Design trends for the new year

This time of year many design blogs and magazines present trend forecasts for the coming year.  They are interesting to read, but one has to recognize they are best guesses based on the knowledge and intuition  of the individual writer or design group.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtgGh3GXXPFptZ4Z3zLHh7ujV2JEZZL6sMPyW_jP7QPS3Dj-ppkXaosBRSmiZGT8C-0jZz8Hqh41L83AsNJwFFSZ_qLtgOLV2-w232qrfmglfh93RDwvCjwTRIpBcisIMwefxnDO0IQ53/s1600/images+HH+.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtgGh3GXXPFptZ4Z3zLHh7ujV2JEZZL6sMPyW_jP7QPS3Dj-ppkXaosBRSmiZGT8C-0jZz8Hqh41L83AsNJwFFSZ_qLtgOLV2-w232qrfmglfh93RDwvCjwTRIpBcisIMwefxnDO0IQ53/s1600/images+HH+.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfMEY8oWN6LTXF1hi7apfj6rVpVSnWoB2SKhKrS-ocWpclvV6w2uvru5JPewxj3NFXkW0TTJloles4O3RQWZNcXynzVXIgW2TBu1CBGZLFtrRAPz9iEt5Q_afbFyzI6fk9nlHTAL4MiZi/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfMEY8oWN6LTXF1hi7apfj6rVpVSnWoB2SKhKrS-ocWpclvV6w2uvru5JPewxj3NFXkW0TTJloles4O3RQWZNcXynzVXIgW2TBu1CBGZLFtrRAPz9iEt5Q_afbFyzI6fk9nlHTAL4MiZi/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div><br />On every newstand this month you'll see design magazines with design trends a prominent feature on their front covers. On closer inspection you may find there isn't a great deal of overlap from article to article and you have to work to piece together exactly what the trends are.  Exploration online offers almost too much information on the subject and the sheer quantity boggles your mind, but I keep reading.   Over the next several posts I'll  explore the  trends that appeal to my design aesthetic.  <br /><br /><b>Re-purposing </b><br /><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">This is a continuing trend from 2010 and I predict with the focus on everything green it will continue well into the future.  Finding creative ways to use what you have or to recycle furniture and objects from other sources  provides satisfaction on many levels. Re-purposing will be combined with buying new to develop a more unique, individual look that has a history. </span></b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><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/AVvXsEjVKjTfocxMbtXB8dStuVTkNhcOXgJanJ452ZSKUKuN6QfG0yMbTsfOlLUIfrGnXhzyyuxUf8nyOCHUs6Ro6Jt9N2hyphenhyphenJQUPaD-vtNnYIq4f1tMyr9WkdwdzFC1TEC7eNrhAMu8EScyHjUwj/s1600/kitchen+chair.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKjTfocxMbtXB8dStuVTkNhcOXgJanJ452ZSKUKuN6QfG0yMbTsfOlLUIfrGnXhzyyuxUf8nyOCHUs6Ro6Jt9N2hyphenhyphenJQUPaD-vtNnYIq4f1tMyr9WkdwdzFC1TEC7eNrhAMu8EScyHjUwj/s640/kitchen+chair.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">photo: Margaret Ryall</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> artwork:  <a href="http://www.williamgill.ca/painting.html">Will Gill  </a></span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">This wicker chair acquired from a second hand store is one of my favourite pieces of furniture. I was attracted to it because of its unusual shape and I could see  beyond the horrible orange wicker and brown seat pad.  After four cans of spray paint it took on a new life.</span></b><br /><br /><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> I like a comfortable, more casual feel in my home,  therefore re-purposing has always been part of my design approach. I'm on the look out for a new chest of drawers to replace my sad little wicker set which is lost next to the chair. Then a  long overdue reorganization of this  space will be necessary.  The hunt is part of the fun.Yes, decorators have design problems like their clients and solutions need patience. </span></b><br /><br /><br /><b>Sculptural White Objects: </b><br />The simplicity of grouped white pottery and sculpture has always appealed to me and I've used this interest in different ways over the years.  Finally it's a trend according to Canadian House and Home!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJhsUT6uByddSgN20xv0-J1WRbn1rglneZQE4RC1KtjGqTcl16GEToPOMLbJ8QJudSucjBeUc1QTe-V09kKLEJZGbLH3Pt_zQwCGwO0dZsUzclvMi-RAuVZOBrFkcSSzt3Gxc3lFMOlMC/s1600/DSCN552966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTJhsUT6uByddSgN20xv0-J1WRbn1rglneZQE4RC1KtjGqTcl16GEToPOMLbJ8QJudSucjBeUc1QTe-V09kKLEJZGbLH3Pt_zQwCGwO0dZsUzclvMi-RAuVZOBrFkcSSzt3Gxc3lFMOlMC/s400/DSCN552966.jpg" width="300" /></a></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/AVvXsEiRi4n90UNeUdDUm5kymYCT8LrWP5TcZh2HVNQL9J3MkYuZaPH9jPm2QdIvHnDhV5DMzVVjq3AcQplNkxqntxKDHiGyKwfrJ2aU9H7NLD0q2nDwwdoxo3xftNE1FdP94OOsSHM3FYSm-AQy/s1600/end+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRi4n90UNeUdDUm5kymYCT8LrWP5TcZh2HVNQL9J3MkYuZaPH9jPm2QdIvHnDhV5DMzVVjq3AcQplNkxqntxKDHiGyKwfrJ2aU9H7NLD0q2nDwwdoxo3xftNE1FdP94OOsSHM3FYSm-AQy/s640/end+table.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYwc6VTid1dT2EZedZFVfT9sS6lgf8gUBWZpeggzRIFTClZvrYnONxQUI3i2jkxlCOcuyR3zg0w4zIL_lwV6xSGAqEpjKoQ4sWkFzFTdYYeOZXZq-GX3GoWrNwMbdaGkNXkWC6cUQbaAB/s1600/DSCN55276666.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYwc6VTid1dT2EZedZFVfT9sS6lgf8gUBWZpeggzRIFTClZvrYnONxQUI3i2jkxlCOcuyR3zg0w4zIL_lwV6xSGAqEpjKoQ4sWkFzFTdYYeOZXZq-GX3GoWrNwMbdaGkNXkWC6cUQbaAB/s400/DSCN55276666.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">photos: Margaret Ryall</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.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/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>White vases to covet.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxoQqU-X9w5Vbelp4iiwCvCXOUlvKNPqbN6x0Zsyb1vddhZzKlLNT1lv_0k95vlYkecn8_de0kBL0GMCwjiF9NoggW3QzqjV2yLUDi-D00ePlLAsvmiwdpQ4aSaYrJ2Ks8SXYVrqGSYpg/s1600/Green-Thousand-Petal-Vase-by_075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYxoQqU-X9w5Vbelp4iiwCvCXOUlvKNPqbN6x0Zsyb1vddhZzKlLNT1lv_0k95vlYkecn8_de0kBL0GMCwjiF9NoggW3QzqjV2yLUDi-D00ePlLAsvmiwdpQ4aSaYrJ2Ks8SXYVrqGSYpg/s320/Green-Thousand-Petal-Vase-by_075B6404.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/item/3954E0F3/6EAB6248/Green-Thousand-Petal-Vase-by">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcBEl5eOqvhGgJ-LwHx-6vGOxw0yxDHzoIYqxJKjXr_8BJ-PTno3t2nsxsuIOpP5WQzxpZ1zXpyyl91JQqy2DdUbkZLXSLQ2M5vieob3diSejV8GBPl-7I-L3CZ2OHKzSR9opY9DpWFeA/s1600/White-Amoeba-Vase_6E36A2D3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcBEl5eOqvhGgJ-LwHx-6vGOxw0yxDHzoIYqxJKjXr_8BJ-PTno3t2nsxsuIOpP5WQzxpZ1zXpyyl91JQqy2DdUbkZLXSLQ2M5vieob3diSejV8GBPl-7I-L3CZ2OHKzSR9opY9DpWFeA/s320/White-Amoeba-Vase_6E36A2D3.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/item/42138810/6563DA42/White-Amoeba-Vase">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PCSh8oPKneHLx1Lxr9jFp9ew-fB2DIH7LlxOOy6SVJg65GJXCDi7F3HPbTfHM3Ty6OjK6Uzui6J1COCv_ctWknUzsu0VoYvMfeDTG9K81zIz4g4Mc16Owi8Gb_Fxj_sP8NN0ENhSbeMK/s1600/large-white-ceramic-vases_FF87DED5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PCSh8oPKneHLx1Lxr9jFp9ew-fB2DIH7LlxOOy6SVJg65GJXCDi7F3HPbTfHM3Ty6OjK6Uzui6J1COCv_ctWknUzsu0VoYvMfeDTG9K81zIz4g4Mc16Owi8Gb_Fxj_sP8NN0ENhSbeMK/s320/large-white-ceramic-vases_FF87DED5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/item/2DBC48C0/5FAEBF2D/large-white-ceramic-vases">source</a></span></div><a href="http://www.thisnext.com/item/2DBC48C0/5FAEBF2D/large-white-ceramic-vases"><br /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JF7tQ610Vt8dFiS8qd-izR1Eq7xZhsrpz65nt-g_G6O7EnjDmDfwcBEL492jA8a0LFLlDzZhZGNyZcuB9n4CQTsQJ_W5wCFLQPKADb2pcfPxiVjCe9wQQ7-ll9yOW-agsfFD56KT4B5s/s1600/White-Coral-Metal-Vases_12281AFE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JF7tQ610Vt8dFiS8qd-izR1Eq7xZhsrpz65nt-g_G6O7EnjDmDfwcBEL492jA8a0LFLlDzZhZGNyZcuB9n4CQTsQJ_W5wCFLQPKADb2pcfPxiVjCe9wQQ7-ll9yOW-agsfFD56KT4B5s/s320/White-Coral-Metal-Vases_12281AFE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.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/AVvXsEjT1RUoRj9cH8ZiufmXcRqn2VGFtFDUz-LBldrOBIEmDGBFAp02TngUd1sLmYkJgKLhcwUcPI62wv6K_XKppe1-f4L7Yd0nntYt4Q6MipQOHBDz_xfFO_gCVdZ-tUg6oVEPaEefzlgqnH90/s1600/ceramic-tapered-vase_050508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT1RUoRj9cH8ZiufmXcRqn2VGFtFDUz-LBldrOBIEmDGBFAp02TngUd1sLmYkJgKLhcwUcPI62wv6K_XKppe1-f4L7Yd0nntYt4Q6MipQOHBDz_xfFO_gCVdZ-tUg6oVEPaEefzlgqnH90/s320/ceramic-tapered-vase_050508.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.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/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Check out the attic and the back cupboard, talk to your family and friends. Perhaps you can re-purpose white objects into a beautiful grouping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OXmsv_hkN9bf3ABtL3L5wxg25YbWF7XV1OT4BAPSH_CMOieQmqEVjfjJTseBrRe2kzjMcIZfA2m6UUDxbxJT05MjuZE3jkqGgrUybGD9TU7d-YFMcqzUJiW_FJeBQeOC4Uq752AmLnu5/s1600/075B6404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div></div>

