Frequently Asked Questions...
What should I consider?
....before painting different rooms in my apartment. Suggestions on color, paint qualities, should I hire a professional? I really have little money but my apartment needs a severe makeover. My style is Cottage/Chic and simi-retro. I am leaning twards a coastal blue for the bedroom, possibly sage green for the living room and maybe a yellow in the kitchen, and a modest red in the bathroom? Help!
Answer:
Consider a color scheme. Color should flow through the apartment. It should have a coordinated feel. There are several ways of achieving this. Pick an accent color that works with all the colors that you have chosen. For example, yellow would work with blue, green or red. An alternative is to chose two complimentary colors and use different shades of them throughout as wall colors or accent colors. A third option is to use shades of warm neutrals on the walls and pick bright strong accent colors in each room. That way, if you get tired of a color, accessories are cheap! Check a color wheel for even more options.
As for paint quality, consider your budget and how many years you want the paint to last. Do you own or rent? Always test the paint before you buy it. Many companies sell samples or you can always buy a quart. Paint a 10X14 (or larger) foam core board (find in art supply stores or craft shops) in each color. Prop the board up in various parts of the room/apartment (move it around) and check out the color in bright sunlight, incandescent light at night, a cloudy day etc. Keep the boards up for at least a week. You get the idea. Don't buy it until you love it! Can't decide between two shades. Paint a board for each!
Hire a professional? Depends on your budget. Painting's easy and fun, if you want to try it yourself. Have a painting party with friends. Warning! No alcohol until the painting is finished!
Good luck!
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Cottage Chic
Cottage Chic
Home Decorating Ideas - Shabby Chic or Simple Urban Decor..Which Would You Choose?
If you think about it, we all have a style of living that we enjoy and find both comforting and relaxing. When I've been away from home all day, as I'm driving back I can almost feel the atmosphere that I'll be stepping into, and that's a great feeling. At the end of the day what decor lifestyle beckons you? For this discussion we'll compare two similar yet very contrasting decorating styles.
These two styles take different approaches to a vintage look. First is Shabby Chic, which most everyone is familiar with. Shabby Chic is similar to cottage style decor and is known for white, distressed painted furniture, soft floral colors in pale shades of pink, blue and green, vintage accessories and comfortable, slip-covered furniture.
You'll probably find fresh cut flowers, antique lace tablecloths, scented candles and crystals hanging from the antique chandelier. Shabby Chic decor includes a mix and match of fabrics such as stripes, florals and checks, tea stained fabrics and flea market finds. All in all, you will be comfortable and at home with Shabby Chic if you enjoy a soft, floral, feminine style of decor.
Perhaps you enjoy some vintage decor but are looking for a more refined look with a contemporary flair. Your lifestyle decor choice might be Simple Urban.
Simple Urban decor is a combination of vintage and contemporary with natural fabrics, medium to dark toned woods, rich neutral colors and decor accents of iron and glass. And, the result is an uncluttered and spacious look. Antique pieces with clean lines (no Victorian here) and flea market finds are integrated into the decor as a counterpoint to the sleek urban style. Unique accent pieces, vintage or new, take the spotlight in this decorating style.
You'll find a color palette comprised of shades of tan, gold, cream, brown and black, with bold accent colors to give drama and excitement to the area. As you decorate your space, you might find some great upholstery at a flea market or consignment shop, or purchase new. It doesn't matter as long as you maintain the overall clean look and love the piece. The same applies to lighting, as you may install some track lighting in one area and find a great antique lamp for another.
What other design elements are found in Simple Urban decor? You'll find wood or tile floors with area rugs, with the rugs comprised of a natural weave such as sisal, or you could take a different path and create a bold look with a very colorful rug. Case goods, whether they are new, vintage or flea market finds, will be a medium to dark wood tone. There may also be metal or glass accents. Creating a unique look with unmatched pieces will enhance your Simple Urban decor, so use your creativity to find some great end tables, bookcases, dining sets and the like. Window treatments can be a simple as a window shade for privacy with fabric side panels hung on iron rods. You may opt for wood blinds, shutters, verticals, or nothing at all to cover the windows. Use fabric sparingly, as you don't want a treatment that is over dressed.
The final touches are what pulls everything together in your Simple Urban home. Accessories can be big, bold and colorful, vintage, reproduction or contemporary. As with your other selections, if you find a piece that you love, then use it. Be mindful of how much you put into your space and always avoid the cluttered, messy look. Each piece should have a presence of it's own.
So where do you fall in these contrasting styles? If you love the soft, whitewashed, floral vintage look, Shabby Chic is right up your alley. For those who prefer a subtle vintage decor with contemporary flair, Simple Urban may reflect your taste. Whatever you choose, enjoy decorating your home and creating your unique abode.
About the Author
Candi Randolph is the author of Ten Simple Steps to Design Success, a simple and easy to understand guide with home decorating ideas and interior design tips. She is the owner of Simply Designed...Decorating to Fit Your Budget, located in Southwest Florida. For more information please visit http://www.MySimplyDesigned.com
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