Classic with a Twist

Painting the Perfect Picture: A Week at the Beach!

The Lazy Days of Summer!

We just returned from a week at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina- what a treat!

Lots of lounging at the beach in beautiful weather, bicycle riding through lush greenery

(it is literally a mini rain forest),and making wonderful memories with extended family.

All 15 of us stayed at this gorgeous beach side house... rock star amenities!

However, I could not leave the work in Texas! What is wrong in this picture?

If you guessed this shrieking paint color... you are right!

I couldn't let it go, but I did refrain from leaving a note with new paint color suggestions

(instead I left my business card on the counter:)

The drapery panels were the obvious start for the color inspiration... but, oops...they missed!

Bad news... the house is up for sale and not likely to sell with that kitchen wall color

Good news... it's only PAINT!

We don't want our kitchen to look like our pool algae!

Let's try these instead!

Sherwin Williams Tansy Green 6424

Sherwin Williams Tupelo Tree 6417

Benjamin Moore Olive Moss 2147-20

Here are some tips from my ezine this week on how to select the perfect paint

color for your kitchen.If you are not a subscriber,

don't miss out- subscribe now!

Use your clues! In this case, I would have selected a green tone from the window treatment fabric.

Sample Boards! Instead of painting samples directly on the wall, test on at least an 8x10 sheet and move it around the room to see how the paint reacts to different lighting.

Cabinet Contrast! If your kitchen cabinets are a honey color, steer clear from a yellow that may blend in too much. Go either lighter or darker for a contrast. Be careful using a deep terra cotta with dark wood tones as well.

Are you warm or cool? What colors do you like? Warm colors such as red and yellow are stimulating and tend to increase appetites while cool colors like blue and green are relaxing and may decrease it. If you go warm and gain a few pounds, don't blame me!

Be consistent! If your family room is attached to the kitchen, choose a tone that relates to your sofa accent pillows or artwork- as long as it works with the other elements in your kitchen.

Last tip: take a look at the pic below. House Beautiful magazine has an interactive

tool on their website that allows you to try different colors in rooms without

running to the paint store! Try it!

Paint colors are a specialty of mine, so call me if you are stuck in a rut!

Now for more fun-

Mike and nieces, Tess and Caroline (me practicing my photography skills... lookin' good)

Austin in action

Mini reunion with childhood friends (sister, Tricia in turquoise, brother Tom, Julie and Tara)

Sweet Parents xxxooo- Go Dawgs!

How could they resist?

Back in Texas and back to work! If you have a favorite paint color for kitchens,

4th of July: Table Tips and Treats

Happy 4th of July to you!

We are headed to the lake for some fun ~~in the sun,~~ but I wanted to leave you with a bit of

red, white and blue inspiration and simple ideas for your own celebration!

Great way to decorate for the 4th at no cost! Take off the book jackets and stack!

On to the table- love the combination

Plastic star ice cubes and fish plates:)

Cloth napkins and rattan stars

Now on to the food... thank you Martha!

Put your cake stands to good use-

Love the watermelon mountain-

Raspberry sorbet- yum

Enjoy your day and be safe!

Until next time,

Traci

Images: Martha Stewart and Focal Point

Sunday, July 4, 2010 Comments: 0

Market Madness: Day Five- Misc Pics!

Last day to share my recent Dallas Market Finds with you! Today I will show you some random pictures I took... things that just caught my eye. Remember, that is a good way for you to start your decorating inspiration file- just collect photos of rooms, furniture pieces or ideas that you fall in love with. Use your file as a head start when hiring a ~~professional interior designer~~ me to help with your design needs!

Hold on! Here goes....

Love these books! You can purchase them like this or use this idea to cover your own perhaps with scrapbook paper. Remember to group like items for impact!

Conversation starter! Keep your wine glasses close... clever storage from Bailey Street.

I do love that black and white! Favorite pick of the pic is the grouping of wall mirrors-

This artwork is special! A repeat of magenta and green from earlier this week!

Really thought this was unique! Buy this one or my custom artists can paint a large piece

split into sections. The bonus is the architectural piece mounted at the top... ooh la la!

Back to my gray and yellow color combo from Sterling Industries

Fun for my Oh, Canada! client!

This one too from The Rug Market

I have loved these wall sconces for a longgggg time and they are finally available off the floor.

I didn't pull the trigger and now I wonder if I am too late! Courtesy of Jene's

Would love to do another baby's room... call me!

And- back to where we started this week at Global Views

I hope you enjoyed the week of inspiration from my eyes at the Dallas Summer Market. Now, leave a comment below and let me know what was the favorite thing you saw from the photos! I'm interested to hear what inspires you as well:).

Until next time,

Traci

Images via: Moi

Friday, July 2, 2010 Comments: 2

Market Madness: Day Four- Love the Lighting

Wherever I go, interesting lighting draws me in-

No exception in the Dallas Market Showrooms last week.

After looking at this pic, I'm not sure if it was the lighting or the hot pink/ black and white combo!

Now I did say "interesting" lighting not necessarily, "practical"...

maybe for your nightclub, beauty salon or teen suite

For your breakfast nook- all above from Cyan Design

Love, Love, Love

Perfect for my your family room

Remember, it takes only one custom or unexpected piece in a room to catch the eye!

Gallery Designs

Neat for a kitchen desk or home office (by Sterling Industries)

Check out the egg shaped lamps and don't forget wall sconces by Global Views,

when you are limited on space

I ran into a friend who owns this sweet lighting line... the Jubilee Collection

Close up for baby's new nursery

These pictures scratch the surface... I am a light and lamp hound! Now, why are all of you afraid of mixing and matching your lighting? Tell me, tell me please!!!!!

Until next time,

Traci

Images via: Moi

Thursday, July 1, 2010 Comments: 0

Market Madness: Day Three- Beautiful Bedding and Perfect Pillows

A New Bedding Line for You!

I stumbled across this great bedding and pillow line from Daniel Stuart Studio at Market last week and loved the variety of options! It is affordable and very custom-