My Design Secrets

I know it’s been a while so I hope you’ve all been enjoying your summer.  I’ve been very busy with lots of design projects and updating my Lorrie Browne Interiors website, which are the things I normally juggle.  But you know what really keeping me busy?  Dog Rescue work!  We adopted our dog, Roxie, from Big Dog Ranch Rescue last year and I loved the group so much I started doing some fundraising.  One thing led to another and now I am helping them with their website, fundraising and I have a foster dog named Brewster sitting in my office!  But that’s how life goes sometimes and as I get older, I am learning that rolling with it is not only a more healthy attitude but more fun too!  So I knew you wouldn’t mind if I took a little summer vacation from My Design Secrets.  But now I am back so let’s talk about Paint!

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Selecting multiple paint colors can be pretty tricky if you have a home with an open floor plan or many rooms close together. Some of you are willing to take your time and do your homework and that’s why I wrote my Paint Primer post a while back.  But I know that many people are overwhelmed enough to shelf the project and go have a fruity drink (which is also a very good option, but it won’t get any closer to you goal!)  So since it’s a quick weekend project and the makeover potential is awesome, I’ll share some tricks to get you on the fast track to coloring your world.

Easy but Effective Approaches to Selecting Paint Colors

Same Color, Many Shades - Living and Dining areas with an open floor plan are a good place for this method.  I know many people are tempted to choose 2 complementary colors but that can really chop up the space and make it look smaller.  Architectural details (columns, moldings, corners) allow you a logical place to transition from one shade to the next.

The Easy Way to find these colors? The Benjamin Moore Classic Colors.  When choosing your colors,  I would skip a shade or two in between.  For example:  482 and 480.

You probably learned this in art class when you were young. If you keep adding white to any color, you get lighter and lighter shades which eventually lead you to a pastel tone.

Different Colors, Same Family - One of the best ways to paint closely located rooms but add a little drama is go with a color family.  Use the darkest color in the brightest space and the lightest color in the low light areas. It helps even things out.  For example:  My living room has 2 full walls of French doors so I went bold with a medium brown on the two remaining walls.  But my powder room, which is very small with one window, is a buff color which opens it up a bit.  It’s a simple to way to get a designer palette without the stress of choosing multiple colors.

The Easy Way to Find These Colors? -The Benjamin Moore Historical Colors. You will see more of a distinct change from color to color unlike the classic colors that offer subtle steps of color.

If you want to go a little bolder, the Historical Colors allow you to find complementary colors but each still has a distinct tone.

Wall color is a critical element in a well designed room but I think many times, homeowners take things a bit too far.  The terms “Bold” and “Fun” are warning signs and it’s easy to grow tired of these colors quickly.  Don’t lose sight of your original goal: to pull together all of the furnishings in the room.  The walls should not take center stage but rather provide a lovely backdrop.

Whether you gravitate toward blue, brown or pink there’s a world of color that will get you where you are going and leave room for colorful accessories and most importantly, some updates down the line. I hope these tips help you choose wisely!

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This a photo of my office, which has a vaulted ceiling that was previously white. This time I painted the walls and ceiling Prescott Green and I love how it opened up the room.

We recently had the interior of our home repainted and it’s so wonderful to see clean, fresh colors on the walls.  So I chose some new colors…nothing too earth-shattering.  I stayed with the palette I love….blues, greens and earth tones.The trusty Benjamin Moore Historical Collection has been my color home base for years.

First we had some prep work to do. The painter did a great job of repairing the cracked plaster on the ceiling which made a huge different.  You see, we live in a Bungalow that was built in 1981 and by South Florida standards that is OLD! Now old is not a bad thing.  I like old. I grew up in a house that was a Grist Mill built in 1840. Old meant original hardwood floors, exposed beams and a house that oozed character and charm. It also had lots of cool places to hide. But in this house “old”  means quirky building details, odd-shaped rooms and every room has vaulted ceilings.

So the important changes I made this time around were with the ceiling colors.  In most rooms we have vaulted ceilings….which means 2 things.  A fifth wall that covers a lot of real estate and no crown moldings. I love this house, it just always requires a little extra imagination to pull it all together.

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Big deal, right?  Well it is a big deal if you want a cohesive look and the ceiling is the crowning touch.  So here are some tips on choosing colors for your ceiling:

Vaulted Ceiling –  Without crown molding you rarely get a straight edge where the ceiling meets the wall which looks messy and distracting.  A good solution?  If the wall color is on the lighter side, I like to paint the ceiling the same color.  It makes for a smooth transition and the room looks larger. I don’t recommend colors that are too dark for rooms with vaulted ceilings. If you paint the ceiling that same dark color and don’t have enough light in the room, it can really make it feel closed in.  As human beings we feel most comfortable with darker colors below and lighter ones above….kinda like the ground and sky!

