile is Statements in Seattle.  Not only is the staff knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, they provide beautiful resource examples throughout their showroom.

Even more helpful is their blog and I feature in this post the top ten tips to consider when using tile in a remodel. (author:  Britt Bertolucci)

1.Something to consider when doing a kitchen backsplash is outlet placement. Jamen suggested placing outlets under the cabinets. This makes your design smoother and is easier to use in the long run.

2.If you have two different floors that bump up to each other, plan the thickness of the under-lamenant. Most installers can do this for you but it is still something to consider and discuss prior to picking your tile.

3. Like I mentioned last week Schluter is a great and often less expensive alternative to sometimes more costly bullnose or trim pieces

4. Very important: Make sure you or your installer remove all preexisting materials before the install. Also check for damages and see if any repairs are necessary. It is always better to start with a clean slate when remodeling. .The 20% your saving now by not doing having a clean slate now could cost you a 120% in 6 to 8 months.

5. When looking for shower pan tiles you should use 4″x4″ or smaller for proper sloping.

6.Time!! Research your tile choice ahead of time. Some tile is special order so make sure you have the time if necessary so you get something you truly want and not something you are ok with, but will hate in two years.

7. Remember your color choices. Try not to get something that will date itself in a few years.  

8. Remember it is NOT cheaper or faster to do it twice. On that note make sure your installer is a reputable one who preferably is licensed and bonded and will not take costly shortcuts.

9.When using grout and thinset, check with the manufacturer’s recommendations and always read directions about application and sealing procedures.

10. Counting the cost.  Don’t be scared of the highest estimate. The highest estimate is not always the worst. It often will cover all your bases, because remember, there are always unexpected surprises. ALWAYS!

Tags: color, decorating, remodel, Seattle, tile
Posted in Ideas and Inspirations | 1 Comment »