Design

What is the best grey paint color for your home?

Painting your home is a be decision. It’s often a color you will keep for a long time due to the expense. I get asked all the time, “what is the best [blank] color to paint in my home?” Well, today I want to try and answer the “what is the best grey color for my home.”

So what is the best grey?

It really depends on personal preference and the overall aesthetic of your home. Some popular shades of grey for home interiors include light grey, which can create a calming and spacious feel, and dark grey, which can add a touch of sophistication and drama to a space. In general, it's a good idea to consider the other colors and design elements in your space, and choose a shade of grey that complements and enhances those elements. It's also important to think about the amount of natural light in the space, as well as the intended function of the room, when choosing a shade of grey. Ultimately, the best color of grey for your home will be the one that makes you happy and enhances the overall look and feel of the space.

Warm Grey

Warm grey is a shade of grey that has undertones of warm colors such as yellow, red, or orange. This makes the grey appear less cool and neutral, and gives it a warmer, more inviting feel. Warm grey can be a great choice for a home interior, as it can add a cozy and comfortable atmosphere to a space. It is often used as a wall color or for larger furniture pieces, such as sofas or armchairs. When paired with other warm colors and natural materials, warm grey can create a welcoming and inviting space.

herringbone entry wood floors with warm grey wall paint

My favorite warm light gray paint colors are: Sherwin Williams Agreeable Grey 7029, Sherwin Williams Worldly Grey 7043, Sherwin Williams Amazing Grey 7044, Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter HC-172

My favorite warm dark gray paint colors are: Sherwin Williams Dovetail 7018, Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze 7048, Benjamin Moore Rockport Gray HC-105, Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168

Cool Grey

Cool grey is a shade of grey that has undertones of cool colors such as blue or green. This makes the grey appear less warm and neutral, and gives it a cooler, more modern feel. Cool grey can be a great choice for a home interior, as it can add a clean and contemporary atmosphere to a space. It is often used as a wall color or for larger furniture pieces, such as sofas or armchairs. When paired with other cool colors and sleek materials, cool grey can create a stylish and sophisticated space.

My favorite cool light grey paint colors: Sherwin Willams Passive 7064, Sherwin Williams Grey Screen 7071, Benjamin Moore Stonington Gray HC-170

My favorite cool dark grey paint colors: Sherwin Williams Cityscape 7067, Sherwin Williams Peppercorn SW 7674, Benjamin Moore Englewood Cliffs 1607, Benjamin Moore Cheating Heart 1617

Neutral Grey

Neutral grey is a shade of grey that does not have any noticeable undertones of other colors. This makes it a versatile and neutral color that can be used in a wide variety of settings and interior design styles. Neutral grey is often used for walls, floors, and large furniture pieces, as it provides a blank canvas that can be easily paired with other colors and design elements. Neutral grey is also a popular choice for smaller accents and accessories, such as throw pillows, rugs, and artwork. Overall, neutral grey is a timeless and classic color that can add a sense of calm and balance to a space.

My favorite neutral light grey colors are: Benjamin Moore Classic Grey OC-23, Benjamin Moore Light French Grey 0055, Sherwin Williams Repose Grey 7015, Benjamin Moore Gray Owl 2137-60, Sherwin Williams Mindful Grey 7016

My favorite neutral dark grey colors are: Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Grey 7019, Benjamin Moore Amherst Grey HC-167

What is your favorite grey?

Accent Walls: The Best Way to Add Depth to Your Design

Adding an accent wall can drastically elevate the design style in a space. Because it is just a single wall, it can be the easiest way to direct focus, create depth, and even take an "outside of the box" risk. Check out my favorite five accent wall ideas you can do!

1. Paint

This is by far the simplest and most cost effective. I am a huge fan of using highly saturated colors to create a statement when painting an accent wall. Challenge yourself to a bolder color and if you hate it, it's easy to change!

An accent wall doesn’t have to be those vertical spaces. Don’t forget about that fifth wall, the ceiling. By painting this kitchen’s ceiling, we were able to draw the eye all the way to the beautifully barrel vaulted feature.

