Aqua Dreams

Aquamarine: a transparent, pale bluish-green variety of beryl, used in jewelry, is a color that is found throughout my home. For me, it's tranquil and calming. Did you know that aqua works as a neutral base when combined with bright red, orange, yellow, or lime? I'll show you room examples towards the end of this post. First, I made a little mosaic of aqua items found in my home. 

   (click mosaic to enlarge)

Isn't the little girl with the crown  sweet? She was made by Pam Keravuori. The faux sugar cookie was made by Jennifers Petal Palace.

The following pictures are examples of red, yellow, lime, and orange against aqua backdrops.   

A nursery posted by http://designdazzle.blogspot.com/2009/11/yellow-aqua-red-baby-nursery.html

I appreciate the touch of black (picture frames) in this picture. It adds balance to the bright pillows and grounds the room.

Aqua dreams?

Blessings, Ele 

Cute baby scrubs from http://www.hannahbananababy.com

Bathroom Makeover

Shades of beige? Yes, shades of beige. This isn't your standard stock wall color. It's a little deeper and richer. It's the lack of gold tone in this paint that I actually like. It's Sherwin Williams Threshold Taupe.

The before color was a light pink.

What do you think? I like to call this room a clean line/shabby chic style.

The vintage mirror received a fresh coat of white paint. I love the contrast of the perfect gloss paint next to the weathered mirror tiles that line the bottom and top of the mirror.

The before of the mirror was quite beautiful, but the white paint adds an extra pop from the wall.

White lace curtains received a bath in tea. I put the curtains into a large pot and added tea bags and hot water. I let them soak for about 1/2 an hour, and then gave them a good wash.

Textures in this room are present in the gloss of the paint, ridges in the sea shell mirror, and the roughness of the coral. The aqua mercury glass and the blueness of the picture are the only colors this room needs.

Blessings, Ele

Irish in My Heart

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Embellish a candle with a strip of green ribbon.

Craft Tip: Tack a ribbon to a candle by using upholstery tacks, or a short pin. Gently tap the tack through the ribbon, into the candle with a hammer. This same idea can be done with a strip of paper or fabric. Make sure you keep the decor far from the flame!

I have Irish in my heart and in my genes. In memory of my father, my favorite Irishman, I celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Many years have passed, but hardly a day goes by that I don't think of my dear father. On St. Patrick's Day, he dressed in his green suit and green sequined bow tie. He gave me flowers, and brought joy to everyones' day.

With green on my mind, I thought I would share some green rooms.

A non matchy color scheme works when you stay on the same side of the color wheel and pair it with neutrals.

Soft green and yellow will provide a soothing palate. A dramatic pop of red fabric on the stool behind the couch, brings interest to this room.

Paint the inside of a cupboard a different color. Fresh green looks inviting with vintage white stoneware.

Cool colors of green in mint and aqua with a splash of silver (fridge and cupboard knobs), and paired with robin's egg blue, are a relaxing sight. This is cottage style at it's finest.

Traditional decor in green always works.

Mix greens for a fun, happy look.

Pictures are from http://www.bhg.com/

Have a Blessed, Green Day.

Ele