Design trends for the new year

This time of year many design blogs and magazines present trend forecasts for the coming year.  They are interesting to read, but one has to...

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Should I follow colour trends?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Do you plan to change your colour scheme in the new year?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgjRX-LuibWxHFNNQs_EpKHQmYQUDDXTwpnaKnXzBdd-WZV8jSv6w7W-DENsgCIDvUMpRFyJ6MHHUxESD0hH5Xfuu90HYgM8QdRLQwQRE9E_LB1BlLjWf4PT1S54Fq9YbCivGCdi2J9FK/s1600/9-paint-brushes-lg--gt_full_width_landscape.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/AVvXsEgcgjRX-LuibWxHFNNQs_EpKHQmYQUDDXTwpnaKnXzBdd-WZV8jSv6w7W-DENsgCIDvUMpRFyJ6MHHUxESD0hH5Xfuu90HYgM8QdRLQwQRE9E_LB1BlLjWf4PT1S54Fq9YbCivGCdi2J9FK/s1600/9-paint-brushes-lg--gt_full_width_landscape.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgjRX-LuibWxHFNNQs_EpKHQmYQUDDXTwpnaKnXzBdd-WZV8jSv6w7W-DENsgCIDvUMpRFyJ6MHHUxESD0hH5Xfuu90HYgM8QdRLQwQRE9E_LB1BlLjWf4PT1S54Fq9YbCivGCdi2J9FK/s320/9-paint-brushes-lg--gt_full_width_landscape.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgjRX-LuibWxHFNNQs_EpKHQmYQUDDXTwpnaKnXzBdd-WZV8jSv6w7W-DENsgCIDvUMpRFyJ6MHHUxESD0hH5Xfuu90HYgM8QdRLQwQRE9E_LB1BlLjWf4PT1S54Fq9YbCivGCdi2J9FK/s1600/9-paint-brushes-lg--gt_full_width_landscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.channel4.com/4homes/diy-self-build/diy-build-advice/diy-building-basics/decorating-tips-20-time-money-saving-decorating-tips-09-05-18_p_10.html">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you been  looking for a colour scheme you won't see in every other house you visit?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/92423/Washington-Park-Residence-06-traditional-kitchen-seattle"><img alt="Washington Park Residence 06 traditional kitchen" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/92423_0_3-4859-traditional-kitchen.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">traditional kitchen design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/seattle" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">seattle architect</a></span><br /><br />Do you want to put the stamp of individuality on your home?<small> </small><br /><small>  </small><br /><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/12304/knowles-ps"></a><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/90896/Stairway-Detail-2-traditional-family-room-dallas"><img alt="Stairway Detail 2 traditional family room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/90896_0_3-7891-traditional-family-room.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">traditional family room design</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">atlanta interior designer</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11169/Cristi-Holcombe" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cristi Holcombe</a></span></div></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a post just for  you.</div><br />Striving for individuality in your home is an up hill battle as I know from choosing colour scemes for my own home. Six years ago I repainted the first floor of my house at a time when heavy earth colours were popular .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR3pbS-2D5bEO5KJy5es3l_UPG2G2vQmyjK3J0G6_f8_AeoT0QEJvFVPOb_UqXXnOt-ABcoLFhF0MRg1J9XNr6juerIRMqw2amX7-2j87KW2bNxpMrJMItW-mOXPuiFthoIZ_l-mW-nK_/s1600/Segworth-7123_SUP_HH_JA09.living.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPR3pbS-2D5bEO5KJy5es3l_UPG2G2vQmyjK3J0G6_f8_AeoT0QEJvFVPOb_UqXXnOt-ABcoLFhF0MRg1J9XNr6juerIRMqw2amX7-2j87KW2bNxpMrJMItW-mOXPuiFthoIZ_l-mW-nK_/s400/Segworth-7123_SUP_HH_JA09.living.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/living-room-14">source</a></span></div><br /> The thought of using  dark  colours on my walls depressed me because they absorb too much outside light, and I need light to be happy.  So I choose a  colour scheme that was light and  neutral based on creams and grays.  I threw current trends to the four winds and created rooms I was happy in.  Six years have passed and now  my house is trendy!<br />  <br />While I'm very aware of design trends, there's an aspect of my personality that likes to fight them a little. Rather than giving advice to follow the latest colour trends, I feel the most important aspect of my role as an interior decorator is  to help clients develop a colour scheme that makes them happy  and comfortable.  That means keeping an open mind about all colour. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a firm believer that you can use any colour you want in a room if it works with your furniture and the light. It's a matter of finding the value of the colour that works  and then expanding the scheme  with accents.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can develop your own style by starting with a colour you love and building on it. If you love yellow and think it is too much on walls, use it as an accent. </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/AVvXsEiLwGOK5HUx_bKCJhDxZNA0rYHzRpW3rLYbmhiws1O97-iZKAxV_HQw3OPY19gHTlqC8b4BY2NiYmkHdHXw0RIvMrwFl_fYxQ6NM94vr_OpqTOCJPEHC48EOjCQWwGshI01o48xwvEE2I3a/s1600/CT0401086l_2_x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwGOK5HUx_bKCJhDxZNA0rYHzRpW3rLYbmhiws1O97-iZKAxV_HQw3OPY19gHTlqC8b4BY2NiYmkHdHXw0RIvMrwFl_fYxQ6NM94vr_OpqTOCJPEHC48EOjCQWwGshI01o48xwvEE2I3a/s400/CT0401086l_2_x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://room-galleries.myhomeideas.com/pictures/living-areas/index.html?ad=3&dir=next&view=gallery&No=168&sp=topRated">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> If you love pink, use it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4A9AHsA4CIjgQkW-a-L2bkpzb6K_yvIykwhdiEWQGfJbHSgqLEQ_jTaDIjfjxOModaNWcS6rALAjxjhgZj4JJKrrDHqC9TdCBV2N238TXwF-MGV_19wRClXuu8EjFJGsVocj38Ty1wig/s1600/IMG_0037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4A9AHsA4CIjgQkW-a-L2bkpzb6K_yvIykwhdiEWQGfJbHSgqLEQ_jTaDIjfjxOModaNWcS6rALAjxjhgZj4JJKrrDHqC9TdCBV2N238TXwF-MGV_19wRClXuu8EjFJGsVocj38Ty1wig/s400/IMG_0037.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://access.decorati.com/">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If pristine is more to your taste , go there.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnySXRwbfA1ur8RKh0t9XTHzBj-HInCbC8jVxAmGIuuci3MP7tPxUv93YvJ4ORZJ2IJzoA16g7qpGKFvXw1Cg-DPqv5CvgEq2bu-fnXryS16dm0CDMxGChFu8FjX3Ib1VGT9SePIRchvGD/s1600/simple-canopy-bed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnySXRwbfA1ur8RKh0t9XTHzBj-HInCbC8jVxAmGIuuci3MP7tPxUv93YvJ4ORZJ2IJzoA16g7qpGKFvXw1Cg-DPqv5CvgEq2bu-fnXryS16dm0CDMxGChFu8FjX3Ib1VGT9SePIRchvGD/s400/simple-canopy-bed.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://arhzone.com/category/bedroom-design/">source </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Remember...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>"Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style." ~Billy Baldwin </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Should I follow colour trends?

