Archive for August 2011

Tuscan Paint Colors

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2nd in a series on Tuscan Decorating 
 
Tuscan paint colors represent the natural beauty of an Italian countryside. Learn how to create the Tuscan color palette that will compliment your home.
If you have made the decision to create your own personal Tuscan style home and decor, you've already established a Tuscan color palette. The key is to decide how to use these colors:

  • Golden Yellows



  • Terra Cotta



  • Olive/Sage/Leafy Greens



  • Natural Brown/Ochre



  • Warm Orange



  • Vibrant Blues



  • And...a touch of White



Here is a tip to make things a little easier and something that I always suggest to my clients:
Find a piece of fabric, a magazine picture, photo, or a simple combination of something that will provide a visual example of the Tuscan paint colors you are going to use. (I know someone who carried a very small 'bouquet' of silk flowers in the shades of her selected color palette and it worked well for her!)

Or, visit your local paint store and look for the color samples that are offered in combinations, and hone in on the selections that emphasize nature, natural colors and the beautiful shades found in the photo on this page. You may find a sample palette that is quite close to the Tuscan color scheme.

Once you have your palette in hand (literally), you are ready to decide how to use these beautiful Tuscan colors in your home.

Alway keep in the forefront of your design and decor planning that Tuscan decorating is the utilization of natural elements...simple...not pretentious...colorful yet not overbearing.


The more natural light a space receives, the more intense color can be used on the walls, if desired. To keep the living room light, choose yellow or gold tones. For a vibrant energy, choose red or orange tones.
The natural shades of brown, ochre and even sage/leafy green can be a great choice as well. Think about the colors you really enjoy seeing, because the wall color will be quite prominent in the space.

If you are a person who likes things a little more neutral overall, use warm golds, light browns or consider an off white with undertones of tan or gold. Then, use the more vibrant colors in accents, possibly in an area rug, artwork, pottery or on an accent wall.


Remember that white is almost always found somewhere in Tuscan colors, along with natural browns and brownish reds.

Combine your Tuscan colors with natural, nubby fabrics, colorful accents and you can create an authentic Tuscan look in your home.
  Read more about Tuscan Paint Colors

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Tuscan Decorating - First in a Series

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Tuscan decorating embodies the simple, comfortable and colorful life of Tuscany, with no pretense, just natural elements coupled with nature's beauty as reflected in warm bold colors.

If you take a moment to study the photo , you'll see how the natural beauty of the Tuscan countryside inspires the people of the area to create a home that reflects what is around them.

Vibrant golds, greens, reds, oranges, purples and blues...no washed out colors here! Every color makes a statement, although Tuscan Decorating is not about overkill with color or any other element.

What makes this style of decorating, of living, so inviting is the blend of natural elements in a way that is casual and welcoming, not too formal, but with a sense of graciousness even in its simplicity.

In Tuscan decorating style you'll find:

Stone - on the floors or walls, with naturally rougher edges
Textured finishes such as stucco on walls and ceilings. Consider faux finishes, color washing or other forms of texturizing some of the walls of your home.
Wood - beams, floors, furniture, and more. Wood product is a staple of Tuscan homes. Keep the furniture simple and for the most part unpainted, utilizing the natural finish of the element. Doors and trim should look like natural wood - don't paint it white or any other color.
Tile - usually terra cotta, although other tile can be used effectively as well, on floors, table tops and more.
Vibrant Color - as mentioned above, warm colors abound. Use them on walls, as accents throughout the home and definitely in the flowers that are found both inside and outside.
Iron - in accessories, furniture bases, simple (not ornate) chandeliers.

Read much more about Tuscan Decorating
Next in our series....Tuscan Furniture


'Til next time,
Candi

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Faux Finish Ideas

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Looking for some inspiring faux finish ideas? It’s a great way to create drama, dimension, and texture in your home’s decor.
If you have some patience, are willing to practice and want to learn a new skill (and most of these techniques are NOT hard!), check out these faux finishes:
Here are some of the more interesting finishes I found in my search...

Chalkboard Paint - now you can turn any wall, or portion of it, into a chalkboard. How about some chalkboard paint in the kitchen to keep track of schedules and update the grocery list? In the kid’s room...how much fun would that be for them? The photo at left is from MarthaStewart.com and includes easy directions.

Textured - create a natural, earthy feel in your room and hide wall imperfections with the textured faux finish ideas from Benjamin Moore. Warm, organic colors such as warm greens, golds, browns, and grays will look great with this technique.


Washed Stripes - create a look of sophistication with washed stripes, which add a touch of texture and sheen for a soft, subtle look. If you enjoy French Country or a traditional Country style, this faux finish technique could work very well for you. See all the details for this finish and many more at BenjaminMoore.com.

Gingham - this is such a cute idea for a child’s room, country cottage kitchen, laundry room...you name it. The faux finish is created using a modified potter’s rib through color glazes.

Raw Silk - a steel wool pad is the tool of choice for this faux finish. Dress it up or down depending upon your decorating style.

