color zen blog

A Delectable Mix: Black & Brown.

2012-03-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

I was struck by this lovely display from celebrationsathomeblog.com...

Together, black & brown have powerful, modern edge. I love a mysterious, dark color combo such as this in fashion and interior design.

I think we've finally gotten over the old no black with brown or navy sentiment!

If Ralph can do it, so can you :)

And how do these colors translate into your home?

Perfectly. Mix with cream, linen, white, and a little pop of bright.

Need inspiration? Head to the truffle box.

And who doesn't like to go there...

Need some help coordinating colors in your home? Contact me anytime, 414.303.7200 or j@paintbycolorzen.com.

(thank you weddingbee.com, Ralph Lauren, West Elm, markwilliams-design.com, and steamykitchen.com for the photos)

The New "Faux" is...

2012-03-01T13:18:00.001-08:00

Modern, subtle, gestural, tonal, and on a larger scale (not so many busy little markings).

I am noticing this effect everywhere (design magazines, trend forecasts, catalogs, advertising, etc.)...

It mimics the look of old plaster walls. Could be venetian plaster or a number of distressed faux finish techniques. To be honest, I would probably wing it with a large sponge, water for blending, and a few shades of paint. Many ways to get there, right?

I like the look and feel it's a reflection of the natural, hand-made, green, recycled, "of the earth" trend in design. Everything seems to bear this artisan, imperfect quality.

Clients are interested in wall finishes again as well. Sherwin Williams and Ralph Lauren have some pleasing versions. I was captivated by the beauty of Sherwin Williams finish display at their 2012 trend forecast.

A little"faux" magic goes a long way. Are you ready to explore wall effects again? Or still haunted by forest green sponging (Believe it or not, I'm still helping people cover that up!)? ha ha

Have a great week readers and if you enjoy this blog, vote for us on the Apartment Therapy, 2012 The Hommies ballot!

(thank you ffffound.com and West Elm for the images)

Is Neon Contagious?

2012-02-23T09:20:00.001-08:00

The future is looking very BRIGHT my friends.

This week I've been absorbing like a sponge. Between gazing at fashion week recaps and viewing Benjamin Moore's color trend forecast, Color Pulse 2012, I'm filled to the brim with luscious color.

You know I'm a "tone it down" kind of girl, but at the moment I'm ready to let it rip with the best of the peacocks.

Color is exploding in design, decor, art, and fashion. There were so many bright hues included in the Color Pulse presentation (I'll elaborate in a future post), it was difficult to keep focus on the forerunners.

Fashion runways are oozing with blinding shades of red/orange, orange, yellow, green, and violet to name a few.

Speaking of which, I was completely captivated by this collection of photos from Vogue entitled, New York Street Style Fall 2012.

Can you imagine how these photos might translate into an amazing interior palette?

Something like this...

Had to have my own piece of the pie...

Watch out clients, here I come :)

Need a little of this in your interior? Contact me anytime.

The Violet/Gold Color Combo & it's Unique Following.

2012-02-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Over the past several years, I've been delighted to assist a diverse range of clientele throughout the country. I'm fascinated by people and their unique characteristics and how this translates into the home. As you can imagine, you see certain color preferences repeat themselves.

What I see most often are; people who love warm color, people who love cool color, people opposed to gray, people who love gray, people who love green & blue/green, people who love subtle neutrals, and the renegades who love bold color. Most people fall into one of these categories. But there is a small, unique group that go for the violet & gold shades. In my experience, they are the minority, unafraid to step away from the norm a bit. As a designer, you've got to love the spirit :)

I'm currently working with a client who likes this combo. After completing a paint overhaul (hope to share pictures, it turned out well), we are working on art & accents for a den painted a gold-toned neutral. We are considering this poster (Art.com)...

And throw pillows in an array of color like this (Crate & Barrel)...

In the design process, I found a few inspiring rooms...

I love the subtlety! A touch of color here and there tempered by white, tan, and camel. The neutrals give this beautiful color room to breathe.

Sure feels like Spring! Fresh, happy and a little royal. What do you think?

(thank you House Beautiful, Real Simple, and House Beautiful, for the photos)

Trend Alert: Black & Gold.

2012-02-13T09:09:00.000-08:00

It's funny, this weekend I considered writing a post entitled, "5 things that kill your look" :) #1 on the list, old brass trim and fixtures. Nothing new, I've purged this issue before, see post. I still feel the same way...

Though perhaps the universe is insisting I open my mind to reinvention, because from this thought forward, I SAW NOTHING BUT BRASS (and it's pairing with black) for the remainder of the weekend.

I was browsing at a local H&M, which was literally glowing with brass jewelry, next I tuned in to the Grammy's and noticed a more than ironic number of girls dressed in gold and black. I thought Taylor Swift's version was the best!

Come to think of it, I've seen some beautiful black and gold room designs lately...

It's a powerful, edgy combination that I admit to being a little fascinated by. There's sort of a mysterious Egyptian quality I would be willing to explore further...

Could you live in a black & gold world?

(thank you thefashion-court.com, homerejuvenation.com, eclecticrevisited.wordpress.com, decorpad.com for the images)

The color of sophistication.

2012-02-01T10:15:00.000-08:00

BLACK. Formal, elegant, classic, timeless, powerful. The color we wear on significant days. The color that makes even a simple t-shirt feel important. The color that adds rich contrast to a room. The color a very fair girl like me wishes she could wear, ha ha. The color that is always chic in decorating.

I started thinking about the visual power of black after driving past a business with black awnings. They add a level sophistication that makes me want to learn more about the business.

See what I mean? We need some classical music streaming in the background...

Adorable Georgetown Cupcake, inside and out. Had to add a cupcake (it's almost black).

And for your home...

(Benjamin Moore Iron Mountain)

I think every home needs a touch. Are you a fan?

(thank you Georgetown Cupcake and House Beautiful for the photos)

What can Color Zen online consulting do for you?

2012-01-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

The online consulting (paint color & design) portion of my business has been growing rapidly. What a pleasure it is to read your emails, discuss design dillemas, offer solutions, and help you create beautiful spaces!

California, New York, Florida, Texas, Chicago... Never thought I would experience such rich variety in job location. Although the details vary, my working routine is always the same. Listen, listen, listen to what you really want. Carefully study your photos. Think about other elements in the room and adjoining rooms. Consider your climate, lighting, and regional color trends. Develop a sense of your personal style. And then, go for it!

I have developed great relationships with clients who returned with additional projects, even designers who deal with all aspects of design but may not favor the paint color portion.

I say, bring it on! I sincerely love the work.

For additional information on online consulting, visit the tab on the right hand column of the blog, (here is the link). I am currently reevaluating payment options, so if you're not sure how your project fits in, feel free to contact me (Jessamy) any time at j@paintbycolorzen.com or 414.303.7200.

And if you would like to peak at some real client examples, here are a collection of links to previous posts.

Kaysie's House
Karen's House
Elisha's House
Stephanie's Room
Michelle's House
Peggy's House
Sarah's House
California Couple's House
Sue's House

Have a great week readers!

(thank you BHG for the photo, check out the other lovely palettes here)

Thank you House Beautiful for making my day!

2012-01-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

You know the article you crash into, maybe once a year or so, that gets you so good you feel like you wrote it? I just read one and must share...

"The designer (Pat Healing), one of the founders of interior design firm HB Home, shares how she brought color and contrast into one family's home." Check it out here.

Why do I love this so? Probably because I live this scenario, I love the optimistic spin, the happy ending, and all the advice in between. Let me share my 3 favorite points (otherwise we will be here all day :) -

1. "I get a first-impression vibe, which I totally trust, and I said to my clients, "I've never seen such a mismatch of interiors to the personality of the homeowners in my life.""

Yes! The vibe... One of the most important design sensibilities you either possess or you don't. Sometimes I try to fight my own gut instinct for different reasons and this almost always backfires. Good natural instinct is where a designer's value lies. As a homeowner (myself included), you loose the ability to judge your own space objectively and appreciate it's redesign potential.

2. "But we took a daring approach to color in a conservative way. If you know you're going to use purple and turquoise and chartreuse, as we did in the living room, you have to use a lot of white. You need that pale contrast — you have to give the eye a place to rest. Once you have a white base you can work out any combination of colors you want."

A neutral foundation really allows bright color to shine. When I'm working with clients who are hell bent on bright color, I sometimes feel pressure to offer dramatic paint color solutions. This is probably because paint is a quick fix. Often, the other elements in the room are the real issue. BALANCE is key.

3. "The main objective is to feel good in a room. Whether I'm using gray, red, or orange, I want to achieve the same thing: crisp freshness, without a heavy hand. Soothing, not jarring. Colorful to the point where you won't get weary of it. I use color because to do that creates happiness. I really believe that. I love color. Nothing makes me happier than a box of crayons. And I think what color did for this house is nothing short of miraculous."

"Soothing, not jarring", I should have that wonderful phrase embroidered on my briefcase, ha ha. Thank you House Beautiful and hope you have all been inspired.

Bold & Beautiful for Kaysie (client sneek peak).

2012-01-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

This is exactly how I want to kick-off a new business year... With a dynamic, spunky, funny, positive, go-for-it client like Kaysie!

A few months ago Kaysie contacted me, she and her husband had just purchased a new home in California. She was interested in a paint and decor overhaul to transition the home into an updated, clean, contemporary, colorful look.

We started with the kitchen/dining/family room (Kingsport Gray). Then moved on to the rest of home.

What was remarkable about this project? I HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH A CLIENT WITH SUCH A UNIQUE SENSE OF COLOR! Look at the inspiration photos she sent me-

Amen! There isn't a wimp to be found.

The first thing that struck me was that all of the wall colors were relatively dark, or as I like to call them RICH :)

So we started working together on the paint palette... Lots of space to consider (and future updates to surface materials, etc.) Here's what we came up with-

((Benjamin Moore) Kingsport Gray, Senora Gray, Jamesboro Gold, Salsa Dancing, Brookside Moss, Fieldstone, Whitall Brown, and trim in Swiss Coffee.)

And an inspiration board-

In the meantime, Kaysie was waiting for a custom chair to arrive-

Isn't that fabulous? We used the fabric as palette inspiration.

And they are just beginning to paint as we speak. I hope to post pictures of the finished product! Can you envision the new look?

(thank you interiordesignsguide.com, decoratingroomdesign.com, blog.barnfurniture.com, (inspiration board) ZGallerie (mirror), Shades of Light (patterned rug), West Elm, Apartment Therapy, West Elm (bedding), Shades of Light (rug), ZGallerie (print), Crate&Barrel (pillows))

Holiday Giveaway: And the winner is?

2012-01-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year readers. Let's start the 2012 posts off with a bang- congrats to Karen from California for winning the one room consult! Check out Karen's dilemma...

Dear Jessamy,

I am, as you say, lost in a sea of color chips! I stumbled upon your website and wish I had found it before I committed to several painting missteps. We are finally updating our living room (furniture, accessories) and I have been struggling with paint choices! The fireplace wall also has A LOT of brick, which totally confounds me. I have tried painting it white (too bright), dark grey (o.k), and the color it is now (just looks kinda strange - C2 Cafe Latte), and don’t like anything I have tried. Not only am I at my wits end, but my husband has basically banned me from entering our local Benjamin Moore store until I discover the paint color that I will be truly happy with. HELP!

I would love to get your professional and fresh approach to reinventing this room. I feel like the paint should be lighter--maybe a warm grey? I’m totally lost on how to handle all of the brick.

There are just 6 hours left in 2011 (we live in California), and I swore that I would send you this email before 2012! I would REALLY appreciate your help!

