Color Buzz

Friday Project Series: Painting an Altar

By Michele Coppin



To celebrate the Day of the Dead, Mexican families create beautiful altars in honor of their loved ones who have passed away. The photo of the departed is placed in the center surrounded by ofrendas - offerings of food like bread, fruit and drinks.

Paper flags knows as papel picado lend a festive quality to the shrine. Common themes include birds, floral designs and skeletons. They are displayed for celebrations such as weddings, Easter, Christmas and the Day of the Dead with vibrant pinks, oranges and purples.

The altars are also covered with yellow marigold flowers known as campazuchitl. Like bursts of light, these glorious flowers are believed to attract the departed souls.

Candles and incense are also lit, lending a spiritual and intimate quality to the altar. What makes this tradition unique is that every altar is different because they reflect the personalities of the deceased and their family.





Colorful skulls and skeletons made of sugar are often incorporated into the design. They are adorned with festive dress and musical instruments, adding humor and reflecting positive memories of the loved ones.



Some shrines are devoted to national heroes or beloved artists like Frida Kahlo.



Rather than decorating with spooky witches and ghouls this Halloween, I’ve decided to embrace my Mexican heritage by making an altar for my father. Here are the simple steps:

First, I chose a photo of my papa smiling, which I placed on my mantle.



Next, I drew calaveras on paper which his grandchildren decorated. They used bright cheerful colors to honor their grandfather and it meant a lot to them to share in this process.







Then, I made paper flags into elaborate designs from tissue paper.



To make the paper flags yourself, all you need is multicolored tissue paper, white drawing paper and scissors. Place the white paper on top of tissue paper for stiffness.





Fold into four sections with the drawing paper on top and sketch a pattern or design on the white paper. Then cut out and separate each section carefully. Finally, string them together to make a long, colorful banner.

Along with my paper flags, I added some ofrendas of bananas, apples, and a few seashells.

Finally, I placed yellow and orange flowers and candles around the altar. The final result is beautiful and moving. It serves as a reminder that his life and life in general are meant to be celebrated.

Paint it Black

Mysterious, elegant and awe-inspiring – painting a room black creates a space that transports you to another place. It sets a mood that allows you to expand your ideas and vision.

In these next three photos we are going to see how and why black works in these rooms.



In the photo above, taken from HGTV’s site, we see a room painted a soft, cool black with blue undertones. The walls are high, so in order to avoid creating a huge black cave, the designer balances the deep color with elements of soft, light, cool grays and crisp, pure whites. The sofas, window treatment, painting, fireplace stone and the wood in the fireplace all add a transition from the depth on the walls. If you peak up onto the ceiling, that too is painted soft gray, which ties that high plane into the rest of the room.

The crisp white of the mantle and the column of wall behind it open up the space and reach upward. The white of the window opens that up too. Expanding the window and the white trim captures the edges of the black so that it holds the space, not swallow it up. The designer brilliantly added elements of sheen with the mirrored coffee table and crystal chandelier – very glam. Also the gorgeous, flame-like white sculpture on the mantle adds another element of expansion. 

In the corner is a wonderful collection of square, beveled mirrors that bring shimmers of reflective light and breaks up the deep wall. I love the warm rich wood floor. It anchors all the cool colors above it. The touch of deep, red flowers on the table also adds heat. Overall, the room is sophisticated, fresh and has a hint of the unknown – very cool.  To get this look, try: Blue Coal for the walls, Polished Silver for the ceiling and Ultra white for the trim.

                                   
                  Blue Coal 4011-3                      Polished Silver 4008-1B




In photo #2, we see an entry vignette created by Texas designer Jan Showers. Here we have a deep, dark black which defies limits and boundaries. The objects in front of the wall seem to float in endless space. The soft, warm, gentle pinks in the painting, lamp and dish, as well as the yummy, honey-toned wood all add an inviting aspect to the entry. The Venetian glass chandelier adds an element of glamour, which the black provides the perfect backdrop for. To get this look, try Valspar’s Dark Kettle Black.  For the hints of pink try, Tea Rose.