Flat Ceilings/No Crown Molding – You have a few factors to consider.  If the line between the ceiling and wall is nice and straight, then you can certainly go with different colors. But choose a soft white rather than the chalky Ceiling White that most painters will automatically use. When you look at the whites side by side, you will see some are warm (pinks and golds) while others are cool (more blue or gray). Choose accordingly.  You can also choose a lighter shade of your wall color.

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Our Living Room has a plank ceiling with a simple band of trim around the edge so it basically the same as having a crown molding. So we painted both Atrium white which has a ever so slight pink hue. It compliments the warmth of the Chestnut walls.

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Flat Ceilings with Crown Molding –  Since you will most likely go with a white tone for your crown, it’s best to do the same with the ceiling.  I often use the same color for the crown as the ceiling (but of course a satin or semi-gloss for the trim and flat for the ceiling).  Don’t use the wall color on the ceiling.  The crown is going to look like a big white stripe around the room.

Small Ceilings - In powder rooms and small laundry rooms I like to use the same color on the walls and ceiling.  It makes the room look more unified.  If you have wallpaper in a small powder room, wallpaper the ceiling or paint it the same background color as the paper.

I hope this helps you have more confidence when it’s time to paint.  I am sure you will find that your newly painted (non-chalky-white) ceiling will give your room a light airy feeling!

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At first glance, a well-designed bedroom allows you to  just settle into the whole space.  The colors, the furniture and the tiny details all work togehter harmoniously.  Ahhhh, the cohesive loveliness!  But as a designer, my next step is to start breaking it all down… the bed, the pillows, the window treatments and lamp.  Why does it all work and how can I learn from this?  I want to help you develop the same critical eye because this is the difference between a so-so decorating job and a room that comes alive.

I designed the room above for two teenage girls about 10 years ago.  They liked feminine details but were growing up and did not want anything too cute.  They loved horses but did not want the whole room to go “horsey”.  It’s always a balancing act between “this” and “that.” So these are the steps I took to pull together this great little design without breaking the bank. 

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Color – We went with a warm peach because it was feminine, bright and fun.  It’s a more complex color than pink or purple which spoke to their sophisticated tastes (yes teenagers now have sophisticated taste!)

Beds – These iron beds are classic and budget-friendly.  The choice of many finishes allowed us to select one that tied in our coral, ivory and green palette.  (I don’t usually recommend iron beds for master bedrooms but for kids or guest rooms they do the job at a great price.)

Bedding- Custom bed-skirts and shams echo the colors with a designer look but we saved some money by using a matelasse coverlets.  These could easily be replace by down comforters and duvets when it gets cold.

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Some Ladder Tape options from Smith + Noble. Simple wood blinds step up the style with this designer touch.

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Windows - Simple 2″ wood blinds.  The big slats work with the scale of the large windows.  A color-coordinated ladder tape covers the strings that hold the blinds together (the ladder).  Now instead of plain old blinds that control light they ARE the window treatment.  Plus Ladder Tapes cover route holes so sunlight won’t poke through when blinds are closed.

Chair – We bought this wicker chair new but any old wicker chair can be painted for an instant face-lift.  You can also just wrap the fabric around the cushions and safety pin them on the back if you are a not a seamstress.

Lamps – Two simple and affordable lamps that could be found at a local home store.

Artwork – I love to use colorful and interesting artwork in kids rooms and posters are an easy answer. The pieces in this room are prints of famous horse paintings.  By going with more modern art, it gives the room a more updated feel and the white frames are simple and fresh.

I hope this helps you see, once again, that good design results is more than the sum of its parts.  Consider the look you want and then approach it one step at a time patiently and thoughtfully!

Let me know if I can help you with any design dilemmas by commenting below or contacting me here!

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I get loads of questions about paint and I certainly understand why.  It’s one of the easiest ways to make a bold design statement on a budget.  Color is usually King but now I am suggesting that you make content Queen.  This is what I mean…

I always recommend that you go with a “Low VOC” or “No VOC”  paint.  Volatile Organic Compounds (aka VOC’s) are the chemical compounds that make your room smell bad on Day 1 and then quietly emit noxious chemicals into the air over the years.  I whole-heartedly recommend Benjamin Natura Paint.  I have used it in my home so I can promise you that it’s durable, fast-drying and has no odor.  It’s available in more than 3,000 Benjamin Moore colors and it’s available locally so that helps too.  So I was interested when I saw this piece by Stephen Treffinger in the New York Times, testing out some of these non-toxic paints.   He got down to business and tried them out himself.  Click below to read the article.  It’s very well done  Short and to the point.

Finally, Good-Looking Nontoxic Paint?

I urge you to try a low-VOC paint on your next project.  You get what you pay for with paint.  For a small investment you will get  better coverage and you can sleep in your room that very night without getting a headache!

