Recently I found that I have a mild obsession with yellow. I don’t know where it has come from because I’ve always been drawn to natural earthy palettes or more vibrant palettes that are in the warm tones. However, when you stop to think about it yellow is both of these. It is found in our natural world (flowers, fruit, the sun) and it is vibrant and warm.

That said, I really think my recent obsession with yellow is most likely connected to my mild addiction to Williams-Sonoma and we have them to thank for these gorgeous Lemon Botanical serving dishes (which I admit I recently purchased a few myself).

Slowly I have been infusing yellow into my kitchen in small touches and accents. It is a great color for the kitchen because yellow evokes a sense of cheerfulness, it stimulates mental activity, and it has a warming effect on a person. What better place to create these feelings than in the kitchen? Ironically the color yellow is typically associated with food.  

Yellow is also associated with a sense of joy, intellect, and a lovely sense of freshness. This room I found on Southern Accents embodies all of these three things. It is a bit playful with the acrylic chairs, youthful due to the circle art, and for lack of a better term…it is just fun! There is a touch of sophistication here with the furniture choices and the chandelier which is a perfect balance for the space.

Lighter shades of yellow can disappear into white therefore if you want to accentuate the color be sure to use a darker color in the space as well. This will help draw out the true tones of the yellow that you have chosen for the room. If you prefer to have a softer feeling then it also works to let it fade into white. I love the effect of this in the following Martha Stewart space.

A side note, Martha Stewart has some great new paint colors available at just about any Home Depot in the country.  If I had to choose a shade of yellow I would say that my favorite new paint color of hers is Macadamia because it is a creamy balance of white and just the suggestion of yellow much like this space above.

You can balance the amount of yellow that is accentuated using both techniques previously mentioned. First add a darker color to room in order to bring out the yellow in the space and then tone it down by allowing some of the yellow in the room to fade into white. It’s all about balance. A  great example of this is found in the following dining room. The dining table really grounds the space with the dark wood tone. All of the surroundings are light and airy and nearly fade into white which makes the space  feel welcoming which yellow is supposed to do when used correctly.

The creative placement of the mirrors stand out and are potentially an inspiration for my own home…just not sure where yet so I will have to file this away in my idea book.

Yellow is one of the hardest colors to get right in a space. It is so dramatically affected by the amount of light in the space as well as the amount of white and darker colors in the room. Go with your general instinct but if the color scares you a little bit when you first paint it on the walls my advice is to add the accessories, drapes, furniture, and lighting back into the room before you panic and change the paint color. You really can control the tone with all the other things in the room so be patient in the process. If nervous, err on the lighter side because paint always gets darker as it drys and if the yellow is TOO vibrant it will just piss you off (literally) because yellow can have that psychological affect.

A few additional warnings about the color yellow (ironic because yellow is the color of caution) be aware of how you are using yellow in the space. It can easily become dingy which can conjure thoughts of decay and sickness. Ick! If yellow is overdone or overused it can also cause anxiety to those within the space. When overdone yellow has a disturbing effect and it is even known that babies cry more in a yellow room (typically the very vibrant overly done tones).

I don’t want to frighten you with these last words about the theory behind the color yellow. It’s a fun color to be inspired by. If frightened by it but you want to try it start small…I am.  As mentioned it all started with my Williams-Sonoma addiction and the acquisition of one simple item, a pepper mill.

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Thanks for considering the color yellow. You will have to come back at a later date to see pictures of my own home when my kitchen and dining space are perfectly peppered with just the right amount of yellow! It’s all a work in progress.

I continuously get the question, “Where do I start?” or better yet, “I’m so overwhelmed that I haven’t done ANYTHING”. Are you stumped by decorating according to a color palette? Do you feel a bit lost, so much so that you are simply paralyzed in making decisions?

Well I have a basic guideline that may help. I’ve blogged about this before but thought I’d bring it up again because it seems everyone often feels a bit lost in design and choosing color palettes in various ways.

Where to start:

1) With a RUG

2) Choose your WINDOW COVERINGS. Typically I recommend two, one for light control and insulation (example, lined bamboo shade) and then the second being the fabric drapes. The only trick here is to connect the tones in the window coverings with the rug (example, warm, cool). IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO MIX PRINTS…in fact, it is very trendy at the moment.