Thanks,

Karen

Dear Karen,

I imagined choosing a winner who's room was screaming in need, so when your tasteful photos came rolling in, they threw me off in a good way (that's why I picked you). When people come to your house, they probably say, "Looks great in here!" It's a very cute place with a happy vibe, nice work. I love your furniture selections, etc. But you're not sold on the living room...

Here are my thoughts: I don't mind the current latte color on the walls/fireplace, reminds me of a toasty little coffee shop. I think the real issue is a disconnect between your latte scheme and the new gray sofa and rug. Perhaps you are missing the cohesion that creates the wow.

What if you shift the wall and side panel brick to a warm gray. Then paint the mid fireplace panel brick (and wood mantel) a nice bone white color (relates to the dining area but lighter). Let me demonstrate with the use of my beloved Photoshop.

A totally different look! Oh-la-la?

The next step would be to rework the accessories a bit. I love your framed prints! Though I think they would be better suited in another location in the room, hung in a gallery wall type fashion. I would beef up the scale on the new objects placed near the fireplace. My ideas here- mirror by Crate and Barrel, tan print by West Elm, green print by Crate and Barrel, plant pot by Ikea. Keep a touch of red (and a little green) going to ensure flow between the living and dining room.

It was a pleasure reworking your room Karen! What do you think of the new look?

p.s. My husband also begins to sweat when I step foot in a Benjamin Moore store, poor men :)

Cheers,
Jessamy

Happy Holidays Giveaway!

2011-12-11T12:49:00.001-08:00

As a thank you to all of you, who keep the engine running over here and allow me to do what I love; readers of the blog, those who write with questions, clients who hire me to color and decorate their homes, I would like to offer an exciting H O L I D A Y G I V E A W A Y .

Here's the scoop-

I'm offering a 1 room consultation, to a faithful reader who is struggling with paint color selection or issues coordinating furniture, wall color, and decor, etc... Email me (Jessamy) at j@paintbycolorzen.com and include a somewhat brief description of your design dilemma, a few good photos of your room, and the style you are hoping to achieve.

I will sort through the submissions and choose 1 (or maybe even 2 :) lucky winners. Your story, photo and my suggestions will be posted on the blog shortly after the New Year.

Hoping to get some interesting material. Have fun and stay tuned!

(thank you BHG for the photo)

Good flow.

2011-12-04T16:56:00.001-08:00

You know... the longer I do color consulting, the more I realize, what I'm really trying to help you achieve is a good sense of flooooow. Good flow is priceless and I feel awfully passionate about the matter.

Perhaps this is why I always feel the job is much bigger than paint selection.

First, there are wise paint color choices, then there is everything else. The way your house feels, the way rooms connect, lighting, your sense of style, furniture, objects you're looking to replace, meaningful belongings, purpose of rooms, coordination of surface materials.

Clients often struggle with the overall picture. It's easy to get caught up in the flavor of the moment when out shopping for a room. But this leaves you with good and bad moments.

And wouldn't it be nice to love it all, in a tastefully coordinated sort of way.

Seeing the big picture. Do you need to ditch half of your belongings? Probably not. There are many things you can do. Small efforts. Here are a few ideas-

1. Endless designers suggest staying neutral when it comes to big design choices. I completely agree. Flooring, sofas, tile, and surface materials. This is a big one!

2. Choose one neutral paint color to anchor your home. Repeat throughout.

3. Keep all trim (and most of the ceilings) consistent.

4. Pick two accent colors (that you really love). Repeat throughout.

5. Keep fixtures and lighting somewhat consistent in style and scale.

6. Clear out small cluttery decor and replace with a few large scale dynamos :)

7. Take time to consider the style you want to reflect before jumping into purchasing.

8. Try to relate furnishings with the style and scale of your home.

And if you need HELP? I would love to assist. Track me down.

(thank you Mark Williams Design Associates for the beautiful photos)

Seeing Red...

2011-11-27T16:52:00.000-08:00

... Blue, Green, and a beautiful selection of Neutrals as presented by Sherwin Williams at the COLORMIX 2012 live presentation. My own personal haven.

I love the fact that employees of the company are paid to travel the world seeking global color trends that relate to all levels of design- from art, fashion, furniture, to paint colors.

And today I admit, I am a lover of trends. Some will wince, spit, roll over, accuse me of not being a "true" color connoisseur, ha ha, but I have one question for you- would you hire a designer who appeared wildly out of style and disengaged with the world? Didn't think so :)

See, there's something to staying current. This does not mean I talk you into the color of the moment. Nope, it's always about what works in your space. But I truly believe worldly influences are important, interesting, and relevant to design always.

So without further ado, I would like to share with you the highlights of this presentation. The BIG colors headed down the pipeline and where they come from. I thought sharing my actual notes as scribbled in a dark room would be more interesting than paragraphs, so here goes...

And I promise, you will see these colors emerge! I'm already noticing them in retail.

• All colors are inspired by Earth and the global shift towards sustainability (which is here to stay).
• texture is the "new bling" :)

RED

• 1st color used in cave paintings
• hardest pigment to make
• full range of shades from orange/red to red/violet
• haven't seen red this prominent since the 1980's
• a symbol of spirituality
• red hair
• inspiration from the human circulatory system

BLUE

• major inspirations- water and denim (fabric of the American worker)
• lack of water on Earth has water on our minds
• floating home developments in response to rising ocean levels
• tons of blue on the runways
• blue and white are huge in dinnerware
• azure, cobalt, cerulean

GREEN

• color of nourishment
• original meaning- to grow
• seaweed, algae and moss are an important inspiration as we consider them as alternate energy sources.
• aerial views of Earth and it's shades of green.
• moving away from the ever popular yellow/green to a true green
• olive green in interiors and on the runway

NEUTRALS

• natural linen
• wheat, khaki, cream, porcelain, weathered wood, earthy clay
• from cool gray to warm gray
• stone and sand
• gray, beige, taupe and ochre

So interesting! View the video clips here... Happy Monday readers.

(thank you Clido Meireles for Tate Modern, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, and vi.sualize.us for the images)

Setting the table for Thanksgiving.

2011-11-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

I had Thanksgiving once... it was A LOT of work :) I cooked for days! The menu: rolled turkey with stuffing, wild rice with cranberries, creamy mashed potatoes, sauteed green beans (highly recommend), cranberry/orange relish, etc. My mother started suspecting pregnancy after I "became ill" from mincing ginger (8am), ha ha. My son would come the next year, but I guess it was too early for all that jazz in the kitchen!

Anyway, be thankful for the kind relative putting on a fantastic spread for you. In our case, my aunt and uncle, can't wait for a great meal!

In the meantime, I'm admiring some festive table settings. Creating the tablescape is my favorite part of holiday preparation. Maybe next year... I like to dig through our closets and yard for just the right selection of things. You would be amazed at what you can do with objects and fabric at hand...

And I must mention, the "Thanksgiving" palette as displayed by the images, would inspire a lovely array of paint shades for your home. The Benjamin Moore affinity line comes to mind- something like this... soleil, tumeric, honeymoon, oat straw, etruscan, satchel, elk horn, caponata.

Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family.

(thank you HGTV, Martha Stewart, Real Simple, Neil Alan Designs, and Martha Stewart for the images)

The Gift of Color *

2011-11-13T14:42:00.001-08:00

Do you have a friend or family member struggling with paint colors? Lack of flow in the home?

As the holidays approach, I know many people search for creative gifts for the important people in their life. Especially for the those who seem to have everything, it can be difficult!

How about a color consultation? Something different. This year I'm offering holiday gift certificates!

I help local and national clients with a wide range of interior and exterior color dilemmas. From paint colors and coordination of surface materials to event color palettes, I love to assist.

Questions or interest? Contact me anytime.

(thank you David Stark and Martha Stewart for the images)

Transported... by a pillow?

2011-10-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Take me there please...

Recently, I was helping a client color the walls of her new condo. A bright, new construction with a lovely tree view. She mentioned she was interested in a West Indies design style. I thought, that's refreshing, no one has asked for that before? Can you picture the look?

We chatted about color options, and she gave me a general idea of her likes, but was very open to suggestions. We came up with a palette full of caramels, olives, browns, and this fabulous, dark shade of plum/brown (Benjamin Moore bison brown). I just had a feeling it would turn out well. Clients who let go of the fear (too dark, too light, too bold...) and allow the process to flow, get the best result hands down. It was a real joy!

After the appointment, I went in search of accents to help pull the new color scheme/look together. You sort of meander from one source to the next, and in the process I landed upon these pillows from Koko Company...

I would like to put this one here...

And this one here...

I thought they loosely fit the design style. A little (okay, a lot) pricey at around $100 a piece... but sometimes a single, bold accessory can make the entire room. I've seen this happen with a simple vase of flowers for example.

I would go for it, would you?

(thank you Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Orient Express, Road To Mandalay, India Hicks/Domino, Koko Company (pillows), Urban Outfitters (Luc Sofa), and Room & Board (Selby Leather Sofa) for the photos)

Magically Multicolored.

2011-10-12T10:37:00.000-07:00

LOVE button, click click click. A quick note and a little eye-candy for you today...

I stumbled across this bench and it's sweet tale- it put a smile on my face. The array of color is so beautiful and most of all I admire the lighthearted attitude.

Why don't we let ourselves run with color like we did when we were children? I know my 4 year old would give this paint job a double thumbs-up. :) Read the story here- www.fauhaselmayer.com. Even the paint colors are included!

I think we all need a little slice of this in our lives, to hell with the rules.

(Vogue Living May/June 11)

Have some fun, cheers readers!

Fall Color * 2011.

2011-10-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

I went for a walk the other night, on a beautiful evening, and much to my delight the air was scented with falling leaves, apple trees, and bonfires.

Fall is here.

I feel most creatively inspired at this time. The back to school season pushes you forward from the laid-back summer attitude to a more serious/productive mindset. When I worked in advertising, Fall always entailed a frenzy of new campaigns. It's the big runway time in fashion. New beginnings, fresh ideas, and time for Color Zen to churn out 5 fabulous hues for the Fall Color post. Woo hoo!

In late summer I start thinking about this post... watching color forecasts (here's an example from Pantone), watching runway shows, checking out Fall retail lines, but mostly relying on gut instinct. What do I want to be surrounded by and what do I want to wear!

This year I'm feeling global, organic, artisanal, earthly, fiery influences. Color with warmth and richness. Comfortable, cozy, livable, wearable. Hues that remind me of Indian tapestry, Moroccan throw pillows, hand spun pottery, and wool sweaters.

Let's roll...

1. Olive Green. Obsessed- even bought the eye shadow :) Love it on the walls, feels very modern. Complements many accent and wood colors. Try Benjamin Moore hiking path 524 or providence olive HC-98.

2. Taupe. The perfect mix of brown and gray. Currently loving it mixed with camel tones (or any of the colors within this fabulous photo by Martha- Martha knows color). Try Benjamin Moore fairview taupe HC-85 or kingsport gray HC-86.

3. Plum. Otherwise known as red/violet. Could be an accent wall or accessory color. Plays well with wood. Makes people look good. Try Benjamin Moore bordeaux red 1365 or dark walnut 1358.

4. Ochre. Can't get enough of this hue paired with gray! Sunny with a cool breeze. A touch of white and brown temper the gold. Try Benjamin Moore princeton gold HC-14 or summerdale gold HC-17.

5. Garnet. A slightly burnt red that almost leans orange. Pairs well with spice tones. For the feisty, firecracker client :) Try Benjamin Moore sweet rosy brown 1302 or spanish red 1301.