Do you plan to change your colour scheme in the new year? source Have you been  looking for a colour scheme you won't see in every other...

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The magic colour

<div style="text-align: center;">Is there a magic colour that solves a lot of problems when developing a colour scheme? </div><div style="text-align: center;">Read on.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><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;"><img alt="white furniture with vivid colours " border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPtUewdDe8og2dkjXR06gigPWd8e5jGZFiCPnUml-hMGdir32eCdZRBMVrI5tWDPEDwq0Hc6KtXjWSfQdH5dY_kjNe_fY1jZ4Vk37UoUXlHjZKDnc3F4ZCcHwe8xIYOGhofbqDxPujNJ/s400/colorful-interior-decorating-ideas-with-rugs.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Magic colour white" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> White furniture provides  relief from vibrant colours</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhPtUewdDe8og2dkjXR06gigPWd8e5jGZFiCPnUml-hMGdir32eCdZRBMVrI5tWDPEDwq0Hc6KtXjWSfQdH5dY_kjNe_fY1jZ4Vk37UoUXlHjZKDnc3F4ZCcHwe8xIYOGhofbqDxPujNJ/s1600/colorful-interior-decorating-ideas-with-rugs.jpg"> source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a vivid colour scheme that could become a problem without the balance provided by the sofa and chair.  Soft white shows the other colours to great advantage creating a clean, crisp scheme. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><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/AVvXsEjaK9X5t7IFAcbefMzEOk_H8X8-pSnI8gSIWssafpEfSckJGTwREgU1-ruAqQM-L71U-n1A0Zpumt-_Ut7XAGJ6nq82dL81A1rezUlxERgJVjI-Cn4d9_OFxB0prgoxe1x838H6c3ONf40N/s1600/luxury-coffee-brown-interior-design-theme.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK9X5t7IFAcbefMzEOk_H8X8-pSnI8gSIWssafpEfSckJGTwREgU1-ruAqQM-L71U-n1A0Zpumt-_Ut7XAGJ6nq82dL81A1rezUlxERgJVjI-Cn4d9_OFxB0prgoxe1x838H6c3ONf40N/s400/luxury-coffee-brown-interior-design-theme.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White furniture in a dark colour scheme</td></tr></tbody></table> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK9X5t7IFAcbefMzEOk_H8X8-pSnI8gSIWssafpEfSckJGTwREgU1-ruAqQM-L71U-n1A0Zpumt-_Ut7XAGJ6nq82dL81A1rezUlxERgJVjI-Cn4d9_OFxB0prgoxe1x838H6c3ONf40N/s1600/luxury-coffee-brown-interior-design-theme.jpg">source</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Brown on walls can create quite a dreary colour scheme, but  this room it is anything but dreary. The touches of yellow brighten it and white is quietly doing its job. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><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="http://www.houzz.com/photos/69565/Beach-House-Bridgehampton-modern-bedroom-new-york" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Beach House Bridgehampton modern bedroom" border="0" height="251" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/69565_0_3-5935-modern-bedroom.jpg" title="The magic colour white" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crisp white and green </td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><br /><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/new-york" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/3469/Amy-Lau-Design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Amy Lau Design</a></small><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Can you have too much of one colour in a room?  Yes,  this could have been such a room without the judicious use of white and creamy yellow accents.</span></div><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/AVvXsEgJr5ld6pfGpR9dIH8fvCyKX94wsJBX6UXKdhw7ES00kAbVtB1eD4IDbPJjEzhxYhMtABu6OryYf1IJtWjociwWKKLCheSaQs2e4eljBkhyG34D1eTUGMetOHGUEf9oqnhA0bNcVW6dpcXF/s1600/enerjik.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="soft white furniture in modern decor" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr5ld6pfGpR9dIH8fvCyKX94wsJBX6UXKdhw7ES00kAbVtB1eD4IDbPJjEzhxYhMtABu6OryYf1IJtWjociwWKKLCheSaQs2e4eljBkhyG34D1eTUGMetOHGUEf9oqnhA0bNcVW6dpcXF/s400/enerjik.jpg" title="The magic colour white in modern decor" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft white in modern decor</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://arhzone.com/tag/living-room-furniture/">source</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">What other colour could produce this much impact with a purple wall?</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28632/More-This-eclectic-bedroom-"><img alt="More This eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="300" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/28632_0_3-5363-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28632/More-This-eclectic-bedroom-"></a><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28632/More-This-eclectic-bedroom-">This-eclectic-bedroom</a><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28632/More-This-eclectic-bedroom-"><br /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Blues softened and connected by white, the magic colour. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">But..... </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Is white a colour?</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Scientifically speaking, it’s actually the combination of all colors in the visible spectrum of light.</span><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/28632/More-This-eclectic-bedroom-"><br /></a></div>

