Kitchen remodel in progress

Summer has come and gone, and I haven't posted in a while.  I am currently working with a wonderful couple, on a kitchen remodel. I thought I would share some pictures, to help document the transformation. I will post pictures of this project as we progress through different stages.

I originally met my clients when they were looking for help with color (paint) selection. They had already purchased thier counter top and cabinets. Based on their granite selection, we decided on Benjamin Moore's Red Rock- 2005-10

and Benjamin Moore's Louisburg Green- HC- 113

We then chose a new custom dining table and chairs, as well as an area rug for under the table. Both were from Bassett Furniture, and I will share those pictures in a later post.

Next they asked that I select  backsplash tile for them. Their granite counter top is very dark (a dark green) and they have white cabinets, so I didn't want to chose a tile that was too dark or with too much pattern, that would compete with the granite. I chose a white subway tile with an accent tile. My client wanted an accent tile above the stove, which I will show pictures of.

After- with tile

Before

After

Doesn't it look nice? The tile makes it look finished.

We are now working on accessories for the space and I am excited to see the finished project.

I will post again soon, with more updates!

If you want your home design to reflect you, contact me for a consultation at erinkent75@yahoo.com

Have a great day!

Beige is not boring

Often when I'm doing a color consultation and selecting paint colors,  the client says " I just don't want beige, I don't want it to be boring". My response to that is, beige doesn't have to be boring. Beige (tan, taupe, etc) can be a beautiful neutral back drop, allowing for you to bring color and interest into a room, through other methods. By keeping the wall color neutral, you will have more options down the road, when you decide you are ready for a change.

Using a monochromatic color scheme can create an elegant, peaceful environment. You can keep it from looking drab and boring, by adding pattern and texture, which will break it up and bring some interest.

Use flowers, pillows, rugs, throws, art work, window treatments and other accessories to bring in color if you choose to keep your walls neutral.

Better Homes and Gardens





Traditional Home

flickr

Choosing the right beige is also key. Beige can have many different undertones such as green, blue, gray, yellow, pink... When decorating with beige, you want to make sure that you use the same undertone, so it won't clash. Below are some examples of beiges with different undertones. It may be hard to see the different undertones, because colors look different on the computer screen, but if you go into a paint store and look at the chips, it will be easier to see what I'm talking about.

Benjamin Moore- Brandy Cream 1030 (Pink undertone)

flickr

Benjamin Moore- HC- 173 Edgecomb gray (Green-gray undertone)

flickr

If you are having trouble choosing a neutral, try Muslin or Manchester Tan, both from Benjamin Moore. Their undertones are subtle, making them good choices.

Let me know what you think, do you think beige is boring?

If you need help picking the perfect beige, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule a color consult.

Decorating with the color Purple...not for shrinking violets

The color purple is not for everyone, but recently has become a popular choice in decorating schemes. Purple goes great with the new gray trend, being seen everywhere in the design industry. If you haven't thought of using purple in your home, and are looking to try something different, now may be the perfect time.

House Beautiful

Purple can be cool or warm, depending if it has more blue, or more red in it. Purple has the excitement of red, and the tranquillity of blue. The more red it has in it, the hotter and more dynamic it gets.


Benjamin Moore- Royal Flush

Bluer purples are more subdued, tranquil, and serene. They make good choices for bedrooms.

House Beautiful



Benjamin Moore Fire and Ice

Lavenders and lilacs are more feminine, romantic and light-hearted. They could be a good choice for a little girls room. While darker colors such as wine and aubergine. are elegant- great choices for dining rooms, or dens.

People who prefer purple are often creative (artists, actors), and may have conflicting traits- looking for that perfect balance. If this is you, think of all the different shades of... purple, there are and get decorating!

If you need help in deciding what shade of purple is right for you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule your color consultation.

Going Green...

What do you think of when you think of green? Is it the green grass and trees of nature, or the beautiful color of an emerald jewel?

flickr

flickr

Green works well as a color choice in interiors and in decorating, because it can almost be used as a neutral and fit into most color schemes. If you think about green found in nature, it functions as a back drop for all other surrounding colors.

flickr

Green elicits a sense of calm, harmony, tranquility and balance. It also signifies renewal and growth. Green can be used in hospitals and spas to bring a restful and healing feeling to the space.

As with every color, greens range from bright apple green to deep, hunter and everything in between.

flickr

Blue-greens: are associated with the sea, calm and cool. These are good color choices for bedrooms, as well as bathrooms, as they will bring serenity and calm to your space.