Readers, enjoy your season, hope you like the picks! If you would like to look back on last year's colors, here's a link.

(Thank you Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Domino, West Elm, and Ingrid Pullar for the New York Times for the photos)

Stunning Wall Moments.

2011-09-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

You see it, you feel it, you know it, and you want a slice of it in your own home.

Stunning Wall Moments. When paint colors and the ideal piece of artwork combine perfectly in the right space. Add a few accessories and you have design perfection.

How do we get there? Well, that's the hard part (I can help). Sometimes it's a slow, painful process requiring hard work, inspiration, patience, luck... Once in a while things just magically come together.

I don't know about you but I learn a lot from admiring other's work. When I see something really beautiful it fuels my fire. These are examples filed in my "Holy Grail" folder :)

Can you see why? It doesn't even take much, or a huge budget. The world is your canvas, ha ha- now get creating!

(Thank you Martha Stewart, Design Sponge, Design Sponge, Martha Stewart, and Design Sponge for the photos)

For the Love of Mixing Paint.

2011-09-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

To my fellow creative friends out there,

Does the sight of this painter's palette get your blood flowing?

(Vogue Living)

This is exactly where my love for paint mixing began.

College painting courses- I quickly chalked up the in-between paint color tubes to focus on the primaries (red, yellow, blue) + white. With these 4 tubes at hand, you can mix virtually any shade under the sun, even black.

I did this for 2 reasons. 1. Artist paint is pricey and I never had more than $5 in my college account, ha. 2. For the love of the game!

You know which colors were by far the most difficult to mix? The neutrals- beige, shades of gray, taupe, and off-white. I learned this quickly in trying to replicate a painting by artist Wayne Thiebaud (one of my favorites). I got pretty close but it took a few attempts and much effort.

What I didn't realize at the time, was how relevant this experience in mixing, creating neutrals, and gaining perspective on the wild world of undertones would be in my future. It's funny how things just happen...

There is definitely an angle from art school that I can't help but bring, sometimes literally :), to your table.

Time stood still back in college when I realized (luckily) the direction in which I should head. Art/design/painting just ignited something.

And my how that is still true!

Just wanted to share, hope you have also loved your chosen path.

Move over color chips,

2011-09-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

there's a new baby in town!

Bottle please...

Introducing Mr. Bennet Charleston Tsoris.

Born in a dramatic fashion (one hour start to finish), on a dramatic day 9.11.11, he arrives the sweetest, calmest package. I feel lucky to have him and am thoroughly enjoying the feed, burp, change, cycle of life :)

Going to delight in this baby and get back to my other love (color) soon.

Welcome Bennet!

When Beige IS Beautiful.

2011-09-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Beige gets a bad rap these days. Boring, so 5 years ago, over-it, on to gray, etc... But much like any other color in the spectrum, it's all in the way you incorporate. As soon as I saw this spread in House Beautiful, I tore it out thinking, what incredibly beautiful design, soothing and understated. Monochromatic with just enough dynamic moments to keep you coming back...

The designer is Benjamin Dhong and I thought he had some interesting things to say regarding the use of white. "When I work with a monochromatic palette, I layer all those quiet neutrals to the point where the room is starving for color. Then you give it a little bit of white and it's such a relief; the effect of the white is heightened. But it's not overwhelming, so the mood stays serene."

I'm a HUGE fan of white used this way. The contrast between a mid-toned paint color and white trim or accents has this lighthearted, clean, sophisticated appeal you want to live with.

Other remarkable moments- The kitchen cabinet color (Benjamin Moore temptation), a nice unexpected touch! The bold black and white artwork... The meticulous layering of textures...

What do you think?

If you're still a believer, here are some of my favorite shades... Benjamin Moore hush, monroe bisque, bleeker beige, shaker beige, and powell buff.

Spice Girl.

2011-08-28T13:16:00.000-07:00

Feeling the first Fall crisp in the evening air, I love that. I've grown to enjoy Fall and our family rituals a little more each year.

Never getting past the back to school shopping exhilaration, I'm seeking Fall clothing, etc. Especially since I've been in pregnant attire for 9 months and c o u n t i n g d o w n. Waiting for baby (any minute now)!

And my eyes are feasting on merchandise in spice tones...

Interesting considering I'm usually on the cool side of the line. There are also an abundance of warmer tones in my Fall picks post in the works. Hmmmmm?

It started with this...

And rolled into this...

And I thought about how I would like to pair these fiery tones with gray for a new twist...

How I love this bolster pillow from Anthropologie.

And this one from World Market too...

It's all feeling very globally inspired, exciting, and fresh. Who's going to let me spice up their room(s)? I feel an accent wall coming on!

Benjamin Moore cactus flower 1335. geranium 1307. cork 2153-40. dark burgundy 2075-10.

(thank you Frugal Village, American Eagle Outfitters, Piperlime, Anthropologie, Crate and Barrel, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie, and World Market for the design inspiration/photos)

.:. Zen Paint Colors .:.

2011-08-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

You asked, you searched, you got it— zen paint colors. Color Zen? I mean, you already know I love the look and feel. When people come to our house they comment on the peacefulness, like a spa, or so they say (granted, this is following a clean job in which a semi stops by to remove 4 years worth of toys, etc...). It looks good for a minute anyway?

And the spa state of mind is where I always want to live. Clean lines, sun-kissed, soothing, decluttered, smells good, feels healthy. I believe I am not alone in this?

So how do we create a zenful space? This is definitely open for interpretation since we are developing an overall feeling versus following a set of design rules. And the term is vague. But here are some inspiring examples that feel just about right...

Feels good, ahhhh. And the paint colors? I decided, instead of coordinating photos with color #'s, or overanalyzing, I'm headed to a quiet corner with a pile of paint swatches to thoroughly enjoy choosing an array of beautiful shades out of the clear blue, that simply feel zen. What fun?

Here's what I came up with, enjoy readers! .:.

(Colors by Benjamin Moore) 1st row- Soleil AF-330. Honeymoon AF-345. Coastal Path AF-380. Dune Grass 492. 2nd row- Moonlight White 2143-60. Flowering Herbs 514. Bath Salts 624. Meditation AF-395. 3rd row- Revere Pewter HC-172. New Age 1444. Creekbed 1006. Shoreline 1471.

(thank you decor-ideas.com, HGTV.com, Martha Stewart, everythingfab.com, luxury-furniture-design.net, and Martha Stewart for the photos)

Old Things to New Life (with paint).

2011-08-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

{Painted wood frames, love the way this series stands alone!}

Recently I took a shot at spray painting a wooden chair that no longer made the first-level cut and was sitting unused in our lowly basement. Going in, I was skeptical of the spray paint as my past experience never produced the great HGTV results I was hoping for, ha! :)

I taped up the upholstered portion of the seat and haphazardly sprayed the remainder a bright turquoise. Much to my surprise, that old chair turned into something special. After the paint dried, I went back in with fine sandpaper and scuffed it up, which allowed little bits of the original dark finish to show through. This is what really made it look like a special vintage piece.

Once I get the clear, seal coat finished, I'm going to use it as my new office chair (I'll share pictures). But for now, I'm left wondering how many wooden pieces I have discarded that could have been completely refurbished with a simple coat of paint and new hardware? Hmmm.

Here are some shining examples...

{Painted chairs in a range of color, love this modern take! Classic, vintage, and contemporary chairs work great too, you really can't go wrong.}

{Do you find yourself owning a few matching side tables past their prime? I think this cluster in a shade of sunny yellow makes the whole room.}

{A dresser with nice clean lines is updated beautifully with a coat of white paint and a new set of coral knobs.}

{Outdated stair rail in an undesirable wood finish? A coat of white paint freshens it up amazingly well!}

Have you had any luck with a beyond the walls paint project? We would love to hear...

(thank you Country Living, Nate Berkus, Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, Jonny Valiant for Real Simple, Martha Stewart, and Apartment Therapy for the photo inspiration)

Colorless in Seattle?

2011-08-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, something like that :)

Hello Jessamy,

I live in Seattle and just moved into a brand new home. We were decisive in choosing all the details of our home except the paint color- we panicked. I love color and am drawn to blues, greens, grays (maybe a beachy palette) but we chose a very safe khaki.

While decorative accessories or colorful furniture would be helpful, I can't help but wonder if we should have gone with our first inclination which was to pick a sophisticated and whole house friendly blue/bluish gray. Or, is that just a no-no? I went with it in the master bath and it's become my happy place :) Or, do I just paint the great room a new fun color and leave the rest in khaki (dining, hallways, stairways)?

AND, A BIG ISSUE IS THE BIG WALL IN THE GREAT ROOM. Do you have suggestions on what I could do here? I'm stuck and looking forward to hearing from you!

Kindly,
Elisha

Here is a peak at Elisha's home-

Dear Elisha,

What a cute place, I LOVE it! You have a very beautiful foundation to build upon. I don't mind your khaki walls, they create subtle groundwork. The khaki tone will go well with the blue/grays you mention. But... let's add some sizzle! Not screaming sizzle... sophisticated/dynamic moments here and there to break things up and add the WOW. It won't take much.

I pondered your photos, and here are my thoughts on paint... You know those very debatable accent walls? I think they could really work in your home. I would add one behind the breakfast nook and one behind the hutch in the dining room. I would also paint the entire great room a different color. You mentioned some paint shades, many were pale, grayed down shades of blue/green. I think we can incorporate that color into accents for sure. On the walls however, I would go a little darker/richer. Why? Because darker/richer will complement the khaki walls and dark wood tones you have in abundance.

Here's the paint/decor color range that comes to mind-

So let's get into details...

Dining Room.

I already love your dining room. The light above your table is fantastic (the art too!). Also, the little topiaries on the table make me think bright grass green would be a fabulous pop color to add dashes of here and there.

I would paint the wall behind your hutch a color like the above options, Benjamin Moore caponata Af-650 or tamarind AF-120 (2 great shades). Then add a throw pillow on both end dining chairs as well as a patterned placemat in the center of the table. I think these options from Crate and Barrel would flow well.

Great Room.

I agree with your inclination to mix up the khaki by painting the great room a different color. I also think we can make a blue/gray work- it just can't be super pale. I love this one- Benjamin Moore fieldstone 1558. It's the color of the cabinetry in the room below. I would incorporate the new wall color with accents such as these pillows from World Market, Crate and Barrel, and Tonic Living and rug from Shades of Light.

By the way, that black and white artwork above? Maybe something like that for your great wall! A little touch of modern may ruffle things up perfectly. I found these-

Marimekko wall hanging from Crate and Barrel and butterfly print from ZGallerie.

Also, how about adding a white, low profile storage unit that fills the bottom 1/3 of the great wall from end to end. Something like this (just half the height) from Ikea.

Breakfast Nook.

And last... the breakfast nook. You mentioned switching the chairs to white. I think that would look great as well as this dark option, both from Crate and Barrel. It may be worth hauling a few options home to see what you think. I like the idea of this laser cut table runner from Crate and Barrel too. And of course the accent wall- how about a muddy, earthy, slightly olive, dark gray like the swatch above, otherwise known as Benjamin Moore copley gray HC-104. Will make that beautiful little drum light pop. Oh-la-la.

Thank you all for enduring this looooong post. Elisha, hope these ideas inspire you- let us know how the rooms evolve!

Thanks for writing,
Jessamy

Perfectly Stated.

2011-07-26T09:16:00.000-07:00

Reading through August's Real Simple magazine (one of my great loves), the editor writes about her encounter with Eve Ashcraft, an architectural color consultant featured in the issue.

