CAROLYN AND BRIAN - FRESNO

ART

The wall art will make a big impact in the living room.

(You are in luck!  Aaron Bros. is having their 1 cent sale - for frames.)

Ikea is another good buy as their Ribba frames are 9.99 and have the mat included.  

(Click on the word Ribba above for a link to the size that will hold an 8x10 print.)

  If you don't have an Ikea near you, you can order them online.  I like the black, but they come in black, white and wood toned...

You will need to measure the wall for me to determine how many will fit.

Here are some installations of botanicals for inspiration and example.

These frames above are very similar to the ribba frames from Ikea.

This is a client's wall of Fern botanicals

Carol, do you know what accent color you want to use in this room?  It would help me select the prints.  I'm looking for purple, red or yellow botanicals... 

CURTAINS

This is the top of the list for making a room feel finished.

For color, I like cream or light beige (kind of like the wall)

I would use two panels each window flanking the fireplace

panels on the ends and in-between windows on the outside wall.

(measure from floor to ceiling and purchase curtains long enough to hang as near ceiling as possible and to skim the floor.)

GROMMET TOP

West Elm

The easiest application is the grommet top (shown above).  Don't get the rod pocket style, as they look cheap.  

FLAT PANELS WITH RINGS

(THIS IS A GOOD COLOR)

Pottery Barn

You can get tab-top curtains, or get straight panels and clip on rings to go over the rods.  The rod should be 1.25 inch in diameter or larger.  Smaller ones look inexpensive and not substantial enough.

GROMMET TOP

Restoration Hardware

IKEA

RUGS

8x10 or larger (you will need to measure) for the living area.  Furniture can sit completely on or partially on the rug.

LAMPS

ACCESSORIES

tray

candle

florals

box

KITCHEN ITEMS

basket

island tray

(use the apothecary jars you have)

plus - 

DINING ROOM

walls?

table?

BATH

small tray

glass accessories

soaps

faux orchid or plant

botanicals for wall

UPDATE:6/17/15

Hi Carol and Brian...

I'm tossing out suggestions and showing examples for finishing up the newly painted rooms in your home...  Let me know what you like and would like to implement so that I can also send you links for places to purchase.  

KITCHEN ACCESSORIES:

I just love how a bit of paint totally updated your kitchen.  

The stainless pops against the white of the cabinets 

and everything looks fresh and new - and gorgeous.

I hope you are liking it too.

I also love the before and after pictures next to each other..

Wow!  Definitely need to add this to the decorating blog!

So, kitchens don't need a lot of decor, but there are a few things I would do.   

Add knobs and pulls, (which it looks like you have done) ...in silver to add a glint of light

E X A M P L E

Add a warm woven wood blind to the window over the sink
(even though it doesn't look outside)
 it will warm the space and add texture and a finished look... 

E X A M P L E  of blinds

E X A M P L E (window blind)

Add a tray to the island with a small faux arrangement of flowers or succulents and/or lemons/artichokes, etc.

          The tray allows quick removal if you need the space for prep.  

Add a low basket on the counter near the cooktop to hold the items you use most often -
salt and pepper, olive oil, etc...

This corrals them and keeps them neat, the basket adds warmth and texture, etc.

LIVING ROOM

This area looks amazing now, but needs softness, pattern, texture and color

Add:  Simple curtain panels on all windows - hang them higher than the windows and on rings so that they will drape nicely.  They should just skim the floor.

They will add contrast, color and softness to that wall, and frame the windows, raise the eye -
all those good things...

Its okay if they cover a little of the window on each side -
you have lots of light and more windows in this room.

I would add a basket, lanterns, or a couple of the pillows you choose for your sofa
on the hearth to soften it a little.

You need a rug to define this seating area.

It will add more softness and cozy it up a little.

You will need a table lamp between the wing chairs and a floor lamp or table lamp near the far end of the sofa.  You may already have these, but if not, choose simple bases and drum shades in a light linen color to update this room.

We also need new decorative pillows - I like the cream/gray/soft yellow combination with your existing tan furniture

and when you replace the wing chairs, I would go for a lighter color - cream or beige.

Bringing white or cream into this room will bring it to life.

The large wall on the left of the room is screaming for an art installation.

I would do a gallery wall of botanicals or family photos...

I have a good resource for the botanicals - from ferns to florals
You can choose them in an accent color, or mix it up.

If you have an Ikea nearby, they are a great resource for frames.

You can get a frame with mat for $9.99 each (at IKEA) will hold an 8x10 print.

