A Q&A on paint with artist Annie Sloan

British artist Sophie Smallhorn, whose work explores the relationships between color, volume, and proportion, grew up immersed in a creative environment. Her parents were industrial and textile designers, and her Montessori education, with its use of brightly colored, precisely shaped wooden objects, fostered an early understanding of color, form, and dimension. This upbringing shaped her artistic approach, which is characterized by sophisticated geometric solids and a focus on color dynamics. Initially, Smallhorn pursued a degree in Wood, Metal, Ceramics, and Plastics at the University of Brighton, where she crafted sculptural furniture pieces that, despite their limited functionality, were primarily driven by color. She began creating assemblages from leftover materials for personal enjoyment, eventually selling them informally. Her acceptance of her work as fine art came only after a gallery explicitly presented it as sculpture, reflecting her background in design and making. Early career milestones included significant commissions from the avant-garde fashion brand Comme des Garçons, which provided opportunities for large-scale installations at its Tokyo flagship. These projects broadened her scope, leading to collaborations such as developing a 56-color palette for the London 2012 Olympic Stadium with Populous Architects, where exterior canvas banners in various hues marked spectator entrances. More recently, Smallhorn has ventured into textile design with Designtex, creating an upholstery pattern named Ribbon. This marks her first formal foray into textiles, a field her mother worked in, and one Smallhorn initially resisted due to her discomfort with digital design processes and the overwhelming possibilities of digital printing. However, a clear vision from Designtex's executive design director, Sara Balderi, during their renewed collaboration post-COVID, made the digital process manageable and even a revelation. The inspiration for the Ribbon motif originated from an enameled snuff box with an undulating ribbon, which Smallhorn encountered at the Victoria and Albert Museum. She developed the idea by physically manipulating collage and colored acetates, twisting and folding them, before translating these physical experiments into a digital layout for pattern repeat, palette, and scale. The initial design, which started smaller, evolved into a bold, graphic, and dynamic pattern with a theatrical quality, largely influenced by Designtex. The ribbon on the fabric is not solid but composed of parallel lines, a deliberate choice by Smallhorn to achieve an effect similar to screen printing, where overlapping transparent colors create a third hue, adding a playful and energizing graphic element. A solid version of this pattern, called Flat Ribbon, is available as a customizable wallcovering through Designtex’s Digital Studio website. Smallhorn notes a significant crossover between her two-dimensional prints and her three-dimensional sculptures and installations, as both involve compositions of hard-edged formal shapes. Screen printing serves as a rapid and playful method for developing ideas, allowing for serendipitous color scenarios that often inform her sculptural pieces. While her three-dimensional work does not allow for layering transparent colors, the print table mimics sketching, providing inspiration for new color combinations. She uses the same acrylic paint for both prints and assemblages, viewing the latter as vehicles for exploring and holding a palette. Smallhorn emphasizes the intuitive nature of her color decisions, often repainting pieces multiple times to achieve a desired equilibrium among what she describes as 'easy' and 'less easy' or 'awkward' and 'less awkward' colors, without relying on a predefined system. Her collaborations with brands like Comme des Garçons and COS exemplify her ability to bridge fine art and commercial design. For COS, she created window displays for five global stores, featuring large, overgrown stacks of shapes designed to complement product displays. This dual engagement with both artistic and commercial realms is a comfortable space for Smallhorn, who appreciates working with brands that share a similar sensibility toward color and design. Her career demonstrates a consistent exploration of color, form, and proportion across various mediums, continually seeking synergistic relationships in her chromatic work. #SophieSmallhorn #ArtistInterview #ColorDesign #Sculpture #TextileDesign #InteriorArt #DesigntexCollaboration #GeometricForms #CreativeProcess

This article features an interview with Ann Flemings, a contemporary abstract painter based in Austin, Texas. Flemings discusses a significant project she undertook in 2017: a self-designed residency focused on scaling up her artwork. Initially, she envisioned painting "big" but lacked the necessary studio space. To overcome this, she arranged a trade with an artist friend, pet-sitting in exchange for using a large studio for two months. Her plan involved working on ten 4-foot by 4-foot canvases, dedicating June to preparing small study paintings, and acquiring larger art supplies like brushes, mixing containers, and gallery-wrapped canvases. She set up ladders as easels and felt a sense of excitement rather than intimidation by the large scale. Flemings began painting on July 5th, using her reference studies as a starting point. She quickly realized that scaling up presented unique challenges, including mixing larger quantities of consistent color and effectively wielding bigger brushes. To translate images from smaller studies to large canvases, she used a tracing-paper grid. While she started with vigor, the work output gradually slowed down as the larger canvases required more time and attention. Challenges arose from the studio environment, which lacked air conditioning in Texas during July and did not have a bathroom. The intense heat caused her paint to dry rapidly, necessitating the use of gel mediums and water to revive it, which altered the paint's texture and flow, hindering her process. Despite these difficulties, she persevered, finishing two paintings and making modest progress on two others. After four weeks, Flemings decided to complete the remaining two canvases at home due to the studio conditions. This self-directed residency, while frustrating, provided invaluable lessons about the complexities of scaling up artwork. She now enjoys painting large-scale pieces, with the primary limitation being the size of canvases that can fit in her car. This experience boosted her confidence in tackling ambitious projects and refining her artistic approach. She also views the self-directed residency as a beneficial strategy for exploring concepts for future formal residency applications. Flemings, born in Los Angeles and raised in Pennsylvania, has a BFA and previously worked in fundraising. She re-engaged with art in 2015 and now creates vibrant abstract art through layering, excavating, and revealing, aiming to evoke peace and beauty. Her process is intuitive, influenced by emotions and memories, allowing the painting to guide her. She emphasizes the importance of listening to the painting and believes each piece has a unique story and soul, bringing personality and spirit to a home. She hopes her work conveys a sense of calm energy, balance, and "relaxed spaciousness," a Buddhist concept she incorporates into her life and art. The article also covers how to foster a supportive environment for artists. Flemings encourages individuals to attend exhibitions, become museum members, visit local art shows, purchase original art directly from artists, and contribute to arts non-profits. She advocates for voting for representatives who support the arts and encouraging community engagement in the creative ecosystem. She highlights the role of art in offering beauty and reflection, quoting Brian Rutenberg on how art encourages "slowing down" and "breathing." Flemings believes that finding original artwork that resonates with an individual is a special experience and strives to share her work widely through social media and, ideally, in person, emphasizing the unique experience of engaging with handmade art in a technology-driven world. Flemings shares a story about resilience, recounting a challenging portfolio review in 2015 that criticized her composition, color use, and lack of focal points. Despite initial devastation, she adopted a practical, objective approach, deciding to strengthen her foundational skills. She joined a life drawing group, practiced "notans," and worked with a respected teacher to improve her drawing, painting, and color mixing. This rigorous training, though frustrating at times, helped her develop a stronger artistic eye and a better understanding of line, tone, and value. A year later, her improved work was well-received by the public, validating her growth as an artist. She expressed gratitude for the candid feedback, attributing her increased strength as an artist to that challenging experience. #AnnFlemings #AbstractArt #ArtistInterview #ArtResidency #PaintingChallenges #CreativeProcess #ArtistResilience #ArtisticGrowth #HomeDecor #ArtCommunity

