Decorating Mistakes: Color Count

Every now and then I like to talk about common decorating mistakes that many people make.  It's so easy to avoid them.  And, when you do, your home automatically bumps up to a more pleasing level.  Since I work for several realtors, I get to see how much homes are almost instantly changed when simple rules of decorating are followed.

Often as new accessories and furniture are added over the years, the old stuff remains.  The problem is you lose a co-ordinated color flow, and the new additions don't shine like they should.  Take a picture of your room and on your computer screen, analyze how many colors there are in the room.  Have you held onto the peach candle that Aunt Matilida brought back from Hawaii? . . . even though there's no more peach in the room! 

You should be able to draw imaginary lines, a sort of connect the dots, from one item to another, matching the complementary colors.  If you find there are items in the room that cannot be connected to anything else, it's a big clue that they have to go.

That's what I call, the discipline of decorating.  If you don't have the discipline to remove the items that don't belong, then any attemps to make the room look attractive just . . . won't work.

Choosing the right paint color Part 3

What paint finish to choose . . . flat, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, gloss?  Years ago, flat paint on walls was the cheap stuff that marked up like crazy, and actually looked inferior.  Now, it's the preferred finish of designers. 

First, the quality of paint can be very good. ( I love Benjamin Moore's "Ulti-mat"). Second, flat finishes look like suede on the walls, they are truest to the paint color, and they just look fantastic.   Third, on the practical side, I love the way you can touch up a wall should it get scuffed in a  high traffic area. 

TIP:  Keep keep a bit of paint in a sealed container.  (I use old Tupperware containers for this).  Just a swipe with a disposable foam brush and touch ups blend into the old surface!  I never use satin or eggshell finishes now.

Many retailers are offering good quality flat paint.  You'll love it.

I love my livng room color of "natural linen" in Ulti-mat.  It's kind of a soft, taupe tone.

Next time, I'll be telling you what I think of painting front doors, and why I don't think you should leave yours white!

Choosing the right paint color Part 2

I'm writing about paint right now because I'm dealing with this right now. This week I shopped with two customers to pick out paint. It's not easy. Have you ever chosen the perfect color for your walls, only to find out the paint chip did not look like the finished produce?  It's happend to me, and is a very common problem, so don't feel stupid if you've had this experience. 
Undertones:  one challenge is that the paint you pick may have undertones that will come through on a larger surface, or a surface in a different locaiton.  A co-worker of mine years ago had their new home painted beige.  After the job was done, all they saw was green!!  They had the whole home repainted. I had one customer who had picked out a beautiful grey.  I kept seeing "blue".  I checked with the store clerk, and sure enough, there were strong blue elelments in the paint mix.  Solution:  Check with the clerk if there are "undertones" that maybe you should be aware of.  More paint tips to come . . .

Decorating Order: What comes first?

Clients often ask me, "What do I pick first . . .the paint, the couch, the bedding, drapery, etc.?  Actually, the answer is very easy. if you are replacing a major item or items, and need to paint as well, whatever your room, start with the hardest piece or element to match first, and work towards the easiest. 

The easiest is always the paint.  There are thousands of colors of paint to choose from.  "Can you imagine picking the perfect piece of furniture, but you can't purchase it, because you just painted your room a shade off!  So, when considering where to start, think of the pieces that will go into your room and consider, Would this color be easy or hard or easy to find in this piece?"

Paint tip:  I almost always purchase a sample paint pot or larger paint chip to ensure the color is right in my home.  And, don't be afraid to ask the retail clerk to help you. Stores like Benjamine Moore are fantastic for this.

Simplify Your Space by Marcia Ramsland

Contributing Author, Susan Wells

I´m describing our mission as décorizing - you can´t decorate until you´ve first organized your home. But first, I must give you a little background on how Marcia Ramsland and I got together.
I met Marcia six years ago at a writer´s event in Atlanta. At that time she had newly published her first book, "Simplify your Life". I had actually purchased her book here in Canada and felt an instant connection to Marcia. I thought at the time, "I´d love to meet this author, we could really work well together."

Imagine my surprise in Atlanta to find myself in the same room as Marcia! We each had two minutes to explain to our group what we did. When I met Marcia afterward she commented, "Would you be interested in conducting seminars together sometime?" (I think I looked around to make sure she was actually talking to me.)

Since that meeting, Marcia´s success has led to having two more books published in a very short period of time. Her latest book, Simplify your Space has provided the perfect occasion for us to compliment each other´s talents.

Marcia describes my contribution to her book as "tying the bow on the ribbon". In each chapter on organizing, you´ll find, Tips from the Decorating Coach, Susan Wells. After readers have de-cluttered and organized, they are treated to a few décor ideas to put the finishing touches their rooms.

I am honoured to have this small contribution to Marcia´s book. The opportunity to contribute to a publication of this quality is a dream come true for me. More importantly, to work with someone of Marcia´s expertise and character is indeed an honor. I have learned so much from her, both professionally and personally.

I must tell you, I LOVE the book. Is it possible to take a topic like organizing and actually make it exciting? Marcia has! With her artful infusion of diagrams, charts, short and long term goals, and encouragement woven throughout, Marcia becomes a best friend to guide you through the de-cluttering process. Whether you´re a hopeless hoarder, or just need a little help, you´ll find Simplify Your Space a valuable tool in creating a beautiful home.

Order your copy of Simplify Your Space today through the The Decor Store.