6 Ways to Decorate with Sherwin Williams' 'Dried Thyme'

The article explores the versatility and aesthetic appeal of Sherwin-Williams' Drift of Mist, a warm greige shade, highlighting why it has been chosen as February's Color of the Month and is a favorite among interior designers. This hue is lauded for its serene and inviting influence, making it suitable for various rooms and design styles. It pairs effectively with both layered neutrals and vibrant accent colors, and responds well to natural light and organic decor elements. Several design experts offer their insights on how to best utilize Drift of Mist. Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing at Sherwin-Williams, notes its ability to brighten spaces lacking natural light. She emphasizes its calming and minimalist qualities, suggesting pairings with ethereal blues and greens, such as Sherwin-Williams' 2024 Color of the Year, Upward, or a deep dramatic dark like Carnelian. Wadden recommends the shade for creating relaxing bedrooms, spa-like bathrooms, or soft living room retreats, underscoring its broad applicability across different areas of the home. Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, appreciates Drift of Mist for adding a subtle yet impactful hint of color. She points out its warm undertones contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, making it adaptable to almost any space. Scheck advises combining it with other warm accents like creamy beige, salmon, and marigold. She suggests using Drift of Mist for entire walls and then introducing these warm hues through furniture, pillows, or throws, thereby creating a cohesive and inviting interior palette. Devin Kimmel, Architect and Managing Principal of Kimmel Studio Architects, highlights the paint's predictable and reliable effect on design schemes. He explains that Drift of Mist does not unexpectedly reveal strange undertones like pink, yellow, or green, which can be a common concern with neutral paints. Kimmel anticipates its continued relevance in the design industry for various applications, including wall color with a satin sheen, millwork selections in semi-gloss, and as an alternative to white for molding, showcasing its functional flexibility beyond just wall application. Dani Crawford, Lead Interior Designer and Senior Associate at Kimmel Studio Architects, discusses how Drift of Mist adapts to different lighting conditions. She notes that the shade can appear cooler and more gray in northeastern light or with blue-and-white interior lighting, while in south-facing rooms or those with warm-dim lighting, it leans towards a warmer beige. This adaptability makes it a suitable choice for spaces with varying light exposures, allowing it to create diverse atmospheres within a home. Emma Beryl, founder of her eponymous design firm, praises Drift of Mist as a beautiful warm neutral base that facilitates endless design possibilities. For kitchen designs, she proposes using it on cabinetry and complementing it with cream-toned stone countertops. She also suggests incorporating a natural wood kitchen island with a dark stain and the same stone to enhance warmth. In living rooms, Beryl recommends painting walls and ceilings in Drift of Mist, then bringing in natural, organic elements like wood tones, blush- and cream-toned fabrics, and nature-inspired art to evoke a sunny and cozy ambiance. Becky Shea, interior designer and founder of Becky Shea Design, expresses her admiration for Drift of Mist's subtle charm, drawing parallels to Benjamin Moore's Baby Fawn, a shade she frequently uses for millwork. She suggests pairing Drift of Mist with vibrant, eclectic colors for millwork, such as Farrow and Ball's Pink Drab, to create captivating visual contrast and add personality. For kitchens, Shea recommends combining the warm gray hue with soapstone countertops and backsplashes to enhance natural elegance and infuse the space with serene sophistication. The collective expert opinions affirm that Drift of Mist is a highly versatile and enduring color trend, capable of creating cozy and inviting interiors that reflect individual style. #InteriorDesign #PaintColors #SherwinWilliams #DriftOfMist #NeutralPalette #HomeDecor #DesignTrends

The growing popularity of dark paint colors in 2024 has led to designers and homeowners increasingly choosing deep, moody hues to create sophisticated and cozy living spaces. Sherwin-Williams' Peppercorn has emerged as a particularly favored shade among these options. This versatile dark gray paint, officially known as Peppercorn SW 7674, is described by Emily Kantz, Color Marketing Manager at Sherwin-Williams, as being evenly balanced between warm and cool tones. This characteristic contributes to its adaptability, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with a wide array of other colors and design schemes. Interior designer Nadia Watts further emphasizes Peppercorn's versatility, noting its balanced warm and cool undertones. She highlights its ability to serve as both a bold focal point and a comprehensive, moody backdrop when applied across an entire space. Its timeless quality allows for diverse applications throughout a home, from prominent living areas to more intimate settings like bedrooms. However, Emily Kantz advises using Peppercorn in well-lit areas to prevent rooms from feeling too confined or overly dark, thereby allowing the shade to fully exhibit its richness. When incorporating Peppercorn into a living room, it can create a sophisticated and cozy atmosphere. Blessed Little Bungalow, an interior design studio, utilized Peppercorn on built-ins and a fireplace, contrasting it with white walls and vibrant furniture. This application introduced a desirable moodiness and bold contrast without overwhelming the overall elegant design. For bedrooms, embracing a dark color like Peppercorn can readily establish a cozy ambiance. Interior designer Susan Yeley of Susan Yeley Homes selected Peppercorn for bedroom walls due to its unique undertones. She observes that the color shifts with light, revealing nuances that can lean towards eggplant, creating a neutral yet interesting backdrop that harmonizes effectively with warm antique rugs, leather, and natural wood. In home offices, while conventional wisdom might suggest lighter colors, dark tones such as Peppercorn can add significant interest and prevent these functional spaces from appearing sterile. Betsy Wentz Interior Design used Peppercorn in a home office, appreciating its moody yet warm quality, which contributes to a comfortable and conducive work environment. Peppercorn is also a popular choice for dark kitchen cabinets, a prevalent trend in 2024. Maestri Studio employed Peppercorn for floor-to-ceiling kitchen cabinets in a modern kitchen design. Eugenia Triandos of Hibou Design & Co. notes that this color provides a sleek, contemporary look for cabinets, complementing black hardware and lighter stone countertops. Beyond interiors, Peppercorn is a strong candidate for home exteriors. It was recognized as one of Sherwin-Williams' top 15 exterior colors in 2023. Nadia Watts recommends it as a classic, neutral, and versatile exterior paint option that can withstand changing trends. Before committing to this dark gray hue, it is recommended to test the paint in different rooms and varying lighting conditions, as its appearance can fluctuate. This ensures the chosen application aligns with the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes for any space. #SherwinWilliamsPeppercorn #DarkGrayPaint #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeDecor #PaintColorIdeas #CozyInteriors #ModernKitchens #HomeOfficeDesign #ExteriorPaintColors

