Becolorful

A Gray Glass Backsplash Adds Glamour

 

Not long ago my mom decided it was time to update her kitchen. The countertops, sink, faucet and cooktop are now in and my mom could not be happier. She moved into her condo shortly after Dad passed away. It was a great space from the beginning but over the past few years, she has put her own mark on it. She replaced the appliances right away and painted the walls but that was where the kitchen progress stalled, until recently. She has wanted to upgrade to quartz countertops for quite some time and finally, with a little nudging, she decided this past fall that she was ready to take the plunge. She chose the Summerhill pattern from Cambria Quartz. It was a great choice. This pattern has the warm look and movement of granite but the durability of quartz. 

It looks perfect with the new G.E. Profile cooktop.

She quickly said goodbye to her old Formica countertops, the top mount sink, and our quick fix tin backsplash.

And she said hello to a new Blanco Silgranit sink and the Briarsfield model Price Pfister faucet from Ferguson Plumbing Supply.

 

 

These two elements looked great with the new countertops but it wasn't until the platinum gray glass tile backsplash went up that the whole room pulled together. She loved this tile from the start and I'm so glad she pushed for this one. I liked it but I didn't have her vision. It was one of the more expensive tiles that she considered but she didn't need a lot so it was definitely well worth the splurge. 

These pics were taken with my iPhone and I needed the flash so believe me when I say it even prettier in real life. She purchased the tile from Adam's Tile and Stone. This kitchen had a lot of outlets to work around and some tight corners but their installer did a terrific job.

She is thinking of changing the wall color from green to gray and/or maybe painting the cabinets white. Thoughts? I think that would be gorgeous too but I am also embracing these darker cabinets with the tile and countertops. Either way, this is a great room to walk into. Nicely done Mom.

I'll be over to help you polish off that wine.                                                                   

xoxo,

p

 

 

My Mom's Updated Kitchen

When my mom moved into her condo eight years ago she stripped wallpaper and repainted every wall. She has replaced all of the carpets and made some great furniture purchases for her home, but lately, these Formica countertops and the drop in sink and a noisy faucet have been crying out to her for attention. 

Shorty after she moved in we added the tin backsplash. You can read about it here. After the wallpaper was removed the wall was uneven and naked looking and this was an easy and economical fix, but now she was thinking of new countertops and you know how one thing leads to another...

She hasn't had a lot of her friends over yet so I won't steal her thunder and show you the full reveal yet, but I will tease you with the elements she is working with.

 

I love the countertops that she chose. They are a Cambria quartz in the Summerhill pattern. I'm glad they had a display of this countertop at Ferguson's because it is so much prettier in a longer run and we could see what the full pattern would look like.

 

 

 

I was over at her place this week, after the backsplash was installed, and we are both so excited to see how great it looks now that it is all put back together. She is considering painting the cabinets, or maybe just the walls? But for now, she just wants to live with it for a bit and enjoy what she has accomplished so far. I'm so glad that my mom wants to keep her place looking current and hasn't become complacent when it comes to decor. I love her new kitchen and I love her.

xoxo,

p

 

Fourth of July Flair That Doesn't Look Like It Came From A Party Shop

1.

 

I'm all for patriotism and celebrating our independence.

What I don't like is tacky big box store decor.

Where is the creativity in that?

It's the equivalent of cheap store bought Halloween costumes.

Independence flair doesn't have to be a fallback to the 1990's Americana country look either. 

#beentheredonethat

 

An understated look is what I am going for, where the impact comes from one single statement piece.

I am all about Fourth of July flair that is classic and chic.

It can be as simple as adding one flag.

 

2.

 

3.

 

 

 

4.

 

5.

 

6.

 

 

It can be as fun as stenciled stars,

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

 

 

or as easy as adding a patriotic napkin,

8.

 

 

a pillow,

9.

 

or a free printable to a frame.

10.

 

 

A couple of small flags add a simple flourish to planters.

 

11.

 

 

or a centerpiece.

 

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Keeping it simple helps to focus on the sentiment behind the holiday. Plus I don't have a lot of money invested in items that I will either discard or need to store.