Find all of the simple instructions for these two faux finish techniques plus many more at MarthaStewart.com.

If you think you're "faux finished challenged" and want to see the easiest technique ever, see my sponging faux finish.

Well, I think I’ve just talked myself into several new home decorating projects...how about you?

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Decorating A Master Bedroom

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Bedrooms are unique areas of the home. They have a specific purpose and can be treated in a very functional manner, with not much thought for bedroom interior design and decor.

However, most of us want, and need, a haven that we can retreat into and feel safe, secure and content. They can even evoke a scent that reflects the people who reside there, such as signature fragrances and aftershaves that linger, for example, and that is also a comforting feeling. (You know...you smell your scent in a good way!)

So how do you go about decorating a master bedroom? There are several key decisions that need to be made, and all are of equal importance in your bedroom interior design and decor.

First, determine how your furniture is going to be placed in the plan for decorating a master bedroom. Is the space large enough to accommodate a sitting area? What size bed do you have, or plan to have, and will it fit comfortably into the room? 

Decorating for a master bedroom, and other rooms, includes determining the focal point of the room. When you walk into the space where are your eyes drawn? 

It could be the largest wall in the room, it could be out a window or door wall for a beautiful view, or possibly a lovely fireplace. Whatever the case, place the bed so that it is on the focal point wall or facing the focal point whenever possible.

Avoid overcrowding your master bedroom with furniture and clutter. If you have inherited an antique bedroom set that can barely be squeezed into your space, eliminate one of the pieces and use it in another room.  

The next bedroom decor idea for the master bedroom is the color palette for the space. Most of the time you will find that neutral type colors on the walls work best, as they have a soothing presence. Notice that I didn't say 'white walls'. 

The accent colors when decorating a master bedroom should include at least one, preferably two colors that appear in other rooms of your home.

The third significant element in decorating a master bedroom is the lighting. Generally you will have a combination of lighting. 

Task lighting includes a light next the the bed for reading; you'll have mood lighting, which could be a chandelier or ceiling fan with a dimmer switch. 


Other master bedroom decor and makeover ideas include the use of small area rugs in the room, both for comfort and decor style. Window treatments should allow light in during the day but provide for privacy at night. 

Soften the windows/door walls with fabric, such as a valance or side panels. Bed dressings are available in every size, pattern and price point, so the decision there will depend upon the decor style you are creating.



Want more details? Find them at Decorating A Master Bedroom

'Til next time,
Candi
  

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Contemporary Log Home Decorating

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Contemporary log home decorating ideas to help you create rustic sophistication in your log home.

Log home designs and decor offer so much more than the country cabin that so many people equate with a log home. I remember when we lived in our 3,000 sq.ft.+ log home how some friends would ask us about our ‘log cabin’ ...it was far from that!

A cozy cabin is great if that is the style you are creating, but the other end of the log home decor spectrum is contemporary log home decorating.

Most of the log homes with this style of decor are at least 2,000 square feet and have an open layout, such as a Great Room with a split bedroom plan. The ceilings are 10 foot high or better and there is an abundance of natural light coming from door walls and windows.

Interior wood finishes are lighter tones...no dark, heavy wood tones in contemporary log style decor. Flooring may be wood or tile, with berber carpet in the bedrooms, for example.

Other elements such as iron and glass will be a part of the home’s decor. Iron might be found on stair railings, cabinet pulls, table bases and lamp bases, for example. Glass front cabinets and table tops would lend themselves to contemporary log styling.

Read more about Contemporary Log Home Decorating.

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Living Room Makeovers

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Living room makeovers can bring new life and interest to a living area that has remained unchanged for awhile.

Do you have a living room that fits this description... A little tired, ordinary (in your eyes, at least) and in need of some new color and excitement?

The thought of a living room redesign can seem overwhelming, but don't worry, it's not! And the result will be well worth the effort, so read on and get ready to have some fun.

I define living room makeovers with the term, 'LIVE'. After all, that's what most of us do in our living areas...we live in them.

What does 'LIVE' stand for? 


 'L' stands for 'Look and List'.
Take a pen and paper, walk into your living room and take a long, unhurried look around the room.
List the pieces in the room that you want to, or need to, keep in the space, and make a list of the pieces that could go somewhere else. (You don't have to figure out where they're going right now, just make the list)....

'I' stands for 'Itemize'. I know, it sounds like we're all accountants, but it is important to write down what you want to accomplish in living room makeovers.

So, itemize, or record, the aspects of the room that you want to change....

'V' stands for 'Visualize', and that is what your next living room makeover step is going to be.
Take the thoughts and ideas you have written down...your List/Itemization...and visualize the changes.
 
This comes more easily to some than others, but do your best to 'see' the changes you have documented, because your list is more than just a list. It's the dream of what your living room can be, and that is very significant!...

'E' stands for 'ENJOY', and that is exactly what you're will do once that you've completed the living room makeover!


Read all of the details, tips and advice for Living Room Makeovers


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