What nobody tells you about using natural stone slab
Before I became a True Color Expert, I thought that a natural stone slab such as granite was the only Be-All-and-End-All choice for kitchen countertops. I have owned white granite slab countertops in my own kitchen, and travertine slab countertops in my bath for seven years.
Beautiful marble-slab countertop.Source: theenchantedhome.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Beautiful buttermilk Caesarstone counter. Source: ths.gardenweb.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Here is what nobody else will tell you: seam placement is a very big deal.
Make sure you discuss seam placement with your contractor or fabricator. This goes for any natural slab stone. When “someone” brought in my (supposed to be) gorgeous travertine marble tub surround in four (yes, four) pieces to puzzle them together, I would have died. I would have died, except that the workmen providentially accidentally dropped the whole thing in my driveway and the entire mess cracked to bits. I did not realize that a marble tub surround meant one thing to “someone”, and another thing to me. That a marble tub surround wasn’t necessarily a solid marble tub surround. I envisioned one solid surface surround, no seams other than for the backsplash. The “someone” didn’t even consider that an option due to my oversized whirlpool tub. After all, it is much cheaper to piece a surround together with a separate piece on each side. After asking several friends for referrals, I finally found a fabricator who could make the surround out of a single piece. So much prettier not to have those seams!
In my new kitchen, the same “someone” brought the granite slab for my kitchen island in two pieces. Who does that? Who would want their granite kitchen island in two pieces joined together with caulking right down the center? I stood my ground and out it went, though I am sure it cost a pretty penny to make that happen. Don’t be caught unaware like I was. Discuss this up front.
Know that the “industry standard” which is considered ‘good enough,’ may not be good enough for you. Ask, ask, ask, what you are getting. A big slab of marble or granite is not very easy to send back.
Do I love my white granite? Not enough to use again. Do I love the travertine? Ah, it’s pinky-beige! A big no-no as I found out in True Colour Expert training with Maria Killam. And, who else but me will tell you that travertine forms pits over the years? Soft use, a few pits. Heavy use, huge pits.
Maria, a trend expert as well, offered another material as her favorite. Next time, I will go with her preference of using an engineered solid quartz product such as Caesarstone, probably with a subtle marble-veining look. And, without the dilemma of seam placement, pitting, chipping or heavy maintenance.
Chinoiserie in the home
For some reason, I am completely and utterly smitten with Chinoiserie. Have been for years. I am lately drawn to a particular fabric, for which I am just waiting for the right client to use. Watch out, dearest, it will be soon. Mind you, it has to be exactly the right place in exactly the right room. As a specimen plant in a garden, such as the perfect single Japanese maple tree, so this will be as well. Here is the object of my affection:
Source: fschumacher.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Complete and total Chinoiserie perfection. Stay tuned.
Your front door is speaking
According to the latest research, a first impression is formed in 1/10th of a second. Make the first impression of your entryway a good one.
Source: athomearkansas.com via Ellen on Pinterest
The stunningly beautiful entryway above, which belongs to my fellow True Colour Expert Andrea Brooks of Arkansas, speaks to guests long before they arrive at the stoop. Any guesses as to what it is saying? This has to be one of the prettiest front doors I have ever seen. Welcome, how do you do, and please come in, is what it is saying. Wouldn’t it be exciting to walk up to this beauty and ring the bell?
And, speaking of bells, if you have a doorbell, does it work? Do you have your door freshly re-painted or re-varnished every two or three years? Or do the dogs’ claw marks and muddy run-off rule the day?
When is the last time you or whoever helps you trotted out the metal polish and worked on the door hardware? Are your stoop and steps swept regularly, and power-washed occasionally? Do you have your windows professionally cleaned at least every one to two years?
Is your door mat (think simple, natural material, and with a size relating to the actual front door frontage) in reasonable shape?
If you have planters and pots nestled close by, do they look of high quality and are they tended? The easiest gardener’s formula for a pretty planter: use a thriller, a filler, and a spiller.
