Farrow and Ball Setting Plaster No. 231 Dead Flat creates a serene mood for a child’s room.
Color trends come and go: we see new “colors of the year” introduced each January. Black interiors and exteriors are having a moment. So what exactly is this new term, “color drenching”? Simply put, it is the use of the same color or levels of intensity of the same color on walls, ceilings, trim and even furnishings.
We’ve always called it using a monochromatic palette, or colors that are extremely close in color. Its use can create a room that is light and airy, or one that has a cozy or moody feel. Tempted to give it a try? We recommend trying this approach in a smaller space to see how you feel about it. A powder room, hallway or entrance foyers, maybe even a guest room where you want to create a specific mood might be good spaces to experiment.
We often recommend (especially for open floor plans) to paint the ceiling, walls, trim and baseboard the same color, varying only the finish (the sheen of the paint). This will allow you in the future to paint individual walls however you fancy without having to repaint the ceiling, trim and baseboard, therefore maintaining some continuity in your space while at the same time saving you repainting dollars (ceilings, trim and baseboards are time/money consuming).
If you’re intrigued by the concept and want to see and learn more, click on the included links to Martha Stewart’s article, as well as one from Architectural Digest. If you’re inspired by what you see, call your friendly neighborhood America’s Color Consultant for assistance!
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Looking for original artwork for your freshly painted home? The Virginia countryside is the home to many artists. If you are up for a weekend outing come visit the town of Warrenton, VA, the home of our corporate office. Warrenton has traditional galleries as well as more contemporary art such as Taylor Boyd Studios.
About Taylor Boyd – Taylor Boyd has been an artist since childhood and has always dreamed of opening a gallery/studio of her own. In 2022, she opened Taylor Boyd Studios in Old Town Warrenton. She has sold her original art for 20 years and is very dedicated to her work.
A native of Fauquier County, Taylor has a strong passion and interest in the growth of her hometown and looks forward to getting to be a part of its expanding arts community.
She is the Vice President of the Warrenton Arts Commission and advocates for the wealth of untapped artistic potential. In 2023 she painted the large scale “You Are Home” mural on Culpeper Street in Warrenton, VA. She most recently completed the illustrations for a new children’s book that is set to come out later this year.
After her 2008 graduation from Virginia Wesleyan, Taylor returned to Warrenton in 2011 and over the years has decided to turn her passion for art into her full time career. In 2019, she quit her 9-5 to pursue happiness and expression. “If not now, when?”
About Taylor Boyd Studios – Taylor Boyd Studios offers Taylor’s original artwork and prints for sale along with other retail and merchandise. She also displays selected works by local artisans she has worked with over the years.
Taylor occasionally offers private and group art lessons, paint nights and workshops for all ages and experience levels. To take advantage of any upcoming events please find and follow her on Facebook and Instagram @taylorboydstudios.
Awards – She has been given many recognitions over the years for her artwork, most recently winning the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Fauquier Times Reader’s Choice Award for Best Local Painter as well as the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Lifestyle Magazine’s Best of Fauquier for Best Local Artist, and 2023 and 2024 Lifestyle Magazine’s Best of Fauquier for Best Gallery.
When thinking about ways to add interest to your space, consider decorative painting techniques. These include ragging, strie, faux marbling and wood graining, and Venetian plaster. You might also consider hiring a fine artist who specializes in murals and “trompe l’oeil” (“fool the eye” with its realism).
While trained craftsmen can apply stucco and Venetian plasters and even paint graphic designs in your space, muralists are fine artists with years of training and experience. Often their work is underappreciated and, if found in a newly purchased home, are often painted over without much thought. Although tastes (and quality of art product) differ, don’t forget that the money spent on the artwork’s production is an added value to the home – give it a chance to grow on you!
One of our favorite local artists is Steve Dueño. He has been creating beautiful art for local homeowners, businesses and museums for years. He was recently called in by ACC’s Florence Jones when her client needed a match for her painted marble moulding and chair rail following a renovation. Steve did a great job, making a seamless match. Also pictured below are other examples of his work.
Stephen Dueño was interested in art as a kid, drawing and painting from an early age. He worked as a sign painter’s assistant in his teens and after high school started taking art classes at the Prince George’s Community College in Maryland. He worked as a house painter in his early twenties and joined the painters Union and worked for large unionized paint shops in the DC area. Although he had many years experience in art making, it was while working in these shops that he learned to do fine finishes, lacquering, spraying, faux finishing, gilding and other fine finishes.
