Painting Projects

I went into a brief period of hibernation after returning from France. A few days after we had arrived home, the weather turned and we were faced with an intense freak snow storm. The city found it very difficult to cope with the amount of snow. It was a such a set-back for autumn as many leaves were still green and had not yet  fallen. Fortunately the weather warmed considerably, and after Thanksgiving the snow had finally melted. The return to mild conditions allowed for me to repaint our front door from Benjamin Moore's 'Fallen Leaf' to a soft black, Benjamin Moore's 'Satin'.

 

Before: 

 

 

After:

 

 

My next project will be our slightly pathetic entry way. It's small but could use more pizzazz. Andrew suggested painting it in Farrow and Ball's 'Lamp Room Grey'; a  color we had used in our den in our last house. It's a medium tone in a smokey blue that would pair nicely with the rest of the décor. I also plan to: add some art ascending up the stairway, switch out the small vintage chair for a white Japanese garden stool and add a colorful patterned rug. We'll see how it comes together in the end...  

 This little project should keep me out of trouble for a while. Enjoy the beautiful month of November!

 

 ~~~

Home Office Spruce-up!

 

I wasn't exactly sure what type of a look I wanted for the office; but I knew I wanted something along the lines of a sitting room with a writing desk look rather than a technological, ergonomic space (boring and not really attractive!) 

Our first week after moving in it looked like this and has been the last room to get some final touches.

Prepping for paint which we did in Farrow and Ball's 'Bone' which is the same color that we used in the guest room. It's a smooth neutral green and makes a great backdrop for any color scheme.

With a few final touches and some soft furnishings, it's finally a comfortable but workable space.

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Hope you have a great Canada Day!!

The Perfect Blue

When we last left off with our main bath, I was searching for the prefect soothing light blue paint color. I wanted something that resembled the color of the water when the bath tub was full. The color we inherited was a tobacco brown (see photos below) and was much too dark for the space.

 

Another color reference for me was the shower curtain which is full of pretty greys and blues. I made my way to our local Farrow and Ball dealer, Maria Tomas, over my lunch hour one day and found myself walking back into the downtown core with a gallon of Farrow and Ball's 'Skylight'. I knew from the painted sample board at the store that the color would be perfect.

 

 

(Remind me to change the chrome electrical plate to a beige one, wont you?)

Hope you're enjoying a beautiful weekend!

Before and After: Guestroom

The evolution of the room has been slow but steady. You may recall where we last left off....Here!

Oh my. A cluttered mess. It took us a while to sort things out in here. Actually, it was our cleaner,  home-organizer extraordinaire who unpacked and cleaned-up this damn mess. Yes, we love her.

I chose Farrow and Ball's 'Bone' for this room which was a welcome change to the deep gold that was throughout the house before. Its soft neutral green was just the back-drop that I was envisioning.

I didn't want to hang a mirror over the dresser. Instead, I wanted to hang something unexpected, out of proportion and fun. If a guest needs a mirror for dressing, there is a large mirror hanging on the wall behind the bedroom door.

 It's cozy, non? Snuggle-up this weekend! It's still cold out there!

Master Bedroom Update

Our new bedroom light fixture was installed yesterday so I can finally share the finalized look with you! I really wanted to create a tranquil space with a touch of glamour featuring soft blues and a bit of sparkle without looking too overdone.

 The inspiration...........

Barbara Barry's 'Poetical' Sheet Set

It was Farrow and Ball's 'Light Blue' to the rescue once again

A luxurious toss cushion fabric for a bit of interest and pattern

The 'Priscilla' semi-flush mount from Murray Feiss

 

Bathroom Break

Each of our bathrooms has some nice finishings including Turkish marble and limestone but they need some help to make them look current and luxurious. I've always liked the look of a pale blue bathroom; relaxing, tranquil and classic. I think this could be the way to perk-up the main bathroom. Contenders for paint color are Farrow and Ball's 'Cabbage White' (Andrew's fave) and 'Pale Powder' (My fave and always a sure-thing).

Farrow and Ball's 'Cabbage White' on paper sample contrasted by 'Hardwicke White' and 'Blazer'

Farrow and Ball's 'Pale Powder' on jug contrasted by 'Teresa's Green'.

Our other bathroom (shower room actually) is generally nice but looks a bit like a spa designed in the '90's. I'm going to attempt to streamline the look and tone down the whimsy by changing-out the vanity fixture to a more contemporary antique bronze fixture by Forte (there are no pictures of in on the Internet anywhere!). Depending on how the new vanity light looks, I may change the vanity fixture to something more current like the Tena vanity below from the Home Depot.  Speaking of the vanity...Can't you just imagine it re-purposed as a liquor cabinet?

Tena vanity combo from the home depot

If you have any ideas or inspiration, please send them my way!

Wallpaper continued..

Image of The Ranelagh Papers from farrow-ball.com

I have finally narrowed-down my top picks for bedroom and staircase wallpaper. Oh yes, there are bigger things in life to be agonizing over but escape with me for a few moments s'il vous plait....

My final selection for the wall behind our bed is The Ranleagh Papers by Farrow and Ball with a tan background and pale blue diamond detail. The entire room is painted in Farrow and Ball's Light Blue so I think it will set off the paper nicely.

Farrow and Ball's Ranelagh Papers BP1804

Image of Orangerie wallpaper from farrow-ball.com

 The staircase will be Farrow and Ball's Orangerie with an off white background and light blue detail

Farrow and Ball's Orangerie BP2517

 The art on the wall is quite contemporary and masculine but I think it will be an interesting contrast to the wallpaper pattern. I'll be sure to post photos when the wallpaper is finished but it won't be anytime soon!