Color Buzz

Friday Project Series - The Color Wash Technique

By Veronique Linnett
 
Since Ann, Michele and I were in Los Angeles this week doing a makeover for the “Love, Our Style” contest winner, I would like to share a technique we used called a color wash. It is a fantastic and easy painting technique which works especially well when using bold colors. In this case, we used two shades of earthy and sunny oranges to highlight a central column in the apartment. The use of two shades or sometime even three shades, create depth and texture to the wall, giving the impression that the wall is lit from within.

What you will need:

        
Cinnamon Cake 3010-6     Orange Glaze 3009-6

- Two shades that would work great together, one lighter one darker.
- 4'' Chip brush
- Three plastic buckets
- Water
- Aluminum pie or cake pan
- Blue painter’s tape

How to:
  

1) Carefully tape around the area you want to paint.
2) Dispense each shade of paint into a separate plastic bucket and use the 3rd bucket for water.
3) Dip your brush in the water, then in each shade of paint to add to your cake pan, leaving the colors separate in the pan.
4) Then proceed to paint the wall dipping your brush alternately between your two shades and the water.
5) You can blend the colors more or less depending of the amount of color contrast you want.
6) When paint is dry, you can go back in the same manner over painted area. The more coats, the smoother the effect.

For the full effect, check out our video demonstrating the color wash technique: 

L.A. Makeover

Veronique, Michele and I are in Los Angeles this week working at Leo and Robert’s house. They are the winners of Valspar’s “Love, Our Style” contest.

Just to recap, Leo and Robert are a couple that were having trouble merging their two different styles and deciding on colors for their living room, which is a large open space with tall cathedral ceilings adjacent to the kitchen and an office/loft above.

We met with the homeowner and together developed a palette for their space based on discussing the colors they love and listening to the types of styles they gravitate towards. After hours of climbing scaffolds, racing up and down ladders and washing colors onto the walls, we are now heading into the home stretch. Everyone seems very pleased so far. I especially like the rust/orange column we’ve painted. Leo liked the lighter areas of it so I’m going to go over it a bit with some “Fancy Suede.”

The home has highly-textured walls, which are perfect for using the color wash technique. To get this look, set out two to three colors which blend nicely together. For this project, we put together Valspar’s Caraway Shield, Epic and Dry Earth. Have a bucket of water nearby as well as a pan where you can mix the colors before placing them on the wall—we like to use an old cake pan. To start, wet a three to four inch brush in the water then dip your brush in the various colors and start to wash the wall with them. Keep blending. When the colors dry, go back over here and there with another layer to soften the look. The result is a soft suede finish that brightens the room and looks great in any light. The finish also enhances textured walls and adds depth to the paint color.

We’re off to put the final touches on the home. Check back soon for the complete before and after photos. In the meantime, take a look at the final color palette we chose for Leo and Robert.

                   
Caraway Shield 6008-4B    Cinnamon Cake 3010-6      Orange Glaze 3009-6   

                   
  Dakota Trail 6008-3B  Woodlawn Misty Morn 6008-3A     Epic 6008-3C

Los Angeles Couple Wins Valspar’s Makeover!

Lately, we have posted a series of stories with tips and advice on how newlyweds and couples can merge styles as part of a program with Valspar. The “Love, Our Style” program also included a contest for couples to share their design dilemmas to win the ultimate prize of a room makeover.

I am happy to announce our grand prize winner, Leo and Robert from Los Angeles! The couple will receive a free paint and décor makeover from Beehive Studios, courtesy of Valspar.

Leo and Robert want to highlight their impressive collection of artwork in their home. But tall cathedral ceilings, a loft, and large open spaces create a challenge for the couple when deciding on colors for each room.

Leo likes bright, splashy colors, while Robert enjoys more subtle earth tones. For this couple, we had to choose a palette of colors to distinguish each room, enhance the art and bring a sense of unity to the entire apartment. 

This couple was on the right track because looking at favorite art is a great way to find color inspiration. Working with their artwork, we recommended a warm environment with bright elements to complement both of their individual styles and bring out the subtleties of each painting. As part of their online color consultation, we suggested:

        

Ancient Scroll 3008-8B or Dakota Trail 6008-3B: These warm neutrals for the living room will give a soft background to enhance the artwork and make it a focal point.  