Benjamin Moore 2055-30 Caribbean Blue Water

Teal Greens:  This variation of blue-green is seen as sophistacated and upscale. Adding deep blue to green makes it more serious and pensive. Could be a good choice for a dining room or den.

Deep Greens:  Are more formal and traditional, a good choice for a dining room or den. Try Benjamin Moore's Hunter Green 2041-10.

Sage greens:  This softer green is also an excellent choice for a bed or bathroom, as it is soft and peaceful.

flickr

Benjamin Moore HC-139 Salisbury Green

Finally, it is December and I couldn't write a blog on green and not include an image of using green in your holiday decorations!

As I always try and tie together the principal of design and the psychology of how design makes us feel, here is what loving green may mean about you!
If you love green, you tend to be stable, balanced, kind and generous. You are likely to do the "right thing" and make a wonderful, loyal friend and companion.

The last thing I want to mention while on the "green" topic, is when green decorating, means being environmentally friendly. For those of you trying to do your part to be earth-friendly (like a true green- lover would do), you may want to consider using Benjamin Moore's Natura Paint. It is an eco-friendly paint, which emits lower VOCs. You can visit benjaminmoore.com to learn more.

So...if you'd like to Go Green and need help choosing the perfect green that reflects you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule a color consultation.

Happy Holidays!!

Do you have the blues?

House Beautiful

No, I'm not talking about your mood, I'm talking about the color blue.

If you are like many Americans, (35%) blue is a favorite color! Blue has universal appeal- it can make us think of the sky or of the sea. It is calming and tranquil. Physiologically, viewing blue reduces blood pressure, heartbeat and respiration rate.

Blue is the color of consistency and truth. Medium blues and grayed-blues are seen as sincere.

As blue gets darker, it becomes credible and authoritative. Think of dark blue uniforms- such as a police officer. Deep blue-violet,navy,and midnight blue can have the same impact as black.

If you love blue, you tend to be a gentle, trusting person who prefers harmony, serenity and peace. But be careful blue lovers, because you may also be vulnerable. To help you find the peace and harmony in your home, follow these ideas for when decorating with blue-

Silvery Blue

In Bedrooms:  Using blue in bedrooms is a favorite choice because of it's calm, relaxing feel. You can go from light to dark to achieve this feeling- try Benjamin Moore- Midnight Navy 2067-10 or Silvery Blue 1647.

Bathroom: Blue is a perfect choice in this room because of it's association with water. You may try Benjamin Moore- Picture Perfect 743 or Ocean Air 2123-50. Be careful not to choose too cool or gray of a blue, or it will leave you feeling chilly!

Family Rooms: You want to choose a blue with a warmer undertone or has a touch of periwinkle for this room, such as Benjamin Moore- Oriental Iris 1418.

Dens and Libraries: Choose a deeper blue for this space. It is perfect for those who love to contemplate the book they are reading! Try Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154 or Bainbridge Blue 749.

Kitchens and Dining Areas: If you have a lot of white in your kitchen, a darker, deep blue can be bold and stunning. You could try Benjamin Moore Polo Blue 2062-10. Darker blues work nicely in dining areas as well, because they are traditional.

House Beautiful

I don't usually decorate with blue in my own home, but for those of you who read my blog- Choosing my Bathroom paint color, I am diving into the world of blue...I just haven't found the perfect blue yet. I will keep you posted (no pun intended!)

If you would like to find the perfect blue for you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com for a color consult.

With so many possibilities, have fun and get the blues!

Choosing my bathroom paint color

I am trying to choose a paint color for my bathroom. I am trying to find the perfect color to create a calm, airy, beachy feel. Something like this picture, but maybe a little "less blue".

I have been considering colors such as Benjamin Moore's Woodlawn Blue HC-147

                    and Palladian Blue HC-144

I am also considering Tranquility AF-490, but as I hold a sample to my wall in my bathroom, it is looking a little more gray, than I would like.

Stay tuned, I will keep you posted when I make my decision. I will know the right color when I see it, I will feel it!

If you need help picking the perfect color or want a design that reflects you, please contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule a consult.

More on Orange!

I'm so excited because I just read one of my favorite blogs, Colour Me Happy and her latest post- The New Orange for 2012. I wanted to do a quick post myself, because it goes along perfectly with my post from last week, Decorating with Orange- It's just Peachy!

The Color Marketing Group was just held in Texas and is working on the upcoming colors to be used in 2012. One of the colors they highlighted was orange. Per the post on the Colour Me Happy's blog, Benjamin Moore's AF- 230 Buttered Yam, is similar to colors the Color Marketing Group was looking at. I love this color!



                                                                             

flickr

     If you are looking for an orange to reflect you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com for a color    consult.