Paint Colours: Our favourite Turquoises

The innocently azure skies allure. Like turquoise hopes above an iron world. exerpt from poem “Turquoise and Iron” by Lional Jasaphare-1901 The one colour, along with brown, that I avoided at all costs in my teen years was turquoise.  Back then (and it was a long time ago, believe me!) it represented everything that was [...]

pillows and art from Nudge Home pillows and art from Nudge Home

Paint Colours – Our favourite Whites

The crow wished everything was black, the owl, that everything was white. -William Blake White has a special meaning for me.  I have lived in many rental units, and the one thing that follows me into every new space is that dreaded “renters white”.  I imagine most landlords heading to the Home Depot and asking [...]

gray mist go-designsolutions.com gray mist go-designsolutions.com

Room Makeover Tip: Preparing the Guest Room

Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even if you wish they were. ~Author Unknown “The guests are coming, the guests are coming!!!”  This is the usual war cry around my house on the day we are expecting guests.  It is something that can shoot my blood pressure into overdrive, and not because I [...]

decorpad.com decorpad.com

Reclaimed Wood-A Love Affair

“You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach“- Anonymous I live on an island and therefor have the ocean at my fingertips at all times.  It’s heaven!  I have, up to this point, never tired of the beauty of the beach and its treasures.  This bleached and [...]

1st-option.com-2 1st-option.com-2

Everything Old is New Again

Just because everything is different doesn’t mean anything has changed. ~Irene Peter There has been a recurring theme on my shopping trips as of late and I find myself questioning what era I’m actually living in.   I am surrounded by objects that look like they’ve come straight out of the 50′s or 60′s…but with [...]

sunburstmirror-creamy life.com sunburstmirror-creamy life.com
pillows and art from Nudge Home

Paint Colours: Our favourite Turquoises

July 17th, 2011 nudgehome.com

The innocently azure skies allure.

Like turquoise hopes above an iron world.

exerpt from poem “Turquoise and Iron” by Lional Jasaphare-1901

The one colour, along with brown, that I avoided at all costs in my teen years was turquoise.  Back then (and it was a long time ago, believe me!) it represented everything that was uncool.  It was the bottom of public swimming pools, it was institutional and most definitely for “old people”.  When I was 14 I had my “colours” done at the local pharmacy and I’ll never forget the lady at the makeup counter telling me that my best colour to wear would be turquoise.  Aaaaaahhhhh!  At the time I thought….NEVER going to happen.  Ok, fast forward to today and, despite the fact that I am one of those “old” people, I LOVE this colour.  I will also admit that I look FAB in turquoise…you were right make-up counter lady!

This hot colour is a wonderful mood-lifter to any room.  It adds energy and can provide inspiration for room accessories.

Our favourites are:

Caribe UL220-1 (Behr)  This is such a head turner, especially for any modern space that needs a feature wall.  It is fabulous with white and grey accessories.

Ash Blue 2057-40 (Benjamin Moore)

Bayou 24-28 (Pratt and Lambert)

pillows and art from Nudge Home

 

Source: houseofturquoise.com

 

 

Source: decorpad.com

 

Source: housebeautiful.com

Such a beautiful colour, particularly the Tiffany Blue (wink, wink, nudge, nudge to my husband)  I can dream, can’t I?

Happy decorating!

-Kelly…….here to give you a little nudge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

gray mist go-designsolutions.com

Paint Colours – Our favourite Whites

June 21st, 2011 nudgehome.com

The crow wished everything was black, the owl, that everything was white.

-William Blake

White has a special meaning for me.  I have lived in many rental units, and the one thing that follows me into every new space is that dreaded “renters white”.  I imagine most landlords heading to the Home Depot and asking the associate in the paint department to give them a cheap white wall paint.  ”What shade of white?” ….”Just white.”  Well, let me tell you that all whites are not equal and that is why I’d like to share our favourites with you.

Cloud White – CC40 (Benjamin Moore)   This one falls in between all of the bright whites so that it does not pull any yellow or peach tones nor is it too cool. (A classic stand-by)

Gray Mist – CC80 (Benjamin Moore) This white has gray undertones and is perfect when used with bright white cabinetry and white/grey tiles.

