Sometimes color calls out to me and that was certainly the case yesterday.
I had a short time to spare in an area of Maryland that I don’t get to very often and certainly don’t know well so was driving along on the main road that runs parallel to the bay when without even giving it but a split second thought I decided to turn in to a small, older waterfront community.
Before I had even driven the couple of blocks to the waterfront I could see this amazing roof on the home at the end of the street.
This multi color tile work may be common in some places but I don’t recalll seeing anytihng like it before.
Here’s a view from the other side where you can see the roof peak and the round attic vents.
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I just updated my paint company guide page for California Paints to include information on their recently released online Color Center.
This is a fun way of looking at combination of colors for your decorating projects and the system includes a paint calculator that quickly provides estimates on how much paint to purchase for your project.
See my thoughts about California Paints here or go directly to the Color Center.
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Currently as well as historically, the color purple evokes an aura of royalty, mystique, power, wealth and magic.
Purple reigns supreme, as togas in rich shades were worn by all the powerful Roman Emperors and it was a favorite color of Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt. Spiritually, it reflects pure thoughts and symbolizes intelligence and creativity.
The U.S. Military awards the Purple Hear, a decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle to recognize bravery. 
Several hues of the purple palette include grape, lavender, lilac, orchid, plum and aubergine.
Purple commands the eye to take notice and is prevalent in home interiors today. Using softer tones as a backdrop or as an accent color brings a regal air of beauty and harmony to any decor.
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Reader’s color dilemma:
I’m going to turn this into a bistro. Would love some suggestions. The theme is Mediterranean ( mostly Italian). Inside decor will be darker (mostly reds and browns) Any suggestions would be appreciated.– janemuir
Kate suggests:
I think this home will make a cute bistro. While the darker colors you mention could work on the interior I would start with something a bit lighter on the exterior. It will not only make the place look a bit bigger but will give you a canvas to add some details that can carry your theme to the exterior.
I’d start by painting the main part of the house with a color like Valspar 3004-8A Oatlands Gold Bluff or the slightly lighter 3004-6B Oatlands Yellow. Use a creamy white for the trim that has the same undertone.
I would go with a toned gray for the shutters. Something with a bit of color in the gray but not too much. 5001-4C Slate Court could work nicely but before putting it on slap on a coat of reddish brown first and let it dry. You don’t have to do this to carefully because it is an undercoat. Just avoid sloppy paint spills or drips. Once dry give the shutters a nice coat of Slate Court. When completely dry…and I mean completely…hit some of the high points with sandpaper to allow some of the undercoat color to come through and give you an aged look.
You can do the same thing with the door. You could use the same undercoat color as long as it looks different enough from the door color or you could go with a shade of blue or even use the leftover paint from the shutters. Again give the door a nice coat of a color like Valspar 1008-5A Belle Grove Flamestitch Red and then give it an aged look with a bit of sandpaper.
You can try out the look on a piece of scrap wood to make sure you like the way the undercoat looks when it comes through. You should also test out the main exterior, trim, door and shutter color on test boards so that you can confirm that the colors work perfectly before you begin painting.
You don’t mention if you are going to keep the awnings but if you could match them to the main house color, the trim color or do something a bit creative.
Giving the aged finish to the door and shutters will begin connecting your guest with the theme before they even get inside. A bit of landscaping to anchor the house and a few planters that look like they came directly from the Italian countryside and I think your place will say “Italian Bistro– Come on in!”
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Today’s decorating dilemma:
My walls are a bit textured but I’m REALLY wanting to try this pearl finish. Someone suggested I use a grout trowel or dense sponge to move the glaze around instead of the specified trowel as I don’t think that will pick up the paint in the textured grooves.
Am I just setting myself up for a disaster or could this be worth a try???–Heather
Bethany suggests:
Pearl finish sounds beautiful!! There has been some discussion on previous blogs with sucesses on both smooth and rough wall surfaces. The pearl effect is in essence a swirl or cloud-like effect made possible by the timing, thickness of paint application, and interaction of the tacky paint.
There has been conversation involving different methods of using the floating” trowel that Valspar recommends with the faux finishing kit. So how you swirl the trowel, either in a semi-circular or X pattern determines the effectiveness for the particular texture of your wall. A stroke of confidence (even of a novice!) looks better than going over and over a spot trying to perfect it, especially with a medium that is timing based, like this is.
At any rate, the sheen of the pearl finish is integral to this paint, so if anything, it will add an iridescent quality to your walls, and will accentuate any space beautifully.
I encourage you to go and try it!! Are there any walls in your home of lesser consequence that you could practice on? Try it on a more private wall space, such as a well lit closet, or lesser hallway before you move to a public guest space.
It will be a nice touch that is all your own that has all the promise of a professional look!
See Kate’s original post here…
A few more pictures of Valspar’s Brushed Pearl here…
Read some tips from Valspar…
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