Beautiful colors for a fabulous entry door

Having a beautifully painted front door is an entrée into many things. It speaks to the personality of the homeowner inside, it accents the architecture of your home, and it creates great curb appeal. While there are many options for front doors, the style of your home should be a guide. 

When you're selling, having a color that is exciting and appealing is critical. 

Spring is a great time to update your entry. You can leave the color for years or change them seasonally;  it's quite a quick update and rather inexpensive to get just a quart of paint.  Don't forget the primer if you're using deep colors over existing dark tones. 

Here are some of my favorite colors on traditional and modern front doors. 

Red is very standard. Orange is spectacular. This is Benjamin Moore "Festive Orange" 

A rich green is timeless this one is "Lafayette Green" by Benjamin Moore.

It's not often that one thinks of a deep color for the front door, but with white trim, Wrought iron railings, and a brick face, this deep purple-black is beautiful. It is Benjamin Moore "Nightshade".

And here we are the classic red door which is always spectacular. This one has a little hint of blue. 

Another Benjamin Moore favorites with brass fittings and white trim. The Color is Blushing Red"

With an all white front home, try a warm plum colored door. It offsets the black Iron in the light fixtures and the jet black shutters. This one is "Summer Plum" by Benjamin Moore

Rustic exteriors look fabulous with door colors that blend a bit with the cedar shake and wood trim the gives the home it's warm and woodsy appeal. This one is "Purple Lotus" by Benjamin Moore.

Leftover paint 101

As you start to go through your garage during your annual spring cleaning, you will probably find lots of paint on the shelves.  Using up what you have is a great way to reduce leftover paint. When you can't do any of the following, donate it to a program in your local neighborhood since most companies are required to accept any brand of paint for recycling.

Here are a few ideas to get you started 

If you have more than a gallon use light shades is primers for other paint projects. Or donate to someone, a neighbor a look at his organization or friend. Find someone that can use it.  How about create a large accent wall in your entry, dining room, living room. Darker the color the more paint you will use up because typically they need two coats. 

Have just a quart?  It's the perfect size for updating a piece of furniture. How about painting an old picture frame to make it bold and interesting.  Doing the back of a bookcase also takes about a court with some stunning results. Brave? Do your screen door!

Pint sizes are little more difficult. You can personalize something you like such as a serving tray. Add stripes to a table or just dip the legs in to a certain point and have a great two-tone style.

Have a sample size? Go ahead and update that birdhouse hanging outside.

Can't find a use for it? All local paint stores are now required to take a deposit when you buy new paint. There are also required to take old paint back from you. Check out your local Home Depot, Sherwin Williams, etc., and find a place to recycle it.

DIY marble tile tray

This is a great - no tools used - project whether your home is sophisticated or casual. For only about $20 in materials  you can make this fabulous tray with any tile you like whether it's marble, porcelain, or ceramic. You can also select any style or finish handle to create the perfect look for your space. Where do you use this? How about a bathroom catchall, a coffee table tray, a collectible tray for a dresser or console… So many creative uses for such an attractive DIY project.

• 1 tile. This one is 12" x 12" but you could also do a rectangle. 
• Two 3" satin nickel cabinet handles. These are from Hickory Harsware 
• E6000 2-oz General Purpose Adhesive
• Painter’s tape
• 4 felt pads
• Craft paint in the color of your tile

1) Use painter’s tape to mark where you’d like the cabinet handles to sit on the tile in a centered position. These tape lines will act as a guide. If you are doing a rectangle, you need to Center of your handles on the shorter side.

2) glue each cabinet handle to the tile with E6000 adhesive following the adhesive instructions. Let adhesive dry.

3)  Attach a felt pad to each bottom corner of the tile.

4) Paint the edge of the tile with a coat of paint to cover up the bare edge. 

Organizing Inspiration

I have lots of stuff in my closets and cabinets. Especially in the kitchen. There are some great organizer products at Home Goods, The Container Store, & Amazon.  Once I purge the outdated, the unused, and the downright old, here's what I'll have!  I've done my sister's pantry with Ball Jars but I like wire better!

Spring Cleaning!!

Spring is here.  Well maybe not yet in some places - like NYC - where we got snow yesterday flights were canceled.  It's still a good time to do some cleaning while you're waiting for the day to open your windows to the beautiful spring air. I've created a room by room key list to make it easier. But you can pick and choose as you like. 

Kitchen: 

Start with the Fridge coils.  Yep, it's hard to pull it out, but it's worth it.  Vacuum or brush off with a stiff broom since dust can interfere with their efficiency.   Don't forget to use a little bit of bleach and water solution to get the mold off the seal around the doors.

