News & Tips by Chameleon House of Design

News

Please check back for New's items such as listings for Benjamin Moore seminars as well as Chameleon House of Design Open House. This will be by invitation only however so if interested in attending or for more information please contact us.

TIPS TO LIVE BY:

Clear Away the Clutter

You’ve probably heard this one before but do you know that there are more reasons for clearing the clutter then just making your home more aesthetically pleasing?

It also clears away some of the stress webs that exist in your mind which you may not have realized were there. Every time you walk by a nagging pile of papers, or the clothes you intend to take to Sally Ann, your mind winces at the ‘still on your to do list’ task.

Take a moment to physically and mentally clear the task off of your to do list and not only will your home look great you may find you feel a little revived as well.

Make Your Home a True Reflection of You

Your home is your retreat. When you walk through the door you shouldn’t feel as though you’re in someone else’s home.

The next time you walk through your door take note of how your home makes you feel. If you’ve just purchased a chic new wardrobe but your home is saying anything but Haute Couture it may need the attention it deserves to reflect your style.

Remember however, although it’s wonderful to experiment with new styles and the latest trend when redecorating, try to personify your home to a large extent to be a reflection of you so that when you walk through the door, you feel comfortable, inspired and truly at home.

Pillows and Pittance

One way to add instant colour to a room on a low budget is adding jazzed up cushions. Oversized throw pillows in front of a fireplace or placed on a chair, sofa or bed can add subtle or striking splashes of colour to your space. colour is truly an expression of our personality and has a direct effect on our emotions.

Like Schroeder’s infamous irreplaceable blanket, find a favorite pillow to transport from room to room in the colour that inspires you.

Don’t Panic

Has this every happened to you? You followed the rules by getting a sample of your colour choice, painting a section of the wall and loved it. Just as you’re rolling the last square foot of the final version on to the wall however, you stand back to take a look and suddenly feel the need to call in the Home Improvement team. Don’t panic, first try to determine what it is about the colour that you aren’t happy with.

Explore the Following Possibilities:

White baseboards are very chic and classic, however the contrast against a golden wall can turn golden into brassy yellow. The same goes for the ceiling. Try to visualize the painted trim in a softer contrast. For golden walls use a soft cream such as Roasted Sesame or Pearl Harbor in the Benjamin Moore line just to name a few. For Red Walls a tan base such as Muslin or Fog Mist.

If the walls are not already textured or faux finished, is it possible to save the colour as a base coat and add a finish that would blend the colours to become a truer version of what you initially hoped for. Possibly better…a faux fix or a faux pas?
Don’t do anything for at least one day. Give the paint time to dry, as this will often change the colour drastically. Remember the sample you tried on a small portion of the wall was probably on at least a day or more as you determined if it was the right colour for you.

If none of the above apply, still don’t panic, just remember it’s only paint and the beauty of that, is the walls can be painted over again.

When re-attempting a paint selection here is a tip to help avoid a similar outcome. Make sure that you try the sample in several locations. If there is direct sunlight on one wall, or a dark corner, try it in both areas. Try it behind furniture you will have in the room. Make sure you apply the same amount of paint that you intend to apply to the entire room. Two coats on the wall, means two coats in your trial version.

Walk Away

If you are trying to introduce a new piece to a room, whether it be a new accessory or piece of furniture but you’re finding it difficult to determine the perfect location, try walking out of the space and then reenter after each new placement.

Refocusing will give you the full effect and possibly bring to light a fresh aspect. This works also for many situations such as hanging pictures or rearranging books in a bookcase that can be seen by all in a family room.

Tape Time and The Cutting Edge

Although it may seem to be time consuming and unnecessary, it is important to tape off baseboard moldings, light fixtures, hinges and other items that you want to avoid painting. In the end it is easier to remove the tape then having to scrape off unwanted paint or in some instances repaint moldings. It is also much faster to paint against a molding when you don’t have to worry about contact being made.

The same rule applies for cutting in wall to ceiling edges or corners. A time saver which when completed allows you to use a roller and go to town without worrying about getting too close to the ceiling or not getting into the corners. Ceiling stucco splotches no more.

The Many Faces of You

Make your home your haven but get out there and take the opportunity if you can to see the world. Bring the memories that touched you, back to your home and you may find yourself sitting cross-legged up to a Japanese chabu-dai. Possibly you will walk into a villa in Tuscany and sit down at the Harvest table to enjoy grapes and other fruits of the earth. Indulge in a glass of fine French wine listening to La Vie En Rose in your sunroom decorated to exemplify a French bistro.

Stick to décor that personifies you, first and foremost, but open yourself to endless possibilities that will allow you to acquaint yourself with other sides of you. A part of you may still be wandering through the streets of Spain, so bring a part of Spain into your home.

If you are unable to travel you may find opportunities for new experiences right in your back yard. If you are taking a walk and it starts to rain, don’t run for cover. Experience the magnificent beauty around you as the world receives a fresh start. If the experience leaves you feeling refreshed as well then bring that feeling into your home. Create your sunroom to be enjoyed viewing the rain as well. Burn aromatic candles scented in a Spring Rain fragrance, add splashes of green and white to the decor, create a comfortable seating area and enjoy the room and a great book as you listen to the sound of the rain on the window.

Accentuate the Positive

Out of country company has called to say they are taking you up on your offer to stay in your spare room, unfortunately the've left you with little notice and will arrive the day after tomorrow. No time for fresh paint but there is time to freshen up the room with matching window treatments and bedding. Matching towels placed on the dresser for their use during their stay and fresh flowers are also quick ways to accessorize and to create a welcoming atmosphere for your guests. A map of prime visitor sights or restaurants in your city left on the night table is a nice gesture as well if you are unable to accompany them.

This sounds so nice you may want to consider it for a surprise romantic weekend with your loved one. A stay in the newly accessorized guest room will give a change of pace and you can use the same maps to tour your own town as a tourist, it may give you the opportunity to visit places in your community that you had't known existed before.

FINAL TIP

Transform your dreams into a reality…inspire your space…and be inspired.