Go BOLD at home

So neutral colours are always in style and always work but if you are looking to add some excitement to your space that's easy and inexpensive - look no further.  Colour is back and it's BOLD!

Colour can do so much for a space but be sure to choose wisely. 

You want to start with having all of your items for your room, FIRST.  So if you are thinking of adding colour to your bedroom walls be sure to have your bedding, rugs etc...first.  You will want to take inspiration from those items to make your paint selection, so that it all works together.  Putting in some crazy bright colour that has no connection with your other items will just look wacky!

Take inspiration from another somewhat colourful piece in your room.  So you may want to use your drapes, furniture or bedding to help select the paint colour. 

So looking at the above image, I'd probably do a bold brunt orange or mustard wall (the wall where the headboard is).  And then, the other three walls in a neutral cream, taupe, tan or khaki. 

How do you know if it is the right shade? Test it.  So start by looking at the bold shade against white (a plain sheet of typing paper is perfect).  You will want to stick with colour that seems to have some black or brown in the base - that will keep the room looking sophisticated and classic but still with colour.  The tones that don't have brown or black in the base look like candy (too child like).  Now maybe you have a few colours and can't decide - go to your paint store and get some small sample bottles.  Paint large (24"x24") patches on the wall and look at those colours against your items and look at the colour in the day and night light.  and you'll fall in love with a colour in no time.

Scared?? Try going bold in a space like a powder room or a guest room. 

In my current home I painted our powder room in a rich dark chocolate colour.  I added some neutral cream towels and candles, a bold and colourful art piece and a very streamlined mirror.  It looks very sophisticated and we get lots of compliments, too!

You can have so much fun with colour and painting is easy (with the right tools) and inexpensive too

Have fun with colour and have fun in your home with bold colour!!

Paint colour trends for 2011

What will be "all the rage" for paint colours this coming year?

You will be seeing a lot of splash and fun 'pop' colours. Because paint is such an easy and inexpensive way to transform any room, in 2011 the colours will have more vibrancy and brilliance that ever before. If you aren't too adventurous, try these colours in room such as a powder room or laundry room. Neutrals are always in style too, in 2011 shades of grey and still gorgeous and so are the organic hues.

1 -- Lime Green. Looks great in a kid's room or playroom. Lots of energy and movement with this colour. Can work in a condo or a family home. Check out Sico in Pastis 6121-42

2 -- Smoke Grey. This is less pop and more posh. Looks great in a master bedroom or living room. Can be on the darker side so be sure to balance with lighter artwork and other furnishings. Take a closer look at Benjamin Moore in Smoke 2122-40

3 -- Fern Green. A more sophisticated cousin to the lime green. This colour is calming and soothing but does add some energy too. Works in a master suite or guest suite. Check out Beauti-Tone Paints in Fern SD019

4 -- Soft Grey. Still seeing a lot of grey this year, this would be for the non-adventurous type. It shows as a soft silver and if you are looking for a perfectly soft paint colour to show off your furniture and art this would work well in that space. Take a look at Farrow & Ball in Elephant's Breath 229

5-- Lemon Yellow. A big, bold but happy colour! Great for accents and stencils like in a children's room or even a workspace. Check out Sico in Slightly Sour 6097-42

6 -- Hot Pink. Definitely another bold choice but really works when paired with classic neutrals like the soft grey. Again, great for an accent like in a master bedroom. Definitely daring but modern and fun - perfect for a strong,single female on her own. Take a closer look at Benjamin Moore in Royal Flush 2076-20

7 -- Dark Teal. Not turquoise! This colour is bold but rich. Perfect for a man cave or man's office space. Add some dark wood furniture, leather sofa and club chairs and some photography or framed memorabilia and you have a classicmale space. Check out Behr's Almost Famous T11-6

8--Boho Brown. If your style is folklore chic and you love to collect and display beautifully handcrafted pieces, you need a wall colour that compliments but also can handle the supporting role. Farrow & Ball's London Clay 244 is rich and elegant but works so beautifully with hippie chic.

9 -- Sand. Love the beachy feel but without the sand in all of those hard to clean places? Then put the colour on your wall. Colours that are organic and true to nature are still going strong this year. Take a look at Sico colours such as Seashore Pebble 6230-31 and Whitish Clay 6213-21