Neutral tones are especially practical in the world of decoration because their neutrally means they can easily be teamed up with other colors. Warm colors make a room seem smaller and more homey, a place where we can retreat to unwind. There are many techniques for increasing the expressiveness of the walls and for making your home a place where you feel at ease. Many neutral tones are associated with natural materials, stone, earth, wood, straw, sand or with artificial materials such as metal, glass, and concrete.
Here are ten household helpful hints for choosing colors and wall covering fabrics to decorate your home:
1. White and neutral tones are an ideal backdrop to make a work of art or tapestry stand out.
2. Neutral tones should be applied when a space is overloaded architecturally, or when we want something to fade into the background.
3. Neutral tones age well so they can be used where you do not redecorate, or touch up, very often; or if our intention is to specifically create an aged effect.
4. Variations on neutral tones are ideal for small rooms.
5. White and neutral tones are a great way of combining different decorative styles as they act as a neutral transition zone between one style and the other.
6. Gray metal or gray concrete, two neutral tones, are especially apt for creating modern ambiance with a cutting edge feel.
7. Textured neutral tones, like limestone or temperate paint, are perfect for creating rustic effects.
8. Neutral tones fabrics, carpets, curtains, or tapestries are a great help when decorating because they go well with all the colors.
9. If you want a room steeped in neutral tones to be livelier, you can introduce a few dramatic color touches dark colors, even black, are a good solution.
10. A neutral tone is perfect for painting a wall or doors that you want to be inconspicuous.
Showing posts with label paint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paint. Show all posts
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
How to Choose the Right Colors for Your Home
Are you STILL thinking about painting your walls with color?
Many people are afraid to make the leap from 'builder's beige' to a more daring color choice. What holds you back? Are you afraid the color will be too strong? Not match your furniture? Or you'll become tired of it and have to start over again?
While you're debating the work involved you are missing out on one of the basic elements of design that can change the entire look of your room for under $50. Your tired furniture can become new again and a mismatched room can have designer flare! So, how do you choose the right color?
The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Why is that? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.
However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches - hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.
If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room - think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets - then you'll want to start with a beige tone.
Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid 'overheating' your room.
If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a 'true gray' color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.
Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned grays with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.
If you are really torn between beige or gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.
Painting rooms with color will bring the finishing touch to your home.
Many people are afraid to make the leap from 'builder's beige' to a more daring color choice. What holds you back? Are you afraid the color will be too strong? Not match your furniture? Or you'll become tired of it and have to start over again?
While you're debating the work involved you are missing out on one of the basic elements of design that can change the entire look of your room for under $50. Your tired furniture can become new again and a mismatched room can have designer flare! So, how do you choose the right color?
The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Why is that? Instead of choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel more comfortable with a neutral such as beige or gray which will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will easily tire of.
However, when you go to your local home improvement store you will be faced with a sea of color swatches - hundreds of versions of basic beige and gray to choose from. So before you go, consider these steps to choosing the right color for you.
If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room - think of fireplaces, brown leather and sunsets - then you'll want to start with a beige tone.
Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you see? If you have a lot of black or navy you may wish to choose a beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If you have browns or reds in your furniture, select a cooler beige with ashy tones to avoid 'overheating' your room.
If you prefer a cooler, airy look - chrome, glass and shades of icy blue - then select gray tones. Some stores will have a 'true gray' color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer selections. On comparison you will notice that each gray has undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones, others may have green or even a hint of pink.
Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned grays with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an ice box. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer colored furnishings.
If you are really torn between beige or gray, than the easiest color to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.
Painting rooms with color will bring the finishing touch to your home.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Home Decorating Ideas for a New Look
Room by room home decorating ideas
Whether you live in small metropolitan apartment, a house in the suburbs, or a log cabin in the mountains, your living room creates a lasting impression on those who visit. It sets the mood and should reflect your personal taste. So, to begin our helpful hints for home decorating ideas, let's start with some simple tips for the living room.
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to get a new look that will be a pick up for both you and your living room. Just add some color; here's how:
1. Paint just One Wall
This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major redecorating project. If your room has a niche, it's the perfect choice for extra color. You can choose a bold, contrasting color picked from a floral fabric, or a subtle tone darker than the tone of the other walls. Any change in color will add interest and splash!
2. Throw a Few Pillows Around
Nothing adds color like strategically placed throw pillows. Choose solids for a floral print or colorful, patterned pillows for a solid color chair or sofa. This is just one of many home decorating ideas that will not only add a bright splash of color, but will also add comfort to your seating arrangements.
