You've spent a couple hours or days or weeks or even months selecting the just-right color paint for your interior. And the painter comes to look at the job and you feel so proud to be able to promptly give the name of the perfect hue you selected. But the painter's next question is---what's the finish you want? And like most everyone, now you are stumped again.
Well I can help in this situation. I have attended seminars at the Benjamin Moore Paint Co. showroom in The Mart/Chicago and we were given answers to this question.
This blog is not trendy and sexy but the information is timeless. So I suggest that you print a copy and save it for whenever you paint.
This list is categorized by interior room surface and finish.
Ceiling: flat
Decorative Wall: matte or eggshell
Wall with imperfections: matte or eggshell
Dining Room walls: matte or eggshell
Living Room walls: matte or eggshell
Master Bedroom walls: matte or eggshell
Office walls: matte or eggshell
Children's Room walls: eggshell or pearl
Bathroom walls: pearl
Kitchen walls: pearl
Family Room walls: eggshell or pearl
Stairway walls: eggshell or pearl
Entry Hall: eggshell or pearl
Door Frames/Doors: satin or semi-gloss
Moldings: satin or semi-gloss
Wood Handrails: satin or semi-gloss
Wood Baseboard: satin or semi-gloss
Furniture: satin or semi-gloss
Cabinet doors: satin or semi-gloss
How the finishes compare?
Flatter paint diffuses light more, touch-up easier, maintenance is more difficult, and imperfections are less obvious and less resistant.
Glossier paint reflects light more, touch-up is more difficult, maintenance is easier, imperfections are more obvious, and more durable.
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Folding Screens As Decorating Solutions
Folding screens have always given a room style while concealing something unattractive or ugly. Screens do have a history in interiors.
Ancient Chinese screens were made of painted wood. In ancient Japan. screens were made of portable paper that was painted, lacquered or gilded. In the 16th century, Asian folding screens were brought to European traders and the idea spread across Europe.
The concept is more than decorative as screens can hide an unacceptable view or section off a room based on current functions. On a trip to Paris and London, I noticed that screens are offered in all the design shops as a beautiful option to section off the studio-sized apartments that are prevalent in European cities.
Design ideas are unlimited today with modern manufacturing techniques. You can make a screen using wood panels stained or lacquered to compliment the room's wall color. Or a screen using a wood or metal framework can then be filled in with panels of fabric or wallcovering. Mirrored screens not only hide the unsightly or partition a room, but the reflections expand the space visually. Incorporating an antique folding screen into an interior adds beauty with precious artwork.
And if you no longer want to use the screen as a partition, you can hang it on a wall as a piece of art. A folding screen may be the answer to that design problem that won't disappear.
Ancient Chinese screens were made of painted wood. In ancient Japan. screens were made of portable paper that was painted, lacquered or gilded. In the 16th century, Asian folding screens were brought to European traders and the idea spread across Europe.
The concept is more than decorative as screens can hide an unacceptable view or section off a room based on current functions. On a trip to Paris and London, I noticed that screens are offered in all the design shops as a beautiful option to section off the studio-sized apartments that are prevalent in European cities.
Design ideas are unlimited today with modern manufacturing techniques. You can make a screen using wood panels stained or lacquered to compliment the room's wall color. Or a screen using a wood or metal framework can then be filled in with panels of fabric or wallcovering. Mirrored screens not only hide the unsightly or partition a room, but the reflections expand the space visually. Incorporating an antique folding screen into an interior adds beauty with precious artwork.
And if you no longer want to use the screen as a partition, you can hang it on a wall as a piece of art. A folding screen may be the answer to that design problem that won't disappear.
Saturday, April 14, 2018
10 Romantic Home Decorating Ideas
As Spring and Summer approaches, have you ever heard that our thoughts turn to romance? And why not bring romance into your home?
I have gathered decorating ideas from various sources. Although they are romantic, these ideas can become part of your rooms all year long. Ranging from as easy as changing a light fixture to creating an entirely new scheme, these tips will add a spark of romance to your home.
