Starting to Pick Paint Colors

I keep kicking myself for not painting the house before the floors were put in (we're on the home stretch there, by the way! So happy!). But the fact is, it just didn't make sense to paint before now. The walls just weren't ready. We still have some drywall work that has to get done and one of the rooms needs to be skim-coated, so I haven't been thinking all that seriously about paint colors. But it's time to figure it out now. I had so much fun sitting on the beach in San Diego over the long weekend, looking at paint decks and finally thinking about how I want to decorate our home. Let the games begin!!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0445.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/xDSC_0445.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For the most of the main areas and the hallways, I want to do a neutral light gray. I do this in most every home I decorate, just because I think it always looks so fresh and bright and clean.</div><a name="more"></a>The two colors that I thought were going to be my main contenders are on the left, above. On top is Benjamin Moore's Titanium and Wickham Gray is on the bottom.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xxDSC_0442.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/xxDSC_0442.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought I needed something with a bit more blue in the undertones, but I think Wickham Gray (bottom) is too blue. I'm leaning toward the Titanium (top). Those green undertones are just singing to me in here!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The order is switched in the photo below. Titanium is on the bottom.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0452.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0452.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I might throw up a few different colors up on poster boards today to see if there's a color I like more. Maybe something a hair darker. I don't want to go too dark though.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0465.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0465.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0473.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/DSC_0473.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the music room, I was thinking about doing a green lacquer. The color here is Kennebunkport Green. I'm going to let this one sort of simmer for a bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_0439.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/vDSC_0439.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm pretty positive I want to do Knoxville Gray on the big wall of built-ins in the library. This is one of my very favorite colors. It is like a chameleon - it just sort of works with whatever you pair it with.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo vDSC_0440.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/vDSC_0440.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If I don't use Knoxville Gray on the shelving, I might be tempted to use it in our bedroom. I put up a sample of Palladian Blue, but it might be too sweet for what I'm imagining in here. It's a great color though.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0461.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0461.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ssDSC_0459.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ssDSC_0459.jpg" /></div><br />Also on the to do list today is to finalize a layered trim design for the big doors and pass-throughs. Jason (who is very good at carpentry) is tackling those for me. I'm going to start the base boards and the regular door and window casings myself, so I really need to figure out these paint colors soon.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0474.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/sDSC_0474.jpg" /></div>

Starting to Pick Paint Colors

I keep kicking myself for not painting the house before the floors were put in (we're on the home stretch there, by the way! So happy!)....

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Amazing Finds on Chairish (and a $500 Give Away!!)