A few accessories for the coffee table...(I see two coffee tables, which one do you use?)
a few books, a decorative box to hold the remote,

plant, candle... 

BATHROOM DECOR:

Here are some ideas to finish up the bathroom.  It is looking quite nice, don't you think, with the marble and new paint?

On a bathroom vanity, less is more.

A few faux flowers, rolled towels and hanging towels, soap and dish or pump

is all that is needed. 

And I would add some art -
I would bring the botanical look into here as well -
it will make it feel fresh.

Get back to me with the items you like and would like me to resource for you.

If you want me to find pillows, let me know what accent colors you want.

Its looking great in the photos, and April said it looks beautiful in person...

Good Luck!

**************************************************************

Fabric ideas for you:

Tan and gray look great together.  I'm thinking that if you keep it neutral and use tan, gray and cream, it will work nicely.

Gray, tan and cream palette

Decorative pillows that use all three colors will pull it all together.

most of these pillow examples can be found on Etsy

If you feel the need to have a pop of color that is not a neutral, you can add

a solid pillow in purple or burgundy

 You also mentioned yellow, which I really do like with the grays,

 not sure how it would look with the tan sofa and chair and a half

but it looks great with gray

I would try it on the sofa first to see how it looks with the tan.

(substitute your accent color of choice)

You didn't ask about curtains, but I would definitely recommend them to soften and frame the windows.  Cream color would be perfect, and I like these below that have a band of color on the bottom - subtle, but still adding to the palette.

Your side chairs can be any of the colors in the palette - except I wouldn't do tan as you already have two pieces of furniture in that color.

And I'd add a rug... cozy it up!

Let me know what you think!

It was nice talking to you Carolyn.

When I first posted this we were just looking for colors, but I realized after speaking with you that you are anticipating some big changes.  I know you are pressed for time as your work is so busy right now, so if you would like me to, I can help you make all those difficult decisions.

As promised, I'm posting some information about countertops that mimic or resemble carrera marble for the kitchen.

First the real gorgeous thing:

 and here are the mimics - far more suitable to a kitchen 

QUARTZITE

(see below for Lemon juice test)..

MAN MADE QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

(Some of these are new, so call to see if they have a sample you can see)

CALACUTTA NUVO (Caeserstone)

Caesarstone's new line (FROSTY CARRINA (left) and CAMBRIA TORQUAY (right))

And there are several gorgeous granites that resemble marble.

WHITE DELICIOUS GRANITE

RIVER WHITE GRANITE

RIVER WHITE GRANITE

CASHMERE WHITE GRANITE

CASHMERE WHITE GRANITE

BIANCO ROMANO GRANITE

 Remember that granite and quartzite are natural stone - so they will vary in striation and in intensity of movement.  Some will be darker, some lighter, and some may have veins of other color.  Once you have an idea of what you like, you will need to go on a hunt for the perfect slab.

There are some good ideas for fireplace walls, kitchens, master ensuites, etc. on my Pinterest boards and on my blog.  But let me know if you want some personal help - I can give you a customized plan of action and recommendations for the areas you are contemplating changes in and take away some of that stress.  Please also fill me in on what you have chosen for flooring or anything being replaced in the rooms where I recommended colors.

Regards,
Claudine

Hi Carolyn and Brian. 

Thank you for sending the pictures so I could get a feel for your home and your style.

I know what you are going through. 

 I am at the end of a long renovation following a slab leak... 

one thing just seems to lead to another... doesn't it?

I love all the wonderful natural light you have -

and I can see you have tried a few colors... ha!

You said you painted a bathroom in Silver Dollar?  Was that Olympic paint?

I have recommended some Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams colors, but they should be able to color match if you would rather use the Olympic paint.

Generally speaking, I try not to change colors too much in an open space.  Staying with one color in all the rooms that are visible to one another creates flow and continuity.  Adding contrast creates the interest and the beauty.  That being said, I recommend one wall color for these rooms, but some changes elsewhere....

I would use a soft white on the ceiling, in a flat sheen, including the beam ( although I would recommend a satin or semi-gloss for the wooden beam )  The same white satin or semi-gloss should be used on any trim or doors, (door casings, crown and base moldings, window casings, etc.

For the walls I recommend a beige that has a gray undertone (or a gray with a beige undertone) which will make your room feel calm and cool and the color will go with nearly everything. 

 I think it will be lovely in these rooms.

I also think there is a lot of 'one-tone' going on in your home right now, 

so I would recommend adding some contrast!

Based on what you told me about the bathroom, I think some dark grays would be the best solution.