Gray paint, specifically Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter, maintains its timeless appeal despite recent trends favoring warmer and brighter shades or more vibrant colors. Revere Pewter is a best-selling gray and a favorite among designers due to its warm yet subtle gray undertones, making it a versatile 'greige' that bridges warm and cool tones. It is primarily gray but leans towards beige, serving as an adaptable backdrop for various design styles and accent colors. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing (International) at Benjamin Moore, describes it as an iconic neutral that adds warmth to otherwise sterile gray and effortlessly integrates with diverse schemes. Decorating with Revere Pewter is straightforward because of its warmth and compatibility with both cooler and warmer palettes. One effective method involves layering it with other neutrals and textures to achieve a tonal look. Combining Revere Pewter with soft whites or light grays, either on accent walls or throughout a room, creates depth and warmth. Designer Jennifer Davis suggests playing with textures through mixed materials and layered textiles. For a moodier aesthetic, Revere Pewter can be used as a millwork color against warmer Alabaster walls, amplifying the contrast of rich wood-toned furniture or natural brass and pewter accessories. This approach is suitable for bedrooms and living rooms, fostering a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. Another strategy is to create contrasts with darker hues. Pairing Revere Pewter with colors such as navy blue, charcoal, or deep greens in accessories like pillows, rugs, or statement furniture adds visual interest. Helen Shaw emphasizes matching undertones for a balanced feel, suggesting combinations with pale pink for a Scandi-style interior or dark chocolate brown with red undertones for a reassuring and restful environment. It is crucial to test paint samples in the specific lighting conditions of a space, as Revere Pewter is a chameleon shade that can appear darker or lighter depending on natural and artificial light. Revere Pewter's versatility extends to rooms of any size or aspect, adapting to various lighting directions. Jennifer Walters of Folding Chair Design notes its efficacy in balancing warm and cool elements in any room, making it a reliable choice for larger spaces where it can serve as a substantial gray/beige neutral. Jennifer Davis advises considering how lighting influences the perception of Revere Pewter, with natural light enhancing its warmth and artificial light accentuating its gray tones. For kitchen cabinets, Revere Pewter offers a timeless solution. While cooler, steely grays can make a kitchen look dated, this warm gray balances gray and beige tones, adapting to changing trends and serving as a versatile backdrop for various shades and styles. For instance, in a kitchen designed by Jessica Nelson, Revere Pewter was used for the island, providing a grounding effect against fresher white cabinets without creating excessive contrast. The paint's ability to blend warm and cool colors makes it an ideal backdrop for spaces that integrate both. In a neutral bedroom designed by Kathy Kuo, subtle cool ashy grays meet warm woods and pale creams, resulting in a perfectly balanced color scheme. Kathy Kuo highlights Revere Pewter's subtle undertones of warmer beige and cooler green, making it a connector between different color families and decor styles. Finally, Revere Pewter serves as an excellent backdrop for bolder shades. While ideal for softer, muted color schemes, it also harmonizes with vivid colors. A living room designed by Bethany Adams Interiors demonstrates this by combining beige walls with vibrant primary colors. The softness of Revere Pewter balances bright hues, creating a space that feels bold, fresh, livable, and welcoming. Bethany Adams praises Revere Pewter's chameleon-like quality, noting its ability to read warmer or cooler depending on accompanying elements, always appearing chic, timeless, and appropriate. #ReverePewter #BenjaminMoore #GrayPaint #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #NeutralPalette #ColorVersatility #KitchenCabinets #TonalDecor

This article explores 23 designer-approved methods for incorporating throw blankets into interior design to enhance a space's texture and warmth. Throw blankets, made from materials ranging from neutral faux fur to colorful cotton, serve as versatile decorative elements. The guide illustrates how these items can be draped over lounge chairs, placed at the foot of beds, or casually tossed onto sofas to elevate a room's aesthetic. The article begins by showcasing a living room design by Staprans Design, which integrates a deep green lounge chair, a light blue sofa, and a bright orange throw to create a vibrant blend of colors and textures. Following this, Casey Sarkin Interior Design, Luna, demonstrates how a fur throw and a Moroccan-style rug can introduce warmth into a modern living room characterized by steel, a swing chair, and a black leather armchair. Nest Design Company's master bedroom features a harmonious palette of calming earth tones across its walls, furnishings, and bedding, highlighting how a throw can complement such a scheme. Amy Kartheiser Design presents an indoor-outdoor space where sheepskin throws are paired with light blue Tolix Chairs, emphasizing comfort and style. Angela Free Design's artistic bedroom combines an embossed suede bed frame with a wool throw and various throw pillows, alongside stone side tables and kilim poufs, to create a richly textured environment. Larson Architecture Works' country retreat utilizes a goat hair Persian rug as a unique throw on a bed, adding an unconventional touch. Regan Baker Design's modern living room incorporates playful elements like a green sideboard and a brightly colored sofa, which is further accessorized with a stylish throw. Marie Hebson's interiorsBYDESIGN features a modern and moody space with a black marble fireplace and textured area rug, where a plush fur throw on the sofa adds warmth. Denise McGaha Interiors combines bright orange and dark blue in a master bedroom, using a plaid bench to unify these colors, a concept easily extended to throws. Aspen Leaf Interiors creates a charming and cozy bedroom with warm wood tones, a brown fur throw, and floral throw pillows, showcasing a blend of comfort and aesthetic appeal. Jamie Bush + Co's mid-century modern interior uses throws in bright yellow and fur on curved sofas, complementing a geometric rug and statement artwork. Gil Walsh Interiors extends the use of throws to outdoor decor, adorning a rattan sofa with colorful throws. Staprans Design highlights organic materials and neutral colors in a master bedroom, where a warm wood bed frame is paired with gray, organic bedding, underscoring the throw's role in a natural aesthetic. BANDD Design demonstrates stylish storage solutions by using a woven basket to hold throws, combining functionality with decor. Jamie Bush + Co's modern retreat overlooking Malibu features a sleek lounge chair and a white side table, with a fur throw adding a cozy touch. Eclectic Home’s bright sitting area includes colorful artwork, a tufted ottoman, and a patterned throw, illustrating how throws can integrate with varied design elements. Estee Design enhances a gray sofa with an assortment of throw pillows and a large plush throw, adding texture and color. IDF Studio's family-friendly bedroom makes a statement with eye-catching wallpaper and playful bedding, where a brown fur throw provides additional texture. Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design complements soft blush wallcovering with a pale pink chaise lounge chair and matching throw, creating a cohesive and pretty-in-pink aesthetic. Centered by Design combines vintage and modern elements in a chic bedroom, featuring an upholstered bed frame, fur pillows, and a plaid throw within neutral bedding. These examples collectively illustrate the diverse applications of throw blankets in enhancing interior design, from adding texture and warmth to introducing color and unifying design elements across various styles and settings. #ThrowBlanket #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #Texture #RoomIdeas #DesignerTips #DecoratingIdeas #CozyHome #StylishLiving

