Benjamin Moore: 2016 Color of the Year

 

I'm not sure about you, but I was "over the moon" when I heard the news that the Benjamin Moore Color of the Year for 2016 is "Simply White".

 2015 was the year that I turned my home from "builder beige" into a white wonderland. I had my home built and never really gave the paint color a second thought until I realized that dark beige gets old.......fast. It doesn't really lend itself well to a more neutral decor color palette. I spent a good part of the year rolling up my sleeves, grabbing my white paint can and transforming a few rooms, one by one. I was able to re-paint my entire kitchen, Great Room and main entry hallway a beautiful shade of soft white.

Many people ask if I get tired of the color being so white, and honestly, the answer is a definite "no". It is the perfect neutral background for all decor types and allows you to add "pops of color" with your accessories and window treatments. It's always easier (and way less work) to change out accessories then dragging out the paint ladder and re-painting an entire space. Besides, it's way more fun!

  All photos via Benjamin Moore

I'm going to be painting additional rooms in my home white this upcoming year and will definitely be adding Benjamin Moore Simply White to my list of "go to" paint colors.

What is your current favorite paint color and why? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

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How to Make "White" Warm & Cozy

 

 

 

 

One comment I get all the time from people who come by the Shady Grove is “With white walls, white floors, white furniture, white cabinets, white ceilings… it still feels so warm and cozy!”

I’m not a professional decorator but I just know if something “feels” right…you know what I mean?  I love a clean and clutter free house but I want it to feel like a home.  I try to keep all the big ticket items in my home as neutral as possible because I tend to get tired of things quickly.  How can I change things up easily and on a budget?  I have found that fabric is the key!  I have tried to incorporate soft pillows, quilts and curtains in my decor to help add some softness and personality.
Let’s look at some of the areas of the Shady Grove where pillows have not only added some pops of color but some much needed softness.

Let’s look at some of the areas of the Shady Grove where pillows have not only added some pops of color but some much needed softness.

Pillows on an all white sofa are great for adding your personality and giving people something soft to snuggle with while they are watching their favorite show or taking a little afternoon nap.  I try to use only feather pillows because they are soft, they don’t get lumpy and they fluff nicely.

*Blog post courtesy of Wendy at Life on the Shady Grove. Head on over to her blog to continue reading this post and for more home decor inspiration.

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Subtle Touches of Fall

Fall is here and this week has been an adjustment.  The weather is changing, school is starting and so it has been fun to slowly introduce subtle touches of fall decor into our home.

We sent our son to Kindergarten this week and it has been such a change for the entire family.  One to get used to for all of us. He is loving it and I am happy for him, but it is bitter sweet because time goes so fast and he sure is growing up.  His sister is missing her buddy to play with and so I spent the other morning keeping her busy with some fruit painting. We had some Dollar Tree pears and we took Non Toxic Acrylic paint to give them a fresh new color. She had a great time and enjoyed the distraction.  Plus this was an inexpensive way to make some Autumn Decor. We hung a newly made wreath with some changing leaves too.



As the weather cools down I also love to layer on the blankets and textures. This is such an easy way to make spots in our house more cozy and ready for fall. I have to share this new addition to our house too from Painted Fox Treasures (link in sidebar), a pouf and a globe in one! I mean it is the perfect combination and I am not joking when I say it is one of the most comfortable things to sit on. It is cushy and firm, but sinks in just the right amount too!  It has become a favorite around our household.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend as fall rolls around the corner with warm drinks, football, smelly candles and lots of blankets. Time for a new season! Thanks for stopping by~

*Blog post courtesy of Annie at Zevy Joy. Visit Annie's blog for more home decor inspiration!

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DIY Pumpkin Plate Chargers

Today I am sharing these easy, wood DIY Pumpkin Plate Chargers! A few weeks ago when I posted my Farmhouse Fall Home Tour, my dining room table was missing a good fall table scape setting. What better way to celebrate this beautiful season than to add some natural elements to our farmhouse table…in the shape of pumpkins!
Supplies Needed:

• 2 21/32in x 16in x 6ft Paint Graded Panel
• Pencil
• Kraft Paper
• Circular Saw
• Jig Saw
• Hand Sander or Sand Block
• Wood Stain
• Wood Shims
• Wood Glue
• Fall Embellishments

Since our farmhouse table is stained dark, I wanted to find a really pretty wood that I could use a lighter stain on to really bring out the natural grain. I found these gorgeous paint graded panels that I knew would work great for the look I wanted.
First, I used my circular saw (or jigsaw) to cut 6 square pieces to 13 inches in length for each plate setting. Then, I cut a piece of Kraft paper I pulled from my wrapping paper stash to each squares exact measurements. I traced one of my plates upside-down in the middle of the paper to use as a guide when determining what measurement each charger needed to be.

 *Blog post courtesy of Ashley at Little Glass Jar. Head on over to take a peek at this DIY with full instructions!

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