Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward

There's nothing like the end of a year to make you hop around in your thinking.  While I'm busy considering the colour trends for 2015, I'm  also looking back to see connections and possible threads that can make these new colours have a little more staying power.<br /><br />I'm interested in creating fresh looks through creative use of what is in a home, energized  with a few new purchases.  To pull this off you need a long term view of what is happening in the world of colour.   <br /><br />Last year <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/02/blue-home-decor-trend-to-watch.html">dark blues </a>were prominent in  many of the images you saw in magazines and online, first appearing in Pantone's fall 2013 predictions.  That is still a strong look and one that  will  hang around for awhile.<br /><br />If you look at Pantone's spring  2015 predictions you will see several tints/shades of blue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aCIIgRRoUD_m1OsErUAX11fBl9x-RLbTSYP5Ln4QKZKvUi7RSru36KIT7mG0F1VevPKgpXGk2NZ-aMcP1UWoDS9YNr5cKQ75Lbwl7ST6JD21fSZXo40bLcC3p_s_EoILIDbiFihFoCXa/s1600/Pantone+2015+Spring+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pantone colours spring 2015" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aCIIgRRoUD_m1OsErUAX11fBl9x-RLbTSYP5Ln4QKZKvUi7RSru36KIT7mG0F1VevPKgpXGk2NZ-aMcP1UWoDS9YNr5cKQ75Lbwl7ST6JD21fSZXo40bLcC3p_s_EoILIDbiFihFoCXa/s1600/Pantone+2015+Spring+.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="260" /></a></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.theperfectpalette.com/2014/09/top-10-pantone-colors-for-spring-2015.html">source</a></span><br /><br />My favourite is 4 Classic Blue because it is crisp and deep without being too cold.  Check out  this combination of dark blue with natural colours. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RoIJZ7tRVh5PV5n5EcWPfZ0luJLrGszlLozl2v7Xt3qPPQ77zjHDOiTHiE_s5mwM2VqEPLUdAbWbg8-gjaZL7L-P85xHu4bVt6jH3Nm8eoN_WHUefY4GPyEhDeBPMTqY9BTKZaK4CL-5/s1600/OB-Modern+Country+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Designing Home; colour trends 2015, modern country" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RoIJZ7tRVh5PV5n5EcWPfZ0luJLrGszlLozl2v7Xt3qPPQ77zjHDOiTHiE_s5mwM2VqEPLUdAbWbg8-gjaZL7L-P85xHu4bVt6jH3Nm8eoN_WHUefY4GPyEhDeBPMTqY9BTKZaK4CL-5/s1600/OB-Modern+Country+2.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="400" /></a></div><br />There is also a fresh take on the "old" country look emerging with clean lines, less clutter, natural materials and prominent textures mixed with lighter woods.   Think pared down Pottery Barn.  I've packed a number of possibilities into this style board, but you wouldn't want to use them all in one space. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WOJ7yyCMdqJeYwxOD14RLCHg4RolxS9dGN2YjvLLSrAo9MNbqo7Ik7PoeLiBr50284KvItLaedlgVyvMEB99J0jD3V44tUkMiUFOUc-9pI_cCcp996RKOcdhN5y7BYLRmJIBAuf2M3P_/s1600/OB-NordicScandi+Vibe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="colour trends 2015, olive green, Scandinavian , Designing Home style board" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WOJ7yyCMdqJeYwxOD14RLCHg4RolxS9dGN2YjvLLSrAo9MNbqo7Ik7PoeLiBr50284KvItLaedlgVyvMEB99J0jD3V44tUkMiUFOUc-9pI_cCcp996RKOcdhN5y7BYLRmJIBAuf2M3P_/s1600/OB-NordicScandi+Vibe.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="400" /></a></div><br />My personal preference  is more a mix of West Elm meets the Scandinavian countries. Notice the olive green which will be big in 2015. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaBWG1FT51i0a9c6udJReaU7w8cQXyvIRbPdosfu9LFFYX-8_cDtRDqcd4vlGMdOW01TzDwcyNtr-o6s5fo871Y77GAJOsZAxYocgII-8moEhRSDPykc9fWfimbnF0LoEnY9i1pUn_Un8/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board, colour predictions 2015, olive green" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaBWG1FT51i0a9c6udJReaU7w8cQXyvIRbPdosfu9LFFYX-8_cDtRDqcd4vlGMdOW01TzDwcyNtr-o6s5fo871Y77GAJOsZAxYocgII-8moEhRSDPykc9fWfimbnF0LoEnY9i1pUn_Un8/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+2.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="400" /></a></div>This colour would work just as well as the dark blue in the Modern Country look.   And it is so sharp with black and cream.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDgLbuPh3871FuJ-t07dAjUSI8knaxeHV1inLjPh0W6khYkQY-8vkv5vm1yFGvJZZmN4iogKORToij7OkjLotCaQSQLjmC6TE35JFFSzsUbOQTyMd2bUTHHVAYUYrlEIDRAZDJPf-7Bqv/s1600/OB-Radiant+Orchid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDgLbuPh3871FuJ-t07dAjUSI8knaxeHV1inLjPh0W6khYkQY-8vkv5vm1yFGvJZZmN4iogKORToij7OkjLotCaQSQLjmC6TE35JFFSzsUbOQTyMd2bUTHHVAYUYrlEIDRAZDJPf-7Bqv/s1600/OB-Radiant+Orchid.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Pantone's 2014 colour of the year <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/12/10-ways-to-use-pantones-colour-of-2014.html">Radiant Orchid </a>came in like a lion, and obviously went out like a lamb because apart from what I saw online, it did not impact my life or design practice in any way.<br /><br /> I actually liked this colour where many designers didn't.  I've always loved those redish purple hues especially in textiles, but not so much in furniture.  If you bought into this trend, it is easily updated and made even more interesting when combined with yellowish greens.   Just check out the pillow lower left  for an indication of this blend as well as the rug and artworks.<br /><br />And now for 2015 Pantone is staying in the same arena with its choice of marsala, but definitely browning it down quite a bit to create a heavy bodied colour.  Again not a favourite of many designers.