Every year Winter hits us (without much warning) like a ton of bricks.  The first snowfall is magical and we’re quickly reminded of all the things Winter has to offer: skiing, sledding, snowball fights, hot chocolate, warm sweaters, fuzzy boots and fires.  It’s certainly a time of year that, although cold —  very, very cold —  can bring a lot of fun through outdoor activities with family and friends.  However,  these long and cold days tend to drag on and on, and as soon as the groundhog sees his shadow (expressing 6 more weeks of winter) I think we’re all ready for that first day of Spring.  With that being said, I was recently inspired by an artist, Kerri Rosenthal, who doesn’t live too far from where I grew up in CT. Her warm, expressive paintings not only bring brightness and cheer to a space but they also have an incredible way of lifting your spirits when you enter the room.  Colors speak volumes and can transform your space and your mood on a cold Winter’s day.  Take a look at some of Kerri’s work below and if your Winter is dragging on like most of us in the NorthEast, it might be time to illuminate your days and remind yourself that Spring is just around the corner.

 

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If these paintings and colors don’t brighten your mood and prepare you for warmer days ahead, I don’t know what will.  Not only will a fresh new painting bring inspiration and happiness to your mind but it will breathe new light in your home – that just might be needing a boost of sunshine.  For more information on Kerri and her artwork you can visit her site here.

 

 

I’m recently obsessed with anything camouflage which may or may not be trending at the moment — but I’m not sure it matters when it comes to Andy Warhol’s camo prints.  If you like anything Andy Warhol, you’re going to love these prints.  Full of color and movement these pieces can certainly pack a punch.  The versatility is endless too — I can see these prints in a living room, a playroom, a kitchen, a kids room, a den..you get the point.  If you can’t afford the real deal, there are plenty of reproduction prints for sale at places like art.com – just make sure you frame it so it looks like an original 😉

 

bright green

The lime greens make me think of Spring which puts a smile on my face

flourescent

A whole lotta fluorescent

orange

A smaller scaled camo

hot pink

Anything fuschia is bound to brighten a space

series

A series of colorful camos – genius!

skateboards

These skateboards would be great in the kids space

warhol camo

Look what it does to a rather bland kitchen

I guess I’ve got a project ahead of me!  I’m thinking I’ll give this Warhol thing a whirl

Most people struggle to find that one piece of furniture or the right throw pillows that are going to help complete their space — without realizing that one single piece of art can do the trick.  House Beautiful recently posted an article showing four different spaces that are dramatically improved by artwork.  Take a look at these four spaces as well as four additional spaces I found that will show you how to transform your space.  Art is of course very personal, so I’ll leave that up to you, but I suggest spending the money on your walls.  It changes the space and often gets people talking if it’s placed in the right spot

 

art 1

This rather neutral room is quickly brightened with pops of yellow, red and azure

art 2

The bright orange velvet chair is brought to life with its accompanying bright painting

art 3

This entry without art would be exceptionally bland

art 4

This is a nice play on both color and geometrics

hb art 1

While this art is simple it still brings a sense of completion

hb art 2

Big and bold

hb art 3

This art brings the golds, blues and greys full circle

hb art 4

Don’t be afraid to do anything oversize

A new year is approaching and it’s time to start thinking about what we want to change — not only in ourselves but in our home which will ultimately help create a happy and warm environment for us to thrive in.  We all start with the obvious resolutions such as: get healthy, cut back on the sweets and liquor, be nicer because everyone is battling something and be more charitable, to name a few. This year, why not make a resolution to fix up your home so that every time you walk through the door or go to bed at night you can feel complete.  There’s a lot to be said for selecting the right colors, the right lighting and a few things that are trending so your house doesn’t feel like it’s stuck in the late 80’s.  It only takes a few accessories or a fresh coat of paint to make these changes so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.  Better yet, if you have friends who are looking to give more and be more charitable – put em to work!  Helping friends accomplish a project can be very rewarding and they get to enjoy the results every time they come to visit.  Not to mention free bragging rights.   This is the year to make your house a home.

 

pantone colors 2014

The first step might be to look at the colors for Spring 2014 so that you’re selecting things that are right on trend.  Bring these colors into your throw pillows, smaller furnishings, window treatments and walls.  You’ll be able to talk shop and coordinate with your clothes and handbags!

black and white stripes

A bold black and white stripe is sure to grab attention and it’s very on trend.  Think strong contrast and bold stripes

bright yellow

Bright yellow or “freesia” is just about as hot as it gets these days.  Don’t be afraid to add this bright pop of sunshine

chevron pattern floors

Chevron has been and still remains to be trendy so why not do a subtle version with the layout of your wood floors.  It will help create something new and fresh while remaining timeless

glam in the kitchen

Add a little glam to your kitchen with the back splash, lighting or hardware.  It’s all about the jewelry in the room

mixing metals

I’ve always been a believer in mixing your metals and thankfully it’s now being deemed as appropriate and trendy

orchid

Radiant Orchid is perfect for the kids bunk room or a playroom where you can have some fun and be more daring

yellow door

Say goodbye to those boring wood cabinets and doors and give them some life with a fresh coat of paint and some new hardware.  You can transform your kitchen in a matter of days and make it look like a million bucks

dark walls

Don’t be afraid to paint the walls in a dark navy.  You’ve got enough “bright” in the room with the ceiling, trim, and other furnishings to keep it airy and light.  A rich, saturated wall makes a nice statement

wallpaper

The powder room is the best place to do a funky wallpaper so go for the large geometric pattern you can’t stop thinking about!