Thyme is a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can be integrated into various garden designs. Its perennial nature and ability to act as a ground cover make it a valuable addition to many landscapes. The plant’s adaptability allows it to thrive in different settings, from difficult spots in the garden to containers, walkways, and rock walls. Its pervasiveness and ease of propagation contribute to its widespread use. Creeping thyme is particularly simple to propagate, rooting readily when its stems spread across the soil. Even unrooted sprigs can establish themselves when planted in moist soil. This ease of propagation enables gardeners to expand their thyme plantings from existing parent plants, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for ground cover. One common application of thyme is as a ground cover in shrub borders. While it initially thrives in these areas, providing a vibrant purple bloom in spring, its success is dependent on sunlight exposure. As shrubs mature and create more shade, thyme tends to recede, as it requires ample sun to flourish. This characteristic is shared with most herbs, highlighting its need for bright conditions. Thyme is also highly effective in pathway designs, particularly between flagstones. Its ability to tolerate light foot traffic makes it an ideal choice for creating soft, fragrant pathways. When walked upon, the crushed leaves of thyme release a pleasant scent, enhancing the garden's sensory experience. The plant’s vigorous growth necessitates regular trimming, either with scissors or a spade, to maintain its boundaries and ensure the flagstones remain visible, contributing to a romantic garden ambiance. For hot, dry areas where other plants struggle, thyme is an excellent solution due to its drought tolerance. It thrives in well-drained soil and does not respond well to overwatering. This makes it suitable for rock gardens, where it can be nestled between stones or allowed to cascade over slopes. Similarly, it is often used along rock walls and retaining walls, softening the hardscape with its trailing growth. Thyme can also be successfully grown in containers. A section of thyme can be transplanted in spring to a container, preferably near the edge to allow it to cascade. It pairs well with plants that prefer to dry out between waterings, aligning with thyme’s own moisture requirements. Beyond creeping thyme, other varieties such as woolly thyme offer different aesthetics, with a blue-grey hue and a slightly slower growth rate. Both creeping and woolly thyme are hardy perennials in many regions. However, other types like lemon thyme are considered tender perennials, requiring indoor wintering or being treated as annuals in colder climates. These tender varieties can still be enjoyed in containers during the growing season. Overall, thyme is a low-maintenance plant that offers numerous benefits to garden design, including its aesthetic appeal, aromatic qualities, and resilience in challenging conditions. Its ease of care and propagation make it a valuable asset for gardeners looking to enhance their outdoor spaces. #GardenDesign #Thyme #GroundCover #PlantPropagation #DroughtTolerant #RockGarden #ContainerGardening #HardyPerennials

Natural dyeing techniques, a practice with deep historical roots, particularly in places like Guatemala, offer an elevated alternative to conventional tie-dyeing, transforming everyday items into uniquely colored textiles. Molly Berry, founder and creative director of Luna Zorro, a design studio in Antigua, Guatemala, highlights the versatility of natural ingredients in imparting soft hues to fabrics. Her studio not only specializes in these methods but also conducts workshops to teach how various natural elements, ranging from vegetables and fruits to flowers and even insects, can be used to dye natural fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool. This tradition is particularly significant in Guatemala, where communities in the Valley of Guatemala have historically used cochinilla insects to produce vibrant pinks, fuchsias, and purples for centuries, a color range once reserved for royalty. Berry notes that while industrial dyeing became more prevalent, efforts are now being made across Guatemala to revive and preserve this natural dyeing heritage. She explains that natural dyeing is an accessible process, though it can be time-consuming, and can be achieved using many common pantry items like avocado pits and red onion skins, which would otherwise be discarded. Even different species of mushrooms can yield unique color palettes; for instance, Boletus mushrooms produce shades of gray, while surprise webcap mushrooms can turn fabrics pink. Berry consistently expresses amazement at the transformations, such as dipping fabric into indigo or witnessing perricone flowers impart a tea-like scent while dyeing items yellow. This article provides a step-by-step guide to tie-dyeing pillowcases using turmeric, a readily available spice. The process begins with gathering supplies, including a clean bucket, a large stainless steel pot, stove, tongs, cooking spoons, rubber gloves, measuring spoons, a small scale, two 100 percent cotton pillowcases, 2.5 cups of turmeric powder, 2 cups of soy milk, and water. The first step involves washing the pillowcases to remove any dirt, oil, or natural waxes, ensuring they are made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, wool, or silk, as synthetic fibers will not absorb the dye. Next is the mordanting process, which pretreats the fabric to enhance dye bonding. Instead of traditional metallic salts, this method uses soy milk as a binder. Two cups of soy milk are diluted with enough water in a bucket to fully submerge the pillowcases, which are left to soak for at least 10 hours or overnight. After soaking, the pillowcases are gently squeezed to remove excess liquid and air-dried in a shaded area until completely dry, ensuring the soy milk is fully bonded to the fabric. The dye bath preparation follows, where the amount of turmeric powder is determined by the fabric's weight; for two cotton pillowcases weighing approximately 200 grams each, 40 tablespoons (2.5 cups) of turmeric powder are needed. This powder is dissolved in hot water in a stainless steel pot, ensuring enough water for the fabric to float freely, and then boiled for 15-20 minutes, stirring until fully dissolved, without adding the pillowcases yet. An advanced tip suggests experimenting with baking soda and vinegar to alter pH levels and color intensity. Before dyeing, the pillowcases are slightly dampened with regular water, and patterns are created by folding, twisting, tying, or manipulating the fabric with rubber bands, string, or clothespins. For the dyeing phase, the manipulated pillowcases are placed into the pot using tongs, and heated on medium for 40 minutes to an hour, turned every 15 minutes until golden, and then allowed to cool in the pot for up to an hour. Finally, after cooling, the pillowcases are removed with tongs and rinsed in cold water until the water runs clear, ensuring they are not washed with other clothing or in a washing machine during this stage. They are then air-dried in a shaded place before being exposed to the sun, completing the natural tie-dyeing process. #NaturalDyeing #DIYHomeDecor #TurmericDye #TextileCrafts #Sustainability #GuatemalanCrafts #HomeStyling