#keepingitsimple

 

Happy 4th and God Bless America!

xoxo,

p

 

Photo credits:

1.Carl Christensen, Still Life Photography

2.Julieblanner.com

3.Bloodandchampagne.com

4. Julieblanner.com

5.Pinterest

6. One Good Thing by Jillee

7. bhg

8. Birch Lane

9. Tidbits

10. Goodwill free printable 2014

11. At the Picket Fence

12. Unknown google image

 

 

A One Hundred Year Old Stairwell Gets An Upgrade

No, this isn't a Christmas in July post. Actually, I wanted to share the update we made to our stairwell last year while we were also remodeling our master bedroom and bath. While I was looking for some "before" pictures it became evident that most of my photos from this part of our home have been taken at Christmas time. 

 

 

 

I have always thought that the foyer is especially pretty at holiday time but then when the decorations come down it always looked so painfully plain.

 

Our home is 100 years old this year. I love the history that goes with an old house and this one is no exception. A few of the previous owners have even shared some photos with me of their time here and these two were taken right here on the stairway. I think it is fun to see how the house has evolved over the years.

 

The Wheeler Family 

circa 1960

 

Mrs. Bloomhall

circa 1970

 

...and our sweetie modeling her choice for a sorority event.

circa 2005

 

The truth is, the entrance to a home needs some wow. Although the wallpaper from the 50's was long gone before we ever moved in, this entrance has always left me feeling underwhelmed and I always wished that the stairwell had been trimmed out more like the rest of the house.  So while the house was already torn up with a remodel we decided to add some flair to this stairway.

 It took me twelve years of living in the house  to get to this point but it only took the trim carpenter three days to create this upgrade.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

I was thrilled with the end result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So 100 years and three days later...

 

Good things take time.

:D

xoxo,

P

I Feel A Table Coming On

 

It's simple, Spring = color. As the days grow a bit longer the skies become bluer, and yards greener. I'm ready to shed my black and gray winter wear for bright corals and blues and today I'm dreaming of some significant splashes of color for the house too.

 

Perhaps warmer weather and the ability to throw open the windows is also spurring my desire to start painting again. 

I painted this table a couple of years ago for a Traveling Door sale. I've featured it here before but I keep coming back to it. It sold at the sale but I'm thinking of recreating another one for myself.

I'll change the colors up a bit so it won't be exactly the same but the table is an Ikea Lindved so I can easily pick up another one.

Perhaps I'll go with hibiscus instead of the hydrangea. A bit of a tropical twist.

 

Stay tuned. I feel a table coming on.

xoxo,

p

Dorothy Draper Inspired

 

It isn't a secret that I am passionate about black and white.

Ten years ago, before Pinterest, I tore a page from a decorating magazine that featured a home office with lots of white woodwork and black walls. It was so unusual and dramatic and I loved it. I showed it to a friend that was also drawn to bold designs but I didn't get the positive reaction I was looking for. I took a safer route and It took me nine years to follow through with my black walls. I wish I had done this way back then. This room has windows at each end and two sets of french doors so there is a lot of light and white woodwork to break up the statement black.

 

 

 

I have loved pulling this room together and have had fun bringing in different accent colors throughout the year. 

 

Recently, Mike and I decided to sell our Galena getaway and purchase something in a warmer climate. So, when I had a free afternoon this week I decided to stop into Home Goods for some inspiration. I wasn't looking to buy anything. Anything I would buy here would have to be shipped there. It is usually when I'm not really looking that I end up with the best "finds" and this week wasn't any different.  While I was on the hunt for ideas for our southern abode I found, instead, something for our Linden home. The minute I saw these black and white framed pieces I was reminded of my muse, Dorothy Draper.

 

 

I felt that they were perfect for our Linden dining room and for only $14.00 each! These were definitely going home with me.

 

 

I still have an empty home down South but I think Dorothy would approve of my little additions here.

:D

 

xoxo,

P

Color of the Week - Pantone's Color of the Year 2014 Radiant Orchid

 

 

This week Pantone announced the newest Color of the Year is Radiant Orchid.