In less than 30 minutes a week, and an annual call to the painter or the pressure-washer, your entryway will make a good impression. It will tell me that you are glad I’m here, even if you are not at home!
Does your designer understand family living?
In my residential styling business, I am big on the way in which a room functions. Part of that function includes placing lamps (click to see my post on beautiful lamps) where people will be sitting to read. And, another part of that function includes placing a table or other flat surface where people who are sitting can conveniently place a teacup (or a martini).
Below: The designer here really got it right. Notice the lamps which are placed behind the sofa on a long, high sofa table. Clean lines, beautiful carpet, upholstery and drapery, and perfectly functional:
Source: sevierwhiteinteriors.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Another view of the same room Source: southernliving.com via teri on Pinterest
Two images Below: While not unattractive, the designers whose rooms are pictured next, sadly didn’t think through the actual living in these rooms. Why are there no lamps in these rooms? Do you notice that there is nowhere to sit and read? Overhead lighting doesn’t count here. Overhead lighting is not proper task lighting. A little teeny sconce doesn’t count, either. Can you imagine how much warmer these rooms would feel if there were some pretty, well-placed lamp lighting? Where are you supposed to place your cup of coffee while watching the morning news? Where is your teenaged son going to put his feet up? Are you with me? These rooms don’t live. And, in the turquoise room, there is only one seat in the entire space angled for comfortable television viewing.
Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: houseofturquoise.com via Ellen on Pinterest
I don’t get the current trend of ‘no’ task lighting in the room, but I am seeing it everywhere. Don’t fall for this trend. This isn’t just about style, it is about function. Every main seating place should have a lamp for reading and a nearby surface for putting down a drink. Then, you can enjoy the look and feel of your family room, because it functions for a family. And, it can be done beautifully.
Benjamin Moore Sea Haze
Let’s look at the beautiful Benjamin Moore paint color called Sea Haze, pictured in actual rooms.
As a Certified True Color Expert, trained by Canadian colour (I add the ‘u’ to the word color because she does) expert Maria Killam, I know that color on the wall can’t be chosen successfully from a tiny paint chip from a fan deck. And, I know that the color on the chip isn’t even paint, it is a printed interpretation of a paint color. That is why I always rely on my large painted samples when helping a client select paint color.
Sea Haze is what I call a magic color, because it changes beautifully with the light. Of course, every color changes with the light. Sea Haze just has so many permutations when the light is changing, and each one is wonderful. Here is Sea Haze used in a tranquil bedroom:
Image: google.com via Ellen on Pinterest
And Sea Haze used in a Candace Olson-designed bedroom/bath combination, where you can see some of the various shades which the color Sea Haze can read.
Image: google.com via Ellen on Pinterest
My very first kitchen consultation had greeny gray granite countertops as the focal color in the kitchen. The existing beige color on the walls wasn’t doing a thing for the focal color granite in the room.
At the initial consultation, I selected Sea Haze with my magic wand fan deck as the probable choice. Once the large sample was painted up and brought over, it was the clear choice. The client and I could immediately see that the granite color simply came alive next to Sea Haze. Remember, Sea Haze is a magic color, and changes beautifully with the light.
Here is the actual Sea Haze sample I used in the kitchen consultation. Notice how the color of the large sample brings out the rich greeny grays of the existing granite countertop. That is what the right color does in a room. It creates visual harmony. Remember that, because it is one of the most important things that will happen when you paint the right color on your walls. The right color creates visual harmony.
Benjamin Moore Sea Haze. Image ©Color Calling
Are the paint colors in your home helping you achieve visual harmony? With furniture, between a pricey antique and even a wonderful reproduction, there could be many thousands of dollars’ difference. With paint, it costs exactly the same to paint a wonderful color which gives visual harmony, as it does to paint the wrong color which never will!
Eden Gardens State Park
We spent a lovely late afternoon at Eden Gardens State Park, located about 10 minutes from WaterColor Resort, in
Point Washington, Florida. Dogs on a leash are welcome. The azaleas were sadly past their peak, but a few camellias were blooming. The other real enjoyment for me was taking photos of the fabulous bronze sculptures of children at play placed beautifully along the walking trail. What a treat!
