To Faux or Not to Faux?

That is the question… and I say “go for it.” Let the pros help you achieve a stunning look that mere paint just can’t accomplish.

I love a tone on tone stencil for a subtle statement and a plaster wall is as rich as it gets! See below for a remarkable decorative paint pattern on a wooden beamed ceiling.

*photo courtesy Modello Designs

Houston is home to some very creative painting resources. One of my faves is to the trade only, but you can get some one-on-one time with her by enrolling in her painting courses. Janie Ellis of Anything but Plain is the faux painter extraordinaire. She divides her time between teaching others to paint and occupying a scaffold! Check out http://www.anythingbutplain.com/ for info. A gorgeous, hand painted, pattern on a kitchen hood or a fireplace mantle sparks interest.

For a fun blog on faux painting check with the “Painted Groove Girl” at http://www.paintedgroove.blogspot.com/.

Please send us your favorite faux resources and photos!! info@laurau.com

Different Strokes

I have often been asked how to apply bold, rich color successfully. This is easily achieved by following these three rules:

• combine colors that are in the same tonal range
• use colors that compliment each other
• save your bold colors for accent walls or interesting furniture pieces.

When selecting colors for your home, you should first evaluate your look. Do you tend to warm or cool tones. Are your colors more yellow and red or more blue and gray. It is best to keep warm and cool tones separate, although a burgundy wall can be amazing when trimmed in a very light gray (aren't there always exceptions!).

Two or three different colors combined in the same room result in a fab space. Start by identifying your “Accent” wall. This is usually the wall that your bed rests against or just an art niche in your dining room. The “Accent” will receive your boldest color and the rest of the room falls away in sedate “Field” color. Mix in a fun furniture piece in a punchy color and voila!

By painting a single wall in your "Accent" you are signaling that something special happens in that space. Place your favorite piece of art or a family portrait on this wall. Your "Accent" may also call out the entry to a special room in your home.

*photo from Western Interiors Feb 2008

What do your colors say in your home?

Moody Blues

A natural follow up to the 2008 Color ‘Cast is a full week dedicated to the how’s of PAINT.

It’s been said once or twice that the absolute quickest way to dramatically change the mood of a room is PAINT. A beige room is reinvented with stormy blue walls creating a calming atmosphere. This deep, dusky hue will enhance your artwork and your black and white photos will be even more dramatic. A youthful yellow or invigorating red will fill your kitchen with energy. Pop these colors with a crisp, white trim. Any room in your home can be reborn in a dark plum: living rooms become cozier, bedrooms are more intimate and dining rooms are instantly elegant.

I recommend the following colors for your home in 2008. You will love them for the year and they may even become your trademark color!

Deep Hues:

• A gorgeous blue that leans to the gray side is Granite Peak from Sherwin Williams. Try trimming this room in Evening Shadow instead of the traditional white. I also love the color Black Pepper from Kravet for Benjamin Moore.
  
• Blackberry and Plum Brown are amazing shades that are new to Sherwin Williams in ’08.
  

Soft Tones:

• Pale Blue can help create an informal setting and works well with natural wood tones and Carrara marble. Use Shore from Restoration Hardware


• Try Pink Shadow in your master bedroom for a feminine touch.

*photo from Sherwin Williams 2008 Color trends.