Annie Sloan, a renowned British artist and color expert, shares insights into her personal home, decorating philosophy, and professional journey in an interview as part of the 'My Happy Home' series. Sloan, celebrated for inventing Chalk Paint™ in 1990 and authoring 26 books on paint effects and interior design, recently launched a wall paint line and an online course on filling homes with color through Create Academy. She splits her time between London and Normandy, France, living with her husband, David. Sloan expresses her happiness at home stems from entertaining friends in well-designed spaces, particularly her living room. This Victorian room, which features a bright green 'Schinkel Green' accent wall and 'French Linen' on connecting areas, is filled with art and offers views of both front and back gardens. She emphasizes the importance of personal connection to decor, influenced by her father's love for home decorating. Sloan advocates for homes that reflect personal journeys and memories, finding it perplexing when spaces lack personality or color, referring to stark white and grey interiors as 'bleak chic.' Her best home bargain was an 1803 armoire purchased for 10 euros at a French 'empty your house' sale. Sloan values items with personal significance, highlighting a small painting by Thomas Cooper inherited from her mother as a treasured possession. She advises against prioritizing practicality over beauty when acquiring items, citing a non-functional but beautiful brass clock in her Normandy home as an example. Her ideal evening involves social gatherings or peaceful solitude, reflecting her dynamic life. Sloan's decorating advice emphasizes the need for a captivating focal point in a room to draw the eye, whether it's a vibrant wall, a significant painting, or unique furniture. She finds joy in sourcing unique homewares from flea markets, car boot sales, and online platforms like Instagram, and supports local British designers. When discussing disliked trends, she mentions macrame and excessively large sofas, which she believes can overwhelm a space. She reiterates her strong aversion to all-white or all-grey interiors, recounting a client's realization that such a scheme made her home feel dull. Her dream home would be a blend of a French château and a modern house, characterized by high ceilings, beautiful views, and exquisite craftsmanship. She desires an urban setting, possibly Paris, to avoid feeling isolated. Sloan's living room is her favorite space, adorned with diverse art and artifacts collected globally, with shelves painted in contrasting colors to highlight sculptures from different cultures. She also cherishes her garden room for its view, despite its challenging layout, and describes her simple, yet beloved, garden space with olive trees. Annie Sloan concludes her interview by promoting her online course, 'How To Fill Your Home With Colour,' encouraging others to embrace color in their living spaces. #AnnieSloan #ChalkPaint #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorExpert #DecoratingAdvice #PersonalStyle #HomeInterview #CreateAcademy

