Repurposing Tip: Paint Furniture

When we are talking about redesign or One Day Room Makeovers, it’s all about repurposing the beautiful items you already own.  Many of us have “hand me downs” from various family members that have sentimental value.  They tend to have beautiful details that are not found in the furniture on the market today but are not necessarily the wood colors we’d like or are worn from years of use.

Try a fresh coat of paint with new hardware to completely revitalize a piece of furniture that you love.

BEFORE

This beautiful piece has a lot of character that goes unnoticed until the green paint is applied.

AFTER

AFTER

All of a sudden, the details are visible.  The dark top and hardware really add a wonderful contrast against the lighter green.  This unit would have been lost against the wall if it remained as it was prior to the addition of paint.

To view more great before and after photos of this project and others, check out the Remodel-aholic Blog:

http://www.remodelaholic.com/2010/10/wooden-dresser-painted-green-furniture-redo/

For this Blog post, I am super excited to introduce Al Koehler who is a local, professional painter that I have worked with for the last few years.  Each time we have done a project together, I  have learned something new so I thought would see if he would be willing to share some of this extensive knowledge with all of us.

Graciously, he agreed to an interview so that is the format that will follow.  The first half are questions from me and the 2nd round of questions came direct from my Facebook Fan page followers.  Sending out many thanks to all who participated online!

NOW…the answers to our burning painting questions…

Q:  What are the different types of paint that can be used on interior walls, ceilings & woodwork?  What are the benefits of each one?

A: There are many different types of paints for the interior of your home.  Popular options today are water-based paints that come in a variety of sheens and can be tinted to any color that you want.  The standards are flat, matte, eg-shel, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.  Each option is a special blend that create specific finishes on walls, trim, cabinetry and more.

For example, flat paint is great for ceilings and walls. Flat paint is not washable but hides imperfections best.  Matte and Satin paint are typically used on walls and  Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss are mainly used for woodwork. These paints can stand a little more abuse and are washable.  Choosing the right paint is key.

There are many variables to consider when choosing your paint, including what the surface condition is, what your overall goal/design is, what type of primer will be needed etc.  If you are not sure about some of the specifics, it is always good to consult with a knowledgeable painter (like Al) and/or a reputable paint supplier ~ it could save you hours of time, money & frustration!

Q: What is primer paint? Are there different types? Do you have to use it on every project? Do you need a special type for dark colored paint?

A: Primer is the base coat of paint which is needed  for the paint to adhere to the surface. Its primarily used on non-primed surfaces but is also used over existing paint that could be hard to cover. There are many primers,  your basic latex all around primer that can be used on most surfaces and another popular primer is Bonding Primer,  which  can be used for glossy surfaces such as glass, countertops, metal and glossy surfaces.  Most primers can be tinted.

When you are using a dark paint, you should use a tinted primer.  They usually are mixed in a variation of gray based on the depth of color chosen for your wall paint – this is determined by the paint experts in your local storefronts.  Another option is to have the primers tinted to the color of the paint chosen.

Q: What is the best way to paint a front door that is metal?

A:  Use a primer that includes the word “bonding” in the label .   These primers bond to glossy surfaces such as glass, Formica, metal, kitchen cabinetry and plastic to create the perfect base for your latex paints to glide on and cure properly.  Most primers can be top coated within a few hours.

Q: I’ve noticed that paint rollers come with different sized “naps”. Why is that?  Which size is appropriate for what type of job?  How do I avoid getting fibers from the rollers on the walls?

A:  There are a few different sizes in nap for rollers,  the smother the surface the less of a nap you would need.  3/8 nap is regularly used for most surfaces.  If your dealing with textured walls or ceilings use a roller with a 1/2 inch nap.

IMPORTANT TIP:  “Don’t cheese on the roller,  a high quality roller will save you undue frustration and give you the professional look that you want on your walls.  Cheap rollers leave hairs/fibers on your walls.  I recommend rollers from Wooster, Purdy or the Contractor Series from Sherwin Williams.”

AND…the answers to the burning painting questions from our Facebook Fans…

Q:  What is the best paint to use in a bathroom?

A: The best paints to use in bathrooms is Ben Moore Aura or Sherwin Williams.  These paints do not need a primer,  which is a plus because it leaves out the primer coat.  Two coats of these paints and you have a beautiful finish so there is no need for extra work. When using higher quality paints, the key is to prep the surface properly before painting on your new color.