The magic colour

Is there a magic colour that solves a lot of problems when developing a colour scheme?  Read on.  White furniture provides  relief from vibr...

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Season's Greetings

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-74zZxLh8rWlsPcn2JbIkdLL_BWtwC5UOiSCfbOojHxvbgcqhUJYl6QAMTPbLrGlJ8MlaT6x5ZGFp9hKpW6dUG2tm4wRfddEgWH-guLl76TxOfCOgTJ9Dfz5nc_6yPoRDWwzDIw50Zp6x/s1600/Breathe-amaryllis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-74zZxLh8rWlsPcn2JbIkdLL_BWtwC5UOiSCfbOojHxvbgcqhUJYl6QAMTPbLrGlJ8MlaT6x5ZGFp9hKpW6dUG2tm4wRfddEgWH-guLl76TxOfCOgTJ9Dfz5nc_6yPoRDWwzDIw50Zp6x/s320/Breathe-amaryllis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Breathe</b> (2004) 10 x 30 acrylic, paper on canvas</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Margaret Ryall </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">and  </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">from </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">my house to yours</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Season's Greetings

Breathe (2004) 10 x 30 acrylic, paper on canvas Margaret Ryall Merry Christmas  and  Happy New Year from  my house to yours

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Yellow colour schemes

<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bright or soft? </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Pure, bright yellow is a very visually demanding colour which is difficlult to ignore- in other words, a little goes a long way. Softer yellows work better on walls so save the bright yellows for accents.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Light or dark?</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yellow is a tricky colour because it always looks darker on walls that you expect when you choose it from a colour card. If you have a certain tint or shade of yellow in mind it is a good idea to choose something a little lighter than you think you want.  </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Walls or accent? </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When you choose to put yellow on a wall, it needs some space to shine,  therefore, grays and whites provide a perfect foil for it.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkGWYgusfYHLy86ckoCOt-qiwvvavBWBD-JFMAsvw-zENNMFxP5HBYV8iuLMw7fKQaIi0FE8Lg4_QnO7rqP48ikLEh2W6lolm6XVY5uTaku-xJp61nHh7bbr3st4CVI1zXjWfkBECu4W7/s1600/yellow-web-ready_e_3037d1bce01c13631a6a31672519ba90.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkGWYgusfYHLy86ckoCOt-qiwvvavBWBD-JFMAsvw-zENNMFxP5HBYV8iuLMw7fKQaIi0FE8Lg4_QnO7rqP48ikLEh2W6lolm6XVY5uTaku-xJp61nHh7bbr3st4CVI1zXjWfkBECu4W7/s400/yellow-web-ready_e_3037d1bce01c13631a6a31672519ba90.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.idealhomemagazine.co.uk/inspiredecor/decorating/livingdining/How_to_decorate_with_yellow_article_178675.html">source</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yellow looks great with citrus colours as accents so look for lime greens or oranges if you want a fresh, clean look. that will energize you every time you walk into a room. Yellows work well in north light.</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VxV88vJ3FaKrRVLTAl0NSNmvG9dJFWJLQXvfXn512hN97PSYvGIJiRqQ0U7z-Oy3gKfRIyJj0shil-HWglwuTr0mzVRFqy2LJbYAIwsPrZqgrjKfcNJz6eY1OUAaR96969MB7W4sM0X/s1600/livingroom6-de-4794842.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4VxV88vJ3FaKrRVLTAl0NSNmvG9dJFWJLQXvfXn512hN97PSYvGIJiRqQ0U7z-Oy3gKfRIyJj0shil-HWglwuTr0mzVRFqy2LJbYAIwsPrZqgrjKfcNJz6eY1OUAaR96969MB7W4sM0X/s400/livingroom6-de-4794842.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/living-room-decorating-2009">source</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This is another room where yellow is used successfully on walls without overwhelming the rest of the decor. Again white provides a perfect accent to keep the yellow in check. </div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Sometimes people love yellow but are afraid to commit to yellow  walls because it can overwhelm a room.   For the faint of heart yellow accents can do the trick to warm up an otherwise cool decor.   </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxlJpphyMXmTsjBDpUP4q5iZD0FYD6_SgJt0rOogV3o2b_DDYUyXzAwDZsMNDZAZrp9wqaUdX8pBxVDiMyBOEzCqezNbF5yIeAXqGIIPfhMv8cIEKpMCIxJ_UDUoMavL1fqsJloY8Trhy/s1600/yellow+David+Jimenez.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxlJpphyMXmTsjBDpUP4q5iZD0FYD6_SgJt0rOogV3o2b_DDYUyXzAwDZsMNDZAZrp9wqaUdX8pBxVDiMyBOEzCqezNbF5yIeAXqGIIPfhMv8cIEKpMCIxJ_UDUoMavL1fqsJloY8Trhy/s400/yellow+David+Jimenez.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mustardseedcollective.blogspot.com/2010/04/let-yellow-glam-begin.html">source</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkBrtsSbS4BlOHuyQu8eMLxLXbmgYfbJGRdgBusv_PxX06Twx2jMeBLZbxCmUY3n3XfETVaGxx21b84dtrwrAyzl6YB81dr0LqVD1XDfH6FazGOgnKkiFd_ylPbNv_H73OQF_RaN7-58d/s1600/yellow+stools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkBrtsSbS4BlOHuyQu8eMLxLXbmgYfbJGRdgBusv_PxX06Twx2jMeBLZbxCmUY3n3XfETVaGxx21b84dtrwrAyzl6YB81dr0LqVD1XDfH6FazGOgnKkiFd_ylPbNv_H73OQF_RaN7-58d/s400/yellow+stools.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mustardseedcollective.blogspot.com/2010/04/let-yellow-glam-begin.html">source</a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The small splashes of yellow in these two rooms are all the convincing I need to say yes to yellow as an accent colour. Yellow accents with gray are my all time favourite.</span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8eDYuJa3ZC1sToR54eqzBk7QK8rm9iaq5Q6GjFJqfC0Led17ZaUk5yYy3E6cUdWbvCJIV_dEP7o1j98fgRcUpG_WdRDmtDWVs71QGTqJRXeetSbs0Gu38S-R36SIPqKnj53eLOS9JGRs/s1600/Anis_Yellow_Duvet_Collection-teens_bedding_Blissliving_Home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8eDYuJa3ZC1sToR54eqzBk7QK8rm9iaq5Q6GjFJqfC0Led17ZaUk5yYy3E6cUdWbvCJIV_dEP7o1j98fgRcUpG_WdRDmtDWVs71QGTqJRXeetSbs0Gu38S-R36SIPqKnj53eLOS9JGRs/s400/Anis_Yellow_Duvet_Collection-teens_bedding_Blissliving_Home.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://teensthemes.com/">source </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bright yellow, white and black is a fresh colour scheme for a teen's room.  In this application no yellow is too bright!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">As you can tell from the previous pics I'm obviously attracted to yellows used with white.  Let's move on to other combinations.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/90873/Master-Bedroom2-traditional-bedroom-dallas"><img alt="Master Bedroom2 traditional bedroom" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/90873_0_3-5650-traditional-bedroom.jpg" width="396" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/atlanta" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11169/Cristi-Holcombe" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cristi Holcombe</a></small><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/90898/Family-Room-Details-traditional-family-room-dallas"><img alt="Family Room Details traditional family room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/90898_0_3-8084-traditional-family-room.jpg" width="266" /></a><small> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #444444;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/11169/Cristi-Holcombe" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Cristi Holcombe</a></small></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">I always appreciate how touches of yellow will warm up a room that would otherwise be cool.   I find an all cool or all warm palette boring ,and I always like to break it up with the addition of the opposite temperature if only in accents.  </span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClF6jwHpy_Rf9Ju6F4M-co1lZJ3y3jRYbhSHN0G9amUF_XtuQw_g07R2SILaBRF19V-g-SZNijqzzoFIdmHM5vxOhADuBUz1B04n8stXMhbMo5VzZtU4wYznFC_GQ0IDVHavYwevmpWC1/s1600/57923-hello-yellow-xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhClF6jwHpy_Rf9Ju6F4M-co1lZJ3y3jRYbhSHN0G9amUF_XtuQw_g07R2SILaBRF19V-g-SZNijqzzoFIdmHM5vxOhADuBUz1B04n8stXMhbMo5VzZtU4wYznFC_GQ0IDVHavYwevmpWC1/s400/57923-hello-yellow-xl.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/decorating/design-ideas/decorating-cures-00400000058048/yellow-guest-bedroom-00400000058074/">source</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">An orangy yellow and brown have been used to create a soft look in this bedroom. The hint of pink in the pillows and the soft buttery colour of the throw further softens the overall feel of the room. Don't be afraid to mix several yellows in one room.<br /><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/57652/Pantry---Baking-Center-traditional-kitchen-portland"><img alt="Pantry & Baking Center traditional kitchen" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/57652_0_3-0402-traditional-kitchen.jpg" width="266" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/7277/Jenni-Leasia-Design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jenni Leasia Design</a></small><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">This soft cream and historical green create a perfect combination for a traditional kitchen.  There's nothing here to dazzle the eye; it's all about subtlety. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/45040/dominomag-modern-kids-"><img alt="dominomag modern kids" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/45040_0_3-1795-modern-kids.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/kids" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">modern kids design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;">This is a brave combination for a baby's room.  Black is difficult to work with. but it's harshness is balanced by the striped  yellow ceiling.  I'm glad I'm not the one who had to paint it. I'd be tempted to paint the bureau yellow too to spread the colour around the room. </span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/88852/Sacha---Johan-s-High-Risk---High-Reward-Home-House-Call---Apartment-Therapy-New-eclectic-bedroom-new-york"><img alt="Sacha & Johans High Risk / High Reward Home House Call | Apartment Therapy New eclectic bedroom" border="0" height="265" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/88852_0_3-3906-eclectic-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/eclectic/bedroom" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">eclectic bedroom design</a></small></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/51876/Decor-by-Jennifer-Inc-contemporary-family-room-toronto"><img alt="Decor by Jennifer Inc contemporary family room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/51876_0_3-8427-contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/90898/Family-Room-Details-traditional-family-room-dallas"> </a></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a>  <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/6027/Jennifer-Brouwer" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Jennifer Brouwer</a></small><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I could choose to live in any of the rooms shown in this post this would be the one I would like to see when I opened my door after a busy day.   It's the essence of sophistication and relaxation. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Which room would you like to see when you opened your door at the end of a long day?  </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Yellow colour schemes

Bright or soft?  Pure, bright yellow is a very visually demanding colour which is difficlult to ignore- in other words, a little goes a long...