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ly31HQqwUd8cdptN_-2qfQQgArOkMwiuJOOebFgjaexVRz_bf_6a7TaBi20LOxVdK_vCly0d2bxroImth995NSk_s8Oiac1hnZcGdte8FG0-2uEVq7nRUx3gas7yJCSjFLPiBi3djfVh/s1600/OB-Pantone's%2BColour%2Bof%2BYear%2B2015-%2BMarsala%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pantone 2015, marsala, Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ly31HQqwUd8cdptN_-2qfQQgArOkMwiuJOOebFgjaexVRz_bf_6a7TaBi20LOxVdK_vCly0d2bxroImth995NSk_s8Oiac1hnZcGdte8FG0-2uEVq7nRUx3gas7yJCSjFLPiBi3djfVh/s1600/OB-Pantone's%2BColour%2Bof%2BYear%2B2015-%2BMarsala%2B.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="400" /></a></div> I've seen combinations of it with a variety of blues even cool ones and they all look fantastic. It also looks great with the oddest combinations as you can see below. I'm particularly loving it with blues and light creams.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NxxKf-LXglbLCX5vtyWs1w-d9plks5UHObNjJALjfafAJOnLn04OnntNWvnRmuYTgmNhhgF-0tZ7A4Hci5r0iTs6wln3T-C-WlKFRGcGwfL1F685VQNcu4DoxFScOwCGrwG1ZpLu6EWK/s1600/OB-Marsala+mixes+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pantone 2015, marsala, Designing Home, Margaret Ryall, style board" border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NxxKf-LXglbLCX5vtyWs1w-d9plks5UHObNjJALjfafAJOnLn04OnntNWvnRmuYTgmNhhgF-0tZ7A4Hci5r0iTs6wln3T-C-WlKFRGcGwfL1F685VQNcu4DoxFScOwCGrwG1ZpLu6EWK/s1600/OB-Marsala+mixes+2015.jpg" title=" Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Who knew it would work so well with orange and coral? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I only spec Benjamin Moore paint colours in my business, I am always interested in their colour trends. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6o6VgO-RXfBBEz8A0f6yxp_LsKiMhnzZsYw8WVA7r5kifJVmzdxczEo4OlAlGtqQ1gMoz0UDLlt1Faq7iLG5bkiuqZhYXckcBvb7RHqWESkQ3GVjomTFkicEF9Jj5fCQt1NqiAEKv5VA/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Breath+of+Fresh+Air+806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6o6VgO-RXfBBEz8A0f6yxp_LsKiMhnzZsYw8WVA7r5kifJVmzdxczEo4OlAlGtqQ1gMoz0UDLlt1Faq7iLG5bkiuqZhYXckcBvb7RHqWESkQ3GVjomTFkicEF9Jj5fCQt1NqiAEKv5VA/s1600/Benjamin+Moore+Breath+of+Fresh+Air+806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Benjamin Moore's  2014 Breath of Fresh Air at least supported the spa/beach vibe that is still a go- to look with many homeowners.  It is a versatile colour that looks great with pearly grays, driftwood colours and soft or chrisp whites.  It also combines well with marsala and the current  Benjamin Moore colour for 2015, Guilford green. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U-0XxfPKuo8YTWN2WgZUvm2VfjWhyacldtAnrx7-BjW6filGlzssNjRy3VXRROpDAK401hCkU-sl4b_L5a9YrKbO6kSrc06WvIi7CUxbBGwWW8LKPOlXqi8YFGIFSpH9hfMcl24fehj/s1600/Guilford+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U-0XxfPKuo8YTWN2WgZUvm2VfjWhyacldtAnrx7-BjW6filGlzssNjRy3VXRROpDAK401hCkU-sl4b_L5a9YrKbO6kSrc06WvIi7CUxbBGwWW8LKPOlXqi8YFGIFSpH9hfMcl24fehj/s1600/Guilford+green.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /> How can you possibly go wrong when you have two obvious "earth" colours like blue and green.  Nature never makes mistakes!<br /><br /><br />When you consider the metallics in your home, the move to warm metals is even more pronounced this year.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rUc301dfvj4IoXjemy7VJqMQ7UBQWRwrUgcBNFv9agVyGWehweW_Wpz4H2h26oiES9VE47PlqGL9zFkg0kQpnLZn9dPzdd-TQXdoN-mK_nt5QZPM4huA52lIeLupOLBVLuOWuD5Bt-wx/s1600/more+copper+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1rUc301dfvj4IoXjemy7VJqMQ7UBQWRwrUgcBNFv9agVyGWehweW_Wpz4H2h26oiES9VE47PlqGL9zFkg0kQpnLZn9dPzdd-TQXdoN-mK_nt5QZPM4huA52lIeLupOLBVLuOWuD5Bt-wx/s1600/more+copper+.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/blogs/better-homes-and-gardens-style-blog/2014/09/01/for-the-love-of-color-copper/">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ9q9H63MoPyrp7A6vW4Wxp_mX8-B0SnYopMn3jAlIQX7P0oEhESu8_VhyUEOTLxgj353ApfO_kNioLujYoKfyy8-Cjb7opoKpOrFOP7NoYL6ly6YUtDm-VxNBVd8izmjKVlP0ivbFxvY/s1600/copper+metallics+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsJ9q9H63MoPyrp7A6vW4Wxp_mX8-B0SnYopMn3jAlIQX7P0oEhESu8_VhyUEOTLxgj353ApfO_kNioLujYoKfyy8-Cjb7opoKpOrFOP7NoYL6ly6YUtDm-VxNBVd8izmjKVlP0ivbFxvY/s1600/copper+metallics+.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brittany Makes Blog </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.brittanymakes.com/2014/02/05/will-copper-replace-our-love-for-gold/"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></a><br /><br /> In  European markets  copper and pink gold are hot commodities. They are not as versatile for all over use especially the pink gold which always comes across as very delicate/feminine.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95IEbVqevE-zTHfJtYo9EfxhavpDBan9GmpzgHpu75WUenlTFPbPoOuKUJHEeoTyDOaCMw5nPhtISWpSeabFCnBzqjXHD0vYbeTTnHfZtK6BcojjxZYBezFn_KmL0X9pG3KTwGwzxCp3Z/s1600/brass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95IEbVqevE-zTHfJtYo9EfxhavpDBan9GmpzgHpu75WUenlTFPbPoOuKUJHEeoTyDOaCMw5nPhtISWpSeabFCnBzqjXHD0vYbeTTnHfZtK6BcojjxZYBezFn_KmL0X9pG3KTwGwzxCp3Z/s1600/brass.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">source </span></div><br /> In North American decor golds and  brass are prevalent. I'm fond of a more burnished look with these metals.  I can't seem to bring myself around to the shine of yellow brass - too much history. The yellow metallics look great with greens, dark blues and brownish reds like marsala.  And mixing metals is still very trendy.  Go for it.<br /><br />Lots of connections.  Do you ever consider colour trends when you decorate? <br /><br /><br />

