Friday Favorite - 10/11/13

Last week Benjamin Moore announced their selection for the 2014 Color of the Year so naturally I had to make it a "Friday Favorite!"

The choice was "Breath of Fresh Air" (#806) which is a very appealing pastel blue color.

(photo via Benjamin Moore)

Why is it such a great color?  "Breath of Fresh Air" is a soft and calming, but not shy, blue.  It is described by Benjamin Moore as a "very liveable" color.

Where would be a great place to use this color? While the obvious places might be in a beach cottage (such as the one pictured above) or a nursery, I like to imagine this color on the ceiling for a more lofty feeling, or perhaps even in a mudroom as a welcoming and youthful expression.

What other colors would go with it? Other pastel colors such as a soft yellow would be pretty.  In addition a lime green, as an accent, would work beautifully too.  However if you want to exude simplicity, as the name and color suggest, a creamy white would work best.

Though I personally haven't had the opportunity to use this color (at least not yet!) I think what appeals to me is, that no matter what the season, it's always nice to get a breath of fresh air!  Don't you agree?

Enjoy the weekend!

Feeling Fall!

(Photo by me)

Friday Favorite - 8/2/13

Okay, though it may seem that my "Friday Favorite" posts have taken a vacation recently I can assure you that I have not... it has simply been a busy summer!

Today's "Friday Favorite" is from a spectacular line of paints called "Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum Paints".  I want to start by saying if you have never been introduced to Ellen Kennon's line, allow me to introduce you by suggesting that you check out www.ellenkennon.com
.

Ellen Kennon Full Spectrum paints is  a beautiful line of paints that use all the colors in the spectrum, sans black, so the depth of the colors are really special and the finished product always produces a "WOW".  I will have to devote a separate post to the beauty of this line, but for now I would like to recommend Ellen Kennon's "Mushroom" color as my "Friday Favorite".

Why is it such a great color?  If you are looking for an interesting and always changing neutral, you will love this color!  It has so much depth to it that it will never be another boring beige on the wall. 

Where would be a great place to use this color? I think this color would be beautiful on any wall in any room but I also think that due to its warmth it would be fantastic on a ceiling.  The beauty of this color is that it has a rosy undertone.  And due to the full spectrum approach it can also be a chameleon.  It seems to take on the properties of the colors that surround it.

What other colors go with it? Just about everything!  I have used this color on walls against a very high white trim to accentuate it's chameleon like properties however it is a fun color which you can put next to anything and it will always look different!  Hard to believe a neutral can be so colorful, but trust me on this one.

 



(Photo by me)

Here is a sample of it on a wall I used in my client's kitchen.  It married well with the smokey brown colored tiles on the backsplash as well as the olive colored light fixtures.  It also warmed up the cool feeling you can get from stainless steel appliances and chrome drawer pulls.



(Photo by me)

Here is another angle of the same kitchen and an example of how this color looks different against the red and gold colored chairs. 

If you are looking for a neutral background but are actually bold with your use of colors in general, Ellen Kennon's Mushroom just may give you the extra interest you are looking for on your walls.

Enjoy the weekend!


Friday Favorite - 7/12/13

I am returning after my July 4 Holiday hiatus with another "Friday Favorite".

Today's "Friday Favorite" is from the red family.  One of my "fave" reds is Farrow and Ball's "Rectory Red."  If used in the right proportions and space this red can really enhance a room.

I used this red in a client's dining room and it added so much elegance to the environment.  The dark woodwork on the doors and windows needed a pick me up.  And this red really stands out against the bright white paneling below the chair rail.

(photo by me)

My client was such a lovely person and her home had lovely things as well that deserved to be showcased.  Her beautiful cobalt blue china and the warm tones of her furniture were worthy of a color that would draw you into the space. 

One quick note:   If you are not familiar with Farrow and Ball's paints, I suggest you get acquainted.  Their colors are absolutely beautiful as the pigments in the paint really add so much depth to the walls.  They have a nicely sized selection of colors to choose from and their quality is fantastic.  (www.farrowandball.com)

Why is it such a great color?  Farrow and Ball's "Rectory Red" is a dramatic color with a hint of cherry in it.  It's a very vibrant color.