                                   
             Dark Kettle Black 4011-2                   Tea Rose 1007-2B




The last photo shows a dining room painted a charcoal black with creamy white trim and warm, rich wood. Here you see how great a deep black color can look with paneling – very chic. The cool black is balanced by warm whites and golds in the fabric. To get this look try: Sharkfin for the walls, Shoreline Haze for the ceiling and Woodlawn Whitewash on the trim.

                   
      Sharkfin 4007-2A         Shoreline Haze 6008-1B      Woodlawn Whitewash
                                                                                          6008-1A

Relax in Style

By Michele Coppin

When it comes to decorating, it is easy to be overwhelmed. There are so many styles and palettes to choose from! Knowing what style you like can be very helpful. Here are some visual aids to help you identify your preferences:
 
If your ideal house has a wrap-around porch:


If you like combining natural materials like stone and wood and variations of their muted colors:


If you really like the feel of natural wood furniture and simple patterns on uncluttered walls:


If you like soft light filtering through bamboo shades:


If you get ideas from this fine magazine:


If you like these gifts:


If you like art inspired by  the beauty of nature  like Bierstadts's "Butterfly":


. . . and the warm earth tones in Paul Cezanne's landscapes:


If a fire on a beach helps you dream and relax:


Then, congratulations my friend! You are a relaxed nature lover.
 
You might like these earthy palettes inspired by nature:
 
Reds:
                   
   La Fonda Antique Red   La Fonda Boulder 3001-10A    Cream in my Coffee
            2002-5A                                                                 3003-10C

Greens:
                   

 Grandma's Linen 6001-1C   Cinema Screen 7001-17        Irish Tea 1004-9C

Also, you might want to check out this article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Friday about Valspar's "Love, Our Style" site, which quoted Ann and a couple who took the style quiz.

Valspar's "Love, Our Style" makeover contest ended last night but you can still go to the site and take the Our Style quiz to find out how to merge your style with that of your partner.

Color of the Week - Sandbar

Since orange is in the spotlight all month, we chose a sophisticated shade for last week. Last week's Color of the Week, Sandbar is a slightly gray, orange color with peach undertones. This would look beautiful in a bedroom with warm gray-beige accents. Consider colors like Jekyll Club Cherokee Tan, Fairmont Penthouse Stone, Shoreline Haze or Bay Sands, which support this color beautifully. Try trimming Sandbar with Cliveden Mist and painting Strawberry Malt on the ceiling.

                   
      Sandbar 2004-6A        Jekyll Club Cherokee Tan  Fairmont Penthouse Stone
                                                   6008-2A                           6008-1C

                    
 Shoreline Haze 6008-1B       Bay Sands 5008-1B         Cliveden Mist 6007-1A
           
                                           
                                         Strawberry Malt 2008-8C

Friday Project Series – Halloween Pumpkins with a Twist of Color

I have to confess, Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays. Two main reasons come to mind. One, I love this time of year! The air is getting crisp, cool and clean. The colors...the COLORS are indescribably beautiful. And two, this is the one holiday that puts so much emphasis on an individual’s creativity, from costumes to Jack-O-Lanterns.

This year, I’ve decided to add a twist to pumpkin carving. They have always had a charming effect, whether they showcase a friendly grin or a frightening face. Rather than simply carving pumpkins this year, I thought I would try to incorporate spray paint. 

As much as I love simply carving the great orange orb, I thought it might be fun to take the color in a new direction. I went down to Stonewall Gardens, the local pumpkin retailer to pick up one or two little round ones.  I’ll be back with my son and daughter this weekend, but I wanted to get a jump start for this blog.


Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I thought I’d paint the first pumpkin pink pumpkin and carve a ribbon into the front. For the second pumpkin, I decided to take a more classic route—with a color twist of course. 


First, I spray painted the first one pink. I put it in a cardboard box to keep the mess to a minimum. I always wear a mask too. 

Once this is done, I drew out the ribbon then proceeded to cut it out using one of those great little mini saws you get in pumpkin carving kits.

I then sprayed the second pumpkin with Valspar’s Silver Metallic paint and carved  with a classic hallow grin.

Now all we need are trick-or-treaters. Better go get some candy!