In his late twenties Stephen went on to full time college, working his way through and eventually gaining a Masters degree in art from The Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore Md. While still in school he launched a mural and decorative painting business called – Steve’s Murals and Faux Finishes. Thirty years later he’s still at it. Contact Steve at 703-217-1101 or email at ddueno@cs.com
Custom wall paperChildren’s room muralBird mural
Other ways to add unique large format features to your home are custom printed wallpapers. Check out local artist casartcoverings.com and sites like spoonflower.com or on Etsy.com
ACC encourages support of artists (especially local): we need their creativity in our lives! Florence Jones and Susan Mintz (ACC Co-Founders ) also enjoy painting projects. Florence (America’s Color Consultants – DC Metro) recently was asked to restore a faux-finished sink surround and faucet that the client loved. She’s also handpainted a bench to grace a client’s foyer and stenciled her bathroom vinyl floor, among other projects! contact Florence at 703-725-6871, or email at florence@AmericasColorConsultants.com
Dresser to match wallpaperStenciled bedroom accent wallHand painted bench with wall stripes
Susan (America’s Color Consultants-Malibu) has been painting and decorating old, forlorn wood dressers, tables and vanities for the past several years in addition to paint color consulting. She’s thrilled to be using the training she received at the Torpedo Factory years ago in decorative painting techniques, including faux wood graining and stone looks. She combines these techniques with the beautiful decorative elements available on the market to elevate painted furniture to pieces of art. Contact Susan at 703-362-3131 or email at susan@AmericasColorConsultants.com
Painted cabinets have been a trend for the past couple of years. It’s a great way to save money and also get a custom look. Most house painters today are telling their clients that they can paint their cabinets. However, there is a right way and a wrong way. Albeit more expensive, the best option for painting your cabinets is using a professional cabinet painter. This is a painter who only paints cabinets and has been doing so for 5 to 10 years. The cost can be double the bid from the house painter, but the difference will be the longevity of the paint job. A professional cabinet painters’ final result will be equal to a factory finish and could last up to 20+ years. A house painter’s job may last 2-5 years.
Cabinet Paint Review: Sherwin Williams Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel
If you decide to use a general house painter or you want to paint them yourself, Sherwin Williams has – Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel. For our test below we used the color “Cotton” only available in the Emerald line of paints. It is a soft off-white with neutral yellow undertones.
Steps for either the professional painter or homeowner to take using this product:
Step 1 – Remove the cabinet doors and any hardware (mark which doors match which cabinets)
Step 2 – Clean all surfaces well with Krud Kutter to remove oil and grease residue.
Step 3 – Sand the surface. If your cabinets are wood with a poly top coat you MOST take the time to sand. If they are pre-painted it is also best to sand, even just a scuff-sand and especially if they are previously painted in an oil-based paint.
Step 4 – Prime – a MUST!: paint one to two coats of primer. We prefer a fast-drying, oil-based primer such as Zinsser “Cover Stain”. If you are painting over a dark wood or dark paint color it is best to use two coats of primer.
Step 5 – Paint. Paint your cabinet doors on a horizontal surface, not vertical. The secret to painting cabinets for the smoothest surface is using multiple thin coats of paint, using the recommended SW Mohair Blend roller and allowing 12 hours between coats. This may mean you need to paint three coats instead of two, but a thin coat will prevent runs, allows for some self-leveling, and when allowing the proper dry time between coats (very important), it should give you a stronger finish.
Step 6: Replace Doors. Allow for “curing” (the time needed for the paint to harden, not just dry), before reinstalling the doors. This can be 21-30 days for best results.
The addition of new, cleaned or even painted knobs/pulls will complete the renovated look of your cabinets. If the cabinet hinges are visible you may consider changing those too. Check out Etsy.com for a great selection of unique products.
Results/Opinion:ACC’s Florence Jones found the Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel, semi gloss finish to be relatively easy to work with and the final finish was good. It is a reformulated Sherwin-Williams product, time will tell if it will create a hard durable finish that withstands the wear and tear of a kitchen. Flo’s kitchen has 50+year old wood cabinets which appear to have been painted several times with different colors. The original paint was oil based. The cabinets’ interior paint remains the original oil based paint; and since it gets the least wear and tear, not painting it was the best option for her. If your cabinet insides are in good condition and a color you can live with, you may elect to only paint the outside doors and cabinet face.