I would paint the bar cabinets and bottom area a dark/medium gray,

 and I would do the same to this brick wall and fireplace.

Since this is a long room, the dark color at the end will provide a focal point, add a little drama

and update this look.  If you are able, I would also add a big chunky wooden mantle.

Visuals always help - here are some accent walls and fireplace walls in dark gray:

To further delineate your cozy seating area, I would add a seagrass rug (because its dog friendly, and adds texture and will make a world of difference there - and its inexpensive too).

seagrass rug

seagrass rug

link here

 If you find it in the budget, adding crown molding and framing the windows with trim will make a huge difference and create a more custom look.

I'm familiar with where you live and I want to make your home feel as 'cool' as possible... so no colors that are too warm.  In the kitchen I'm recommending a white for the upper cabinets and the same darker gray for the bottom cabinets and island.  The white on top will keep it from feeling cave like, and the dark on the bottom will ground it and pull in the other grays in the home.  You mentioned you were replacing the countertops, and I don't know if you have selected a material you like.  I know you like the carerra marble look, which I wouldn't recommend for a kitchen.  However, there are now quartz or man made countertops that mimic the carerra marble and that would be gorgeous with the colors I'm recommending.  There are also some beautiful white granites that have gray and beige tones in the pattern that would be beautiful.

To help you visualize, here is some kitchen inspiration in similar colors:

Now, back to this photo for a minute...

I would include the bookcase built-in at the back of the room in the paint process,

and paint it the dark gray.  It will be amazing!

THE COLORS:

Ceiling:  Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE in flat

Walls:  (I'm recommending two colors - you need to test them to see which looks best in your space).

Sherwin Williams ACCESSIBLE BEIGE (my clients' all time favorite) (lighter than it appears here)

OR

Benjamin Moore REVERE PEWTER (my all time favorite - I have this on my own walls)

Revere Pewter

you can also try
Olympic Paints QUILL

Fireplace Accent Wall: (Flat)

Kitchen Cabinets - Uppers:  (and the rest of the wood trim)

 Benjamin Moore WHITE DOVE in Semi-Gloss

Kitchen Cabinets - Lowers, Bar, Built-In Bookcase:  

Benjamin Moore CHELSEA GRAY in Semi-Gloss

Chelsea Gray

So, this is a great neutral background.  I actually can't think of a color that doesn't work well with these colors, be it reds, greens, blues, yellows, or purples.  So you can add color with your fabrics and accessories and change it up whenever you like, and your neutral background will still work.

The light in your home, your ceiling height, the size of your room, even the geographical area you live in - all effect color.  That is why it is so hard to choose wall color.  So make sure you test it first to make sure it goes okay in your house - and if it doesn't for some reason - I will suggest some other colors for you to try.

I probably gave you more information than you asked for - can't get me to shut up once I get started! Ha!  If you have any other questions, please call or email or text me.

Good luck!

MARY HILDEBRANDT

COLOR PALETTE FOR MARY

I'm so sorry for the delay in getting this to you, but you have me a lot to digest, and I wanted to put it here in such a way that you can see the palette working throughout your home.   As always, a few words of wisdom:  Paint looks completely different in your house than it would in mine or anyone else's for that matter.  Light, size of room, wood tones, height of ceiling, time of day and even geographical settings all alter the appearance of paint color.  It may take us a couple of tries to get it right, but the best way is for you to put some sample paint on a poster board (leaving at least 2-3 inches of white all around) (two coats) and try it out in your room for 24 hours.  You will see the changes it goes through as the light changes, and you will see if it looks good with the woods, tile and flooring already installed.  You gave me some guidelines:

I really was hoping to get away from tans, yellows, greens.  If I could I would love to do warm grays or a Stonington Gray with BM Eclipse or BM Black Pepper accents in our bedroom and try to find a flow for bathroom and living room.

Stonington Gray

Eclipse

Black Pepper

Ceilings are high (except on north wall of dining room)... All rooms upstairs are open to each other...

The soffit and wall above soffit in kitchen is BM kangaroo.

Kangaroo

Since they are all open to each other and the tile on the fireplace is gray - and a particular problem spot for you -  I'm recommending we go a little less beige and more gray on this level.  The cool of the gray will play off the warm wood tones and there is should be sufficient gray in the backsplash tiles and counter top material to support it.  

The living room, dining area, stairs (very high ceilings in stairway) and front door entry way is Manchester tan (which looks completely different downstairs where there is little natural light)

Manchester Tan

I made a huge mistake with a gray tile I used on fireplace. It looks horrible with Manchester tan wall paint and really everything else too... I am hoping the right wall color will bring it together but still keep suggesting to my husband we rip it out and put something much more interesting to replace gray tile.