1. A chandelier, with the glow of light reflecting crystal and metal is always romantic.
2. A Venetian mirror above a cabinet or console exudes timeless and elegant romance.
3. Pink is always pretty especially with green and white it's not too feminine for your guy.
4. A romantic dining setting uses white accents on cove molding, a chair rail, seating, fabric and trims.
5. Soft lighting creates a romantic setting by simulating the effect of candlelight,. Always use dimmers.
6. A sensual room uses soft-shaped seating and lush fabrics you can sink into.
7. A loggia is always a perfect way to bring the outside into your home and make a romantic getaway space.
8. A feminine bedroom uses crisp white and draped sheer fabric.
9. A "trip to Paris" themed room setting uses an iron and wood chandelier, tile floor, toile fabric and wood furniture.
10. Romantic headboard in fabric, wood or metal always set the romantic atmosphere of your bedroom.
I have gathered decorating ideas from various sources. Although they are romantic, these ideas can become part of your rooms all year long. Ranging from as easy as changing a light fixture to creating an entirely new scheme, these tips will add a spark of romance to your home.
1. A chandelier, with the glow of light reflecting crystal and metal is always romantic.
2. A Venetian mirror above a cabinet or console exudes timeless and elegant romance.
3. Pink is always pretty especially with green and white it's not too feminine for your guy.
4. A romantic dining setting uses white accents on cove molding, a chair rail, seating, fabric and trims.
5. Soft lighting creates a romantic setting by simulating the effect of candlelight,. Always use dimmers.
6. A sensual room uses soft-shaped seating and lush fabrics you can sink into.
7. A loggia is always a perfect way to bring the outside into your home and make a romantic getaway space.
8. A feminine bedroom uses crisp white and draped sheer fabric.
9. A "trip to Paris" themed room setting uses an iron and wood chandelier, tile floor, toile fabric and wood furniture.
10. Romantic headboard in fabric, wood or metal always set the romantic atmosphere of your bedroom.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Top Design Trends To Consider
If you want to keep current with home fashion, its important to be aware of the important design trends. These are features and looks that most homeowners and homebuyers liked. I found these current three top trends for you to know.
Its all about light.
Floor to ceiling windows, walls with multiple windows are always a big hit and are a 2018 trend. Light is essential to create a balanced chi, per Feng Shui. Its believed that energy form the sun stay sin the room all day and brings positive, happy vibes. When looking for a space to live in, choose windows over walls.
Create a statement with floors and wallcovering.
Statement floors create a base to a room and a great way to make a room pop. Statement wallpapers, even on just one accent wall, with bold colors, geometric shpaes or large floral designs, are a great way to update a room without changing too much else.
Pastel tones are a theme to go for.
Pastel shades have been the Pantone color of the year the past few years. One advantage of pastels is their neutral tones go with almost every other color and makes it easy to mix and match without getting stuck with any one particular shade.
Most important to remember is you are the one who has to live in your home. So choose a décor that makes you feel joy when you get up in the morning and return home at the end of the day.
Its all about light.
Floor to ceiling windows, walls with multiple windows are always a big hit and are a 2018 trend. Light is essential to create a balanced chi, per Feng Shui. Its believed that energy form the sun stay sin the room all day and brings positive, happy vibes. When looking for a space to live in, choose windows over walls.
Create a statement with floors and wallcovering.
Statement floors create a base to a room and a great way to make a room pop. Statement wallpapers, even on just one accent wall, with bold colors, geometric shpaes or large floral designs, are a great way to update a room without changing too much else.
Pastel tones are a theme to go for.
Pastel shades have been the Pantone color of the year the past few years. One advantage of pastels is their neutral tones go with almost every other color and makes it easy to mix and match without getting stuck with any one particular shade.
Most important to remember is you are the one who has to live in your home. So choose a décor that makes you feel joy when you get up in the morning and return home at the end of the day.
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Paint: The Right Finish
When selecting the paint for your room, the first thing you think of is color. However, choosing the right finish is just as important. Sheen levels impact both the aesthetic and functional aspect of a room. They affect the amount of light reflected from the painted surface, hiding or highlighting imperfections and influencing color perception.
The Benjamin Moore Paint Co. has outlined descriptions of paint finishes to help you to select the right one for the visual look and cleanability of the room you are painting.
Flat is the least reflective finish and provides excellent depth of color. It's a great choice for hiding minor surface imperfections on walls and generally preferred for ceilings.
Matte is more reflective than flat and is also great for minimizing minor surface imperfections while providing a durable finish.
