Pillow Galleria — Page 6 of 9 — Atelier For The Home

What’s the Right Paint Choice for You?

Pillow Galleria blog - Paint — Photo: Pieter Estersohn

Paint is one of the least expensive ways to change the look and feel of a room. And yet it is also where people have a difficult time making decisions. Color…what color and where. And what finish…flat, eggshell, satin or high gloss.

If your wall or ceiling surfaces have “skip-trowel” or “popcorn” they will have a texture on the surface. In older homes (since the 60’s and 70’s) this texturing may contain asbestos materials and resembles “popcorn.” Removal of this may require contractors certified to remove the textured material. It might be costly but is truly worth it because underneath will be a surface that is smooth as silk.

People with a vast wall art collection may choose a neutral background for the walls and ceilings in order to showcase the beauty of the design and the colors of each piece. In this photograph from Architectural Digest (link) the owner has chosen high gloss neutral color paint for the room. As you can see a high gloss finish reflects everything below it including the flooring and lighting.

A high gloss finish will require an expert contractor who understands wall preparation work. The surface must be sanded so no ripples or surface imperfections will show when the high gloss finish is applied. High gloss finishes show every imperfection of the wall or ceiling surface.

A room with a high gloss finish also tends to look more contemporary with a little bit of a cool feeling to the room. This is because the light bounces off the surface creating a “slick and glossy” feel.

Go ahead; choose what is in your heart for your paint finishes and colors. After the correct preparation a color can be easily changed. Remember when you are creating your living space that love is in the details.

Please e-mail me at paula@albinson.us with any questions or comments.

Paula Albinson

Wall Treatments – Fabric

Although paint is a favorite and quick remedy for a room wall change, think about fabric to create a warm and inviting place to rest or read a book.

This cozy nook is created with fabric covered walls and matching daybed fabric. The lamp shade and the small wall nook are also covered in the fabric. Creating a wall and upholstered pieces with a self-fabric, (same fabric) is a splendid way to show warmth in this small space.

Often smaller “forgotten” spaces have irregular wall dimensions.
Here the white built-in cabinetry fits perfectly into the small “L” corner giving useful book and miscellaneous storage space.
The client has provided small stools and ottomans for additional seating and for use as a small coffee table
To balance the white built-ins the designer has provided a white framed picture wall.
The eclectic and various colors of pillows on the daybed area create warmth, interest, and color but don’t detract from the other design elements of the room.

Go ahead, be creative. Take a small space and let your imagination run wild. Upholster the walls, add wall art and lighting. You are on your way to a rest/guest area called heaven!!!!

Remember when you are creating your space love is in the details.

Should you have questions or comments please e-mail me at paula@albinson.us

Paula Albinson

Guest Bedroom or Forgotten Space?

pillow galleria | Blog Image Traditional Homes — Photo Credit: traditionalhome.com

Guest rooms are often forgotten spaces. They may not be used very often and may be decorated with many of the family’s least popular furnishings.

Our guests, however, would feel welcome and right at home in a space where they can retreat, have some alone time to read or rest. When I saw this guest bedroom area, I felt the homeowner wanted his guests to enjoy the stay and be rested and fulfilled when the visit was complete.

Two warm and restful tones of lime green and soft azure along with an ivory backdrop were chosen for this room. A four-poster bed with fabric canopy plus side fabric panels create a warm and cozy environment. The side drapery panels may be closed for a more private feeling. Keeping two color tones which are soft and comforting create a restful and welcoming space.

A very special area of the room is the space in front of the windows where two chairs are placed for reading or for great conversation. A small footstool, kidney pillows on the chair backs, plus small side tables provide a separate sitting area. Lighting from the window and two-room lamps offer everything needed to relax into this soft and wonderful guest area.

Pillow Galleria | Blog 23 Guest bedrooms or forgoten spaces? — Photo Credit: stevemckenzies.blog

When choosing fabrics where you want to pattern mix find patterns using the same colors with a different styling.

The colors can be the same intensity (boldness) or lighter/darker. This room shows a border used as the alternate fabric. Another way to replicate the room colors is with the door or trim work. The entry door is painted with a neutral trim and the door panels use the soft azure and lime green found in the fabric and border.

Notice the walls are a shade of neutral ivory with the ceiling using a wall covering print of ivory and a pale lime color…very soft and very warm. The art pieces over the book table are also in keeping with the same soft muted tones.
Other accents are the small traditional chairs on either side of the bookcase which are painted the azure color… what a wonderful color accent for the room. Intensities (color strength) of the ceiling and flooring are equal creating a restful space.

This room has privacy where your guests can be “enveloped” and comfortable. Go ahead; enjoy this time with your friends not only in your home space but in the guest area as well.