         

Woodlawn Misty Morn 6008-3A or Filoli Gold Ecru 3008-8C: Warm neutrals that are a touch lighter for the living room.  

         

Jekyll Club Cherokee Tan 6008-2A or Au Lait Ole 3003-9C: These two are deeper colors that can bring an element of sophistication to the loft space without overpowering the living room.

          

Fairmont Suite Gold 3003-8A or Cloudy Sunset 3005-8A: For a brighter, more gold tone, these colors would also work well for the loft space.

   

Florentine Clay 2003-5B: To make a splash in the dining room, use this bold color.  

These colors can really pop by adding a few bright accents, such as pillows, window treatments and ceramics. 

Please stay tuned as we share before and after photos of Leo and Robert’s room transformation. We’ll be working with them over the next few weeks to create a decorative paint design that will bring together each of their distinct styles in a look they love. We look forward to the challenge and to sharing the results with you.

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!

Design and Compromise

By Megan Leblond

As we’ve seen in the Valspar “Love, Our Style” program, couples designing a home together can sometimes lead to conflict of tastes. To remedy this, we’ve compiled a list of tips for compromising on a happy home renovation project:

- Look at your goals together

- Identify each others strengths

- Think about what may happen if you choose not to compromise

- Keep in mind that many and very different solutions exist

- Let go of your negative feelings and keep working towards a solution

- Acknowledge your own perspective and your partner’s when discussing contrasting opinions.

- Show appreciation for your partner's opinion

- Do not harbor negative feelings after you agree to a conclusion

- Remember to stay positive as you work toward your goal

To help find a style that may work for you both, consider taking the “Love, Our Style” quiz or take a look at our recent post on scrapbooking. 

           

Country Style

By Michele Coppin

Decorating can be daunting and confusing with so many styles to choose from. Knowing what style you prefer can be very helpful when choosing colors, textiles and furniture. Here are some visual aids to help you identify your tendencies.

If this is your ideal home:

If you like the rich colors of nature and references to the great outdoors:

If you like comfortable, solid, well crafted wooden furniture and native American patterns:

If you like solid colors and references to the American Flag:

If you like plaids and stripes:

 
If you like the  essential  beauty of well crafted quilts:

And  grandiose sublime paintings of the American west:

If you wish this were your license plate:

If this would be your ideal getaway:

and this is on your MP3:

Then, Bravo! Your style is "COUNTRY."

You might enjoy these palettes: 

EARTHY:

              

      Red Ochre 2011 - 4      Cowboy Boots 2010 - 10

          

  Motor City Blue 400 - 4C  Oatlands Subtle Taupe 600 - 1B 

PATRIOTIC:

           

    Nostalgia 4007 - 6A      Almost Charcoal 4008 - 2B

           

   Fabulous Red 1011 - 2  Anthem White 7006 - 24

PRAIRIE:

            

Belle Grove Flamestitch Red 1008 - 5A Du Jour 7002 - 6

           

    Dark Meadow 6010 - 5     Desert Grass 3008 - 7C

Couples, don't forget to check out Valspar's "Love, Our Style" site for tips on merging styles AND a chance to win a room/paint makeover from the Beehive Studios!

Love Our Style

We are so excited to embark on a special project with Valspar paint! We are reaching out to America’s newlyweds and asking them to send us their design dilemmas. One of the first challenges people face as a couple is merging two styles into one great look for the home. So, each week, from Aug. 24 to Oct. 16, we will select one couple to receive a virtual color consultation to help bridge individual styles into a cohesive design. These couples will automatically be entered to win a real room/decorative paint makeover by us! 

To get started, visit Valspar’s “Love, Our Style” site, where you’ll find a fun interactive quiz that reveals your combined couple style and learn how to enter the contest. For the next month and a half, some of our blog entries will focus on issues many new couples face, as well as some easy DIY projects you can do together, such as painting your bedroom, making your own artwork, wedding frames and many more. So, come back often and let us know what you think!

*Please note, our "Ask the Expert" program will be on hold until mid-October as we focus our efforts on this program. Thanks for your understanding!