Where would be a great place to use this color?  Tests have shown that red is a color that generates energy and increases your appetite.   I think this color is better in a dining room than a kitchen since you don't want your appetite on overdrive all the time but you do want your guests to enjoy their meal and linger for awhile over lively conversation!  The warmth of this color makes a dining room so inviting, especially when lights are dimmed and candlelight is abundant.  Imagine the contentment and comfort this color would signal to family and guests.

What other colors go with it?  I love the cobalt blue and red combination, but also think a slate grey would be terrific as well.  This color is a great backdrop for artwork and would enhance a variety of wall hangings.  While gold works as a great accent,  I can also imagine dark black frames against this exciting color.

(photo by me)

 

(Another view of the room - with more of the blues featured on the wall decorations, the warmer woods, the beautiful white paneled walls below, the wood work on the ceiling above, the gold chandelier and the very dark oriental.) 

Enjoy the weekend!

Note to my readers:  As part of my summer schedule, I will be on vacation next week but will  return  the week of the 22nd with more posts about color.

Happy Fourth!

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, I hope you enjoy these colorful photos using red, white, and blue in a spirited way......

( Keller and Keller)

I have had this above photo in my "style file" for quite some time and I still enjoy looking at it. There is such a wonderful balance of the red white and blue used throughout.  Of course the walls, which are painted Behr's "Flint Smoke", are what I'm most drawn to.

(Lucas Allen - Photo via Country Living)

In this photo above Benjamin Moore's "Vibrant Blush" on the walls really packs a punch, but the blues and whites seem to soften it up, don't you think?

(photo via Stacey Bradford)

Love the painted stripes on the floor!

 (For more options on painted floors be sure to view my post on 6/16 /13) 

 (photo by me)

Wishing you a wonderful Independence Day! 

Enjoy the holiday. 

Friday Favorite - 6/28/13

Those that know me well know that I have a strong preference for blue colors. Naturally, I couldn't help myself today by posting a terrific looking blue color for this week's Friday Favorite.  I love Benjamin Moore's Santorini Blue!

Why is it such a great color?  Santorini Blue is a smoky blue with definite gray undertones. (This is key when using a blue color so it doesn't come off as too baby blue or powdery).

 

Where would be a great place to use this color?  Believe it or not, I would love to see this color used on kitchen cabinets! 

 

(photo via décorpad.com)  (this blue is darker than Santorini Blue but hopefully you get the idea)

 

I envision Carrera Marble countertops and some dark stained wood floors. And, depending on what you put with it, I believe this color could give off either a French Country vibe or a very contemporary feeling.

 

What other colors would go with it?  I think a warm wheat color would suit this color very well.  I could imagine a ceiling painted in a wheat color to offset the coolness of the blue.

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in making it even more interesting, soft coral colors would work well too both in fabrics and artwork.

 

 



Have a great weekend!

Friday Favorite - 6/21/13

Today's Friday Favorite is a wonderful green color by Pratt and Lambert called "Sealife".

 

 

It is a wonderful green with a warm yellow base.   Pictured below it is used in a bathroom but I have other designs in mind.

(image via Pinterest)

 

Why is it such a great color? It is a fresh up to date look that will appeal to everyone because of its warm undertones.

 

Where would be a great place to use this color?  It would be fun to use it in a small entry way or vestibule as a warm welcome to a home.

 

What colors would work well this this color? I think using a turquoise colored accent piece or gold frames on the wall would be a colorful combination.

 

 

A little side note:  last Friday I was at Boston's Symphony Hall and I took a picture of the FABULOUS green color that was painted on the walls in the lobby.  Although no one employed by Symphony Hall could tell me the color, I am convinced it was "Sealife"  (Or perhaps it was on my mind as I had begun composing this post earlier that day!)  Anyways, I shot this photo because I wanted to show an example of how a gold frame would work great on a wall painted this color.  Love it, don't you? 

(photo by me)

 

Anyways, have a great weekend!