3. Add Green or Flowering Plants
If you don't have a green thumb, ask your nursery or home center to recommend ones that require little or no care. If you're gone from home a lot, settle for some of the wonderful artificial ones on the market now. You can find great looking plants, foliage, and flowers that only need to be dusted. The Internet is a wonderful source for these.
4. Put Some Color on the Floor
A colorful throw rug placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room (or any room). It can be put on top of any type of flooring, including carpet. If it is on a smooth surface, make certain to have a no skid backing. Choose a contrast color (from fabric you're using in the room}, or look for one with an interesting pattern that ties into the theme of your room.
5. Add Interesting Artwork
A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes. Try framing simple photos with colorful mats and bright frames.
6. A Throw Adds both Warmth and Color
A handmade quilt, nubby woven throw, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair. Choose a color that accents other pieces in the room, as well.
7. Reflect Color
This is one of the home decorating ideas that appeals to many. Place a large mirror on a bare or boring wall. Buy an interesting frame or just decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid. If you have an old frame, consider painting it a bright color. The mirror will reflect the color from around the room and add light to the space.
Tips for the guest room
Not too many people give enough thought to decorating the guest room in their home, but, if you like to have guests stay over, here are some simple home decorating ideas for your guest room. Your budget may not allow you to provide all the amenities of a five star hotel, but there are certain things you can do to make your guests comfortable.
1. Buy the Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.
2. Clean Bedding a Must
Just make sure you have nicely laundered, clean bedding.
3. A Place to Put a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. Even a chair is better than nothing!
4. Keep it Uncluttered
Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. A good reading lamp would be a plus!
5. Hanger and Drawer Space
If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes and clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.
Whether you live in small metropolitan apartment, a house in the suburbs, or a log cabin in the mountains, your living room creates a lasting impression on those who visit. It sets the mood and should reflect your personal taste. So, to begin our helpful hints for home decorating ideas, let's start with some simple tips for the living room.
You don't have to spend a lot of time or money to get a new look that will be a pick up for both you and your living room. Just add some color; here's how:
1. Paint just One Wall
This will really change the focal point of the living room without getting into a major redecorating project. If your room has a niche, it's the perfect choice for extra color. You can choose a bold, contrasting color picked from a floral fabric, or a subtle tone darker than the tone of the other walls. Any change in color will add interest and splash!
2. Throw a Few Pillows Around
Nothing adds color like strategically placed throw pillows. Choose solids for a floral print or colorful, patterned pillows for a solid color chair or sofa. This is just one of many home decorating ideas that will not only add a bright splash of color, but will also add comfort to your seating arrangements.
3. Add Green or Flowering Plants
If you don't have a green thumb, ask your nursery or home center to recommend ones that require little or no care. If you're gone from home a lot, settle for some of the wonderful artificial ones on the market now. You can find great looking plants, foliage, and flowers that only need to be dusted. The Internet is a wonderful source for these.
4. Put Some Color on the Floor
A colorful throw rug placed in front of a chair or under a coffee table can add color and texture to a living room (or any room). It can be put on top of any type of flooring, including carpet. If it is on a smooth surface, make certain to have a no skid backing. Choose a contrast color (from fabric you're using in the room}, or look for one with an interesting pattern that ties into the theme of your room.
5. Add Interesting Artwork
A colorful piece of art placed in a living room not only adds a decorative touch, but also introduces colors and shapes. Try framing simple photos with colorful mats and bright frames.
6. A Throw Adds both Warmth and Color
A handmade quilt, nubby woven throw, or cozy, colorful blanket adds interest when draped over the back or arm of a neutral sofa or chair. Choose a color that accents other pieces in the room, as well.
7. Reflect Color
This is one of the home decorating ideas that appeals to many. Place a large mirror on a bare or boring wall. Buy an interesting frame or just decorate a piece of mirror with cording or braid. If you have an old frame, consider painting it a bright color. The mirror will reflect the color from around the room and add light to the space.
Tips for the guest room
Not too many people give enough thought to decorating the guest room in their home, but, if you like to have guests stay over, here are some simple home decorating ideas for your guest room. Your budget may not allow you to provide all the amenities of a five star hotel, but there are certain things you can do to make your guests comfortable.