Annie Sloan Chalk PaintHeirloom TraditionsAmy Howard Miracle Paint
Cabinet Paints for True DIYers. There are several brands of paint on the market that are specifically targeted for DIY painters of furniture, including kitchen and bath cabinets. These include chalk paints (Annie Sloan, Debi’s Design Diary DIY, Dixie Belle) that require a wax or poly topcoat, and “all in one” paints that profess to need no top coat (Heirloom Traditions, Wise Owl, and Amy Howard All-in-One and Miracle paints). ACC’s Flo Jones and Susan Mintz have used all of the above products in their own homes and can attest to their ease and lasting nature. Florence painted her bathroom vanity and stenciled her floor using chalk paint and topcoats about 8 years ago. They still look great! Susan has used all the above products: chalk paints on her kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities; all-in-one paints for her furniture flipping projects. She has been very happy with all of them. Where there appears to be wear and tear over time, it is easily remedied with a light cleaning of the area, touchup painting and appliance of a topcoat.
We recognize that each project is unique and larger projects may require the use of a professional painter with specific skills and experience.
Lynn Ishikawa serves Loudoun county, Virginia including Leesburg, Ashburn and beyond. Contact her at 703-594-7868 (call or text), email: lynn@ashburncolorconsultants.com
Q: Tell us a little about your background:
A: I’ve worked in the Hospital and Healthcare IT industry for 20+ years but always had a penchant for helping friends & family pick colors for their homes and offices. So when the pandemic hit, I decided to venture into the world of paint color to see if I could possibly find a second career within the design industry. I’ve actually found my calling by helping clients discuss, explore, analyze and select the perfect paint colors for their homes!
Q: So you went from a stable and comfortable job and started a whole new career?
A: Yes, I took a leap of faith to launch this new (& very different!) business and to figure out what it takes to own my own franchise and be self-employed.
Q: What is the one thing you believe firmly in when it comes to color?
A: One should not make color decisions in isolation! I will always inquire about other elements in a project including flooring, cabinets, countertops, backsplashes, furniture, fabric, art, décor & lighting and then guide clients in a direction they’re comfortable with.
Q: What’s your most favorite part of the process?
A: There are so many… I enjoy facilitating the dialogue between a couple who may happen to disagree on what color to choose and educating clients on color pigments, pros & cons of different paint sheens, drying vs. curing etc. I love it when a client chooses their favorite color in a dramatic shade to use in their office or powder room. And I especially like it when they contact me afterwards to let me know the job is (finally) done and they send in pictures of the finished project.
Q: What kind of feedback have your clients given you?
A: I have the best clients! They’re so thankful and tell me how much they appreciate me helping them to feel confident in their decisions and that their new room colors inspire them to live & work authentically!
Q: Any advice for someone who isn’t sure about what colors to use?
A: Everyone deserves to be happy and enjoy the space they live and/or work in by using color! Build trust in yourself and the process! You can create the space you love by stepping through any fear of color you may have.
Q: Can you share a recent project with us?
A: Yes! This home in Sterling needed some TLC after having been rented out for 2 decades. The homeowners needed my help to transform the exterior colors to make it their own while at the same time still fit in with the surrounding neighborhood. They knew that they wanted a ‘green-brown-neutral’ overall color scheme to be in harmony with the mature trees on their property, and just needed help refining their choices and then deciding where to utilize each color. After a few iterations and plan options, this is what they ultimately decided on and are very happy with the results!
Exterior Before
Paint colors used:
SW 7748 Green Earth: All siding, garage doors and foundation on the back and sides
SW 7738 Cargo Pants: Brick front
SW 7563 Restful White: All window trim & soffits
SW 7048 Urbane Bronze: All shutters, trim around garage doors, front & storm door
SW 3024 River Birch: Deck
Products used by Painting Contractor:
Sherwin-Williams Super Deck Solid Stain in SW 3024 River Birch
Trim/doors/shutters: Sherwin-Williams Duration in Gloss
Siding: Sherwin-Williams Emerald Rain Refresh in Satin
Designs of the 70s featured large, colorful graphics. Influenced by abstract and pop art – and even disco – there were bold stripes, waves, rainbows, sunbursts, and flowers. The patterns could be found on walls, posters, album covers and clothing. These designs would be created inexpensively with paint on walls as cheap art for young apartment dwellers and as bold statements in offices and on building exteriors.
Art is back. Todays artist are creating their own wall art inspired by the 70’s.