3) The SOFA is the next item. This is typically a larger investment in a room so choose something in a neutral tone that you can change its surroundings over time to suit your taste.

4) CHAIRS (likely to be upholstered or leather) fall in line after the sofa. This is a great opportunity to bring in another color (found in the rug or drapes) into the palette.

5) OCCASIONAL TABLES. Material, style, finish, could stem from the furniture items you have already selected for the space. This is also a great opportunity to mix styles as no designer is a fan of the matchy-matchy set of furniture. Try a different material such as metal legs, glass top, or reclaimed barn wood to name a few.

6) OTHER FURNITURE ITEMS. Examples are other occasional tables, unupholstered chairs, bookcases, ottomans, and such. Fill in the space with eclectic items you find from various sources. This is also something that most likely will happen over time. There is no need to buy everything and fill an entire space immediately. The best environments develop organically over time…just don’t wait until you have it ALL to add something new to the space.

7) NOW you are ready to choose your PAINT COLOR. Pull the paint color from the rug, fabrics, or inspirational accessory you picked up along the way.

Of course this ideal order is only if you are starting with a blank slate and nothing in the room. Most of us, in reality, already have several pieces we intend to reuse or keep in the room such as the sofa, chairs, and finished floors. If this is the case then I suggest choosing an accessory, a new rug, a piece of art, or an inspirational fabric and use it to set the palette for the space.

That said, you most likely already have a “general” idea for the paint color or dominant color scheme. That is okay, just don’t pick your paint color until you have found some of the other items first. It is MUCH easier to match paint to  a fabric, rug, or accessory than it is to try to match all the things in the room to the paint color already on the walls. Besides…paint is probably the cheapest thing in the room at only $25 per gallon or so!

 Happy Painting or Should I Say Color Picking!

The home I recently moved into is…well, let’s just say it’s beige. Beige walls, shades of beige in the tile, and even the ceilings are beige. I’m not opposed to the color, it is just TOO much beige. So I am slowly but surely making a few changes in select rooms just to change it up a little bit.

One of the first projects tackled is the guest bath that adjoins one of the bedrooms in the basement. It’s the largest guest bath in the home and it also connects to the basement family entertainment room. The beige box before:

Typically my first rule of thumb is to NOT choose the paint color first. However, in this case I did which I realize goes against my regular design advice. This room is an exception. It’s a bathroom, nothing too dominant is going to change. The tile, cabinets, even the mirrors and fixtures are definitely nice and will remain in the room.

Historically my preference is for Benjamin Moore paint but there isn’t a retailer nearby so I thought I would try one of Martha’s new colors now found at Home Depot. I’m a fan of Martha and thought this would be a good test. Looking for something a little bit in the gray family but still warm I landed on the color ”Brook Trout”. It’s a warm gray-brown or brown-gray, not far from the beige family but with much more depth. What I love about the color is that it really made the trim pop and the hickory cabinets standout. The beige box after:

The space is large and comfortable for a guest bath but very square. This results in what feels like wasted space therefore I chose to put a 3×5 area rug in the center of the floor. It gives visual texture, depth, and interest where it is difficult to create given that there is little open wall space for art. It also keeps a cold tile floor feeling warm under foot.

Keeping with a more natural theme I opted for a few dried flowers and a burl wood bowl on the counter top. The height and accessories that are a little bit masculine were needed. I found the vases and the burl wood bowl in an unlikely place… Kohls. With the desire to remain budget conscious I stumbled upon these items while I was shopping for the decorative towels. The splurge were the dried flowers from Michael’s, I spent more on them than the two ceramic vases combined! But I do love the texture…

Other details that I added were new guest towels and shower curtain in white, of course, because that always reminds me of staying in a hotel. I want guests to feel a little bit like they are on vacation. Hardware was also added to the drawers and cabinet doors. They are like jewelry, it’s a little added touch that creates a finished look.

I’m still looking for the right vintage or antique piece for the wall opposite the vanity, but that takes time and is something that you just stumble upon when you are least expecting it. In the end I’m pleased with the non-beige box and the fact that it no longer feels like a cold basement bathroom. All in all, not a bad transformation in one weekend!

