Life has been a whirlwind! Hey friends, I hope you had an amazing weekend. Around here, we just wrapped up our annual five-week marathon of chaos. It kicks off with Mother’s Day and winds its way through four in-house birthdays, countless celebrations for friends and family, an anniversary, and what feels like 49,475 lacrosse and baseball games. It all culminated this year with Father’s Day, marked by an unexpected finale—our house losing power while we were at the kids’ games. I ended up breaking through a screen and climbing through a window just to get dinner started for my love. Phew! Needless to say, I’m in desperate need of a spa day. But amidst the craziness, life is good.
Taking a Breather and Jumping Back In
Now that the dust has settled, I’m finally catching my breath and feeling energized to share some fun and exciting projects with you. As some of you may know, I dabble in “room refreshing” for others. Not everyone is looking for a full redesign of their space, and many people just need a little guidance to bring a room up to date. I’ve been fortunate to help families breathe new life into their homes—whether it’s choosing the perfect paint color, repurposing existing pieces, or selecting those big-ticket items that can feel overwhelming to so many.
A common sentiment I hear from clients is, “I’m just not good at decorating.” If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone! I love showing people how a few thoughtful updates can completely transform their space.
A Family Home in Need of a Refresh
Recently, I worked with a wonderful family of six (plus the cutest dog ever!) who had lived in their home for over a decade without changing the original builder’s flat paint color. This neutral, nondescript whitish tone had been the backdrop of their lives since they moved in. Meanwhile, I’ve probably added so many layers of paint to my own walls over the years that I’ve reduced my home’s square footage! It was time for a change, and I was thrilled to help freshen up their space.
Their home features an open-concept layout with a mudroom, kitchen, and family room flowing into one another. The family also wanted to give their dining room some personality with a slate blue hue. To ensure cohesion throughout the first floor, we focused on finding a color palette that complemented their existing furniture and finishes.
The Power of Color Inspiration
When selecting paint colors, inspiration photos can be invaluable. They help you understand a color’s intensity and how it might look in different lighting. However, it’s essential to remember that every space is unique. Natural light, furnishings, and trim color all play a significant role in how a paint color appears.
For this project, we chose Benjamin Moore’s Grant Beige (HC-83) for the mudroom, kitchen, and family room. This versatile greige worked beautifully with the homeowner’s granite countertops and sectional sofa. For the dining room, we selected Nimbus Gray (BM 2131-50), a sophisticated slate blue that leans more toward the blue side of the spectrum. The contrast between the neutral Grant Beige and the striking Nimbus Gray created a cohesive yet dynamic look for the first floor.
Adding Layers of Color and Personality
To tie everything together, I suggested repeating the slate blue accents from the dining room in the neutral spaces. This creates a sense of flow and adds subtle pops of color without overwhelming the rooms. One way to do this was through DIY decor. I made a personalized family name sign using Leo Reynolds’ free downloadable photos, a project I’ve loved since discovering it back in 2010. Over the years, I’ve created 30-40 of these signs for friends and family they’re such a unique and fun way to incorporate color into a space. The homeowners can easily print this at Staples or order it online, then frame it to display in their kitchen.
Another easy and budget-friendly way to refresh a space is with pillows. Pillows can instantly update a room and reinforce your color scheme. For this project, I found a few fabulous options:
- Reed Feather Straw Pillow ($15)
- Ivan Troy Designs (Set of 2) ($50)
- ElemenOPillow ($22)
It’s amazing how such a simple change can make a room feel completely different! And as a bonus, the colors perfectly complemented the family’s adorable dog—almost as if the palette was designed around him.
Similar Projects and What’s Next
This color palette reminded me of another project I’m working on for my parents-in-law. They’re settling into a new home, and we’re pulling together a similar scheme with calming neutrals and slate blue accents. I can’t wait to share a sneak peek of their space soon—it’s coming together beautifully!
For now, I’m gearing up for tomorrow’s Quick Tip Tuesday. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it. Are you on the edge of your seat? I’ll be sharing some of my favorite small-space solutions, perfect for anyone looking to maximize functionality and style in their home.
Wrapping It Up
Thanks so much for stopping by and catching up with me. Life lately has been a blur of birthdays, sports games, and home projects, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether it’s helping a family refresh their space, experimenting with color palettes, or squeezing in some creative DIYs, I love the process of making homes feel more inviting and personal. If you’re tackling a project of your own and need some inspiration, I hope this post gives you a few ideas to get started.
Have a wonderful day, and stay tuned for more updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes peeks at my latest projects!