 

Purples are one of those colors that tend to evoke a viseral reaction. Most people either love it or hate it. This is not a color I am drawn to but in small doses it could be tempting. I can see it combined with gray, navy, or chartreuse.

 

 

 

This is a strong color that for me is one of those less is more hues.

I would bring it into a room via a pillow,

 

 

A lamp,

 

 

 

or a chair.

 

 

 

 

Lamps Plus

 

So what is your take? Love it or leave it?

Those who are embracing this latest coronation from Pantone may want to step it up a bit more. Perhaps an accent wall and a couple of strategically placed accenting pops of Radiant Orchid would be the way to go.

 

 

Obsessed or underwhelmed, I always look forward to learning about the newest color trends each year from Pantone.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

xoxo,

p

Lighting For The Guest Bath

Who knew choosing lighting for a bathroom would be so time consuming?

I spent the better part of an entire afternoon pulling together a pair of sconces and a ceiling light for our guest bathroom.

Crazy, right?

I would find a sconce I liked...

Midtown Polished Nickel Sconce

but I wasn't sure I liked the ceiling fixture.

Midtown Semi Flush

 

Sometimes there wouldn't even BE a ceiling fixture or it was a full blown chandelier and much too large for a bathroom.

Sometimes I would find the sconce in one finish...

Cascadia Sconce

but I could only find the ceiling light in something else.

I knew I wanted the look of a shiny silver finish to give a bit of glam to this old school black and white subway tiled bath. The brushed look just wasn't what I was going for.

I'd find an inexpensive ceiling light that didn't resemble a "boob light" quite as badly as what has been here for the last ten years

and maybe it would come in the right finish but it wouldn't have a coordinating sconce. I didn't want to try and guess about glass colors so in the end this was my choice.

Artcraft Contempra for the ceiling

and Artcraft Contempra sconces.

Whew. Check that off of my list. Hopefully the hardware for the cabinets will be easier.

xoxo,

p

You May Say I'm A Dreamer

 

The tile is in and grouted in the guest bath. As that project is winding down I am starting to zero in on this next one, the master bedroom and bath.

 We have decided to sell all the furniture that was here and start over. I'm not a bit sad to say au revoir to our bedroom set, and yes, I did the whole matchy matching set but that was almost twenty years ago so I'm feeling pretty guilt free about letting it all go and starting fresh.

This time around I want a simple and sophisticated look with that wow factor.

These are three concepts that I'm leaning towards.

The first look incorporates a pair of Century Tribeca bachelor chests and a Vanguard upholstered bed with a grouping of mirrors behind each of the table lamps. I had thought about pairing up two different chests but in the end it was challenging to find two that I liked this well that were close in height.

Master Bedroom - You May Say I'm A Dreamer by pambecolorful featuring orange flower bouquets

The double dresser from Thomasville will sit across from the bed with a flat screen above it.

 

This second look features another set of matching chests but this time in a painted, what I call gilver, finish - silver with a touch of gold for interest. This time I am using floor standing, fretwork mirrors behind the chests for that wow factor. 

Good Morning Beautiful by pambecolorful featuring light lamps

 

The third option is actually all part of the same collection. Something I swore I wouldn't do again but by mixing finishes I'm okay with it. I like the more refined lines of this group and the side chests are a great height to use as night tables.

Spellbound by pambecolorful featuring a concave convex mirror

 

The finishing touches like lamps, rugs, chair coverings and bedding are still to be determined. Today I am really just narrowing down my choices for chests and chairs. If you have ever taken on a project like this yourself then you know it isn't just about what looks pretty. There are dimensions, storage needs, and of course cost to be considered. What will we ultimately end up with? Well, I'm still mulling over my options. Hope you will check in again to see our progress.

xoxo,

p

 

 Linking up here:

 

 

Dapper Dressers

I really do love looking at furniture but when it really comes down to making a decision the process can be a bit stressful.

There a lot of things to consider; cost, size, color, and style. It doesn't help that I like so many different styles.

I am drawn to a more modern and clean lined look but I don't want to go too contemporary. I need this room to flow with the more traditional rooms in our nearly one hundred year old home. 