March blooming camellia
Image ©Color Calling
Beautiful bronze fountain
Image ©Color Calling
Close up of one of the several wonderful sculptures
Image ©Color Calling
close up of little boy sculpture
Image ©Color Calling
Under the gorgeous 600 year old oak tree, a favorite wedding venue for local brides
Image ©Color Calling
Source: google.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Below: the Wesley House is open for tours on the grounds of the Eden State Park
Source: gardenthemedwedding.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Creativity in the garden
Don’t you love it when someone’s creativity and imagination just make you go WOW!
Source: crinklecrankle.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Here are some garden accents which I find inspiring and beautiful right now
From Goff Creek Pottery
Source: goffcreekpottery.com via Ellen on Pinterest
A lovely birdbath, in an almost-impossible-to-find all copper. It is the correct depth as well. Don’t buy a birdbath with a pool depth of more than about 3 inches, according to bird experts.
Source: signaturehardware.com via Ellen on Pinterest
P.Allen Smith’s Allium beds:
http://www.thegardenbuzz.com/2011/06/a-little-something-about-alliums.html
Beautiful lamps
As a color expert, sometimes what is perceived to be a paint issue turns out to be a lighting issue. When possible, I like to have light available in each corner of a room. There is nothing like a nice lamp with the correct shade to enhance everything else about the room, and to cast a warm glow which makes moods, complexions, and everything about the room look right. My personal favorite style of lampshade is an English silk pleated shade which has a tonal stripe look when lighted.
Source: antiquelampshop.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: google.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Sometimes you can break the rules and have a fabulous space. Look here, I can’t really explain why this works, but it does. It looks like the designer did a great job with using a lot of pinky-beige undertones in the carpet and wall-covering, which really ramp up and enhance the clean strong purples. Great floor lamp! (the smaller lamp doesn’t work, though, it’s way too small and looks like an afterthought)
Sometimes an odd-ball lamp is just perfect for a culture-specific space
Lovely statement lamp in a neutral room
Nice updated lamps for a young collector’s look
Great lamp, but this is one where I would recommend upgrading the shade
Great style in a pretty Chinoiserie room. Wouldn’t change a thing.
Source: appleday.tumblr.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Nice looking vintage orange lamps with black pagoda silk shades
Source: google.com via Ellen on Pinterest
How fab are these for a beach house? They make the room.
Happy decorating!
Ellen
Pretty patios
Since I have been reworking the furniture, and the look of my terrace, I am loving researching patio décor. I have my old patio sets sent out to be stripped and freshly powder coated. Some of the odd pieces are going to stay rustic to add patina. It won’t look too matchy-matchy when I have finished. I will bring out a couple of blue and white Chinese garden stools to add color, and I found some killer outdoor toss pillows in a navy-blue and white Schumacher ‘Imperial Trellis’ knock-off for a song.
Here are some of the looks that I like and found inspiring:
Source: vignettedesign.blogspot.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: potterybarn.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: designsponge.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: designsponge.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: southernaccents.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: houseandhome.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: houseandhome.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: houseandhome.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Source: blueprintbliss.blogspot.com via Caroline on Pinterest
Source: barefootfloor.com via Maria on Pinterest
Source: decor8blog.com via Ellen on Pinterest
Desperately seeking Tulipière
Source: sanamemami.com via Juju on Pinterest
I want a tulipière, a fancy name for a tulip vase. I am loving buying fresh Virginia Tulips at my local Whole Foods for $7.99 a bunch. I have not missed a week since they came in season. Tomorrow, the fresh daffodils begin arriving at WF. Happiness in a vase, preferably a tulip vase, a tulipière. Just can’t find one, anywhere. If you see a tall one, I’m interested.
Images below: Christie’s
image via House Beautiful
Source:Carolyne Roehm vis google.com via Kelly on Pinterest
Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest
Source: google.com via Kelly on Pinterest
How to Decorate around the Television
Source: celiadomenech.com via CindyOrris on Pinterest
When the television is to the left (or right) of the fireplace, I like this arrangement of console behind the sofa, and two medium sized chairs which can be easily turned for viewing.