A primer is not needed if you are painting over an existing color but I recommend a light sanding using a 220 gauge sandpaper to rough up the surface (creating the same adhering quality that a primer would provide) and to remove any fibers/imperfections.

The newest advancement in the paint industry is the introduction of paints that include the primer and top coat in one can.  Aura by Ben Moore and Duration by Sherwin Williams are great options with built in primers.  You can expect to pay more for these options but they significantly reduce time/coats needed to complete your job.

IMPORTANT TIP:  “Make sure your exhaust fan is working properly.  Keeping the room free of extra moisture will extend the life of the paint in a bath.”

Q:  What should you use to paint textured ceilings to limit drip messes?

A:  A  1/2 inch roll nap is good for a textured ceiling.  A quality roller is important as it lays the paint on evenly and does not lose hairs/fibers in the process.

IMPORTANT TIP:  “If you need to wipe dust or debris from a wall or trim, use a tack cloth.  A tack cloth is like a sticky cheese cloth that will “grab” anything from the surface rather than just move it around.  Avoid using wet cloths to clean surfaces.  The moisture could create problems under the paint if it the area is not given enough time to dry out completely before application of paint.”

Q:  Why is the paint on my walls peeling off in sheets?

A: Paint peeling is usually caused by moisture under the paint which lifts the paint off in sheets.

Other reasons that may cause peeling paint are:

~No primer was used as a base coat.

~The primer coat or 2nd coat of finish coat were applied too soon.  Paint (primer or top coat) need time to dry/cure properly.

~Painting over a glossy surface without prep.

Q:  Why does anything that touches my walls leave marks?

A: Paint is a delicate, very thin coat of colored wall finish.  Anytime you touch a wall with your hands that has a flat finish, you’ll see the oil imprint of your hands.   That is why flat paints are recommended for rooms that have less traffic and people inhabiting them.

In all my years painting for a living, I’ve learned that paint is not mark proof.  There are better paints than others that can take the abuse.  This goes back to the very first question and how important it is to use the correct paint finish for the appropriate areas in your home.

Keep the following in mind:

Flat Paint – Best for ceilings and low traffic areas – not washable

Matte – Is a step up from Flat paint because it includes a very light sheen.  Achieve the same “look” as Flat provides with the bonus that it is washable.

Eg-shell/Satin – Best for walls in high traffic areas – washable

Semi-gloss/Gloss – Good for woodwork/trim – creates a sheen on all surfaces – washable

IMPORTANT TIP:  “The best way to guarantee that your walls will stay perfectly clean is to install hockey glass over all painted surfaces.  The only maintenance tools needed are Windex and paper towels.”

You can tell from Al’s answers that he is a fountain of knowledge and has a great sense of humor.  If you have more questions for him, please feel free to post them here and we will get the answers of to you right away.

I would to thank him for being my special guest this month on the Blog and for offering such great information about painting in our homes.

Here is a little more about Al:

~He’s been painting for 25+ years with additional background in home building Project Management

~During his career he has worked all over New England mainly working in Amherst, around Lake Winnipesaukee and on Governor’s Island.  For the last 14 yrs. Al has been  primarily painting interiors creating beautiful finishes with nice color combinations for many different types of rooms.  Some of his other skills include drywall repairs,  water damage repair, skim coating, textured ceilings and wallpaper.

~His specialty is with Venetian Plaster,  Marmarino Finish which is a glass feel finish with a stone look.  If you are looking for a classic finish in your home be sure to ask him about this beautiful option.

If you would like to connect with him, his contact information is below:

EMAIL:  akoehler@metrocast.net or 58noark@gmail.com

PHONE:  603.738.8578

He also has a Fan Page on Facebook – CLICK HERE to check it out and sign on as one of his newest “likers”.

Dreamy Bedrooms

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I thought this would be a great time to write about how to make a bedroom more “dreamy” for you, a Mom, wife, grandmother or any special person in your life who deserves a great night of sleep and a cozy retreat to curl up and read a book.

First, think about luxurious bedrooms like the ones shown here that you would typically see in 5 Star hotels.  What is it about them that is so enticing?

The common items are plush comforters, layers of pillows, soft colors and a variety of textures within the fabrics.

If we start with the base of bedding, we are talking about the mattress.  There are a wide variety of options out there if you are in the market to change your bed set up completely.  For the purposes of this blog, I’m going to focus on the individual fabric pieces that create the bedding layers above the mattress.