For starters, I know I want an upholstered bed but what do I want for dressers? Do I want them to match or maybe just coordinate?

Dapper Dressers by pambecolorful featuring a white bedding

I bought our current set of bedroom furniture in 1994 so unlike a sofa or end table that I may change out from time to time, these are purchases I will most likely live with for quite a while.  

The pressure is mounting. I need to commit. Ahhh decision making it definitely isn't for the faint of heart. 

:0

xoxo

p

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Words To Live { and Decorate} By

 

 

 

Earlier this week I decided to jump behind the wheel, crank up the tunes and herd my car a couple of hours down the interstate to spend a little quality time with my baby girl and her husband. 

  Back in the day I loved loved loved being a mom to our little ones. It was a spectacular time in my life but so is this chapter I'm living now.  Grown up kids are pretty incredible. I relish seeing each of them navigate their life paths and evolve into the people they were meant to be.

Each one of ours is so different from the next. Different talents and different interests. This one, our oldest, has always had a penchant for quotes and typography. As she was growing up she would frequently share some of favorites quotes with me. It seemed as if she was forever writing down favorite lyrics of songs, paragraphs from books, or lines from a movie or television show. It wasn't just the words either. It was also the fonts that were used. Initially I was a bit mystified by her obsession with lettering. I had never paid much attention to this part of design.  I needed her to teach me how a font and the layout can take a simple sentence and morph it into a work of art.

This week, while visiting and seeing how she is pulling her own home together, I had to smile. Her love of words and the emotions and messages they can convey hasn't ebbed one little bit. On the contrary, it has flourished and is evident in every corner of her twenty-something home.

I left her house wanting to copy everything she did. I wouldn't actually do that to her but I figured I could share some of my faves with you and you can pin and copy away.

:D

 

Right when you enter her foyer you are greeted with these amazing lyrics from Sky's the Limit.

 

Now who but my girl would think to use a Notorious B.I.G. quote on the wall?

 

 

That is beyond rich.

:D

 

In her "beloved home" framed quotes of love and adventure are sprinkled throughout the house.

The words call out from the bookshelves,

 

and above the doorways.

 

 

They are scattered on pillows,

 

 

 and can be found promoting good karma from every corner.

 

Those of us that know Liz and her husband recognize that many of these quotes are a personal reflection of the people that live here.

Page's drink of choice is Maker's so this framed piece that welcomes visitors to the new family room could not be any more perfect.

 

and this Dom Perignon quote that she designed and framed for the bar area might be my favorite.

 

 

The beauty of these pieces is that they can create a lot of impact for not a lot of money. This grouping of frames came from the Target clearance aisle.

 

Add in a meaningful quote and it becomes an artisitic statement.

 

 

Yes, she has surrounded herself with the people, color, sounds and work that nourish her and the result is pure inspiration.

Very impressive babe.

Love it. Love you.

xoxo

Dramatically Round Mirror

Earlier this summer I finally took the plunge and painted our red dining room black.

It was a bold move but once I saw the dramatic and sophisticated feeling that it gave this space I knew I had made the right choice.

The only thing that  bothered me was the mirror. It was over-sized and elaborately gilded. I wanted something a bit simpler and I really felt that a round mirror would bring some relief from all the rectangular shapes and straight hard edges.

I had been admiring a mirror at Phelan's, a local family owned furniture store, for months and a couple of weeks ago I decided it needed to come home with me.

 

So glad I did.

xoxo,

p

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When Company Is Coming

 

 

Whether it is a girl's night in, a family get together, or a dinner party, just knowing that company is coming makes me look at our home with new eyes.

I can go months and months and just not "see" what needs to be changed, updated, or removed. I have had winter decor up past Memorial Day. For shame. :D

So this past week, knowing I would be hosting an event here at the house, I started to look around at what could be spruced up or changed up quickly and inexpensively.

So I hit some of the local furniture and design shops but really didn't see anything that called out to me.

I did like these plaid paper flowers though, pictured above. I found them at Von Maur of all places. I liked how they gave a bit of height to the table and how the lighted branches I added in made for a fun touch at night.

