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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!



                                                                             

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

Decorating with orange- it's just peachy!

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Well fall is here, the kids are back in school, and it's time for me to get back to work and start blogging again! With the change of season, it's the perfect time to focus on the color orange and using it to decorate your home.

Orange is warm, vibrant and energetic. It is a great color to consider in your decorating scheme as the days turn cooler. Orange is associated with harvest time, pumpkins and falling leaves.

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I'm always interested in how color affects people's feelings and moods and how it reflects one's personality. Individuals who love orange, usually also love red and yellow. They are adventurous, enthusiastic, extroverted and hard working.

If the above describes you, here are some ways you can use orange in your home. I'm including some Benjamin Moore paint options as well.

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Entry area: A variation of light to mid tone orange works well in this space. It is warm and inviting, a perfect way to welcome your guests. Try- B.M. Delicate Peach, Sun Blossom, or Glowing Apricot.

Dining Room: Orange is an appetite stimulant, making it a good color choice for this room (or a restaurant) Try- B.M. Soft Marigold or Pumpkin Spice.

The Kitchen: This room is a great place to use brighter shades of orange. Use in dish wear and as accents.

Bedrooms: Paler shades of orange work well in bedrooms because they are warm and inviting. Try- B.M .(AF- 195) Terra Bella, (AF- 210) Milk and honey, (AF-220) Masada.

The Family Room: Using deeper shades of orange work well for this gathering space. Try- B.M. (AF-355) Etrustan, Bronze Tone (2166-30), Pumpkin Spice-126.

The Bath: Use light peachy tones here because they are warm and flattering to the skin. Try- B.M. Delicate Peach 120, Ivory Lustre- 184, Point Pleasant 155.

Kids rooms: Bright shades of orange are great choices for children's rooms because they are happy, fun and energetic. Try- B.M .Tangelo 2017-30, Party Peach 139, Soft Pumpkin 2166-40.

If you want some more great ideas of how to decorate with orange this fall, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com

Let the Sunshine In



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If you are like me, you just feel better when the sun is shining. Well, you can bring that same effect into your home, when you decorate with yellow. Yellow represents the sun, which is warm, bright,and vibrant. It is a great color to use for lifting one's spirits. This may be the perfect color to use if you live in a climate where it rains frequently or the winters are long and snowy. Also for rooms that don't get a lot of natural light, are north-facing, or don't have windows, yellow is a perfect color choice. Sounds like Buffalo is a great place to use yellow in your decorating scheme!

Pastel yellows are gentle and calm, great choices for children's rooms.

Ambered/ golden yellows are warm and can be used when a sense of permanence is desired.

Vivid yellow are seen as active, cheerful, and outgoing.



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Yellow can open up a small, dark space such as a hallway, or small bathroom. It is an excellent accent color, used to highlight a focal point. Yellow can make a strong statement when combined with black and white, or navy and white. Yellow and gray together is very current, and sophisticated.

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 Individuals who love yellow tend to be warm, optimistic, creative, and artistic. If you love yellow, and want ideas on how to bring the warmth into your home, please contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com.

If you have a decorating or color selection question that you want answered right now, contact me at the above email address for a flat fee of $25.



Our Five Favorite Yellows - Yellow Color Palette, Paint Color Selection - Benjamin Moore

Our Five Favorite Yellows - Yellow Color Palette, Paint Color Selection - Benjamin Moore
Clink on the link to see some favorite yellow paints.

Pink shadows.

Pink shadows., a photo by jimacos on Flickr.

an example of a gentle, light pink

The pinkest pink: Benjamin Moore 'Conch Shell' in Hamptons bedroom, from Elle Décor

The pinkest pink: Benjamin Moore 'Conch Shell' in Hamptons bedroom, from Elle Décor, a photo by xJavierx on Flickr.

"Pretty in Pink"- Decorating with pink paint

Pink paint: Designers' favorite colors, a photo by xJavierx on Flickr.

I'm sure you have heard the phrase "pretty in pink". Well YOU can be pretty in pink too, when you surround yourself with pink in your home. Pink is very personal, and probably not the first color people think of using in decorating, except in a  little girls bedroom, which is where we traditionaly see it used .

I have been doing a lot of reading on color lately, and it has changed the way I think of pink.  Before writing this post I would have said I was not a "pink person", but I found a picture of a very cool chair done in pink ( a hot, vibrant, fun pink) and fell in love with it! It opened my mind to all the different ways you can use pink. Keep reading and maybe you will realize you can be a pink person too. (I was so inspired by writing this, that I even painted my toenails pink!)

