Ochre oranges and vibrant reds have started to peek out through the lush monochrome greens of our abundant foliage here in town.  It’s crisp out and the leaves are ready to be crunched under foot while sipping a pumpkin flavored coffee beverage. 

Autumn is a great time of year to indulge in the warm colors and the last ditch displays of nature before trees and grasses descend into full hibernation mode for the season.  Ambers and golds, burnt siennas and gingers frame city streets and park sidewalks, and while nature is changing its palette, it got me thinking how great it would be to bring similar colors inside to revitalize a home’s tired color scheme.

I like paint colors that are visibly inspired by the hallmarks of autumn.  For example, Valspar has created an entire line around the warm hues of fall just for the home.  Giving your home a fall painting makeover is a festive way to warm up your kitchen’s feel in anticipation of the cool weather and shorter days.  It may also cheer your spirits as the mornings hide within the horizon longer, and the evenings get sucked away too soon into the winter dark. 

Not quite feeling inspired yet? 

See for yourself:
http://www.valsparatlowes.com/explore-colors/color-by-nature/Autumn%20Leaves%20Colors.html

Let us know if you’re ready to renew your home with some fall colored energy!

Bright and Bold Paint Palettes Add a Splash to Your Home’s Interior

On Monday, I showed some examples of how neutral interior paint colors can add a lot of depth and dimension without being too flashy. But, I know, some of you love bright color. I do too. So to quench your thirst for interior painting palettes that make a statement, here are some great ideas and pictures to inspire your interior painting project.

When choosing vibrant color, be inspired by the world around you. Look at how colors complement each other at your local farmers market, at a floral shop, or just about anywhere else. You might be surprised at the color palettes you find that would transfer perfectly to your walls.

I like the combo of these two colors. I would never think of using two such similar colors together, but it reminds me of Monet’s house in France and a color he would have used to paint lily pads.

(Photo Credit: Pratt & Lambert)

Don’t be afraid to try green in a room. This color looks great, especially paired with the lighter green faux-painted headboard. Paired with pink and white linens this color palette pops.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

Using such a rich blue color makes me think of Greece or the Caribbean. This is simply a wonderful color.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

This might be too feminine for some, but I love the playful use of pink accessorized with all the colorful knickknacks in the room.

(Photo Credit: Selina Lake – Interior Stylist)

I love this orange and tan together. It’s not a common combo, but I think it works great in this room.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

Not sure what kind of paint will suit you best? You can take an online paint personality test. It may make your interior painting decision a little easier.

Sophisticated Palettes for Your Home’s Interior

A great summer remodeling project is adding a new coat of interior paint. If you’ve been thinking of painting your home, but the wall of colors at your local home improvement store is leaving you completely overwhelmed (trust me I know how you feel), check out some of these paint combinations. While I’ve always been one for bright, bold color, lately I’ve been intrigued by more muted colors that offer a sophisticated, demure artistic statement.

I’ve never thought of using grey as a wall color, but this soft tone looks surprisingly light, clean and crisp as a bedroom color.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

Domino Magazine labeled this combination of colors “grown-up neutrals” and I think it’s a great description, and the perfect choice for those who are a little scared of all out color. Plus, it’s another example of how great grey can look.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

These soft blue hues paired create a heavenly, airy environment.

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

Check out that blue ceiling with the neutral walls. I love the surprise of the color!

(Photo Credit: Domino Magazine)

Are these colors too tame for your taste? Check back Wednesday for some of my favorite bright and bold color schemes.

It’s a new twist on the white wall:

Photo Credit: Idea Paint 

and we love it!

Do white walls scare you? They scare me too.  White isn’t for everyone, but it does have its place, and when you’re ready to commit, you might even find a few new ways to use it.  Like this, for example:

You don’t have to be a teacher to realize the fun of writing on the wall.  Liberate you and your family with this fun new idea!  What a great way to reinvent the white wall, which, to the unknowing observer can appear to be just that, until you bust out the markers or crayons and create your own masterpiece.  Or if you’re not quite feeling your inner Michelangelo, maybe just a grocery list, a quick brainwave, a reminder, you’ll be more organized and feel just a little bit like a rebel each time you take pick up that neon marker.