Annie Sloan Disliked This Paint Combo—Then It Became the Focal Point of Her Home

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

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

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

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

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

Louise Roe, a television presenter, fashion journalist, and author, relocated from Los Angeles to Oxfordshire, England, with her husband, Mackenzie Hunkin, and their daughter, Honor. They settled into an 1819 Georgian farmhouse, which Roe felt an immediate connection to. Having envisioned her ideal home design for years, Roe embarked on a six-month renovation project after securing a highly-regarded contractor. The initial 12 weeks of renovation focused on essential tasks before the family moved in, including gutting the kitchen, relocating plumbing fixtures, and replacing floors. A significant discovery during this phase was the uncovering of original Victorian tiles beneath the flagstones in the entryway, which delighted Roe and required minimal restoration. Roe deliberately maintained the original layout of the farmhouse, with the exception of raising a doorway. She appreciated the distinct zones created by the existing structure, each serving a unique purpose and possessing its own character. For the kitchen, she prioritized specific finishes, opting for British Standard cabinets painted in a sage green to integrate with the natural surroundings. Other key elements included an extra-deep Irish farmhouse sink beneath a window and an AGA stove, which Roe had always desired and learned to cook on. Despite objections from family and tradesmen regarding the room's narrowness, Roe insisted on an island, commissioning a custom high table made from the same wood as the floors, providing valuable workspace. Counter stools from their Los Angeles home were upholstered in water-resistant Peter Dunham fabric. An adjacent breakfast nook was transformed into a playroom for Honor, featuring a vibrant curry yellow, a color Roe had long admired. Edward Bulmer, a paint expert, provided guidance on historical color choices for various rooms. The drawing room, the grandest space, was painted in a brick hue that shifts appearance with the light. Roe also undertook the project of commissioning a new ceiling rose to replicate the original, which had been removed. She intentionally designed this room without a television, focusing seating around the fireplace and adding floor lamps with ground-level electrical sockets. A bureau desk, her most significant indulgence, now serves as her workspace in this room. The television was placed in a compact snug, a British term for a media room, featuring built-in cabinets for electronics and book display. Roe, an avid reader, designed this room with floor-to-ceiling shelves. The joinery in the snug was painted in a high-gloss muddy brown, a color her painter initially disliked but later appreciated as it transformed into a rich dark green, complementing her collection of old Penguin Classics. This same custom cabinetry was extended to her dressing room, where a dusty rose paint matched a fringed ottoman. A small powder room showcases blue Nina Campbell wallpaper, artwork, and mirrors, creating a nostalgic feel reminiscent of their California life. Matching roman shades integrate with the traditional English farmhouse style, while an oversized Slim Aarons photograph adds a playful touch. A guest bathroom features floral Cole & Son wallpaper, with a bright cherry red from the pattern used for the window covering and sconce shades. Roe intentionally retained the hardwood floor to ground the vibrant colors. Another guest room in blush tones incorporates a green and white fabric from Soane for curtains and a scalloped headboard, coordinating with the adjacent teal bathroom, which was updated with a historically accurate claw-foot tub. Roe's favorite bedroom, destined for her daughter, is nestled in the eaves and adorned with Pierre Frey wallpaper and a matching headboard pattern, a design she had admired for years. She also shared her go-to vintage shop, local home stores, plant and gardening supplier, and online home store, emphasizing her love for books and her Oka sofas, and her desire to experience the house's first Christmas centuries ago. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #GeorgianFarmhouse #ColorPalette #CustomCabinetry #VintageFinds #BritishInteriors #HomeDecor #FamilyHome