"I was fairly content in my boring, white-or-off-white existence until I encountered Eve Ashcraft... As far as I can tell, being a color consultant means you are part triage doctor, part magician, and part psychotherapist. It also means that-like other people with true visual talent, or that kid in The Sixth Sense-you see things that other people can't."

How perfectly stated- the best description of my job one could ever configure. There is an incredibly psychological component I never anticipated. It's like me vs. all of your life experiences, including the powder blue dress your mother made you wear in 5th grade, that the kids had a field day with. Even though powder blue would look amazing in your new bathroom, you will forever despise the shade and tell me simply, it ain't happening! :)

These life experiences and your eye vs. my eye make color consulting really challenging, exciting, and wonderfully complicated. Somehow we get there, one paint chip at a time.

So I went on to take a peak at Eve's color combinations in the magazine and was equally delighted with what I found there.

Incredibly beautiful color that's both unexpected and livable! I never would have put these combinations together, but that's why they're so inspiring... Sweet innovation, wow.

Highly recommend!

(Thank you Gentl & Hyers/Real Simple for the beautiful photos)

Why Your Home is NEVER Hopeless.

2011-07-16T12:02:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, I run into a client who just despises their home... and it seems to make the entire experience feel negative and blaaaaaaaah.

But- the good news is this scenario can take a complete positive turn (I've seen it happen, yes!). By the time a few simple changes have been made, the homeowner's attitude has lifted. Very inspiring to witness, I must say.

There is real power in loving your environment. It goes way beyond face value and material things.

So People- if you are not in love with your home, GET a MOVIN'! Don't let self doubt, fear of change, lack of motivation, color phobia, my husband/wife won't let me, etc... keep you down. I think sometimes dreading the work is far worse than diggin' in and getting the job done. In 1 weekend you can turn the whole place around.

No matter how bad your house is, in reality or in your mind, there is always something you can do!

Here are 8 of my favorite tricks-

1. Clear it out. Clear most of the items from your room(s). Spend some time rethinking/rearranging. Keep your favorites, purge the rest. Less is more, more, more!

2. If your carpet is gross- clean it! Our best family friend is the Rug Doctor. For a very affordable rate you can rent him at your local home improvement store. I was a complete skeptic until my husband proved me majorly wrong. P.S. if you really hate your carpet/it's a terrible color- seriously consider replacing it- sets the whole tone...

3. Add a large piece of artwork. It can be as simple as a framed poster. Make sure the colors relate to your furnishings. I would rather see one big impact piece than 20 little ones scattered about.

4. Paint (you knew we were going there). A fresh coat is priceless. This also applies to woodwork- if your wood is really bad- paint it! Takes decades off your home. If you're struggling with color choices, call me!

5. Slip cover 80's patterned furniture. Nothing brings the design progress to a hault like a screaming 80's patterned sofa and chair, ha. If you can't afford to replace these pieces in the near future, just cover them up in a thrifty neutral slipcover. Layer with a few new throw pillows and a near miracle has been performed.

6. Add light. A lamp, candles, a string of lights... Instant warmth and happiness. I had the nicest client- we were working on her sunroom (she did such a great job decorating, it turned out fabulous). She put together this candlescape (above). It brought a little slice of heaven to the room. I gasped in delight when I walked in. That's what we're going for, right? Yes!

7. Add shimmer. Something that sparkles, shimmers, or reflects light such as a mirror, a metallic object, a glass vase, or throw pillows with beading. It will break up the monotony and brighten the space instantly.

8. Pick an accent color (or 2) and stick with it. When there are too many colors going in one room, it kills the look. Settle on 1 or 2 you love and go with it. A neutral plus one or two accents always works! Repetition.

Ready to get rollin' on some improvements this weekend? Cheers readers!

(thank you Real Simple, Real Simple, Sarah Richardson, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Real Simple for the photos)

Good Balance!

2011-07-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Designer Sarah Richardson of HGTV, etc. has caught my attention lately! It seems her room designs just keep getting better and better?

I am IN LOVE with the soft, peaceful, paint hues that whisper, I'm so perfectly understated you don't even notice me, in the following rooms.

They just make perfect sense (along with the rest of the elements).

It's funny, I've been on a mission, trying to open client minds to the medium tone. I hear a lot of... that's too dark, too dark, too dark... Lesson learned- if you do not commit to enough depth in color/neutral, and your home is filled with dark natural wood and dark furniture (which is very common in the Midwest), the soft hues I'm adoring above, often fall flat. The walls look washed out and the furniture feels heavy. You lack overall harmony, flow, and .................. balance!

Why do the soft hues work so well here? Notice Sarah uses primarily white, and really light colored accents, fabric, rugs, etc. and just a touch of dark contrast for pop. You are not startled by any of the elements, emphasis is on the cohesive overall look, and you just plain want to live there!

I suppose my point is, though tempting to paint bold color to appease boredom, or stick with off-white because you're afraid, really think about your home, your accents, your furniture and what will bring everything together. I've seen it happen, and it's amazing!

How your favorite photos create a palette.

2011-06-28T14:28:00.000-07:00

I clapped, cheered, and said out loud... Now that is a cool idea!

Not an entirely new concept, just one we likely forget to consider during the uninspired shuffle in which we're decorating or trying to come up with paint color ideas and it just has to be done, quickly.

But wouldn't it be wonderful, if the colors in your home we're drawn straight from a photo snapped on a memorable vacation, hike, scenic moment, the yard, or any space you love.

What a great conversation to be had if people came over and asked, how did you choose your colors?

Take a peak-

Thank you House Beautiful for making my day, thought this was a great example. Love the photo, the location, and the weathered quality of the colors pulled straight from layers of paint applied through history. Doesn't this just get the creative folk howling, ha ha?

So I gave it a whirl...

One of my favorite photos of my little guy...

And, a photo from a heavenly little trip my husband and I took in what seemed to be tropical paradise.

My honest thoughts on this exercise? Wow, this works really well! And you develop a fond connection since the colors come from a very warm place.

Give it a try, it's quite fun! Hope you're inspired...

The Power of Trim Color.

2011-06-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to help this homeowner choose new trim colors, what a lovely place? In the process we discussed; roof color (roof was replaced), the addition of copper trim, and simplification of some of the trim lines.

Before

The client was interested in maintaining a sense of the home's Craftsman Style, in which structures blend harmoniously with nature. After considering a few directions, we agreed on earthy greens and creams. They complemented the golden brick well, remained true to the style, yet added a fresh, contemporary touch.

We tested a variety of shades (some of the creams were too yellow, whew), until we found a combination that felt just right. Our final selections were- Benjamin Moore crownsville gray, baffin island, and georgian green.

And after a loooooooong painting, roofing, flooding (yikes), shall we call it enduring process, we have a new look!

After

Isn't it amazing how trim colors can completely shift a home's appearance? The photo washes the colors unfortunately, but my favorite part of this transformation is the entrance. It looks lighter, brighter, and happier!

The homeowner told me someone walked by and said, cool Eddie Bauer colors, ha. Thought that was funny and right on.

A new take on Stephanie's bedroom!

2011-06-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

A while back, Peggy and I created an online plan for her California home. It was a pleasure working with her and I was happy to see her come back with another project.

This is a fun one! Her daughter Stephanie is currently attending college and heading in an architectural direction- thumbs-up! She will be home for the summer and wanted to create a new look for her bedroom. This is a temporary dwelling so we're looking for an easy, light, inexpensive, low-maintenance, pick-me-up.

Current bedroom-

Looks like we have a bright, happy room with pretty woodwork to build upon.

Inspiration photo-

(Design Sponge)

Creative direction- "Stephanie has expressed she is wanting an urban loft feel for her bedroom. Obviously the green walls will be covered up and she wants to use the skyline pillow as her inspiration piece. She mentioned a dramatic purple or a grey (maybe for the ceiling)? I don't want to stifle your creativity so your input is welcomed!"

So we settled on the above photo as a bit of a guide (notice the similarity in furniture/trim), love the look!

My first inclination regarding wall color was to keep it light and airy. A sophisticated light gray with a little warmth, maybe a whisper of violet in the undertone. Our winner- Benjamin Moore silver fox 2108-50, a really beautiful shade, check it out.

Then I put together a mood board to help Stephanie create the scene-

(curtain panels Ikea, bedding Target, chandelier Ikea, throw pillows Crate and Barrel/Tonic Living, sheets Target, prints theloveshop/Etsy)

Everything you see is very inexpensive! My personal favorite- the bedding... $34.99 for a king comforter this cute?

Additional suggestions- Change the dresser knobs to something elegant like glass, hang an inexpensive, chandelier type light- maybe around the dresser, layer the bedding and add throw pillows for pop, hang a dynamic gallery wall- frame a variety of prints/photos, etc... in white or silver frames.

And the look is underway! They have painted, purchased the bedding, and let me know it's turning out well. Enjoy the new look Stephanie!

A Taupe Revolution.

2011-06-11T09:47:00.000-07:00

My how things have changed since Color Zen came alive in 2009 :) I could barely mention the word gray without knocking the wind out of client sails.

I think we were still on Tuscan overload. Gold, red, warm neutrals. Absolutely nothing wrong with these colors, just temporarily overdosed!!

But, this season clients are interested in or at least open to a wider variety of options. Blues, greens, and grays in particular. And the neutral of choice (Are you on the edge of your seat?) is my beloved TAUPE.

We recently painted our entire living area Sherwin Williams outerbanks, which definitely falls into the category. With pops of white and chartreuse, I'm loving the look.

Here is a taste...

Why is taupe so lovable? It gives you the modern feel of gray, without the blue undertones. A mix of brown and gray, it stays warm and complements a variety of wood tones from painted white to oak to espresso. It is rich and allows artwork/decor to pop, without leaving you feeling washed out.

Here are my tried and true favorites shades, dark & light-
(Benjamin Moore) fairview taupe, kingsport gray, alexandria beige, stone hearth, indian river, brandon beige, racoon hollow, sparrow, and weimeraner.

Taupe is the new beige? Maybe something like that, ha. Cheers to a new favorite!

(thank you Design Sponge and desiretoinspire.net for the photos)

Perfect Palette Inspiration: object groupings.

2011-06-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

What makes object groupings in magazines so darn appealing? I was going to say appealing to the eye, but maybe it's to a variety of senses...

This one from Architectural Digest got me good. I've had it stashed away in an "inspiration folder" for a few months. The color! And the graphic design, love it. Let's see, they call this "The Scent Calendar 2011", 12 monthly candles developed in part by fashion designers and beauty moguls- that sucks me in even more :) $650 at Maison Gerard (yes you read that correctly). Maybe in my next lifetime?

But to the point- spreads like this make GREAT color palette inspiration. So if you come across something that stops you, tear it out and tuck away. I love when clients share visuals like this. Especially if they're not exactly sure where to begin. You can learn a lot about your own taste by these selections.

The best part? A visual can be interpreted creatively, in so many different ways. Such as...

Enjoy your favorite design magazine and let the wheels turn... Need help interpreting? Contact me anytime.

(thank you Amanda Nisbet, youvegottoseethis.myhomeideas.com, House Beautiful, and starsandquills.blogspot.com for the photos)

I hope my heaven looks like Martha Stewart's backyard.

2011-05-25T10:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but lately my mailbox has been flooded with catalogs full of perfectly styled patio scenes, making me want to ditch all responsibility for the tunic and spritzer with friends on a warm summer night.

(West Elm)

Thumbs-up to the stylists, their magic works. I can't wait to head to World Market (one of my favorite spots for patio decor) to add a few things to our outdoor scene... Is there anything more soul satisfying then a quaint little BBQ on a perfect 80° evening?