Colour Trends: Looking back and looking forward

There's nothing like the end of a year to make you hop around in your thinking.  While I'm busy considering the colour trends for 20...

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10 reasons to love Olive Green for 2015

<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaW3i-ViehIx3QBTEYOLw2u-K7n1HhzeSxC9IPxvhKlhU5vJv526GCi32IXWfomRXPwhIzV5PacWni9u1nKD_Excm_Y1H3VC1tN2bBNCaKzBN2iQPQeR1wuDoHyk2rIo75lnr9cZRCK5A/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaW3i-ViehIx3QBTEYOLw2u-K7n1HhzeSxC9IPxvhKlhU5vJv526GCi32IXWfomRXPwhIzV5PacWni9u1nKD_Excm_Y1H3VC1tN2bBNCaKzBN2iQPQeR1wuDoHyk2rIo75lnr9cZRCK5A/s1600/OB-Colour+trend+2015-+Olive+.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many shades of olive green </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>You may have lived through the avocado phase many years ago, but don't nix olive green automatically because of that.  I am talking about a new updated olive green look.  One that can be both traditional or contemporary.  One that takes on many faces depending on its pairing.  Just think about it this way. It....<br /><br /><br /><ol><li>is more of a neutral, so the combinations you can come up with are almost limitless;</li><li>can easily push a hint of it into any decor you already have;</li><li>sits there and lets you manipulate it;</li><li>references nature, how can it be a bad thing? (mossy rocks, under side of a leaf);</li><li>mixes with all the warm metals that are now in vogue; </li><li>is warm and organic and will make a space look that way;</li><li>can be mixed with fresh or muddy colours;</li><li>works well with Pantone's 2014 colour of the year - marsala;</li><li>won't be a one hit wonder because of its special qualities listed above;</li><li>just because.</li></ol><br /><br /><div>How much of it you want to add to your decor is up to you.  Personally I won't be going out and getting a new green kitchen, but it could be pretty spectacular.... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9cPCmb4EEExMjzYFjCDgUwb7F9ga8uG7WiDpFoCzBu0crtpgL9kMge90i4182MpJM9GD-WFZDSONLULCCcSHKlcRBQAjDBNgSvU08dduK1tJg-5OyiCo9aooIPCKGbvLnVDggaYGqWvU/s1600/olive+kitchen+.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI9cPCmb4EEExMjzYFjCDgUwb7F9ga8uG7WiDpFoCzBu0crtpgL9kMge90i4182MpJM9GD-WFZDSONLULCCcSHKlcRBQAjDBNgSvU08dduK1tJg-5OyiCo9aooIPCKGbvLnVDggaYGqWvU/s1600/olive+kitchen+.png" width="302" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/1165251/Kitchen-contemporary-kitchen" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;">Source</a></span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif;"><br /></em></div><br /><div>I love olive green with white and black as you can see from my style board.  This green is more vibrant, approaching apple green. Some people refer to it as olive green, but it needs to be "dirtier" to fit my definition of olive green. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I5gTBpAHKt1-iO6r47ydpCNiEgoV1_oh5Ej2sb2OLRQLPm6w0b8uVKopMxbKiq6Wht3Co7YE8KQrVoIBo2kSAlLuohMM0wpJhszWXUVw_840X284KoN37lwleWocfA62qsSr7CEqFbwq/s1600/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I5gTBpAHKt1-iO6r47ydpCNiEgoV1_oh5Ej2sb2OLRQLPm6w0b8uVKopMxbKiq6Wht3Co7YE8KQrVoIBo2kSAlLuohMM0wpJhszWXUVw_840X284KoN37lwleWocfA62qsSr7CEqFbwq/s1600/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.heimdecor.net/detail/olive-green-living-room-furniture-decorating-ideas-7833.html">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes!  My two favourites with olive green - black and white.  So fresh.   What happens when you start to muddy up olive?  Check out below.  Still an interesting look. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6WQsg6T5UBsb6ix5Bb7XSAy-qnZIYC2rrgG1nxZgzSdhYbVBwKAUT0_lWeOEPIHFA1pCFYHz20XdMedDXGJ1eRxAJ8OYydsMtU5Dam6O2MEp7XIQqvlzd7-e-iKsy1xxLKIy7jDadi7M/s1600/olive-green-deep-sage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6WQsg6T5UBsb6ix5Bb7XSAy-qnZIYC2rrgG1nxZgzSdhYbVBwKAUT0_lWeOEPIHFA1pCFYHz20XdMedDXGJ1eRxAJ8OYydsMtU5Dam6O2MEp7XIQqvlzd7-e-iKsy1xxLKIy7jDadi7M/s1600/olive-green-deep-sage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://apartmentsilike.wordpress.com/2011/05/24/that-70s-green-olive-green-decor/">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Spicing it up with pattern always helps.  A range of greens that have been popular over the last several years are mixed with the olive. in the chairs and pillow .  Note the connection of the brownish green wall with the scheme in the next photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbduwYfQGrKdxGDh9jetXGd-5MS8o7KRMbUHBG8UAbVW_OuqFeD0SsPxAQk5DH3nY8doU2vTtxsgk7rZPAntMc5YtbSyDZ6dw99zxz20MRBhe_PQBVsLn-zsJ8EF-oFmcwMlsU46VRCNhd/s1600/ELLEDECOR_SIMON-UPTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbduwYfQGrKdxGDh9jetXGd-5MS8o7KRMbUHBG8UAbVW_OuqFeD0SsPxAQk5DH3nY8doU2vTtxsgk7rZPAntMc5YtbSyDZ6dw99zxz20MRBhe_PQBVsLn-zsJ8EF-oFmcwMlsU46VRCNhd/s1600/ELLEDECOR_SIMON-UPTON.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.caleidoscopecolor.com/?p=178"><span style="font-size: x-small;">source</span></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><em style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 23.25px; text-align: start;"></em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This is a very different olive green that is approaching greenish brown. If you've mixed paint you know how easily that can happen.   It certainly helps  you see how the colours relate when they are separated out . </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT3Zko3omJxlr8THJQOLT4CPClBoy0jVL_oxpl_ILFDgnThRF3iVRog_BmP1iE_dwF2t7yo_GmMqF-P7ReNst4SdkNXSqAHceL0kU2SEFXVWP5FXbpceq5ij98qdHyqyE1FPbVxgAFPwT/s1600/olive+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT3Zko3omJxlr8THJQOLT4CPClBoy0jVL_oxpl_ILFDgnThRF3iVRog_BmP1iE_dwF2t7yo_GmMqF-P7ReNst4SdkNXSqAHceL0kU2SEFXVWP5FXbpceq5ij98qdHyqyE1FPbVxgAFPwT/s1600/olive+bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://nimda-lt.livejournal.com/234731.html">source</a></span></div><br />This room is built around variations on the lightest colour in the photo above.<br />Now we're talking my idea of a serene olive green.  Everything in this space is understated with just the the merest hint of olive. Love the textures.<br /><br /><br />Perhaps olive is the answer to my ongoing love hate relationship with the accent colour in my living room.  I'm not living well with my rusty red. It has never sat well in the space. Something to think about.<br /><br />Stay tuned for other pairings for this interesting colour.  Do you think olive green will feature in any way in your home in 2015?<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.25px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', DroidSerif, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.25px;"><br /></span>

10 reasons to love Olive Green for 2015

Many shades of olive green  You may have lived through the avocado phase many years ago, but don't nix olive green automatically because...

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Benjamin Moore colour trends 2012