Sherwin Williams' Iron Ore (SW7069) is a highly versatile and popular dark charcoal paint color, frequently praised by interior designers for its depth, sophistication, and timeless appeal. It offers a contemporary and luxurious feel without the harshness of black or the flat appearance of a typical gray. Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin Williams, highlights its ability to create a sense of comfort in any room. The article provides several expert-backed strategies for decorating with Iron Ore. It emphasizes its compatibility with both pale neutrals, which allow the dark hue to stand out, and warm earthy tones like Sherwin Williams' El Caramelo (SW 9106), which can add balance and warmth. The shade can be used for various applications, including feature walls, accent details, or full color drenching of a room. Blair Moore, Creative Director of Moore House Design, successfully applied Iron Ore to kitchen cabinets in a colonial modernist home on Rhode Island, transforming the space into a moody yet contemporary area. To soften the dark cabinets, a custom mocha stain was used for the island, and a limewashed brick facade added texture. Custom brass inset shelving provided a warm metallic accent, blending elegance with functionality. Becky Shea, founder of Becky Shea Design, stresses the importance of considering natural light sources when incorporating Iron Ore. In rooms with ample natural light, the color can be used extensively on walls without making the space feel dark. For dimly lit rooms, she suggests using Iron Ore strategically, such as on the lower half of walls with a bright white above, or embracing its moody potential by color drenching small, short-use spaces like powder rooms or pantries. Shani Core, a Palm Beach-based interior designer, recommends pairing Iron Ore with neutral shades like camel, cream, and white, along with natural greenery, to create a sophisticated contrast. She notes that in south-facing rooms with direct sunlight, Iron Ore can reveal more of its chocolate undertones, making soft camel tones an ideal complement for a warm and earthy ambiance. For exteriors, Kristine Renee of Design Alchemy favors Iron Ore as a go-to charcoal paint for its rich espresso and black hues, which create contemporary curb appeal. She often combines it with shale blue accents, such as Benjamin Moore's Templeton Grey on front doors. She advises testing the color under various lighting conditions, as it can appear much darker in the shade. Audrey Scheck, founder of Audrey Scheck Design, highlights Iron Ore's effectiveness as an accent color for dramatic and moody spaces. She suggests using it on trim, doors, cabinetry, and stairway railings to add depth and contrast against neutral backgrounds. When paired with earth tones like brown, beige, or burgundy, its cool undertones can balance warm hues, creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Even small applications of Iron Ore can have a significant impact. Trish Knight, co-founder of Knight Varga Interiors, finds Iron Ore ideal for living rooms and media rooms due to its cozy, sophisticated soft black quality with subtle brown and green undertones. Its low light reflective value means it absorbs light, making it suitable for creating relaxing, cinema-like environments when color drenching paneled walls. Despite its dramatic appearance, Iron Ore is described as a soft and surprisingly versatile neutral, with experts recommending the use of swatches to assess its appearance in specific home lighting conditions. #SherwinWilliams #IronOre #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #HomeDecor #PaintColors #KitchenDesign #AccentWalls