Clean the Microwave and dishwasher with vinegar to remove gunk in both. In a microwave safe bowl add 1-2 cups water with 2 T vinegar and let it run on high for 5 minutes.  You can add a drop of essential oil - I added Bergamot- if you want the microwave to smell fresher than the vinegar. Wipe off condensation and splattered food easily and that sour  odor will be gone. For the dishwasher, place vinegar in a shallow bowl on the top rack and run a cycle. Check your food trap and remove the gunk there.

It's a good time to check your pantry.  Toss expired items especially pancake and cake mixes, since the oil in the mixes does get rancid.  Same for your canned goods and spices.  If there something you haven't used in a long time, consider donating it to a homeless program. 

Clear the counters.  Kitchens are tough to keep clear with mail, children's artwork, plants, and everything that lands in the counters when your family comes home.  Hide paperwork ' in plain sight' in lidded boxes or baskets. Clear out dead plants. Freshen up pots and utensils that hang with barkeepers friend. 

Bath:

 In the bath, collect your daily use toiletries in containers....even a collection of terra cotta pots looks better than a pile of bottles.  I transfer small amounts of products like witch hazel, alcohol, mouthwash and more to pretty apothecary bottles.  Keeps the main bottle grime free and the counter cohesive and clean. 

Have more time? Really work on the mold in the shower. Sometimes it's in the corners, sometimes it's around your door should you have a glass door, and  even your flow on your faucets and showerheads will be easier if you soak them in a bag of water and vinegar for a few minutes to remove hard water buildup.

Whole house : 

Flooring. Winter wet, mud, salt and more should be removed from your wood floors and area rugs. Start with a good vacuuming first then use Bona or other non-toxic product (like 1/2 c vinegar in  1 gallon of water - with a drop of essential oil for fragrance) to wipe down floors.  Microfiber cloths are best, so you do not saturate your floor, and then you can easily wash and reuse them for years. 

Freshen and clean area rugs by renting a cleaner or invest about $99 for a Bissell Little Green Machine. I've had mine for years, clean pet stains every week, and I lend it to people all the time. 

Blinds. Draperies . Time to vacuum rather than dry clean since most dust is easy to come up with the vacuum. That includes shutters and blinds. Try vacuuming or using special microfiber ones

Lightbulbs. Check the lightbulbs in all of your fixtures. Make sure they are burning efficiently. If you have not swapped for compact fluorescent or LED do so now. You will save money in the long run. Just remember that any lamps that are able to be knocked over easily should get LED bulbs since they are safer than breaking a compact fluorescent bulb. New led bulbs have warm or cool or daylight and are  dimmable, use one 10th the energy, and last up to 10 years.

Laundry room 

Remember your dryer vent.   This is really important because house fires can start if there is an overload of lint in the hose that leads the dryer vent.   After a winter of mud and salts on your clothes and outdoor gear, you might as well run a cleaning cycle for you washer with vinegar.  Fungus and soap gunk does build up and this will help. For your dryer  run a towel dampened with vinegar and water around the inside of the dryer and put it through one cycle through to dry.  Check the gaskets around both, because sometimes mold can grow there. A little bleach and water on a towel and you're done. Don't forget the front. Take care of the soap drips that happen as you use them.

Bedroom. After having been closed up all winter, it's time to wash your down comforters or have them dry cleaned. Consider doing the same with your pillows.  I use pillow protectors all year round I just simply pop my pillows in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet ( Grab Green Wet)  and a steam cycle and they're fresh and clean.  You can  simply add moist towels if you don't have a steam cycle.

Rethink what is out on your surfaces like dressers counters and nightstands. Can you neaten up the magazines and books? Can you place toiletries and tissue boxes into pretty holders? These are easy updates that make your place look clean and fresh.

Really purge your closet. If you haven't worn something in over a year, you probably won't. Try to sell it on eBay. Try to sell it in a resale shop. Otherwise, donate to  charitable organization where somebody else will appreciate it. There are many organizations who help men and women find business attire in order to get a job.

When you're all done, think I'll clean your house will be, you'll be decluttered and its cathartic enough to create peace of mind. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day vegan breakfast

Looking for something fun to eat for St. Patrick's Day? Well here are some vegan, gluten-free pancakes. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

Pancakes

• 1 TBS ground flax
• 3 TBS water
• 1 cup soy milk
• 1 TBS apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 2 TBS sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ TBS matcha powder
• 1½ TBS canola oil
• cooking spray

Optional Toppings

• powdered sugar
• lemon juice
• maple syrup
• fruits
• toasted coconut
• peanut butter

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare flax egg: In a small bowl, whisk together flax and water and set aside.
2. Prepare "buttermilk": In another bowl, whisk together soy milk and apple cider vinegar and set aside. I added vinegar to the milk to mimic buttermilk. If you're not concerned about the buttermilk taste in your pancakes, just skip this step.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and matcha powder together. Add in the canola oil, flax egg, and milk. The flax egg should be a gooey consistency, and the milk should have curdled a bit. Stir everything until well incorporated.
4. Heat a large pan over medium-low heat. I like cooking my pancakes on low heat to prevent them from burning too quickly. Apply cooking spray onto the pan and pour the batter. My pancakes were about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Cook until you see that the edges of the pancakes start to puff up, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip over and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings. You can always make a large batch of this and freeze them for the rest of the week.