 

 





Another Color Option - Your Floor!

Summertime finally has arrived in New England.  Along with the warm weather, thoughts of a more relaxed lifestyle start to become a reality.  An overall lighter feeling seems to prevail.   In many homes, pulling up the rugs and walking barefoot become the norm.

 

(image via elledecor.com)

 

Bare wood floors are so inviting in the summer however a painted floor is a clever way to bring added color and design interest into your home.  A painted floor adds an another accent and sometimes can be a great remedy to brighten some old, worn wood.

(image via sayyestohoboken.com)

 

Sometimes, the colors can be playful, like the images above and below.

 

However even though I love unexpected color on a wood floor don't worry..you don't have to go too bold.  Below, this soft green is not what you'd expect but it really suits the space. 

(image via thingsthatinspire.net)

Or, just like this image below, you could consider painting the floor a restful color instead.

 

(image via acutedesigns.com)

 

Painting your floor can be a quick but impactful makeover and it's another way to enjoy your home this summer.  If you'd like more ideas on what colors may suit your floors, contact me at suecolor@gmail.com.

Enjoy the day!

 

Friday Favorite - 6/14/13

I thought it would be fun to start a weekly quick pick of a favorite color and give you a few ideas about how and where to use it.

This week I have decided to feature Farrow and Ball's "Gervase Yellow."

(photo via hipsquare.com)

Why is it such a great color? It's rich and warm yet most importantly it is such a chameleon.  It can read yellow or green depending on the lighting and space.  This will keep it interesting.


Where would be a great place to use this color? In the interior of an arts and crafts home with lots of natural woodwork.


What other colors would work well with this color?  Gervase Yellow would work well with dark woods and, believe it or not, with lighter tones of yellow or darker tones of green.


Have a great weekend!

The Birthday Tree

(photo by me)

 

Every spring there is a beautiful pink tree in our yard that blooms right around my oldest son's birthday.  When he was younger I used to tell him that it was his "Birthday Tree."  The buds start out as a raspberry colored pod and BURST into a confection colored blossom.



(photo by me)

The colors are always magnificent and never disappoint! 

Using any shade of pink is always a treat when specifying it for a client's interior.  I love the varieties of shades that come from this close relative of red.

I have used the typical soft pink for a baby's nursery.  In the photo below I used Behr's "Soft Muslin". 

(not so great photo by me)

The soft pinks don't often photograph very well as they are so subtle.  But the effect can be almost a slight whisper and it can create a wonderful glow.  This pink is so calming which my client loved for her baby girl's room.  It paired well with the bold bedding from Pottery Barn (note the quilt) and the green and cream colored rug.

I know pink can be out of some people's comfort zone when used anywhere outside a baby's nursery, but take a peek below and I'll show you how pink can work quite well in another setting.

(Photo by William Waldron)

 

In this room designed by Steven Gambrel, and featured in Elle Décor, the brighter pink color is toned down by the taupe/grey trim.  I also love the soft pink sofa, grounded with the wine colored velvet pillow.  A lot of unexpected details, but then again so are the pink walls - which makes it all work together beautifully, don't you think?

A few helpful tips about pink:  Pink is a cheerful, but restful color.  Start with picking the lightest pink on the color card, as it will always be stronger than you think on the walls.  Stick with pinks that mimic the colors in nature so they don't look too artificial and too child like. Finally, and most importantly, EVERYONE looks good in pink!  So flatter yourself and paint your next room pink - you won't regret it!

Enjoy the day!

PS:  Happy 18th Birthday Chris!






Memorial Day 2013

In honor of Memorial Day, I thought these colors would make a suitable combination:

Benjamin Moore "Heritage Red"

(Ext. RM)

 

Benjamin Moore "American White"

(#2112-70)

 

Benjamin Moore "Patriot Blue"

(#2064-20)

 

I would love to use these colors on the exterior of a weekend retreat cottage with  "Patriot Blue" as the body color, "American White" as the trim color and "Heritage Red" to create a welcoming front door.

(image via houzz.com)

 

With an American flag hanging out front of course!