Eggshell imparts a softly polished glow and provides an easy-to-clean surface. It's perfect for busy areas such as kitchens, dining rooms and family rooms.
Satin or pearl is a medium finish ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways when the full sheen of a semi-gloss is not desired.
Semi-gloss creates a smooth, highly reflective finish that is durable and withstands repeated cleaning. It is also used to highlight interior trim, doors and window frames.
The Benjamin Moore Paint Co. has outlined descriptions of paint finishes to help you to select the right one for the visual look and cleanability of the room you are painting.
Flat is the least reflective finish and provides excellent depth of color. It's a great choice for hiding minor surface imperfections on walls and generally preferred for ceilings.
Matte is more reflective than flat and is also great for minimizing minor surface imperfections while providing a durable finish.
Eggshell imparts a softly polished glow and provides an easy-to-clean surface. It's perfect for busy areas such as kitchens, dining rooms and family rooms.
Satin or pearl is a medium finish ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways when the full sheen of a semi-gloss is not desired.
Semi-gloss creates a smooth, highly reflective finish that is durable and withstands repeated cleaning. It is also used to highlight interior trim, doors and window frames.
Monday, February 19, 2018
What's In And What's Out for 2018
What is out in 2018
industrial chic
mid century modern
ombre fabric
ombre carpeting
black & white
millennial pink
people are over gray and greige
What is in for 2018
dark blue & milky white (is the new black & white)
old fashioned chintzes
florals in colors of turquoise, apple green, shocking pink
sherbert colors of lemon chiffon, pistachio, delphinium blue, lettuce
green especially in live green plants both large and small
return of traditional design elements including antiques
traditional brown furniture
velbet sofas
handmade accessory like ceramic pieces
square-shape tiles are coming back
ceiling pendants grouped together versus one large chandelier
industrial chic
mid century modern
ombre fabric
ombre carpeting
black & white
millennial pink
people are over gray and greige
What is in for 2018
dark blue & milky white (is the new black & white)
old fashioned chintzes
florals in colors of turquoise, apple green, shocking pink
sherbert colors of lemon chiffon, pistachio, delphinium blue, lettuce
green especially in live green plants both large and small
return of traditional design elements including antiques
traditional brown furniture
velbet sofas
handmade accessory like ceramic pieces
square-shape tiles are coming back
ceiling pendants grouped together versus one large chandelier
Thursday, January 25, 2018
The Joy of Home: How To Begin
The interest in interior design and putting together the furniture look you like, has lead to the trend to spend lots more time at home. Furniture alone does not create that warm, comfortable feeling you desire. Filling your rooms with the latest, greatest trend furnishings that look fabulous on slick magazine pages will not make your home your own space.
I recommend that if you want to get that heart-filled feeling of home in your own interior, a little bit of homework will go along way to get you in the correct direction. If you want to save yourself lots of time and budget mistakes, take a minute to sit and think about the rooms you have been in your life that had made you feel the best being in them. What homes did you look forward to going back to again and again because of the way you felt there? Think about the colors, placement of furnishings, fabrics, textures, light, fragrance and style. Further, compare these various homes and what is the commonality to the room décor?
If you spend this time you will begin to get a theme for what you love to be surrounded by in your home. Your goal is to create your home interior to be what gives you the most joy when you see it the first thing in the morning. And at the end of the day when you open the door to your home, the space should make you feel like it's your retreat and relaxing refuge.
This is the first in a series of The Joy Of Home---to create your own home of joy.
I recommend that if you want to get that heart-filled feeling of home in your own interior, a little bit of homework will go along way to get you in the correct direction. If you want to save yourself lots of time and budget mistakes, take a minute to sit and think about the rooms you have been in your life that had made you feel the best being in them. What homes did you look forward to going back to again and again because of the way you felt there? Think about the colors, placement of furnishings, fabrics, textures, light, fragrance and style. Further, compare these various homes and what is the commonality to the room décor?
If you spend this time you will begin to get a theme for what you love to be surrounded by in your home. Your goal is to create your home interior to be what gives you the most joy when you see it the first thing in the morning. And at the end of the day when you open the door to your home, the space should make you feel like it's your retreat and relaxing refuge.
This is the first in a series of The Joy Of Home---to create your own home of joy.
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