Colour drenching is an interior decorating technique that involves painting all surfaces in a room, including walls, woodwork, and ceilings, in a single colour. This method offers a versatile and relatively affordable way to transform spaces, from small rooms to expansive areas, by creating a unified and impactful aesthetic. It can make dark rooms feel brighter, large spaces cozier, and can elevate otherwise overlooked areas like hallways and stairwells into statement features. Rather than a fleeting trend, colour drenching has established itself as a significant interior design approach, offering numerous exciting possibilities when applied with expertise. Patrick O’Donnell, brand ambassador for Farrow & Ball and a trusted colour consultant, emphasizes the importance of planning before embarking on a colour drenching project. He advises creating a mood board that includes all elements of the room, from flooring and fabrics to lighting and the chosen paint colour. He also stresses that personal preference should guide colour selection, as a colour that works well in one home might not have the same effect in another. Patrick outlines six key strategies for effectively incorporating colour drenching into a home. The first strategy involves choosing between a bold or subtle approach. For a bold statement, using a single matt finish across all surfaces creates a cohesive look. Alternatively, a more subtle effect can be achieved by using one colour in different finishes, such as eggshell for woodwork and emulsion for walls. This technique introduces gentle textural contrast and subtle sheen shifts, softening decorative details like picture rails and fitted furniture without obscuring them. Secondly, colour drenching is effective in creating unity within a room. It is recommended to choose paint colours after major elements like sofas and curtains are in place, as the paint should serve as a complementary backdrop to unify the overall scheme. Since paint is typically the most affordable element, it should be used to tie together the more expensive items. When uncertain, a mid-neutral hue like Farrow & Ball’s London Stone is suggested, as it pairs well with a variety of other colours. The third piece of advice focuses on playing with light. It is crucial to test how a chosen colour interacts with the room's natural and artificial light throughout the day. The direction a room faces significantly influences how a colour is perceived. For instance, a blue-gray with a hint of green can appear cool and architectural in morning light in a west-facing room, softening to a gentle green later in the day. Such a colour, like Farrow & Ball’s Ball Green, can create a cozy atmosphere in a living room or guest bedroom. Fourth, embracing dark colours can create a sense of coziness and drama. Intense earthy hues and rich blues and greens are particularly effective in making spaces feel significantly warmer and more inviting. Patrick suggests not shying away from even darker shades to amplify the visual impact and drama within a room. Fifth, pink and coral hues offer a way to introduce softness or a feminine touch, especially in otherwise cold interiors. A gentle earth pink, such as Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster, can warm up a poorly lit room, appearing as a blush neutral in brighter areas. Finally, colour drenching can effectively add scale and create the illusion of greater space. While lighter hues inherently make rooms appear larger, specific tricks can enhance this effect. For small rooms, painting fitted wardrobes and other furnishings the same colour as the walls helps to elongate wall proportions and minimize visual contrast. In rooms with low ceilings, painting the skirting boards the same colour as the walls can give the illusion of increased height, contributing to a more expansive feel. #ColourDrenching #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintTechniques #FarrowAndBall #ColourConsultant #HomeImprovement #SpaceMaximization #AestheticUnity

The article explores various ways to incorporate the color yellow into home decor, emphasizing its versatility and ability to brighten living spaces. Yellow, described as the color of eternal summer, can create an inviting atmosphere in any room, regardless of the season. The guide offers a range of approaches, from subtle accents to bold statements, catering to different aesthetic preferences and existing decor schemes. The article highlights that yellow's versatility stems from its wide spectrum of shades, from deep mustard and bright gold to zesty buttercup and soft dandelion. This allows homeowners to find a hue that complements their current interior design. For those looking to make a vibrant statement, the article suggests using yellow accessories against darker wall colors or combining it with contrasting shades like cobalt blue or dark grey, following the trend of color blocking. Alternatively, pairing yellow with white can create a sunny, light-filled room, with soft yellow shades appearing on cushions, curtains, lampshades, and even woodwork against a neutral backdrop and bright white furniture. The use of patterned wallpaper featuring pretty floral prints in gentle yellow tones is presented as a subtle yet effective way to introduce the color, especially when teamed with soft neutrals. For those seeking a bolder approach, the article proposes a yellow sofa or a freshly painted yellow fireplace set against dove grey walls as focal points that can dramatically transform a space. The article provides ten specific decorating ideas to illustrate these concepts. The first idea focuses on personalizing yellow tones to suit individual tastes, suggesting that bright yellow furniture can evoke a 60s vibe, while muted mustard on walls, combined with leather chairs and dark pine bookcases, can create a more colonial look. An example includes a living room with bright and sophisticated floral yellow wallpaper from Harlequin, complemented by a neutral sofa and simple accessories. The second idea showcases how to introduce yellow into a calming grey scheme, demonstrating a traditional fire surround painted in an eye-popping yellow hue with Farrow & Ball paint. The third idea encourages a colonial aesthetic for a garden room, featuring yellow painted walls, mahogany furniture, and leather seating, with stone flooring, plants, and eclectic accessories adding character. The fourth suggestion involves using soft yellow shades for walls and woodwork, layered with zesty ceramics and cheerful cushions, exemplified by a neutral room with yellow floral cushions and a lampshade from Heal's. The fifth idea explores combining teal shades with a bright, acidic yellow to create sharp contrast and definition in a living room, featuring a yellow sofa from Sofa Workshop. The sixth idea further emphasizes the beauty of blue and yellow combinations, recommending deep cobalt hues mixed with sunny yellow, illustrated by a blue living room with a yellow cushion from The Rug Company. The seventh idea highlights yellow's suitability for a country scheme, suggesting layering different patterns and prints, such as a large floral wallpaper from Harlequin and a smaller, detailed print fabric from Camengo inside a cabinet. The eighth idea presents a luxurious and sophisticated pairing of yellow and grey, using a large-scale damask wallpaper with a yellow velvet sofa from Sofa.com. The ninth idea focuses on adding drama by mixing dark grey and bold yellow, proposing a feature wall painted in a slate hue with vibrant yellow curtains from Next. Finally, the tenth idea suggests bringing sunshine indoors with brightly colored furniture, such as an eye-popping yellow bookcase from Ikea, to create a sunny vibe in a dining room. #YellowDecor #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ColorPalette #LivingRoomIdeas #Wallpaper #PaintColors #Furniture #HomeStyling #AccentColors