The article delves into the anticipated paint color trends for homes in 2024, emphasizing the significant role of color in shaping the mood and atmosphere of a room. It features insights from six interior design experts, each offering their perspectives on trending colors and practical advice for homeowners embarking on decorating projects. The overarching theme highlights a shift towards a blend of strong earthy hues and bold, darker shades, while also encouraging personal expression in color choices. Sophie Robinson, an interior stylist, expresses her enthusiasm for warm, vibrant colors, specifically burnt oranges and plum shades. She recently painted her TV snug a dark plum, chocolate color, finding it conducive to a restful evening environment. Robinson advises individuals to prioritize their favorite colors, asserting that personal preference is key to long-term satisfaction with interior choices. Helen Ashmore, Head of Design at Laura Ashley, is currently drawn to dark greens, viewing her home as an extension of the natural world. She plans to use a combination of fern, hedgerow, and pistachio greens in her living room to create a cozy, inviting space. Ashmore recommends testing paint swatches in various lighting conditions over a week to observe how the color evolves, especially for north-facing rooms. Annie Sloan, a renowned color expert and inventor of Chalk Paint™, predicts a resurgence of deep, earthy brown and red shades. She suggests pairing these with periwinkle blue for a winning combination, noting that blues, greens, and pinks also complement them well. Sloan encourages trusting one's instincts over external opinions, advising that bold colors can be balanced with artwork and pictures. Interior designer Pandora Taylor observes a trend towards vibrant greens, particularly fresh, spring-like tones, ideal for adding a playful touch to smaller areas like bathrooms. Taylor stresses the importance of comparing different shades of a color to understand their base undertones—grey, yellow, or red—which significantly impact the final look. She also encourages bolder, richer choices, as they can be warmed up or toned down with lighting. Emma Valerio, Home Design Stylist at John Lewis, is captivated by blues, particularly sky blue, which she finds works well with ornate features and decorative wooden furniture. She suggests using it on walls, skirting boards, and ceilings for a significant impact, pairing it with soft greens and whites for a romantic feel. Valerio also offers an alternative to wall painting, advocating for bold colored painted furniture, such as yellow side tables or blue bobbin drawers, as a shortcut to adding color. Alexandra Buckthorp, an interior designer with a background in Arts History, advises looking to nature for inspiration in 2024, suggesting opulent natural brown earthy shades and warm mid-tone blues for main backdrops. Her personal favorites include deep terracotta chocolate browns and mid-tonal caramels, which she views as safe choices for those cautious about color. Buckthorp also cautions about the geographical location of a property, noting that a vivid magenta might work in sunny Miami but a more muted tone would be better suited for a period home in the UK, where natural light is often duller and more inconsistent with seasonal changes. The consensus among experts is to approach color selection thoughtfully, considering personal mood, lighting, and environmental context. #PaintColorTrends #HomeDecorating #InteriorDesign #ColorPsychology #ExpertAdvice #SophieRobinson #AnnieSloan #LauraAshley #JohnLewis

Annie Sloan, a prominent figure in the interiors business since the 1980s, advocates for transforming existing furniture and homewares using her signature Chalk Paint™ to achieve high-end looks on a budget, especially relevant during economic and climate crises. Having started her career painting frescos for London's elite, Sloan has been influential in various creative trends, including rag rolling, stenciling, and the shabby chic movement. Her Chalk Paint™ was developed during the 1990 economic downturn, offering an affordable solution for updating furniture when new purchases were not feasible. The brand gained global recognition during the 2010 banking crisis as people sought cost-effective ways to refresh their homes. Sloan, now 73, emphasizes that good taste is not contingent on high spending and that paint offers an effective, sustainable method for revitalizing pre-loved items, diverting them from landfills. The versatility of Chalk Paint™ is a key aspect, as it adheres to nearly any surface—including brick, glass, plastic, textiles, and metals—without requiring extensive preparation. This characteristic allows for strategic 'colour pops' throughout a home, such as on photo frames, lamp bases, door paneling, and table legs, to create a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic. Sloan suggests that these transformations can be done incrementally, painting small pieces over evenings and repeating colours thoughtfully to unify spaces and utilize leftover paint, thereby minimizing waste. Sloan illustrates several budget-friendly paint hacks using her Chalk Paint™. One technique is the 'distressed effect,' achieved by applying a base coat (e.g., Primer Red), allowing it to dry, roughly waxing it with Clear Chalk Paint Wax, then applying a top coat (e.g., Old White). After drying, sanding reveals the base colour, imbuing pieces like candlesticks with a sense of history and texture that mimics more expensive materials. For larger items, such as a dining table, Sloan describes repainting her own table multiple times. She shares an instance where she initially used Emperor’s Silk red, but found it too stimulating, so she introduced an earthy, cool-toned green to create balance, drawing inspiration from culinary colour combinations like cherry tomatoes and salad leaves. A simpler approach involves painting legs one colour, the tabletop another, and edges in a complementary hue. Sloan also details her approach to painting a piano using a three-colour scheme: two colours from the same family (e.g., Mediterranean Olive green and Duck Egg Blue) and one contrasting colour (e.g., a flash of Emperor’s Silk red). She applies these shades to different panels, reserving the vibrant red for a smaller area to provide excitement without overwhelming the piece. Another suggestion is to add splashes of colour to bookshelves using bright hues like Giverny, Barcelona Orange, English Yellow, and Antibes Green, which create a joyful focal point and make book collections and art objects stand out, even in a home with a neutral base colour like French Linen. For staircases, Sloan advocates for painted steps, noting their rustic appeal and the wear and tear associated with stair carpets. She suggests that dynamic areas like stairways and hallways allow for bolder colour choices, recommending at least two coats of Chalk Paint lacquer for protection, unless a distressed look is desired. She transformed her own stairs using Aubusson Blue and Barcelona Orange on the steps, contrasted with Antibes Green and Antoinette on the walls. Finally, Sloan highlights the significant impact of painting small items like vases, picture frames, and side tables, which can refresh an entire room and invigorate other decor pieces, encouraging individuals to choose colours that resonate with them to fall back in love with their homes. #AnnieSloan #ChalkPaint #HomeRenovations #DIYDecor #SustainableInteriors #FurnitureUpcycling #BudgetDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor

Annie Sloan, a renowned furniture paint specialist, has partnered with Oxfam, a global charity dedicated to reducing poverty, to launch a new paint shade called Lem Lem. This soft green color, inspired by fields of white alliums Annie observed during a visit to Oxfam's Ethiopian Seed Project, carries significant meaning. In the Ethiopian language, 'Lem Lem' translates to 'lush green of fresh growth,' symbolizing hope and renewal. A portion of the proceeds from every liter of Lem Lem Chalk Paint sold in the UK will be donated to support Oxfam's charitable growth projects, directly contributing to their efforts in combating poverty. Annie Sloan's personal connection to the cause was solidified during her visit to the rural project in southeastern Ethiopia. She recounted how observing the allium heads, which appear white but reveal a beautiful muted green underneath, provided the initial inspiration for the color. This visual experience was deepened by a conversation with a woman farmer, who, when asked what green meant to her, immediately responded, 'Growth.' This profound response resonated with Annie and became central to the paint's concept. The collaboration between Annie Sloan and Oxfam originated from Oxfam's invitation for Annie to engage in a paint-related initiative. Annie, feeling a strong connection to Oxfam's mission, embraced the idea, which subsequently evolved into the creation of Lem Lem. Her firsthand experience of the severe drought in Ethiopia, the worst in 30 years, and its impact on the local population was a humbling and motivating factor in her decision to support the charity. Lem Lem Chalk Paint is positioned as an ideal choice for upcycling projects, offering a beautiful vintage aesthetic for furniture pieces. The paint is available for purchase at £18.95 per liter. The article encourages readers to consider incorporating this serene green shade into their homes, suggesting it can infuse spaces with a sense of hope and tranquility. This initiative not only provides a new decorative option for consumers but also offers a tangible way to contribute to a charitable cause through home decor. #AnnieSloan #Oxfam #ChalkPaint #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Upcycling #CharitableCollaboration #GreenColor #EthiopianCulture

The concept of 'millennial grey' as a dominant interior design choice is being replaced by a burgeoning interest in vibrant colours and innovative paint trends, with 'colour zoning' emerging as a significant contender. This approach leverages colour to define and enhance the functionality of various spaces within a home, making each area work more effectively. Colour zoning shares its fundamental objective with general zoning principles in home design. While traditional zoning relies on furniture arrangement or flooring choices to delineate specific areas and their purposes, colour zoning achieves the same outcome through the strategic application of paint. This method is particularly useful for homeowners and renters seeking to inject personality and purpose into their living environments. Sophie Robinson, a renowned colour expert and interior designer, highlights the growing demand among her clients to understand and implement colour zoning. Many individuals are keen to learn how to use colour to segment rooms, considering which hues are best suited for different zones and how they should be applied across ceilings, walls, and windows. Robinson advises starting the colour zoning process by contemplating the desired mood or atmosphere for each room. This introspection helps in selecting appropriate colours that align with the room's function and emotional impact. For instance, a space intended for relaxation might benefit from calming and tranquil colours, while an area designated for lively activities could be enhanced with dramatic, striking, and uplifting hues. It is crucial to recognize that a single aesthetic, such as 'calming,' may not be universally suitable for every room, emphasizing the importance of tailoring colour choices to specific functions. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux, further elaborates on the efficacy of colour zoning, stating that using blocks of colour to define spaces significantly improves a home's functionality. She emphasizes that successful colour zoning requires thoughtful planning, creativity, and occasionally a willingness to be bold with colour choices. Shillingford suggests extending favourite colours onto walls for a cohesive and relaxed look, integrating them with existing elements in the room. Practical applications of colour zoning include painting a block of colour onto the ceiling above a dining table to create a more defined and special eating area. Incorporating stripes or polka dots can introduce small bursts of joy, while layering harmonious colours can add depth and character, moving beyond the simple application of solid blocks of colour onto white walls. The ultimate goal is to have fun with decorating, allowing personal preferences to guide the creative process, whether that involves bold patterns like deckchair stripes, moody florals, or even leopard print flooring. #ColourZoning #PaintTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SophieRobinson #MarianneShillingford #Dulux #ColourExpert #HomeImprovement

Annie Sloan, the inventor of Chalk Paint and author of over 20 books on the subject, showcases her Oxfordshire, England, home as a masterclass in color pairing. The 1817 Victorian townhouse, which she and her husband David have owned since the early 2000s, is uniquely suited for a wide array of colors due to its southwest orientation, allowing punchy tones like cherry red and moody charcoal black to look natural throughout the day. Sloan emphasizes that she waited years before undertaking a major renovation, believing that immediate changes often reflect previous homes rather than truly addressing the current one. The primary structural addition was a breakfast room off the kitchen, featuring a spiral staircase and a glass surround that integrates the garden visually with the interior space, aligning with Sloan's love for gardening. Her home seamlessly blends new additions with cherished old items, such as inherited objets d'art, a headboard crafted from reclaimed wood, and original ceiling moldings. This aesthetic aligns with the cottagecore trend, which Sloan embraces, noting her appreciation for chintz while playfully dismissing macramé. A surprising color combination that became a focal point is the yellow and green duo in the foyer, a pairing Sloan initially disliked but grew to love for the brightness it brought to the otherwise windowless entryway. The English Yellow stairwell, too high for her to paint herself, contributes to this joyful entrance. Inspired by a trip to Cuba, the ground-level kitchen entrance features a heavy dose of Antibes Green, complemented by Antoinette pink walls adorned with Cuban art. In the kitchen itself, Sloan hand-painted an acrobat illustration on the backsplash, symbolizing the magic of cooking. The low-ceilinged kitchen opens into a sunlit breakfast nook filled with plants. These plants serve a dual purpose: bringing the garden indoors and preventing clutter from accumulating on the ledge, which was previously a landing spot for various items from her family. A Graphite black trough, fashioned from reclaimed wood pieces, now holds the thriving houseplants, reflecting Sloan's passion for gardening. Contrasting with the vibrant kitchen and foyer, the sitting room is designed for quiet contemplation. Sloan rarely watches television, so this space promotes tranquility with a palette of soothing neutrals: French Linen on the walls and Country Grey on the ceiling. Backlit bookcases, filled with travel souvenirs and family heirlooms, create a serene ambiance, fulfilling her desire for a "cocoon-like" retreat. Sloan also shares a technique for adding texture to walls by varying pressure on a foam roller, creating a cloudy, plaster-like finish that often piques visitors' curiosity. The dining room, once a "dead zone," was transformed into a lively space with Emperor’s Silk, a bright red hue. This bold color choice, along with a waxed sheen for a lacquered look, makes the small room feel vibrant. Sloan's tip for using such an intense color on all four walls is to hang numerous pictures, which makes the color seemingly "disappear" into the background. A nearby piano, not a precious heirloom, was painted with a mix of the same red and Château Grey. In the bedroom, Sloan opts for deep, non-challenging hues over warm or bright whites, drawing inspiration from Versailles with grayish-greens, muted violets (using her own fabric designs), and gold accents. The bathroom's decor evokes memories of warm days in Normandy, France, further personalizing her home with meaningful inspirations. Her home is a testament to her philosophy of living with and loving color, infused with personal history and a deep connection to nature. #AnnieSloan #ChalkPaint #HomeTour #ColorPairings #VictorianTownhouse #InteriorDesign #Renovation #Cottagecore #GardenIntegration #ColorPsychology