<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, I've been doing quite a bit of furniture shopping lately for the new house. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I also don't want cheap junk either. I'm mostly looking for really special, unique stuff - the treasures. Craigslist can occasionally be a gold mine, but even in New York, I had to sift through <i>so many</i> cheesy listings to find something maybe worth looking at.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.chairish.com/sweepstakes-littlegreennotebook?utm_source=%20littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=%20LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=Sweepstakes" target="_blank">Chairish</a> is a new site that is bridging the gap between Craigslist and 1st dibs. It is a person-to-person marketplace where design lovers buy and sell exceptional pre-owned furnishings and decor. The inventory is curated by the stylish staff at Chairish, so you know you won't be sifting through junk, but the prices aren't astronomical like on other sites. You'll see a lot of familiar names pop up on Chairish. From Milo Baughman to Drexel, Eames to Barabara Barry. There are also lots of great vintage pieces with unknown origin and some fabulous newer pieces. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/little-green-notebook?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=LittleGreenNotebookCollection" target="_blank">Here are a few of my favorites</a> currently available. If you're lucky enough to snag any of these, color me jealous.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN6.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN6.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/dining-chairs/products/5-modern-black-lacquer-chairs-with-pleather-seats?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=5BlackLacquerChairs" target="_blank">Black Klismos Dining Chairs</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-tables/products/industrial-farm-table-with-zinc-top?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=IndustrialFarmTable" target="_blank">Zinc-Topped Farm Table</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN5.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN5.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/club-chairs/products/armchair-covered-in-vintage-indigo-fabric?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=IndigoArmchair" target="_blank">Indigo Armchair</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/french-gilded-mirror-with-original-glass?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=FrenchMirror" target="_blank">French Mirror</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN4.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN4.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/metal-pear-scultpure?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=PearSculpture" target="_blank">Pear Sculpture</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/fireworks-throw-pillow?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=FireworksPillow" target="_blank">Fireworks Embroidered Pillow</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-lighting/products/pair-of-chunky-metallic-table-lamps?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChunkyMetallicTableLampPair" target="_blank">Mercury Glass Lamps</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN3.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN3.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-cabinetry/products/dresser-with-mother-of-pearl-inlay?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=MotherOfPearlInlayDesk" target="_blank">Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/club-chairs/products/pair-of-classic-slipper-chairs?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=SlipperChairPair" target="_blank">Slipper Chairs</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN2.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-tables/products/hickory-white-louis-xv-style-desk?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=HickoryLouisDesk" target="_blank">Black Desk</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/beds-1/products/custom-bold-green-queen-headboard?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=GreenHeadboard" target="_blank">Green Tufted Headboard</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ChairishLGN1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/ChairishLGN1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/all-decor/products/pink-and-black-abstract-circles-painting-2?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=PinkBlackCirclePainting" target="_blank">Pink and Black Circle Painting</a>  //  <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/collections/sofas/products/custom-lee-industries-sofa-in-mokum-fabric?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=LeeIndustriesSofa" target="_blank">LEE Industries Sofa</a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chairish is also a great place to sell your gently used furnishings! There's never a listing fee and they offer a few different options for selling services. Like, if you don't want to deal with it <i>at all</i> they will take care of the whole shebang from pick up and storage, to photography and listing. Chairish always handles (and verifies) payments and orchestrates delivery. They've thought of everything, officially enabling chronic decorators nationwide! :)</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's the extra exciting part: Chairish is offering up a whopping $500 gift certificate today! To enter to win, <a href="https://www.chairish.com/sweepstakes-littlegreennotebook?utm_source=%20littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=%20LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=Sweepstakes" target="_blank">click here</a>. Contest ends on Friday, September 13 at midnight. The winner will be announced here and contacted. Good luck!!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is sponsored by <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChairishHome" target="_blank">Chairish</a>. To see the entire Chairish collection, <a href="http://shop.chairish.com/?utm_source=littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LittleGreenNotebook&utm_content=ChairishHome" target="_blank">visit here</a>.</span></span>

Amazing Finds on Chairish (and a $500 Give Away!!)

So, I've been doing quite a bit of furniture shopping lately for the new house. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but I also d...

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DIY Les Touches Memo Boards

<center></center>Remember that DIY Les Touches project <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2011/02/diy-les-touches.html" target="_blank">I posted here</a> (and <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/10/more-sharpie-les-touches.html" target="_blank">another great one here</a>)? A reader used a Sharpie marker to recreate the classic Brunschwig and Fils snow leopard pattern on her dining room chair seat cushions. The idea came to mind as I was brainstorming an easy way to add some texture and interest to the simple cork memo board I have on my kitchen desk.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0637.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/aDSC_0637.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how I made it...</div><a name="more"></a></div>I pulled up <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=les+touches&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=9MckUoDYDOfJigKR94HIDw&ved=0CE8QsAQ&biw=1223&bih=589#q=les+touches&tbm=isch&imgdii=_" target="_blank">a photo of the fabric pattern</a> on my laptop and started tracing out the general pattern.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6060.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6060.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I found it looked best to just draw vertical marks with the Sharpie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6063.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6063.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I ended up not liking some of the thinner lines I started out with, so I just went right back over them with more vertical marks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6066.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6066.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And I kept filling in until the spacing of the dots looked even. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_6071.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/IMG_6071.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had two of these IKEA cork boards on hand so I think I might try doing the pattern again and maybe leave the frame the natural wood color. I think it would be a prettier contrast against the wall. <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/02/magic-of-gold-leaf-pen.html" target="_blank">My gold leaf pen</a> would be great here too, but we're already approaching crazy town with the <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-spraying-painting-vinyl.html" target="_blank">black and white striped chair</a>, so I'll probably try to exercise a little restraint here. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0624.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2011/cDSC_0624.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

DIY Les Touches Memo Boards

Remember that DIY Les Touches project I posted here  (and another great one here )? A reader used a Sharpie marker to recreate the classic B...

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