 

Colors of Historic Preservation

By Michele Coppin

As I was reviewing this fall's Pantone colors, I was struck by how familiar they look.


A few months ago, I visited beautiful Colonial Williamsburg, the preserved historic city which in the 18th century was the center of government, education and culture in the colony of Virginia. It was also where Thomas Jefferson and others molded the democracy of the commonwealth of Virginia and ultimately the United States.


The historic area is an interpretation of a colonial American city with authentic colonial houses restored with perfect accuracy. The indoor and outdoor colors of the houses have been reproduced faithfully as well as the wallpapers and textiles. The colonial style combines elements of Federal and Georgian architecture which emphasize order and simplicity.
 
The colors are sober, rich and solid and surprisingly similar to this fall's Pantone palette. It is probably no coincidence however, as these colors speak of strength, steadfastness and persistence—qualities we need in these uncertain times—colors that are constant and inspire democracy.

A wide range of colors work well with the colonial palette, from traditional whites and bright yellows, to rich dark browns and purples.

This pagoda wallpaper is from the 1718 Thomas Everad mansion and is characteristic of the Chinoiserie designs popular in the mid to late 18th century. The red, black and iron gray colors are typical colonial colors.



Red and rose was also a popular combination. This wall paper hangs in the mansion's parlor.

Black and blue can be found in the upstairs hallway.

Colonial exterior colors reflect similar properties as this typical red 18th century home from Newport, RI illustrates.

Feeling inspired to paint your home patriotic colors? If you’re interested in incorporating colors similar to the Pantone selections, check out Valspar’s National Trust for Historic Preservation line.

Color of the Week - Hayloft

Last week’s Color of the Week as Hayloft, a bright and cheery orange that glows. Because it's a clear orange, it has a modern edge to it. Try it with crisp, glossy whites or warm off-whites like Crafted White and Homey Cream. It's a color that can really liven things up! 

                      
            Hayloft 2006-2A        Crafted White 3007-6C    Homey Cream 3007-6B

Newlywed Neutral

By Megan Leblond



The proposal in Todd's words:

I proposed to Katrina at center ice of a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game. Katrina bought the tickets for me as a Christmas gift, so she had no clue this was coming.  I convinced Katrina that I won an online contest to play “Deal or No Deal” during the first intermission and had a chance to win signed jerseys. However, hidden in box number four, the box we agreed to pick on the way to the game, was a sign that said, “Will you marry me?” To make the story even more impressive, I invited our entire family to the game, so our parents, Katrina’s brother, my brother, sister-in-law and one-year-old nephew Luke were able to share the evening with us. To top the night off, the Penguins came back to win the game by scoring two goals in the third period, the last by Jonathan Filewich, with 20 seconds remaining in the game.
   
Todd and Katrina met in 7th grade, but didn't know they wanted to date each other until their eyes met across their junior prom floor. They were married on October 11th, 2008. Now, they have decided that as a reward for earning their master's degrees they will put an addition on their home of four years. The first color scheme for the home was chosen primarily by Katrina, and after living with pastels and beach tones for several years, they are ready for a change in the aesthetics of their home.

Todd's careful planning and self taught CAD skills seem to definitely be paying off.  Check out the awesome 780 foot square open format dining/family room the couple is creating.

The question now becomes, what kind of color will ring new and true for both Todd and Katrina? Todd is an Elementary School physical education teacher working towards becoming an educational administrator and Katrina is a Kindergarten teacher. Their Pennsylvania home should reflect their interests and provide a beautiful backdrop for their family. The couple definitely leads an active lifestyle. Todd runs an after school program and coaches a junior high baseball team. Katrina keeps up with the kindergarteners. The home should be a peaceful and serene place where the newlyweds can unwind after a high energy day.

Todd describes his style as “rustic” and Katrina's as “beachy.” Surely the two styles can marry into a cohesive living space. I asked Todd if there was specific furniture or décor he envisioned in the finished room. He provided these photos of a period piece of furniture and treasured Sports memorabilia he would like to include.  Check out these beautiful prints and artifacts. We can truly see a sophisticated and traditional American color palette present in the items. Gathering objects or imagery you appreciate can steer you into your final decisions regarding color choices.