Source: blog.livelikeyou.com via Manele on Pinterest
The television is inside cabinetry above the fireplace. Four chairs allow for easy conversation when not viewing a program.
Source: designers.elledecor.com via Beth on Pinteres
Source: countryliving.com via Susan on Pinterest
Above, two sofas at right angles. Television,not shown, likely on bookcase to the right.
Below, comfortable arrangement of statement sofa and comfortable high-backed upholstered chairs. Television would be placed above mantel.
Source: theletteredcottage.net via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: theletteredcottage.net via Laurie on Pinterest
Source: theletteredcottage.net via Laurie on Pinterest
Ultra-Glam Bobby McAlpine home
Not so often do you find a Bobby-McAlpine-designed home for sale. This one in Mountain Brook, Alabama, however, is. It is gracefully tucked into a very private wooded lane which you would hardly know is there. And it is gorgeous.
Master Bedroom overlooking the terrace garden
The expansive master bedroom, bathed in light from a bank of full-length mahogany windows. A room-long custom rod supports untold yards of drapery. A pair of French fleur-de-lys sconces flank an antique chest. Comfy lounge chairs, each with a floor lamp and a martini table, face one another. A cushioned antique French settee rests at the foot of the bed. As a color expert, I truly enjoy trying to guess paint color from my Ben Moore fan deck: here I am guessing French White (Benjamin Moore 1093).
Moving to one of the public rooms:
Informal dining
Two hundred year-old rough cut wood planks from a Virginia mill provide flooring throughout much of the ground level. Paint guess for above: Historic Collection Jamesboro Gold HC-88.
Gourmet kitchen with dual islands
A custom rack with a gourmet’s collection of All-Clad copper pots soldiers across the kitchen window. An second Subzero, identical to the one pictured, is just out of the photograph and set at an angle on the lower right side. Dual islands allow freedom of movement in the core cooking area both for the family or for entertaining. Moving through the kitchen, a light-filled breakfast room features an easy exit into the porte-cochère for convenient access. Paint guess (kitchen cabinetry): Historic Collection Yorktowne Green HC-133.
Sunny breakfast room as viewed from the kitchen
Breakfast room/morning room: This area of the house is floored with gorgeous Peacock Pavers, a Bobby McAlpine favorite. Made right here in Alabama by the inmates at Atmore prison! When you see Peacock Pavers for the first time, you might mistake them for the finest European limestone. They are actually made of concrete, and are incredibly durable as well as being stunningly beautiful. Casual comfortable seating invites relaxing over a cup of tea or the morning newspaper. A free-standing settee provides casual seating on one side of the table. Notice how nicely the back of the settee relates to the back of the chairs’ height. Tongue in groove woodwork on the ceiling is a glossy counterpoint to the matte paver flooring. An angled fireplace allows cozy dining on cool nights.
Formal living room
The living room with its deeply coffered ceiling. Focal point is a museum-quality tapestry from France above the fireplace. The soft, muted colors convey an atmosphere of quality, comfort and elegance. The draperies on the right side of the photograph serve as portières when desired. Paint guess: ceiling, Historic Collection Tyler Taupe HC-43. Body, a really rough guess: French White same as in the Master Bedroom.
Formal dining with two seating areas
Entry and Dining Room: The arched main front door is visible, whereby guests may enter directly into the dining area. There is also also a hallway with another portière on the right side of photograph, which leads into the body of the house. Notice the exquisite lacquered finish on the ceiling. This is just one example of amazing workmanship throughout. Paint guess: same shade on walls and ceiling, with high gloss on ceiling and eggshell on the walls, Historic Collection Woodlawn Blue HC-147.
A guest's view of dining room upon entering the front door
Pool and pool house
The swimming pool and charming pool house are set apart at an intentional distance from the main residence, and take advantage of the natural tree line of the property. Trim color guess: Historic Collection Van Courtland Blue: HC-145
Expansive rear lawn as viewed from pool area
Although large, the home nestles beautifully into the property and soft landscaping. It has a stateliness and a quiet elegance as you see it unfold across the length of the rear lawn.
