a guide to paint finishes - your new best friend (in decorating)

It's shocking to me how often I'm asked by friends -- and even random strangers encountered in paint stores -- about paint projects. There must be some special sign on my back that I'm not aware of... I don't mind though -- working with paint is easily one of my favorite aspects of decorating. Ever seen a before and after of a room that simply got a new coat of paint? It's incredible what a difference a can or two of color can do to transform a space.

Of all the questions, though, that I encounter regarding paint, perhaps the most commonly baffling one for people is that of paint finishes. Some assume it's just a manner of preference, while some had no idea where was even an option beyond "wet." To assist homeowners with the confusion I recently wrote a guide to paint finishes for About.com. Have a look -- and have all your confusions answered! In the meantime, enjoy these paint inspirations that I'm currently loving...

Want more fantastic reading material? Take a look at any of these articles: 
Fun and Easy DIY Paint Project Ideas
How To: DIY Painted Floors
Paint Color Trends for 2013
DIY Wallpaper Scrap Ideas

well hello there sexy (look down!)

As part of my monthly About.com duties, I recently wrote a piece aimed to inspire readers to fancify old, boring or damaged floors with some paint ideas. And now I'm obsessed with the idea. I'm currently on an apartment hunt for a shiny new-old apartment of my own (which, in Manhattan, is not an easy feat). Thanks to this current obsession, I'm hoping for a place with terribly ill wood floors in need of some Allie lovin' (fingers crossed). Here are some beauties that are currently at the top of my under-foot wish list.

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.