Design Guide: The Best Black Paint Colors

May 24, 2016

Black has always been an essential decorating color and anyone that has worked with me knows that one of my design mottos is “every room needs a touch of black.” Over the years, black has gone from being used as just an accent color to being the dominant color for many rooms. I know that black walls or even black furniture aren’t for everyone but if you have a space that needs dramatic backdrop or a ceiling that you want to fade away, black just might be the color you need.

♦ THE BEST BLACK PAINT COLORS ♦

Black furniture has become a standard design statement and a coat or two of black paint is a great way to transform a vintage piece. In most cases, furniture painted black calls for a finish with a bit of shine so go with a gloss, semi-gloss or satin finish. {color: BM Black Satin}

Kiki’s List

Black stair banisters with white spindles is one of my favorite design details. If you’re looking for a quick and fairly easy update for your stairs, black paint is definitely something to consider and I recommend a semi-gloss or satin finish to make the details of the wood/design pop. One of my favorite black paint colors for banisters is Sherwin Williams Black Magic.

House Beautiful

Black require the right setting to be most effective including sufficient natural light. The black walls in this foyer space give the area a dramatic and elegant look without it feeling like a cave. {color: SW Tricon Black}

via Sherwin Williams

I think bathrooms are an ideal space for black paint. Surrounded by white surfaces and brass hardware, the black wall in this bathroom just fades away and allows the decorative elements to stand out. And since black and white tile is a hot trend these days, black walls are an easy compliment. {color: BM Soot}

Studio McGee

Black doors, both interior and exterior have almost become the norm for many homes. Black interior doors can make a hallway stand out and black exterior doors have a sophisticated feel and really pump up the curb appeal of a home. {color: BM Space Black}

Country Living

Favorite Paint Colors

Kristen from The Hunted Interior painted her living room ceiling black and boy is it stunning especially with all of the vibrant colors and metallic finishes that accessorize the room.

Hunted Interior

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Picking the right shade of black paint can be just as challenging as picking the right white paint color. Shades of black range from true, rich pigmented blacks to others that have a grey or even blue undertone. As I do with any color of paint, I recommend you buy a few sample jars and try the colors on your wall to find the one that works best with your room and decor. As a designer, I’ve tried my fair share of black paint colors and have narrowed down my top picks and my favorites to just a handful which might help you in your paint search.

If you have white trim in your home and are looking to paint your walls black, a crisp white will work best. You can read about my favorite white paint colors by clicking the image below.

Design Detail: Stylish Acrylic & Brass Switch Plate Covers

May 18, 2016

The littlest design detail can make or break the overall look of a space, even something as simple and unassuming as switch plate covers.

The perfect solution for walls where you want the gorgeous wallpaper or beautiful paint color to be the star, is to replace those plastic plates with something stylish and chic like acrylic or brass.

I rounded up a few visuals for you and have pulled together a resource list to make shopping easy. When it comes to decorating, this is definitely a project anyone can pull off.

cococozy

the hunted interior

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SHOP SWITCH PLATE COVERS

Forbes & Lomax is a London-based business that has been in operation for over 25 years. They recently expanded their business and are now selling their Invisible Lightswitch brand in the US and Canada. Their plate covers are super chic and I love the unique toggle and push button designs they have. You can order a free catalog on their website.

Reprotique is a wonderful online shop I recently came across with the most beautiful Asian and Pagoda styled acrylic and brass switch plate covers. Their covers are not inexpensive but boy are they a statement piece. While you’re on their site, be sure to check out their acrylic light sconces…to die for.

Other resources for acrylic, glass or decorative switch plate covers:

SwitchHits–a full range of glass plate styles to fit all light options along with themes and decorative plate covers including leather.

WallPlateWarehouse–This resource not only carries a full range of acrylic switch plate covers but they also have covers in black, brass, bronze, chrome, copper, stone and wood.

House of Antique Hardware–-This online store sells switch plate covers in different antique design styles like mid-century, industrial, art deco and victorian.

HomeDepot is always a great source when you want to get the look for less.

My Favorite Spaces from The One Room Challenge

May 16, 2016

Have you heard of the One Room Challenge? Better yet, have you been following the design series? If not, you’ve been missing out on some incredible room transformations and amazing design inspiration.