Cottage White – 9-29 (Pratt and Lambert) I use this when a client wants “warm” white walls or cabinetry.

China White – 33-8 (Pratt and lambert) The perfect trim colour!  I am never disappointed.

 

(Gray Mist: Benjamin Moore) Source: go-designsolutions.com

 

A few tips to remember when choosing your white:

1. How much light does your room have?  Remember to check the paint chip (large swatches are great) at all times of the day to see how it changes with sunlight.

 

Source: milkmagazine.net

2. What other existing whites are in the room?  ie. furniture, frames, etc. – put your colour choice up beside these to see how they relate.  If they fight then try another white.

Source: abeachcottage.com

3.  Put it next to other white swatches from the paint store.  That is often the only way to see which tones are in your white. (yellows, greys, pinks)

Source: younghouselove.com

You can do it!  You can pick the perfect white!

Have fun painting……..Kelly

 

 

decorpad.com

Room Makeover Tip: Preparing the Guest Room

June 13th, 2011 nudgehome.com

Hospitality is making your guests feel at home, even if you wish they were.

~Author Unknown

“The guests are coming, the guests are coming!!!”  This is the usual war cry around my house on the day we are expecting guests.  It is something that can shoot my blood pressure into overdrive, and not because I don’t love having visitors, it’s just that I want to guest room to be perfect and for them to be comfortable.

Preparing the Guest Room

My favourite things to do that “wow” my guests every time are:

1.  Put fresh flowers in the room……the smell alone will bring the outdoors in and make the room feel welcoming.

2. Have the appropriate magazines by the bed.  If it is my aunt there will be a Country Living magazine, if it is my father, then Golf Digest….you get the picture.  Just a little something to read before bedtime.

 

3.  Snacks thats that are non-perishable.  Otherwise known as CHOCOLATE!  A little basket or dish of goodies on the table is such a treat for anyone.  Gosh, you can’t even get that in a hotel.  Correction…not one that I’ve stayed in at least.

 

4.  A carafe of water and a glass in case they are thirsty in the night and don’t want to find their way to the kitchen.

 

Source: potterybarn.com

5.  Fresh towels stacked from biggest to smallest with an unopened bar of soap on top.

Source: everydayclever.blogspot.com

6.  Candles

 

Source: purplehomes.blogspot.com

7. A robe hanging in the closet or on the back of the door.

 

Source: countryliving.com

 

 

My BASIC checklist however, consists of:

  • Freshly cleaned sheets
  • Extra Pillows
  • An extra blanket at the end of the bed (most people are shy about saying they are cold. This way they don’t have to ask for extra covers in the middle of the night)
  • A light on their bedside table.
  • A radio with alarm (this doesn’t have to be fancy – just a way to check the time)

 

Source: decorpad.com

The one thing to remember in order to create a perfect setting for a houseguest is to make all things they might need as accessible as possible.  After that, just enjoy the visit….I can guarantee they’ll be bragging to everyone about your amazing hospitality!

-Kelly

 

 

1st-option.com-2

Reclaimed Wood-A Love Affair

June 3rd, 2011 nudgehome.com

“You never know how many friends you have until you rent a house on the beach“- Anonymous

I live on an island and therefor have the ocean at my fingertips at all times.  It’s heaven!  I have, up to this point, never tired of the beauty of the beach and its treasures.  This bleached and reclaimed wood furniture trend speaks to the natural effects of the sun on wood and I’m in love with its “raw”, weathered and aged characteristics.

Source: 1st-option.com

The evolution of this look seems to have come from the Swedish look of light wood and clean, natural tones. The aged quality reminds us that furniture is meant to be used and touched.  It is meant to wear with the owner and, if the wood is strong, can live on through generations.  When you are ready for a room makeover don’t forget the painted piece you have in storage as it, once stripped and gently whitewashed, can be a magnificent accent to a room.

We are now recreating this look without the age factor as well using new materials. Who cares?  I love it anyway.

Source: alexandraangle.com

 

Source: 1st-option.com

It is used in many applications to keep a consistent theme running through a home such as stripping the balustrade down and adding a clear coat finish for durability as shown below.