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Purple Love

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple is a colour that inspires passionate reactions. You either love it  or hate it.  In my case,  I love it.  I'm always surprised by the strong reaction  I receive when I mention any tint or shade of purple as a design solution to clients. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span class="textHeadline" style="font-size: small;">Purple combines the tranquility of blue with the excitement of red</span><span style="font-size: small;">. It is said that purple is associated with non-conformists such as artists or designers.  It draws out intuition and encourages creativity. Shades of purple are restful and comforting and can often be found in religious symbols.  Purple has long been a symbol of royalty and mystery. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> So where can you go with purple in decorating?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple can be used as a complete envelope for a room. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo1tEUM9zPYdRXS5v3da12xpQfccyy0LUwtwHNH2LVcmga4QXs1jiy8AxWudp9phjTVCfaVFJ4mKUOfjLcXzwL61JHTUEi8wLWpGyDPV0P731YjfWek0haKSoiz1UNuPNIGsE7Te6hqiJ/s1600/Purple-decoration-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyo1tEUM9zPYdRXS5v3da12xpQfccyy0LUwtwHNH2LVcmga4QXs1jiy8AxWudp9phjTVCfaVFJ4mKUOfjLcXzwL61JHTUEi8wLWpGyDPV0P731YjfWek0haKSoiz1UNuPNIGsE7Te6hqiJ/s400/Purple-decoration-13.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.stylisheve.com/purple-room-decorating-ideas"> source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">You have to really love purple to take this approach to its use. Even when grays and white are added in,  there's still a lot of purple.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32iotDKZ7iHaWnnRQxLkRZmdQwc7D34Cg49mB5TeiqNzLShsxnALxM7EcIU5yIknYDRPO5jnuiRw9BA85M5gtF1r8bjfnUgcYZscYUj1wS8NUyOLlVw8rcuX_FrwIk9gjS8cDSEkvn36L/s1600/Purple-decoration-26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32iotDKZ7iHaWnnRQxLkRZmdQwc7D34Cg49mB5TeiqNzLShsxnALxM7EcIU5yIknYDRPO5jnuiRw9BA85M5gtF1r8bjfnUgcYZscYUj1wS8NUyOLlVw8rcuX_FrwIk9gjS8cDSEkvn36L/s400/Purple-decoration-26.jpg" width="378" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.stylisheve.com/purple-room-decorating-ideas">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This room depends almost totally on purple.  Much too saturated for my tastes, and I think one would tire of it quickly. There are lovely accents here that could be added into other schemes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi9Pre5W79HyDB7gBh9fwOZX5nkYrlUPtZAm8rQq5XTiU3H8ujegHZkt4aSZccDreEfFoKZuy0L1zWU89j5E6cY6QlXZNYHwvdVA0ucWhyphenhyphenuXc6xZxuLRr3OvMUELdWzVcWfv-uPc6KQvs/s1600/purpgrey.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSi9Pre5W79HyDB7gBh9fwOZX5nkYrlUPtZAm8rQq5XTiU3H8ujegHZkt4aSZccDreEfFoKZuy0L1zWU89j5E6cY6QlXZNYHwvdVA0ucWhyphenhyphenuXc6xZxuLRr3OvMUELdWzVcWfv-uPc6KQvs/s400/purpgrey.jpg" width="307" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-purple-rooms">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">While there's still a large percentage of purple in this room, the softness of the colour provides a calming backdrop for living. Purple and brown work well together and it is a combination rarely seen. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Playing it safe with accents..... </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLvNYhVIqPzQVZuMlRODEF_7NFUi-OA6FYWq0-QH-zbb_9tTPyo4XLMZY5CoR8HJKwFnVaazFqJ0Smb8J4U-OTCHps6ZpBb69jc3oTFRPPefEgrvwrfxOeqOvg4eQL4Lr59iJv4rQiviD/s1600/66701_0_8-0340-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLvNYhVIqPzQVZuMlRODEF_7NFUi-OA6FYWq0-QH-zbb_9tTPyo4XLMZY5CoR8HJKwFnVaazFqJ0Smb8J4U-OTCHps6ZpBb69jc3oTFRPPefEgrvwrfxOeqOvg4eQL4Lr59iJv4rQiviD/s400/66701_0_8-0340-contemporary-bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.desiretoinspire.net/blog/2008/5/13/design-dilemma.html">source</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">The drapes in this room provide a great backdrop for the  green bedspread. I find spring greens and purples particularly pleasing to the eye.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXtHTgRdIBNZlmZ2j9yng3enfhkrijl_gevye0EkUTMKUC7Q8u0p48eI6O-oTQtyXvJ4tKpq9Q8yKoAlNiH7lnOBGQEr9Jkw-QUTOaIo93o1XcfQjYLszlxViB1ggkOn6LC-_gmvMHHi5/s1600/lvg-rm-4-0003_final.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXtHTgRdIBNZlmZ2j9yng3enfhkrijl_gevye0EkUTMKUC7Q8u0p48eI6O-oTQtyXvJ4tKpq9Q8yKoAlNiH7lnOBGQEr9Jkw-QUTOaIo93o1XcfQjYLszlxViB1ggkOn6LC-_gmvMHHi5/s400/lvg-rm-4-0003_final.jpg" width="400" /></a></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-purple-rooms?photo=9">source </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soft and playful.....  </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIsEs7ivuJLIpRzK0aW6hC2-xah-XlJQaZbCqrvTB0MU1tySCaJiPST19-HP2yBxoWEmSTW4Cy3UtRpSbPL_sufAK_BFlB0C8wbeF0j_S3_H-bHgs7LdrlQBgawUHBWpSY8tpFVE8YFM_/s1600/purpcover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghIsEs7ivuJLIpRzK0aW6hC2-xah-XlJQaZbCqrvTB0MU1tySCaJiPST19-HP2yBxoWEmSTW4Cy3UtRpSbPL_sufAK_BFlB0C8wbeF0j_S3_H-bHgs7LdrlQBgawUHBWpSY8tpFVE8YFM_/s400/purpcover.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.houseandhome.com/design/photo-gallery-purple-rooms">source  </a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Going a little wild......</b></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8lmg0t_1SXdqOT-QgEhHe3DUh0v7VJZVtI47L40dcCoAZY3FOFaLjuddSIC9sn5KsYq6VOK3zTgHPVi-I8ievOcxZw7h_rLvus5yqAtFZGZKLVAxuIvennZlyBYfbHlnJ2orl4O5Xt0v/s1600/Attractive-Purple-Ceiling-Decorating-Ideas.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8lmg0t_1SXdqOT-QgEhHe3DUh0v7VJZVtI47L40dcCoAZY3FOFaLjuddSIC9sn5KsYq6VOK3zTgHPVi-I8ievOcxZw7h_rLvus5yqAtFZGZKLVAxuIvennZlyBYfbHlnJ2orl4O5Xt0v/s400/Attractive-Purple-Ceiling-Decorating-Ideas.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <a href="http://www.parehe.com/home-decoration/attractive-ceiling-decorating-ideas-for-living-room/">source</a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the strengths of a neutral palette is the option to use a really strong splash of colour with it.  This ceiling is daring and inspired and makes this toned down decor rich and exciting while working well with the purplish gray cabinets and table.  The additional hints of purple around the room help to anchor the colour. </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjBJxbWp9dc8xHxIGTv1yA1RRTO8d6F_KlpcAxMEURKIZt-nphMGXJDnbE-335d2Qo5GZ4djhf05orHDHM1U5jdAo33Ms-WlL47_jD4nr_hPxlEkettuX_2IQ7Qp1uLJXyOhouKBnm_HJ/s1600/purple5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjBJxbWp9dc8xHxIGTv1yA1RRTO8d6F_KlpcAxMEURKIZt-nphMGXJDnbE-335d2Qo5GZ4djhf05orHDHM1U5jdAo33Ms-WlL47_jD4nr_hPxlEkettuX_2IQ7Qp1uLJXyOhouKBnm_HJ/s400/purple5.jpg" width="385" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://jillclarksoncoloranddesign.blogspot.com/2008/01/decorating-with-purple.html">source </a></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32iotDKZ7iHaWnnRQxLkRZmdQwc7D34Cg49mB5TeiqNzLShsxnALxM7EcIU5yIknYDRPO5jnuiRw9BA85M5gtF1r8bjfnUgcYZscYUj1wS8NUyOLlVw8rcuX_FrwIk9gjS8cDSEkvn36L/s1600/Purple-decoration-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A splash of purple in an area rug and a gentle hint in a pillow ties this room together. In this room the art is on the floor!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> For those that truly love purple, check out <a href="http://www.thepurplestore.com/decor.shtml">The Purple Store</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYGpHHxuEbciV1iwzx5KyKtrEtt_DU1DPAXmaqlxsIGNqg8la6yBsvZVZvA_VnHRn2DfJhc776uN6R6svhVDmsP9pAZJKEyyZfg7GtidEFIxhRWr_iUDUShyphenhyphenkgXEDoHNL74oSacV_dRHk/s1600/B002PJWB3I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYGpHHxuEbciV1iwzx5KyKtrEtt_DU1DPAXmaqlxsIGNqg8la6yBsvZVZvA_VnHRn2DfJhc776uN6R6svhVDmsP9pAZJKEyyZfg7GtidEFIxhRWr_iUDUShyphenhyphenkgXEDoHNL74oSacV_dRHk/s1600/B002PJWB3I.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9PB-_E58WX3synYveQXnyoS0eUCiNEf9mjNkHDP8RHqilNPuLkTcSJhSbpYwDtRWSfqo2X7IMhX3kQShDaFFmtRINvq8kX8Ad59N-lavclQUWU4DAsHoiC7GtZwM4ah7NbYjvqYroAB0/s1600/B002S01SW4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9PB-_E58WX3synYveQXnyoS0eUCiNEf9mjNkHDP8RHqilNPuLkTcSJhSbpYwDtRWSfqo2X7IMhX3kQShDaFFmtRINvq8kX8Ad59N-lavclQUWU4DAsHoiC7GtZwM4ah7NbYjvqYroAB0/s1600/B002S01SW4.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTBAMdS4O2WM19Jl67scYeHAKe4D2iHi924izGON0Btnr-L8sA9GMcFtKY1oLMaxoktCap9c8omTymQOrmoElMg5pv1TFQcG1JOzdrc9SxN1bVHJv6NDiQoQnFYeLq_kfRX0mJLsMwqnt/s1600/B004EI0N8S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTBAMdS4O2WM19Jl67scYeHAKe4D2iHi924izGON0Btnr-L8sA9GMcFtKY1oLMaxoktCap9c8omTymQOrmoElMg5pv1TFQcG1JOzdrc9SxN1bVHJv6NDiQoQnFYeLq_kfRX0mJLsMwqnt/s1600/B004EI0N8S.jpg" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eMNHMFjgGReqK1vInz90aAnvufuVtPO0nODjQYV0_5-bKkH9jlWqr_gfA-dLk-8Yw4of0_O8oOotUCcwJQ923FOupuRcqGkFoB1S4BsnRsaW_uJ9b1vPvpWWg0fiCnKZW5GhASa2tq9D/s1600/B001G3AUAK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eMNHMFjgGReqK1vInz90aAnvufuVtPO0nODjQYV0_5-bKkH9jlWqr_gfA-dLk-8Yw4of0_O8oOotUCcwJQ923FOupuRcqGkFoB1S4BsnRsaW_uJ9b1vPvpWWg0fiCnKZW5GhASa2tq9D/s1600/B001G3AUAK.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXtHTgRdIBNZlmZ2j9yng3enfhkrijl_gevye0EkUTMKUC7Q8u0p48eI6O-oTQtyXvJ4tKpq9Q8yKoAlNiH7lnOBGQEr9Jkw-QUTOaIo93o1XcfQjYLszlxViB1ggkOn6LC-_gmvMHHi5/s1600/lvg-rm-4-0003_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TVmHaVAN6kyi_rn4dW2yCc3r9TbSjgJ9N2Qexr6KD0oLBx22NzfB83GlrRi6UFXazL1GeaXE2E6vZpa6YI6Pw6uL6fERFL0docCMg_tMBK0f0JwBrPYEAoKiwhiNu3TDXW8iqxKXduw3/s1600/460-021-X46s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>