Even 5 years ago, it seemed daunting to get your hands on a stylish, contemporary patio table set. But wow, these days Pottery Barn, CB2, West Elm, World Market, and Target (to name a few), are brimming with great options (not to mention the accessories).

Even if you lack the ideal patio set, etc., a little accessory love goes a long way. Here are my favorite ways to create outdoor magic-

(Martha Stewart)

1. Clean the place up! I like to scrub down the table, chairs, and sweep the patio. Create a blank slate.

(Martha Stewart)

2. Lights. My #1! Anything that adds a warm glow = the magic factor. Paper lanterns, candle lanterns, string lights. I've even thrown white x-mas lights in our flower beds.

(Pottery Barn)

3. Music. A little gentle background music is a nice addition. Lately I've been hooked on the "chill" satellite radio stations.

(Martha Stewart)

(West Elm)

4. Finishing touches. A cute, colorful side table, a vase of flowers, a few patterned throw pillows, or a table runner to add some personality and color!

(BHG)

5. Really good food and drink. I've learned my lesson... just say no to high-maintenance hors d'oeuvres and go for simple crowd pleasers. Here are 2 of my favorites! BBQ Guava-Glazed Chicken & Williams-Sonoma Mango Margarita Mix (you can't believe this comes from a bottle).

I hope you're inspired to get out there and create your own idyllic scene. Cheers readers, summer is almost here!

Busy Buzzing...

2011-05-20T07:22:00.000-07:00

I've been busy, busy with color projects and house projects. Dreaming up baby's nursery... Going to fill up the blog tank this weekend for you all. Many ideas dancing in my head. Sorry for the lag, stay-tuned!

Happy Friday readers!

(thank you Land of Nod and Jonathan Adler (white/chartreuse throw pillow) for putting these ideas in my head)

Life is short, redecorate every 5 minutes?

2011-05-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

While out looking for throw pillows, artwork, etc. for the get ready for baby, reworking of our home, I spotted these chairs at a local HomeGoods store.

It's always the accent chairs that get me (+ nail heads). And I love these. I could picture them in a room sort of like this...

(West Elm)

Just one chair, with a pillow like this...

(West Elm)

...as the room's moment of glory.

Have you had a similar reaction, when spotting something beautiful? You want to completely abandon your current look? Start all over... I think of my mother, my mother-in-law, myself, and then my father, my father-in-law, and my hubby just shaking their heads :)

Then you come to your senses... At least until you hit the 5 year mark- then it seems marginally appropriate to take it from the top.

You can always refer to the wonderful saying, life is short... And put in some extra hours at work.

p.s. The best part of this tale- as I'm gazing lovingly at these chairs, a couple walks by and says, "Whoa- those chairs are REALLY bright and obnoxious." To each his own, ha.

Palette Inspiration.

2011-04-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

I have piles of magazines. Design, fashion, cuisine... I guess they sum up my favorite aspects in life. Even that darn casserole magazine I read over and over (I'm pregnant okay?) before bed and my husband just laughs. I can't decide which one to make? ha

But to the point, every so often something REALLY grabs me visually, and this one did for sure. A long spread in the May issue of Architectural Digest... "A sun-splashed Manhattan penthouse blends American efficiency with lyrical Franch flair, thanks to interior designer Delphine Krakoff and architect Mark Ferguson." They had me at the lyrical French flair...

The place is huge, 9,000 square feet, and most, if not all of the rooms are shown- but I could live with the following, exceptional 3-

What do I love about these rooms? Absolutely everything. The bold graphic nature of the artwork, the elegant/modern fusion, the perfect sense of proportion, and of course... the amazing combination of color.

Although high-end, I believe there are many elements we can recreate for a fraction of the cost... So if you're in love like me, get creative and go for it!

Here are some paint color leads (by Benjamin Moore)...

Happy Friday readers!

What to do with wood ceiling beams?

2011-04-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

Love them! Suddenly they've become a room's best asset, isn't it funny how that happens? In past years, many of us were cringing, removing, or trying to camouflage.

So, what should you do with wood beams, if you happen to live in an older home and they need a little love? You might guess my stance- anything you want!

I found some great examples...

1. Paint everything white.

2. Apply a whitewash, distressed finish. Love this one!

3. Paint the beams white, and the ceiling a contrasting color. Isn't this happy?

4. Paint the beams a color (why not)!

5. Leave the wood natural.

6. Stain in your shade of choice.

I was inspired by these examples, and how the rustic quality of wood beams can be successfully incorporated into contemporary decor. If your beams need a lift and you're not sure what to do, I would be happy to help.

(thank you Wishful Thinking, Decor Pad, styleathome.com, Inspiring Interiors, Coastal Living, www.livingwithwhite.com, Eleanor Cummings/House Beautiful, for the photos)

Good Eggs.

2011-04-24T08:30:00.000-07:00

Coloring Easter eggs = pure, simple, joy. And beautiful color.

I like the old school technique best. Boiling water, poured into coffee cups, add a dash of vinegar, and a shameful amount of food coloring. Let those sweet eggs sit for about 7 minutes, until they are perfectly vibrant.

My son wants them all to be blue, I'll have to work on him :)

My favorite special effect is the rubber band trick. It is so easy and look how cool they turn out...

I am fascinated by the natural dye concept. Here's what was used for the eggs below- blueberries, turmeric, paprika, raspberries, and coffee. Love that (Real Simple)!

Thought this was a cute, simple treat (BHG) to make with the kids. Marshmallows rolled in coconut...

But this year, we baked banana cream cupcakes with caramel frosting. A recipe from a friend, so delicious! Here's how they turned out...

On that sweet note, Happy Easter to all.

p.s. Here's how our eggs turned out! Something magically simple about that rubber band trick...

(thank you Real Simple, Martha Stewart, and Better Homes and Gardens for the photo inspiration)

A Winning Moment!

2011-04-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Several months ago, California Paints sent out a call for entries for their 2011 Color Challenge. "California Paints is looking to the professional interior design community to determine the featured colors for our 2011 color card series. The winning color combinations and designers will be featured and published in our exclusive 2011 interior and exterior color cards." The contest was judged by an impressive panel of designers and color forecasters.

You were allowed to submit up to 5 interior and 5 exterior combinations of 3. Full creative license over an enormous variety of colors. Count me in!

Actually, it was a little more difficult to whittle down options than I anticipated. In true form, I ended up doing the work twice. As I went to submit my first round of combos, I thought- b o r i n g, too conservative. I wanted the colors to be versatile with mass appeal, but also on trend and interesting. When I submitted the second attempt, I felt good about the work.

One random afternoon, while having a particularly Calgon take me away type day, the phone rang. Two of my combos (1 interior, 1 exterior) won! My day was turned around.

The color combinations are now featured in the California Paints "Designer Selections" booklets available where the paint is sold. I really like the variety of palettes within the booklets! Take a look at the designer gallery, http://www.californiapaints.com/DesignerGallery/G allery.html. You can view designer bios and winning color combos.

My personal favorites, weren't selected. I'll share a few...

Interior, Pop Art as an accent, I imagined a touch of this bright hue as a shelf backing.

Exterior, Veranda Blue as an accent, thought this would be a great door color.

What an exciting opportunity, thank you California Paints. I love the Historic Collection, beautiful colors!

Muddy it up!

2011-04-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally sprung and the color biz is in full gear! Nothing like a new coat of paint, to invigorate your home and welcome the warm season.

Recent clients have reminded me of a common paint color dilemma, it goes something like this... "The color I picked is way too bright, it looks florescent!" "I thought I chose a creamy, subtle, yellow, but ended up with canary walls."

When I was in college, studying art and learning to paint (love at first brush stroke), one of the first methods we learned was to temper color straight from the tube with it's complement (in yellow's case- violet). This adds depth, richness, and tones down the "straight from the can" screaming factor. The same basic principle applies to your wall color...

It is as if you were to add 1 part mud to your paint can. :) A strange reference I know, but you get the drift. I also hear myself repeating this often- your color needs to be "grayed" down. In fact, you can actually have black tint added to your can- but this can get a little tricky, so best to start off on the right note. Think Martha Stewart, she is a master of the muted tone.

Here is my advice... Choose the color you would like to see on the walls, then step down about two shades more muted. Paint colors tend to amplify once applied, so even if you final selection looks quite subtle, it will not necessary look this way on the walls. A few examples for you (final selections = paint daubs on right)-

And if you can't decipher the difference when up against 1000's of swatches (many people tell me they can't)? I would be more than happy to help!

(thank you ARHDECOR, Design with Christine, DECODIR, House Beautiful, Domino, and Decor Pad for the photos)

A fun friend to have, you'll see why...

2011-04-05T14:00:00.000-07:00

My friend Michelle is part of a dear group of friends I've had for longer than I would care to admit (25 ish years). When I'm with them, the hours feel like minutes, it's just always been that way.

Michelle, is the risk-taker. The person who actually acts on whims the rest of us ponder in moments of inspiration... or mid-life crisis, and then say, I could never get away with that!

An example- Approaching 30, she decides to leave her lucrative office job with the family business, to move from Milwaukee to Santa Barbara to attend the Brooks Institute of Photography- though she admits to never having touched a camera previously. In true form (with quiet, killer, ambition), she taps into this ridiculous level of raw talent. Check out her work and her bio! The story is both entertaining and quite inspirational.

See the photo of yours truly on the right hand panel? We took that in my garage! On a dark, cold, dreary day... I went shopping for props, Michelle set everything up, and she used what I would call a mushroom cloud- professional, model lighting. Asking me to fake a smile was like pulling teeth, but I was grateful.

To return the favor- Michelle and her hubby have just relocated to Connecticut from a tiny apartment (they loved... I mean loathed) in Chicago. They will be renting this amazing, mid-century modern home (her dream home/style) and she would like assistance choosing colors and accents in which to decorate. Renting eliminates the paint option, but don't ever let that get you down... many other possibilities.

(they purchased this couch from Room and Board)

So I thought, what better way to draw inspiration than from Michelle's artwork. And the girl likes edge (can you tell?), so let's keep things a little murky and interesting, ha! 2 options...

accents...

color palette...

#2

accents...

color palette...

Michelle and Joe, hope you're inspired! Enjoy your happy new home.

(accent group #1- pillows- Crate and Barrel, World Market, table- Crate and Barrel, chair- West Elm, circular art- Z Gallerie, print- Etsy (theloveshop), rug- Color Reform by ABC Carpet, circular side table- Jonathan Adler. accent group #2- lamp- Crate and Barrel, pillows- Crate and Barrel, CB2, Ikea, chair- CB2, fish art- Z Gallerie, rug- Color Reform by ABC Carpet.)

Clients are loving... (hint, TV show)

2011-04-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

...the Modern Family set (the blue wall color in particular)! Wow, I can't believe how many people have mentioned, they love this set and would like their own homes to have the look. Admittedly, I have never watched the show (maybe I should expand my HGTV/Bravo horizons), but since it's creating such a buzz, I had to check it out...

I found some great images and was able to judge objectively while viewing for the first time. You know what? I can see why it has so much appeal... The first thing that struck me was how very American it looks. An orderly mix of all different styles, colors, and patterns that create good energy and an upbeat state of mind! Overall, it looks just contemporary enough, so as not to intimidate (I find many households, deathly afraid of stepping away from traditional, they select contemporary inspiration, but they just can't go there? hmmmm). It makes one feel like you can mix the old with the new while maintaining a cohesive, updated look.

