When I look in my closet the color I see repeated most often is
Blue
It is repeated in my jewelry box - in the shade of turquoise -
a stone of which I can't seem to get enough.
Blue has always been a favorite.
It is ocean and sky.
It is calm and peaceful.
It is light as air, as dark as midnight
It is indigo and icebergs
and baby boys
and robin eggs
and hydrangeas and cornflowers
It is royal.
For those of us who crave the color blue - it calls to us in many shades.
and it is particularly lovely in our homes...
I never use a full strength color on my walls
I always choose a grayed down version
it is more liveable
more long lasting
more neutral
like the grayed down blue/with a touch of green color above
while this color is more of a gray with a blue undertone
that still reads blue
but is neutral and easy to decorate around
blue and white is a fresh, clean and classic combination
navy is dramatic, lovely and dark
and perfection in this grayed down version
fabulous in a kitchen
sometimes only a spatter of blue is enough
but complete immersion is equally acceptable
blue loves white, or black
silver or gold
formal or casual
but lets face it - there is no shade of blue
that isn't beautiful
or fresh
or soothing
or tranquil
but it can also be vibrant
classic
muted
dramatic
soft
or cozy
Is blue a part of your life?
a small part?
or a wrap me up in it big part?
Easy going blue goes with any style of design
and any wood tone you can imagine
is there a blue in your future?
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Dear Claudine,
Love your blog! I’ve gotten lots of inspiration from your design ideas. I have a question for you about my out-of-date 80’s home that I’m hoping you have time to answer. I’d love to update my 80’s oak cabinets and was thinking of painting them white. Same with the fireplace mantel in the adjoining family room.
But I like having stained wood trim in these rooms! I have a window and door very close to the fireplace. In the kitchen there is a large bay window right next to the cabinets and a smaller window between cabinets over the kitchen sink. Would it look ok to have stained trim with white kitchen cabinets / fireplace? Or do I need to find another solution to update my kitchen?
Thanks for any advice you have!
Rachel Devine
Hi Rachel,
I have seen windows trimmed in wood that work - especially if they also have an additional white painted molding as well - as in this photo.
and in this one
In your kitchen if your cabinets are white and the trim is wood toned, the window will be the thing that draws the eye. It will stand out like a sore thumb. However, if you add white molding around it, you can enjoy the warm wood and still tie it in with the mantle and the rest of the home and make it stand out less against the kitchen cabinets.
Good luck!
Claudine
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