Inspired By Yellow and Gray- a soothing pallete.

As many of you know I am in the midst of choosing colors for my house. Right now I am working on the exterior house colors and then soon I will start the process of choosing colors for my interior.

The other day I showed you how I chose Hawthorne Yellow from Benjamin Moore for the exterior of my house and now I am off to the paint store today to nail down the accents colors. In my quest to figure out my color combination I found some most inspiring photos, and wanted to share.

This old historical house is wonderful in architecture, and while my house is not this style, its color combination so inspired me that I am going to create my own version of this combination.

As you see, the colors are gray, yellow, white and red. Look how they have used three colors that are harmonious to one another, and then the pop of color that the red adds to what would be an ohterwise subdued color scheme.

As I was searching the internet for yellow color combinations, my inspiration went even further and I began to find interior pictures that I loved. There is no doubt that I will have to implement this luscious combination somewhere in my home as we remodel. I mean what isn't to love about yellow and gray? They are the perfect marriage of a cool and warm color, creating a soothing pallette that anyone could live with.

And...more inspiring photos showing this winning color scheme!

What colors inspire you? Start looking around with your eye wide open and you may discover a new found combination you never thought of before.

My Cottage - What Paint Color Did I Choose?

As you remember a month or so ago I asked for feedback on facebook, twitter,and here on the blog, asking what color I should paint my farmhouse, and gave you some of my ideas. I received a variety of answers, but there was one color that was suggested the most. I enjoyed hearing all the opinions and feedback. It was fun to see what you all suggested.

I heard everything from white, gray, yellow, tan, and "Paint it whatever pleases you"! What resounded most was to keep my color palette to a classic scheme, that would fit the era of my house. (over 100 yrs old)

I pondered about what I should do... I drove around many neighborhoods with my husband and looked for new inspiration... I took pictures of houses, but somehow seemed to keep being drawn to the same color.

Then... My hubby and I went for a Sunday drive because he wanted to show me an inspiration house. He said "I need to show you this...its classic." So here ya have it!

The color of choice is yellow...

My pictures don't do this house justice. This farmhouse sits up on a hill and in front of it is a large grape vineyard. Its very stunning in person. We stopped to take a picture and the homeowners were outside. I asked if they minded if I took a picture and they were more than willing to oblige. They even told me the exact color of their house! (It is a Benjamin Moore yellow from their historic color collection.)

I knew after seeing this wonderfully classic farmhouse, that I would paint my house yellow with crisp white trim. I immediately came home and bought the paint samples and tried it out on some siding pieces. And of course there will always be a red door on my house!

So...Why did I choose yellow?

1. We live in Washington state where we have a lot of rainy gray days. I wanted something cheerful and bright throughout the year.

2. I love happy warm colors, and yellow represents that feeling very well.

3. Its classic and fits the era of my house.

4. Its a welcoming color.

5. I listened to what people said. When I asked the question... "when you think of a farmhouse what color do you think of?" The number one color I heard was yellow and second to it was white.

So thank you for your feedback and to those that didn't suggest yellow. That's okay, I love a lot of colors and all the suggestions were good ones!

QuickTip: Are you considering color choices for your home? You might want to take a look at your demographic location, your neighborhood, your personal taste, and the style and era of your home. Most of all paint it with colors YOU like and that inspire you!

Decorating With Gray - The New Neutral

I have really been enjoying the new trend of decorating with gray. You might even want to consider gray in your own home. The color gray is popular today in paint, wallpaper, fabrics, and furniture, and very fashion forward. Gray has been moving up the ladder and pushing the standard tans and beiges out of the way!

Why not think about using this soothing and easy living color in your home? If you are worried about it being too cold. You can always pair it with a warm color, such as yellow or pink. You can also choose many different grays that can be warm in hue, even having a green or brown hue to the gray value. Let's take a look at some great rooms decorated with all kinds of different shades of gray.

Go have fun decorating with gray!

(first 6 photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens, and the last 2 photos courtesy of pottery barn)

House Colors...Trying To Decide

This week I am pondering on house colors for my 100 year old farmhouse. We are starting to put up new siding, so I will be faced with CHOICES! So many choices of paint colors. Since my house is old, I wonder if I should go with a classic color combination or choose a more modern color scheme?

This week on Facebook I had some differing opinions, but very useful all the same. I would love to get more feedback. What do you think? What color should my new/old house be?

Here are some inspiration photos I am contemplating...

Leave me comments and let me know what you think!