Color Your World-One Gemstone at a Time

CGD Color of the Month

Aquamarine

I love the color green in almost any shade!  It reminds me of the out doors and is such a great backdrop for other colors.  

The original birthstone for March is Bloodstone but by 1912 Aquamarine was adopted as the modern day gemstone for March. 
It is said that these pale blue-green stones are associated with good health, youth, love and hope. 

Just being in a room designed with this color palette makes me happy! It has a very calming effect on most people, I believe because the varying shades of blue green color remind one of the ocean, in fact the word Aquamarine is from the Latin, aqua marina,  water, sea.  It pairs well with many different colors such as, rust and pink tones, as well as lavender,  yellows and browns.

Just look at the way these contrasting colors blend seamlessly, creating a bold yet calming color palette.  I love how colors found in nature go so well together.  
They were "beautifully and wonderfully made"!
Can you imagine how this color scheme would translate into a room design?

I love the bold color contrast of this combination too!

Now for some softer Aquamarine color combinations!

I love how these painted chairs add a touch of Aquamarine to this gorgeous eating area mimicking the calm ocean view!

Fabulous Bedding

Gorgeous Tile!

So many choices in accessories!

So, what's your birthstone?  Have you used this color in your decorating projects?  I'd love to see how you've transformed a room using any of these fabulous color combinations!  Be sure to visit my Pinterest page for all photo sources.  Also please visit my Facebook page, "Like" and post a photo of your project featuring this color!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Until next time!

Tina

Transformation Tuesday-Cabinet Stencil Reveal

Stenciling-The Ultimate Solution

A few weeks ago we worked on refacing our kitchen cabinets with the leftover bead board from the ceiling project.  Although there is still more work to be done on the lower cabinets, the uppers are done!  After giving the cabinets a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore Simply White OC 117 inside and out, I decided that that the interior of the glass front cabinets needed a little something to enhance the white dishes I collect.  After considering many different options like wall paper, fabric and paint, all of which didn't give me the color selection I needed, I decided that to get the right color, I needed to paint my own pattern. Stencils are a perfect solution because you can select the paint color you want. 

I was looking for a soft pattern and color that would not be too busy with all the other elements in the room.   I selected a small arabesque pattern that has a fresh contemporary look. After trying an earthy green color that I have in the tile backsplash, I decided it was a little too much color and too much contrast.

the wall color, Carrington Beige, seamed to be the right choice. 

The great part about stencils and paint is that if you don't like the result simply paint over it and try something else!

I am happy with the result, and as my hubby says

" if you're happy, I'm happy!"

The soft paint color highlights the dished nicely without overpowering the dish displays.

Now it's on the next phase of this, "kitchen makeover on a budget, the countertops and flooring...stay tuned!

Do you have a transformation you'd like to share?  If so e-mail me photos for a feature on "Transformation Tuesday"

Until next time!

Tina!

Friday Faves-What is a Mud Room Anyway?

In the newer home plans of today the "mud room" is an essential part of the overall layout of the house.

Especially here in the New England states where the snow flies and the rain comes down in buckets at  a moments notice!  In home plans of years ago it was often times called the utility room or back hall, a place where the family could remove dirty shoes, hang coats and hats after coming in from chores.  It was simply a dumping ground for stuff you didn't want to track into the house and usually not seen by visitors to the house! Todays mud rooms however are designed to be a functional, well appointed and beautiful to be in.  

The rooms are often combined to incorporate the laundry and pet grooming stations as well as a powder room.  Some even include office and play areas. This a perfect space to try out some bold color schemes or fabric patterns that you would otherwise not use in the main parts of the home.

Some key elements to a well planned space are:

• Durable flooring materials
• Ample lighting
• functional storage
• windows
• comfortable seating
• proper electrical and plumbing fixtures, if needed

  So weather it's a back entry, front hall or entire room, devoted to handle it all, I believe that function can and must be stylish too, so a well planned space, including all the necessary elements of your lifestyle, is a must if planning one for your new or existing home.  

Here are a few of my favorite spaces that are functional and beautifully designed.

This area has a built-in window seat for extra storage and serves as a comfy place to sit!

I hope you've gotten some great inspiration for your next project here!  If you want to see more and sources for all photos check out my Pinterest board for information.

Until next time!

Tina