 

Remember the turquoise accent pieces that I had added to the entertainment shelves earlier this year? Well they didn't look quite right with this deeper coral wall so I opted for more of a green and white palette this time around.

 

 

I tried out a wonderful over sized charger here but it wasn't quite right and at $149.00 I wanted to love it. Instead I went with this twenty dollar platter from Pier 1. Is it perfect? No, but it fills the need for now.

I wish I had remembered to take a before picture of my peacock vase. This nod to the Art Nouveau period used to be a less than lovely shade of teal. I found it at Hobby Lobby and as luck would have it, the ceramics were 50% off that week. Thank you very much.

So I brought him home with me, whipped out a can of white gloss spray paint and went to town. Voila, my take on this plumed out favorite.

 

 

Chances are that nobody else noticed my little updates but somehow knowing they were there gave me a little boost of confidence that the space looked a little more pulled together than it had earlier this week.

Add in the amazing job of de-weeding that Jeremy Hyneck and his stellar team did on our yard that day and the place was definitely standing taller.

 

Thanks Jeremy.

I only wish that before our little soiree I had seen this amazing idea  via Cathy Little. She painted flower pots in Rustoleum's Glow in the Dark paint for this awesome effect. They absorb the sunlight during the day and then glow in the evening! Who am I kidding? I'm still going to do this. It is just too cool.

 

 

Have a great weekend everyone and thanks for stopping by.

xoxo,

p

Linking up my decor thoughts here:

 

Bold Black Dining Room

 

Ten years ago I never would have believed it if someone told me I would be painting our dining room black, but black it is and we both love it.

 

 

I'm anxious to bring in a bit of coral or fuscia to the table

 

 

Since I took that first picture I have replaced the large mirror above the buffet with a round one. I like how the curves soften all of those rectangular pieces.

 

 

 

 

I am planning on taking this piece to The Traveling Door Market next week but I do like how it looks against the black.

 

 

I could always paint something else to go here.

:D

 

I was also pretty proud of how well this floral canvas looked against the black.

 

 

It works as a way to pull in the corals from the sun room and the coppery golds from the living room that bookend our dining area.

When the contractors are working on the upstairs this summer I will have them add a chair rail here and a molding on the ceiling to further highlight the chandelier.

Then I think I will be able to call this room done. Is there such a word?

:D

xoxo,

p

 LInking up my new room here:

 

The Green Room That Went Coral

 

 

I know I promised to show you our black dining room and I will but first I want to share with you the room that for the last thirteen years has been called the green room.

This is where we hang out. It is a family room/sun room/TV room and until this week it was painted a soft green. I loved it for years but it was time to change things up and change it up we did. Our green room is now coral!

 

 

The color we went with is Sherwin Williams Charisma.

 

 

 

 

 

I like how the greens and whites pair with it.

 

 

It even looks happy on a rainy day.

 

 

#happywithmypaintcolor

:D

 

xoxo,

p

 

Linking up my coral creation here:

 

Bathroom Features I Would Love To Have

I need to stay off of the computer. Why? Because I keep finding all these amazing ideas that I would love to incorporate into our upcoming bathroom update.

Before you go hating me too much. Let me be clear, because of both cost and space restraints I am NOT going to be able to implement most of these concepts. But hey, a girl can dream right?

That said, these are some of the features you would find in my dream bathroom.....


 

A customized drawer to corral all of my hair tools.

A toothbrush/shaver garage would be awesome. No more cords and clutter on the counter top.

Traditional Bathroom by Fort Worth Kitchen And Bath Sylvie Meehan Designs

 

I also like this idea of a mirror on a mirror. Very pretty.

I already got the nix on a heated towel drawer

 

but maybe a heated tower BAR?

:D

Unique shower doors have caught my eye recently. 

Love this idea of sliding shower doors.

 

Or check this out. It looks like a London phone booth.

:D

Very chic.

 

As long as I'm dreaming, let's throw in a bidet.

 

Then there is this.

 

I am forever walking back out into the bedroom while brushing my teeth to catch some news story.  Having one of these bad boys right in the bathroom? A little bit of bliss.