Yellow is a versatile and mood-lifting color experiencing a renaissance in interior design, offering warmth, optimism, and creativity to any space. Its diverse shades, from primrose and buttermilk to zesty lemon and deep mustard, can create a range of atmospheres from stimulating and energetic to cozy and welcoming. Paint experts highlight yellow's ability to uplift, energize, and invite positivity into a home, making it an ideal choice for various rooms, including kitchens, living rooms, and hallways. When considering yellow for interior decoration, it is crucial to account for the natural light in the room, as this will significantly impact how the color appears throughout the day. Sampling the chosen shade on different walls is recommended to observe its interaction with varying light conditions. For north-facing rooms, yellows and yellow-based off-whites can introduce warmth, counteracting cool grey light. Yellow can also be strategically introduced in smaller areas, such as kitchen cabinetry, window and door woodwork, or painted furniture, for a pop of color without overwhelming the space. The finish, whether chalky or glossy, can further tweak the room's energy. Yellow is known to promote creativity and playfulness, making brighter, zingier forms suitable for craft rooms, children's rooms, or pantries. For a more serene aesthetic, gentle golden hues in wallpaper prints on paneled walls can create a calm living space, especially when contrasted with white woodwork and neutral upholstery. For those seeking a subtle touch, yellow highlights can be incorporated into an otherwise neutral or cool-toned scheme through elements like Roman blind linings, wall lights, or painted floor patterns. Achieving seasonal balance in living rooms with yellow-painted walls involves selecting contrasting upholstery, soft furnishings, and flooring that work for both warmer and cooler seasons. Natural textured flooring and fabrics in summery neutrals can be complemented by weaves in ochre, burgundy, and olive hues. The choice of yellow shade is paramount; primary yellow can be too intense for large amounts, while softer, buttery yellows offer a more calming effect. Yellows with a green undertone are best reserved for bright, south-facing rooms to avoid a 'bilious' appearance in shadowy corners. Incorporating red into yellow creates warmer, more adaptable shades like mustard, ochre, and sienna, which pair well with blues, greens, or subdued pinks. For dramatic effects, yellow can be combined with black, navy, or emerald. Vibrant yellows bring joy to high-activity areas like kitchens and dining rooms, adding energy and vitality. Earthy yellow shades with red undertones instill coziness, complementing natural materials and botanical tones. For less frequented spaces like hallways or bathrooms, bold yellows can create a warm welcome or a playful surprise. Yellow can also be used on woodwork to balance bold prints in wallpapers or to create unexpected fun in practical spaces like pantries. Fabric accents in mustard yellow can add warmth and texture, especially when chosen with delicate patterns. In bathrooms, a yellow bath can serve as a focal point, with careful consideration given to the shade to avoid disharmony. Pairing yellow with art and antiques can elevate collections, with warmer ochres preventing a cold feel. For bedrooms, creamier, muted yellows are preferred to avoid over-energizing in morning light, while zingy citrus shades suit west or south-facing rooms for a modern look. Layering different tones of yellow that match closely in tone can add depth without overwhelming the space. Pale yellows brighten a space and enhance the feeling of openness. Finally, attention to detail, such as painting shelves and walls the same yellow, can create focal points and draw attention to curated displays. Yellow pairs well with a variety of colors, including greens, oranges, pinks, plums, whites, and even bold blacks or grays, offering numerous possibilities for interior design. #DecoratingWithYellow #ColorPsychology #InteriorDesignTrends #HomeStyling #PaintColors #RoomDesign #WarmInteriors #MoodEnhancingColors #ColorPairing

The article discusses the increasing prominence of taupe in interior design, challenging the perception that it is a boring shade. It highlights how paint brands are predicting color trends for 2017, with Dulux announcing 'Denim Drift' and the continued popularity of rose quartz and purples. However, it emphasizes 'Poised Taupe' as an unexpected and versatile color set to make a significant impact. The article provides four distinct methods for incorporating taupe into home decor. The first decorating approach suggests pairing traditional taupe with vibrant and fun patterns. It notes that taupe is a feminine, light, and highly versatile color for walls. To avoid a dated appearance, it recommends contrasting taupe with modern prints such as geometric and floral patterns, and mentions a preference for combinations with pastel pinks, grey, and navy blues. This method aims to give a fresh twist to the classic hue. The second method focuses on creating warmth by matching taupe bedding with taupe-painted walls. The article explains that layering taupe with various shades of grey and incorporating tactile accessories contributes to a cool yet luxurious aesthetic. This particular style is presented as ideal for transitioning into colder months, suggesting a cozy and sophisticated atmosphere. For an instantly chic look, the third tip advises combining taupe with clean whites and metallic accents like mercury. Specifically, it suggests painting walls in taupe while keeping skirting boards and window frames white. This contrast is believed to enhance taupe’s ashy undertones, resulting in a softer and more romantic ambiance. The addition of fresh flowers and gold ornaments is recommended to further elevate the overall decor. Finally, the fourth method explores using taupe as an accent color to add subtle depth and highlight accessories. It suggests that all-white rooms, particularly in kitchens, can sometimes appear stark. By applying taupe lacquer to accents such as cupboards and shelves, the color can brighten the space and provide an edge. This technique is said to make accessories like plates and vases stand out and appear more cohesive and thoughtfully arranged, attributing this transformative effect to the "magic of taupe." #Taupe #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #PaintColors #DecoratingIdeas #ColorTrends #ModernInteriors

Sarah Sherman Samuel, a designer known for her artistic approach, has launched her first paint collection in collaboration with Color Atelier, featuring seven limewash hues. Samuel's initial experience with Color Atelier's limewash paint was not for interior walls but for art canvases, indicating her appreciation for the brand's pigments. She subsequently utilized the paint for the second floor of a Spanish-style house to replicate the appearance of authentic plaster walls and continued to integrate it into various renovation projects. The collaboration was a natural progression from her repeated use of Color Atelier's products, leading the company to offer her the opportunity to develop her own paint collection. The resulting seven limewash colors are largely inspired by Samuel's personal experiences and the environments she has lived in. For instance, 'Summer Sky' is named after the Michigan summer sky, while 'Desert Red' draws inspiration from her time in Palm Springs. 'Olive You,' a rich olive green, reflects the glow of the sun setting through trees in her backyard. Samuel offers practical advice for applying limewash paint, emphasizing that precision is not necessary. She suggests that the paint naturally achieves a desirable finish even with less-than-perfect application, making it a suitable option for DIY enthusiasts. She notes that the paint's forgiving nature means it is difficult to make a mistake, fostering confidence in users. The article highlights specific recommendations from Samuel for using her new limewash paints in various areas of a home. 'Summer Sky,' with its subtle lilac tones, is suggested for bedrooms due to its calming and ethereal qualities. For ceilings, particularly in rooms with tall ceilings, Samuel recommends 'Sweet Berry,' a deep color that can create a cozier and moodier atmosphere when paired with lighter walls like 'White Sands.' 'Desert Red' is presented as a versatile and energizing color, suitable for application across walls, ceilings, and trim in spaces like an office or guest room to create a cohesive and vibrant look. 'Buttercup Yellow,' inspired by a vintage yellow-tiled bathroom in a newly renovated house, is recommended for children's spaces such as playrooms. Finally, 'Warm Night,' a dark brown limewash, is advised for transforming unsightly brick fireplaces. Samuel explains that limewash uniquely penetrates brick, becoming an integral part of its surface and significantly enhancing the space's aesthetic. #SarahShermanSamuel #ColorAtelier #LimewashPaint #PaintCollection #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #DIYPainting #DesignInspiration #ColorTrends