The One Room Challenge was is a bi-annual blog series started by Linda from Calling It Home and it is now in its 10th season. What started as a design makeover blog hop has turned into one of the hottest design transformation series in bogland. The ORC has become so hot that the series recently attracted sponsors like House Beautiful, Decorator’s Best, Joss and Main, Lamps Plus, Farrow & Ball and Lowes.

Each round of the ORC features 20 bloggers/designers who makeover a space in a 6 week period. The participants select their space, develop a plan and execute the dramatic transformation while sharing the entire design/decorating process weekly on their blogs. To date there have been over 1000 room makeovers by featured and guest participants.

With each ORC I’m always excited to see that beautiful rooms created by the participants.

The latest round of the One Room Challenge just ended and I must say it includes some of my favorite spaces to date so I thought it would be fun to share a few favorites with you today. Check it out and be inspired!

p.s. you can see all of the room from the featured bloggers here and the guest participants here.

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My Favorites:

Claire Brody Designs: My favorite details are the furnishings, the fireplace and the beauty of those white walls.

Design Manifest: This kitchen space went from ho-hum to incredibly chic. I love the bar stools, the lighting and the cabinet door detail.

The Makerista: The wood paneling and trim detail on the walls in this man cave is amazing. And I love the subtle color palette.

My Sweet Savannah: Now this is the way to update a dated bathroom. My favorite details are the glass front cabinets, the vanity mirror, the chandelier, the cabinet pulls, the roman shades….ok, I love it all.

Jill Sorensen: Jill had me at the black, yellow and pop of color so used for the master bedroom. I especially love the gorgeous headboard, the window treatments and the stools in front of the sofa.

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My Favorites:

Dimples and Tangles: Jennifer knocked it out of the park with the painted buffalo check wall in her powder room. And you definitely want to check out the wall moulding, the pink door and the acrylic hardware.

Always Rad: I’m so glad I discovered this blog through the ORC. This kitchen transformation is truly gorgeous and I want that banquet eating area and those lighter over the island.

Simple Details: If you love an eclectic mix like I do, you’re going to love this living room. I was really excited to see the coffee table since my mom owns that same table. p.s. take note of the amazing accessories and styling.

Amanda Louise Interiors: This is another new to me blog and after seeing this makeover I’m a big fan. I love the transformation of the TV wall and the over mix of furniture and accessories.

The Crowned Goat: I’m a big fan of office spaces that function well and look good too. This space is ideal of blogging, bills and creativity. I love the styling on the bookcases and rustic chic details throughout.

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If you have time, I encourage you to check out all of the One Room Challenge spaces. There are just too many beautiful rooms to include all my favorites here.

My Favorite Ceramic Lamps

May 10, 2016

Shopping for lamps has become a whole lot easier since stores like HomeGoods now sell affordable and stylish table and floor lamps. While most of the lamps they sell are reasonably priced, I recently spotted a collection of Ralph Lauren table lamps at my local HomeGoods store selling for $499. They were gorgeous but definitely not something I expected to see in their store.

If you’re shopping for a single accent lamp versus a pair, you’ll have better luck at the big box stores since many times their assortments are picked over. When I need quality table lamps and want to ensure I’ll find what I’m looking for, I have several sources I turn to.

One of my go-to sources is Lamps Plus. Not only do they have a great selection of styles but they have free shipping and returns on most of their table lamps. When shopping Lamps Plus, you’ll find a wide range of price points, styles and colors to choose from which makes finding your style pretty easy. One thing to note is that many of their basic lamp styles are only sold in pairs which can be good or bad but usually their ‘pairs’ offer a great value.

Another source I shop is Home Decorators. I loved it when they had a store here in Atlanta but shopping from their website is the next best thing. They carry a variety of styles and their prices are good too.

Here’s a round-up of my favorite ceramic table lamps…

♦ I recently used this lamp in a design plan for a master bedroom and the clients loved the look, scale and detail. It’s a great lamp for a dresser and would also work great on a desk. Barbara Cosgrove Mid-Century Ceramic Lamp $129.99

♦ The Adrian Fluted Gourd Lamp {$79.95} is a great style for master bedroom night stands, a foyer table or side tables in a living/family room. The lines are a bit more feminine and the acrylic base gives it a slightly more modern edge.

