Tag: colors

Drawn to “The Ugly Colors”

I’ve been planning two more big DIY renovations for our home: the laundry room and the second floor bathroom. The laundry room in the basement is dull, and the bathroom is having issues that are forcing the renovation more than aesthetics alone. I’ve chosen the appliances and fixtures, and everything so far is black, white, or brass. Even the flooring is white (or “biscuit” in the case of the bathroom, but close enough). Neutrals. A classic foundation. I can do anything I like with the wall colors!

What do I like?

The moody, somber hues that suggest mysteries and the passage of time. The paint colors that pick up names from secluded forests or old world travel destinations. Or that, if you’re not a fan, pick up less charming monikers like “baby poop green.” I lovingly refer to these as “the ugly colors” but of course they’re not. They’re muted. Shaded. Rich. Moody. Nuanced.

• I list sources for everything in the Shop Our House section, including the specific paint colors and wallpapers in our home.

I love pink (quelle surprise!). But I’ve used it in the front entryway, library, dining room, bedroom, hallway, office, and guest room. Might it be time to choose another color for the next few rooms? The house has likely reached its pink quota.

The living room’s black walls and the many, many doors I’ve painted black still thrill me. The brown antelope runner on the stairs is perfection.

The bathroom is off of the hallway with pink wallpaper. The sink and toilet will be white, and the outside of our existing claw foot tub can be painted (likely black, but not finalized). These are some of the options I’ve been thinking of for wall colors.

It’s the same palette I’m looking at for the laundry room, though the ceilings are shorter (significantly) and there’s much less natural light. I shared a sneak peek of both design plans on my Instagram Stories and everybody sent messages voting for pink, but I think it’s time for me to consider that maybe just maybe other colors exist that I can decorate with. Moss, mushroom, ochre, olive… they’re calling.

April 10, 2018
Testing Paint Colors for the Bedroom

The walls in our home (the ones that don’t have wallpaper, that is) were all painted creamy white before the house was put on the market. It’s a good base to start with because it’s allowing us to take our time with decisions, rather than rushing to cover up horrid colors right away. I’ve been working on the kids’ rooms right away so they’ll have spaces that feel special, and I think it’s time to paint our bedroom next.

The rug that I first tried in the living room is officially staying in the bedroom. I’m liking the fir/pine wood upstairs (though it was painted once upon a time — the Victorians liked to faux-finish lesser woods to make it look like nicer wood than it really is), and the major furniture of the room is in place. Our bedding will probably be mostly white, and the neutral upholstered bed is staying as-is.

I’ve been wanting to try Sherwin-Williams’ Sea Salt forever, because it’s one of those colors that pops up over and over and looks completely different (and completely gorgeous) every time. I think it’s too light next to our wood trim though. The other color that I tested is Comfort Gray, which is one shade darker than Sea Salt. Before we moved into this house, I did tell Brandon to slap my hand away from the paint if I start trying to put gray on all the walls. But! This is more bluish!

I think it’s the winner.

October 30, 2013
Orange You Glad
This post is in partnership with Glidden.

I’ve used orange a lot in my home (like in August’s nursery and the original dining/living room setup), and I thought I’d revisit the color by putting together a dining room featuring the color. The plan below uses strong hits of orange in the chairs and other details, and I chose a pretty coral for the paint. I love the addition of the pink bowls too, and I imagine big fluffy pink flowers in those vases.
I write for My Colortopia, which is part of Glidden. Right now, they’re taking submissions for their Glidden #MyColorfulLife Project. You can upload colorful photos to their Facebook page or tag your photos on Pinterest with the hashtag #mycolorfullife, and they’ll then compile the images they receive into a large mosaic. You can learn more about it at Glidden.com.

I have partnered with Glidden/ Akzo Nobel Paints to participate in the My Colortopia program but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2012
My Colortopia

One of my favorite things to do is to choose paint colors. One of my other favorite things to do is to talk about do so. Clearly it’s a good fit that I’m now writing over at the new blog, My Colortopia.

I’m happy to be in such good company too! There are some great bloggers contributing. I’ll be adding a new article every month, and my first is already up: Tips for Choosing Paint Colors. Take a look if you’ve ever wondered about the nuances of picking the perfect shade.

I have partnered with Glidden/ Akzo Nobel Paints to participate in the My Colortopia program but the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

December 2, 2011
Patterned Pillows to be Mixed & Matched with Wild Abandon

Any and all of these throw pillows work together, but for the pattern shy, may I suggest choosing just two?

• stripes • polka dots • floral • texture • monogram • pow!

p.s. Too crazy? A little color-shy? Try these.

September 27, 2011
Patterned Pillows for the Color-Shy

Here’s a nice way to add a little pattern without going all boom boom pow.

• stripes • polka dots • floral • texture • monogram • pretty

p.s. I’ve got you covered if you like that boom boom pow.

September 27, 2011