    

  

                              

After living with a pastel color palette for some time, Katrina is willing to be diplomatic and try some new ideas in the way of color. The historic professional sports memorabilia creates a reflective and fun feel. While it might be nice to carry some of the bold colors from the memorabilia into other aspects of the home, Katrina and Todd are ready to move away from some of the brights that they have been living with. The open format floor plan lends itself toward a neutral. Neutrals provide for an even-tempered medium tone in a home. They are also very good for two-story spaces because the light color will not compete with low lying furniture or the bouncing light from larger windows. The light from the many windows in this space will brighten the neutral in the day time. In the evening it will become a comfortable and cozy medium. The deep tones of the wood furniture will create some darks to add contrast, depth and intrigue to the space.

Todd and Katrina spent a great deal of time looking at the Historic Valspar color line online.  As you can see, their appreciation for history is quite apparent. Here are some neutral tones that reflect both Katrina's love for the beach, and Todd's for the dugout.

Neutral Color Chips:

                   

Churchill Hotel Ecru 3002-10C   Filoli Antique Lace 3002-10B

                   

     New Penny 3001-8B              Pale Powder 3001-8B

Navy Color Chips:

                   

   Fioli Dark Iris 4009-5                  Royal Navy 4011-4

Leather-Inspired Color Chips:

                      
 
   Pale Cordovan 3010-7                 Caramel Toffee 3009-7

We'll let you know how this project shapes up! The neutral of choice for these newlyweds is: Ivory Brown. Good luck in your new life together Todd and Katrina, and here's to a major home renovation nearly complete!

Ivory Brown 6006-1C

Exotic Style

By Michele Coppin

Decorating can be confusing with so many styles and colors available. Being aware of your preferences and recognizing your taste can be very helpful. Here are a few visual aids to help you identify and develop your own personal style.

If this is your ideal bedroom:


If you love the elegance of its  Moroccan tiles:


If this is your idea of a little hike:


If you love the multicolored patterns of Mayan textiles:


If you appreciate intricate designs on Tibetan prayer wheels:


If you like the delicate beauty of Indian miniature paintings:


. . . and the earthy spiritual intricacy of Aboriginal paintings:


If you have more than one Lonely Planet on your shelf


. . . and a subscription to National Geographic:


If this is your favorite movie:


. . . and this is your dream get away:


Well done, hen hao, estupendo, proficiaat and namascar!

Your style is Exotic!

You might like these palettes:

 
Colors mixed and matched:

                                       
                Berry Blush 1004-1A                      Roasted Squash 2006-3A

                   
                                                   
              Roaming Pony 1003-9B                      Sunny Dales 6002-6A

or

Variation on a theme:

                                       
              Golden Chime 3006-5C                      Celestial Blue 4003-5C


                                       
               Karmic Grape 4002-8C                    Berries Galore 4001-10B

Happy Travels!

Couples, remember to check out Valspar's "Love, Our Style" site for tips on merging styles AND a chance to win a room/paint makeover from Beehive Studios! This is the last week to enter the makeover contest, so don't forget to send in your stories!

Classic Style

By Michèle Coppin

If this is your ideal home:

If you like antiques and leather furniture:


If you like traditional furniture:


If you like clean lines:


Combined with classical elements on a small scale:


Or a larger scale:


If these are your favorite designers:




If you like paintings of traditional tall ships:


And famous thoroughbreds:


If this is your ideal getaway:


If you like muted colors with bold accents and if you love Persian rugs and the color of wine, then pour yourself a glass and celebrate!


Your style is elegant and Classic!

You might like these palettes:

Vineyard:
                    
Mesa tumbleweed 2008-10A    Grassland 6004-4A          Royal Garnet 1011-5

Yacht Club:

                    
   Oatlands Subtle Taupe     Soul Chocolate 2011-9       Motor City Blue 4005-4C
             6005-1B


Couples, remember to check out Valspar's "Love, Our Style" site for tips on merging styles AND a chance to win a room/paint makeover from Beehive Studios! This is the last week to enter the makeover contest, so don't forget to send in your stories!