One thing I appreciate in particular, are the wall colors! You knew we were heading there, right? The saturated, medium tones REALLY pull things together nicely. This is a great example of using just enough color on the walls. Now if they wimped out and used very pale shades........ where would we be? Is this becoming a subliminal lecture? Perhaps... lol

Let's take a look at the set, and I'll give you my take on comparable paint shades (Benjamin Moore)!

The blue! Looks very different from shot to shot, but here are some great options... slate blue 1648, santorini blue 1634, and little falls 1621. Blue walls really work with white trim.

I like the look here, rich and inviting. Take a peak at these shades- been using them a lot lately! Davenport tan HC-76 and alexandria beige HC-77.

An old classic, beige is only boring when you don't mix it up. Here are a few, ever popular options... Monroe bisque HC-26, shaker beige HC-45, and wheeling neutral HC-92.

Oh-la-la! Something like raccoon hollow 978 or river gorge gray 1537, love this ensemble.

Last but not least, the grayish neutral that has stolen our hearts. Take a peak at grant beige HC-83 or coastal fog 976.

If you love the look but need some assistance pulling it together, call me! Happy Friday readers!

A Cool New Look for Peggy.

2011-03-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

Peggy and I are working on a paint color plan for her kitchen, living room, trim, door, fireplace, etc. This will be the beginning of a whole new look...

She happens to live in California, in an area where temps. likely reach 101°. Now that's sizzling! So she would like to plunge into a COOL new color palette- blue/greens with apple green accents. Wall color something to this effect (below)(West Elm), perhaps 2 coordinating shades/lighter & darker. I think we can make it work!

To jump start the project, we had a great conversation in which Peggy described the look she's going for- contemporary, less is more, clean lines, feel good, peacefulness... At that point I was putty in her hands. I'm not going to lie, that is my scene :)

So she sent me photos of the space...

... and I realized this is going to be a huge transformation! The paint will be the clearing of the slate, but the things that fill the room will be even more important. And since I can't help myself, I asked Peggy if I could put together the look (at least ideas). Consistency, I think that will be the key to success here.

Background info.- The current carpeting will be replaced with tile, new furniture will be purchased, wider white floor trim added, and a new rug and table has been selected for the kitchen. We will use this as our inspiration (below).

Here's what I came up with!

Paint- Let it rip! We're covering all surfaces. Trim, ceilings, shutters, even the fireplace- slather them in white paint. White paint with a sliver of warmth to avoid the blue/white look- Ben Moore white dove or vanilla milkshake.

The walls- I think we should keep the blue/green relatively light, to maintain an airy quality. Top picks- Ben Moore ocean air (lighter) for the kitchen and gossamer blue (slightly darker) for the living area. These colors will look great with white trim.

The Accompaniments-

Thoughts on furniture- Peggy mentioned recliners, I like this light/dark combo. Sofa from Pottery Barn, recliner from Room & Board.

Accent pillows- My favorite, affordable way to bring a palette/room together. Thank you Crate and Barrel.

Rugs- Peggy and I discussed Flor tiles, we both love them. She was thinking of using green and tan squares (over the new tile). I love the product/look but was afraid the modern, choppiness (keeping in mind the very geometric kitchen rug) would be too much. I'm loving these softer options from Dash and Albert. I like the idea of a lightweight rug in a room that really heats up.

Accents- Simple, easy, just a few here and there. Crate and Barrel and Z Gallerie.

The fireplace- Since the fireplace is an important focal point, it deserves extra attention. Peggy did tell me that the sconces and art were new and should stay (below)... b u t ... I think they will be a real clash with the blue/greens, etc... (Sorry Peggy!). They could find a new home, maybe another room?

Here's what I would do- as mentioned, paint the fireplace surround white, paint (fireplace paint) or cover with heat resistant black tape (I've tried this, it works!) the brass lines, and hang a very large, clean, simple piece of artwork above (love this option from Z Gallerie).

The wheels are turning, the creative process rolling, the new colors waiting to pop... What do you think?

Babies, Closet Curtains, and Many Other Tangents...

2011-03-18T11:59:00.000-07:00

My head could easily spin if I allowed it to... and that's where my ultra calm hubby comes in handy (Jess, we'll get it all done, don't worry).

We are expecting a baby! Awwwwe. One more bambino to complete the family :) Very happy.

So this means BIG CHANGE for our relatively small home. We will be working to maximize every morsel of space! The first job to tackle- converting my (beloved, boo hoo) home office... to a baby room. Oh, the things we do for our children, ha.

And where per say will the color lab be relocating to? The master bedroom! Time to muster up extremely creative ways to join a bedroom and office, without loosing one's mind or sacrificing a creatively inspired space. I'm sort of excited to take on the challenge... our bedroom could use a fun new look anyway. It will be tight though... New York tight.

So I will be sure to document changes being made as I learn lessons through trial and error and hopefully come up with some color-rich, design savvy rooms. In the meantime, I'm dreaming of nixing our current clunky, oak, closet doors, to replace them with curtains as we convert to a nursery. I always loved the soft look- here are a few great examples!

I'll let you know what I come up with... choosing fabric is the best part!

(thank you Apartment Therapy, Alkemie, House Tweaking, Young House Love, and Branching Out for the closet inspiration.)

Spring Color * top 5 picks for 2011.

2011-03-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

I consider myself a reasonable girl, who adores a gentle, zen, earthy, paint palette to create a lamb of a backdrop in which to embellish with bright pops of color. And when my clients admit reluctantly to being paralyzed in fear (regarding color), I do not hypnotize them into chartreuse, we just go with it...

But this Spring I'm having a moment, a year, a phase... It's really more like an awakening in which I, as others, have been influenced by outside forces and decided it's okay to take risk, dive into the world of unexpected shades/bright chroma, and throw caution to the wind. It may be temporary, or not?

To fuel this fire was a seasonal wardrobe sprucing including a blinding orange trench coat, a citron sweater, Revlon "Minted" nail polish (I'm obsessed, go ahead and laugh), a renewed love for shades of pink, etc...

To summarize in a phrase, ICE CREAM COLORS, reminiscent of the 1960's but with a modern twist. So without further ado, here are the Color Zen picks for Spring 2011!

1. From Mint to Apple- Mixed Shades of Green! Mint green, dare we call it "seafoam", is heavy on my mind. It feels very retro... yet fresh? I love it mixed with other shades as in the first photo. Try Benjamin Moore light pistachio 2034-60, feather green 625, lime twist 425, and citron cocktail 410.

2. Pale Turquoise. Love this example but I'm particularly intrigued by the range of color from yellow/green to blue/green, mixed together in interesting ways, tempered by an abundance of white. Try Benjamin Moore annapolis green 687 and heavenly blue 709.

3. Citron. My life's love... Flash back- I asked my mother if she would buy me a sweater in this shade from The Limited (when the store was really cool in the 80's, ha) (I was like 14), and she said, are you sure about that color?? I remember thinking... how much better can a color get? Never cease to love this happy hue. For the season I prefer it almost pushed to a yellow and paler than usual. Try Benjamin Moore rainforest dew 2146-50 and lemon twist 394.

4. Pink. Very pale shades with a few pops of bright... Mix it with white or throw it against a pale gray backdrop, it's a sure-fire way to add good energy to a room. Try Benjamin Moore pensacola pink 1184, rose rococo 1275, and marry me 1289.

5. White. And last but not least, one of my all time favorites... to cleanse our palette. Have you noticed the abundance of white in fashion and decor? It goes perfectly with all the bright colors listed above, and creates perfect balance. Don't be shy... Try Benjamin Moore white dove 0c-17, swiss coffee oc-45, and ballet white oc-9.

So there you have it, Mixed Shades of Green, Pale Turquoise, Citron, Pink, and White... Feeling the love?

One last thing for you... Check out these Benjamin Moore paint colors from 1969! See the similarities?

(thank you House to Home UK, Chic and Cheap Nursery, Practical Enrichment, Better Homes and Gardens, urbanloftonline.com (pillow), Domino, House to Home UK, and creaturecomfortsblog.com for the photos)

Sarah's Sweet Georgian Kitchen.

2011-03-11T08:12:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah via the Benjamin Moore Experts Exchange (come visit!) while she was in the process of remodeling her kitchen. We've been back and forth on a variety of advice beginning with her quest for a happy/appropriate paint color...

The wall history- #1 wallpaper, #2 sage green gone wild (looked neon), #3 faux finish in brown, #4 painted cloud white as pictured above... Sarah, I feel your pain, we've all been there!

The white was heading in a good direction but Sarah wasn't loving it and felt the cabinets were lost in space. I suggested Benjamin Moore's Moon Shadow, a very light, gentle gray/green. Please see my paintbrush (upper right), I love this color! Something to unify the backsplash and walls while providing contrast for the white cabinetry.

And then there was Moon Shadow- she is happy! #5 is a charm?

So the next mission is to help Sarah with fabric selection (how fun). She would like to add simple box-pleat valances to the windows. We must keep in mind colors, textures, window shades, etc...

I was inspired by this room from adore home, I think we could push in this direction... Sarah sent me some fabric she was considering, I really like this pick! Colors/style perfect.

Here are additional ideas I came up with...

Love this example...

#1 Crate and Barrel- do you know they sell fabric by the yard? Just learned this... #2 Galbraith & Paul, smokebush (wide variety of color options), #3 Amy Butler, Midwest Modern II, Fresh Poppies Linen, #4 Dwell Studio, soft scrolls in charcoal.

I feel some fabric samples coming on :), this will be trial and error as always. The patterns will add business, so Sarah may have to pair down accessories but I believe the end result will be fabulous. Can you picture a white drum light hanging above the table? Can't seem to shake that vision...

Anyway- to make this very long story short, this kitchen is shaping up in a very big way. What do you think?

Don't forget PB Teen...

2011-03-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

And I say this because, I often forget to give this line a whirl. Pottery Barn Teen has some really great things! The prices are reasonable and the vibe, a little more hip. The merchandise grabs my attention as the classic Pottery Barn often fails to do (not that I don't appreciate the classic pieces/furniture quality). The room designs featured tend to feel a bit matchy/cutesy for my taste, but if you ruffle the look with some unexpected touches, you may just have a winner!

Here are some of my favorites (It was hard to edit the list!)... An added bonus? They also reference coordinating Benjamin Moore paint colors.

How cute are these? Capiz Blossom Pendant & Fab Floral Chandelier.

If this duvet was available in king, I would consider it for my own bedroom. I can picture it with gray pinstripe sheets for a more mature look. Hana Floral Duvet Cover.

Love the brown & white version here. Double Dot Sheet Set.

Once again, quite tempting! Simple, modern, elegant. Metro Panel & Malibu Printed Sheer.

This petite bench would add a touch of vitality to any room. Blossom Dot Upholstered Storage Bench.

I feel a few purchases coming on, what do you think?

Our take on 2011 Oscar Fashion.

2011-02-28T07:20:00.000-08:00

Although I find the Oscar show painfully corny at times, I always walk away in awe of the people that put these amazing films together. Hats off to the art directors, costume designers, set designers, etc... that work (incredibly hard) for the magic. It provides unmatched inspiration.

But on a lighter note... I must admit to entering into a temporary trance during the red carpet preview in the name of fashion! My husband passes by now and then, commenting on how extremely boring he finds award shows, and in humorous contrast I'm 100% engrossed. I try to explain that watching the dresses, etc... is for me, part of the design and color trend scene I love dearly.

I found this year's looks to be a very mixed bag! Color themes emerged such as silvery white, nudes, and shades of red and lavender. From flawless to bizarre, the variety kept things interesting.

Personal favorites-

This was my #1! Loved everything, the hair, the simple silhouette, the shimmer. A forever fan of Calvin Klein and Gwyneth's sense of style.