There are a variety of mattress toppers that can add a cushy layer under the sheets.

Here are 3 of the top options:

• Memory Foam – the thicker the foam, the more comfortable it will be.  There are also versions that adjust to your temperature for a comfortable night’s sleep.
• Feather Bed – A down/feather-filled shell.  They come in various thicknesses and are likened to “sleeping on a cloud”.  One version offers down on one side to provide warmth in the cold months and a cotton filler (Tencel) on the flip side for the summertime. (Click here for more info)
• Allergy sensitive – Fiber-filled option that is Allergy/Asthma friendly for those who struggle with either.  They are also available in a variety of lofts.

The next layer is the set of sheets.  Sheets are sold in all types of fabrics like cotton, jersey, flannel and even microfiber fleece.  They are categorized by thread count and fabric type.  Thread count is the number of stitches within a 1 inch square area.  This can vary drastically by the type of fabric (or yarn) that is used to construct the sheet.  A thin yarn would create a higher thread count but have the potential for wearing quickly.  For more information, CLICK HERE to get more detailed information on sheet fabric selection from Linen Place.  If you are on a limited budget and want to get the feel of a luxury bed, go for a new cotton sheet set that is made with Egyptian or Pima/Supima Cotton in the highest thread count possible.  This is the layer that will envelope you (or your loved one) every night and will make the biggest impact.

Sandwiched between the sheets and comforter/quilt top are the blankets.  With all the available colors and textures available, you can really have fun coordinating within this layer.  Look how fun layering can be:

Layered Bedding Collections from West Elm

Pillows are a huge part of creating a comforting retreat that beckons you in for immediate relaxation.  Adding a layer or two to your existing pillow set up can make all the difference.  If the pillows being used now are great functionally, purchase some fillers to be used decoratively with shams or colorful pillow cases that coordinate with the rest of the bedding you incorporate.  Smaller, decor pillows are also available in many home stores and are sometimes included in bedding sets (16-20 piece options).

The “topper” to the bedding ensemble is the comforter, quilt or duvet.  The comforter and quilt are similar in that they are typically coverlets which only cover the mattress top & sides of top mattress, and are constructed of fabric on the top and bottom with a filler in the middle with stitching through all layers.  The filling may be polyester, in the form of batting, or wool or down feathers.

A duvet is a comforter is usually filled with down and have a removable cover that can be washed when needed.  When choosing a down comforter, you’ll want to consider the following:

1. The filling is made from the soft, downy duck & geese feathers because they provide an amazing amount of warmth.  Look for the “fill power” which refers to the quality of the down.  Like thread counts, if the number is higher, so is the quality.

2. Some down fill goes through an intensive washing process to rid the feathers of dust/dirt.  They are then considered “allergen free” and coupled with a duvet cover, could be a good alternative to a standard down comforter.

3. There are also synthetic alternatives used in place of the down feathers that mimic the real thing.

4.  Keep the fabric quality in mind as you are shopping for a high quality comforter.  Refer to the discussion about sheets within this article for more information.

5. Down comforters require special washing while most synthetic options can be machine washed and dried.

Breakfast in Bed

After you get the new bedding together, wash what you can with mild detergent (with a great scent such as lavender) and use fabric softener for the softest touch possible.  Make up the bed with sheets, blankets, comforter and layer the pillows in an upright position.

For some great finishing touches, try one (or all) of the following:

• Lay a soft bathrobe on the bed with slippers below.
• Include a new book or magazine for your special someone sit back and relax with.
• Add a flash of texture and interest with a throw blanket.

The only thing left is “breakfast in bed”.  An easy, Bed & Breakfast menu is a beautiful dish of assorted fresh fruit with scones and Mom’s favorite morning drink (coffee, tea, juice).

As a fun complement to this BLOG, we’ve included our favorite scone recipe on our Facebook page.  Click HERE to get your FREE copy to treat the special people in your life.  Enjoy!!

Dressing Up the Windows

The 3rd project that was emphasized in the blog Back on the Grid was about custom window treatments that were completed for several rooms of a local home.

The homeowners had spent a lot of time customizing these rooms to meet the needs of their guests as well as to reflect their style and to highlight their interests.  The only thing left was to incorporate the finishing touch of the window treatments and that’s where the fun began.

