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Benjamin Moore Caliente – 2018 Color Of The Year

Benjamin Moore Caliente is the 2018 color of the year. Leading paint company, Benjamin Moore made the announcement on October 11, 2017 in a lavishly color filled party at the Guggenheim.

Benjamin Moore 2018 Color of the Year

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Benjamin Moore Caliente is a rich red with hints of orange. Caliente AF-290 is one of the Benjamin Moore Affinity colors. Affinity colors are known for their depth and richness of color. Caliente is a rich and deep color.

Benjamin Moore describes Caliente as hot, passionate and sexy. They behold it as one of their most loved reds. Caliente, a Spanish word, has lots of personality. It is the perfect hue for you if you like to the warmer tones of red.

Benjamin Moore Caliente Af-290

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A custom window treatment in a Princeton, MA dining area features an RM Coco fabric in color Caliente. The large eat-in kitchen needed some warming up. The addition of Caliente creates a very warm and friendly family atmosphere. See more details on this kitchen in my portfolio.

Caliente is a ball of fire, like the colors in a blazing inferno. This makes it the ideal color for an accent wall in a family room. The addition of this blazing red will warm up any room.

Bold and brazen Caliente is best in small doses. It captures so much of your attention, a whole room painted Caliente may be too much.

It works best when combined with other color schemes.

Past Benjamin Moore Colors 2018-2017-2016

Looking back at the past selections of Benjamin Moore color of the year, Caliente is a welcome change. This change was also noted in the recent selection by Sherwin-Williams of Oceanside as their pick for 2018.

Benjamin Moore Shadow 2117-30 selection for 2017 is allusive and mysterious. (A great color in certain situations, but this is a rather subdued and depressing color to me)

2016 saw a safe and ultra neutral selection of Simply White OC-117. (Talk about NOT wanting to make a statement. Let’s just stay neutral and get along with all the other 3,500 Benjamin Moore colors)

Caliente Af-290 Color Values

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Ellen O’Neill, Benjamin Moore Director of Strategic Design Intelligence describe Caliente as “Strong, radiant and full of energy, Caliente AF-290 is total confidence. It is pleasing, passionate and makes people feel special, like ‘red carpet treatment.”

Caliente is going to uplift people’s spirits. It’s a happy color and this designer is excited to bring it to your decor.

It’s the perfect color to add warmth to your New England home. I think you’re going to love it!

Designer Note

Benjamin Moore Caliente is their 2018 Color of the Year.

This does not mean you should change all of the walls in your home to Caliente.

Begin adding small amounts of the IT color into your home and even your wardrobe.

A pillow here, a throw there, some pottery or fresh towels for the powder room.

Keep your eyes open for this new color. You will begin noticing it everywhere.

***Please be aware that computer and mobile device screens display color differently than in person***

Contact me if you would like your own paint swatch.

I’m ready to help you bring Caliente into your home and office.

Contact me today.

October 12, 2017/12 Comments/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside – 2018 Color Of The Year

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside is the 2018 color of the year. Leading paint company, Sherwin-Williams made the announcement on October 3, 2017.

Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color of the Year

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Sherwin-Williams Oceanside SW 6496 is a combination of rich blue and jewel-tone green. It is a deep and complex color that has a sense of familiarity with a touch of the unknown.

According to Sherwin-Williams, Oceanside contains blue which is the favorite color worldwide. Blues evoke intelligence, honesty and interest.

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside

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Oceanside is marine-inspired, like the colors in the depths of the ocean. You can see the color Oceanside in the waters of Cape Cod Bay in the photo above.

It is universal when it comes to design style, is evident in what’s old and new. It transcends from traditional to contemporary design styles.

Painting your front door Oceanside will create a welcoming statement.
An office in this rich blue-green will boost creative thinking and clarity.
Adding Oceanside to your bedroom, a yoga room or a reading area will stimulate meditation and self-reflection.

Past Sherwin-Williams Colors 2018-2017-2016

The selection of SW 6496 Oceanside as the color of the year is quite a departure. Near neutrals have been dominant the past few years.

I couldn’t be happier!

Let’s get out of this “safe” neutral color zone.

We need to put some personality, life and happiness back in our homes.

2017 color of the year is Poised Taupe, a neutral blend of warm brown and cool grey. Poised Taupe SW 6039 is a medium color tone that is natural, weathered and balanced.

Alabaster SW 7008 is the Sherwin-Williams 2016 color of the year. Alabaster offers a sense of personal solace and rest for weary minds. 2016 was an election year creating a lot of commotion and overstimulation. (How many times a day do you look at your phone?) Alabaster is a true neutral.