Like every aspect of design, with their distinct retro vibe, these design features are making a comeback in restaurants, hip office spaces and in the dwellings of the young and young at heart. They are showing up as wall murals and fabric for home and office use, and even as wall, floor and furniture stencils. The designs are available through specialty websites such as zazzle, spoonflower and Etsy.
Wallpaper available at Spoonflower.com
There’s never been a better or easier time to relive the 70s or to discover its boldness for the first time.
The color pink is having a “moment” due in large part to the success of the Barbie movie. Neon pink may not be your cup of tea. But pink – and its siblings blush, rose and coral – have always had a fan base, and it’s easy to see why. The hue evokes a reaction in most who encounter it – it can simultaneously be playful, relaxing, endearing and sophisticated. It can also be bold and energetic. As we highlighted in an earlier blog (March 11, 2019), it has even been used in some prisons because of the calming effects of certain shades. Due to its ongoing cultural link to femininity, some people steer clear of pink. Too bad!
Home accessory manufacturers have embraced the color. Interior designers use shades of pink as a neutral color. Benjamin Moore’s AF-260 “Proposal” is a favorite, beautiful neutral of ACC’s Ashburn, VA color consultant. Another ACC favorite is Sherwin-Williams SW 6301, Patient White (a blush, they didn’t want to call it pink!). Farrow and Ball also offers a variety of pinks that are bold, subtle or soothing. Not all pinks are the same and lighting and room orientation can be tricky when working with their varying undertones and intensities. Consult your local America’s Color Consultant to help you select the right one for your space.
Tripler Army Medical Center in HonoluluPink house in Scotland
Pink exteriors are found all around the world, and sometimes in unexpected places within the home. We’ve included some examples here of the use of pink that make unapologetic statements of their own. One thing is clear – at least to those of us who work with color every day – people who use pink are certainly interesting!
Florence Jones is a co-founder of America’s Color Consultants and has been in the paint color consultation business for over 16 years. With a degree in fine arts and a background in graphic design and advertising, she was particularly well prepared to start a business helping others with the selection of paint colors for their homes and businesses. And because everything has color – from tile to flooring to appliances – she also assists clients with renovation product selection.
One recent project was particularly interesting and gratifying: the renovation of Happinest.
In the mecca of McMansions – north Arlington – the owner of a 1920’s property decided to renovate and refurbish rather than raze and replace. The owner contacted Florence to help with exterior color choices, but quickly recognized the talent and experience she brought to the project, and hired her to help oversee and participate in the overall renovation of the property. Mindful of his European sensibility to honor the history of the house, Florence proposed the renovation/modernization of the kitchen, bathrooms, and lighting while retaining the beautiful original woodwork and architecture, and honoring its colorful history. Both recognized they were on the same page.
Welcome to Happinest
Front entrance to Happinest
Front entrance to La Petite Happinest
Front patio for La Petite Happinest
Beautiful moss and fern garden
The brick and wood Tudor home was built in 1921 (with a second section built in the 1930s) and was the summer home of Judge David K. Ballard of Washington, DC and his wife, Fanny Foy.. They called it Happinest. The home featured walls and banisters made of pecan wood that was shipped in from Georgia where Fanny Foy grew up. It had a large room that was used as a ballroom with a balcony from which Fanny sang. During the age of Spiritualism, Fanny hosted regular seances that included the likes of Edgar Cayce (the “Sleeping Prophet”), Rev. Arthur Ford and medium Ruth Montgomery. It was thought then that the house was a portal to the spirit dimension: there have also been numerous spirit “encounters” over the years by different people.
Throughout the renovation process Florence made many interesting discoveries: a hidden compartment in the floorboards in the second floor (no money, just a few newspapers from the ‘20s); steps in a wine cellar that lead to a door to nowhere; and a dumbwaiter/window between the basement and garage (a possible Prohibition distribution site).
Custom ladder to loft
Prohibition passthrough?
Wine cellar (right) restored complete with steps to nowhere
With the talents of a contractor with a wide variety of skills and experience with the challenges of very old construction, the wood paneling, railings and flooring throughout were refreshed. Recessed lighting was added and modern light fixtures that were an homage to the history of the home were installed. The bathrooms were enlarged without totally tearing out the solid plaster and brick work, and were updated with modern vanities and marble appointments. The bedrooms were painted in more reflective shades and the exterior paint was more contemporary. Everything worked to meet the brief of bringing new life to the 100 year old home while keeping those appointments that made it beautifully unique.
