New Benjamin Moore Colors

Benjamin Moore has just come out with a new "Candice Olson Designer Picks" fan deck of colors.

This deck of colors are Candice's 60 favorite Benjamin Moore color tones.

 

The "Devine Design" host considers this fan deck a "sophisticated, nature-inspired collection of timeless, unique color combinations for any room in your home."

Well I certainly look forward to using them! I'll be sure to let you know my favorites.

Painting Furniture

If you're looking for a way to update some of your furniture, why not paint it? Painting furniture is a lot of fun with so many color and design options. It's also a really great way to personalize your piece.

Check out these painted pieces for inspiration

I also found this great blog called All Things Thrifty. They have a great posting about spray painting furniture. They really are experts on spray paint and what is best to use! Definetly read this!

Happy Painting!

Candice Olson's Favorite Colors

If you love Candice Olson's television shows, you probably love her style. Well get ready to find out her favorite paint colors!

Candice has joined with Benjamin Moore to create a pallatte of her favorite colors or "designer picks".

To learn more about these great Benajamin Moore colors, click here.

To view some great videos of Candice providing great painting and color tips, click here.

Three top area designers take on The Chase residences

I enjoy reading St. Louis AT HOME magazine and had to share this article with you. Chasing a Dream written by Jeanette Cooperman is about St. Louis designers Arlene Lilie, Tim Rohan and Kimberly Ruether all tackling the design of condos at The Chase Park Plaza. Their clients were downsizing from larger homes and wanting a new, fresh look. See how each designer took their own ideas and clients requests to create gorgeous interiors.

Click here to read the article and see the photos!

As you can imagine, I spend a lot of time at furniture and accessory stores.  I’m amazed at how often I notice people asking sales staff for tape measures and then trying to take notes on the back of an old receipt. I decided to come up with a shopping kit recommendation. These are the items I always keep with me and I recommend my clients to do the same. This will make your life much easier, I promise!

Tape Measure – There is no way you can shop for furniture without a tape measure. Sometimes ½ an inch can make a huge difference. Grab a small one and keep it in your purse all the time. You’ll be amazed at how often you whip that sucker out. It can also save you from having the hassle of making returns.

Camera – I always recommend a camera too. If you’re considering an item but don’t feel comfortable making the actual purchase yet, take pictures.  Be sure to get a few shots at different angles. When you get home and review the pictures it will be easier to imagine it in your space.

Pen and Paper – Have a pen and paper handy to take notes of measurements,  sku numbers and any ordering information you may need.

Swatches – It can be difficult being in a store and matching fabrics to what you imagine your sofa looks like at home. It’s so much easier to have a fabric swatch with you. I’ll cut small strips and keep them in an envelope in my purse until the project is complete. I’ll even save the envelope for a future project in that same room. 

Pictures - When working on a specific room, take a few snapshots and keep them in your purse. That way you’ll have a quick reference of what you’re working with. It may also help out the sales staff in finding the perfect piece for you. 

Notes – Finally, I recommend making a list of all the major furniture pieces and accessories and their measurements. You also may want to take note of window sizes, decorative cutouts and even special lighting placement in your room. I write notes on a notecard and slide it into the envelope with the swatches. 

Use these tips to ensure a successful shopping trip!

Color trends

A popular color combination that you'll be seeing is gray and brown. Gray is an elegant and timeless color, brown is natural and earthy. Together they create a soothing ambiance. 

Add white for a crisp look.

Use a shiny material, especially in a powder bath like this.

Use a dark color on the walls, you'll love it.

Use different shades of grays and brown and patterns to create  interest.

Need design help?

Do you need help with room decor? Are you struggling with paint colors? Maybe you'd just like some holiday decor advice.

Whatever it is, let me know. Send me your questions, I'd love to help you out.

Looking for some fabulous new furniture? 

The KDR Designer Showroom in St. Louis is having their Semi-Annual Clearance Sale.

Save up to 70% on the floor samples October 21st through 24th.

Contact me if you'd like to set up an appointment to see whats available.

I always recommend painting a room. It can make a huge change with minimal cost. Painting doesn't have to be a chore, make it fun! Get creative with color combinations or techniques. I love painting accent walls. It's an easy way to add a bold splash of color for someone not sure they want to commit to an entire room of it. Here are some fun accents of color. 

Want more of an impact?

It's not uncommon to see vertical stripes but check out these horizontal stripes! It really makes a bold statement.

If you have a decorative nook or space, go ahead add a touch of color to draw your eye there. Look at this ceiling, notice how much more dramatic it is with the accent of color? If it were white like the rest of the ceiling, you'd hardly notice it. 

Be brave and go for the color!

Fall Centerpieces

Need some inspiration for Fall centerpieces?

Get creative! Use varying sizes of pumpkins and gourds or just take a walk and bring home some gorgeous, colorful leaves.

Bedding and Accessories

Are you looking for some unique bedding and accessories? Want to find something no one else will have? Check out the Garnet Hill website. There are luxurious sheet sets, duvets, pillows, rugs and more. To shop the site, click here.

 I previously wrote about decorative birds, well another popular trend is owls. When you think of an owl, you think of the wise old owl. This link goes back as far a ancient Greece when Athena the goddess of wisdom had the owl as a symbol. 

The owl trend is fairly new and I expect to see them around throughout winter. You can find owls in everything from home decor to children's bedding. Here are some great pieces from Pier 1, Amazon.com and Etsy.com

Birds

I normally do not care for some trends that are cutsey. For example a couple years ago, monkeys were a big thing. You'd see monkey print fabric, monkey accessories.....monkeys everywhere. Then dragonflies were big. Birds seem to be the thing now and I actually like them. They're delicate and not cheesy at all. I keep finding myself drawn to accessories with a delicate bird perched on a branch.

Here are some pieces I've found.

This bird hook is available at World Market.

This cute plate also comes in green and red and is available at Pier 1.

This tray is a little more modern and a good choice if you're not sure about the whole bird trend. To purchase this tray visit MyDeco.com

I love this feminine piece! You can find it at Pottery Barn.