 Benjamin Moore's Color Pulse trend forecasts have won  awards and international recognition in the design world. Each forecast is compiled by leaders in the industry at  least two years in advance and other bloggers have had their go at this topic long before me.  It's not because I'm tardy, it's because I like to wait until people are thinking about change in the new year.<br />The 2012 forecast theme <b>Preservation</b> reflects our current social and economic climate and connects our past with our future.  The impending palette from this forecast will be influenced by four key elements:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtswR9VD5sMYZloCAsbI_W9YGFZd_ihslbn1-K6RjLa8p5DYmrOZQDdNmk_5guRRQaW6KZre_IhwOfO6f7lBaPlw9KW7-gFZhFoQcQTDEeo3uiQ-rScLSpv9FYTBWzccPwLKbV3OCTQzzX/s1600/meccinteriors+heritage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtswR9VD5sMYZloCAsbI_W9YGFZd_ihslbn1-K6RjLa8p5DYmrOZQDdNmk_5guRRQaW6KZre_IhwOfO6f7lBaPlw9KW7-gFZhFoQcQTDEeo3uiQ-rScLSpv9FYTBWzccPwLKbV3OCTQzzX/s320/meccinteriors+heritage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> our past </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXnwnh3UWb_MucUxrqffIMv2oiqBZItBV8fTYUHx1WJYoggBjh9J0qcigydHOyx9CyY-t0dDWNXmyEFOe22C-GFaTB8etE0BvZtJ8AshuSzk3rcboN2Ozs1c-xXyrlZl9aYD5__1schFU/s1600/process+meccinteriors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHXnwnh3UWb_MucUxrqffIMv2oiqBZItBV8fTYUHx1WJYoggBjh9J0qcigydHOyx9CyY-t0dDWNXmyEFOe22C-GFaTB8etE0BvZtJ8AshuSzk3rcboN2Ozs1c-xXyrlZl9aYD5__1schFU/s320/process+meccinteriors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> our journey</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKgfvcotoP28qaxIMfv_63smmczQ-LrExrhozalQNE60Th2htPvX8api0H7GWgcwDbdkcQ3Islx57XS4XVioG9kDkwZm2dRF7OhnkDXZ6o-VqoGupumOrU1InCznmOMsT8b4hoYe-x8Sj/s1600/protection+meccinteriors+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKgfvcotoP28qaxIMfv_63smmczQ-LrExrhozalQNE60Th2htPvX8api0H7GWgcwDbdkcQ3Islx57XS4XVioG9kDkwZm2dRF7OhnkDXZ6o-VqoGupumOrU1InCznmOMsT8b4hoYe-x8Sj/s320/protection+meccinteriors+jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">our vulnerability  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzNFsHg1vcR-5j29ewxOQpNSAXprRyNSUhZHo44_4a8q4GCaRvTy7ogzWSJDZ5IXWf1C8NldUtGPQhxc31pWdNMcfcrIB7HOaRYWpOKYrMIw-vfh1OOZAbAK_UT_H59AllZEqEy4PnJaY/s1600/2012-colour-forecast-enlightenment.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzNFsHg1vcR-5j29ewxOQpNSAXprRyNSUhZHo44_4a8q4GCaRvTy7ogzWSJDZ5IXWf1C8NldUtGPQhxc31pWdNMcfcrIB7HOaRYWpOKYrMIw-vfh1OOZAbAK_UT_H59AllZEqEy4PnJaY/s320/2012-colour-forecast-enlightenment.png" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwzNFsHg1vcR-5j29ewxOQpNSAXprRyNSUhZHo44_4a8q4GCaRvTy7ogzWSJDZ5IXWf1C8NldUtGPQhxc31pWdNMcfcrIB7HOaRYWpOKYrMIw-vfh1OOZAbAK_UT_H59AllZEqEy4PnJaY/s1600/2012-colour-forecast-enlightenment.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> our future</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Image source: <a href="http://meccinteriors.wordpress.com/">MeCC Interiors </a></div><br />What will all this mean for your walls or accessories  in the coming year or so?  <br /><br />Doty Horn, director of color and design for <b>Benjamin Moore</b>, explained that the palette continues to be reflective of the gray and brown scale that’s been prevalent the past few years. “We’re seeing camel and khaki as the new <b>neutrals</b> upon which richer, more traditional hues can be layered and accented,” she said.<br /><br />As in most Color Pulse forecasts there's something for everyone.  The grays are still prevalent, as are the purples from last year.  Yellows seem to be moving more toward the gold which isn't surprising with the current trend to brass and gold away from silvers in metallics.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/39116/Great-Room-Re-Styled-eclectic-living-room-miami"><img alt="Great Room Re-Styled eclectic living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/39116_0_8-0122-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">houzz</a></small><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/42866/Designer-Living-Family-Rooms---other-metros"><img alt="Designer Living/Family Rooms " border="0" height="320" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/42866_0_8-0239--.jpg" width="292" /></a><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;">houzz</div><br />There's a range of greens from silvery to teal tinged. An obvious pairing is green with the heavier yellow golds. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/125665/Yellow-girl-s-bedroom-eclectic-bedroom-salt-lake-city"><img alt="Yellow girls bedroom eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/125665_0_8-2491-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/caitlincreer/caitlin-creer-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Caitlin Creer Interior Design</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Reds range from the feminine to orange tones.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/70018/Same-room---different-look-eclectic-dining-room-toronto"><img alt="Same room - different look eclectic dining room" border="0" height="288" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/70018_0_8-1584-eclectic-dining-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/lucidid/lucid-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Lucid Interior Design Inc.</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Blues are experiencing  a resurgence.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/71294/West-Coast-Hampton-traditional-living-room-portland"><img alt="West Coast Hampton traditional living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/71294_0_8-0498-traditional-living-room.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/pdxdesignerguy/garrison-hullinger-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.</a></small></div><br />From the four categories above I'm personally attracted to  Protection and Enlightenment.  I like my colours light and fresh and my neutral preference has always been gray- long before it gained popularity. <br /><br />What are your thoughts?

Benjamin Moore colour trends 2012

 Benjamin Moore's Color Pulse trend forecasts have won  awards and international recognition in the design world. Each forecast is compi...

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Benjamin Moore colour of the year

