Adding Color with Dark, Moody Paint

Isn't it hard to keep up with all of the trends and annual color forecasts? Do you feel overwhelmed by it at times? I try not to let myself be too influenced by what is currently "hot", knowing that in a few short months there will be something completely new. Of course, I'm never going to stop gaping and drooling over the latest colors like Rose Quartz and Iced Coffee: but money doesn't grow on trees in this neck of the woods, and even if it did, we all know my track record for gardening...haha.

It's important to recognize which trends we want to invest in and live with. But paint is still an inexpensive way to make a change; and dark, "moody" colors can really create an impact! Our living room/dining room is an ode to the color "camel" (it's fine, but a tad bit boring.) Yes, the rooms have a pop or two of grass green, but this space is definitely in need of a new jolt of color. And so, I'd like to introduce you to my latest color crush...teal :) There is a very small wall that leads to the kitchen, and I decided this would be the perfect spot for a bold shade of paint. This one is Behr "Underwater".

I know that teal isn't just a passing fling for me when I look back at my decorating history. I've used this deep shade of "peacock" blue several times in the past, so apparently it resonates with me. We can also tell a lot about our style preferences by looking at our wardrobes. Mine is predominantly black, white, and gray, with pops of fuschia, purple, and green; mostly solids with very little pattern, and I've decorated our home in much the same way.

This piece of art is one of my favorites and one of the few that I've been able to commit to long-term. It's a drawing of a ballet dancer by Jason Fricke. He creates these sketches while attending professional ballet performances and sitting in on rehearsals. I bought this in Chicago a few years ago at the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. Of course, you know why I am drawn to dance art :)

The frame is so great, I think. I found it at a tag sale years and years ago, before using "crusty" frames was even a thing. The carved and painted wood is literally dropping off of it, but I think that just adds character. It hung empty for years until this ballet piece created the perfect marriage of frame and art.

I painted the wall while the hubs was out of town this week (so I wouldn't have to endure his commentary about how our rooms are getting smaller and smaller because of all of the different coats of paint I've put on them.) He gets back tomorrow, and I can pretty much guarantee that his first remark will be "That's kind-of a dark color, isn't it?"

Yes, dear.............and I love it!

Julie


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February Meditations - The Loves of My Life

For my "Meditations" post this month, I thought I'd share a little of my personal story. So many of us bloggers have children, and we all know how deep a mother's love for her children runs. This post is dedicated to the "Loves of My Life."

Here is a photo of our son-in-law, son, and daughter on the happy couple's wedding day.

Our daughter, Jordan, and her husband, Michel, live in Chicago and are both professional dancers. They met while performing together in The Nutcracker several years ago. Jordan has been dancing since the age of 4, and I have many precious memories of her long journey toward fulfilling her dreams. Of course, she is much more than just a dancer. I admire her so much for her moxie, her depth, and her intellect; and she makes me laugh almost every day. Her husband, Michel, is an amazing talent who hails from Cuba. He is kind, generous, hard-working, and we are beyond-blessed to have him as our son-in-law.

Our son, Sam, is currently a pharmacy tech and hopes to complete pharmacy school eventually. He is bright, internal, and complex. He has made me a better person by helping me to learn some important life lessons.

If you are a product of the 60's and 70's, like I am, you might remember these lyrics being sung by Gladys Knight and the Pips. They choke me up every time...

Thank you for indulging me in a little bit of sappiness and bragging, which I generally try to keep to a minimum...life lessons at work, you know ;)

Happy Valentine's Day,

Julie

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Master Bedroom Inspiration

For those of you who are kind enough to read this little blog of mine, you may have noticed something over the past 2 years. There are no photos (and not even a mention) of our master bedroom. And there is a good reason for that. The master bedroom has been mind-bogglingly (is that even a word?) difficult for me to decorate! I start in a certain direction and then abandon it midway through. Because we are pretty much the only people who ever see it, I never make it a high priority. So other rooms in the house always seem to get more attention.

Well, a room redo is in the works, and I am excited to share my vision with all of you! My usual design style is eclectic and a balance between masculine and feminine. Especially in the master bedroom, though, I like to keep the look comfortable for my hubby (not too sweet or girly.) Lately, I am hard-core crushing on teal, so that will be a major player in our bedroom. And, of course, there will be green and black :)

So far, I have ordered this headboard and have selected a khaki paint for the walls. Also, I'm pretty set on bamboo blinds, teal painted night stands, and a carved wood chest to use as a tv cabinet. I'm hoping to find all of those furniture pieces at local consignment shops...fingers crossed!

There will be a gallery wall with open vintage frames, abstract art, and some awesome black plaques I scored at a thrift shop. As for lamps, I'm LOVING this marble-look green beauty and will probably find another, simpler lamp to compliment it.

Hopefully, this room will be coming together over the next few months. I really need to keep a fire lit under my fanny, because my track record for decorating this room is pretty pathetic so far.......

Julie


Sharing with: Lamberts Lately, Share Your Cup Thursday, Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage, Between Naps on the Porch, Cozy Little House, A Stroll Thru Life, StoneGable, The Dedicated House