BEFORE PHOTOS

Here are some tips to deciding how to “dress up” your windows.  Start by answering the following questions.  The answers will guide you to whether you require custom pieces or if you can buy ready-made selections from local storefronts.

1.  Where in the design process are you?

If you are at the beginning, you have the most flexibility.  You can typically find ready-made options that you like (within your budget) which you can then use as your guide when incorporating in the accessories and artwork.

In our example, each room was already complete with wall colors and accessories so the choices of ready-made treatments was very limited and in some cases, not available at all to suit the style and/or colors that were already there.  This is when the search for specific fabrics to address the colors and styles started to create custom pieces to connect all the aspects of each room.

Cornice toppers were created for the two bathrooms with coordinating fabrics and notions while a simple valance was incorporated into the kitchen with fabric that was a perfect match to the wall colors.

Here are the AFTER pictures:

Cornice Treatment in Bath

Swag Cornice in Guest Bath

Kitchen Valance

2.  What is the main purpose of your treatment – functionality (privacy, reducing glare) or adding a decorative flair to a room? (Maybe it is both)

The answer to this question will help narrow your treatment search by style/functionality and also help you pull together a budget.  Start with the functional pieces needed (shades, blinds, shutters, etc.) as they are usually installed first and on the inside of your window framing (as seen below).

Treatment Installed on Inside of Frame

In some cases, this would be the completed treatment but if you are planning to take it a step further with some soft treatments on the outside of the window frame, the next step is to determine the style and hardware requirements to complete the job.

For example:  If you chose a valance or panel with a rod pocket, you would be able to purchase an inexpensive standard rod to install it.  If you chose a more specialized look like tab-top or grommet treatments, you would need to purchase decorative rods because they will be exposed at the top.  See the examples below:

Rod Pocket Valance

Grommet and Decorative Rod Example

More extensive designs may require a double rod to accommodate a layering look if you choose panels combined with a top treatment.

Double Rod Treatment

These last AFTER photos show the most unique and customized treatments that we have completed so far that required specialty hardware for the installation.

Awning Treatments in Football Room

These window treatments use two curtain rods of different depths to complete the look of an awning.

Interior Awning

Football/Media Room

Adjacent to this Football Room is one devoted to baseball.  It has been decorated with some memorabilia including seating from the stadium.  Very fun!

Baseball Room

Close Up of Construction

Interior Awning

If you are ready to jazz up the rooms in your home with window treatments, keep the questions above in mind as you make your way through the process.  Having detailed measurements of the window will also be important as you shop to ensure that the treatments will fit properly in/around your window frames.

ONE LAST TIP:

The proper fullness of a window treatment is determined by measuring the width of your rod multiplied by 1 1/2 for a standard fullness, 2 for a bit more and 3 for luxurious.  This will determine the number of panels/valances that you will need.

If you have any questions or ideas you would like to share, please do so ~ we’d love to hear from you.

Tale of An Office Renovation

The 2nd project that was highlighted in the Back on the Grid blog post was the update of a business that is located in a beautiful, old Victorian building.  The goal was to transform the Reception area and several side offices to a new professional standard for the staff as well as the clients that visit on a daily basis.  Here is a small sampling of the BEFORE photographs:

As you can see, the most recent design work had been completed circa 1980 with a color palette of dusty mauve, mint green and soft blue.  The wallpaper had started to show wear so it was time to remove it to add some neutral, calming background colors that would become the perfect backdrop for the bold, new window treatments and selected artwork.

Rich Colored Window Treatments

The great thing about this project was that there was an abundance of artwork throughout the building that was available to choose from – works that had been created for the owners by clients and special people in their lives.  These pieces also had something in common…they were representations of locations in and around the city and they blended well with the existing prints and photographed art that were already in the office spaces.

One of the finishing touches to the Reception Area was the addition of live plants which added softness and life into the room.

This office saw a major transformation due largely to the change on the walls, proving that a coat of paint can really do wonders.  It is not until you complete a project like this that you realize how much the office environment affects the clients.

In this case, so many customers have remarked about how warm and inviting the space has become.  On another level, it now conveys a strong level of professionalism that is solidified by the great service provided by the staff.  Visually, we knew we had met the goals for this office space but the validation of the project came through the invaluable and positive feedback from the clients and staff members that were so moved by the changes.

