Benjamin Moore colour of the year

My favourite paint brand is Benjamin Moore and I follow their colour forecasting closely.  As a professional  I need to know what's current in the industry so I can discuss colour  intelligently and also have a sense of where the industry is headed.  Colour forecasting  also affects fabric design, accessories and furniture.  

 . This year Benjamin Moore's colour  of the year is ....

 
   Tobi Farley

This is not a new colour,  but a refocusing from the current collection based on the opinions of groups of designers in the industry. I've always been attracted to greeny blues because they remind me of the ocean on a summer's day.  They are restful and inviting.  If you like a serene environment this is the colour for you.


  This chest of drawers is an all time favourite of mine.  It is washed with a colour similar to wythe blue.  Hubby may be building a knock off version for night tables for my bedroom reno. Too many ideas....


I spied this vanity last year and fell in love with its lines and colour.  Don't you agree that colours similar to whyte blue are excellent choices if you want to paint a piece of furniture? This would also be an excellent colour choice for a bathroom.



 This is a daring mix but this orange is certainly a winning combination with wythe blue. Complementary colours are always so invigorating.

 Hawthorne Threads


A similar colour combination to the one above but this time in a fabric. This lively print has so many possibilities.  It would be fantastic stretched over a frame and hung on your wall or made into pillows.  

Color Chats

These would also make good combinations with wythe blue. French press and deep ochre show that wythe blue would look good with wood tones.  Of course gray is always an option for every colour as is white.

 This vignette is a calm as the fabric above is energetic.  It  gives you an idea of how lovely wythe blue would look with soft white or cream....


or  with yellow.

Houzz

Painted cabinets are all the rage now and what better colour to use? While this is darker than wythe blue you get the idea.


If you like a  country look or have a country house, there's no better colour to choose .

I'm getting carried away with the bits and pieces rather than whole rooms.  But that's really my message.  If you don't want to paint a whole room wythe blue you have lots of options to use is as an accent.



 And here are the colours in  the Earth and Sky palette.  Do you have a favourite combination?



Doesn't this lovely quilt I saw on etsy sum it all up?  Stay tuned for several posts on colour for 2012.


Christmas decorating- mini trees

One of the standard Christmas motifs is the tree. You can use the mini version to decorate in various ways.  Many simple forms can be created from scratch and others can be purchased.   You are limited  only by your ingenuity.

Stylized Trees


 Ah, it seems buttons can be used for everything.  I quite like this tree in white.  Use white topped stick pins to attach the buttons to the styrofoam form.


  Use a foam tree form covered in Saran Wrap and  wrap yarn or string around it.  Slather with white glue and let dry. Remove the form.  Decorate as you prefer.This is so simple, kids could do it.


 These trees are all covered in tissue paper used in various ways.  The tutorial at the above site is excellent.I love how the small rosettes were created.
Natural  twine (jute or hemp)  wrapped forms with a red cloth /tray looks very effective.Adding the white berries further enhances everything. 


 This is a perfect use for scrapbooking papers. There are so many patterns out there to match any decor.  


This is a modern twist on an old favourite. You can leave them up all year. They look  good because of the strong black white contrast and patterning.

Trees from nature


Pine cone topiaries can be purchased or created .  They look best when there are two of them used  symmetrically to bank a fireplace or accent table.
.

Use flower foam and white carnations to create this interesting centerpiece. I'd skip the tiny ornaments and have a green pot.

 

Small potted trees offer many options in the home. This woodland inspired decor in white is lovely.

 


Rosemary trees and other naturals are popular at Christmas time, but how do you integrate them into your decor in a interesting way?  Consider antique jugs or  pails and arrange on steps or on a mantle.   

There you have it.  Day 5 of Christmas decorating ideas.  I could go on but I'll refrain and save some for next year.


Simple Christmas table decorations

Some homes are so overdecorated for Christmas you don't know what to look at and come away with a jumble of impressions. How much better is it to present a simple display that gets noticed.

Before you go out and buy new objects to decorate look at what you have with a creative eye.  There are so many possibilities.  I hope this collection gives you ideas of your own.

Fresh Flowers

cream green poinsettias  green bottles Christmas table
Cream poinsettias in green bottles

I've always loved cream coloured poinsettias.  As you near Christmas they often go on sale and the longer you wait the less you'll pay.  If your deal looks a little bedraggled this is the perfect solution. Cut  the blooms and arrange separately in bottles or clear glass vases. Perfect.

red amaryllis white candles Christmas table
Amaryllis and candles

Keep your display simple and repetitive.  Amaryllis is the flower of choice here but carnations are relatively inexpensive and last forever. 

Tiered Trays

silver ornaments tiered tray Christmas table
Ornaments and greenery with a tiered cookie stand
green ornaments stacked cake plates Christmas table
Green ornaments on stacked cake plates


Consider stacking several cake plates of varying sizes to make an arrangement similar to this one.


Glass Candlestick Holders

glass candleholders mirrored tray Christmas table
Glass candleholders on mirrored tray

BHG




glass candleholders glitter candles Christmas table
Glass candleholders with silver and gold glitter candles


Create your own glitter candles and display with glass candle holders. Place a few candles in a large box and coat with spray adhesive (sold at crafts stores). Spoon glitter over the candles to coat; let dry overnight.

Fresh Fruit


oranges pine candles mirror Christmas decorations
Oranges with pine and candles on mirror
Divine Distractions

Simple white candles of varying heights, oranges and greenery.


pears and pink ornaments with cedar and candle Christmas table
Pears and pink ornaments with candle
BHG

The pink adds that special touch to this display of greenery and pears.

Ornaments 


colourful candles in glass container Christmas table
Colourful ornaments in a glass container
BHG

Layer a vase on a tray of similar shape and fill with ornaments.


pine and pinecones under glass Christmas table
Pine and pinecones under glass
Good Life of Design

fruit and tall vases with candles and greenery Christmas table
Fruit in tall vases with candles and greenery
BHG
Tall glass  vases or jars are perfect for displaying ornaments  or fruits as a centerpiece.  Add in some greenery and few candles and presto- stunning centerpiece