You can find this post and other decorating transformations on:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

It seems that time and time again I learn of people trying to choose a paint color FIRST before they decorate and accessorize a room. Inevitably they are disappointed in the color and wish they had done something a little differently. They find themselves getting more and more frustrated as they shop endlessly for the perfect bedding, side chair, or sofa. This feeling of disappointment in a chosen paint color CAN be avoided.

FIRST, pick the major pieces for the room (i.e. sofas, flooring, and other large ticket items). Try to keep these pieces in the neutral tones and patterns whether they are in warm or cool colors. By doing this they can last the any changes in your style and preferences over time. SECOND, choose a color inspiration item. This inspiration item could be the area rug, a throw pillow, a piece of art, a sculpture, or even a personal item that will reside in the room. THIRD, build your paint color palette from this inspiration item.

I feel like I am repeating myself and perhaps I’ve discussed this process in the past. However, I cannot say it enough…do not pick your paint color and THEN try to decorate the space around this color. It is far more difficult to match bedding, artwork, and accessories to a paint color on your wall than it is to choose the paint based one of these items.

For example the fabrics for the upholstery, curtains, and accessories as well as the rug are selected for a room as follows:

Based on these selections I would recommend a few different options. For a warm and cozy room pull the dark brown out of the patterned upholstery. For a cooler or fresher feeling pull the light gray out of the floral patterned upholstery. For a color palette that leans toward a monochromatic feeling (with a few color accents) select a shade of green that is somewhere within the same color family as all the shades of green found in the fabrics. And finally, for a more neutral selection a warm shade of creme found in the base of the floral upholstery would be the best option.

Hopefully this advice I am offering helps you…at least a little bit. If you aren’t sure and find yourself stuck in choosing a paint color simply send me an email at questions@theidesignbox.com with a digital image or link to an accessory that you are using as the inspiration item in your room. I’ll offer a few recommendations to point you in the right direction.

Happy Painting!

The fourth, and final color trend, in the series of Colormix 2010 from Sherwin Williams is a little bit of a throwback to the bright colors from the 80s with a 60s influence yet flirty, fun, and playful. The new color trend you will see this year, Refreshed, brings the feel of warm and sunny tropical days lying on the beach while enjoying a fru-fru drink with an umbrella. It’s easy to appreciate this trend while we are in the depths of winter.

The Refreshed color trend is perfect for a child’s room with its butterfly colors. There is a sense of optimism with a hint of a bohemian spirit. Additionally, three to four of these pallets of colors may be used at the same time as you can see in this child’s bedroom. 

While not specifically the exact shade of coral I couldn’t resist sharing this amazing octopus print fabric. It’s fun, a little bohemian, and the styling of this chair is straight out of the 60s just as this trend is also influenced by this period.

You will see tropical floral prints and graphic geometric patterns as found in this Jamaican Villa designed by Meg Braff. What I also appreciate about Meg Braff’s design is the exceptional use of this color trend yet the interior environment isn’t overwhelming with its bright colors. The use of this trend can still provide a sense of relaxation we psychologically associate with a tropical space.

Bright and juicy colors simply make you feel good, Refreshed, and may even inspire the desire for a great getaway. While we may not all be able to escape to a villa in St. Martin or Jamaica…perhaps infusing these colors into our bedroom, kitchen, or another relaxing part of the home will bring a smile to our face while we enjoy a little stay-cation where we live.

For more about Colormix 2010 from Sherwin Williams go to.

The third in a series of four Colormix color trends for 2010 from Sherwin Williams leans more toward the classically sophisticated side of things. The new color trend, Simplified, is mindful of classic art but not plain, dark, or too simplistic. You will see clean, tailored lines and materials that evoke a bit of softness to what could potentially be considered a style that is stark or cold.

Structure, shape, and the integrity of design are important to this color trend. There is an absence of ornamentation and definite attention to form and design.

Fashion often translates to and influences what we incorporate into the interiors of our home. Calvin Klein is a classic example of a fashion designer that influences the Simplifiedtrend. His ever present clean lines with the blend of current colors, materials, and the ability to understand good form and structure is why Calvin Klein style is forever a classic.