 

(image via houzz.com)

 

 

Wherever you have retreated to for this long weekend, I hope you are enjoying a relaxing holiday, as well as remembering all those who have fought to protect our "colors" for over two centuries.


-Sue
 

 

 



Going Green

I consider the color green to be a wonderful neutral. All you have to do is take a look at nature to see how compatible green can be with all other colors.

 

(Flower Photos by Me)

When Pantone selected Emerald Green as it's 2013 Color of the Year, it was a choice which, according to Pantone,  represents "elegance and beauty" as well as a color that "enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."
.

(Image via Pantone.com)

However when it comes to paint colors, most people wouldn't  rush to paint their room a bright emerald green.  (Unless you are very bold - which is GREAT!!).  I would suggest, however, that you consider any shade of green a color that might work well with a variety of furnishings.

(Photo by Jessica Howe of PropertyPrecision.com)

In the picture above of my client's Dining Room, I chose Sherwin Williams "Clary Sage" to complement not only the salmon toned seats on the chairs, but the reddish brown and teal colors in the oriental rug.  (My client didn't want to change up any of the furnishings and who could blame her - all are beautiful!) The green also worked well with my client's gold accents in the framed artwork, chandelier and mirror.  Do you see how this green seems to pull together so many other colors?

 

Take a look at the room in this photo below which was featured in House Beautiful Magazine.  The walls are painted with Fine Paints of Europe's "Vreeland Mint." This color marries so well with the black furniture!  Did you ever think black and green would work well together in anything other than mint chip ice cream?

(Photo via House Beautiful.com)

 

One more example of green's compatibility is in a room where I used Benjamin Moore's "Fernwood Green".  It was originally used for a little girl's room which featured soft pinks in the rugs and furnishings. Now that this client's daughter is growing up this same color still works well with the now pre-teen's bold choice in bedding!

 

(Photo by me - which is why you can't see all of the neon bright polka dots on the sheets!)

 

Somehow the color green is the great unifier.  If you're out on a spring day, you'll see the balance, and harmony and know just what I mean!

(Photo by me)

 

Enjoy your day!

 

 



Healing

It has been one week since the terrible attack on the city I call home and yet it must feel like years for those who were injured or in any way affected by such an atrocious act.  Thoughts, prayers and love continue to pour out to those who have died and to the many who have suffered in so many ways.

In an effort to help begin the healing,  Mayor Menino and Governor Patrick have launched the Boston One Fund.

The One Fund has been established to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.

The colors of The One Fund logo are yellow and blue.  These colors are reminiscent of the banners hung around the city to trumpet the Boston Marathon, the jackets that runners from all over the world wear annually to proudly show their participation in the event and finally blue and yellow have traditionally been the colors of the Marathoners' prized Finish Line.

While this blog is intended to lend insight to color for your home, it felt more appropriate today to talk about what the colors for the One Fund may represent to not only Bostonians, but everyone as we try to heal and move forward.

Blue is the color of constancy yet it is also a symbol of comfort.  Historically, in primitive societies, survival was difficult so the dawning of a new day, a blue sky, surely brought hope.  Blue is often identified as a calming hue.

Yellow, and it's association with the sun, represents energy and life.  The warmth of this color is always useful in lifting one's spirits.

Yellow and Blue or Blue and Yellow - perhaps the combination will bring thoughts of hope and comfort and most of all.....peace.


For more information visit: www.onefundboston.org

A Little Drama

Sometimes it is fun to spice things up with a little drama.  Believe it or not, using black paint in just the right context can achieve such a goal.

Black, as you know, is essentially the absence of white. It is the negation of color.  Yet when used on walls, black paint can add glamour and sophistication.

(Photo courtesy of Elle Decor, Christopher Sturman) 

 

I absolutely love the use of Farrow and Ball's "Pitch Black" in this space!  It works so well because of the high ceilings and large windows.   In this case the black adds a dramatic back drop to the artwork.  And look how fabulous the lime green pillows work in contrast.  Tres Chic!

