Painting The Perfect Stripes

If you are trying to find a new way to bring style into your home, do it with stripes!  Stripes are a great way to add an unexpected element and create interest in a room. The crisp lines and straight edges have a way of bringing about a modern element and a level of sophistication to a space.
Plus its an INEXPENSIVE and EASY (2 words I love)  DIY project and will be a show stopper in your home!
Below are some inspiration rooms and a DIY tutorial on how you can create this look in your home without breaking the bank!

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To create the striped look in your own home simply follow these easy steps:

1) Prep the walls by painting the base coat for the walls.  Use the LIGHTER of the colors of paint for your base coat.  It is always easier to paint over lighter paint with a darker color than vise versa.
2) Decide on the type of stripe you would like to create.  I chose a large horizontal stripe for more of a modern look.
3) Measure the height of your wall (measure from the base boards to the crown) and decide on how many stripes you would like.  Divide the height of the wall by the number of stripes (my wall was 7'6" and I wanted large stripes so I decided on 5 stripes @ 18" each).
4) Measure the height of each stripe and lightly mark with a pencil.  Then Using a level (preferably with a laser, for better accuracy) tape off the stripes using blue painters tape.
Remember that the edge of the tape needs to be on the outer edge of the stripe so that the painted portion inside is the entire width desired for the stripe.
5) Paint the stripes. 
6) Let dry and remove the painters tape.  Enjoy your new beautiful wall!

TIP:  after your tape off the stripes use the SAME base wall color and paint over the edges of the tape.  This will seal the tape and give you a crisp, clean line!

Here is how my dining room turned out. I used Ben Moore's Aegean Teal and Swiss Coffee both in an Eggshell Finish.

Good Luck!

Tickle me pink

In Honor of Valentines Day I thought It would be fun to show how to decorate with pink.  Pink can help liven up any lackluster home, but don't dismiss it as too sweet or feminine.  There is a huge range of color variations that can be used to create different moods and levels of sophistication.  Pale pink can be calming while a bolder shade creates an energetic space.  You can paint an entire room or add small pops through accessories, pillows and art work.  The following are some inspiration rooms and tips on how to bring a little (or a lot!) of pink into your home.
Happy Valentines Day! 

Here are some helpful tips on how to bring pink into your home.

1:  If you want a pink room to be less feminine add larger scaled more masculine furniture, black and white photography, chunky accessories and industrial elements

2:  Choose a rich, dark magenta shade to areas such as the dining room or home office.  It has a traditional quality and adds an element of surprise.

 

3:  Use pink as a neutral.  Choose soft pale pink walls as an alternative to creams and taupes. 

4:  Mix pink with olive and chocolate for an unexpected, earthy feel and with grays and white for a softer more elegant look.

Happy decorating!