Jennifer Aniston's Bel Air home, designed by architect A. Quincy Jones in 1965, features a living room with a predominantly black color scheme. The space, characterized by abundant glass windows that allow natural light to flood the interiors, showcases black through furniture choices rather than paint, although the area around her fireplace is also black. Designer Stephen Shadley successfully incorporates black without making the room feel dark or heavy, maintaining a bright and airy atmosphere despite rich, dark furniture pieces, black-hued sculptures, and a black fireplace. The key to this success lies in the floor-to-ceiling windows, which provide ample natural light, as well as strategic styling techniques. Aniston's living room achieves balance through the use of contrasting lighter elements. A large, light gray rug covers almost the entire floor, complementing lighter gray wall spaces and a cream throw. A statement indoor plant in the corner further enhances the room's vibrancy. Interior designer Rudolph Diesel of Rudolph Diesel London emphasizes this color-balancing technique, recommending surrounding black pieces with light-colored accessories such as cushions, throws, or rugs to create visual balance and prevent the room from appearing too dark or heavy. Diesel also suggests incorporating reflective surfaces like mirrors or metallic accents, especially in rooms without abundant natural light, to bounce light around and boost perceived brightness. Another crucial aspect of Aniston's design approach is her choice of light wall paint. A subtle light gray on the walls serves as a neutral backdrop, allowing the black furniture to stand out without overwhelming the space. This approach can be replicated using similar grays or other light neutrals like off-white or cream. Diesel advises developing a cohesive color palette that complements the boldness of black furniture, noting that light walls and flooring create an ideal setting for black pieces to make a statement. Experimenting with different textures, such as velvet or leather, can also deepen visual interest while maintaining a unified aesthetic. To achieve an Aniston-inspired look, selecting soft, neutral pieces like a light-colored chunky throw, a stone bowl, and a beige or ivory tufted rug can help juxtapose black leather furniture and add warmth. These elements are versatile and can be incorporated into various spaces beyond the living room. The final design element contributing to a cohesive black living room involves varying heights and shapes. Tall floor lamps, for instance, draw the eye upwards, enhancing the sense of balance and sophistication throughout the room. By combining natural light, contrasting light elements, neutral backdrops, and varied textures and heights, Jennifer Aniston's living room exemplifies how to effectively integrate a bold black palette while maintaining a bright and inviting environment. #CelebrityHomes #JenniferAniston #LivingRoomDesign #BlackDecor #InteriorDesignTips #ColorPalette #NeutralAccents #MidCenturyModern #HomeDecor

Color profoundly influences the atmosphere of a space, offering an accessible and affordable means of transformation. While the sheer volume of room color ideas can be overwhelming, the launch of new ultra-premium paint colors by Magnolia Home by Joanna Gaines, inspired by her Lakehouse project in Lake Waco, Texas, presents a curated solution. This 'Lakehouse Collection' features seven versatile, durable, and high-quality paint finishes designed to evoke the serenity of lakeside living through a simple, timeless, and nature-inspired palette. The author, Jennifer Ebert, highlights five specific colors from this collection that resonated with her nostalgic appreciation for retro charm while remaining suitable for contemporary interiors, offering a subtle nod to 1970s aesthetics. The first color, 'Remote Trail,' is a nature-inspired green celebrated for its uplifting and tranquil qualities. This sophisticated shade, with subtle blue and gray undertones, offers soothing properties akin to sage green, promoting calmness and well-being. Experts emphasize its ability to connect indoor spaces with the natural world, particularly effective in threshold areas or when used on wallpapers and furnishings. Joanna Gaines describes it as a 'vintage shade of green that makes you stop and stare in awe.' 'Tranquil Waters' is presented as a versatile gray, offering gravitas without the starkness of white. This deeply pigmented shade is warm, welcoming, and adapts to different lighting conditions, creating a cozy and dramatic effect in darker applications or a sanctuary of calm in lighter ones. It serves as an excellent neutral base that harmonizes with various hues and can be enlivened with accent colors and textures. Gaines notes its ability to translate the comfort and timelessness of calming lake waters into an interior space. Design professionals suggest choosing warmer grays, especially those with green or blue undertones, and pairing them with natural materials to avoid a cold aesthetic. For those seeking a deep, captivating marine blue, 'Superior' offers a relaxed yet bold choice. This historic hue seamlessly integrates into contemporary interiors, providing a sophisticated backdrop for other colors and cherished objects. Interior designers recommend true blues for frequently used spaces or areas dedicated to relaxation, noting their dynamic appearance under different light conditions. Blue is also highlighted as a wonderfully gender-neutral color, with advice to select warmer blue tones for north-facing rooms to enhance coziness. Gaines encourages brave, all-over application of this color to create impactful, story-telling spaces. 'Cognac' is a warm, grounding, and versatile earthy brown. This dark neutral combines grounding qualities with true sophistication, working powerfully on its own or as a backdrop for other hues. Its nostalgic yet comforting and feminine appeal is noted. Edward Bulmer, an interior designer, praises its 'polychromatic' nature, making it compatible with various patterns and flattering to complexions due to its warm glow. This gentle shade avoids darkening rooms with limited natural light. Finally, 'Juniper Tree' is another calming, restorative green rooted in nature. This alluring pale green is described as refreshing and uplifting, echoing a gentle summer breeze. Its enduring popularity in interior decorating stems from its mood-enhancing properties and versatility. Interior designers appreciate its ability to work in any room and pair with numerous colors, serving as a quiet neutral that can subtly support or prominently feature in a color scheme. Its classic, calming presence is synonymous with nature, ensuring peace and tranquility in an interior. #JoannaGaines #PaintColors #InteriorDesign #RetroPalette #HomeDecor #ColorTrends #MagnoliaHome #LakehouseCollection #VintageStyle