Source: 1st-option.com

Accessories can also play up this look with petrified wood pieces which predominantly take on the form of log tables but can also be very sleek and contemporary when played up with metals.

Source: alexandraangle.com

Petrified Wood Mosaic Coffee Table by Palecek

Source:jaysonhomeandgarden.com

I laugh to myself as I write this because my fathers voice echos in my ear “why would anyone want to buy something that looks used and old already?” Ok, I will give credit to the man who lived through the depression and saw the introduction of the “television” but from my perspective this trend is hot and earthy in a way that speaks to our need to reuse, repurpose and re-love furniture.

-Kelly

 

 

Room Makeover Tip: A good House Cleaning

May 28th, 2011 nudgehome.com

Cleanliness becomes more important when godliness is unlikely.

- P.J. O’Rourke

 

Sometimes a good clean is all you need to achieve a room makeover.  I know what you’re thinking – “you can’t fool me into enjoying the cleaning process” but the end result sure feels good and is a way to regain a sense of pride in your space.  Let me preface this tip by saying that this one was Nicole’s tidbit of advice.  Although I agree with it, I am less likely to execute the process than she is, and her house is a testament to her philosophy…..it’s beautiful.

 

Before starting, put on your favorite music…..whatever gets your booty shakin’ and in a good mood.

Nicole starts by clearing off all surfaces and giving the tables, ledges, and shelves a good wipe.  I have two children and toys tend to migrate into the living room so I will bring in a laundry basket to load up and return everything to it’s rightful spot. While you start putting things back you have the chance to change up your vignettes.  Go ahead and move things around….the furniture, any photos or accessories, objects on the mantle.  If you are not comfortable with how it turns out the first time just keep rearranging until it feels balanced.

Take the time to vacuum under those sofa cushions… cuz lets be honest, how often does that get done?

 

 

A good vacuum of the floor followed by washing any hardwood or tile helps to freshen up the room.  Consider going green with these products, especially if you have young kids, because guaranteed that when the popcorn hits the floor they are likely to pop it back in their mouths. Give your linens (slip covers, removable pillow covers, curtains, bedspreads, etc) a “safe wash” which is a combination of baking soda and white vinegar.  If there are windows and mirrors make them sparkle.

 

source: shabbychicblog.com

 

Creating a room makeover does not always involve purchases, sometimes it’s just will power, charged by a steaming coffee, some great tunes and a bit of elbow grease!

-Kelly

 

 

sunburstmirror-creamy life.com

Everything Old is New Again

May 27th, 2011 nudgehome.com

Just because everything is different doesn’t mean anything has changed.

~Irene Peter

There has been a recurring theme on my shopping trips as of late and I find myself questioning what era I’m actually living in.   I am surrounded by objects that look like they’ve come straight out of the 50′s or 60′s…but with a twist.  Yes, you too can have a vintage room makeover with just one strategically placed piece!  The fabrics are different, the setting has changed or the colours are updated.  The most recent find was in the Restoration Hardware catalogue with its refurbished iconic Arne Jacobsen egg chair.

 

Arne Jacobsen chair-revamped by Restoration Hardware

Don’t get me wrong…I’m not complaining about this trend, just wondering to myself when it will end, if ever.  I do love the play of old and new pieces together.  For example, if you have the money to spend on it, the kitchen is a place to “WOW” folks with the retro stoves that are now on the market.

Range Cooker by LaCanche - simply gorgeous!

I do embrace this theatrical element to design.  It is about old world glamour, sophistication and bygone days.  It is also about colours that we remember as children.  Who had the avocado coloured bathroom set?  Admit it, it was gross but there’s just something about that visceral feeling you get from childhood memories.  The sunburst mirror, once very outdated can be placed within a cottage setting.  Who knew?

 

Mixing styles is always in fashion - when done right. Love this!

I took this trend to heart when Nicole (my business partner) and I had our launch party.  We both love the show Mad Men (which is set in the early 60′s) and planned our theme arounds this. As I’m a total sucker for costume parties I embraced it to the fullest……as shown below. Nobody ever accused me of being boring (at least that I know of).

7 hours and 8 layers later...the lop-sided jello mold made by dutiful housewife!

7 hours and 8 layers later...the lop-sided jello mold made by the dutiful housewife!