Lovely covered terrace
An old copper sugarcane kettle (to the right) has been fashioned into a water-feature. The triple bank of doors on the left lead into one of the family rooms (partially photographed and shown above as “informal dining”). The windows on the right are in the master bedroom.
Front of the house with off-set entry stairway:
Understated country French-inspired front façade
The shutters appear to be close to Benjamin Moore Historic Color Yorktowne Green, HC -133, though the door trim is apparently somewhat more muted, possibly Van Courtland Blue.The beautifully crafted, but understated, front does not give evidence of the expanse of the residence as viewed from the back.
As a point of interest, 85 truck loads of concrete were brought in for constructing the 36″ wide foundation walls. This was built to last.
For more information the Listing agent is Jeffrey Klinner, LAH Real Estate, Mountain Brook Office, Birmingham, AL. All photos from Birmingham Area MLS Inc.
Source: inspirationforhome.blogspot.com via Tanya on Pinterest
Sage green kitchen:
Source: 3.bp.blogspot.com via Staci on Pinterest
Source: marthastewart.com via Shanthi on Pinterest
Source: housebeautiful.com via Jane on Pinterest
Source: housebeautiful.com via Tamara on Pinterest
Source: abigailahern.wordpress.com via Hilde on Pinterest
Source: itkupilli-inspirations.blogspot.com via OKIFOLKI on Pinterest
Be sure to check back tomorrow. I will be showcasing a very glamorous Bobby McAlpine-designed home!
Is Your New Home On-Trend or is it just plain Trendy?
"On-trend" living room image via Pinterest
This post is for young couples just starting out, to help them avoid a few pitfalls when trying to bring style into their home.
The living room above looks like someone with nice taste put some thought into the room and that they actually live there. They know how to hang the chandelier properly so that it relates to the coffee table, and it looks like there is enough task lighting to read a book or a magazine. The table is on-trend and fits right in with the the ‘Young House’ look of this living room. The chevron rug is cute and works well. THE COLOR gray is used, but not cloyingly so. It is a fresh, not too pricey, easy on the eyes look for a young couple starting out.
While this blog is all about being uplifting and helpful, I really have to show a “don’t” to make my point. I doubt that the nice-looking-room’s owner, above, spent a penny more than the trendy room’s owner, below. That is my point. Good style and an updated look are not going to cost any more than a ridiculously trendy look. And, the really trendy look will look even more ridiculous in a year or two when those trends have played out.
“Trendy” Living Room via Pinterest
The Color Calling way: If you are looking to update and accessorize, find a few real things that you actually love, and incorporate those into your already tasteful room.
Does your million dollar house have $2 hinges?
Door hardware is one of the details that sometimes gets overlooked when budgeting items for a new house. As a residential stylist, I always notice door hardware. 99% of the population probably won’t notice it at all. But, they do perceive it. Scroll down. Do you perceive the difference?
square solid brass door hinge (unlacquered brass)
Image:http://assets1.mytrainsite.com/501005
/solid_core_door_screw_reduced.jpg
Right Image via Ask the Builder
Round hinges do not belong in your million dollar house.
Paint the vents and cover the switch plates
In my residential styling business, I realize every day that it is all in the details.
Here are a few things I tell my clients: Paint the vents. Cover the switch plates. Let the draperies kiss the floor.
Switchplate expertly covered. Image ©Color Calling
Ask your painter to paint your ceiling vents, and wall vents, below, to match.
Vent painted to match. Image ©Color Calling
The bottom of your custom drapery should “kiss” the floor, in my opinion. Heavily puddled draperies are dated, and will look fresher with a tailored hem. When hung, the rod should relate to the ceiling more than it relates to the top of the window. This will add visual height to the room.
Correctly hung drapery
What are your favorite must-have details for your own home? Do tell!
