Kristin Drohan Interior Design

New online Mags...What do you think?

With the recent demise of many of our favorite shelter mags, a crop of new online replacements has surfaced.  Are you reading?

http://nestingnewbies.com/magazine/winter10.html

  
 

http://www.lonnymag.com/

 

What do you think?  Do you like the format and content? 

I don't think you can ever replace an actual shelter mag.  It is hard to curl up in bed with your computer, but I can appreciate what they are trying to accomplish.   I'm linking to Timeless Tuesday at Paula Grace Designs, jump on over.

My Favorite Paint Colors

I get asked about paint colors a lot.  I thought I'd share my favorite paint colors with you.  First, I 'll share a little trick on viewing color.  I had a client whose entire business was analyzing color.  The FBI was a big client and they worked with organizations that required scientific data and color analysis.  He taught me a little trick that seems completely logical, but never in my interior design training had anyone ever mentioned this.  If you always view your color on a White background, the undertones will appear and you get a truer sense of the color.  I do this for fabrics too.  Have you ever had someone tell you that  a color has Green undertones and to you it just looked like plain Beige?  If you put paint swatches on a White background you will see those undertones.  Obviously, it is important to use a low VOC paint as well.  VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds, which are toxins in air vapor within a confined space.  VOC's are found in adhesives, stains, glues and paint.    I like Benjamin Moore's Natura and Sherwin William's Harmony.  To replace an oil base paint finish I like Ben Moore's  Aura.  An oil base paint is used for furniture or anything that requires durability.  However, oil base paint has high VOCs.

Here are my Favs:

 

These are all Historic colors from Ben Moore.  If you are looking for a neutral these are fail safe and are great for the body of a house.

 

These are all Ben Moore colors too.  They are my favorite Blues and Grays which I use a lot in bedrooms, dining rooms, sun rooms, and kitchens. 

 

The first swatch is Ben Moore and the last three are Sherwin Williams.  I use a lot of Black and White in my designs.  Linen White, Creamy White and Tricorn Black are great for cabinetry and trim.  Ceiling bright white is nice for ceilings when you need a White with a hint of Blue.  It is great for kitchens, sun rooms, and bathrooms. 

 

I'll be honest, I don't do bright walls often.  I'd rather the color in the room come from fabric, rugs, art, and accessories.  These are great colors for kid's rooms, guest rooms,  and powder baths.  The first three are Ben Moore and the Red is Sherwin Williams.   These are my favorite.  What are yours?  Please share.  I'll be joining Blue Monday at Smiling Sals andMet Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.  I'm also joining Timeless Tuesday at Paula Grace Designs.  Check out the great posts over there.  FYI, I'm writing about these products without any payment or incentives from either company.  I just like their stuff. 

 

 

   

 

Free Advice Friday...Bedside Sconce Placement

A reader writes:

Hi Kristin, I love your blog and look forward to each new post. You are always full of wonderful information. I just bought some sweet milk glass wall sconces recently (I still need to get shades for them) that I want to hang on either side of my bed. I have no idea of the proper placement (height and width apart) and knew you were the woman to ask. Can you help me out?

 

Thank you,
Petrina
www.foobella.com

 

After asking Petrina a few more questions, most importantly, if these were functional or decorative, I was able to show her were she should hang her sconces.   These are going to replace the bedside table lamp and are to be functional.  With that in mind they need to be placed close to the bed and at a height that will illuminate reading material.  If they were decorative you have a bit more flexibility.  They are not swing arms but stationary sconces.  This is what I'd recommend.  I've specified where to put the sconces on the photo that Petrina sent to me showing her bedroom.  This gives her a visual of exactly where to put them.

 

Place them approximately 4-6 inches away from the headboard edge and the light height can be determined by your preference.  It is important to note whether you read laying down or sitting up.  The light needs to be high enough to shine on your reading material.  As a guide  line, if the bottom of your light is about 24 inched above the top of the bed that should work. 

If your headboard is really tall you could raise it up to 30" or more as long as it stays functional.  I hope this helps.  It was a great question with a bit of a subjective answer. 

 

NKBA 2010 Kitchen Design Finalists... What's your fav?

The National Kitchen and Bath Association has posted the 12 finalists for their 2010 competition.  There are some really impressive kitchens this year.  Here they are.

 No 1

 
No 2

 
No 3

  No 4

No 5

No 6

No 7

No 8

No 9

No 10

No 11

No 12

There are elements in almost everyone that I love.  Notice how many used curves. I think my overall fav is No 8.  I like the formality of it without having the gingerbread like 7 and 11.  What are your favs?  I'll be joining Paula Grace's Timeless Tuesday party.  Hop on over for some more design eye candy.