I love how just the navy wall of this kid’s bedroom painted creates depth and allows lighter objects to pop.

2. Molding

Putting molding walls got a bad reputation when so many builders decided to put a single piece of molding around the room called a chair rail (literally one of my least favorite things). However, molding on a wall can look super sophisticated. From the traditional picture frame molding to the more contemporary box molding. 

A staircase can be a forgotten space which is why it is the perfect place to add molding to really punch up the design.

tall tufted headboard against a wood paneled accent wall

Taking a traditional molding and turning it into something special with this square geometric designed wall using molding.

3. Wallpaper

Yes, wallpaper is still in, in fact, it never left. I have used wallpaper in no less then 100% of my recent projects and with the endless possibilities of patterns and styles wallpaper can work for everyone. It really does make me overly excited. 

Sometimes just one wall is all you need for wallpaper. This creates the perfect layer for this grandmillennial office space.

The perfect teen girl’s wallpaper. It's bold and beautiful and it only needed on the feature wall.

4. Tile

I love a tile accent wall! I use them frequently in bathrooms, bars, and even in bedrooms and other spaces. There are some really amazing tiles that will wow you and create huge impacts in a home. 

blue floating bathroom vanity with under cabinet lighting

Having fun with a wall of accent tile in a bathroom can bring so much style to your home.

An accent wall tile doesn’t have to mean the entire wall. In this design, we decided to only do it in the nook behind the bar. It helps draw the eye in and layers in the sex appeal.

Using tile that starts in a shower and continues beyond the normal boundaries makes this small bathroom feel grand. Use this to trick your eye and make your tighter spaces truly expand.

5. Wood

I tend to lean more towards the modern use of wood as an accent wall, but for clients who love that "farmhouse" style, you can also use reclaimed wood. 

using wood modern slats as an accent wall

Wood used in a more contemporary fashion to define this TV wall. This decorative wall with evenly spaced wooden slats for a sleek and contemporary look.

For this covered outdoor design, we wanted to add texture with a shou sugi ban accent wall. Shou sugi ban is a traditional Japanese method of preserving and weatherproofing wood by charring it with fire. The charred surface is then brushed and oiled to create a durable and attractive finish.

6. Living Wall

Creating a living wall as an accent is a unique and beautiful way to bring nature into your home. The result is a stunning and sustainable accent wall that adds life and color to any space.

Bringing Mid Century Modern Style into Your Home

With the popularity of the Mid Century Modern many people want to add elements into their homes. I personally love taking elements from different styles and showing them off throughout designs.

Mid-century modern furniture is a style of furniture that originated in the mid-20th century, roughly between the 1930s and 1960s. This style of furniture is known for its clean lines, organic shapes, and sleek, minimalist design. Mid-century modern furniture was influenced by the Bauhaus and De Stijl art movements, which emphasized function and simplicity in design.

One of the most notable characteristics of mid-century modern furniture is its focus on form over function. This means that the design of the furniture is just as important, if not more important, than its practicality. Mid-century modern furniture often features bold, geometric shapes and bold, solid colors. An easy way to bring this into your home is through the use of wallpaper and tile.

The use of natural materials such as wood, leather, and wool is also common in mid-century modern furniture.

Mid-century modern furniture is highly sought after by collectors and design enthusiasts alike. Its clean lines and timeless aesthetic make it a versatile choice for any space. Whether you are looking to furnish your entire home with mid-century modern pieces or just add a few key pieces to your existing decor, this style of furniture is a great way to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space.

Some of the most iconic mid-century modern furniture pieces include the Eames Lounge Chair and Ottoman, designed by Charles and Ray Eames, and the Tulip Chair, designed by Eero Saarinen. These pieces are known for their elegant, sculptural forms and their use of innovative materials and manufacturing techniques.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, mid-century modern furniture is also known for its durability and longevity. Many pieces of mid-century modern furniture are still in use today, decades after they were first designed. This is due in part to the high-quality materials and construction used in their manufacture, as well as the timelessness of their designs. My advise is to save for quality pieces that will stand the test of time rather than cheaper imitations that you will not get to enjoy very long.