Hard surface colors: hope pics of kitchen granite counter tops and backslash are clear enough in pics.  Bathroom and adjoining master bedroom are currently BM smokey taupe

Smokey Taupe

 The bathroom vanity top is Caesarstone linen and the back splash in shower and sink is a glass ...I guess shades of brown.

Bathroom porcelain tiles on wall surround and floors are called "ash" and I thought they had a taupe color undertone (hence why I painted walls smokey taupe) but now I am told they are a green gray. Green again :).

So is the undertone noticeable?  Does the green show up against the smokey taupe?  If it is truly reading green, then we should go with a gray with a subtle green/blue undertone that may lead it in the right direction. And since you have treasures throughout your home that share that color, its a natural choice to suggest it as an undertone. However, you wanted this area to be the Stonington Gray and darker Black Pepper or Eclipse accents - which may not play well with the brown glass accent tiles in the bathroom.

Bearing that in mind, and the photos of rooms you have collected (he's one of my favorites, too!) which bring in more beige/grays, taupes and soft blues - here is the palette I'm recommending.  We will tweak it as we go along if one or more of these colors doesn't work out.

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM/STAIRS/ENTRY and KITCHEN SOFFITS
Because of the open floor plan and close proximity to the fireplace with the gray tile you are having some difficulty with, I've given you 3 colors to try here - It's hard for me to get an exact idea of the color of the tile, but it is apparent that a beige or brown undertone is not working with it.  We also have the backsplash and the counter top to consider - so I think a cooler tone gray should work.  You will have to paint a sample and take it to each area to see if it plays nicely with the other colors :)

Benjamin Moore GALVESTON GRAY

Benjamin Moore HORIZON GRAY

Benjamin Moore PENTHOUSE

MASTER BEDROOM
Along with the Stonington Gray you liked for this area, I'm also suggesting another color to try:

Benjamin Moore GRAY HORSE

 Gray Horse has a subtle green/blue undertone, and your accent colors will blend beautifully with this tone.

Benjamin Moore GRAY HORSE

Benjamin Moore STONINGTON GRAY

Sherwin Williams has a wonderful array of grays - this one with a little warm undertone

Sherwin Williams ACCESSIBLE BEIGE

MASTER BATHROOM
So I like to think you can go a little more dramatic in bathrooms.  To pair with Stonington Gray is these slightly darker blends - (the color is so off in the photo of the bathroom due to the flash, that I don't know how it will go with the tile).  See what you think....

Benjamin Moore COVENTRY GRAY

Benjamin Moore BOOTHBAY GRAY

Slight blue/green undertone to this one - 

 And this one a little more taupey gray - you can steer me in the right direction on these.

Benjamin Moore GALVESTON GRAY

Mary, get back to me as soon as you can on these colors - let me know which ones work and which ones don't and we will play with them until we get it right.


I love Vincent Wolf's vibe (in the attachment i have added some pics from his book and magazine tear out that I have been carrying around for way to long :)

The hardwood floors, window casings and kitchen cabinets are all that dark wood....espresso ? Everyone thought the dark wood floors would not work but we think they do as again the natural light is so abundant that light floors, cabinets would get washed out (I think anyway )....

So my dream is to have a somewhat contemporary vibe but with a warm comfortable inviting space.

It does have a tropical feel with palms, bird of paradise , etc. and trying to figure out how we might use a few beach accents incorporated into a more more contemporary look. i spent some time years a go in Bali and went nuts over that look so our garage is full of art, etc. from that look....but tired of it and yet want to use a few things that mean something to us from our travels....i.e. glass balls, shells, etc.

A few other things, .small balcony deck paint color off living room will be changed and planning to paint deck wood a dark stain so looks like an extension of living room floors. Still need a railing on deck too.

I know you are only doing paint palette now but I am hoping we can continue to work together in furnishings etc. and getting to a house I want to come home to ! there is currently no home feel and it is EMPTY!! I love your work and love love love that you are willing to help the DIY'ers :)

FROM HOUZZ - LIVING ROOM IDEAS WITH COLORS MARY LIKES

Transitional Living Room by Calgary Interior Designers & Decorators Bruce Johnson & Associates Interior Design

Traditional Living Room by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators Michael Abrams Limited

Transitional Living Room by Great Falls Architects & Designers Carlyn And Company Interiors + Design

Beach Style Living Room by Philadelphia Architects & Designers Moger Mehrhof Architects