Your Big Old Free Rug
Some of the winter-issue decorating magazines were shouting, “Oriental rugs are back!” And, if they didn’t exactly say that, at least they finally were showing a lot of them. Well, let me tell those editors one thing. Oriental rugs never went out, not here in the South.
You see, we Southerners don’t actually buy our big old Oriental rugs. Not if we can help it. We beg, borrow, and plead for them from down-sizing parents and such. And if you have priced real wool “new” carpet lately, you are probably looking for a loaner yourself.
Lovely old rug in modern space via Pinterest
But, our older rugs’ drawback, from a decorating standpoint, is a big one. In fact, huge. Especially in the wrong hands.
(Free) Bhaktiari rug circa 1900
Image ©Color Calling
They are very bossy. By that, I mean that they boss around just about every other decorating decision you are going to have to make in your room. And, because it is terribly difficult to find upholstery fabric to stand up to them.
"Perfect" fabric for an antique Serapi, with price tag to match
Image ©Color Calling
Now, in the living room it is not as hard. Because we’re going to get you a handsome velvet solid from Duralee, 62 colors to select from, to cover your sofa, and you’re going to be fine at around $66 a yard. (That is very reasonable for custom yardage, trust me.) But, in the family room, it is just about impossible to find something reasonably that is heavy enough. That means heavy enough weight-wise to stand up to traffic, and also heavy enough visually to hold its own with the Oriental rug.
And, while I am fine from a professional standpoint ignoring someone’s hideous pinky-beige-carpet-that-came-with-the-house that they’re replacing, I am not going to be able to ignore your Oriental rug as we begin to move forward in the room. Because it is staying. Forever.
As a design professional, I have access to trade-only showrooms with thousands and thousands of fabric choices. But, I have learned that your big old free rug is one of the hardest things to work with, especially if your budget is on the strict side. Those yummy Kravet Couture or Schumacher cut-velvet geometrics that are so divine-looking, and so perfect with your big rug, retail upwards of $200 a yard. Maybe even $400 a yard. That yardage is only enough for a toss pillow or two, so we aren’t really getting anywhere. Or are we?
The Color Calling solution: find a heavy cotton or heavy cotton/linen/rayon blend that looks great with the rug coloration, in a solid color for the new sofa. Then, we’ll use part of our decorating budget to buy just enough of the killer geometric for two pillows!
Maximum impact, minimum expenditure. Just the way I like to work when my clients are on a tight budget.
Kitchen Styling: My must-have appliance
image
After having a warming drawer (much like the one above) for seven years, I don’t know how I ever got along without it.
Moms: is dance practice or volleyball keeping Daughter past dinner hour? No problem, her dinner is warm and on the plate when she walks in, starving.
Doctor’s family: I know many nights you never know what time that last case will be over.
Take-out for dinner? Place it in the warming drawer to keep at a safe serving temperature for hours.
For me, I love being able to cook, place the food in serving dishes as it is ready, pop everything in the warming drawer, and then tidy up the pots and pans before sitting down.
I don’t think there has been one day in seven years that the warming drawer has not been used. It keeps the Saturday pancakes hot and ready until everyone has gathered for breakfast. It is unbelievably great for entertaining and big holiday meals when you can take things out of the oven as they are ready and keep them piping hot and fresh until serving time. It is my favorite secondary appliance that I have ever owned.
So, take your fancy range-top pot fillers, your built-in pre-plumbed cappuccino makers, and your pull-out counter-level fridge drawers.
Just let me have my warming drawer!
Monday Rant: Residential banquettes
I don’t understand the love affair with residential banquettes. Have you ever been stuck in the middle of one and needed to get up?
Image via Pinterest
At a nice restaurant, where there is waitstaff to gently pull the table in and out for your comings and goings, wonderful!
In a home, not so much. Even if it is used only for casual family dining, don’t the children have to crawl over each other to get in and out of their place? And, when the built-in back swoop of nailheads or padding and tufting go up sky-high, much higher than the back of the chairs on the other side, it is a look that I just don’t get.