I love the way the world makes fun of what used to be, especially as everything is shrinking to fit our busy , multi-tasking lives.  My son and I were in a second-hand store a few weeks back and as we were looking at a record player asked me “do you put the DVD on that black part?” Ah children, guaranteed to make you feel old when you least expect it!

Go ahead, embrace that nothing ever really changes though…..we’ll see all the “new” stuff in another 15 years!

-Kelly

 

 

 

 

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Room Makeover Tip: Fresh Flowers

May 17th, 2011 nudgehome.com

I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck.

~Emma Goldman

Weeelllll, lets not go THAT far!  But suffice it to say that the beauty of flowers can certainly transform not only a drab space but give us a much needed injection of nature whenever life’s getting heavy.

A simple arrangement with a unique holder...get creative!

Using flowers to change a space is one of the oldest and easiest tricks in the book……not to mention, when done right, one of the cheapest.

 

White and green....you can't go wrong in any room.

If you are my mother you might scope out the rhododendron or lilac bushes in the neighbourhood that are surely in desperate need of “pruning.”  I personally can’t pillage the block like Pearl can but I do my best with my own backyard.  I do what I can to get creative with the flora, but I also have the occasional mishap, having once mistaken my own dahlia plant for a weed.  It was a sad day.

 

Phew, I think I'm getting the hang of this gardening thing!

Really though folks, get to know your neighbours and they just might share the wealth if you don’t have a garden of your own.

Now, as spring is sproinging, make note of all the cherry or dogwood blossoms on the trees.

 

Branches fill empty spaces without feeing overwhelming. They give height where needed.

Just a few of these and your room will feel new again.  …and while you have them enjoy these buds, as their beauty comes from their innate temporary nature.

Is it true that nothing beautiful ever lasts?

-Kelly…..keeping room makeovers easy and affordable!

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Refinishing a chandelier

May 12th, 2011 nudgehome.com

OK, I will start by saying that I got very lucky one day when I discovered 2 chandeliers sitting on a neighbours lawn with the sign “both work well” tagged on them.  Since one was enormous I decided to take the smaller of the two and refinish it in a shabby chic style since brass finish makes me gag….sorry mom!

Found treasure - a brass chandelier with good bones!

I started by using a spray on metal paint in a dark brown (this took about 10 minutes) and then left it to dry for the day outside.  This will be the colour revealed through the weathered top coat.  I removed the old yellowed candle sleeves in order to repaint them and covered the open light socket with tin foil prior to spraying.

After the initial brown spray paint.

When the brown paint had dried I used a paint brush to apply the top coat of typical house paint (satin finish) in an oyster colour (aka. dark cream).

A perfect day for an outdoor DIY!

gave it about a minute to dry and then, with an old sponge rubbed the top finish off lightly in areas to reveal the brown paint.

 

Remember to rub the top coat before it dries completely.

This gives a lovely aged appearance.  The only caveat I’d add here is that you can go too heavy with the weathered look.  Keep it subltle.

Once I’d finished painting and weathering the piece I removed the tin foil and began to refinish the candle sleeves.  It took two coats of paint to cover each fully and I was careful to paint in long clean strokes to keep the look consistent.

Since I have an abundance of acrylic art paint I used a combination of pearlized white and a mocha (milk chocolate coloured).  This added the sophistication I thought the chandelier needed.  If you want something more exciting check out these beautiful candle sleeves

or these….

Such a great idea…I wish I’d thought of it!  But I didn’t and I’m cheap so on with my solution…..

Finally I put the painted candle sleeves on and added the lights (which were on the original fixture….and they work!) and VOILA!

Imagine, a roadside find that looks this good!

….a fresh new chandelier.  Hope you like it.

 

 

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in the beginning…

April 10th, 2011 nudgehome.com

 

Writing is easy:

all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead.

-Gene Fowler

 

If you were to tell me that I’d be writing a blog 5 years ago I would have probably said something like “hmmm, what exactly do you mean by that?”  This, translated into Kelly terms means “what the hell is a blog?”  Well I’ve come a long way baby!  Not only do I now follow many blogs (I’ll mention my favourites along the way) but I have a bevy of tasty treats I’ve been eager to share…and this is my new venue.

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