Hey, Your Barn Door's Open!

This might be a new phrase you hear around the house. There's a new trend that I'm seeing a lot of and if you are planing a new build or remodel you may want to incorporate it into your design.

Barn doors have been used in the past in small spaces that could not accommodate a swinging door like this laundry area we put in recently for a customer.

What started out as just a hallway to the upstairs turned into such a focal point in the condo. It almost makes me want to do laundry! (almost)

Barn doors are really trending right now and there are so many ways that you can incorporate them into a space. They are being used for functionality, but you will also see them being used strictly for decorative purposes. The door choices are endless, especially when you have your builder design the door to your specifications. The door design you choose is very important, but I personally think the hardware you choose is what makes the statement. It's kind of like picking out the right piece of jewelry-it's an accent to your decor.

There are such an array of hardware choices on the market from rustic to urban, chunky iron to sleek chrome. 

Let me show you some examples of how barn doors are being used.

If you are thinking of using a barn door in your home, you need to make sure that you have enough room for the door to slide. You need wall space that is equal to the size of the door that will be installed. Get creative, paint it an accent color to match pillows or bedding. If you don't need them for privacy, use glass to allow natural lighting to flow through.
The door hardware can be shockingly expensive, but shop your local farm store and you might find some affordable 'rustic' barn door track.
All that matters is that you love it-and as always, "There's No Place Like Home"
https://www.facebook.com/pages/SweetWater-Contracting/410057455830334

"Color My World"

As I journey through remodeling projects and new home construction with our customers, I continually see a struggle with decisions on paint colors. I have always loved color in my home and use it as a design tool to change a space and create a mood.

Deciding on colors for your home can be overwhelming, but if you use the right tools it can be enjoyable. 

Through online research and your local paint store, you can find paint collections with a cohesive color palette.  I suggest you go to   www.houzz.com to look for decorating inspiration, then be creative and express your own style.

My inspiration for the color palette that I used in my home came during the framing stage of the house. A wall was stood up and through the framed opening of  window were maple trees showing off their fall magnificence! I dove head first into my paint fan deck and found exactly what I was looking for . 

Here is the view I used for my inspiration:

Here are a sampling of the  Benjamin Moore colors I used:
**realize the color chips do not render exact, but you get the idea........

Guest Bathroom: Georgian Brick

Sporting Room: Whitall Brown

Exercise Room: Venetian Gold

Laundry Room: Roasted Sesame Seed

Mud Room: Richmond Gold

Guest Room: Merlot Red

Kitchen Cabinets: Weathersfield Moss
**As you can see, do not be afraid to mix and match your cabinet colors. My galley kitchen as shown below would seem much more 'closed in' if  we had painted the island cabinets. I was fortunate to have my husband Steve (www.sweetwatercontracting.com) build and finish all my cabinets to my specifications. I do not want you to think I am spoiled, our business takes priority and our house does get put on the 'back burner' so please realize that I wait (very patiently) for these completed projects!

Remember-"The cobbler's children have no shoes" Ha!

Color inspiration can come from anywhere. A recent customer designed her color palette from a delightful wall hanging that she planned on being a focal point in the main living area of her condo. 

Here are some photos showing how perfectly her decision worked!

Color can alter your experience as you travel from room to room in you home. 

You need to ask yourself how you want to feel in each particular space. Painting a den in a warm color can make it feel cozy. A narrow space can feel wider by painting different colors on opposing walls. A small bathroom can feel larger by painting the walls and ceiling with the same 'cool' color, like Benjamin Moore : Wish

 You can paint each room in a different color, but use your local paint store to help you pair together colors that are cohesive so that they will have an eye pleasing flow. 

A helpful tip would be to carry an anchor color thought some of your rooms. I used Turret Stair by Ralph Lauren liberally throughout my house on built-in's, french doors and my entrance door.  It is a perfect accent to my color palette.

Now if neutral walls are your thing, go for it and make it yours! But if you are neutral due to fear, please give color a try. Remember it's just paint-it's easy to change!!
And as always, "There's No Place Like Home"