Color Buzz

La Belle Vie

By Veronique Habermann 

Some people struggle to decide on a color for a room. Others get it right the first time; they seem to know exactly what they are looking for.

My friend Nona opened her first SPA (hair salon) a few weeks ago. It is a place she has dreamed of and worked hard for. The location is small, but after choosing the right wall color, she has made it very warm and cozy. It’s a place where you won’t mind spending a few hours with foil on your hair. Besides her warm staff, the expertise of her stylists and the wine, I think her color choice for the space has a lot to do with the relaxed atmosphere.

It seems like she had no hesitation with her choice. She knew what she wanted: a warm, pleasant, intimate and sensual place. But she also had an exact color in mind.

Nona grew up in St. Petersburg and her favorite place to visit there is the Yusupov Palace, a beautiful, long, yellow building on a quiet stretch of the Moika River. The palace was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family and was the site of one of the most dramatic episodes in Russian history, the murder of Gregory Rasputin.

Nona has always loved the "red room" there, and while picking colors from a Valspar deck, she found the exact color: Jeweltone. She also used wild lavender for the hallway, and with the help of her very talented contractor, Sevdi Veliu, she chose a textured sandstone paint to add depth.

The wall color, in addition with her choice of dark chocolate wood, really achieves the goal she had in mind. And with a name like "La Belle Vie"...Bravo!

***

Now that spring is finally here, what item at your home is most in need of a fresh coat of paint? Plase, check out the right sidebar to cast your vote!

Beautiful, Crisp Whites of Spring

By Megan Leblond

These days, I have the supreme joy of witnessing the romps of my neighbors’ three white lambs. They frolic right near the road and I get a treat each time I leave the house. Their fuzzy, white wool is fresh and joyful against the idyllic country landscape of perfuming hyacinth and flowering apple trees.

We often overlook the uplifting ability of white. White and cream colors are a fabulous way to create simple peacefulness in your home. White is considered very serene and is associated with happiness, heaven, purity and grace.

If you have a prized piece of furniture or art, white walls are an excellent way to highlight an object. The tactic, much like an art gallery, brings the focus to the colored or figurative object against the white wall.  

Results of 1st Color Buzz Poll - Living Rooms

From our first readers' poll, we learned that many of you would place your living room first on your "to paint" list.  Living rooms are a great way to make the most of your painting time and money because they are the public space of the house, where you entertain friends and family. From cocktails to children's play dates, this room is the stage for so many of life's enjoyable moments. Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a big difference.

For most of us, we want a cozy or maybe rustic living room where we can unwind. To create a cozy space, try a deep, rich color that you can incorporate with fabrics and rugs. A red could go nicely with colors of sand or stone. For a bold statement, try a red like Oatlands Upholstery Red 1008-3A. Staining the ceiling a bone color keeps a sense of lightness in the space.

If you prefer light and airy, try lighter shades to make a room feel more spacious. In this living room, the creamy whites play off each other and the soft neutrals give some dimension. The charcoal coffee table anchors the space. When working with whites, try to find ones that have a bit of brown and gray to them so that the color isn't mistaken for a pastel. To achieve this look, try Snow Cap 7003-8 or Romano 7003-15. 

The third living room we wanted to share pairs a rich, warm gold with fabrics of subtly lighter shades. This gives the walls more drama, but maintains the sophisticated atmosphere, while the blue accents add some kick. The room appears bigger as the eye moves out into the hall to rest on the gray-blue matting of the bird prints.

There are many ways to approach this very social room. Let us know how you treat your living room and what colors and textures are of interest to you

Design Dilemma: Emily's Response

Dear Emily,

Your space is great. You must be so excited. The couches are totally workable. I would suggest a soft warm white on the walls so that the couches don't hit them with a hard edge. Try a color like Apricot Haze.
   
    Apricot Haze 7002-11

I would paint the book case even lighter. Can you try using whatever wall color you use and half it with the white of the trim?  This will help the bookcase blend into the room better but still give it some presence.

You could even paint the coffee table. For the kitchen, I would totally go with a bright blue green that corresponds with the couch.  Try a color like Lake Breeze or Gentle Wave. The cabinets will pop nicely against this.
                
   Lake Breeze 5007-7B          Gentle Wave 5007-7C

If you want to try an accent color on the door, try something with some rust in it (like the box you have on the counter), something like La Fonda Sombrero or Toasted Apricot.
                
La Fonda Sombrero 2008-5B    Toasted Apricot 2006-3B

Let us know how it goes.  A first place is always a great adventure!