Artist Stephanie Dillon and her husband, Reilly, were captivated by a model home in Eden Prairie, which boasted a blend of whitewashed shiplap and shakes on its exterior, creating a timeless and airy aesthetic. The interior featured light-filled communal spaces, each with a distinct character, moving away from conventional floorplans. The color scheme ranged from calming charcoals and pale neutrals to deep greens and rich terra-cotta, evoking a European atmosphere. Kelli Fontana Vogelgesang, owner of West Bay Homes and the designer behind the model, drew inspiration from her travels to Paris, characterizing the style as French contemporary farmhouse. She envisioned the kitchen as a French pastry shop, integrating multiple layers of meticulously detailed materials throughout the 5,000-square-foot residence. The kitchen's design incorporates three types of glazed tiles for the backsplashes, with a small hexagonal tile chosen for its light-reflecting properties, contributing to an elevated visual experience. Dillon, an acrylic and mixed-media artist known for painting her emotions, found a kindred spirit in Vogelgesang, whose design philosophy also prioritized passion and feeling. Dillon retained Vogelgesang to complete the interior design of their new home. The designer expressed enthusiasm for incorporating Dillon's extensive rug collection. Elements like shiplap and painted charcoal, seen on the exterior, were repeated inside on the basement's fireplace wall and the vaulted ceiling of a lounge area adjacent to the kitchen, along with charcoal-colored square tiles extending from counter to ceiling in the kitchen backsplash. This repetition of color ensures cohesiveness and a holistic progression throughout the home, where all environmental elements relate to one another. Vogelgesang skillfully managed the abundance of materials, preventing a busy or cluttered appearance, much like Dillon blends colors on her canvases. Some design choices stand out, others recede, and some shimmer, collectively defining the mood of each space. The materials coalesce into a balanced and proportionate composition, resulting in a home tailored for an artist. Vogelgesang aims to create spaces that are timeless and elegant without being overly delicate or cost-prohibitive. The lower-level bar area features charcoal shiplap around the fireplace, painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Dorian Gray, and steps down into a sunken media room, showcasing the designer’s preferred brass and gray combination. Brass hardware also adorns the front entry doors. Light fixtures, including those from Mitzi on the library ladder, were strategically chosen. The unexpected entry leads to a "dining hall" that functions as a grand foyer, as described by Vogelgesang. This space features nine-inch-wide-plank white oak floors laid in a herringbone pattern, with ceiling beams bisecting its soaring height, allowing ample natural light. The built-in bar features a backsplash of alternating light and dark neutral tiles, custom cabinetry with dental molding, and a marble sink skirt. Open shelving in the kitchen displays two sizes of backsplash tiles from The Tile Shop, with custom alder wood cabinetry finished with a clear whitewashed stain and brass hardware for an enhanced shimmer. The kitchen, inspired by Parisian pastry shops, includes two islands for ease of navigation, with only one housing a sink to allow for uninterrupted dining on the other. The mudroom boasts large-format heated tiles combined with white oak cabinetry, finished in a whitewash stain, offering an industrial concrete look harmonized with French country cabinetry. A basement guest bath incorporates vibrant color through whimsical floral tiles from The Tile Shop on one wall and Sherwin-Williams’s Perfect Periwinkle on the adjacent wall. The library features a bold mix of Sherwin-Williams paints: Canyon Clay on the walls and Gauntlet Gray in a high-gloss enamel finish on the moldings and doors, complemented by chartreuse chairs. A wide-plank whitewashed cedar wall on the rear deck provides privacy. The prep kitchen off the mudroom embraces color with Waverly Classics wallpaper by York, cabinets painted in Sherwin-Williams’s Green Onyx, and a hammered copper sink, showcasing how personal touches can enhance practical areas. The powder room dazzles with an antiqued mirrored glass tile wall from The Tile Shop, a custom white oak vanity with a marble shelf, and Savoy House sconces. The floors throughout the home incorporate patterned ceramic tiles from The Tile Shop. The home's floor plan, while a traditional rambler, diverges into an unconventional layout where the front entry opens into a vaulted foyer and dining room, serving as a pass-through to the kitchen and great room. #HomeStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeTours #FrenchContemporaryFarmhouse #CustomCabinetry #TileDesign #ArtisticHome #ArchitecturalDetails #EuropeanInfluence

