More pieces to our puzzle

I said yesterday that I didn't want to be one sided.  Here is one of Valspar Paints ads that are appearing in magazines:

 

They have chosen an iguana to show off colors.  Watch for it in magazines or go to Valspar website.  As I said before, I prefer a one coat paint with a primer in it.  I don't off hand remember which company possibly Behr has come out with a white gloss and no gloss that is guaranteed to cover in one coat.  It is quite expensive for a quart.  If it works on woodwork and covers well, it is well worth it.  Contractors seem to but it up as soon as it comes in.  I am not sure if I got it at Lowe's or Home Depot.  Another thing for me to look up today.

 

I talked about feelings you get when you are in a room.  Or the feelings of color, or just the type of day it is, rainy, dreary, dark or sunny.  This is mood.  I try to be happy everyday.  If  am not feeling super cheery, I attack a room, or a flower arrangement or something to give me change.

 

Writing this blog has given me great inspiration as far as wanting to do new things.  I am slowly, but I am not 100% focused.

 

So let's talk about feelings.  As a designer, I need to know how my clients feel about color, the items they already have,  what is their favorite style (you can usually tell it when you walk into their home).

Here are some of the feelings: relaxing, entertaining, soft, warm, luxurious, fresh, young, or any others you can think of.

Now pick out the things you really love.  There is our starting point.  Hopefully by now you will have somewhat pictured your colors, and what you want to do..

So let's start talking about other bits and pieces.  I will jump around a lot now, so take notes or print out the blog and cross off things you have done or make our own list of what you want to do.

The bones of your home.  These are architectural things, fireplace, wainscotings, crown moldings, niches, or anything other than plain walls.  All of these things can be added to get the feeling that you want, for instance crown molding.  If you cannot afford it, you can use borders to achieve a similar look.  Border the ceiling and border the top of the wall.  You can even drop the wall border several inches and paint in between the two for a stunning look.  I have used this in dining rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms.  It is a daring thing but looks gorgeous. Look for paintable borders.

You could also use plain pieces of molding, that is less expensive and paint it. One on the ceiling and one dropped down on the wall a bit. Paint it all a gloss white.  You will be surprised at how well it looks. 
These are a few ways to get the effect of an expensive look.  Some large cities have stores or warehouses, where they are recycling things from homes that have been torn down.  Check salvage stores.  Ask around and someone may know.  These are great places to find old beautiful wood if you are willing to do the work.  If you are at all handy with tools, you may try to make something of your own.  My husband and son are very handy.  My son has made some of the most beautiful furniture for their family, not for me though. I did get a wonderful  4 ft. canoe that is all hand made.  You may know someone like him.  He lives in Minnesota and does make things for people.

Using antiques is the ultimate in green.   It is recycling in a beautiful way.  This is where shopping becomes a hunt.  I love the hunt.   To me it is gratifying.  I need to borrow a truck and go hunting in Palm Beach or Naples.  I had a friend who worked in a resale shop in Palm Springs, Calif.. She said years ago, you need to come here.  You could furnish houses so elegantly, for next to nothing.  Living in Indiana then, that was not a possibility.

How I would have loved that.  The Hunt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!