Purple Love

Purple is a colour that inspires passionate reactions. You either love it  or hate it.  In my case,  I love it.  I'm always surprised by...

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Design Tip: photograph trouble spots

<ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Do you want to discover trouble spots in your interior design? </li></ul><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Do you have a room where something seems off but you don't know what the problem is? </li></ul><ul style="text-align: center;"><li>Are you wondering if your room is completed?</li></ul>Take a photograph of the  room in question and have a critical look at what is happening.  There is something about the two dimensionality of photography that makes problem areas pop out especially scale /proportion. (Proportion involves the relationship of size between objects. Proportion  also includes the relative sizes of surface areas of different colors). Here's a telling photo of  my own living room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYme_ojFRG3glWkkwber6WOpP5p4Q4aut5zXlnvvLDredYnzYv5M-I8hm33Q-iCGoJIbnMw8BV5ZGA2kWYiiC4W5JOcjDXcUm0e0ymhbBepaeEVzTmXkKRCT6lkQgSoiV-GnaSIXn1yiT/s1600/DSCN544566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYme_ojFRG3glWkkwber6WOpP5p4Q4aut5zXlnvvLDredYnzYv5M-I8hm33Q-iCGoJIbnMw8BV5ZGA2kWYiiC4W5JOcjDXcUm0e0ymhbBepaeEVzTmXkKRCT6lkQgSoiV-GnaSIXn1yiT/s640/DSCN544566.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />This tiny chest of drawers looks minute and lost  next to the chair.  The area need something more substantial to balance the weight of the chair next to it. I'm still looking for the perfect piece and that is how it goes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>

Design Tip: photograph trouble spots

Do you want to discover trouble spots in your interior design?  Do you have a room where something seems off but you don't know what the...