The article explores whether homeowners should paint their entryway and living room the same color, a question frequently encountered during home refreshes or renovations. This decision significantly impacts the overall aesthetic, as entryways serve as the initial impression for guests. The 'color drenching' trend, where a single color is used across multiple surfaces, is gaining popularity in contemporary design. Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux and an award-winning color expert, provides insight into this design choice. She notes that while an entryway functions as a linking space, a living room is primarily for relaxation. Both areas, however, offer opportunities to create a welcoming atmosphere for friends and family. When selecting paint colors, Shillingford advises considering the light quality of each space and choosing hues that fulfill the functional and aesthetic requirements of both. She suggests that blues and greens are excellent options due to their calming, impactful, and practical qualities. Regarding the direct question, Shillingford states there are no strict rules. However, painting both the hallway and living room the same color is an interesting trend that can create a smooth, visually continuous flow, potentially making both spaces appear larger. This approach can also evoke a sense of connection and promote a calming, chic, and on-trend aesthetic. To prevent monotony, she recommends incorporating distinctive accent colors, textures, and thoughtful living room lighting ideas. For separate entryway and living room spaces, different light conditions mean that even if the exact same color is applied, the perception of the color may vary. Nevertheless, using a consistent color still fosters a sense of connection, especially if the connecting door remains open. In narrow entryways, extending the living room color can visually lengthen the space. Similarly, this technique can make small living rooms appear more expansive. Color drenching, which involves painting two rooms the same color, represents a commitment to chosen hues and simplifies decorating decisions by eliminating the need for precise color transitions between areas. It offers an effortlessly stylish look. For those hesitant about using the exact same shade, Shillingford suggests using a slightly different tone of the same hue. Opting for a deeper tone of the same color in the living room, for example, can create a cozier ambiance while maintaining visual flow. For entryways, which often lack natural light, lighter colors are generally recommended to maximize reflectivity and make the space appear larger. Soft blues and greens, or their pale versions, are suggested for this purpose. For particularly cramped spaces, painting only the bottom third of the walls, including skirting boards, in a color and the upper two-thirds and ceiling in a complementary off-white can be effective. The article also touches on painting an entire house the same color, noting that while acceptable, a home should reflect the occupant's creativity. Shillingford encourages personal expression, whether through painted furniture or a full embrace of favorite shades, to create a happy home, aligning with either minimalist or maximalist design philosophies. While lighter colors are generally advised for entryways to enhance brightness and perceived space, darker hues can be used to create a dramatic first impression and add depth, potentially making a small space feel more expansive by blurring boundaries when applied consistently across walls, molding, and ceiling. #InteriorDesign #ColorDrenching #PaintColors #EntrywayDesign #LivingRoomIdeas #HomeRenovation #DesignTrends #MarianneShillingford #Dulux

Joanna Gaines, known for her impeccable taste and down-to-earth style, suggests using a specific paint color to elevate and transform ordinary living spaces. The color, named Luxe, is featured on her Magnolia website and is described as an evergreen hue with subtle gray undertones, making it both earthy and luxurious. Gaines emphasizes that this shade creates an elevated feel, offering an elegant tone that can serve as a versatile backdrop for other design elements. Luxe paint is designed to seamlessly integrate with a variety of aesthetics, whether used for an accent wall or an entire room. It complements diverse elements, from natural wood furniture to brass fixtures, providing a pop of color without being overly dramatic or dull. This approach aligns with Gaines' previous trend-setting use of nature-inspired cabinet colors, highlighting her preference for earthy tones. On the Magnolia website, Luxe paint is showcased in various settings. In one example, it is paired with a cream-colored couch and wood accents, creating a warm, inviting, and cozy atmosphere. In a home office, the shade provides a deep, grounded backdrop for darker wood desks and gold lamps, allowing metallic fixtures to stand out. Even in a bathroom, when combined with lighter materials like a white sink and accessories, the balance between the green and neutral tones achieves a clean and sophisticated finish. When incorporating Luxe paint into personal spaces, Gaines' blog offers valuable guidance. It suggests blending various metallics and natural materials, which complement the green shade due to its neutral gray undertones. This versatility allows for extensive mixing and matching of fixtures, hardware, furniture, and fabrics. For a living room, Luxe can be applied to a single wall for a statement accent or throughout the entire space to introduce a dramatic effect. For a minimalistic design, the article recommends pairing the paint with furnishings made from light woods such as pine, birch, or white oak, along with neutral upholstery in shades like beige, cream, tan, brown, or white. Adding a thick rug can further soften the space and enhance its cozy ambiance. For those desiring more drama, options include darker woods, matte black fixtures and furnishings, and pops of rust or red in throws and pillows. Metallics like gold or brass are also suggested to modernize the shade and add dimension. The article also highlights that trendy green paint colors, including Luxe, are particularly suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. In these areas, light wood elements are recommended to create a spa-like environment, enhanced by the soothing color. Complementary neutrals such as off-whites, grays, or black accents can also be incorporated. For bedrooms, pairing Luxe with gold furniture or light fixtures is suggested, along with plush faux fur rugs, throws, and soft blankets to create a luxurious feel. Layering linen bedding in soft purples and pinks can provide a designer finish, offering a harmonious contrast with the green walls. #JoannaGaines #PaintColors #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxePaint #EarthyTones #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #MagnoliaHome

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

The article details the renovation journey of magazine editor Elizabeth Kiefer and her husband, Andrew Tejerina, as they transformed their 1901 cottage in Tivoli, New York. The couple faced initial challenges in selecting paint colors for their nearly 1,100-square-foot, two-bedroom home, which they purchased in February 2020. A primary goal was to replace the existing "Home Depot orange" wainscoting with a more streamlined yet personalized aesthetic, avoiding both stark minimalism and overly eclectic designs. A key decision that guided their color palette was exclusively choosing paints from Benjamin Moore’s Williamsburg collection. This predetermined range of historical shades provided a cohesive and soft look, aligning with Kiefer's preference for a traditional style. This approach helped them navigate the extensive options and make informed choices for various rooms within their cottage. In the living room, they opted for Benjamin Moore's Harwood Putty on the walls, describing it as a soothing color. To enhance the upstate cozy ambiance, they installed a wood-burning stove. Furnishings in this space included floor samples like a green velvet sofa from Hammertown Barn and various vintage pieces. Their Samsung Frame TV was integrated to blend seamlessly with other art collected over time. The kitchen presented a minor setback when their initial choice of Tranquil Blue to cover dated avocado cabinets proved unsuitable. After applying one coat, they realized the color was not as calming as expected and pivoted to a greige shade, demonstrating a willingness to experiment and adjust. This experience reinforced Kiefer's philosophy of embracing experimentation in design, noting that changing a paint color only costs a sample. For more complex design issues, Kiefer sought advice from her friend, Leah Ring of Another Human. This collaboration influenced decisions such as selecting a Cole & Son wallpaper featuring sweet pea flowers for their daughter Violet's room. In the primary bedroom, a sunny yellow on the closet doors created a contrast with a vibrant pinky-red rug and blue floors, showcasing a bold use of color. The couple also employed a strategy of painting areas white when indecisive about a color. This allowed them to envision possibilities with a clean slate before committing to a hue. Consequently, the upstairs bathroom and hardwood floors, initially painted white, were eventually transformed with a soothing blue from the Williamsburg collection, specifically Williamsburg Wythe Blue. Beyond paint, furniture acquisition involved a mix of roadside estate sales and finds from the Antiques Warehouse Hudson, such as a $50 desk painted black and a hutch for the dining room. The overall design achieved an unfussy yet cool aesthetic, distinct from a full "cottagecore" style, creating a comfortable and functional home for their family. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #BenjaminMoore #CottageStyle #DIYDesign #VintageDecor #PaintChoices #UpstateLiving

