March 28, 2010
Haley’s Cottage’s is our exclusive retailer of the Authentic Home Fabric line as well as the Authentic Home COLOR Paint line. I will be available to answer all of your paint and design questions at their Spring Color Event on Saturday April 24th from 1pm – 4pm. Hope to see you then!
This beautifully merchandised store provides an escape from the day to day and allows you to be visually stimulated from all of the updated “shabby chic” home decor items. Cindy Sullivan, founder and interior designer, has created a sanctuary for all your senses.
Located in the heart of the downtown Kirkland shopping district, make it your first stop when shopping for a new home accessory or a gift for a special friend. Or visit Haley’s website at www.haleyscottage.com to get inspired. You are sure to find something unique to make you smile. Enjoy!!
October 27, 2009
I was inspired by these beautiful, serene bedroom images to share with you my views on the importance of creating a peaceful space in your home.
I so often find that the master bedroom is the last room in the home to be transformed. The family room or kitchen is often the focus of attention. Yet in order to give energy back to yourself or to your family, you need a place of restful retreat. A bedroom should not be cluttered with “stuff” or have energy zappers such as tv’s/dvd’s or anything else high tech in them. Your sanctuary needs to be a space for you to renew and refresh your energy.
This is the time of year we all are hibernating in our homes. Perhaps a new paint color with a new set of draperies or a new duvet cover will create that sanctuary for you. Why not transform your bedroom this month and experience your own transformation.
July 27, 2009
Creating a personal space that allows us to relax and unwind at the end of a day can be as easy as removing distracting clutter and populating this area of our homes with objects that make us feel particularly peaceful. This space, whether it is a room or simply an out-of-the-way corner, becomes the focal point of our efforts to relieve day-to-day tension. When we are surrounded by beauty, our thoughts naturally turn to beautiful topics, and we can divest ourselves of stress more easily because we are not consistently reminded of the challenges we are facing. In the space we create, we can put down our burdens and breathe freely, regardless of the nature of what is unfolding in our lives. You will find the privacy you need when you set to work crafting a soothing space you can call your own.
My own private sanctuary is my beautiful backyard. I created my English Zen garden a few years ago after dealing with old, tired, mossy grass and an over grown, colorless garden. I thankfully had several large trees, one being a 40 foot monkey puzzle tree, that anchor each corner of the yard and I used as my starting point for my design. A large fountain, concrete pavers, lighting and a shaded hammock retreat are the special elements of my private sanctuary. If you have not already created your own personal space, today is the day to begin! The more you can give to yourself, the more you will have to give to others.
You can contact me at info@authentic-home.com if you need interior style guidance with creating your own private sanctuary. I look forward to hearing from you.
July 16, 2009
I am asked on a regular basis whether or not to paint an accent wall in a room. My response every time is with the question, what are you accenting? Accent walls became popular in the 80’s when paint colors were bold and people where thinking and decorating “out of the box”. The time and interior design styles have changed and so I am back to my question, what are you accenting?
The fearful and color challenged often lead towards just painting one wall in a room. Their tendency is to “try” the color out and think that one wall will take care of all the color for the room. What happens to the space is that the paint color challenges your eye and the room becomes choppy and disrupts the natural flow. For example if you wanted to paint a red color on one wall in a white dining room, your eye would be drawn to the red wall immediately upon entering the room. Ask yourself what are you accenting?
There are cases in which I do use an accent wall paint color. In the above image the blue accent wall works well with the hanging drum lights, the sectional and the window covering. All of the elements, not just the wall, become the focal point of the room and the paint colors, chartreuse and aqua, are of similar tones to the chocolate brown sectional and hardwood floors. The white hanging lights and area rug make all the elements pop. Depending on the size and flow of the room, I sometimes use an accent color to highlight architectural features of the room such as a bay window seat or eating nook. Or if artwork is the focal point in a room, a painted accent wall can enhance the entire art piece. I love working with accent paint color on ceilings especially in powder rooms and dining rooms. It completes the entire look and can bring an unexpected bit of drama or whimsy to any space.
Remember to ask yourself what to you want to bring attention to when you are considering your paint colors. Listen to your intuition; it will guide you in creating your own Authentic Home. Be Relaxed. Be Daring. Be Yourself.
You can contact me at info@authentic-home.com with your interior design questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
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