And a quick reminder to everyone to take our most recent Color Buzz Poll if you haven't done so already.

Friday Project Series: Refurbish Old Furniture

By Megan Leblond

Refinishing an old filing cabinet is not as hard as one might think! Do not fear your forlorn, yet functional furniture pieces! They can be given new life in just an afternoon and it’s easier than you think.

Here is a photo of a totally functional—but totally rusted—green filing cabinet. This is the type of furniture we all inherit or keep around for its practical use, but hide away in a closet or basement because of its unsightly appearance. 

                   

Without experience, a person might shy away from attempting to refinish a piece of metal furniture, but it’s not as hard as it may seem. This cabinet was refinished in just a couple of hours with three coats of paint.

Here is what you might need to start the project:

     -Fine-grain sandpaper

    -Dry rags or paper towels

    -Painter's masking tape

    -1 two- or three-inch brush

    -Primer

    -Paint (color of your choice)

First, lightly sand the metal surface. This allows the primer to cling to the metal. While this step isn't absolutely necessary, it will create a longer lasting, more durable end result. Brush away any metal dust with a dry cloth or towel.

                             

Next, mask any handles or elements you do not wish to paint. Then cover the metal surface with a thin coat of primer. Use the primer as is—do not add water. Make sure not to leave brush strokes. If this is unavoidable, you can always try to gently sand any ridges in the primer.

Once the primer is completely dry, apply an initial coat of your selected paint. Once that coat is dry, apply a second coat. Lastly, remove masking tape and Voila! A beautiful and functional piece of furniture!

                             

Scandinavian White

By Michele Coppin

Even though the Groundhog saw his shadow, don’t let the winter get you down. Let it inspire you!

Long winters and the lack of natural light in Scandinavia inspire a beautiful style that emerged from the need for sleek and airy interiors that make the most of the available light. The Scandinavian style combines the neutral colors of the Swedish, Norwegian and Danish landscapes with a casual, aged appearance.

                     

                                      "Harvesting Ice”

Scandinavian-style interiors are timeless, fresh, elegant and often free of clutter. The style is warm and welcoming, and the design relies primarily on white, which is a nice change from traditional English country/rustic design. Swedish artist Carl Larsson (1853 - 1919) is generally credited with helping to define this Scandinavian style.

                      

                                  "Brita's Little Nap"

Brita was one of Larsson's eight children. Larsson was the Norman Rockwell of his country, capturing every day life in his touching and charming paintings.

For some, white is not a color, but a value. For others, white is the combination of all colors. In any case, white is a neutral with infinite possibilities. In the West, white is associated with innocence and purity, which is why it is the color of weddings. It is also a spiritual color often associated with religion, angels and meditation. In Asia, however, white is the color of mourning.

White makes rooms appear bigger. Alone, it can create a sensation of space and infinity. White gives interiors a sense of freshness and calm. It is luminous and accentuates light, although too much white can create a negative feeling of sterile emptiness and solitude.

Elegant and neutral white is always in fashion. It goes well with wooden floors, especially when paired with bleached or light-colored wood such as maple. Floors can also be painted white or a similar pale color.

When pairing white with other colors, I recommend considering other neutrals like gray, cream, or beige used in gradations. When combined with green, white creates a young, fresh tonic look. Fabrics like cotton and linen go well with white walls as do white and blue tiles, white ceramics and glass objects.
 
I love these quiet simple Scandinavian interiors, uncluttered and full of natural light. I like the way the white works in kitchens, because it imparts a sense of cleanliness.

In this dining room, the white is elegant, simple and inviting.

White is a soothing and relaxing color for any room!

How have you incorporated white?

Color of the Week - Anthem White

Particularly this time of year, Anthem White does a great job capturing the crispness and freshness of newly fallen snow. Bring this invigorating color into your home and keep the clean spirit alive by pairing it with a clear light blue: New Day but keep a balance by warming it up with some accents of Redstone Dining Room Gold.

                                               

                                           Anthem White 7006-24

                                                                

                  New Day 4006-5A    Redstone Dining Room Gold 3006-8B

                   

Michelle Obama's Inaugural Gown

By Veronique Habermann    

       

A week ago, there was a lot of guessing about what Michelle Obama was going to wear for inauguration day. Michelle wore two beautiful outfits, including one yellow ensemble for the inauguration ceremony, and a flowing, white gown for the inauguration ball.