Researching paint colors and schemes can be an overwhelming task, involving delving into the intricacies of cool and warm undertones, a process that can quickly become daunting. To simplify this, the expertise of Joanna Gaines, co-founder of Magnolia, offers a practical shortcut. With experience renovating over 100 homes, including notable projects like a castle, a restaurant, and a hotel, Gaines has established herself as a proficient authority in paint selection. Her curated paint collection reflects a diverse spectrum of colors, ranging from light and bright to rich and moody, ensuring a suitable option for various aesthetic preferences. The recent TV series, 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,' further showcases her paint choices, with a particular emphasis on earth tones. Gaines explains that her color selections for 'The Lakehouse,' situated against Lake Waco and designed in a mid-century style, were intended to complement the setting and honor the property's original character. She describes these nature-forward hues as fresh yet familiar, and both bold and comforting. The article highlights twelve specific paint color schemes and palettes Gaines employs to achieve her signature stunning room designs. One featured scheme combines beige, brown, and green. In a living room from 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,' Gaines uses a warm beige on walls, ceilings, and beams, complemented by dark stained window trim and a green upholstered mid-century sofa, creating a cohesive connection with the outdoors. The specific wall paint is 'Blanched by Magnolia Home.' Another scheme, black and tan, is seen in a library makeover from 'Fixer Upper: Welcome Home.' Here, a deep slate gray with blue undertones, named 'Texas Storm by Magnolia Home,' is used for walls and trim, providing a strong contrast to a Calacatta marble fireplace and paired with a beige plaid rug and rattan chairs. Olive green, gold, and black are combined in a hall bathroom from 'Fixer Upper: The Castle,' where a sophisticated satin-finish green, 'Step Stool Green by Magnolia Home,' on wainscoting is enhanced by soapstone countertops and brass accents. A woodsy green and terra-cotta palette is evident in a kitchen from 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,' featuring a custom metal island powder-coated in 'Remote Trail by Magnolia Home' and Spanish-style terra-cotta flooring. A blush pink and moody mauve scheme is used in a bedroom from 'Fixer Upper: The Castle,' where 'Rosy Pink by Magnolia Home' on walls and mantel is inspired by Gaines’ grandmother, Agnes Rose, and paired with an antique painting and mauve tile. Another example shows a rich green, black, and gray mudroom-laundry room from 'Fixer Upper: Welcome Home,' with green paneling and 'Garden Party by Magnolia Home' paint, along with tile walls and painted terra-cotta flooring. A navy blue-green and black combination is presented in a butler’s pantry from 'Fixer Upper: The Castle,' using 'Cottage Grove by Magnolia Home,' a color that shifts between navy and green depending on the light, coordinating with rich brown woodwork. A light gray and black bedroom from 'Fixer Upper: The Castle' features 'Silos White by Magnolia Home' on walls and 'Vintage Weathervane by Magnolia Home' on trim and wainscoting, accented by navy linens and a terra-cotta armchair. A green-brown and warm wood scheme is found in a mid-century-inspired library from 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse,' using 'Wooded Acres by Magnolia Home' for walls, harmonizing with warm wood built-ins. A charcoal gray and rich brown kitchen from 'Fixer Upper: Welcome Home' incorporates an island painted in 'Coffee Nook by Magnolia Home,' contrasting with white walls and stained wood cabinets. A pink and white girls’ bedroom from 'Fixer Upper: The Castle' uses 'Rosy Pink by Magnolia Home' on walls, complemented by white bedding and a white plaster chandelier. Finally, a soft green and terra-cotta greenhouse from 'Fixer Upper: The Lakehouse' uses 'Juniper Tree by Magnolia Home' for interior trim and 'Wooded Acres by Magnolia Home' for the exterior, creating a natural and inviting atmosphere. #JoannaGaines #PaintColors #HomeDesign #FixerUpper #InteriorDesign #MagnoliaHome #ColorSchemes #HomeDecoration #Renovation