:D

Put it all of these things together and it would be Heaven on earth.

xoxo,

p

sources

We're Going With The Black Walls

I debated the black ceiling idea with white walls but we conferred and the decision is black walls in our dining room.

Now, I'm off to call the painter.

:D

xoxo.

p

Black and White or White and Black

 

Drama. I seem to need it.

Not in my life but in my decor.

I recently wrote about remodeling our master bedroom and bath and I am anxious to start on that project but we are still waiting on some bids from contractors.

In the meantime, I think we will go ahead with some painting projects on the first floor.

I've talked about our dining room and changing it up for almost two years now. How tired are you hearing about it?

:D

I am usually more impulsive and decisive but I think you know when something isn't quite right so you don't take the final plunge. I believe this is what has been holding me back when it comes to this paint project. I originally wanted to paint the room a raspberry pink but I think that when I shared my idea with Mike it was the first time that I met with some real resistance from him. He is usually very supportive of whatever I do with the house. So, when he voiced his opinion this time I felt it only fair that I listen. I'm glad I did because now I have decided on something a bit more sophisticated. I'm thinking a black and white palette, or maybe white and black.

Let me explain.

For starters our dining room does not have a lot of wall space. There are two sets of french doors, another single doorway plus large windows on both ends of the room.

 

Consequently, I am not concerned about this room becoming too dark.

I just need to decide if I want black walls ...

 

 

or if I would rather do a white room with black accents.

 

If I go black I would like to add white trim similar to these images. This could be done with wainscoting, or picture moldings or both.

 

 

 

 

On the other hand, I could go white with pops of black.

 

 

I could paint out the window frames and french doors in black. I think it is attractive here but, realistically, I actually doubt that I will do this in our space. 

 

 

I could see adding black to the back of the bookcases though

 

 

and perhaps bringing a dramatic dash of black to the ceiling ( 9 foot ).

 

 

I notice that where they have painted the entire wall black they have also gone in with a black ceiling. I would not do that. I would opt for a contrasting ceiling unless I was also using the wainscoting.

Decisions decisions.  At least now that I have my images all pulled together I can run them by the big guy for a bit of feedback. I'm lucky. He really has a pretty good eye and is not afraid of making bold design statements.

:D

Am I crazy? Perhaps. Crazy for drama.

xoxo,

p 

What I've Been Hiding Part 2

The 1980's have called and they want their bathroom back.

Yes, this is my bathroom. For all of you that have showered me over my blogging years with compliments of what you think is my beautiful house, I now expose to you my dirty little secret. I have an ugly bathroom.

 

BUT, I am getting ready to remedy this situation. It has only taken me fifteen years but some things just take time - and money.

We bought our home fifteen years ago. The real-estate brochures on the house said that this part of the house was remodeled in the late 80's. So the look was already ten years old when we stepped in to the picture and it was probably due for a refresh even then but we had more pressing issues like an office for Mike, a new kitchen, and making the third floor livable for the kids. It is an old house and there was a lot that needed our attention. So, although we have made a lot of changes to the rest of the house, the only things that have received any attention here were the wallpaper (1998) and the shower head.  

Yikes!

 

You may notice the very first major problem with this bathroom is that there isn't any door between the bedroom and the sink area of the bathroom. If someone gets up early or comes to bed late this creates a bit of a light and noise issue.

There is, fortunately, a pocket door dividing off the shower and toilet area.

 

 

This, dear readers, will be a total gut job.

How about those windows? They are single pane with some old storm windows on top. Circa 1916.

 

 

I can not believe we have lived with those scalloped roller shades for fifteen years.

I always thought we would change out the windows and then I would invest in window treatments to fit the new windows. Well, FINALLY, I will be saying adios to those old windows and those ridiculously hideous shades.

Good riddance!

The only thing I intend to reuse is my makeup mirror.

 

You might notice we are also lacking an adequate number of outlets.

The cabinets were custom and cherry. True, they could probably be re-stained or painted and some new hardware added but I have a plan in mind that will most likely require replacing them.

 

 

We are getting a couple of bids on this project and maybe the contractors will have a different idea but what I am thinking is moving the bathroom door. Instead of having the door at the end of the bathroom, I would move it to the middle - right between the sinks.