If you are interested in incorporating mid-century modern furniture into your home, there are many ways to do so. You can find authentic mid-century modern pieces at vintage shops, online marketplaces, and auctions. Alternatively, you can purchase new furniture that is inspired by the mid-century modern style. No matter what approach you take, adding some mid-century modern pieces to your home is a great way to add a touch of sophistication and elegance to your space.

mod furniture design portland oregon

How to Create the Perfect Ralph Lauren Inspired Nursery

Creating a baby's room with a Ralph Lauren-inspired design is a beautiful and timeless way to welcome a new addition to your family. Combining classic elegance with a touch of whimsy, a Ralph Lauren-style nursery is both stylish & practical.

When it comes to color, Ralph Lauren's signature palette is a perfect starting point. Soft shades of blue and green, paired with neutral tones, create a serene and soothing atmosphere. Punch it up with red accents and your room is ready to shine. If you're not sure where to start, consider using one of Ralph Lauren's classic bedding collections, such as the "Lullaby" or "Sweet Dreams" collections, as the basis for your color scheme.

In terms of furniture, choose pieces that are both functional and stylish. A crib is the centerpiece of any baby's room, and a classic white crib with elegant detailing, such as the "Princess" crib from the Ralph Lauren Baby collection, is a perfect choice. Complement the crib with a matching dresser and changing table, and add a cozy rocking chair for those late-night feedings.

When it comes to decor, mix and match patterns and textures to create a layered and inviting look. A plush white rug, such as the "Bear" rug from the Ralph Lauren Baby collection, provides a soft and comfortable place for baby to play. Or even a blue rug with a global inspired motif. Add throw pillows, blankets, and wall hangings in coordinating colors and patterns to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Don't forget the finishing touches! A mobile featuring classic Ralph Lauren motifs, such as horses or polo players, adds a playful and whimsical touch. A soft and cuddly stuffed animal, such as the "Bear" from the Ralph Lauren Baby collection, provides comfort and companionship. And a collection of classic children's books, arranged on a bookshelf or in a basket, completes the look and encourages a love of reading.

luxury nursery room design

With a little effort, you can create a beautiful and timeless Ralph Lauren-style nursery that is both practical and stylish. Your baby will love spending time in this peaceful and inviting space, and you will enjoy the classic elegance and sophistication of the Ralph Lauren design aesthetic.

Steps to Creating the Perfect Work From Home Office Space

Creating the perfect home office space can be a challenge, especially if you have limited space or are working with a tight budget. But with a little creativity and some careful planning, you can create a functional and stylish home office that will inspire you to be productive and efficient.

First, consider the size and layout of your space. If you have a dedicated room for your home office, you may have more flexibility in terms of layout and design. But even if you only have a small corner of a room to work with, you can still create a functional and comfortable space.

Next, think about the tasks and activities you will be doing in your home office. Do you need a large desk for your computer and other office equipment, or will a smaller workspace be sufficient? Do you need storage for files and documents, or can you keep them digitally? Consider what you will need in your home office and plan accordingly.

Once you have a clear idea of the layout and functionality of your space, it's time to think about design. Choose a color scheme that is both calming and energizing, and incorporate colors and patterns that will inspire you and boost your mood. Add personal touches, such as family photos or artwork, to make your home office feel like your own.

When it comes to furniture, choose pieces that are both functional and stylish. A comfortable and supportive chair is essential, as you will be spending a lot of time sitting. A desk with plenty of workspace and storage is also important, as is lighting that is both functional and ambient.

Finally, consider incorporating plants and other natural elements into your home office design. Not only do plants add a touch of life and color to your space, but they can also improve air quality and reduce stress.

aqua and pink interior design accents

By following these simple tips, you can create the perfect home office space that is both functional and stylish. With a little effort, you can create a space that will inspire you to be productive and efficient, and that you will enjoy spending time in.