Limewash paint, a blend of aged salt, mineral pigments, water, and hydrated lime, has re-emerged as a popular choice among home designers and DIY enthusiasts for its unique aesthetic and versatile applications. Historically used to create an aged, distressed look on brick, limewash has evolved to be combined with traditional paints, offering a wide array of colorful, texturized wall options. The finish provides a soft, suede-like appearance that differentiates it from the sponge-painted textures of the early 2000s, while being relatively simple to achieve and budget-friendly. One innovative application is "color drenching" with limewash paint. This modern interior design trend involves painting an entire room, including walls and architectural details like windowsills, in a single, uniform hue. The objective is to create a comforting and all-encompassing atmosphere without relying on accent walls or contrasting trim. When applied with limewash, this technique not only achieves a cozy effect but also introduces an element of whimsical texture. For color drenching, lighter or neutral limewash colors are recommended to maintain an airy and open feel, as darker, textured paints can make a space appear smaller. Limewash paint's textured nature also allows for significant ambiance creation, enabling homeowners to capture specific moods and imaginative themes. Unlike synthetic paints, limewash bases are more natural, yielding organic and earthy tones rather than vibrant or artificial colors. This characteristic makes it ideal for evoking natural environments, such as deep greens for a forest theme, blues for an ocean or celestial feel, or dark oranges for a bold backdrop to unique decor. The ability to manipulate the texture can create dynamic visual effects, such as swirling grey walls that mimic stormy skies, offering a personalized touch to any room. The original and enduring application of limewash is on brick. Pure limewash formulations continue to provide a distressed, vintage look, making new homes appear rich in history. With the expansion of limewash paints into diverse color families beyond traditional white, brick surfaces can now be transformed with shades of brown, deep red, grey, or blue. This makes limewashing a popular choice for updating fireplaces, bathroom walls, bedroom accents, and even home exteriors. The distinctive texture of limewash results from the interaction of mineral pigment and the naturally drying white limewash, yielding a perfectly aged brick finish in a relatively short period. Beyond walls, limewash paint is also gaining popularity for furniture transformation, offering an alternative to chalk paint. It can be applied to various pieces, including dressers, chairs, buffets, headboards, and tables. For optimal results, furniture should be stripped down to bare wood before application. Applying limewash paint directly and allowing it to dry creates a thicker, texturized finish. Alternatively, wiping off excess paint while it's still wet can reveal the wood grain beneath, offering a subtle texture with visible natural patterns. The choice between these methods depends on personal aesthetic preference, allowing for a customized vintage or textured look on furniture. #LimewashPaint #HomeDecorTrends #InteriorDesign #TexturedWalls #DIYHomeImprovement #ColorDrenching #FurnitureTransformation #NaturalPaints #VintageLook

The article explores six effective ways to incorporate jewel tones into home decor, moving away from traditional neutral palettes towards bolder, more vibrant color schemes. Jewel tones, including deep greens, dark purples, rich reds, royal blue, plum, and emerald green, are gaining popularity for their ability to add drama and a luxurious feel to interior spaces. This trend signifies a shift from minimalist styles to more expressive and personalized decor, often associated with "dopamine decor." One key recommendation is to carefully select the right shade for a specific space. When using dark colors, understanding the room's orientation (north or south-facing) is crucial, as is considering the room's function. Warm plum tones are suggested for inviting spaces, while blue might feel colder depending on its application. Bedrooms, for instance, are ideal for deep jewel tones to create a cozy, characterful ambiance, especially when dimly lit. In contrast, kitchens benefit from more organic dark shades like forest greens, paired with natural woods and metallic accents to maintain a fresh and airy feel. Another approach involves layering jewel tones. This method suggests using muted gem tones, which are less saturated and more organic, making them versatile and complementary. Pairing colors like evergreen with russet or copper creates a harmonious blend. For those new to jewel tones, starting with small accents such as throw pillows and blankets is advised. For more extensive integration, these tones can be used as paint colors and incorporated into soft furnishings like furniture, drapery, and rugs. Color drenching is presented as a bold strategy, encouraging a full commitment to a chosen jewel tone by applying it to walls, woodwork, and even the ceiling. This technique can create an illusion of a larger room or higher ceilings by minimizing contrast, offering a more cohesive and contemporary look than traditional accent walls or white ceilings. The "more is more" ethos underpins this method, suggesting that embracing a single deep color throughout a room can be highly impactful. For lighter schemes, jewel tones can serve as grounding elements. Instead of a feature wall, accents of deep tones in textiles, such as a rich headboard in a neutral bedroom, can create elegant juxtapositions. This balances the vibrancy of jewel tones with the subtlety of off-white ceramics and warm neutral hues, resulting in an indisputably elegant aesthetic. Versatility is also highlighted, with suggestions to pair jewel tones with related lighter shades, like emerald with lighter greens or ruby reds with pinks, to enhance luxuriousness. Finally, the article advises treating jewel tones as if they were neutrals due to their inherent versatility. This perspective makes them less daunting to incorporate. For example, a velvet sofa in emerald or sapphire can anchor a living room, complemented by a patterned rug featuring similar rich hues. For those wishing to add subtle pops of color to an existing lighter scheme, throw blankets, decorative pillows, or accent trays in maroon, amethyst, or teal are suggested. This approach allows for dramatic and impactful decorating without being overwhelming, especially when combined with a muted backdrop. #JewelTones #InteriorDesign #ColorSchemes #HomeDecor #ColorDrenching #LuxuriousInteriors #AccentColors #DecoratingTips #BoldColors