Joanna Gaines, known for her modern farmhouse chic and practical home decor solutions, offers advice on selecting paint colors for various rooms in a home. While she generally encourages choosing hues one loves, without adhering strictly to trends, she also provides specific color recommendations for different areas. For bedrooms, Gaines suggests using deeper shades of blue, such as Magnolia's Weekend, a rich blue-green inspired by denim, to create a relaxing atmosphere. She recommends painting all four walls for maximum impact and balancing the richness with light-colored bedding and aged brass hardware for contrast and polish. Artwork with gold frames or vintage-style lighting can further enhance the timeless vibe. For bathrooms, Gaines proposes using gray, specifically Magnolia's Wedding Band, a light, silvery gray with personal significance to her. This color is intended to evoke a fresh, clean, and spa-like environment. Some users note a slight blue undertone in certain lighting, advising a sample test before full application. Gaines's painting technique of using similar hues for walls and trim, such as Magnolia's Yarn for trim with Wedding Band walls, can add depth. Neutral storage options and waffle bathroom rugs can complement the spa aesthetic. In high-traffic areas like kitchens and living rooms, Gaines favors creamy, neutral whites to create a bright, clean space and a versatile backdrop for decor. Magnolia's Shiplap, named after her signature design element, is a preferred choice. This white allows for infusing personality through other design elements like bold tile backsplashes, vivid cabinetry, or colorful textiles. It also offers flexibility for painting cabinets and trim in the same white for an airy feel or darker colors for a bolder look. Earthy greens are highlighted as stunning options for cabinetry and accent walls, with Magnolia's Remote Trail being a current favorite, previously featured in "Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse" for its vintage yet interesting quality. This shade works well as an accent color on built-in cabinets and wainscoting, layered with houseplants and green accent pillows. Pairing it with wood tones like walnut or teak can achieve a mid-century aesthetic. Lighter blues, like Magnolia's Rainy Days, are recommended for creating cozy and comforting living rooms. This pale blue with a hint of gray offers a gentle, neutral feel while retaining character, making it suitable for those who desire a calm space without resorting to full gray or beige. It pairs effectively with creamy white trim and lighter flooring. Soft textures, such as linen curtains and cozy seating, can further enhance the room's inviting atmosphere. Dusty pinks, such as Magnolia's Rosy Pink and Ella Rose, are suggested for bringing vintage charm to bedrooms and furniture, especially in older homes or those with unique architectural styles. Rosy Pink was used in a "Fixer Upper: The Castle" bedroom to honor its history, while Ella Rose is a classic lighter shade often used for painting vintage furniture. These pinks can be extended from walls to ceilings and trim for a color-drenched effect and can be paired with various neutrals. They also work well for painting smaller furniture pieces like bookshelves or dressers. Finally, for light-drenched living rooms, Gaines recommends neutrals, specifically Magnolia's Blanched, a light beige with warm undertones that reflects natural light and creates an open, inviting blank canvas. This versatile shade adapts to modern or traditional styles and pairs beautifully with aged brass, black window frames, jute rugs, and dark wood furniture. It also provides an ideal foundation for incorporating bold accent pieces like chairs in deep colors or rugs with striking patterns. #JoannaGaines #PaintColors #HomeDesign #InteriorDecor #BedroomDesign #BathroomDesign #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #ExteriorPaint