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

Melanie and Peter Birch, previously residents of an 18th-century town house in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, unexpectedly relocated in 2019 after a friend, local designer Sarah Hamlin Hastings, presented an off-market offer for her McAlpine-renovated 1920s home. Despite initial reluctance to leave their historic neighborhood, the couple was captivated by the new property's generous rooms, which opened onto a picturesque garden, deeming it ideal for their love of entertaining. After acquiring the home, it remained functional but unrefined for approximately a year, primarily furnished with their existing collection of artworks, antiques, and Art Deco furniture. A subsequent near-sale prompted the Birches to commit to a long-term decorating investment, as the house had not been updated in eleven years and its formal, neutral, and gray color palette did not align with their preference for bold, curated aesthetics. They enlisted Charleston-based designer Angie Hranowsky, whose distinctive use of color, youthful vibe, and California-inspired approach offered a departure from traditional local design styles. Hranowsky's mandate was to imbue the home with a sense of the Birches' vibrant personalities, creating a space that felt cool, interesting, and inviting. The design strategy largely preserved the interior architecture, focusing instead on brightening the rooms with high-gloss finishes and cultivating a casual ambiance reminiscent of the Napa Valley vineyard homes the clients admired. The residence naturally encourages an indoor-outdoor flow, with French double doors leading to the garden and large windows offering scenic views. Hranowsky replaced heavy silk drapes with custom curtains and sheers from local artisan Mayra Morla Sterling to maximize natural light. She also commissioned Scott Meara of Charleston Table Company for custom furniture, including a striking circular dining table in a jewel-toned blue lacquer. This table is complemented by a bespoke sofa upholstered in raspberry Pierre Frey velvet and vintage side chairs with new cushions. To further define the dining space, local artist Kristen Bunting painted the historic wood floor in a dynamic zigzag pattern. Given the Birches' penchant for hosting, the sizable foyer became a key area for Hranowsky, who aimed to create a memorable entry point. The couple had already incorporated a wine room, and Hranowsky enhanced this space by concealing two bars behind mirrored doors. An abaca rug and a dramatic jungle-themed wallcovering by Ananbô now create an inviting atmosphere for social gatherings. Similarly, the skylit conservatory was designed with visitors in mind, featuring a warm color palette inspired by the existing tile floors and the honey-colored veining of the new Breccia Viola marble in the adjacent kitchen. The conservatory offers diverse seating options, including vintage chairs by Guillerme et Chambron and Adrien Audoux and Frida Minet, along with an RH sofa reupholstered in Larsen fabric, all arranged around a hearth with a grand piano nearby. Private areas also received a revitalizing transformation. The primary bedroom now boasts a sunny disposition with custom yellow curtains and valances, patterned wallpaper, and a bespoke Temple Studio rug with gold accents. A family painting was integrated seamlessly above the custom sculptural bed. The study, initially an underutilized space, was reimagined with a vibrant green color palette, becoming a much-loved room after Hranowsky's redesign, which included removing some floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to open up the area. Throughout the home, the new design integrates the Birches' existing art collection and cherished vintage furniture, such as a Philip and Kelvin LaVerne side table, figurative paintings by Jamali, and a leopard-print sectional. The clients entrusted Hranowsky to allow the house's architecture to "speak for itself" while crafting a colorful home that mirrors their relaxed lifestyle. Melanie Birch expressed consistent satisfaction with the transformation, noting how the new design reflects their desired aesthetic and functionality. Hranowsky emphasized the importance of her clients' willingness to embrace design changes, viewing it as essential to a successful and impactful design process. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CharlestonHomes #AngieHranowsky #ColorPalette #VintageFurniture #ArtDeco #CustomDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

The article highlights Anne Hathaway's living room design, specifically focusing on her unconventional color pairing of purple and yellow in the seating area. Traditionally, color theory suggests that complementary colors like yellow and purple, which are opposite each other on the color wheel, can be too vibrant and jarring when used together in interior design. However, Hathaway's interior designer, Pamela Shamshiri, has skillfully integrated these shades in a way that is both striking and harmonious. The design features two purple sofas complemented by a mustard yellow armchair, with an additional cobalt blue chair placed between them. This arrangement defies conventional wisdom regarding color combinations, yet it achieves a dynamic and aesthetically pleasing effect. The author, a celebrity style editor, notes that this particular application of contrasting colors is one of the most effective she has encountered in celebrity homes. The success of this rebellious color scheme is attributed to two key factors. First, the chosen shades are subtle rather than overtly bright. Instead of neon yellow and royal purple, the designer opted for softer tones like lilac and mustard. This nuanced selection prevents the colors from clashing or appearing clownish, lending an air of sophistication to the space. Second, the colors are strategically broken up and distributed throughout the room, avoiding a concentrated or overwhelming display. The purple is contained within the sofas, while the yellow is allocated to a separate armchair, positioned a few feet away. This dispersion prevents a direct, intense confrontation between the colors. Further contributing to the cohesion of the design, Shamshiri has woven elements of both purple and yellow into other aspects of the room's decor. For instance, the wall paint incorporates subtle purplish undertones, and the coffee table books feature yellow spines. These small details create a visual link between the main seating pieces and the surrounding environment, fostering a sense of unity despite the bold color choices. The article emphasizes that this design serves as a compelling reminder that breaking traditional design rules and taking calculated risks can often lead to unexpectedly successful and stylish outcomes, suggesting that the most innovative design decisions often emerge from exploring the unknown. The author concludes that Hathaway's living room has fundamentally altered her perception of the purple and yellow color combination in interior design. #AnneHathaway #InteriorDesign #ColorTheory #LivingRoomDesign #CelebrityStyle #HomeDecor #PamelaShamshiri #DesignInnovation