A few years ago chalkboard paint was a cool, new idea.  Allow your kids to express their creativity without indelible results!  But after the initial novelty wore off you were stuck with a green or black wall and a heck of a lot of dust.  That’s why chalkboards have fallen by the wayside in most schools and been replaced with the whiteboards you see in offices.  You can write smooth as silk and really get your inner Picasso going with a wide array of colored markers.

Well, now you can do the same thing on any wall in your home.  Idea Paint is an innovative new finish that makes any wall into a white board.  It recently won awards for Innovation, Best Wall Treatment and Unique Solutions at NeoCon, the largest trade show for interior design in North America.  It is being used in offices, schools and residential projects.  The thing I love about it is that it invites collaboration.  I know you can type at lightening speed on your Blackberry but have you ever had the pleasure of seeing a piece of art or an idea come together with a group?  It’s definitely one of those situations where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

I firmly believe that allowing your creativity to flow in even the smallest way releases a bit of the stress that builds up each day from multiple responsibilities, snarled traffic and not enough yummy chocolate.  Personally, I would love to paint a wall in my home office to organize my overflowing supply of ideas.  Add one in the kitchen to keep track of the groceries (or lack there of).  Pick a spot in your home for some Idea Paint, it might open up a whole new world.

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The use of horizontal stripes gives the room a more modern feel.

Faux Painting can be pretty tricky to understand with all the fancy French terms and do-it-yourself assurances.  What does faux mean?  Is Venetian Plaster really plaster? Does my “sponged” bathroom count as faux?  The subject can be easily become overwhelming.

In my book, any painting technique or look that is more than a solid coat of regular paint on the wall is decorative painting or “faux” painting as most people call it.  All the various techniques from glazes to plasters fall under this umbrella.  Faux is a French word that means “false” or “fake.”  And while many a poorly sponged bathroom is called “faux” painting, it’s simply not so. 

Should you do it yourself?  The short answer is “No, leave it to the pros.”  It seems to me that homeowners often get their courage up in the powder room and while it’s not the focal point of your home, guests will visit that tiny room and wonder what you were thinking.  Experts range in cost and ability so judge their talent in the technique you desire.  Every artist has their strengths.  Review their portfolio, sample finishes and ask for references.  Also, make sure they will commit to showing you a sample of your exact finish before they start working on the walls.  Most times you will have to make a deposit or at the very least pay them a fee that covers the time it takes to make the sample board.  It is a commitment but a sample board can prevent a world of misunderstanding.

Painting a faux wood grain on garage doors makes a dramatic statement and gives European architecture more authenticity. (Duration Painting)

Here’s a rundown on some of the many techniques:

Wood Graining, Marbling and Metals

Some techniques are actually aiming to replicate the original material and those include wood graining, marbling or gold/silver leafing.  This is a great solution for woodwork where the labor and materials to install the real material is too costly.  It makes a dramatic difference on garage doors and kitchen cabinetry.

The beautiful faux work on this ceiling gives a lovely stone look. (Garay Artisans)

Glazing

Glazes offer a lot of depth and warmth to walls inside and out.  They are achieved with multiple layers of paint and glaze applied with sponges, rags and plastic wrap just to name a few.  This is the technique that is most often referred to as faux painting.

Incredible plaster work by Jonas Everets Design

Plasters and Textures

These finishes add texture and character to your walls.  Think of European frescoes or adobe homes.  They range from quite smooth to crumbly-looking three-dimensional textures.  Venetian plaster is a technique where thin layers of plaster are applied with a spatula or trowel and then burnished to create a smooth surface with the illusion of depth and texture. Molds can also be made to create patterns and scenes.

An amazing example of trompe l'oeil on what was once a plain building.

Trompe L’oeil

Another French word meaning “trick the eye.”  This involves the creation of extremely realistic imagery meant to trick the viewer into thinking that the piece is three dimensional when in fact it is only two dimensional.  Many people try, but there are only a few true masters of this technique which originated in Greek and Roman times.  Some of the best examples are in European churches such as the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican.

A light, two-toned diamond pattern on the floor gives the room a shabby-chic feel.

Lettering & Stenciling

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Sherwin Williams Honeydew (SW6428) - To achieve an analogous color scheme I chose a pastel shade of green. It gives the room a light, airy feeling. This would be a nice look for a breakfast room or child’s room.

Painting is the #1 way to change a room quickly and economically.  The problem is that many people do not take their time in choosing a color and they paint themselves into a corner (I know, corny).  Above all, do not go the paint store until you have given your project some clear consideration.  Choosing colors from a paint chip is not a good idea and rarely results in the look you desire.  Plus, the guy with the orange smock will probably not be much help.