When selecting paint colors for a home, several factors beyond light and room function come into play, particularly for individuals with art collections. This article explores how to effectively pair wall colors with various types of art, moving beyond the traditional white wall aesthetic. Expert opinions from Clare Simpson, Head of Exhibitions at Dulwich Picture Gallery, and Caroline Corbeau-Parsons, a curator at Tate Britain, provide valuable guidance. Clare Simpson advises using the artwork's palette as a starting point, looking for surprising accents to create balance without competition. She emphasizes that the paint should not dominate the art, suggesting that dark shades can introduce drama, provided a matte finish is used to prevent sheen and reflections caused by lighting. Caroline Corbeau-Parsons adds that for paintings with yellowing varnish, colors with purple undertones, such as aubergine and deep reds, are effective in counteracting the yellow tones. Twenty-five examples from the House & Garden archive illustrate diverse approaches to this design challenge. Sophie Warburton's London home features Benjamin Moore's 'Gallery Buff' as a warm neutral backdrop for her jug collection. In a Victorian villa, Little Greene’s ‘Olive Colour’ provides a suitable background for large-scale artwork. India Holmes’ Highgate abode uses Farrow & Ball’s ‘Setting Plaster’ to create a neutral setting that enhances delicate art without overwhelming it. Lonika Chande’s Stoke Newington house utilizes Little Greene’s ‘Baked Cherry’ for joinery and walls, a bold color that contrasts effectively with white-mounted pictures. Chester Jones’ London flat employs Little Greene’s ‘Clay’ to display a charming, eclectic collection of artworks. Other examples include a Bath house with Little Greene’s ‘Garden’ providing a contemporary backdrop for dark paintings, and Annabel Bevan’s bathroom in Little Greene’s ‘Livid’ contrasting with warm red tones in a painting. Alice B. Davies’ Victorian flat uses Farrow & Ball’s ‘Slipper Satin’ as a neutral canvas. Kate Cox’s Bristol flat chose Farrow & Ball’s ‘Sudbury Yellow’ as a bright yet understated setting for her art and objects. Ben Pentreath’s Georgian house dining room features Emente’s ‘Bromine’ as a heavenly backdrop, while his own parsonage uses Farrow & Ball’s 'St Giles Blue' with monochromatic Piranesi prints. Angelica Squire’s house highlights vibrant art against Farrow & Ball’s 'Setting Plaster', and Brandon Schubert’s collection is showcased against Farrow & Ball’s ‘Castle Gray’. Further illustrations include Edward Bulmer’s ‘Celadon’ serving as a delicate backdrop for botanical prints in a country house, and 'Lilac Pink' and 'Cerulean Blue' by Edward Bulmer Natural Paint providing a fresh, modern scheme for traditional portraiture at Eildon Hall. Rita Konig’s Co. Durham farmhouse uses Edward Bulmer’s 'Invisible Green' for botanical prints. Nicola Harding’s country house features Farrow & Ball’s ‘Stone Blue’, demonstrating how strong colors can make abstract art shine. Farrow & Ball’s 'Old White' acts as a neutral base for art, while warm pink walls in Dulux '90RR 52214' create an ideal backdrop for Walton Ford prints. Dulux’s ‘Alluvial Inca’ provides a warm setting for a vintage painting in an Australian house. Neptune’s ‘Paprika’ paint complements a vintage poster in Emma Sims-Hilditch’s London house, and Dulux’s ‘Mossy Stone’ creates a refined backdrop for art in Rose Hulse’s country house. Pure & Original’s ‘Aubergine’ paint in a country house by Nicola Harding makes graphic artworks stand out, and Farrow & Ball’s ‘Wimborne White’ showcases pressed flowers and foliage. Finally, Farrow & Ball's 'Arsenic' paint pairs effectively with a gallery wall of botanical prints, highlighting the interplay between vivid color and neutral artwork. #PaintColors #ArtDisplay #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #WallDecor #ColorSchemes #DesignInspiration #ArtCollection

This article features an interview with Dana Mooney, an abstract painter based in Vancouver, Canada, who shares her journey and insights as a creative professional. Mooney discusses her career evolution, starting as a makeup artist, then a prop stylist, an interior decorator, and ultimately becoming a painter. She emphasizes that being an artist is fundamental to her identity, suggesting it wasn't a choice but an inherent part of who she is. The interview delves into Mooney's experiences with the challenges of being a full-time artist, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and after becoming a mother. These events significantly impacted her ability to earn a living solely from her paintings, leading her to explore alternative career paths. She shares her experience of enrolling in digital marketing school and working a 9-to-5 office job for a year. This period provided her with firsthand insight into a "regular job," which ultimately reinforced her commitment to her artistic career, albeit with a more diversified approach. Currently, she balances her artwork with freelance digital marketing client work. Mooney describes her artistic focus on creating work that complements home or designed spaces. She highlights her versatile artistic abilities, which allow her to cater to custom client requests. Her work encompasses fine art, custom murals, home decor and design products, and brand collaborations, showcasing her broad creative scope. This versatility allows her to integrate her art into various aspects of interior aesthetics. The article also touches upon the broader societal support for artists. Mooney advocates for the importance of purchasing art, financially supporting artists, and promoting their work through word-of-mouth. She stresses that continued client engagement and encouragement are crucial for artists to sustain their creative output, underscoring the vital role of the community in fostering artistic endeavors. Her journey exemplifies resilience, as she has had to adapt her artistic commitment from a full-time pursuit to a more balanced approach. She explains that a need for financial stability in the current economic climate led her to work as a freelance social media manager while dedicating approximately 50% of her time to her artwork. Despite these adjustments, Mooney remains committed to her passion for painting and creating, continually pushing forward with her artistic practice. She provides contact information for her website, Instagram, and Facebook, allowing readers to further engage with her work. #DanaMooney #AbstractPainter #CreativeJourney #ArtistLife #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ArtisticResilience #FreelanceArtist

This article highlights the versatility and aesthetic appeal of Annie Sloan paints for various home improvement and upcycling projects. It emphasizes that Annie Sloan's chalk paint is particularly user-friendly as it does not require sanding or priming, making it suitable for painting wooden furniture, metal, laminate, and concrete surfaces. The piece encourages readers to explore creative applications of paint beyond simply coloring entire pieces, suggesting ideas such as painting feature dado paneling, drawers of bedside tables, or other small accessories to introduce 'moments of color' into a home. This approach is presented as an effective way to revitalize spaces, imparting a fresh and stylish feel. The article then presents a curated selection of Annie Sloan paint colors, detailing their potential applications and stylistic impact. 'Burgundy,' a deep red, is recommended for creating a statement during winter months, suggesting its use on a chest of drawers for a chic and sultry bedroom addition. 'Paloma,' a neutral shade, is proposed for refreshing interiors, particularly on dado paneling or a dressing table. 'Aubusson Blue,' a teal hue, is highlighted as a trendy choice for interiors, with a bold suggestion to repaint kitchen cupboards for a stylish finish. 'Coolabah Green,' representing sage tones, is noted for its calming effect and its continued popularity into 2024, making it ideal for upcycling bedside tables. 'Capri Pink' is presented as a vibrant option, inspired by recent trends, to create a fabulous feature wall. For those seeking a reliable neutral, 'Canvas,' an off-beige tone, is recommended for providing a warm touch to walls, especially during autumn. 'Knightsbridge Green,' a rich, deep green, is suggested for creating a cozy atmosphere, perhaps by painting a coffee table. Lastly, 'Carnaby Yellow,' a bright shade, is endorsed for injecting cheerfulness into homes, with advice to contrast it with whites and greys for a sophisticated look. The overall aim is to inspire readers to experiment with Annie Sloan paints to transform their living spaces, offering a range of colors from natural neutrals to bold brights to suit various preferences and home decor styles. #AnnieSloan #ChalkPaint #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #Upcycling #PaintColors #DIYHome