 

Earlier in the day, Michelle wore a yellow dress and coat set from Cuban-American designer, Isabel Toledo. The color yellow symbolizes hope and optimism. The decision to accessorize with green gloves and shoes was very modern. Michelle stayed true to her classy, yet sexy, approach to style with this outfit. I think she will go down history also for her unique sense of fashion.

For the evening event, Michelle chose, apparently at the very last minute, a white chiffon, one-shoulder gown by young designer Jason Wu. The dress looked absolutely beautiful on her, not unlike a wedding dress. Jason Wu described his dress as "soft, feminine and powerful." He went on to say that he “wanted it to look like a sign of hope.”

       

I think the white gown was an excellent choice because it was a neutral color. This stunning dress was a far cry from the usual reds, blues and other jewel tones worn by Michelle at past milestone events. It was unexpected, while still maintaining her usual sophistication. The gown was beautiful, but it didn't scream extravagance. For me, just as designer Wu had wanted, the dress brought to mind peace and hope.

No matter what she wears, Michelle always demonstrates impeccable taste. I am looking forward to see what other daring colors choices she will make in the next four years!

Friday Project Series: Rice Grain Negoro Nuri

After receiving positive feedback on our Friday Holiday Series, we’ve decided to  continue posting our project ideas each Friday. Enjoy!

By Megan Leblond 

Looking for a cheap and chic project? Negoro Nuri is a painting process first introduced by Japanese monks of the Negorodera monastery in the 14th century.

The traditional technique uses a black lacquer as an undercoat.  Next, a red lacquer is painted on top of the black. Artisans then sanded or allowed the object to wear naturally to expose parts of the black undercoat. This process reflected the philosophy of Eastern artists and craftsmen to highlight a form's intrinsic qualities.

Taking these basic principles, you can create subtle or bold patterns with a Rice Grain Negoro Nuri.  This technique is easy and fun, and has über-cool results!

Step 1. Choose two colors you would like to use together. You can be bold or subtle with your color choices.

Step 2. Prime your surface. (This step isn’t always necessary, but it's best practice for lasting and quality craftsmanship).

Step 3. Paint one coat of base color, let dry.

Step 4. Paint a second coat of base color. While paint is still wet, press the rice into the paint, making sure it sticks to surface and allow to dry.

Step 5.  Leave rice grains adhered to the surface and paint a gentle coat of top color. Use a sponge brush or soft-bristled brush and paint thin layers of top coat. If the paint is too thick, it will surround the rice grains and you will lose the shape of the grain.

Step 6. Allow the paint to dry and remove rice grains.  If you are like me and can't wait for the paint to dry to see the effect, you can remove the rice grains with tweezers, making sure not to disturb the drying paint. However, it is much easier to allow the paint to dry and simply brush the grains away.

Step 7. Sand the surface with an ultra-fine sandpaper or add a clear coat for a shiny look.

                     

                                        

You can use this process for large areas like walls or as an accent in a room, like a chair rail, window trim or piece of furniture.  You can create a Rock ‘n Roll look for a teen room by painting a window frame or headboard with this process, or spice up your office by painting a metal file cabinet. I hope you love the effect of Rice Grain Negoro Nuri as much as I do!

   

Happy creating!

 

Elvis' Birthday

By Megan Leblond

Few men are known almost world-wide by their first name. Elvis (Presley) is one of them, and today we’re recognizing his contributions to color and style in honor of his birthday tomorrow: January 8, 1935. His music combined R&B, soul, gospel and country, and he produced some of the first rock and roll music in America. 

Elvis was known for his sensitive and romantic low vocals, good looks, expressive dance moves, acting abilities, generosity and overall sense of style.

                                   

Known as “The King,” Elvis made his mark in the world of style and color more than once. The white rhinestone suit many impersonators mimic is most likely one of the most recreated garments in history.  The crisp beauty of this garment is paralleled in Graceland’s interior. Elvis’s white family room with colorful curtains and stained glass reflects the same color sensibilities of his famous suit. Joining small amounts of bright colors to a white or gentle neutral has a playful and pleasing effect.

                   

 

Color was important to Elvis. He even warned us in a song against marring his precious “Blue Suede Shoes.” In 1955, Elvis purchased a blue Cadillac for his mother. His neighbor mixed a very light pink together to repaint its exterior, and he named the pink color “Elvis Rose.” Today you can be married in any number of pink Cadillacs in romantic Las Vegas style.

Later all this became part of his Cadillac collection, one in particular he had painted gold 40 times.

          

If you are an Elvis style or music fan, consider some of the colors from the Valspar collection – try one of the pale pinks or a subtle slate blue, and don’t forget the sensational Metallics collection.