I repeat, safe, neutral and boring.

Oceanside SW 6496 Color Values

“People today have a growing sense of adventure, and it is making its way into even the coziest corners of our homes. We are craving things that remind us of bright folklore, like mermaids and expeditions across continents,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside has depth of color. It is versatile across design styles. Oceanside is easily incorporated into many color schemes. Yes, it will liven up even your cool gray walls!

Expect to see deep blue with a touch of green all across the home decor industry.

Designer Note

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside is their 2018 Color of the Year.

This does not mean you should change all of the walls in your home to Oceanside.

Begin adding small amounts of the IT color into your home and even your wardrobe.

A pillow here, a throw there, a picture frame, some pottery or fresh towels for the powder room.

Keep your eyes open for this new color. You will begin noticing it everywhere.

***Please be aware that computer and mobile device screens display color differently than in person***

Contact me if you would like your own paint swatch.

I’m ready to help you bring Oceanside into your home and office.

Contact me today.

October 3, 2017/6 Comments/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Rose Quartz And Serenity Blue For 2016

Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue are Pantone 2016 color of the year! Pantone, the leading authority on color, made the announcement early this morning.

It’s twins! This is the first time Pantone has chosen two colors to share the spotlight.

This is a softer take on color for 2016 and I LOVE it!

Pink is my signature color. Rose Quartz is very close to the blush pink in my blog heading and the background design.

Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue Color Values

Color values of Rose Quartz and Serenity in Pantone, Hex and RGB

I often use the color’s formula when producing design renderings with my graphic design software.

It helps the client to visualize the completed room.

While it will never be the exact color on the screen or phone, it is a close representation.

Defining Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue

A collection of descriptive words for Rose Quartz and Serenity, Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year.

Rose Quartz and Serenity are described as a fusion of colors that exemplify wellness, balance, calm, compatibility, duality, tranquility, mindfulness and security.

Read more of why Pantone selected Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue for the Color of the Year.

Pantone decides on the Color or Colors of the Year by forecasting the upcoming trends.

They study global markets, events, behaviors, market trends, news stories, developments and yes, politics.

The sky turns to a breathtaking combination of rose quartz and serenity blue at sunset. This is depicted here in the ceiling at The Venetian in Las Vegas, NV. A comforting respite from the noise and activity of a playful city.

We’re looking to our homes for comfort and relaxation, a quieter feeling, like a serene sunset.

Pantone 2015 Color of the Year

This past year’s color was Marsala. A redish brick color that is welcoming and friendly. Marsala works nicely with the softness of Rose Quartz. Serenity used as a contrasting accent color would balance out the color scheme.

For 2016, I’ll keep a close watch on Rose Quartz and Serenity.

Pin this to Pinterest to refer back to.

Visit the Pantone 2016 Color of the Year Pinterest board to see more examples of these popular colors.

Where will you use Rose Quartz and Serenity in your home?

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What did you learn?

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xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decisions to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional saves you time, frustration and money. You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

December 3, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Red White Blue Pillows For Summer Decorating

Red White Blue Pillows

Red, White and Blue Pillows Add a Pop

A family lake house out in Otis, MA was in desperate need of a furniture update. The two This End Up (can you say indestructible?) sofas were sporting plaid cushions from the 80’s.

We selected this super-durable woven in shades of blues with a touch of red to recover the cushions. The new cushions will now stand the test of time for this active family and a few renters.

We added these lively Jaclyn Smith Home Collection for Trend Fabrics Suzani pillows in red, white and blue to pull out all of the colors in the sofa. Pillows add comfort for the lower back or a place to rest the head while on a break from water sports. Like all of the pillows we make, there is a zipper for easy removal when cleaning is required. See many more pillows we have made here, here and here.

Can I have three cheers for these red, white and blue pillows?

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house, and office deserve it!

May 25, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

6 Creative Ways To Decorate With RED At Home

Today is National Wear Red Day. The American Heart Association’s campaign “Go Red For Women” brings attention to heart disease and stroke in women.

Heart disease and stroke cause 1 in 3 women’s deaths each year. Learn more at www.goredforwomen.org

Decorate With RED At Home

Red damask patterned drapes have lots of power in this Federal Court judge’s private Chambers in Worcester, MA. While the office is quite spacious, this small vignette captures the volumes of red law books that match the drapes perfectly.