Kelly Wearstler, a renowned designer recognized for her bold, colorful, yet breezy designs, has collaborated with Farrow & Ball to launch a new collection of eight paints, named the California Collection. This collaboration marks Farrow & Ball's first partnership with an outside designer in its 75-year history. The collection is inspired by the natural beauty and architecture of California, aiming to bring the Golden State's sunny energy into living spaces, particularly for those in colder climates. Wearstler's approach to selecting colors for this collection was deeply rooted in the California landscape. She aimed to evoke the natural beauty of the state, bringing the incredible hues found in the environment into the home. The colors are named and inspired by elements of her daily life in California: Citrona reflects the yellow of lemon trees; Palm is inspired by the palm trees in Los Angeles; Hazy, a blue-gray, draws from Malibu’s morning light; Faded Terracotta references Southern California rooftops or sun-drenched pots; Tar is dark like the freeways; and Salt mirrors the misty, salty air at the beach. Developing paint colors presented unique challenges compared to her previous collaborations on carpets, wallpapers, and fabrics. Wearstler noted the difficulty in narrowing down a vast array of colors into a cohesive collection. The process involved a trial-and-error approach to ensure the chosen hues felt refreshed and relaxed while working together harmoniously and standing effectively on their own. The partnership with Farrow & Ball felt natural due to their shared love for color and understanding of its impact on creating dynamic spaces. Wearstler has a long-standing practice of using paint to establish mood and feel in her interior design projects, having utilized Farrow & Ball paints throughout her career. When advising clients on incorporating color, Wearstler suggests starting with a beloved hue already present in their home, perhaps from a vintage chair or artwork, and building a color scheme around it. Another technique is to use a bolder color on wall trim or the ceiling to make a statement without overwhelming the room. She emphasizes the importance of experimenting and taking risks, as color can transform a space's feeling or mood through various elements like artwork, textiles, wall coverings, or objects, allowing for personal expression. A common mistake clients make is not considering natural light, which significantly impacts how a color appears. Additionally, she advises thinking about how a space interacts with bordering areas to ensure seamless transitions between colors. Wearstler highlights black and white as underrated tones that can add depth and drama to a space through neutrals. Her personal style is described as free-spirited, evolving, and inspired, adapting to each project's client and architecture. She considers herself akin to a vintage Mario Botta Quarta chair from the 1980s, embodying an old spirit with daring energy. Wearstler states she loves all colors equally and believes both form and function are essential in design. #KellyWearstler #FarrowAndBall #CaliforniaCollection #PaintDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #DesignCollaboration #CaliforniaInspired

The article introduces Ashley Montgomery, a designer and founder of Ashley Montgomery Design, who emphasizes the transformative power of paint beyond just walls. Montgomery argues that paint is an accessible and affordable tool capable of significantly altering a space's mood and feel without structural changes. She observes that paint is often an afterthought in many homes, with walls typically painted in neutral tones, trim left unaddressed, and ceilings neglected with standard white. Montgomery urges individuals to move beyond the default use of 'ceiling white.' She highlights the ceiling as the 'fifth wall,' a blank canvas that can add depth, drama, and cohesion to a room. She suggests extending wall color onto the ceiling to create an immersive and intimate atmosphere, particularly suitable for bedrooms or powder rooms. For those seeking a bolder approach, she recommends using a contrasting ceiling color or even wallpapering the ceiling, noting that such unexpected design choices often elicit positive reactions and elevate the design. Beyond ceilings, Montgomery advocates for the intentional use of contrasting trim and interior doors. She points out that trim is often viewed purely functionally, in standard white, but it presents an opportunity to inject character and intention into transitional areas like hallways. By painting trim and doors in deep, saturated earth tones—such as warm taupes, olives, ochres, or muddy blues—these spaces can be transformed from cold corridors into curated and personalized areas. These colors, she explains, can function as neutrals, grounding the space and enhancing its personality. Montgomery underscores the emotional impact of color, asserting that it influences both the aesthetic and the occupant's feelings within a room. She encourages clients to be bold and trust their instincts rather than chasing fleeting trends. She clarifies that 'bold' does not necessarily mean bright or loud; a soft, moody taupe can be as daring as a vibrant rust orange when applied with purpose and intention. When planning color schemes, Montgomery advises considering the home as a cohesive whole, mapping out where dramatic accents are desired, where calmness is paramount, and how colors transition seamlessly between areas. Paint, in Montgomery's view, is a versatile medium that can unify an entire home or allow individual rooms to stand out. Its non-permanent and non-structural nature makes it a low-risk option for experimentation. She encourages homeowners to use paint thoughtfully, creatively, and extensively, breaking free from the conventional limitations of painting only walls or sticking to white. Ultimately, she believes that a home should reflect the owner's story, style, and soul, and color is one of the most powerful and straightforward means to achieve this, as it is the details that differentiate a house from a home. #InteriorDesign #PaintApplication #HomeDecor #ColorTheory #CeilingDesign #TrimColor #DesignTips #AshleyMontgomery #PersonalizedSpaces