♦ When it comes to classic gourd lamps, the Robert Abbey Emerald Triple Gourd Lamp is one of the best. It’s a bit more expensive at $299.00 but the design and style make is a classic piece that will last for years. And it’s available in multiple colors.

♦ You all know I love a blue and white lamp and the Amber Table Lamp is a favorite because of the blue and white design but also because of the antique gold accents. This scale is smaller so this lamp is best suited for a desk, vanity top or bar area. $91.00 { Alert–I just spotted a similar lamp at SteinMart which after the additional sale discount was $34}

♦ This classic Set of 2 Lillian Table Lamps is a good value at $248.00 for the set and in addition to the blue and white, it comes in red, black, orange and grey. This table lamp is ideal for side tables, a console table or night stands.

♦ I’m all about a chunky ceramic table lamp and love the silhouette of the Paris Ceramic Lamp. This style is available in 5 softer colors which make it great for a nursery, home office or bedroom. $143.00

♦ Diamond shaped lamps are popular right now partly because of the mid-century and retro decor trend that you’re seeing everywhere. This is a great lamp style for a desk, console table or foyer table. Robert Abbey Delta Brown Tea Ceramic Lamp $211.60 {available in 15 colors}

♦ If you’re looking for a pretty silhouette, then you’ll like the Wells Table Lamp. This lamp is available in a pale blue and soft pink so you know it perfect for a nursery or even a guest bedroom if you want a spa like feel. $195.00

♦ Here’s another classic gourd lamp. Sold as a set of 2, the Pamela Triple Gourd Lamp comes in 5 deep, rich colors including marine blue, Chinese red and fern green. $239.00

via Glitter Guide

If you’re looking for brass lamps, Lamps Plus does carry a selection but I’ve found my best source to be flea markets and antique stores. You can also find lots of vintage lamps on Etsy.

In a couple of weeks I’ll share my favorite floor lamps with you so stay tuned.

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Do you have a favorite lamp source I don’t know about? Leave me a comment and let me in on the secret.

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products Of The Week

May 6, 2016

Hi friends. I’m changing things up a bit and bringing you my Favorite Things post a day early. I’ve got some great inspiration for you today along, things to add to your shopping list and a couple of projects you might want to try this weekend. And if you’re hosting a Kentucky Derby party tomorrow, here’s a quick and easy party decor idea you can whip out tonight. p.s. You can buy plastic horseshoes at Wal-Mart or Party City.

via Every Last Detail

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FAVORITE POSTS

These DIY hot dog and marshmallow roasting sticks are just the cutest. Makes me want to plan a camping trip just so I have an excuse to make a set of my own.

I love all things Eddie Ross and this living flower arrangement he created is just stunning. Check out this video to see how he does it.

If you’ve ever wanted to add a decorative trim to curtain panels, here’s an easy to follow tutorial on the process.

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FAVORITE PINS

I just love dark details in a room. The black bookcases and dark window and door casing really makes a statement in this library space.

via My Domaine

I’m always on the hunt for creative tablescape ideas and since I have a whole box of white tile lying around, I will definitely be making my own tile placemats after seeing this tablescape. Such a fun idea and so many ways you could mix and match patterns.

via 100 Layer Cake

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I know every one of you is going to want to run out and buy this stunning gold and white striped magnifying glass especially when I tell you it’s on $10! p.s. If you can’t find it in the store, you can buy it online. Magnifying glasses happen to be one of my favorite things when it comes to decorative accessories.

One of my all-time favorite starburst mirrors is on sale in a big way–50% off thru May 9th.

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I hope everyone has a great weekend. I’m spending tomorrow at the Food-n-Fun Festival being hosted by the non-profit agency I work with. If you have kids and live in the Atlanta area, come out and enjoy some fun, food and sunshine.

Filing the Nook–Decorating Around Your Fireplace

May 5, 2016

DECORATING YOUR FIREPLACE NOOK

Elements of Style

You’ve seen them, those little nooks that sit next to a fireplace and sometimes hold built-in shelving. I’m a big fan of built-in shelving but sometimes builders skimp on the cost and effort of putting them in so a homeowner is left with an empty nook space to fill.

When Ikea came on the scene, bloggers and design enthusiast starting creating custom looking shelving with Billy Bookcases gave them the look of built-in but with a tremendous cost savings.