A scallop and cone valance of vibrant red quilt fabric has a navy band as trim. My Rutland, MA clients love the stripe wall covering that still looks fresh. Originally the custom window treatments were done in the cool green to bring the lush landscaping in. The new red fabric helps to warm up the room. The use of red has the power to warm and draw attention. Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella honeycomb shades help keep the cold drafts out.

Are you not daring enough to go with red at the window? This custom color blocked pillow at a Holden, MA project adds a punch to the neutral sofa. See lots more pillows here and here.

More ways to decorate with red

Red creates drama in this Shrewsbury, MA formal dining room. This is a large room with only one double window, the window treatment has to be bold and powerful. A red and gold diamond embroidery fabric makes up overlapping swags and cascades. Matching tassel trim finishes the edges. Large tassels and knotted cord bring focus to the center of the window. Hunter Douglas Nantucket™ soft shadings provide privacy and light control.

Decorate with red as an accent to these Hunter Douglas natural wood blinds in Sterling, MA. Decorative tapes on blinds add style and makes an impact with color.

Bold crimson trims the gathered valance so your eye carries across the combination window and door wall. The red banding also serves as a link between the check pattern of the drapes and the stripe of the valance. Hunter Douglas Silhouette® window shadings and Luminette® privacy sheers provide light control and privacy. The view beyond is the ocean in Rye, NH.

I have my RED on, do you?

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional, saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

February 6, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Sneak Peek – Winter Reading Chair

Who doesn’t love a good book to carry you away to a magical land?

Of course, where you are reading makes a big difference in the experience. I couldn’t do a beach read while at a ski lodge. I get more immersed while my toes are dug deep into the sands of Cape Cod!

My Winter Reading Chair

In the winter I move a comfy chair close to the balcony door.

This is my winter reading chair.

I NEED all of the sunlight I can get this time of year!

Since we use the door in the warmer months, the white batiste window treatments are held back with leaves on a copper wire.

The pink heart was a fun craft project I did with my daughter. It’s embellished with buttons from my moms collection.

It’s important to have “things” in your home that trigger sweet memories, both of my daughter and my mom.

The essentials of a good winter reading session

A comfortable reading chair – just my size so my feet rest comfortably on the floor.
Lots of light, both natural and artificial
A blanket to keep you warm
A small side table to hold your favorite beverage – morning coffee, afternoon tea or evening wine.

My current stack of books are design and lifestyle to inspire me. No surprise there, right?

On my bookshelf

Where do like to read?

What’s on your current book list?

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional, saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

February 3, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Are You A Dedicated Patriots Fan? You’ll Want This Room!

How about a New England Patriots room?

All of the cheering and praying in family rooms across New England helped the Patriots win the championship.

Before the big game, I designed a room for each team’s fans. Check them out here.

I’ve made some more customization to the Patriots fan room.

Your home should include what you are passionate about!

A Dedicated New England Patriots Room

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional, saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

February 2, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

Where Would You Rather Watch Super Bowl 49?

It’s Super Bowl Sunday. East meets west as the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks.

I’ve been glued to the TV all afternoon watching the pregame hype.

The colors of the teams have inspired me to design a room that any true fan from each team would watch the game in.

Super Bowl 49

Seahawks Super Bowl Room Design

or

Patriots Super Bowl Room Design

What does the room you’re watching the game look like?

Give your vote below in the comments.

In case you weren’t aware, I LOVE football!

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

Please share this post

February 1, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

#TBT – 1980’s Bedroom In Peach And Green Is Out Of Style

It’s time to look back at the designs of the past. This 1980’s bedroom shows the era’s style. Thirty-three years ago, when I started Window Designs Etc, the styles were VERY different than today.

Fortunately, I invested in some good photography for my, then hand carried a leather portfolio.

The photos do tell the story of how interior design and custom window treatments have evolved over the years.

1980’s Bedroom Is Out Of Style

At the time this was a well-designed master bedroom in THE most exclusive neighborhood in Shrewsbury, MA.

The silk screen is still beautiful as a headboard but that’s the only piece that would transform into today’s homes.

What’s dated in this room

The window treatments are swags and cascades over fabric covered PVC with ball finials. See more #TBT window treatments using PVC here and here.
The shades are single layer pleated shades. Today’s shades are much nicer looking honeycomb like Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella.
Moulding with stain is not in style here (it is still nice in some room designs) Paint is better
The walls are light pastel peach. More color, please.
The coverlet on the bed, while it looks nice, was a 14-ounce fill king size reversible monster. I remember that thing must have weighed 35 lbs!
Pillows – Oh so few and too small, let alone that tied green wrap on the square pillows look very skimpy. Bring on the large European pillow shams.
Those night stands are way too small.
The “flowering” tree in the corner…throw it away and add in some lush live greenery.
The colors peach and green are passe’.