Kitchen Details

PWhen you're looking to make a change in your kitchen, it is the details account. Here are 10 ideas to consider whether you're updating, or remodeling.

1. Swap some upper cabinets for unique open shelving. If you are wary of having too many things on display, opt for sliding doors that cover what you aren't using. 

From The D Pages

Spotted on The D Pages.

2. Make your shelving interesting. Use different woods, galvanized pipe, concealed brackets, and even add a bold wallpaper (like this one from Fornasetti).

Spotted on Domaine Home.

3. Opt for bold appliances. They set the tone for your kitchen, make it interesting, and are generally luxurious items you will enjoy every single day.

A kitchen from Milk Magazine.

4. Your island should be a design statement. Add shelves, add sliding doors, add display pieces, and use a different color stain or paint on that piece.

A stylish kitchen from Rum Hemma.

5. Bring artistry into your kitchen by installing eye-catching tiles behind your stove or create a pattern using regular tiles but in a different way. For example, subway tiles on the diagonal look fabulous and are classic and inexpensive.

6. Can't decide on countertop materials? Granted versus wood? Quartz versus soapstone? Why not have both? Your perimeter counters can transition from quartz or stone The neutral color, to a dramatic wood or vetrazzo surface on the island.

From House and Garden.

7. Paint your cabinets, walls, and ceiling in the same color (like this light blue) for a luxurious feel. 

8. Adding details from furniture to your cabinets — like pediments, feet and crown molding - will give them a custom look.

From Elle Decor España.

9. Change out your uppers to be different than your base cabinets. For example, these cabinet doors, made from metal frames with frosted glass inserts, are dynamite looking at mid century modern classic.

10. Use fabulous fixtures down the center, over your table, island or sink. That one element can really make a statement and set the tone for style in the entire space. This kitchen takes advantage of the open shelving, monochromatic colors, and dramatic lighting. Changing up the tile to 4 x 4 squares instead of 3 x 5 subway tiles does make a statement as well.

Paint Colors For 2015

Favorite paint colors 2015

To me, paint colors are like flavors of ice cream. Do you go with trends or do you find what you love?  I say it's personal and that can change over time. Good news, because paint is easy to change. Here are my favorite five for 2015 they give you a nice clean backdrop for  enduring style and flexibility.  When you're ready to update your spaces, keep the paint colors and just swap out area rugs, accessories and

1. Benjamin Moore Silvery Moon 1604

Colors that blend a bit of green and blue are ideal. They are soothing and spa like, and this one is certainly a fabulous combination. This was done over white wainscoting in a transitional style living/dining room with beautiful results.

2. Sherwin Williams Celery SW6421 

Green is such a fabulous wall color. Other than blue – like the sky - it's the most commonly found color in nature. There are so many shades it's difficult to select one.  It's easy to get lost in undertones, since many have strong yellow tones which can be challenging to coordinate with what exists in your spaces. This one is fresh but not bold, making it an ideal way to introduce green into your home.

 3. Benjamin Moore Perspective CSP-5 

The new neutrals are gray hues and there's a reason. They come from so many companies in so many wonderful undertones you can mix them with just about any other color. This one is a bit cool. Add bold yellow or orange accents for a fabulous color combination.   Gray walls and a white ceiling make a beautiful backdrop for modern home.  This one pairs beautifully with whitewashed furniture which is extremely popular.

 

4. Behr Rain Washed 500E-3

For drama, add a deep but not dark blue.  It's soothing for a bedroom, relaxing as an accent wall in the family room, and fabulous in an entry or powder room. This one is subtle yet with a hint of boldness. It borders on pastel, making it easier to use.

5. Sherwin Williams Pearl Onion SW7126 

Pastels are a great way to add color when you are afraid of being too bold. This particular one is white yet with a beautiful green undertone.   It's perfectly suited to a dining room or bedroom and  I have recently used it in a great room, wrapping the color up onto the ceiling.

 6. Pratt & Lambert Sunspot 11-10

Yellow is a rejuvenating color. This one is a golden yellow with a richness that pairs as beautifully with white trim as with dark woods. I frequently use yellow and cream in wide stripes in small bathrooms, making them bright and sunny and help them appear a bit larger than they really are.

7. Valspar Brown Buzz 6005-3B

Putty and taupe colors are en vogue. They're very relaxing, they work with nearly every color scheme, and like gray have many undertones. Depending upon the natural light in your space, you can go deep and rich, or lighter and bright. This particular one has a little bit of green, and catches the light beautifully.