Is it the trendiness of the thing or the dysfunctionality of it, that bothers me? Or, is it because the whole look is more of a commercial look than a traditional table and chair setting? What do you think, do you have an opinion on the home banquette trend?
How do you collect art?
Art is one of the most personal things in your home. Art reflects your personality more than any other single thing that you have in your home. Art can be used to create drama or frissón, add elegance or humor, or contribute a desired pop of color.
Whatever your budget, there is art available that will enhance the look and feel of your home. For the last few days, we have talked about mirrors. Today, we will talk about collecting real art. Below, please take a look at three still-life paintings:
Above, Alabama regional artist Mark Singer still life, private collection. Photograph ©Color Calling
The influence of French painter Henri-Émile-Benoît Matisse, below, on Mark Singer, unmistakable.
Matisse painting
image via: http://www.join2day.net/abc/M/matisse/matisse99.JPG
Original still-life. Nice price point, $295. Image via Etsy
http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.282025564.jpg
When color and drama are needed to infuse personality into a room, you need real art. If you are new to collecting, but want to learn more, the best way to train your eye is to pay regular visits to art museums. From the exercise above, you can see that if you love a Matisse painting in a museum, you can capture some of that look and feel in your own home.What appeals to you and moves you? Perhaps, go to a museum by yourself the first time or two. What do you gravitate toward? Once you see something you love, you know that you are training your eye. Ask the museum if a docent could show you galleries with similar paintings when you find something you like.
When you love a painting, it will create a visceral reaction. Do you remember the movie scene in “Pretty Woman” when Julia Roberts experiences opera for the first time? How she was moved to tears by the beauty and the emotion? Wonderful art elicits an emotional response as well. It is a personal response, and you may respond to something entirely differently from your husband or wife. Hopefully, you can find common ground and then you can build on that.
Above: a museum-quality misty landscape, by Birmingham favorite John Lonergan
Image via: http://www.heritagehallmuseum.org/exhibits_apr2010.html
Below, completely different style from the same artist: private collection, photograph ©Color Calling
Once you understand what you like and love, you can go to your local art galleries and see what is for sale. When I am retained to style a room, I love to select for clients from our local Birmingham artists and our cozy galleries. (My favorite thing to do when I am helping a client, is to take down a mirror that is not doing anything for the room, and bring in a painting to fill the place.) Your nearest large town will certainly have wonderful galleries. Ask friends who have art that you love, where they acquired it.
Established quality regional artists such as the above command prices well into the thousands. After you have trained your eye, though, you can begin to take a look at internet sites where emerging artists offer their works directly. Etsy.com is a good one. There are some very talented artists, at fabulous price points, just waiting to be discovered. This large painting would add a charming pop of color to a neutral painted wall in a bungalow, and it is an original oil. Price? $375. Then, take some of the color from the painting and accessorize the room. If you decide to choose the warm Hermès shade of orange as your accent color (Pantone’s Color of the Year 2012, by the way), a reliable styling tip is to repeat that same orange another three times in the room.
Image: via Etsy
http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.273721060.jpg
Below, a more sophisticated landscape, painted loosely, great price point.
image via Etsy, 18×24 original oil, $250
http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.261758576.jpg
The best advice I ever received about art was from my mother. She said that when it comes to art, if you truly love something and you can afford it, you should buy it. I will tell you, two decades later, that advice has rung very true. I have never regretted a single piece of art that we truly loved and have purchased.
How do you hang a mirror?
There are a number of places to effectively hang a mirror. Over a dressing table, it is positively expected. Make it count with a beautiful shape or a gorgeous finish.
Hang your mirror to relate to what it is hanging over. For a mirror over your dressing table, for example, hang it so that you can actually use it while seated. For a mirror over a console, make sure you hang so that it relates to the console and not to the ceiling.
Wherever you use a mirror, allow it to double your view of something beautiful that you love!
Above: A hand-carved water gilt mirror, hung at dressing table height
Below: An ornate mirror reflects Chinoiserie wallpaper
All Photographs ©Color Calling
Color Calling 