Benjamin Moore Blue Lagoon (2054-40) - This monochromatic look is relaxing but the darker tone adds drama.This combination would work well in a living room or home office.

Before you can start sampling paint on your walls you need to choose a clear direction for your project.  Designers have many methods of choosing paint colors but a great way to start is with your main fabric.  It can be a fantastic jumping off point to get you rolling.  Some questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you want to play it safe with a neutral you can “live with” for a while or do you want to make a bolder choice that expresses your taste and personality?
2. If you change your fabric selections in a couple of years, are you comfortable with re-painting or will the color still work for you?
3. What is the overall feel you are aiming for?  Consider what drew you to that particular fabric.

Relaxed – Consider similar colors that are a shade lighter or darker then the main color in your fabric.

Light-hearted – Look for colors in pastel tones.

Dramatic - Darker colors with more pigment make a bold statement.

Taking your time to thoughtfully consider your desired look will significantly pare down the number of choices and start you on your way.

Sherwin Williams Anjou Pear (SW6381) - To give the room an uplifted feel I chose a yellow-orange color that contrasts well with the green and picks up the tones in the flowers. This is a comfortable combination for a guest room or family room.

To demonstrate I have featured the James Chair from Maine Cottage with Tweet Sweet Porch fabric and three distinct directions you can go with the paint.  As you can see, each color significantly changes the feel of the room.  So get your swatches out and start exploring the possibilities.

~Lorrie

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Do you love a dramatic makeover? Of course you do and I totally agree!  You would think after all these years of being a designer that the charm would have worn off, but it definitely has not.  The process of taking a room from lackluster to extraordinary really fires me up!     

The project above is the bathroom in my friend Amy’s home.  Amy and I have been friends since our 7th grade Spanish class.  Instead of conjugating verbs, we were plotting a Friday night foray at the local movie theatre.  Her guest bath (which she lovingly referred to as the “sucky pink bathroom” before the makeover) needed a face-lift.  And with so many other projects (including 3 kids and a dog) going on at her home, she was not ready to do a full renovation.  As you can see, this bathroom featured the lovely pink tiles that were featured prominently in many homes from the 1960′s.  Replacing tile is a big job!  So if you are not ready to tackle the job, then figure out how you can work with it.  A new window treatment, paint, lighting and accessories helped transform this space into a glowing retreat. 

These are the tips I gave to Amy.  I am sure you will find them helpful as a general guidleine in most bathrooms.  Just adjust the colors for your project accordingly and have fun!

• Paint the walls brown, yes “brown.”  And I don’t mean a wimpy taupe color.  Benjamin Moore “espresso” 2099-30 is very pretty, or somewhere in that family.  It is going to take 2-3 coats to do it properly.  I know Dave (her husband) is going to hate me.  Rest assured this is going to give the room the face lift it needs!
• Window:  An off-white or ivory roman shade will look great.  West Elm has a nice one.  Don’t worry that the shade is too long.   It will look more substantial if it has some fabric folded up at the bottom.
• Put simple chrome hardware on the cabinetry. 
• Install a simple light fixture that has a chrome finish.  Get rid of anything brass.
• Find a brown vase (craft store) and put an orchid in it. Fake or real.
• Artwork – If you have some good digital photos of the kids and the beach, print them out in a “sepia” tone, which is brown and white.  Then get some white frames and use either white or pink mattes.  White frames are best beacuse they will show up beatifully against the brown walls.
• Rugs – Brown

Here is an alternate plan if you want to leave the walls white.

• Just paint the walls a warm ivory.
• Brown shade from West Elm
• Brown Frames on the pictures.

Since I know you all never tire of looking at photos, I have just posted a sample of my Portfolio online for you!

Shop for great bathroom furnishings at My Design Secrets!

You put your personal spin on home decorating by choosing colors and patterns that create the mood you love.  But no matter how hard you try, there’s no denying that the products and colors that are available to us are influenced by extensive research and forecasting.  I always encourage you to go with your gut on what colors appeal to you; but that doesn’t mean you cannot appreciate and utilize the new shades, tones and palettes that have been carefully orchestrated by the color forecasting teams at the large paint companies.  They present new points of view on old favorites and totally new colors are being formulated as a result of improved technology in the paint industry.

Trends in home design make a couple of stops before they wind their way to your doorstep.  We often see patterns and colors starting a trend in the world of fashion.  The following year you will see these colors start to infuse the world of custom interior design.  Finally these palettes arrive in the retail home decorating world in large retail furniture and fabric collections.  These are the colors that reflect our communal thoughts about what’s going on in the world and what colors feel like “home” to us.  There is some fantastic inspiration out there and I see some common themes popping up:  Organic, Comfort, Modern, Tranquil, Opulent, Natural, Classic & Getaway.  Start with what you have and add something refreshing and new!

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