Top 5 Friday: Paint Colours for A Home Refresh

Paint is hands down the most useful tool in the designer’s or serial renovator’s arsenal. To this day, I am amazed at what a simple coat of paint can do for a room, or a piece of furniture for that matter. I’ve been known to wander into a paint store on a Saturday and have an entire bedroom or living room painted by Monday. Once I imagine a room with a new paint colour it’s hard to stop me. The best thing about paint is that the transformation is so dramatic, yet painting is relatively low-commitment -- if you're like me, the fancy to refresh the walls can strike at any time! Here; five of my go-to paint colours of late.

"Herringbone", Sarah Richardson Designer Palette for Para Paints

Stacey Brandford, Sarah's House 4

Grey rose to the top of the colour charts a few years back as the most popular choice for a neutral wall shade. And why not? It’s sophisticated and calming and looks great when paired with white or a soft cream. My favourite greys are ones with a touch of warmth to them like this one called Herringbone by Sarah Richardson for Para Paints. Use it like Sarah did in a kitchen or as a moody backdrop for a romantic bedroom.

"Parchment Paper", Olympic Paint

Roger Davies

Every designer has a favourite white in their toolbox they use again and again. I’m partial to this warm white called Parchment Paper by Olympic Paints. It works well in a range of interiors from the ultra contemporary to the more traditional. Depending on the direction of the room and the amount of light, the colour can shift from a warm oyster to a pale, warm grey.

"Deep Space", Benjamin Moore

Ashley Capp

Dark grey or black walls have become increasingly popular because of the dramatic transformation they offer. I chose this deep blue-grey called Deep Space by Benjamin Moore for a downtown loft we were working on. The client’s explosive, kaleidoscopic art demanded a backdrop that was both bold and complimentary. Think about using this colour in a small room like an office or bathroom or as a feature wall in a bedroom or living room.

"Hague Blue", Farrow and Ball

William Waldron; Farrow and Ball

Every time I see this deep majestic green-blue by Farrow and Ball used on a wall or piece of furniture I want to run out and buy a can. There is something old world about it that reminds me of a Vermeer masterpiece. Paired with brass details, as pictured above, it is on trend for 2012 and yet still classic and timeless. I think it is particularly stunning when painted in a high gloss finish as we see in the Miles-Redd-designed kitchen above.

"Revere Pewter", Benjamin Moore

Johnny Valiant; The Marion House Book

If you ask me, Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter is the best all around neutral out there. It has just enough soft, fawny grey in it to be considered something other than off white. If you’re looking to add a bit of personality to your room but are afraid to go beyond white try this elegant neutral. You’ll be amazed at what it can do for a room.


Emma Reddington is the lifestyle maven behind the acclaimed blog, TheMarionHouseBook.com, where she experiments with interior design, cooking, baking and do-it-yourself projects.



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Video: Karim Rashid Chats About Good Design and More!

Last week, I attended a session of the Interior Design Show's Conversations In Design series featuring Karim Rashid. The iconic designer sat down with host, Chee Pearlman, to chat about a variety of design related topics in an intimate and interactive environment. Designers, design enthusiasts and fans of the iconic designer were able to get up close and personal with him, and some even got the opportunity to ask him their own design questions. Some of the highlights included his views on the need for eco-friendly sustainable design, design longevity and his final thought about artists and designers being people who want to do something original in the world. I'm a HUGE Karim Rashid fan and I found his conversation truly enlightening, inspiring and profound.

I caught up with Karim Rashid after his discussion and we had a heart-to-heart conversation about a bunch of different non-design and design subjects. He was completely charming and engaging, and it was interesting to get his take on what good design means to him and whether or not he develops emotional attachments to his designs. Check out my video below to see what Karim Rashid had to say and check back next Thursday for the second part of my interview, where he shares his thoughts on colour and what he's excited about in 2012!

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Discuss: Home By Novogratz Episodes 9 and 10

I apologize for the late post! Blame it on the office sickness that's lurking around Shaw Media headquarters these days. I really enjoyed Home By Novogratz this week because Bob and Cortney designed two spaces for families that were colourful, personal and a lot of fun.

Episode 9 took the Novogratzes to Long Branch, NJ to design a family-friendly condo for their friend and client, Dave Barry.

The bold hallway makes a statement as soon as you walk in...

...and carries into the dining area, which includes a signature Novogratz lightbox text treatment (they have a similar sentiment/treatment in their own kitchen!).

If you have a pink-loving daughter, then this is the dream room for her!

The sons' room gets bright blue walls and a rainbow carpet, while the master bedroom, below, is super-sunny yellow. I can't imagine ever sleeping in! Though when you're on the beach, you probably want to get out and hit the waves asap.

Families and New Jersey were the theme this week as Bob and Cortney traveled back to the garden state to design a playroom and screening room area for a fun-loving family with three kids.

Plays-ment extraordinaire!

The wallpaper on the back wall is a similar treatment to the wallpaper the Novogratzes used in the model apartment last week.

 The stairway teaches about colour and reading, but still looks pretty cool, don't you think? And how about that slide?! My brother and I would have loved that growing up.

Behind the stairs is the adult space -- the screening room complete with wine fridge, microwave and mini-bar.

What did you think of this week's family-friendly designs? 

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