If you want to update an office space, whether in-home or otherwise,  and have put it off because you think it will be too costly to redo the whole thing, you may want to consider these 5  low budget/high impact ideas:

1. A fresh coat of paint on the walls & trim.  Color can change the whole personality of a room and can be completed in a short amount of time.
2. Bring in interesting artwork.  This can also be a place to infuse color and add interest to a room.  Consider relocating pieces of art that you already own.
3. Incorporate live plants (or very life-like replicas).
4. Change out dated window treatments.  The curtain and valance options are endless and offered in many different price points today.
5. Consider re-arranging the existing furniture to increase flow, rhythm and balance within the space.  A harmonious space is one that you will love to go to work in and your clients will appreciate more than you know.

For a complete wrap up of this project (including some great AFTER photos), check out the video summary on the newly designed website:  www.parkerhouse-designs.com

Food for Thought:  Think about the places you visit (dentist/doctor offices, spa, hair dresser, auto dealership, storefronts etc.) on a regular basis.  Which places welcome you in?  What is it about them that draws you in further (colors, scents, sounds, decor)?  What about the place makes you feel good?  Make a list of your favorite things and try to find a way to incorporate them into your office redesign.

A comfortable house is a great source of

A comfortable house is a great source of happiness. It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.
Sydney Smith

Renovate It!

Here is the first of three projects from last year that I’ll be highlighting in coming Blog posts.

Master Bath-Before

In this Master Bathroom project, plans for a full renovation were pulled together which included a glass block wall on a walk in shower, a new bathtub and custom wall mounted cabinets.  Subcontractors were hired to complete the plumbing, tiling, painting, window replacement and flooring.

Master Bath - After

Two tips to share after completion of this project are:

Tip #1

If you are planning a project that you would like completed in the Spring/Summertime be sure to start lining up subcontractors NOW!  Time is of the essence when it comes to setting up appointments for estimates and solidifying your place on the calendars of your subcontractors.  Once Spring has officially arrived, you can plan on being on a waiting list of your most wanted tradesmen/women in your area.

After

Tip #2

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when the space and budget have limitations.  The example in this room is the issue of the heating.  Elements were in place on the outside wall – the same wall that vanity and a storage unit were to placed in order to reduce drastic changes in the plumbing.

The original suggestion was to incorporate radiant heat in the flooring to accommodate the furniture.  Although it was a reasonable idea, the budget could not take on the additional costs involved.

Wall Mounted Cabinetry

The creative solution incorporated custom built wall cabinets that were hung above the heating elements.  This was a fresh, contemporary solution that complemented the walk-in shower beautifully and kept the budget on track.

Back on the Grid

After a bit of a hiatus, I’m happy to be returning to my blog.  It has been a busy year full of inspirational projects.  I’m excited to share a few of them with you over the coming months.

Master Bath Renovation

Commercial Job Completion

Custom Window Treatments

Each project was rewarding and educational in it’s own way.  I will share with you the stories behind the designs – including some lessons learned to help you get the most out of your home or office improvement projects this year.

NEW!!  I will be introducing videos to the blog and on the redesigned website*.  This is all new to me so it is sure to be an interesting ride.  As always, your feedback is encouraged and much appreciated.

*www.parkerhouse-designs.com will be launching very soon.  Keep an eye out for the announcement here and through the Parker House Designs Facebook page.

FALL IN LOVE….

….with how you feel when you are at home.

So many of us have overstimulated lives filled with demands, deadlines, and unrealistic goals that leave us feeling overwhelmed and (as we would have said in the 80’s) “stressed to the max!”.  This is why T.G.I.F. seems to be the most popular acronym to flood Facebook posts at the end of every week.

We seek peace and quiet from our busy lives at home but do we actually achieve it?  With the constant barrage of a new set of home life stressors like schedules with busy kids, television, video games, social commitments, and the never-ending chore list, it’s a miracle that we even get a few minutes to relax and take the deep, cleansing breath that we crave by the time Friday rolls around.

So, how do we make a change?  Where to we begin?  Well, it all starts right at home.  Our environment directly affects our emotions and stress levels.  There are some things that you may want to consider adding to your home improvement goals this year that can help you calm the rooms of your house.  These changes can quickly reduce your stress levels and you just might find yourself inspired to relax.