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Keeping it simple

<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Gone are the days when I have every square inch of my house decorated for Christmas.  As  I grow older  I feel claustrophobic when surrounded by too many things.  I've spent the last five years simplifying my life and "re-gifting"  objects I'd acquired including many of my Christmas decorations.   They are now resting in someone else's house thanks to  the effectiveness of donations to thrift stores.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each time I send a box  off I feel like I can breath a little easier.  My home is enjoying this freedom too.  While it is calm and comfortable, I still  want little touches of colour and the unexpected.  Some of the things I couldn't bear to part with get rotated from year to year and I enjoy them so much more when they take centre stage.     </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The one thing I can't part with are tree ornaments because they represent so much family history. Contrary to what many people anticipate when they know I am a decorator, I do not design  a fancy themed tree each year. I admit I feel like I'm letting them down in some way, but  it's that family history  and warmth that are more important to me when I decorate for myself.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So here are some glimpses of Christmas at my house. You already know I rely on what is left in my garden, but I also like a little bling.  </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AsWYEDEI8JK__tuvF5yT4_WEzxyzIvZICi6M9k6sqtkFOOLV-0AVQXeVS6jSCM-P3Z77PBlu-OrwroQvBNOYHwgrlsCM9OLwg3P2iA6hPAeqpGUDRgHF5G0Z3-Z0r27kL_p7CBVqtgGW/s1600/DSCN5450266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AsWYEDEI8JK__tuvF5yT4_WEzxyzIvZICi6M9k6sqtkFOOLV-0AVQXeVS6jSCM-P3Z77PBlu-OrwroQvBNOYHwgrlsCM9OLwg3P2iA6hPAeqpGUDRgHF5G0Z3-Z0r27kL_p7CBVqtgGW/s320/DSCN5450266.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wall colour:  BM Rockport Gray HC 105</span> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My kitchen always has a fresh plant for Christmas and the amaryllis is my favourite.  It shows up in my art work frequently.  More about that in a later post.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The artwork to the right of the window is an encaustic piece titled <b>Thaw </b> (8 x 10 inches) painted by yours truly.  It is appropriate for the season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7viEuUUReEnge8KVpidQfukr30mC1DcFFRXCWqbmg37igVN-ASBhAyOiPaKopjibI-nOH0sYYErbklbQZuyhL6rl-AGPyoZoNj86QfT9fd0rUUJ4QGejWn2aDMiIHh2-kQ2UR5UjZF836/s1600/DSCN544966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7viEuUUReEnge8KVpidQfukr30mC1DcFFRXCWqbmg37igVN-ASBhAyOiPaKopjibI-nOH0sYYErbklbQZuyhL6rl-AGPyoZoNj86QfT9fd0rUUJ4QGejWn2aDMiIHh2-kQ2UR5UjZF836/s320/DSCN544966.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The only addition to the window ledge in my kitchen is the glass of lime green berries which work well with the sea urchins and the first piece of stained glass my hubby made.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyUeiif-FHxPPcKnGw6d_kVxaHS5-sf0mGaEbhHRBjToyB39a8BZlntUbDU6L8RITPu3Sob88Kvt_y0HewIeB-euMC5EuLqxIlyvJpzwVeYc7Q8EdDYyE93Uoa9cLRR2aJJR-rP3PJb3o/s1600/DSCN543466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG7I7vhDfsd1r-c1Jb_HhWbXt-Jy3fUwIziSjA8TimCs7cmiS5nXXQT2RFbhXYTlkrR3LQ_eKSJV50kTNn3ZaTxYYuMOB0lFTPWD9qHDcNoyEve29RX9VegsTjJaDj6C2d2Ivb8ZXtEGt/s1600/DSCN5464366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG7I7vhDfsd1r-c1Jb_HhWbXt-Jy3fUwIziSjA8TimCs7cmiS5nXXQT2RFbhXYTlkrR3LQ_eKSJV50kTNn3ZaTxYYuMOB0lFTPWD9qHDcNoyEve29RX9VegsTjJaDj6C2d2Ivb8ZXtEGt/s320/DSCN5464366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99NOTgY0lByX-TA6PH1Pei6-erzG7pPTj3b0SuOSje_UIhEMpSQDIsMHWQcGD4bozouwHdU1-pwS3JVRXiVobAoC0H7suvvK_J6Cp2iX0m6bIts8qznPr6pEabFtof8guPu8HPZ6Dskoh/s1600/DSCN542766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">walls: AF Fusion 675</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">shelf: AF Wish 680</span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCakV0YgGgKMcpPN3MetlWBERdkO7ZK75Z-zgwaZfL9__WZVAvHwJw6qNKrGztxtJgB9-vh7ZdtsGCrJr7ItZht-AFce05fbBkaupbSNdNdq8e-duhrD42vPE3eORDtfyd0mjuaMVuez6/s1600/DSCN541766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: small;">I just repainted my entrance with AF Fusion which is a soft gray with a purple undertone.    One little wreath on a coat hook and a Santa that a dear friend gave me years ago is just enough to say it's Christmas.  </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99NOTgY0lByX-TA6PH1Pei6-erzG7pPTj3b0SuOSje_UIhEMpSQDIsMHWQcGD4bozouwHdU1-pwS3JVRXiVobAoC0H7suvvK_J6Cp2iX0m6bIts8qznPr6pEabFtof8guPu8HPZ6Dskoh/s1600/DSCN542766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi99NOTgY0lByX-TA6PH1Pei6-erzG7pPTj3b0SuOSje_UIhEMpSQDIsMHWQcGD4bozouwHdU1-pwS3JVRXiVobAoC0H7suvvK_J6Cp2iX0m6bIts8qznPr6pEabFtof8guPu8HPZ6Dskoh/s320/DSCN542766.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Wall colour: BM Light Khaki  2148-40  </span></div></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I always have candles on my dining room buffet (made by my man) so each year I just add one thing to the arrangement.  This year it is a pearl star that used to be a tree topper attached over a candle. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">  </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDOWNUPSWlqymorx3Mj8m3fEX2SG2ehqTGkb-8gCfOGWVw52ZfEwYKXVqE8qGIrhh4JUo9UVXDEmfNP7Yhh_iQ1pnlr_SNvIVsFbxXGCAqVU6LfQANVUza5BsbOiip78Ad48IApD6Fa_X/s1600/DSCN5435q66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDOWNUPSWlqymorx3Mj8m3fEX2SG2ehqTGkb-8gCfOGWVw52ZfEwYKXVqE8qGIrhh4JUo9UVXDEmfNP7Yhh_iQ1pnlr_SNvIVsFbxXGCAqVU6LfQANVUza5BsbOiip78Ad48IApD6Fa_X/s320/DSCN5435q66.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtDOWNUPSWlqymorx3Mj8m3fEX2SG2ehqTGkb-8gCfOGWVw52ZfEwYKXVqE8qGIrhh4JUo9UVXDEmfNP7Yhh_iQ1pnlr_SNvIVsFbxXGCAqVU6LfQANVUza5BsbOiip78Ad48IApD6Fa_X/s1600/DSCN5435q66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">table:  BM Kendall Charcoal  HC 166</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">This year I painted my oak coffee table and end table and they are now  some of my favourite pieces of furniture in the house. Wood is prominent in my house because my husband is a woodworker.  I'm always battling the painting of solid wood horrors.  My IKEA bowl usually holds ornaments at Christmas time.  This year they are white and silver to honour the new look of my table. </span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCakV0YgGgKMcpPN3MetlWBERdkO7ZK75Z-zgwaZfL9__WZVAvHwJw6qNKrGztxtJgB9-vh7ZdtsGCrJr7ItZht-AFce05fbBkaupbSNdNdq8e-duhrD42vPE3eORDtfyd0mjuaMVuez6/s1600/DSCN541766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCakV0YgGgKMcpPN3MetlWBERdkO7ZK75Z-zgwaZfL9__WZVAvHwJw6qNKrGztxtJgB9-vh7ZdtsGCrJr7ItZht-AFce05fbBkaupbSNdNdq8e-duhrD42vPE3eORDtfyd0mjuaMVuez6/s320/DSCN541766.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Wall colour: BM   Elephant Tusk  </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">OC 8</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span> </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Silver finials are my Christmas addition to  a red poppy and poppy coasters on the end table. They are just  enough to say it's Christmas</span></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiCakV0YgGgKMcpPN3MetlWBERdkO7ZK75Z-zgwaZfL9__WZVAvHwJw6qNKrGztxtJgB9-vh7ZdtsGCrJr7ItZht-AFce05fbBkaupbSNdNdq8e-duhrD42vPE3eORDtfyd0mjuaMVuez6/s1600/DSCN541766.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">YES, I love gray and purple too !  </span></div>

Keeping it simple

Gone are the days when I have every square inch of my house decorated for Christmas.  As  I grow older  I feel claustrophobic when surrounde...

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