Laura Ramsey Furniture & Interior Design

Now, if you’re not a DIYer and you don’t want to go to the expense of hiring someone to build bookcases, there are some creative alternatives to filling those nooks that flank your fireplace.

♦ CREATE AN AREA TO SIT AND LOUNGE

I love window seats and this just might be the next best thing, a comfy upholstered banquet. What’s also great about this design option is the wall space that you’d have to hang a beautiful mirror or piece of artwork.

Roses and Rust

♦ ADD FLOATING SHELVES

Floating shelves will afford you the same function as a built-in bookcase but are much easier to install and they have a more organic feel to them. Using reclaimed wood for the shelves is also a great way to add charm to your decor. Ikea has lots of affordable floating shelf options but this one and this one are my favorites.

Blackband Design

♦ CREATE A WORKSPACE IN THE NOOK

Creating a desk or workspace within the nook is a great way to make this area functional. I love the idea of a wall unit that can be closed up and concealed when not in use, enhancing the visual appeal.

Better Homes and Gardens

♦ FILL THE NOOK WITH TABLES & DECOR

You can always fill the nook area with a piece of accent furniture like a demo-lune table, cabinet or console table. This look works great if you style is traditional and you like symmetry in your decor.

Better Homes and Gardens

♦ ANCHOR THE AREA WITH FREE-STANDING BOOKCASES

Free standing bookcases are always an option and provide great flexibility if you like to change-up your decor from time to time. This bookcase/cabinet combo is a great option and I love this glass front option.

Decor Pad

♦ HANG SOME ARTWORK

If wall space is limited in the room where you fireplace is, you might want to leave the nook area free of furniture and use the wall space to hang a collection of artwork.

Country Living

♦ ACCESSORIZE THE NOOK WITH FURNITURE & DECOR

My favorite approach to decorating the nook is to make a creative statement with a combination of furniture, art and decorative accessories.

Prepaganda

If you have bookshelves next to your fireplace or will be adding some to your decor, here are a few styling tips to keep in mind…

♥ Paint the back of your bookshelves to add a color pop and visual interest. Depending on the accessories you use, they might also pop better against a colorful backdrop.

♥ Use an eclectic mix of accessories for visual interest and to add personality to the room.

♥ Create visual depth by placing item front and back along each shelf and use items of different heights to create depth top to bottom.

♥ Arrange books vertically and horizontally to create movement for the eye to follow within the overall arrangement.

image via Dimples and Tangles

The fun part of decorating is to make the most of the space you have and putting your own spin on your decor.

Happy Decorating!

Favorite Posts, Pins and Products Of The Week

April 30, 2016

Can you believe that April is almost over. The year is flying by at lightening speed and Christmas will be here before you know it. Even if you’re feeling a bit behind the eight ball like I am, I hope you’ll take a little time this weekend to sit, relax and enjoy my favorite posts, pins and products.

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FAVORITE POSTS

Are you on LinkedIn? In addition to finding jobs, the site features some great articles on business, skill building, entrepreneurship and leadership. This one on leadership happens to be written by one of my clients. #greatadvice

Art image by Lulla

When it comes to neutral decor, this living room is one of my favorites–just looking at it give me a sense of calm and relaxation. The trick to pulling off this color palette is using different shades of from one color family, incorporating texture and pattern work and using white to provide a clean crisp contrast. #texture #tonal #50shadesoftan

via Decor Pad

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FAVORITE PINS

This color and styling of this barcart vignette is serving as inspiration on a little project I’m working on. #makeovermadnessbloghop

via Adore Magazine

What a perfect centerpiece arrangement..flowers and greenery! Simple arrangements like this can be created using just about any flower variety and greenery from your yard. #keepitsimple

Camille Styles

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FAVORITE PRODUCTS

I love coloring in my coloring books because it’s so relaxing and almost hypnotic. Up until now the books I found have included abstract images or flowers so I’m super excited about this coloring book which is perfect for a design lover like me.

Do you host a Cinco de Mayo party? Even if you go out for Mexican food like we do, you still might want to take along these super adorable mini pinatas. #toocute

Have an awesome weekend. My big plans for the weekend are a walk in the park, painting, getting a little work done and catching up on my magazine pile. Just the kind of weekend I need.

