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Why Is It So Hard For Us To Design Our Own Spaces?

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

It is so true! Why do we all have such a hard time making decisions when it comes to decorating our own home?

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We are just starting to redecorate our master bedroom. My husband has found the bed of this dreams… so starts another decorating story.

The paint is staying because the ceilings are high and there is a lot of wall space in our bedroom, so I would not dare to ask my husband to change it! The wall color is Alexandria Beige- which I will always love because of the way the color changes in the light. Anyway, so we have the bed, the dresser, nightstands so all that is left to decide is the colors!

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Too many colors, not enough time! I start going one way with colors, then I see something else I love, so then I want that too! Does this happen to you too?

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I did narrow it down to two color schemes. I love yellow and gray together:

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But every since I wrote about navy and coral together here, I just keep thinking about how excited I get every time I look at the two colors together:

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I just love the combination. How could you not? :

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Well, time to get lost online for a little while. Between Pinterest and Houzz, I can lose a couple hours very easy. Pictures can be such great inspiration for good ideas, don’t you agree? Very addictive though! I will let you know what I decided next week.

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Posted in Bedrooms, ben moore, color, Interior Decorating, Kelly's Best Colors | 7 Responses »
Tags: bedroom, ben moore, blue, color, House Beautiful, living room, paint selection, painting, update

Best Wall Color For Oak Cabinets

Sunday, June 10th, 2012

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One question I seem to be asked frequently from readers is “What color works best in a kitchen that has oak cabinets? I cannot/do not want to change my cabinets at this time.” Which color would you suggest?”

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All woods have undertones. Oak has yellow undertones that we need to be aware of. If you want your cabinets to ‘pop’ off the wall, then I would suggest a blue or violet color which is the complimentary (across the color wheel) color of yellow. But most people do not want their cabinets as the main focus of the kitchen.

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I also feel blue in a kitchen gives you more of a country look:

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As I posted in my blog Best Wall Colors for Stained Trim , I typically do not like to suggest using a white paint with lighter wood cabinets for a few reasons. One-white has different undertones that do not always work with the yellow wood. Secondly, I personally do not like the look with no contrast since it looks a little too pale for me.

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Yellow seem to be the color of choice for many people that have lighter wood cabinets. Yellow might work but my but only concern with yellow is that this color doesn’t really create any personality in the room. Without any contrast, the room tends to look a bit too boring for my taste.

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So, what is my suggestion for a wall color when you have oak/light cabinets?

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Green!

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I am not talking about the hunter green color or a light mint green. My suggestion would be to look at the mid-range color greens, especially the yellow-greens such as Ben Moore Agave AF-420, Anjou Pear AF-425 and Wasabi AF-430:

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Another green I like to suggest working with oak wood is Ben Moore Hillside Green 495. I really love the look together:

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So green is my first choice when looking for a great color to work with oak or light wood cabinets. My color advice is based on working with oak cabinets. The floors or countertops were not taken into consideration for this example.

Do you agree green is the best color for kitchens with oak cabinets? I also like a few terra cotta colors but that is for another day! Comments?

If you need help choosing the perfect paint color for your home, contact me today.

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Posted in color, Dear Kelly, Interior Decorating, Kelly's Best Colors, Kitchens, Paint Color Selection Help | 25 Responses »
Tags: ben moore, color, green kitchens, greens, House Beautiful, oak cabinets

Sofa In Front Of The Window?

Tuesday, April 24th, 2012

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When it comes to rearranging the furniture at a client’s home, I always seem to have a hard time convincing clients to put the sofa in front of the window:

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They are worried that the sofa will cover up too much of the window and block the view. But if you think about it, the average sofa is only 32″ inches tall and measuring up from the floor that is not going to cover much of your view or window.

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I actually think it brings your eye over to the view and makes the outdoors the focal point of the room:

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Here is a great example I found this weekend in my own home: When we first moved into our NH home a couple years ago, I placed the chairs facing the window to sit and look outside:

Makes sense right? But this weekend my new sofa came in (yay!) and against my family’s wishes, I put that sofa right in front of the window!:

It is amazing how much the room opened up and feels so much more welcoming. And I love sitting so close to the window and looking out (yes, the red rug is going).

So if you are thinking of rearranging your furniture in the living room, try putting the sofa back against the window to see if you like the look in your room. I am so glad I tried it. I really love walking in the room now because it feels so open and welcoming with a gorgeous mountain background.

Do you agree that the sofa looks lovely facing into the room? It is such a welcoming space now. I love it!

If you need help decorating your home, contact me today.

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Posted in Decorating Hints & Tips, Interior Decorating, Living Rooms | 19 Responses »
Tags: decorating, Decorating ideas, House Beautiful, living room, Pottery Barn, update