Something like this.

 

 

This would offer a bit more privacy and we could add a door that closes.

 

I would remove these closets that are to the left as you enter the bedroom. The bathroom is behind them. This would allow a larger footprint in the bathroom and this is where the bathroom door would be.

 

I would like the final look to be more in keeping with the period of the house. I really would like to replace the cherry cabinets with something white and bright.

 

I'm not wild about the hardware here but I like idea of introducing a glass front or maybe even some mirrored cabinet fronts.

These colors speak to me too.

 

We don't have a lot of space to work with and I don't have room to expand but I think gaining two feet in width will certainly help the room to feel a bit more spacious and luxurious.

Before we can start on this bath though we will first be doing a less extensive remodel in another bathroom on this floor.

I have a pretty straight forward plan for this bath that will involve moving some plumbing and new tile but more on that later.

t

 

Suffice to say we will start in here and make the necessary changes so that we can use this bathroom while they are remodeling ours.

Whew. It could be a crazy spring and summer. Are we ready for all that?

Absolutely.

xoxo,

p

 

 

 

Changing Up The Green Room

We knew the snow storm was coming so what is a girl to do? Well, some more sensible women probably hit the store and brought home essential groceries,  a few new movies or video games for the kiddos or a new magazine or two but THIS girl decided to roll through TJ Maxx the day before the storm was supposed to hit and stocked up on some accessory options for our family room. 

 

You have seen it countless times here on BeColorful. This is the room where we spend the bulk of our down time. Lately, since it is usually just the two of us now, we are even eating in here. So I painted up these wooden TV trays to facilitate our new lifestyle. I like that they can be easily folded up and stacked out of sight.

When we bought the house almost fifteen years ago this room was wallpapered in a beige moire. That didn't work for me and I re-papered it in a pink and white stripe. I think I was still hanging on to some lingering Laura Ashley attachment but that didn't last long either. I finally landed on a paint color in a soft green with gray undertones and it has been this color for about twelve years now and until recently I have been very happy with it.

  Green, coral or red, and yellow. Those are my go to colors.

Lately, though, I have wanted to bring some blues into this space.  I have been looking for some lumbar pillows for those green chairs because I think this would be a good way to dip my toe into this rather new to me hue. It seems like there was so much of this color last spring but I somehow haven't found just what I'm looking for.

So two days ago I decided to hit the Maxx. I didn't find any pillows but for around $50.00 I was able to add some splashes of ocean blue to my green room.

The easiest place to change up and add some color is in the entertainment center. I started with just a few white pieces on the top. I have been looking for a large white tray or round piece but I may have to buy something and bust out the spray paint.

I know it is a bit sparce right now and it consequently looks like things are just kind of lined up - not a look that I am fond of. But I only add things when they feel right so for now it is a bit awkward looking.

Like I said, this was an easy place to add some color.

*Yes, I know the price sticker is still on my vase. I'm not sure it is staying.

:D

 

You see, after I stopped by TJ's I headed over to Sherwin Williams and picked up some paint chips too.

Now I am conflicted. I like the addition of the blue. I do, but I started thinking more seriously about changing up the wall color.

I could go with a brighter green but I don't want the chairs to blend in too much. So, instead, I am thinking of going coral in here. I have a deep coral in my office

 

 

 

 

but this is a much softer shade that combined with the bright greens, ocean blues, and pinks would almost appear as a neutral.

 

The color we are drawn to is Sherwin Williams Charisma.

 

or Sherwin Williams Animated Coral

 

I have never ever ever been a fan of peach. I really could never go there but this is deeper and a bit pinker. Mixed with the greens and yellows and whites. I think this room would just sparkle when the sun comes in all those windows and have a nice glow at night.

I'm kind of excited. Can you tell? What's the worst that could happen? I hate it and pick another shade. It's just time to change things up. Which brings me back to those ocean blue vases. I like aquas and corals together but would like them on that entertainment center as well as just some green and white or just all white? I'm not sure.

So, I'm thinking it may be a good thing I haven't removed any of those stickers yet.

:D

xoxo,

p