My favourite paint brand is Benjamin Moore and I follow their colour forecasting closely.  As a professional  I need to know what's current in the industry so I can discuss colour  intelligently and also have a sense of where the industry is headed.  Colour forecasting  also affects fabric design, accessories and furniture.   <br /><br /> . This year Benjamin Moore's colour  of the year is ....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZjqIyNaCFyqUqwG1ly68-OEwYAbHgrE2WmLeNjZyXKiiLITEcymC5pkuoFPuxbJGV-PPJLutKD-0F4Ywd93Cw-uaE1wwo1MxdwhXcoEe5c0mAI6ySJWfynu72Mq5UPiswPQ51zBlmZFB/s1600/Wythe-Blue-by-Benjamin-Moore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZjqIyNaCFyqUqwG1ly68-OEwYAbHgrE2WmLeNjZyXKiiLITEcymC5pkuoFPuxbJGV-PPJLutKD-0F4Ywd93Cw-uaE1wwo1MxdwhXcoEe5c0mAI6ySJWfynu72Mq5UPiswPQ51zBlmZFB/s400/Wythe-Blue-by-Benjamin-Moore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  <span style="font-size: x-small;"> Tobi Farley</span></div><br />This is not a new colour,  but a refocusing from the current collection based on the opinions of groups of designers in the industry. I've always been attracted to greeny blues because they remind me of the ocean on a summer's day.  They are restful and inviting.  If you like a serene environment this is the colour for you. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm-1Ps2-mETbwlGr-wY5x8nYPozxpb22PCwLTJQtfd-UwNHtsz_ZnsTh8nCdjYz0wIPO_e84aWS6MiW9-XTy0RVnWaxsv_jUvmnwRxm2eeh2K2m_0jrfnvwdC-by9Fo4y5LbyqSs9Up_E/s1600/171277592048100784_ghmUZ5jB_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm-1Ps2-mETbwlGr-wY5x8nYPozxpb22PCwLTJQtfd-UwNHtsz_ZnsTh8nCdjYz0wIPO_e84aWS6MiW9-XTy0RVnWaxsv_jUvmnwRxm2eeh2K2m_0jrfnvwdC-by9Fo4y5LbyqSs9Up_E/s400/171277592048100784_ghmUZ5jB_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.chelseatextiles.com/uk/furniture/mid-century-modern/bedside-table-three-drawers-with-finger-pull-handles-1.html">Chelsea Textiles </a></span></div><br />  This chest of drawers is an all time favourite of mine.  It is washed with a colour similar to wythe blue.  Hubby may be building a knock off version for night tables for my bedroom reno. Too many ideas....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfeLI0RdJphRJtShNG6Xy2O2YGBUcWLeDeohhbpReIOJMq9qOLH0k6uH1e-ARfrWxINHI7nVNr6yZdgDQrYDmxGT_6hPZpdXKUVrGecSrC0b3PFgFF2OPoYKhYudA_fvoPU8Wdcoadlo/s1600/l03226310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfeLI0RdJphRJtShNG6Xy2O2YGBUcWLeDeohhbpReIOJMq9qOLH0k6uH1e-ARfrWxINHI7nVNr6yZdgDQrYDmxGT_6hPZpdXKUVrGecSrC0b3PFgFF2OPoYKhYudA_fvoPU8Wdcoadlo/s400/l03226310.jpg" width="337" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/newThumbPage.php?classification=4&typeDefId=4552">Home Decorators</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I spied this vanity last year and fell in love with its lines and colour.  Don't you agree that colours similar to whyte </span>blue are excellent choices if you want to paint a piece of furniture? This would also be an excellent colour choice for a bathroom. </div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2elDn8FyLAjFA4dSUdY68ao1EsWU4qr-BiyhK8LN_dzQW_sfIqhjVRciDxTOR2iuzkmtLenkyRHgy3SxkHRiZp-w71S6W_qN5ZaaQ7KnMCdiNYjxpI6G9cWRahsGfZHkgo9x3RG0lYo4/s1600/171277592048034680_TevzEXSR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2elDn8FyLAjFA4dSUdY68ao1EsWU4qr-BiyhK8LN_dzQW_sfIqhjVRciDxTOR2iuzkmtLenkyRHgy3SxkHRiZp-w71S6W_qN5ZaaQ7KnMCdiNYjxpI6G9cWRahsGfZHkgo9x3RG0lYo4/s400/171277592048034680_TevzEXSR_b.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> This is a daring mix but this orange is certainly a winning combination with wythe blue. Complementary colours are always so invigorating.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeXKTeoZT7HGvMaTpIB6UbsihL5QgTuDJZGIaDyK_MNhdGzOExS5yIira_fXRatCS77EXdhxwfEPW-VIfuWnXFfLpaVQh5SnKDTSlP74nN4mUOhAmZmSkj3ss_1Hot5aTvoByyvDWL5fa/s1600/171277592048052286_jxUth8rk_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeXKTeoZT7HGvMaTpIB6UbsihL5QgTuDJZGIaDyK_MNhdGzOExS5yIira_fXRatCS77EXdhxwfEPW-VIfuWnXFfLpaVQh5SnKDTSlP74nN4mUOhAmZmSkj3ss_1Hot5aTvoByyvDWL5fa/s320/171277592048052286_jxUth8rk_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/karen_tusinski/gallery_fiori/large_poppies_in_teal"> Hawthorne Threads</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">A similar colour combination to the one above but this time in a fabric. This lively print has so many possibilities.  It would be fantastic stretched over a frame and hung on your wall or made into pillows.   <span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CcoAfviQy5Rm7AOF2V5PnK-6o5PxKih0-Bjb89qV-PhATh6OnNy28AmtzUmA0kC_D90ryH1akPf-3TuSHKTQN5bmy-jKcGyfZFAQP_SBh4iIhZKbkdZ0UwKuOiBmDurEaJj8YiE-WFPM/s1600/lusamu_wythe_blue_comp_dollops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CcoAfviQy5Rm7AOF2V5PnK-6o5PxKih0-Bjb89qV-PhATh6OnNy28AmtzUmA0kC_D90ryH1akPf-3TuSHKTQN5bmy-jKcGyfZFAQP_SBh4iIhZKbkdZ0UwKuOiBmDurEaJj8YiE-WFPM/s320/lusamu_wythe_blue_comp_dollops.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.colorchats.com/2011/11/wythe-blue-the-2012-color-of-the-year/">Color Chats </a></span></div><br />These would also make good combinations with wythe blue. French press and deep ochre show that wythe blue would look good with wood tones.  Of course gray is always an option for every colour as is white. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxGrqPMre9RppcGBQ-nzKfwagI2U-6f8d1FP8oe6pJPPC8sP5NC0Sk-06Je1HaCj0osFFOACG5RmtBa3cYZ91pyKlegY_b6FpOZzYukVflAW1_PseUdD_J77WSaFY_8zTDOaqyB699W7j/s1600/171277592048041613_8fHx1noQ_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxGrqPMre9RppcGBQ-nzKfwagI2U-6f8d1FP8oe6pJPPC8sP5NC0Sk-06Je1HaCj0osFFOACG5RmtBa3cYZ91pyKlegY_b6FpOZzYukVflAW1_PseUdD_J77WSaFY_8zTDOaqyB699W7j/s400/171277592048041613_8fHx1noQ_b.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> This vignette is a calm as the fabric above is energetic.  It  gives you an idea of how lovely wythe blue would look with soft white or cream.... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfeLI0RdJphRJtShNG6Xy2O2YGBUcWLeDeohhbpReIOJMq9qOLH0k6uH1e-ARfrWxINHI7nVNr6yZdgDQrYDmxGT_6hPZpdXKUVrGecSrC0b3PFgFF2OPoYKhYudA_fvoPU8Wdcoadlo/s1600/l03226310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQpICleCF5OdUQbBAeyaWpr-QYu_ArNTaAResouCL1fLfRCyTIjHtZzMyDWYiucvlKEBu7u7I8cRPpU8bj9MFRkq6-8W1BQexnMw6RFsA8pX2YtKjilLC5Y8xKVaGmBSjMfbF15TGFDxZ/s1600/171277592048038416_0nrahwpR_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQpICleCF5OdUQbBAeyaWpr-QYu_ArNTaAResouCL1fLfRCyTIjHtZzMyDWYiucvlKEBu7u7I8cRPpU8bj9MFRkq6-8W1BQexnMw6RFsA8pX2YtKjilLC5Y8xKVaGmBSjMfbF15TGFDxZ/s400/171277592048038416_0nrahwpR_b.jpg" width="338" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfeLI0RdJphRJtShNG6Xy2O2YGBUcWLeDeohhbpReIOJMq9qOLH0k6uH1e-ARfrWxINHI7nVNr6yZdgDQrYDmxGT_6hPZpdXKUVrGecSrC0b3PFgFF2OPoYKhYudA_fvoPU8Wdcoadlo/s1600/l03226310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_677765240"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sweet Survival </span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or  with yellow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmfeLI0RdJphRJtShNG6Xy2O2YGBUcWLeDeohhbpReIOJMq9qOLH0k6uH1e-ARfrWxINHI7nVNr6yZdgDQrYDmxGT_6hPZpdXKUVrGecSrC0b3PFgFF2OPoYKhYudA_fvoPU8Wdcoadlo/s1600/l03226310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXNdCFluT4j86S35BDpztFGOeGMqj8Jz0CZJbREcwQe_jxtZQsmSW0PlqlU9i2hNwGdDVVV9ckFsOLd3kQJliVjYGqJ3uaQ54CNv08246pxgf-plmDisFd6WC-MMo8ki3m6OAzx8g8B1Q/s1600/486912817_fHG86E0l_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRXNdCFluT4j86S35BDpztFGOeGMqj8Jz0CZJbREcwQe_jxtZQsmSW0PlqlU9i2hNwGdDVVV9ckFsOLd3kQJliVjYGqJ3uaQ54CNv08246pxgf-plmDisFd6WC-MMo8ki3m6OAzx8g8B1Q/s320/486912817_fHG86E0l_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Houzz</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Painted cabinets are all the rage now and what better colour to use? While this is darker than wythe blue you get the idea. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v6bF407OdY0nY5Hi0tA4m4udj7lIQ1bCZg4m13kn7oSfZKEIHYW66WEyJdClCN44nklb97RLamtwWZDM2PvwPuBGY_Lz_dYw_A8VgWl3WMf1UvkZg723zjg7KsP2g72ZTJpPRnPOL1j9/s1600/171277592048030732_pKrTpU2v_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v6bF407OdY0nY5Hi0tA4m4udj7lIQ1bCZg4m13kn7oSfZKEIHYW66WEyJdClCN44nklb97RLamtwWZDM2PvwPuBGY_Lz_dYw_A8VgWl3WMf1UvkZg723zjg7KsP2g72ZTJpPRnPOL1j9/s400/171277592048030732_pKrTpU2v_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.3meadowlakecottage.com/search/label/Seasonal%20Decorating"> 3 Meadow Lake Cottage</a></div><br />If you like a  country look or have a country house, there's no better colour to choose .<br /><br />I'm getting carried away with the bits and pieces rather than whole rooms.  But that's really my message.  If you don't want to paint a whole room wythe blue you have lots of options to use is as an accent. <br /> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3IuZNt7_PiKKedK0AEN9POVU_lHmMMZz7w7MpswW9uZOpx6akWkB6ZpLsgccWHGfSX5qdOXhdWXn8u1Kg_DFBNVNJeoDkVYkwFPLvNarjQR6lG6TM0SvVU6pDckPElNSNWKLzLLRxkm1/s1600/17310779787264169_qjDkhJ3k_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs3IuZNt7_PiKKedK0AEN9POVU_lHmMMZz7w7MpswW9uZOpx6akWkB6ZpLsgccWHGfSX5qdOXhdWXn8u1Kg_DFBNVNJeoDkVYkwFPLvNarjQR6lG6TM0SvVU6pDckPElNSNWKLzLLRxkm1/s400/17310779787264169_qjDkhJ3k_b.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://ww.houzz.com/">houzz</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xLADRPAlc1HmDW-UFAue2ETHaBVbKAHxoWsZ2p3813hrNLvSC8_6dtaRrLCRPR310fgp1pS0hRBvXpT0rWvdvo4m0pW2dHwlQE-GVLZc8imVi-XyaFTEWY7yZLUDm76dXGwZke6TI4hD/s1600/i-dhXrJtx.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xLADRPAlc1HmDW-UFAue2ETHaBVbKAHxoWsZ2p3813hrNLvSC8_6dtaRrLCRPR310fgp1pS0hRBvXpT0rWvdvo4m0pW2dHwlQE-GVLZc8imVi-XyaFTEWY7yZLUDm76dXGwZke6TI4hD/s640/i-dhXrJtx.png" width="640" /></a></div> And here are the colours in  the Earth and Sky palette.  Do you have a favourite combination?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeGf2AYlZAJTgy61D6pMrhl3zK3UkchHPDLuSJDLPVfkYuHqdad8DbRdK2yWQBrhdBZg9TTG9R0jwyQWZ9xo2I7JIlR00nY0g5HoPTe7sQBT4x5Y5PU7J9eEZBMDrACsOdt-VSzJuHHg2/s1600/171277592048041094_nEVftAeM_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeGf2AYlZAJTgy61D6pMrhl3zK3UkchHPDLuSJDLPVfkYuHqdad8DbRdK2yWQBrhdBZg9TTG9R0jwyQWZ9xo2I7JIlR00nY0g5HoPTe7sQBT4x5Y5PU7J9eEZBMDrACsOdt-VSzJuHHg2/s1600/171277592048041094_nEVftAeM_b.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQpICleCF5OdUQbBAeyaWpr-QYu_ArNTaAResouCL1fLfRCyTIjHtZzMyDWYiucvlKEBu7u7I8cRPpU8bj9MFRkq6-8W1BQexnMw6RFsA8pX2YtKjilLC5Y8xKVaGmBSjMfbF15TGFDxZ/s1600/171277592048038416_0nrahwpR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>Doesn't this lovely quilt I saw on etsy sum it all up?  Stay tuned for several posts on colour for 2012.<br /><br /><br />