In my last post I talked about the color red. Although I (and many others) love red, it's not for everyone. Pink is an option for those that feel red is just too bold. It is a watered-down, softened red, a modest "blush", a "glow". The lighter shades of pink are pleasing to use in interiors, because it is warm and flattering.

Light pinks are described as innocent, soft, tender, romantic and cute.

Dusty pinks are perceived as soft, cozy, soothing, romantic, subtle , yet sophisticated.

Bright pinks are seen as exciting, happy, hot, trendy, attention getting, energetic, youthful,
fun and spirited. These pinks can be dynamic and powerful. Extroverted individuals love brilliant pinks. Which pink is the one for you?

Here's how and where to use pink in your home:

Bedroom- It is a perfect color for the bedroom, it is soft, cozy and romantic.

Bathrooms- Another room where pink works well, because of it's warm flattering effects.

Living and Dining Rooms- Use pink in prints and patterns, or choose rosy, clay, or mauve tones.

Kitchen- You can have fun with pink in this space, especially active, hot pinks! You can use it as accents in your linens, glassware and art.

 If you love pink, you tend to be less showy than a red person. You are soft, romantic, gentle, refined and are upset by violence. You are talented, but not overambitious. You are more contemplative, more cautious. People are drawn to you by your charm and warmth.

So if you would like to be "pretty in pink" and explore how to get a design that reflects you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com

Also see "Pink Shadows" and "The pinkest pink" post for examples of different shades of pink.

Seeing Red...

Ever wonder why you like a certain color, or what a color can say about you? In my quest to create designs that are truely individual and reflect the client, I do think about this. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology and I am very interested in the psychological effects of color on individuals, and how I can include that when I am choosing colors for a client.

Red is the first color that babies see after black. It is the beginning of the color spectrum, so it seems fitting that I start with that color.

Red is associated with fire, heat, danger and excitement. It is dynamic, dramatic and commands attention.  It can be lively and warm, to rich and elegant.

If red is your favorite color, you are self-confident, passionate, extroverted and have a zest for life. Those who love red are high achievers, driven and intense. In addition red lovers may be opinionated, overbearing, moody, bossy and fickle (sorry red lovers!!)

It takes a self-assured and extroverted person to paint their world in red. If you're not quite that daring, you can still use red, just in moderation.

Where and how you can use red:

In the Kitchen- Red is best used as an accent, especially because it increases your                       metabolism...so you probably don't want to use too much!

In a Den- This room tends to be more traditional, so you will want to use a blue-red, such as claret, or maroon, which are rich colors. You may also use a jeweled red such as ruby, which looks elegant.

In a Bedroom- Use soft reddish pinks, or deep reds to calm down the intensity of the color.

Hallway, Entry, Powder Room- You don't need to be afraid to use red in these spaces and have fun! It can make a big impact and since you don't "live" in these rooms, you are less likely to tire of the color quickly.

So, I will now tell you that I have a red accent wall and chairs in my living room...so you all know a little more about me!


If you love Red and want a design that reflects you, then contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com for a consult.

The price of a mistake

I wrote a previous post, that asked if hiring a decorator is affordable? Well, I read a post on my new favorite blog, Colour me Happy (I love it!!) that supported my point, so I thought is was worth writing about again, in more detail.

Paying a professional will help you to avoid making costly mistakes. One big mistake could far out weigh the price of hiring a decorator! My advice is to hire a decorator to avoid making the mistakes, you can't afford to make :)
Here is a quote from another article I recently read, "you should hire a professional to do anything that you can't do professionally yourself." That made perfect sense to me, we all hire professionals like accountants, plumbers, electricians, etc. why not a professional to do your decorating?
If you are looking for a design that reflects you, then contact me at :erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule a consultation.

"Do I need an interior decorator?"

I have heard people say "I don't need an interior decorator", or "I wish I could afford a decorator." Well, I say, "yes you do" and "yes you can!"
Decorating jobs can be as extensive as a complete plan for a room, or whole house, or as simple as rearranging furniture, choosing paint colors or shopping for accessories.
Interior decorators are problem solvers, solving people's decorating problems. Hiring an interior decorator will help you avoid making costly mistakes, while bringing beauty and functionality to your space.
Decorating plans can be developed to suit the budget conscious client.