These are just a few ideas and there are plenty more out there.  Let’s make 2014 a year to remember and finish those projects you’ve been putting off for way too long now.  I promise you’ll rest easier at night 😉

Halloween is just around the corner and the costumes are in full swing.  It always amazes me how much goes into this tradition of ours in October and even though I’m usually not one to dress up,  I fully enjoy seeing what others come up with from year to year.  October is not only the month for Halloween, apple picking and pumpkins but it’s the one month that invites the color orange into our lives more than ever.  The rooms and wall coverings below have inspired me to incorporate more orange into my projects.  It’s happy, bright and warm – perfect for any home.

 

bright orange

built in bed

orange and blue

orange and eggplant

orange bath

orange gracie

orange paper

orange sailboats

orange shades

orange stripes

pop of orange

zebra

There are so many amazing fabrics out there it’s hard to decide how exactly you want your bed dressed every day.  Do you choose a fun and colorful fabric for your headboard and keep the bedding on the simpler side?  Or do you keep the headboard simple and solid so you can mix and match with your bedding and easily swap it out when you need a change?  This is a battle that a lot of my clients have until one day they make the decision to just go with what they love.  Which way would you go?

This bold and colorful headboard is that of Michelle Adams from Lonny Magazine and I think it was a great choice!

photo via effortless style

The shape can sometimes speak for itself so the simpler the fabric, the better

While the headboard has some flare, this room is still very soothing

It’s almost like a puzzle piece

A whole lot of bold thrown in one bedroom for the daring

The height on this headboard adds an element

Simple headboard, splashes everywhere else

Whatever you decide, i hope your bed allows you to sleep well at night!

I have to admit that when I first heard people talking about the book 50 Shades of Grey I was excited to see that someone had finally come out with a book that highlighted the best shades of grey for everyone to use in their home.  It was about time that we were given a guide on what shade to use (where and when) because we all know how difficult it is to get that perfect shade of grey on our walls.  Sometimes it comes out a little too blue or has a hint of purple when all we wanted was straight up grey!  Well, the book wasn’t exactly a guide to grey paint but more of a romantic thriller that explores new love and the complexity of human connection.. and while it’s supposed to be amazing and a MUST read, it has nothing to do with decorating!  So, with that being said, I still plan on reading the book 50 Shades of Grey and I’ll continue to narrow down my favorite grey paint colors until I can create my own guide on 50 shades…or maybe  just 25.  This is where I’ll start:

Benjamin Moore 859 Collingwood

Here’s how Collingwood might look on your walls but this is obviously a room with a lot of sunlight so it’s reading as a very soft and neutral grey.  It might turn out slightly darker in your space depending on the amount of natural light you get

Benjamin Moore 2125-60 Marilyn’s Dress

What can I say other than it’s the perfect soft and subtle hint of grey

Benjamin Moore 1465 Nimbus

Nimbus is more of a greige so it has that slight beige undertone that will keep your space perfectly balanced and calm

Benjamin Moore 2133-70 Tundra

Tundra is a perfect soft grey that will keep things light and bright

These are the greys I’ve used on recent projects and been very happy with – I know I have a long way to go to complete my 25 shades of grey but It’s a start.

In honor of Valentines day (and my dad’s birthday), I thought I’d post some of my favorite images that remind me of the holiday filled with lots of pink!  To be honest,  pink has been on my mind a lot lately – not because of Valentines Day but because I’m working with two different clients who absolutely adore it.  It’s opened my eyes and made me dig deep to incorporate just the right amount and shade of pink without going overboard or creating something that screams cotton candy!  So with that in mind,  Here are the images that grabbed me and inspire me to be more daring :

Happy Valentines Day to all!  I hope it’s filled with love and inspiration..

I found another artist (Mimi Chen Ting) who brightened up my day so I had to share her playful pieces with you.  I can see these compositions and colors in all kinds of rooms and spaces – especially if it’s on the traditional side and you’re looking to make a modern statement.  Take a look at her work through Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery and let me know how you feel after a viewing.  It should be cheery!

I’m back on the art hunt – this time I’m looking for something colorful and bold for a nursery and as I’m browsing through, what feels like the entire world wide web, I came across this print gallery that caught my attention.  Cozamia has a variety of art filled with beauty and energy and it’s sure to brighten up your space.