I am sure this room no longer exists. The family has since moved. I’m sure the new owners have a stylish up to date master suite.

Do YOU still have peach and green in your home?

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house, and office deserve it!

January 29, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Home Decorating

How To Arrange Your Family Room To Feel Warm And Cozy

So many homes I go into have their furniture arranged the same way as the day they moved in.

“How do you feel about the sofa being against the wall and the chair over in this corner,” I ask

Typically the client answers “I know it doesn’t work but they’re like that because I had no idea how else to arrange the room.”

It’s a good thing when a client realizes they need to consult a professional.

Please don’t arrange your family room like this!

Tips To Arrange Your Family Room

Pull furniture away from the wall.
Arrange furniture in close proximity for easy conversing.
Center seating pieces around a focal point, or two.
Provide a table or flat surface (tray on an ottoman) for each seat, someplace to put down a beverage.
Very small occasional tables or a plant stand may be all a chair needs at their side.
Be sure there is enough room to walk around without tripping over things.
Buy furniture that fits the scale of the room. Think Goldilocks – not too large or not too small – you want “just right”.
Fill in the empty spots and corners with interesting accessories or plants.
Consider swivel chairs for flexibility.
Have just enough seats for the number of people you typically entertain, not enough for the crowd you have at the holidays.
Ottomans are multi-purpose. They’re an extra seat when company arrives to watch the big game. Ottomans function as a table surface when a tray is added.
Buy two love seats instead of a large sofa unless someone wants to lie down. Love seats are better for conversation and are more flexible.
Please do not buy a furniture “set”. Mix and match pieces but please keep style consistent.
Buy your largest pieces, and biggest investment, in a durable solid textured fabric or leather.
Anchor the sitting area with a rug, again, not too small or too large.
Change out pillows and accessories as the seasons and trends change.

The warm and cozy way to arrange your family room furniture

Look how pleasant and comfortable this layout is. The love seats angle towards the fireplace. The pair of chairs is at each side so conversation is easy. Pillows in a warm red replace the blue ones. A throw for extra snuggling is draping over the arm of one of the love seats. For lower back comfort, small rectangular pillows are on the chairs. Books and fresh flowers bring in the warm homey feel. A large tree fills a vacant corner.

You won’t want to miss more tips on adding warmth to your home here.

A little rearranging and the addition of a few accessories transform the room for Fall and Winter.

Are you happy with the layout of your family room?

We can easily change that!

xoxo

Marie

Contact me today, I will guide you in the best decision to make your house into a home you love to live in.

Hiring a professional saves you time, frustration and money.

You, your family, your house and office deserve it!

January 28, 2015/by Marie Mouradian

Benjamin Moore 2018 Color of the Year

Benjamin Moore Caliente Af-290

Past Benjamin Moore Colors 2018-2017-2016

Caliente Af-290 Color Values

Designer Note

Sherwin-Williams 2018 Color of the Year

Sherwin-Williams Oceanside

Past Sherwin-Williams Colors 2018-2017-2016

Oceanside SW 6496 Color Values

Designer Note

Rose Quartz and Serenity Blue Color Values

Pantone 2015 Color of the Year

Where will you use Rose Quartz and Serenity in your home?

Did you find this post interesting?

What did you learn?

Please share this with your friends on Social Media (buttons are below)

xoxo

Marie

Red White Blue Pillows

Red, White and Blue Pillows Add a Pop

Can I have three cheers for these red, white and blue pillows?

xoxo

Marie

Decorate With RED At Home

More ways to decorate with red

I have my RED on, do you?

xoxo

Marie

My Winter Reading Chair

The essentials of a good winter reading session

On my bookshelf

Where do like to read?

What’s on your current book list?

xoxo

Marie

A Dedicated New England Patriots Room

xoxo

Marie

Super Bowl 49

Seahawks Super Bowl Room Design

or

Patriots Super Bowl Room Design

xoxo

Marie

1980’s Bedroom Is Out Of Style

What’s dated in this room

Do YOU still have peach and green in your home?

xoxo

Marie

Please don’t arrange your family room like this!

Tips To Arrange Your Family Room

The warm and cozy way to arrange your family room furniture

xoxo

Marie

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