Expert Tips for Choosing Livable Colors

Taken from Better Homes and Garden Magazine, here are some expert tips for choosing and using livable colors!

- Start with a color you love. Even if it's not a trend at the moment, it will always be on trend in a space that resonates with you.

-Save strong wall colors for statement rooms that are smaller and visited less-a library, guest room, or a powder room.

-When you shop for paint, take along an existing pillow, a piece of drapery fabric, or a photo of your space. You'll make informed color decisions.

-Think of places and spaces you love for inspiration. For example, I love the cream color stucco walls I see in Italian churches, and I try to match that feeling.

-Choose your favorite color, but watch that its not too bright.

-If you find a color that you love but you're afraid it might be too dark, ask the person mixing the paint to do a 50% tint of the color.

-Warm colors like red, yellow, and orange have an energizing effect. Blue, green, and gray are calming.

-Always sample paint colors. Paint a sample board so you can move it around a room.

We will be posting more tips, make sure you check back in a few days!

Counter Tops

Angie Hicks, owner of Angie's List, wrote a wonderful article on January 19,2013 in the Cincinnati Enquirer about counter tops. Below we have summarized some of the important points that were made.

Quartz is becoming the number 1 choice by homeowners for kitchen counter tops. Why? Prices have come down and has become more in line with mid-range granite and solid surface acrylic counter tops. Granite is in the number 2 spot for popularity among homeowners due to it's recently affordable price. Laminate and solid surface still remain the most affordable options.

Differences between Quartz and Granite: Quartz provides a unique look. It offers a lot of colors to choose from and its very consistent in its appearance. Granite has a lot more depth.

Counter tops can be pricey so its important to research the company and the product first. Ask for large samples over smaller samples so you can get a feel for how the product will look. Bring in a sketch of your kitchen cabinet as well as cabinet samples so you can see how each will go together.

Types of Counter tops:

Quartz: Engineered stone that has a non-porous surface. Can handle heat and resist stains and scratches

Tile: Available in variety of materials including ceramic tile, natural stone, recycled glass, even hand made porcelain. Cost varies depending on size, shape, and material. The grout can even be stained.

Concrete:  Extremely durable and customizable according to color and design. Cost per square footage can be pricey.

Granite:  Natural stone offering dramatic appearance of movement and depth in colors and patterns. Just like a snowflake, no two slabs are the same, adding uniqueness to each piece. Needs to be sealed every couple of years to keep bacteria from penetrating the surface

Laminate and Solid Surface Acrylic:  Easy to maintain and non-porous, but are prone to scratching. However if the counter top does get scratched it is possible to have it refinished to look brand new. Laminate counter tops cannot be refinished however are inexpensive compared to Solid Surface Acrylic.

Butcher Block: A wooden butcher block. They run about $40-$60 per square foot. Any scratches or burns can be sanded down but dents are harder and unlikely to get rid of.

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Bookcase Decorating Tips

Decorating bookcases can be a fun but difficult process. Use these tips to help ease your frustation and turn it into a fun project!

1) Take everything off the shelves (yes everything!).  If it helps ease your stress, take a before picture just so you have it to look at after if you are not happy with the end results (do not look at the picture until you are done decorating though).

2) Next decide what you want to put on your bookshelves.. Books? Accessories? Family Pictures? Vases? YOU decide! Remember to keep in mind color, shape, size, and texture when choosing these items.

3) Begin placing items back onto the bookshelves starting with the shelf you can see eye-to-eye with. Depending on how tall the bookcase is you may start with the top shelf.

4) How do you know what to place on the bookshelf first? Easy! Start with the item you have the most of or the largest item you have. This becomes your focal point.

5) Larger items need to be balanced with smaller items and vice versa. Grouping items together allows you to fill the space without using only one item. Think about the differen sizes and shapes of the items you are using.

6) Remember to evenly disperse color throughout the bookshelves. If you don't have much green, move the green around. If you want to color block books or accessories remember to balance warm and cool colors on each shelf. If you don't have a lot of color to work with thats when texture can come into play. Its important to pair opposite items together. A safe bet idea is greenery including plants or flowers!

Happy decorating!