Benjamin Moore colour of the year

My favourite paint brand is Benjamin Moore and I follow their colour forecasting closely.  As a professional  I need to know what's cur...

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Think vintage wine

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl42DeVayfCg3VQOOjAktq7iY6vqLOIRtS4qbfs0ZMPSCzCPJFaTz96GJHQ2ITrqAZy03ZCeSQf0kIquDWLN3NBps9SYpr9A55u9FIrZvQXe8b5vBN0X6I9Nl8XEvjQOqsvt7gfRw1pMh/s1600/flickr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>No, not that kind!   I Googled vintage wine and didn't get what I expected. Isn't everything about colour?  To anyone familiar with Benjamin Moore Paints ,Vintage Wine  2116-20 is the colour of the year for 2011.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl42DeVayfCg3VQOOjAktq7iY6vqLOIRtS4qbfs0ZMPSCzCPJFaTz96GJHQ2ITrqAZy03ZCeSQf0kIquDWLN3NBps9SYpr9A55u9FIrZvQXe8b5vBN0X6I9Nl8XEvjQOqsvt7gfRw1pMh/s1600/flickr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDl42DeVayfCg3VQOOjAktq7iY6vqLOIRtS4qbfs0ZMPSCzCPJFaTz96GJHQ2ITrqAZy03ZCeSQf0kIquDWLN3NBps9SYpr9A55u9FIrZvQXe8b5vBN0X6I9Nl8XEvjQOqsvt7gfRw1pMh/s1600/flickr.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />Out of all the colours in the Benjamin Moore palette,  how and why was Vintage Wine singled out as "the" colour for 2011?  Benjamin Moore's team of experts observe the world looking for inspiration and trends.   Sonu Mathew, senior interior designer at Benjamin Moore and <a href="http://livingincolorwithsonu.typepad.com/sonu_blog/">blogger</a>, notes that the team is always looking two years ahead.  That means that the colour of year for 2011 was chosen in 2009! The key concept for 2011 is <i>balance</i> -  buying into our efforts to find  calming influences  in a hectic, disorderly world. As Sonu puts it "Remember that 2011 is all about balance- work/play, nostalgia/future state, new purpose/old materials". There's no doubt Vintage Wine is a calming colour that is both comfortable and luxurious at the same time.  <br /><br />What would Vintage Wine look like in our homes?<br /><br />Trends in colour are just that - trends or patterns to be considered.  Does it mean we should repaint walls a deep brownish purple?  Perhaps not. If you like a colour there's a continuum of possibilities for its use from over the top to the merest hint of it. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkk32B4NJlgiQYYfWmfTDVVY80-c4jTtucbWRd5nuO3Obat1Jxz1nl15zy_VsEcdvkyGuZIYYNZQHUUACRd8ITtu5kBzRPCJJvgD0MM_8M1HNDcIKq6BjLvrajGzJwMsjxlf0Gn4Kk55K/s1600/luxury-furnituer-design.com.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkk32B4NJlgiQYYfWmfTDVVY80-c4jTtucbWRd5nuO3Obat1Jxz1nl15zy_VsEcdvkyGuZIYYNZQHUUACRd8ITtu5kBzRPCJJvgD0MM_8M1HNDcIKq6BjLvrajGzJwMsjxlf0Gn4Kk55K/s400/luxury-furnituer-design.com.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #cccccc; text-align: center;"><a href="http://luxury-furniture-design.com/"> source</a></div><br />This is my over the top application of a vintage wine colour.  I'm practical to the core and my personal design instinct for my  home is casual contemporary with lots of light colours, but  I love to contemplate extremes even when I know I could never live with  them .  This kitchen fills all my fantasy needs. I love its depth of colour and sleek lines, but I couldn't live with it for twenty years. That's my criteria when choosing hard surfaces or built ins in my home.<br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSJEmu0Flc_cXsOSAlMAk5EUwsOdZJRVp69236a7-dF_ODMmkH3bQ_otquK8crhxp68q7b1q_FKXA8yUW0_FJdMGcKjH1HcMplS_wEi_ZBjQ4FV8cSruA-E0X7CFJr6HyM0Sy9-swfvdC/s1600/004281-03-purple-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></a><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thehappyhomeworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Soulful-Living-RM_Vinta33F.jpg"><img alt="Soulful Living RM" class="size-full wp-image-1407" height="392" src="http://thehappyhomeworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Soulful-Living-RM_Vinta33F.jpg" title="Soulful Living RM_Vinta#33F" width="450" /></a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPI3Pw-DIrEFzUuHdA-VX-7Pv5BBpug8P0dj7hFyJ_BuqNg1NBOiFdGuIGePFPbWaKcFvKRLpF4dGHVxZa1gzt_oCvVcALhOJch27SgsdAa_X9z_ffqXs3ZGzHpLrxd2o0bLYxmm3CjHr/s1600/living+with+colour+sonujpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This room is featured in <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/bmpsweb/portals/bmps_en_ca.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=fh_color_hiddenPage_ca&np=public_site%2Fapplications%2Fcolor_collections%2FEnvisionColor2011#/view_swatches/view_all/2116-20/">Benjamin Moore's Envision 2011</a> brochure. The colour scheme is from  the Soulful palette referencing the global balance achieved through communication technology- what was once foreign is now familiar.  On the style front, these beliefs are evident in the  "ethnic glam" trend characterized by  pattern on pattern, map motifs and  arts and crafts from different cultures, etc. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Design Hint: </b>This is not a look for every room. Don't try this application unless you have lots of architectural details and a high ceiling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPI3Pw-DIrEFzUuHdA-VX-7Pv5BBpug8P0dj7hFyJ_BuqNg1NBOiFdGuIGePFPbWaKcFvKRLpF4dGHVxZa1gzt_oCvVcALhOJch27SgsdAa_X9z_ffqXs3ZGzHpLrxd2o0bLYxmm3CjHr/s1600/living+with+colour+sonujpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPI3Pw-DIrEFzUuHdA-VX-7Pv5BBpug8P0dj7hFyJ_BuqNg1NBOiFdGuIGePFPbWaKcFvKRLpF4dGHVxZa1gzt_oCvVcALhOJch27SgsdAa_X9z_ffqXs3ZGzHpLrxd2o0bLYxmm3CjHr/s400/living+with+colour+sonujpg.jpg" width="285" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtPI3Pw-DIrEFzUuHdA-VX-7Pv5BBpug8P0dj7hFyJ_BuqNg1NBOiFdGuIGePFPbWaKcFvKRLpF4dGHVxZa1gzt_oCvVcALhOJch27SgsdAa_X9z_ffqXs3ZGzHpLrxd2o0bLYxmm3CjHr/s1600/living+with+colour+sonujpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkk32B4NJlgiQYYfWmfTDVVY80-c4jTtucbWRd5nuO3Obat1Jxz1nl15zy_VsEcdvkyGuZIYYNZQHUUACRd8ITtu5kBzRPCJJvgD0MM_8M1HNDcIKq6BjLvrajGzJwMsjxlf0Gn4Kk55K/s1600/luxury-furnituer-design.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>This is a good way to use a dark colour.  You aren't limiting yourself to several years of looking at 2011's trend.  If you want to change it to something else you'll need only several hours of work and a quart of paint. I love the way the dark draws you down the hallway into the main part of the house. I'm not a fond lover of accent walls everywhere, but this works.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-xT7hQ3-ObYCTbXgVVs86jMdDoW4y4h_8CBL1qEn1uiQMwlgSHYtOn2OOsSKftq1d0jU4ZIIlFgJ67_5TjAbCJEDZfAdckOKqodA7GT6FnfyX_PIFRRSeHJkAiUwPKLCCkwhNYPetu6/s1600/montrealgazette.com.+jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSJEmu0Flc_cXsOSAlMAk5EUwsOdZJRVp69236a7-dF_ODMmkH3bQ_otquK8crhxp68q7b1q_FKXA8yUW0_FJdMGcKjH1HcMplS_wEi_ZBjQ4FV8cSruA-E0X7CFJr6HyM0Sy9-swfvdC/s1600/004281-03-purple-bedroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSJEmu0Flc_cXsOSAlMAk5EUwsOdZJRVp69236a7-dF_ODMmkH3bQ_otquK8crhxp68q7b1q_FKXA8yUW0_FJdMGcKjH1HcMplS_wEi_ZBjQ4FV8cSruA-E0X7CFJr6HyM0Sy9-swfvdC/s400/004281-03-purple-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsf0Y65JBvFlsXQOgSp-G-q5CgJWtuYRav26_3k-l9HG6CJ2AUco9mVVEeJQ5q7O5SemSBwGo0Huh0C4ZAVMJjyDSSSLkgEhkFncOLC-P9fx8nmKoh4OsfIbzWD5Yl7vE99Z63D3r6TN4V/s1600/aerin-lauders-dining-room-in-elle-decor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://interi0rdesign.com/hotels/category/uncategorized/"> source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div> <b>Design Hint</b>: Consider using a strong colour as a backdrop behind a light coloured  bed or sofa.  It allows you to keep your remaining walls light and  include a strong vertical line in rooms where horizontal lines dominate. It is also a great way to integrate dark and light furniture into a cohesive design.  <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKc6P8yF08F0ZU0D48NOXNEWxsUfFV-1rGdLpiQQUbYVvknOeN0KjG8ZHzDtmz1ZYAruHDv4lhB0hlM4PXX189YGMk8AUGw2x04xMUa8A86YJIfA9DeDcnLVzsbgcRgfogs5PqReH1Hpk/s1600/4364d3614cc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKc6P8yF08F0ZU0D48NOXNEWxsUfFV-1rGdLpiQQUbYVvknOeN0KjG8ZHzDtmz1ZYAruHDv4lhB0hlM4PXX189YGMk8AUGw2x04xMUa8A86YJIfA9DeDcnLVzsbgcRgfogs5PqReH1Hpk/s640/4364d3614cc1.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=3912&paintCategory=purples&currentPage=0&index=15&relatedPhotoId=">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>This colour, similar to Vintage Wine, is Benjamin Moore AF 650 Caponata .  It provides a great backdrop for the light  furniture and black chairs.  Without the amount of creamy white used here, this would  have been a dark, dingy room. <br /><br /><b>Design hint: </b>Use dark colour on walls to provide contrast with  light furniture pieces. This application allows you to highlight your furniture while still controlling your  light colour balance.  My preferences are showing! Dark rooms and dark furniture depress me. <br /><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_1413" style="width: 510px;"><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://thehappyhomeworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Serene.Entryway_Gray-Mirage_Ge343.jpg"><br /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicxnhfF1ulhlc9AW-8Y-tJnKLBKRx3xxXhVUW1YgQH-8eAgHhxT8vOAhcdLZj5TRKvjS9VAavvd9oUdQaYveShUpYd7IPtONxbY-gcBV4pKO2hyphenhyphenc0KgZ0mKxpa9uZ0S5_hPMwjlMzAgmR/s1600/living1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicxnhfF1ulhlc9AW-8Y-tJnKLBKRx3xxXhVUW1YgQH-8eAgHhxT8vOAhcdLZj5TRKvjS9VAavvd9oUdQaYveShUpYd7IPtONxbY-gcBV4pKO2hyphenhyphenc0KgZ0mKxpa9uZ0S5_hPMwjlMzAgmR/s400/living1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7D1xykw-RDEzOjr2iiOqc09jjE6aCPGCc4lkMnJhwth9s9Gxqp_EWLxGT7QILDp3DXln6ysB-lANNCNSZVFMhQGplLAS41m3JScfh2hQ5A9xiRDVCtAEgeZkIrKyFmm_cgEDw4o8YKgJ/s1600/classic-contemporary-interior-design-inspirations-pellegrini-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://modern-interior-decoration.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> This very sleek, modern room uses a purple green scheme as a backdrop for creamy white. I like the way that the vintage wine colour is used modestly as an accent.  <br /><br /><b>Design Hint:</b> Are you tired of your wood grain entertainment unit? A current trend in decorating is re- purposing furniture. You many not own built ins that look like this, but you can achieve the look  with a similar paint combination.  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTSJEmu0Flc_cXsOSAlMAk5EUwsOdZJRVp69236a7-dF_ODMmkH3bQ_otquK8crhxp68q7b1q_FKXA8yUW0_FJdMGcKjH1HcMplS_wEi_ZBjQ4FV8cSruA-E0X7CFJr6HyM0Sy9-swfvdC/s1600/004281-03-purple-bedroom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7D1xykw-RDEzOjr2iiOqc09jjE6aCPGCc4lkMnJhwth9s9Gxqp_EWLxGT7QILDp3DXln6ysB-lANNCNSZVFMhQGplLAS41m3JScfh2hQ5A9xiRDVCtAEgeZkIrKyFmm_cgEDw4o8YKgJ/s1600/classic-contemporary-interior-design-inspirations-pellegrini-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7D1xykw-RDEzOjr2iiOqc09jjE6aCPGCc4lkMnJhwth9s9Gxqp_EWLxGT7QILDp3DXln6ysB-lANNCNSZVFMhQGplLAS41m3JScfh2hQ5A9xiRDVCtAEgeZkIrKyFmm_cgEDw4o8YKgJ/s400/classic-contemporary-interior-design-inspirations-pellegrini-4.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKU4QBKvSgqqpQdRuuLB8wBhtuMqRDuZx23xWSWrYrU2rApiUhAwnA7DHHUYHpzADjZNJeZ0cORsfzioWLiN1tG9LmvWbR5JGe1CxV-ov_3KNEtKUm1zOtc4YW9V7CDF9elwc2halaQIb/s1600/56b2d998cf11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://modern-interior-decoration.blogspot.com/2010_07_01_archive.html">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just because I love the table and the sparseness of the room.... The sofa, plush and plum, is the luxurious item in the room.<br /><br /><b>Design Hint:</b> Every room should have one luxurious item in it. Size doesn't count. <br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKU4QBKvSgqqpQdRuuLB8wBhtuMqRDuZx23xWSWrYrU2rApiUhAwnA7DHHUYHpzADjZNJeZ0cORsfzioWLiN1tG9LmvWbR5JGe1CxV-ov_3KNEtKUm1zOtc4YW9V7CDF9elwc2halaQIb/s1600/56b2d998cf11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNKU4QBKvSgqqpQdRuuLB8wBhtuMqRDuZx23xWSWrYrU2rApiUhAwnA7DHHUYHpzADjZNJeZ0cORsfzioWLiN1tG9LmvWbR5JGe1CxV-ov_3KNEtKUm1zOtc4YW9V7CDF9elwc2halaQIb/s400/56b2d998cf11.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;">Sarah Richardson via <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=36&index=4&currentPage=1&searchQuery=purple%20walls&searchType=photos">Decor Pad</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Design Hint:</b> If you don't want to commit to design trends in a big way, accessorize with them. Pillows make great trend statements.  Consider recovering them when you want to nod toward the next colour trend. As always the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1429644750709379289&postID=4114162189448928321">magic colour, white</a> allows you to do so much. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6c615c; font-family: verdana,arial; font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=3912&paintCategory=purples&currentPage=0&index=15&relatedPhotoId="> </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-xT7hQ3-ObYCTbXgVVs86jMdDoW4y4h_8CBL1qEn1uiQMwlgSHYtOn2OOsSKftq1d0jU4ZIIlFgJ67_5TjAbCJEDZfAdckOKqodA7GT6FnfyX_PIFRRSeHJkAiUwPKLCCkwhNYPetu6/s1600/montrealgazette.com.+jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs-xT7hQ3-ObYCTbXgVVs86jMdDoW4y4h_8CBL1qEn1uiQMwlgSHYtOn2OOsSKftq1d0jU4ZIIlFgJ67_5TjAbCJEDZfAdckOKqodA7GT6FnfyX_PIFRRSeHJkAiUwPKLCCkwhNYPetu6/s1600/montrealgazette.com.+jpg.jpg" /></a></div>This is my idea of a luxury item for my kitchen. <a href="http://www.canada.com/life/holiday-guide/Gift+ideas+culinary+connoisseur/2265820/story.html" target="_blank">Le Creuset’s gorgeous enamelled pots</a>, are the ultimate in my mind, but only in my dreams so far. I have a perfectly good set of stainless steel pots.  There's always the dream list....<br /><br />What are your thoughts on using trend colours?

Think vintage wine

No, not that kind!   I Googled vintage wine and didn't get what I expected. Isn't everything about colour?  To anyone familiar with ...

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