Edgecomb Gray by Benjamin Moore, a highly versatile and popular greige paint, offers a balanced blend of warm and cool tones, making it suitable for various interior design styles. Despite the general trend moving away from cool grays, Edgecomb Gray stands out as a best-seller due to its unique characteristics. It is not a straightforward gray, with its warmth being more akin to beige, a fact highlighted by its former marketing name, Baby Fawn. This paint's popularity stems from its adaptability, functioning effectively with both warm and cool color palettes, and its ability to transform significantly under different lighting conditions. Interior designers frequently recommend Edgecomb Gray for its ability to create a calming atmosphere on walls and a subtle yet striking contrast on cabinetry or trim. The paint acts as an ideal canvas for creativity, allowing designers to build diverse aesthetic schemes. Bethany Adams, an interior designer, notes that Edgecomb Gray is an excellent choice for those considering beige but are hesitant, as its appearance can shift warmer or cooler depending on accompanying elements, offering less commitment than other beige shades. Jennifer Davis adds that its blank canvas quality makes it a designer favorite. One effective decorating strategy involves layering Edgecomb Gray with both warm and cool colors. Helen Shaw, Director of Marketing at Benjamin Moore, explains that the paint's yellow undertone allows it to harmonize with almost any hue. For a cohesive neutral scheme, pairing it with warm-toned colors like taupe, blush pink, pale yellow, or terracotta is recommended. Alternatively, combining it with deep gray can introduce a sophisticated design element without overwhelming the space. The paint's chameleon-like quality allows it to appear as a light, warm gray in direct light and a deeper, moody beige in less illuminated areas, as demonstrated in a beige bathroom designed by Folding Chair Design, which leveraged the paint's rich brown and white undertones to complement zellige shower tiles. Edgecomb Gray is also an excellent option for kitchen cabinets, especially for those seeking a warm and welcoming alternative to a stark white kitchen. Its timeless quality ensures it remains relevant amidst changing interior design trends. Interior designer Jenny Martin highlights its depth and layered warmth, which beautifully integrates with various palettes and vintage-inspired finishes. Furthermore, the paint can be effectively used to create contrast with darker shades. Jennifer Davis suggests pairing it with soft pastels for a calming effect or with deep navy or charcoal for a dramatic, high-contrast look. Finally, bringing in a variety of tones and textures is crucial when decorating with Edgecomb Gray. As with all neutrals, the overall appeal is enhanced by the tactile finishes and diverse materials it is paired with. Kathy Kuo, an interior designer, suggests using it in a living room with modern organic furniture in warm earth tones and nature-inspired decorative accents like reclaimed wood and natural stone. The consensus among designers is that Edgecomb Gray’s versatility across different lights and styles makes it an easy and adaptable choice for any home. #EdgecombGray #BenjaminMoore #InteriorDesign #GreigePaint #NeutralColors #HomeDecor #PaintColors #KitchenCabinets #ColorTrends

This article explores the enduring appeal and resurgence of tartan in home decor, tracing its rich history from ancient times to its current status as a fashionable interior design element. Originating as an identification system for Highland clans in 16th-century Scotland, tartan later became a symbol of resistance during Jacobite uprisings, even facing a ban after the Battle of Culloden in 1745. Its decorative revival began in the Victorian era, notably popularized by Queen Victoria's use of tartan in Balmoral Castle, bridging its rebellious past with a new association of royalty and acclaimed social standing. Designer Vivienne Westwood's observation that "Every fabric that you look at in England has a charge of content" aptly captures tartan's layered historical significance, making it a compelling choice for infusing homes with a sense of history and character. The article highlights that tartan is poised for a significant resurgence in home interiors, as affirmed by Mark Hogarth, Global Brand Ambassador for Harris Tweed Hebrides. Hogarth notes the pattern's consistent presence on fashion runways and its complex but growing transition into the interiors market. He observes a trend towards bolder design choices, where tartan's inherent heritage and style make it a preferred fabric for major developments and A-list designers, ranging from subtle accents like a chair and cushion to comprehensive applications such as curtains and wallpaper. The article positions tartan as a design choice that offers cultural and historical depth, drawing parallels between its use in high fashion by designers like Dior, Westwood, and McQueen and its increasing adoption in hotels and residential spaces. To guide readers on incorporating this heritage design into their homes, the article presents thirteen diverse and creative ideas. These suggestions include using tartan as a cozy bedspread or throw in living rooms to add depth to neutral schemes, and layering it with other heritage designs like tapestries to create rich visual textures. Other ideas involve crafting thoughtful vignettes with tartan blankets as backdrops for cherished items and employing tartan in tablescapes, where its bold colors and intricate patterns can bring warmth and sophistication to dining. The article also recommends more unconventional uses, such as incorporating tartan sink skirts as part of the 'kitschen' trend for a rustic touch, and using tartan for window treatments to brighten spaces. Further suggestions explore playing with unconventional tartan palettes, like using a violet check blanket to introduce new shades, and integrating stylish tartan tiles from designers like Petra Palumbo for contemporary accents. For larger statements, the article proposes using plaid carpets or rugs, drawing inspiration from Balmoral Castle, and even painting tartan patterns directly onto walls for an ambitious design. Practical applications include incorporating tartan into boot rooms through bench cushions or stacked blankets, and using tartan upholstery for statement furniture pieces like wingback armchairs, often with a modern twist. The versatility of tartan is also showcased through its multi-purpose use, such as a picnic blanket repurposed as a draught excluder, illustrating how this historic pattern can be adapted to various decorative contexts to create a home imbued with history and style. #TartanDecor #HeritageDesign #HomeInteriors #CountryLiving #VictorianStyle #TextileTrends #DecoratingIdeas #RusticHome #FabricHistory