Behind The Blog: Jennifer Schoenberger Design

April 29, 2016

I’m excited to bring you the very first post in my new Behind The Blog series her on ConfettiStyle and I’m even more excited to be featuring my friend and fellow interior designer Jennifer Schoenberger and Jennifer Schoenberger Design.

Photograph by Kristy Dickerson

I met Jennifer a few years ago and immediately felt her warm and genuine spirit. Since that time our friendship has blossomed and I have become one of Jennifer’s biggest fans. As a designer, she has an eye for detail, can accessorize a room like no other and designs rooms that exude the ultimate in comfort and luxury. One of the things I really love most about Jennifer’s design style is her ability to mix old and new and modern with vintage, creating spaces that feel collected, personal and timeless. And if you need some fashion inspiration, Jennifer has impeccable personal style with a love for vintage fashion.

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Recently I posed a few questions to Jennifer so that we can learn a little more about her and take a look behind her blog, Vreeland Road.

Grab a cup of coffee of let’s chat with Jennifer and take a look at more of her work…

How did you get into the interior design field? And what do you love most about design?

My career began after the purchase of our first home in Roswell. It was my first canvas and I went to work creating with paint, lighting and flea market finds. Friends and friends of friends began asking for help and it started as a little side business/hobby while working a nine to five. In 2010 I started blogging and showcasing my work and ideas, and at that point I felt like folks started to take it more seriously and business took off. What I love most about design, is helping people create a home they love living in. Our surroundings are so important to our daily lives and energy. It plays a role in everything we do, I really believe that. And being a designer is a gift. I’m so grateful (and flattered) every time a new client calls inviting me into their personal space. It’s a privilege I take very seriously.

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I know you have fabulous style but can you give me three words you think describe your personal style?

Oh gosh, it’s so hard for me to label my style. It’s a conglomerate of so many things and always changing! I think if I had to come up with three words it would be FUN, classic and a little bit rock and roll.

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Design trends come and go, but which design trend are you loving most right now? And which one do you wish would fade away?

I have to say I’m a huge fan of the notion of opposites attract. The idea of mixing an antique desk with a modern chair or hanging an ornate gold frame against a rustic, reclaimed wood wall. You see a lot of this mixing going on, traditional with modern. I’m not so sure this is a trend, so to speak, but I hope it sticks around because it creates great interest in interiors. As far as a trend I wish would go away, nothing really jumps out at me. I guess if you are going to hang your tv over your fireplace, please be discreet and creative in trying to camouflage it when not in use.

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What’s your favorite room in your home?

Right now, none of them! LOL. But if I had to pick, I’d say our kitchen/keeping room is on track to being my favorite, probably because it’s the only space close to being “finished” and it’s where we spend most of our time together.

-those drapes!

What’s your most prized decorative accessory?

My most prized decorative accessory would be anything that belonged to my Mother. For example she had a pocket watch she wore on a gold chain, and I incorporate those things into vignettes around our home as a reminder of her love and sacrifice. Being a Mom is a really hard job!

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If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring designers, what would it be?

Be fearless in your design and ideas. Stick to your guns and don’t let any contractor, vendor, husband-of-the-client talk you out of it. Nothing is more frustrating, when you come up with an idea you laid in bed all night long thinking about, to have them roll their eyes at it and think you are crazy. You are not crazy. That and be prepared when you lay out your business plan, brand, processes and procedures. Have all that ready and rocking for when the flood hits because it will be too difficult to go back and implement while trying to design the lights out of five different spaces at once.

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What’s your favorite way to rewind after a long day?

Family dinners. Hands down. I feel like our corporate culture owns us Monday through Friday, so for me it’s so important to make those days count with a family dinner around the table. It might be 8 o’clock at night by the time we all sit down, but it’s happening. And Mommy gets very angry when over-the-top coaches or sports interfere with weekday family time. It’s so important for Mom, Dad, siblings to have that connection every day. To be heard.

I know you are from Michigan and love your home town, but what do you love most about living in the south?

What I love most about living in the South is Southerners passion for living! Whether it be their homes, gardens, entertaining, the way they still “get dressed” – the South is big on living and I think it played a major role in the success of my design career. I can’t say for sure that if I was still living in Michigan, I would have developed such a passion for interiors.

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Tell me 5 things you can’t live without?