I thought Jennifer Hudson looked beautiful in this orange/red Versace gown, only wish her hair was paired down a bit...

Matthew McConaughey's girlfriend Camila Alves, I don't know much about her but thought she was stunning in this Kaufman Franco dress. It's not a bold statement but upon first glance it's a wow.

Moving on to the "I really wanted to like this look" category-

Dear Scarlett, I loved your hair and make-up. I really wanted to like your Dolce and Gabbana dress, the back was cut beautifully, but the color killed it for me. A shade that just feels very mother of the bride!

Hmmm, Amy Adams in this L'Wren Scott gown. The sleeve cut and neckline were a little strange as well of the necklace. Just a little off? It seems to be a love it or hate it...

I found Nicole's look including the John Galliano gown, equally odd. I sort of liked the dress but wanted to change her hair and remove the necklace pronto! Even the shoes were a peculiar pairing... and I usually love Nicole's selections.

So there's my take, did you have a winning look?

Coral Inspiration.

2011-02-20T15:34:00.000-08:00

After a very grey/black winter in fashion (though I fully admit to loving the look)...

I simply can not take my eyes off this February issue of Marie Claire featuring Michelle Williams. That color! Take a look...

Coral with blond tones, pale pink, even the tiny pop of yellow in her shoes? Bright, happy, creative, interesting. Has me thinking about how this might translate to a room...

To put it simply...

Need a little help adding a touch of Spring color to your home? Contact me anytime!

(thank you Marie Claire, Chic and Cheap Nursery, luxeandlillies.blogspot.com, Ruthie Sommers Design, and Oh Pretty Shiny (Etsy Shop/print) for the photos)

8 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Good!

2011-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Have you walked into a home, business, hotel, or restaurant and experienced a quick negative reaction? Something about the place is just off and you knoooooow you don't want to stay!

I confess to spending an unreasonable chunk of my adult life, attempting to keep my home, from first apartment to current dwelling, out of this category, ha. How about you?

I am a sucker for GOOD AMBIANCE. Nothing like being welcomed by a space that feels good. Clean, bright, and happy... good music, smells pleasant, a sense of vitality flowing through...

I believe this can be achieved in any space (even the humblest) with a little work. There are many tips available- but here are my personal favorites-

1. White Tulips. Fresh flowers in general... but there's something about the simple white tulip (they blend in perfectly). Put a vase on your table and suddenly the place looks elegant and vital.

2. The Light/Bright Factor. Don't get me wrong, I love a dark powder room here and there but nothing feels happier than a bright room with sunlight streaming in. Open your shades during the day and work on a nice lighting ensemble for evening.

3. Fresh Air Flowing. A little fresh air circulating goes a long way! Even in winter, when the temp. cracks 30˚, I open the windows for a few minutes and let the air blow through (especially in the bedrooms). It feels so good.

4. Wide Open Space. Often when I walk into homes, I'm struck by furniture obstructing good flow in a room. Like you need to sort of tip toe around couches and tables... In oddly shaped rooms it can be difficult to organize the space, but sometimes simply scaling back on furniture helps tremendously.

5. Goodbye to Clutter. You've heard this one before! I know as a mother, I'm often overwhelmed by the piles that accumulate. I try to set aside maybe one day a month to clear things out... and afterward I feel so much better! There are great storage options available, even purchasing a mail bin is a huge step in the right direction.

6. Candles (everywhere). I love a line of votives on the mantel or table, or candles in the fireplace. Even one instantly warms the place up- and talk about inexpensive!

7. Minimal Window Treatments. Really heavy window treatments kill a room quickly. They feel heavy and you loose the beauty of the windows. Maybe it's just me, but my vote is for simple shades or panels!

8. A little Spritz. Here and there... a nice light air freshener- there are great natural options available. My personal favorites, lavender and citrus. Everyone loves a fresh smelling home!

So there you have it, my top 8 list. Ask your friends for their tips, it's a fun conversation. I think many are used before entertaining. If you have any interesting additions- do share!

(thank you Martha Stewart, "feng shui your life" by Jayme Barrett, Martha Stewart, The Shade Company, and Squido for the photos)

Love for the Bachelor Pad.

2011-02-06T06:28:00.001-08:00

What I did not anticipate, and have been quite pleasantly surprised by, is the number of single men interested in help coloring and decorating their homes!

Couples are getting married later, men have purchased nice places, and gone are the days when the halogen light, next to the hand-me-down couch, one enormous TV, and possibly a lone Ansel Adams poster was all we came to expect. It's a new day for the bachelor pad!

I've helped men interested in vibrant color, strictly earth tones, decorating styles including "funky", modern, classic, and conservative. Some have confessed they don't have a clue where to begin, or they're good with design but need help with the overall look, or they would like to purchase new things but shopping is their idea of hell. By the way, I'm more than happy to take on shopping responsibilities.

I do not push. Maybe a gentle nudge, but that's about it. I think we should all be happy and comfortable with the colors/and things that surround us. So guys, don't worry... I will not attempt to talk you into butterfly embellishments, or anything that makes your friends wonder if you're "okay inside", ha.

There are many great resources that help us maintain a balance between masculinity and warmth. I will share some photos, but in the meantime, if your pad needs a little design TLC, feel free to contact me anytime.

(thank you Washington Post, Nate Berkus, home-designing.com, Nate Berkus, and Room and Board, for the photos)

A letter from Sophie.

2011-02-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Dear Jessamy,

Would you mind if I asked you about the path you went down to become a designer? Did you get a degree in interior design? Did you do an apprenticeship? I'm at a crossroads. I've been in a corporate career for the last ten years and I'm looking for a change. Interior decorating is something I truly enjoy and have a desire to learn more about, but it's difficult to know where to start. I'm currently taking an interior design class at a local design college and am thoroughly enjoying it, but I want more. I'm supposed to be working right now but all I can think about is ordering throw pillows and slipcovers...

Thank you,
Sophie

Dear Sophie,

I completely enjoyed your letter and thank you for writing. In some, "what are the chances" sort of way, I think you asked the right person. Because- the basic gist of my story is, I just went for it!

Here's the scoop...

I do have a lengthy design history. I have loved design, art, color, visuals, since birth really :) They are a very important part of my life that I couldn't live without.

I fell into an art degree, and went on to work as a graphic designer in advertising and merchandising. You name it I designed it- billboards, t-shirts, marketing materials, semi-graphics, wedding invitations, logos, etc... I enjoyed the work but it never felt effortless. Throughout the jobs I held, people commented on my color sense. That was one element of the work I enjoyed most.

At about the ten year mark (sound familiar?), I started daydreaming about other possible creative outlets... I had this paint color consulting business idea that I contemplated for a few years (not a lot of competition in the area), wasn't sure if the concept would take? But the idea really excited me! And it seemed attainable.

So one day I was feeling lack-luster and thought, what am I waiting for? And that was it...

Time to get focused- I selected a paint brand, met with a really nice rep. (Benjamin Moore), learned the products, choose a business name, designed a website and card, and worked really hard (sometimes for free)... waited...waited... First call, second call, third call... I'm in business, yahoo!

I admit, I sweat out the first appointments (lol) and thought... what the heck am I doing? But- to my surprise, this work felt effortless! I loved/love every aspect of Color Zen especially the fact that simple changes like new paint colors, can completely change a client's perspective on their home for the better. And that feels powerful.

I am really lucky, I took a chance and it paid off. The business is expanding and I've had a lot of "right place at the right time" experiences. I can say I've always been hell bent on loving my job so much, it doesn't feel like work- and I believe that has happened, and for this I am deeply grateful.

And Sophie- I hope you go for it too, and the career shift brings you much happiness!

Sincerely,
Jessamy

(thank you Real Simple for the photo)

The cutest house.

2011-01-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure of helping a really nice couple, who recently relocated from Chicago, color their new home. The house- an older, classically styled home with real square rooms (remember those?), fantastic moldings and trim, wood floors, etc.... You walk in and it just feels good- the abundance of warm, natural light certainly helps.

They are doing an overhaul (and a darn good one)- wood floors refinished in an espresso stain, 2 bathroom remodels, new fixtures, every room and all trim painted, etc... The best part? Well, there are many... but one that strikes me is the overall consistency in design that the remodel has brought to the home.

And the colors? They turned out well! We went with gentle, earthy, soothing, grayed-down tones by Benjamin Moore. We are really excited about the way the trim color turned out- we got it on the first try, and you know the whites? (they are tricky). A lucky break this time. We were going for a soft, slightly aged looking white (here it is)-

Here is a sneak peak of some of the rooms- please excuse the photos okay? They are still under construction, contractors and all :)

We had a great time working together and the project just seemed to flow. I will get back to you with pictures of the finished product, decorating and all!

Congratulations to the P's on their beautiful new pad.

{Mad for Moroccan}

2011-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Have you been captured by HGTV's House Hunters International by chance? I sure have! It is incredibly interesting to peak inside homes across the globe and appreciate the differences in style and amenities.

Last week I caught an episode taking place in Marrakech, Morocco in which a couple from England search for a vacation home. The places they viewed were just amazing! The bold, saturated color, the tile work, the elaborate bathrooms (gold bowl sinks and all), and my personal favorite- the dipping pools (right in the middle of the homes). A true feast for the eyes...

For a moment, it made me reconsider the clean, restrained, minimalistic style many of us (including myself) go for... What would your house look like if you just let go? Perhaps we're not having enough fun?

p.s.- The red/orange, the cerulean blue- color heaven...

(thank you onceuponateatime.blogspot.com, Jeffers Design Group, lemonsaiste.com, machateahouse.com, Design Hole, Apartment Therapy, and polkadotbride.com for the photos)

In the pink.

2011-01-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Two dresses are on my mind today...

I am smitten with the utter simplicity of the dresses & hair as well as the slightly offbeat shades of pink that keep you interested. Quietly creative, love that!

Have you noticed peachy/pinks cropping up in fashion and decor? I like them paired with beige, violet, and brown- like an ice cream palette... They remind me of one category in the Benjamin Moore 2012 Color Pulse Presentation.

The "Escape" category describes a soft, retro, fantasy like feeling evoked by pearlescent and shimmery finishes applied to pastels paired with a ground color. We'll see rosy pinks with carbon, lavender with brown, and pale green with camel. Roll the visuals...

One of my favorite artists, Wayne Thiebaud.

Love this Etsy shop! Peggy Wolf

Tickled pink? Couldn't resist... What do you think?

(thank you feastingonart.com, imgfave.com, thelennoxx.com, madelineweinrib.com, Etsy, Ikea, and thelennoxx.com for the photos)

Talk the talk + walk the walk.

2011-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

An abstract painting?

Not quite... Oh heavens, it's a wall in our kitchen. See? I do test paint colors on the walls (to all the dear clients I beg :)

You would think I might proceed in a pretty, organized fashion- but the whole family chimed in and this is what we came up with. A gray mess? Well, it suits it's purpose.

Here's the scoop... We live in an open concept, ranch style home. My favorite features of the house include the nice big windows (sunny and bright), open feel, and high ceilings. My least favorite? That darn orange oak wood...sigh. I would like to paint it white in the future, but for now... it's just orange.

In the meantime, I'm over the current beige we painted the walls 6 years ago and would like to refresh the look, starting with a new shade leaning towards gray. Anything with even a lick of blue in it just "embellishes" the beauty (lol) of the wood. So cold gray is out and taupe is in (a good compromise).

I think we have a winner- Benjamin Moore's Brandon Beige. I liked it immediately, which I've learned is a good sign. If you've ever talked yourself into a shade, it never seems to end in contentment (been there).