 

(Photo courtesy of Elle Decor)

 

 

In this photo above, black paint is applied in a high sheen.  It is a bold move against the dark brown trim but it gives off such a sophisticated vibe.

 

Perhaps you are not daring enough to paint an entire room black, but still adventurous enough to enter into a bit of the dark side.  If so, consider using black in a room with an accent wall or in a space where you will only spend a short amount of time.

 

(Photo via Country Living, Max Kim-Bee)

 

Here, Behr Paint's "Sled" is a fabulous blue-black that is used in a bathroom. It adds quite a punch! However the white tub, painted trim and marble floor prevents the black from overpowering the space.  (I can even imagine using this color in a room with a chair rail or white paneling to break it up but still give it the wow factor.)

 

If used in balance with the space, black can be chic and will always add a little drama!

 

 

 

 



 





Easter Eggs

On a blog about color, I couldn't resist posting these Pantone inspired Easter Eggs this week.

Very clever, very fun and an original way to bring some spring colors into your home.

(Image from All About Orange on Blogspot.com)

 

 

Enjoy the day!

 

 

 

 

"New" Old Home

Last Thursday I was fortunate to be part of a fun "Spring Fling" event in Winchester, Massachusetts, which featured a property for which I had been hired to select both interior and exterior colors. After seeing a post about the event on my Facebook, a client asked me to share some more of the photos on my blog.   Here are some photos from this "new" old home.

(All photographs are courtesy of Alan Myers.  Check out his work at www.bostonimagemakers.com.)

The Exterior Body Color is a Benjamin Moore custom-mix.

The shutters are painted California Paints "Fieldstone" and the front and side doors are Martha Stewart Living Paints "Gabardine."  I really wish that you could see the door in this photo, it's a wonderful denim blue color with a hint of green.

 

When doing color consultations for spec homes, or homes purchased by builders with the intent to renovate and resell, I have to take a different approach with my color selections as the home(s) need to have mass appeal. I aim to give the feeling of "move in" quality to help the buyer envision their belongings in the new space. I have to be careful in my selections as people have very different emotional reactions to color and ultimately the goal for houses on the market is to have them sell quickly.

In the interior photo, below, the main entrance has a warm yet neutral color. With all of the beautiful woodwork and glass leaded windows it was better to accentuate the architectural details rather than have a bold color detract from the unique features of the home.

The walls are painted Benjamin Moore's "Manchester Tan," a historical color with a warm undertone for this historic and prominently located home.

This home had AMAZING original woodwork in the dining room (below) with a built-in leaded glass china cabinet. The wood itself was in fantastic condition so the builder thought well enough to leave it alone. I suggested a pearly white on the ceiling and limited wall space to illuminate this otherwise dark room located in the back of the house. It is a beautiful room but as you notice the floors were much lighter than the paneling so anything other than a neutral color would have really made the room feel choppy.

I had fun selecting the color for the third floor Billiards Room.  It had a built-in mahogany bar and somewhat of a men's club feel.  The green walls were intended to mimic the felt on the top of the pool table.

Walls are painted Benjamin Moore's "Peale Green"

 

 

While the bathrooms still need to remain somewhat neutral, tiles can certainly dictate color direction.  In this photo, a blue with violet undertones team up well with the Carrara Marble floors.  This hue might suit both teens and adults.

The beauty of paint is that when you are working with older homes, it can showcase your best architectural elements or divert attention away from unusual issues or building designs. 

Finally, I must confess, these pictures don't even tell half the story as they were taken before the home was staged for the event.  Ellen Fador of "Spectacular Spaces"  (www.spectacular-spaces.com) did the staging and she did a wonderful job.   (When I have a chance I will take some more pictures of the rooms and share them as well.)

Once the paint and the staging were completed, this old home felt new again.  Let's hope an offer is forthcoming!

(A picture of the back of the house. With no flowers budding and the shrubbery hidden beneath the snow, the custom-mix yellow color brightens the bleak winter scenery in New England.)

 

If you have a home in the Boston area that you are getting ready to sell, I would love the opportunity to work with you.  Check out www.suecolor.com for more information.