The colors are calm, soothing, and adapt well to their environment. Texture and shape add interest and there is an illusion of breezy volume.  Natural materials can weave their way into this trend as well.

All-in-all the Simplified color trend is connected to classic lines, art, with the added feeling of being current for the new decade. A nod to classic artist and Bauhaus school of thought on design the Simplified color trend is a perfect fusion of old and new.  

For more on Colormix 2010 visit Sherwin Williams.

If you regularly watch design programs on HGTV, the DIY channel, or read design magazines you often hear that eco-friendly paint was used in a home. But what does that exactly mean? It never seems to be explained. Therefore I thought I would share what I know…

First, what is a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound)? On a very basic level it is a toxic gas that is emitted into the air from various chemicals found in paint products. It’s that wet chemical scent that you notice when painting indoors. According to the EPA the levels of Volatile Organic Compounds have been found to be 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. These levels can sore to 1000 times higher in the period during and immediately following when you are painting the room. Also, a low level of toxins can be emitted for years after the application has been completed. Why is this a concern and how does a VOC affect your health?

In the short term it can have affects such as a headache or nausea. Perhaps your eyes will itch or your throat will feel a little sore. Some may even have a type of allergic reaction which includes itchy or irritated skin. There are various levels of negative health affects caused from a VOC. Unfortunately there is still a lot to be learned but we do know that in some cases VOCs can even be connected to cancer.  

Back to the original inspiration for sharing what I know about Low VOC paint and why it is an important element of paint product selection? First and foremost it is all around better for your well being and creating a healthy home environment. There are other added benefits such as the fact that many are not considered hazardous waste therefore it is easier to dispose of the remaining product and you can often recycle the can it came in. Also, Low VOC products rate well when it comes to performance which means they provide quality coverage and they are easy to clean (i.e. scrub).

Nearly every paint manufacturer offers an eco-friendly paint base that is considered a Low VOC product. I found a great nontoxic paint quick reference on eartheasy.com at: Non-Toxic Paints

As a closing thought, VOCs are present in more than just paint. Building materials such as hardwood flooring or carpet, glue or adhesives, cleaning supplies, and even our furnishings emit varying levels of VOCs. I don’t want to overwhelm you and I could potentially write forever about this topic so consider this information as food for thought for now. On that note I hope you will come back to The I.Design Box in the future for tips about what to look for, questions to ask, and recommendations for other eco-friendly products.

Additional great resource to learn more about VOCs: Indoor Air Quality from the EPA

Recently it seems I have had a surge in questions about how to select paint colors…perhaps it is because in these economically difficult times it is an economically uplifting easy change to make to a space. If there was one piece of advice that I can give it is as follows:

Always start with an inspiration. It could be a rug, a piece of art, a throw pillow, bedding, a photograph, or pretty much any physical object you are drawn to that will reside within the space. That object, or inspiration, should evoke the feeling you are looking to create within the room. Never start with the paint color and then try to build from it. You will surely have a hard time finding all the right accessories and pieces to coordinate.

Not sure what I mean by choosing your inspiration first? Perhaps the following visual example will help.

By starting with this photo I took recently I am inspired by the overwhelming feeling of warmth and nature.

It reminds me of fall, my favorite season, and the gentle warm breeze blowing through the fields…the very feeling I am hoping to replicate with the following paint colors.

Justification for color selection starting from left to right: 

Sherwin Williams, Biscuit – Applied to the ceiling to reflect warm light into the room. Sherwin Williams, Downy – Applied to the trim for a crisp contrast and the same yellow undertone of all color selections. Sherwin Williams, Totally Tan – Applied to the walls to envelop the room in utter warmth. Sherwin Williams, Saguaro – Not necessarily painted on the walls but infused into the room with accessories, a rug, and such.

Are you still unsure? Many paint manufacturers now offer sample sizes. Pick up a few poster boards, foam brushes, and the paint samples you are considering for the room. Paint the poster board fully saturated to the edges and then hang it on the wall. Live with the color for a few days and look at it at all different times of the day. This should help to set your expectation of how the color will look and feel in the space. For a small investment of a few dollars you can trial and error on a small scale before taking on the task of painting the entire room.

Quick Tip:  Color is simply a reflection of light so be aware that the lighting and existing colors may somewhat skew your test sample color.