1. Buy the Best Bed Your Money Can Buy
Don't give your guest the oldest, most saggy mattress you have. If you can't afford a new bed, think about getting a quality air mattress. They're quite comfortable and can be placed on top of a box spring, over a sofa bed mattress, or on the floor.
2. Clean Bedding a Must
Just make sure you have nicely laundered, clean bedding.
3. A Place to Put a Suitcase
Clear a space to put a luggage rack or a small table or bench to set down a suitcase. Even a chair is better than nothing!
4. Keep it Uncluttered
Get rid of anything that you would not find in the room of a fine hotel. Keep only the most useful items in the room, like a clock and calendar. A good reading lamp would be a plus!
5. Hanger and Drawer Space
If your guest room shares space with a home office, clear at least a foot or two of pole space in the closet. Or purchase an inexpensive over-the-door hook that can accommodate some hanging clothes and clear out one or two drawers for small items. Both you and your guest will feel better with odds and ends out of sight.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Home Interior Painting
A new coat of paint can refresh and revitalize any room in your house. Paint is also a very cost effective way to change the look of a room. The best part about interior painting is that almost anyone can do it—all you need is the right material and a little bit of knowledge.
Painting Supplies
Your supply needs will vary depending upon the room that you are painting and the type of paint that you are using, but here is a basic list to get you started:
Paint
After you choose a color, you will also need to choose a finish. The finish determines how shiny the paint will be. Choices include flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finish is hard to wipe clean and should only be used in low traffic areas that will not attract dirt. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and can be used almost anywhere. Gloss finish is very shiny and is best reserved for small areas such as trim or molding.
Paint Applicators
Paint rollers and brushes are necessities. A good paint roller can paint an entire room. Choose one that has a fair amount of nap to it-- the thicker the better. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own individual preference. A small angle brush works well for trim and corners. A three inch flat brush or a paint pad will work well for the places that a paint roller can not reach.
Miscellaneous Supplies
In addition to paint and paint applicators, you may also need drop cloths, cleaning rags, paint trays, spackling, sandpaper, and a putty knife (if your walls are damaged and need repair), and a ladder or stepladder. The ladder will need to be sturdy and stable to support your movements. Try choosing a ladder with a wide base or a flared bottom like on a Little Giant Ladder.
Painting Tips
When painting, the most important thing you can do is take your time. If you move too fast, things could get sloppy. Also important, is the prep work. Your painting project will go much smoother if you are properly prepared prior to painting. Here are some tips that can help:
• Make sure that you have everything you need by organizing all of your supplies before you start painting.
• Protect your furniture from paint splatters by moving it or covering it up.
• Use low-tack masking tape to tape off baseboards and trim. Remove the tape before the paint dries.
• Paint the walls before painting trim or woodwork.
• Do not apply a second coat of paint until the first coat has dried.
Painting Supplies
Your supply needs will vary depending upon the room that you are painting and the type of paint that you are using, but here is a basic list to get you started:
Paint
After you choose a color, you will also need to choose a finish. The finish determines how shiny the paint will be. Choices include flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Flat finish is hard to wipe clean and should only be used in low traffic areas that will not attract dirt. Satin, eggshell, and semi-gloss finishes are easy to wipe clean and can be used almost anywhere. Gloss finish is very shiny and is best reserved for small areas such as trim or molding.
Paint Applicators
Paint rollers and brushes are necessities. A good paint roller can paint an entire room. Choose one that has a fair amount of nap to it-- the thicker the better. When it comes to brushes, everyone has their own individual preference. A small angle brush works well for trim and corners. A three inch flat brush or a paint pad will work well for the places that a paint roller can not reach.
Miscellaneous Supplies
In addition to paint and paint applicators, you may also need drop cloths, cleaning rags, paint trays, spackling, sandpaper, and a putty knife (if your walls are damaged and need repair), and a ladder or stepladder. The ladder will need to be sturdy and stable to support your movements. Try choosing a ladder with a wide base or a flared bottom like on a Little Giant Ladder.
Painting Tips
When painting, the most important thing you can do is take your time. If you move too fast, things could get sloppy. Also important, is the prep work. Your painting project will go much smoother if you are properly prepared prior to painting. Here are some tips that can help:
• Make sure that you have everything you need by organizing all of your supplies before you start painting.
• Protect your furniture from paint splatters by moving it or covering it up.
• Use low-tack masking tape to tape off baseboards and trim. Remove the tape before the paint dries.
• Paint the walls before painting trim or woodwork.
• Do not apply a second coat of paint until the first coat has dried.
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