Bringing color back

I love it when I unexpectedly stumble upon something fun and creative. This could probably be a (timely) DIY project -- take a basic, solid chair and add some fun felt accents on the back. Or, just fork out the $500 for this little baby and call it a day.

more color in the kitchen please

Each of my clients has heard me utter the word "color" in an encouraging context at least a dozen times. Hell, if I knew how, I'd send them subliminal "use more color" messages in their sleep. Alas, I don't always get my complete way when it comes to color, as many people -- understandably -- prefer to live in the "safety" of neutrals. But a girl can continue to dream -- and vehemently push her clients to be more colorful.

In the meantime, I wrote a piece for About.com on Adding some Life (via color) to Your Kitchen. The kitchen can be one of the most playful places to add some color -- if you're feeling adventurous. Here are some of my favorite inspiration photos found across the web (some more beautifully brazen than others of course).

Pretty in Pink Part Deux

I've covered the quintessentially girly hue in the past, but the vibrant beauty was again at the top of my mind today when I wrote a post for About.com on how to select the perfect pink. Sadly the color is more notoriously poorly done than perfectly perfected. But good taste does exist -- and it's all about thoughtful execution. Take a look at my About.com article for some guidance. In the meantime check out this lovely dose of inspiration. Pepto Bismol not included.

Purrrfect Paper

This wallpaper absolutely has me purring with joy -- a "trellis" design with some edge. Look closer...closer still...closer now -- bam! There it is. Yes, those are cheetahs creating the classic trellis pattern. Me-ow!

Green Wallpaper Projects: Where to find the best eco-friendly wallpaper (with style)

Eco gorgeousness courtesy of Erica Wakerly.

As mentioned in a previous post, I've recently undertaken the very fun duty of being About.com's resident wallpaper and paint expert. I have an obsession with all-things wallpaper and paint -- is there a rehab center for that? But, along with that obsession I'm also an avid fan of Mother Earth. So when I come across paint or wallpaper companies that are working to create inspiration and style while ensuring we're not destroying where we live (both on the small and large scale) I'm fairly enamored.

If you're equally obsessed with eco-friendliness and wallpaper, you're sure to appreciate this round-up of eco-friendly wallpaper companies that are taking green to a very chic level.

In the Land of the MIA

Remember when we were kids and summer vacation rolled around? It was a time to skirt our responsibilities and just play for a couple months. Apparently little has changed for me in adulthood. But hey, I'm self-employed, one perk of choosing that lifestyle is being able to set my own schedule and follow my own agenda...hence, my most recent disappearance.

For the last month I've been enjoying some much-needed time with family outside of Seattle. Wonder what a summer in Seattle looks like? (No, it's not always gray and rainy.) Have a wee look:

A lovely day at Pike Place Market.

The Mountain is "out" -- Mt Rainier showing off on a clear day.

Getting up close and personal with Mt Rainier via lunch atop Crystal Mountain - a gorgeous gondola ride to the top!

My assistant Frankie enjoying some beach time.

The view from my "office" -- my back deck space overlooking the Puget Sound.

Know that saying "all work and no play"? Luckily for me, my work is play, so while I've been enjoying my time away from the heat of Manhattan I have squeezed in some actual work (though I've clearly been neglecting this blog!). One such work project I'm excited about is that I've signed on to be the Topic Writer for About.com's Wallpaper and Wallcovering site. Each month I'll write articles geared to help guide readers on all-things paint and wallpaper, from techniques and product reviews to DIY ideas and user-friendly tools to help you get the job done. Here's a breakdown of some of the articles I've done so far, in case you're in need of some summer paint- or wallpaper-project inspiration!

Get a Touch of Italy: A Venetian plaster finish adds texture and interest to a boring wall. Try this DIY project to get the look yourself!

See Red: Red is a popular color choice for adding drama to a room, but it can be a tricky color to get right. Here are some tips to nail the color-selection process.

Be in the Know with a Glossary of Paint Terms: If you've ever undertaken a paint or wallpaper project of your own, you're likely familiar with the basic terms. But take a look at this glossary of paint terms, broken into Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4 and you'll be in-the-know like the pros!

I look forward to enlightening the masses to the endlessly creative world of paint and wallpaper. Have a question or project idea you'd like me to cover? Just ask! Until then, I'm back to my summering... xo