1. ORGANIZE:  Do you have a room or space that is cluttered or has become a dumping ground for everything that doesn’t have its own place?  You know, the spot that makes you cringe every time you look at it.  All the cringes then turn into frustration that everything is a mess.  If you can relate to this, you certainly are not alone.

The answer for these spots is simple….15 minutes.  You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish in 15 minutes.  This is a concept that I first learned about on a great website created by Marla Cilley, AKA Fly Lady (www.flylady.com or www.flylady.net).  Take a look at Fly Lady’s tips on how to eliminate these Hot Spots in your home.

Less clutter + less chaos = less stress.

Schedule a day or weekend to tackle that one big spot that has been driving you crazy.  Purge what you don’t feel that you need anymore and determine a proper place for everything that is staying.  This will immediately eliminate the stress of visual clutter taking up space in your brain.

2.  BRING A BIT OF NATURE IN:   Add some greenery to your rooms, living plants bring life to any space they inhabit.  You don’t have to have a green thumb for this you know.  There are plants out there for the floral inept that require little maintenance and can survive with limited amounts of water.

A few examples are:  Spider Plants, Aloe, Jade and the Peace Lily.  There are several online resources available in order to research but the best option is to visit your local garden center to get the information and plants that you need based on the type of lighting you have in your home.

Another approach is to pull in the sounds of nature.  A bubbling water fountain can help you envision a babbling brook or you could try a CD/DVD that has soft music combined with the ebbs and flows of moving water or the melodies of songbirds.  Songs with a rate of 60 beats per minute are ideal to create a soothing atmosphere.  (These songs are often used by businesses that must place customers on hold – the calming of the music is said to help keep callers from becoming irritable).

3.  GET THE ROYAL TREATMENT

Are you the King or Queen of your castle?  Are you surrounded by luxurious items the way the Royal Family is?

You certainly can be.  The selection of lush, textured fabrics and bedding is enormous these days and more affordable than ever.  Imagine your bedroom looking like this:

Texture Rich Comfort

You can quickly get the warm & fuzzies by bringing in throw blankets and pillows that are covered in fabrics like chenille, velveteen, silk, sateen and fleece which are buttery soft and envelope you in warmth.  Keep in mind that when buying sheets, the higher the thread count, the softer to the touch they will be.

Buttery Softness

Taking the time to remove physical clutter (that becomes mental clutter) along with adding soothing sensory items into your home can go a long way to improving your well-being.  Set a goal within your home improvement list to include items and spaces that will encourage the relaxation, calm and serenity that you so richly deserve.

Do you have a cozy spot in your home that you and your family gravitate to?  What about it makes it so appealing…color, furniture or accessories?  Let us know…

Color Your World

Now that the New Year has come, many of us have a list of resolutions along with a list of home improvements that we would like to accomplish in the coming months.  It is the perfect time to start prioritizing projects, setting budgets, researching products and creating plans.  As we go through the next couple of months, this blog will touch on a few ideas to consider in your planning.  The first will be color…..

One of the top trends for home improvement is the addition of color.  A coat of paint can do wonders for any space and depending on the color, can change the mood of a room completely.  It also happens to be a good budget conscious option.

Here is an example:

This orange-red room conjured up feelings of anxiety and unrest.

After painting, the room takes on a whole new, approachable feel.

Consider doing something a little different with paint by using a deep, rich color on one wall to create a focal point and use a lighter accent color for the other walls.  Another option is to paint the ceiling with tinted paint.  It doesn’t have to be a wild color, maybe just a warmer, creamier white than the stark white of standard ceiling paint.

If you prefer neutral colors on your walls, then you can infuse color with the accents that you incorporate into the room.  Splashes of color will add rhythm to the space as your eye travels around to take in the colorful hues.  The great thing about adding color through accents is that you can change things up to incorporate different colors and styles throughout the seasons.

Color Splashes = Rhythm/Movement

If you have chosen a color that you like and need help to find complimentary colors for trim or adjacent spaces, take a look at the color resources where you buy your paints.   Many of the major paint brands offer their paint card samples as well as pamphlets that have colors that can be used together in harmony grouped together for ease.

The Sherwin Williams Color trends for 2010 included pinks and purples.  For 2011, they are still very much a part of the palette with the addition of jeweled tones of teal and wine.   Take a look at the Sherwin Williams Color trends for 2011 for some inspiration.

Click Here

If you have already taken the leap to adding new colors into your home, what paint color was your favorite and which room did you use it in?