Skylights added to the great room of Happinest add much needed light
Woodpaneling refreshed and preserved with updated lighting added
Vintage chandelier moved from great room to dining room – a better fit
Updated and modernrized kitchen in La Petite Happinest
Refreshed Happinest sunroom
Updated and modernized full bath for La Petite Happinest
Renovation contractors will ask their clients to “pick your floor”, “pick your cabinets”, “pick your tile”. Florence is often called in after the installation of tile, flooring, and cabinetry, with the thought that paint color can “tie it all together.” She has found that It is much more efficient (and less stressful) for clients to collect numerous samples of all the products they like before installation and work with her to make sure everything will work together in the space. She will shop with a client to gather samples, or make pre-selections with direction from the client, mindful of the overall color palette.
Happinest was the first in a collection of unique homes listed as vacation rentals on AirBnB www.happinestrentals.com. Florence also guided the renovation of Manior Normand in The Plains, VA. Since The Plains is a historical town, care was taken to not alter the exterior appearance, yet to enhance and modernize the interior living areas.
When purchasing original art it is rewarding to know your painting is the only one while supporting the arts. The quality of an original piece of art brings richness and personality to a home, rather than choosing a factory made print and poster just to fill space. An Original Painting can “make the room”. Original art is the perfect element to justify an accent wall.
Dwell Fine Art & Craft was established in 2018 by Hayley Sykes-Ludden and is Virginia Piedmont’s premier contemporary art gallery. Dwell exhibits work by international and regional artists of distinction working in a variety of media. They also provide fine art appraisal, estate planning and art consultative services to clients in Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland. Dwell hosts art exhibitions on a quarterly basis. Located in Hume, Virginia.
DWELL FINE ART, Hume, Virginia
Check out Dwell’s Fall Exhibit of Artists – Now thru Thanksgiving – Vantage Point’- Landscapes, Still Life & Memories https://www.dwellfineart.com/
Depending on your point of view, one might describe the other as “sterile” or “cluttered”. Both approaches are a reflection of the owner and can be beautiful if carefully edited. This month we’ll look at “grandmillenialism”.
The term “grandmillenial” with regard to interior design was coined in 2019 in a House Beautiful article regarding the aesthetic favored by many in their mid-20’s to late 30’s (millenials). Grandmillenial design is a resurgence of traditional and classic design combined with some modern elements. It encapsulates the comfortable feeling one may have felt at their mothers/grandmothers/even great-grandmother’s homes (hence the “grand”). The term also morphed into “granny” chic and some have denigrated it by saying it is all floral pillows and crocheted throws. But designers of this oeuvre incorporate elements of the following: collections (crystal, china, personal mementos); blue and white; toile, plaid & chintz; vintage brass; linen; ornate chandeliers; rattan/bamboo/wicker, needlepoint pillows; dark(er) wood furniture; and leather. This style tells a story about the person/people who live there. Their history is displayed in the gilt of a frame or the soft hand of the wood furniture.
There are also subsets of Grandmillenialism such as coastal grandma, and grandpa chic (use BH&G link below). There’s even an Italian grandmother aesthetic! This, according to Better Homes and Gardens, blends warm rustic colors, beautiful marbles, and artisan details such as wood beams, terracotta tiles and ornate glass chandeliers. In other words: a rustic elegance that has been curated over many years.
What all the “grandmillenial” designs have in common is the desire to exude a feeling of warmth, security and casual comfort. They incorporate craftsmanship and the appreciation of all-wood furniture, which can readily be found in antique and used furniture shops – even Facebook Marketplace – as can the other items we’ve mentioned here. “See our blog on Recycled Artwork, October 2022.”
Many designers feel trends tend to have a 10-year life span. Farmhouse Style (think shiplap and distressed wood interiors, and board & batten exteriors with black window frames) has enjoyed a decade of popularity, so it’s time we’ll be seeing a design shift. Since grandmillenial design is based on classic, traditional styles with tweaks of modern elements, its components will not go totally out of style, rather just rise and fall with general popularity.
Let your home speak to you – don’t be so quick to remove its previous owners’ embellishments or paint everything white. If yours is an older home, spend time appreciating its details and how to curate them or bring them back to life. If it’s a newer home, think about how you can make it feel warm, comfy and truly reflect you and yours. Be patient and build an interior history with objects of quality and those that “spark joy.”
BHG.com – Grandpa Chic Is the Collected-Over-Time Look that’s Both Refined and Comfy