As I mentioned previously- the couch I would like to purchase (Room & Board)...

Rug options- you could search forever (and I have)! Too many good ones (West Elm, Dwell Studio)...

A print or 2 from Etsy (behappynow)- I will frame them with white matting and simple metal frames...

A mirror...
This ottoman (since I can't seem to get it out of my system)...
Maybe a dark accent wall near the fireplace (something like this from Carol Reed Design)...

Where is the color you ask? We will add a few bright pops for sure... maybe chartreuse.

I was feeling inspired by this house tour on House*Tweaking- love this place...

When the new look starts coming together for real- you will be the first to peak... I'm excited and ready to get moving!

If you need assistance pulling ideas together for a room update, contact me anytime ( I live for this stuff).

Room & Board, how I love thee...

2011-01-09T12:53:00.001-08:00

I'm forever searching for the best design resources. (good) Art seems to be the most difficult to drum up (if you have ideas, do share). Furniture is tricky as well (sofas in particular). The large furniture stores have a few nice pieces swimming in the mix, but pricing seems excessive and leaves you wondering if the quality lives up?

Finding that balance between style, pricing, and quality is key and I continue to find the balance at Room & Board. Love this place! The minute I stepped foot in the store, I was in deep. There is hardly a piece one wouldn't work to own. From year to year I still admire the same designs, which enforces the "good design is timeless" sensibility. Modern, elegant, classic style, ahhhhh.

The best part? The furniture is REALLY comfortable. You do not expect this from the sleek, clean-lined style, but somehow they've made it happen. I also hear customers raving about the customer service and long-lasting quality.

Keeping it real- some of the pricing is high (tables, rugs, throw pillows (they are tempting, trust me). However, I do find the sofa and chair pricing comparable to other stores and the quality far surpasses. We will be purchasing new furniture (for our living area) this year and I've got my eye on this beauty-

+ a few of these... (working on new paint colors too, will report back)

So if you're on the hunt for fantastic, new furniture, take a look and let me know what you think! Room & Board.

(thank you Room & Board for the photos and West Elm, Anthropologie, CB2, and Room & Board for the pillows)

Happy New Year! . : . : .

2010-12-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

Is it just me or does magic waft through the air on New Years Eve? The late night sparkle, champagne toasts, and a new beginning.

Before I head to the kitchen to prepare appetizers for the night's festivities, I wanted to set the scene... a little eye candy for you all!

Have a wonderful evening & a happy new year!

(thank you minted.com, Alice and Olivia, Anthropologie, HGTV, groovymartini.com, mightygoods.com for the photos)

Opposites that Attract- neons & neutrals.

2010-12-27T09:22:00.000-08:00

If you're coming down from the x-mas high, weighted down by buttery cookies, in need a little color pick-me-up- this one's for you!

Headed down the runway during fashion week this Fall, were many versions of the NEON & NEUTRAL combo. Here's a taste-

(Chanel, Diane von Furstenburg, GoRunway.com)

Oh-la-la, such a bright little pop.

It's amazing how correlated runway fashion and decor trends are. This I learned quickly through watching/listening to companies such as Pantone, Benjamin Moore, and Sherwin Williams present their annual color forecasts.

Here is Pantone's Fall 2010 Fashion Color Report (many well known designers chose Oyster Gray as their color of the year)-

And here are the color picks included in this year's Sherwin-Williams' ColorMix 2011 presentation-

Can you see the similarities?

It is not a shy array of color. If you're one who can only live with the neon, ultra-brights in small doses (like me), temper them with a neutral backdrop. You get the effect without a major commitment. Let's take a peak at some examples...

And if you're a little more brave...

Whether you're interested in the trends, opposed to the trends, love the look, hate the look- I think most of us would agree- the touch of vibrant color in these rooms adds warmth, vitality, and utter HAPPINESS.

I'm feeling it, how about you?

(thank you mammasarollingstone.com, Apartment Therapy, Elle Decor, House to Home UK, design-milk.com, iransdesign.com, and Aprtment Therapy for the photos.)

Our Version of Christmas.

2010-12-23T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's almost Christmas Eve and we will be the hosts- so the house is undergoing some serious sprucing. The glow from ample white light strings and candles may be seen from the end of the block.

I do enjoy the process, particularly that it forces one to declutter, hang artwork that hmmm, might have been sitting in the closet for a while?, just attend to the little things that are often pushed off... Suddenly you see your home in a new light (at least for 15 minutes, until the little guy blows through like a tornado).

Tomorrow the cooking begins... Sauteed green beans with orange and white wine vinegar, sweet potatoes topped with roasted pecans, and spinach artichoke dip on toasted baguettes. The rest will be brought by relatives- cheers to that!

Here's a peak inside...

(my very official home office)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons.

2010-12-17T08:25:00.001-08:00

And now that we've got the song stuck in our heads, ha...

I would like to take a moment to say Happy Holidays to all the readers who keep me churning out posts- it's become a labor of love. And what better way, than to share a few of the holiday-inspired cards, wrappings, and impressive paper creations I've been admiring (framed cards, etc... look great on the walls!)...

custom holiday cards, elumdesigns.com

amazing objects, uponafold.com

snow & graham place cards, lu xepaperie.com

egg press gift wrap, luxepaperie.com

And this year's client card (too good to pass up)...
holiday greeting card, seltzergoods.com

A few of these beautiful things + snowflakes falling + one of these in hand...

= good living.

As the card reads: Wishing you a bright and colorful season!

Do you color exteriors?

2010-12-16T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well, yes I do (with pleasure). Exteriors feel like a completely different entity than the interiors and I love that.

They have their own process which usually begins with the use of Photoshop. I color your photos, experiment with shades and combinations, settle on a few directions, and send them your way!

This begins a good conversation leading to rigorous paint sampling- until we settle on the perfect colors. It's really important to study the paint on the house's surface, at different points in the day to avoid strange undertones. Have you ever seen a house that turns pink in the evening? Whew, must be very careful...

So I guess you could say the pressure is on! But with careful consideration, we can come up with a great plan. It is amazing what a paint job can do for the facade.

Here's a sneak peak at an exterior in the works-

(client's note) "Three years ago, we moved into a 1950's orangey-gold, brick house with harvest gold aluminum siding. At first glance, the exterior of the home made me cringe. It was the interior that sold us on the house. This Spring, we will tear down and rebuild the front and side porches as well as paint the siding. I am open to options."

Before

I chuckled when she mentioned the cringe- we must come to the rescue. The fact that she's open to options already puts a smile on my face.

Here is one of the directions I came up with- after all, brick is paintable. A few design elements, such as new address numbers and a wreath helps the home feel updated.

We will see what the client thinks!

If you need some assistance sprucing up your exterior, contact me anytime.

Brass Light BUSTERS- hang on to your fixtures...

2010-12-12T10:26:00.000-08:00

The hall of fame... or shame...

CALLING ALL OWNERS of the Hollywood light bulb fixture- I will be over in 15 minutes to replace (with all do respect)!

On a recent client visit, we were discussing the color plan for a recently purchased home. As we made our way through the house, I was reminded of just how often I see this certain collection of brass, builder grade fixtures in nice suburban homes. The bulbs are partially exposed and seemingly harsher than the sun- ouch, hurts the ole' eyeballs!

This soon to be homeowner, the real estate agent and I had a good laugh regarding the urgency in replacing these lights. They just KILL the ambiance.

I understand, you live with something for a while, it becomes invisible... The task of choosing fixtures and hanging them seems daunting... But I'm willing to beg you to give it a shot? PLEASE?

There are lighting resources a plenty, many very affordable. I like a healthy variety- a few hanging pendants (with dimmers), recessed lighting, table and floor lamps, sconces... This way you can keep things ultra bright when you need the light, and soft in the evening when you're aiming for warm radiance.

Have you ever been to a party that was TOO BRIGHT and lost it's charm? My case is closed...

Here are a few ideas-

p.s. Even Ikea has some great options!

Happy start to your week readers.

(thank you Design Within Reach (tripod floor lamp), Veranda, West Elm (fluted-glass table lamp), Restoration Hardware (nolan single sconce) & (wine barrel chandelier), and Ikea for the photos)

Is Your Fireplace Hot or Cold?

2010-12-05T09:49:00.000-08:00

Referring to the overall look and feel, I'm afraid my own fireplace is only lukewarm (boooo)! Oh I've hauled home mirrors, artwork, picture frames, candles- you name it, and have yet to settle on a mantel arrangement that really wows in a clean, contemporary way. A perpetual work in progress, does this sound familiar?

When we moved into our home, the first thing I did was paint the mantel white. It was originally an orangey oak, screaming the 90's gone wrong. The paint did wonders, so at least I got that part right, whew... I'm willing to bet there are many others tormented by their fireplace. It is an important focal point, so the pressure's on, right?

Well the good news is there are many, many ways to spruce it up. You can paint the mantel, paint the brick, add a more substantial mantel, tile over the surface, you name it... Then we move on to decorating above. I think the key is acheiving pefect BALANCE. Just enough stuff, the right things in the right colors, textures, and scale. Trial and error my friends- see you at Home Goods, Pier One, Crate and Barrel, World Market, ha ha.

Here are some examples that seem to be getting it just right...

Do you have any fireplace tips or success stories of your own? We would love to hear them!

(thank you Decor Pad, Ed Furman, Candice Olson, Nate Berkus, Decor Pad, and The Bella Life for the photos)

color zen blog

A Delectable Mix: Black & Brown.

The New "Faux" is...

Is Neon Contagious?

The Violet/Gold Color Combo & it's Unique Following.

Trend Alert: Black & Gold.

The color of sophistication.

What can Color Zen online consulting do for you?

Thank you House Beautiful for making my day!

Bold & Beautiful for Kaysie (client sneek peak).

Holiday Giveaway: And the winner is?

Happy Holidays Giveaway!

Good flow.

Seeing Red...

Setting the table for Thanksgiving.

The Gift of Color *

Transported... by a pillow?

Magically Multicolored.

Fall Color * 2011.

Stunning Wall Moments.

For the Love of Mixing Paint.

Move over color chips,

When Beige IS Beautiful.

Spice Girl.

.:. Zen Paint Colors .:.

Old Things to New Life (with paint).

Colorless in Seattle?

Perfectly Stated.

Why Your Home is NEVER Hopeless.

Good Balance!

How your favorite photos create a palette.

The Power of Trim Color.

A new take on Stephanie's bedroom!

A Taupe Revolution.

Perfect Palette Inspiration: object groupings.

I hope my heaven looks like Martha Stewart's backyard.

Busy Buzzing...

Life is short, redecorate every 5 minutes?

Palette Inspiration.

What to do with wood ceiling beams?

Good Eggs.

A Winning Moment!

Muddy it up!

A fun friend to have, you'll see why...

Clients are loving... (hint, TV show)

A Cool New Look for Peggy.

Babies, Closet Curtains, and Many Other Tangents...

Spring Color * top 5 picks for 2011.

Sarah's Sweet Georgian Kitchen.

Don't forget PB Teen...

Our take on 2011 Oscar Fashion.

Coral Inspiration.

8 Ways to Make Your Home Feel Good!

Love for the Bachelor Pad.

A letter from Sophie.

The cutest house.

*{Mad for Moroccan}*

In the pink.

Talk the talk + walk the walk.

Room & Board, how I love thee...

Happy New Year! . : . : .

Opposites that Attract- neons & neutrals.

Our Version of Christmas.

Pretty paper, pretty ribbons.

Do you color exteriors?

Brass Light BUSTERS- hang on to your fixtures...

Is Your Fireplace Hot or Cold?

{Mad for Moroccan}