Colour my world: how to choose with so many options

Think about your Message
What type of space are you painting? Is this a calming and relaxing bedroom, a high energy work out space or a comfortable family room? Colour can do a lot to dictate the mood of any space so try to think of colours which work best with the feel you want your room to have. The Mona Lisa wouldn't be as remarkable with neon pink hair so consider your choice carefully or get a love your colour guarantee on your purchase.

Collect then select
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized.

Coordinate Decorating Samples
When you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. If you are using older furniture and pieces for your room, try to have a small scrapbook or photo album that you can bring with close ups of fabrics and accurate colour printing. Also, carry a camera with you so that if you see a shop window disoplay, pretty flower, etc. you can photograph it to inspire your colour choice. No telling where you might see something wonderful.

Really Study the Colors
You'll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.

Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces.

Trim it Out
More often than not, you'll select a shade of white or off-white for the moldings, doors, and windows. If you're feeling brave, consider the palest shade of color to coordinate with the walls. For a really striking look, try lighter walls and dark tones or bright color for trim.

Finishing the job
Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light.

When in Doubt
Consider using decorating software or photoshop if you have difficulty picturing the final design. Rely on qualified sales people and always remember to familiarize yourself with their refund/exchange policies.

Mad Men: Vintage 1960's furniture

If you are a fan of the vintage style in the hit series Mad Men, why not recreate it in your home with the 1960's furniture in My Paris Apartment?
Whether you are a Betty, Don, Joan, Pete or Peggy, you can have their signature style.

Vintage nightstands

 Set of 4 vintage chairs

 Vintage lamp

Vintage mini-table

Create a room that you and your friend will be Mad about.

Bring Nature into your Home

Warm weather is coming and people are looking for new ways to decorate their homes that are inviting, natural and innovative. Here are some creative new ways to bring nature into your home that will have all of your summer guests talking about your flare for design.

 One classic way to bring nature into the home is by the introduction of potted plants. Try not to choose a generic plant, instead choose a plant that shows off your personality: a calming bonzai, graceful orchid or a low-maintenance cactus. Plants act as air purifiers and are often associated with healthier lifestyles.

 Displaying seashells, rocks or anything collected on vacations is a great way to decorate and remember your outings. Be sure that you are not destroying a habitat before collecting and that you clean them thoroughly when you bring home your new natural treasures.

 Introduce natural materials such a wood, dried flowers or stone to create a warm feeling in your home.

 Terrariums and aquariums are easy to make, simple to maintain and a living piece of art. Be sure to care for plants and animals as directed as some plants or fish may require special attention so do your research first!

 Display a framed fossil to accent a room and create a conversation piece. Fossils are elegant and rare and create an interesting look for any room. 

Water fixtures in the home create a relaxing atmosphere. These can be placed in most rooms and often act as humidifiers while bringing in the natural sounds and smells of water. 

Framed botanical prints are great for adding a touch of class to any room. This is a great solution for those with pollen allergies. Framed pressed flowers or botanical drawings add texture and colour to any area.

Zen gardens are a beautiful accent piece that often incorporates two or three natural elements including stones, sand, water or plants. Most people are daunted by the idea of dusting these though they can easily be shaken in a nylon stocking to remove dust or washed in a colander and reassembled  in a different creative way each time.

Be it ever so humble...

I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.

-Maya Angelou

Whatever place your heart rests, make your house a home. Create a space that speaks to you, shows off your personality and brings comfort to yourself, your family and your guests. A house becomes a home when it becomes a part of who we are, what we have done and where we have been.