Good Homes India Shoot: Paint it Pretty

We have a special treat for you today: a shoot featured in Good Homes, India all about our paint and how you can use it to make even the most challenging space shine. 

 

Good Homes is a wonderful magazine out of India!  We worked with them to create a few spaces featuring our paint in transformational ways...

Like this attic.  The angled walls of this guest room made it impossible to use traditional headboards.  Instead, we used paint to create bold blue versions which follow the angle of the ceiling line and really spruce up the room. 

Here is a before/after shot:

Those painted headboards make a big difference against a fresh coat of Whisper.  The blue is our color Ballgown (AND we used chalkboard paint!).  That lamp is also a Quiet Home Paints color: Pool.  

I just love this room now. 

Good Homes also published this "window treatment" we did to show that there are no limits to what you can achieve with a simple coat of paint:

Here our color Pond was used to create this unique window.  It couldn't have been easier... 

What do you think?  Something you would consider in place of the traditional?

And finally: a geometric, city-inspired wall:

Here we used our color Torn Skirt on top of Truss to create the city-scape.  

It's as simple as taping out the design (a series of vertical and horizontal lines) and then filling in with paint. 

What you do think?  I encourage you to check out the whole article (here's a link to the PDF)...  and the rest of the magazine for that matter.  We may be biased, but we think they feature some really spectacular stuff!  Special thanks to Good Homes for doing such a beautiful job featuring our paints!

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painted easter eggs

 

Today we are talking Easter eggs.  Is this a tradition you partake in?  The dying (or in this case painting) of eggs?  If so, we wanted to share with you this little project we did - it's easy, super fun and perfect to do with the kids...  And of course, since our paint is completely organic and non-toxic you can have your little ones participate without worry.

Here is what you need:

• Egg Crate
• Paint brushes (various sizes)
• Quiet Home Paints samples (in chalkboard finish if you'd like to be able to draw on them)
• Eggs (preferably hard boiled)
• Painters Tape
• Letter stamps (Optional for decorating painted eggs)
• Chalk (Optional if using chalkboard finish)

Before starting, think about what colors you would like to use and how you would like them to be paired together.  You can have eggs that are all one color, but I found it was more fun to do two or even three colors per egg. 

For my first egg I chose Twirl and Sprig.  The purple and green combo really reminds me of spring so I thought it was a good place to start. 

Then just start painting.  I found it was easy to paint the eggs in a two step process.  I painted the top with twirl, holding the bottom to keep my hands clean.  Then place the egg in the empty egg carton to dry before adding the second color.  

I did the first color for a few eggs.  Here we have twirl, mist and buzz.  Then it was time to add the second color. 

For the first few I used painters tape:

You can either go straight around the egg either top to bottom or around the middle. 

Or you can do some at an angle. I found I really liked the way these looked in the end, although it is a little harder to do the taping.  

Place back in the egg carton to dry.  Then peel off the tape and voila.  (buzz and grass stain)

Once they are painted and dried it is fun to add a little more decoration, like polka dots, scalloped edges, or stamped initials.  Get creative here.  At this point you can also draw on them with chalk.  Write peoples names or spell out happy easter.  

Get creative! 

Order sample pots of any of our colors to complete this project at home. 

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spring eternal

Good Morning.  So here we are, a day away from Spring and it is snowing.  A lot.  Many are complaining, even cursing the poor old ground hog who predicted an early spring, but I don't mind it.  I've always been of the mindset that if it is going to be cold, it might as well be snowing.  Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not ready for spring...  We had a really mild weekend a few weeks ago and I awoke to the birds chirping, a sound that immediately makes me think of spring.  It was such a welcome sound and got me really looking forward to warmer weather.  But like I said...  as long as it is this cold, let it snow. 

Today, I wanted to share with you some simple ideas to bring spring into your home, whether it has really arrived or you are just hopeful it isn't far off:

To me, spring is all about color.  The world once again becomes full of it and so should your rooms.  The yellow of the walls alone is enough to remind me of spring, but add light and airy drapes, flowers and fruit and you have a room that is perfectly spring. (housetohome)

Of course, if you don't feel like painting your entire room there are smaller projects that will make a big difference. 

You know I will paint anything.  An easy project that speaks to spring is painting a few framed mirrors or photos in a bold spring color and layering them.  Not only is it simple, but it can easily be changed with the season or your mood.  This pink is perfect for spring.  And of course, always include some beautiful flowers. (ciaonewportbeach)

Don't toss out those drawers when it is time for a dresser upgrade.  Add some paint and hang them on the wall for some unique, spring-like storage.  (shelterness)

My new favorite project:  paint those stones you collect while walking on the beach and display them throughout your home.  Check out the full post for more beautiful ways to display these beautiful stones. 

If your child is eagerly awaiting spring, why not surprise them while they are out at school by painting their bedframe in a beautiful, bold color.  Add some fun pillows and have it all made up for when they get home.  I'm telling you, they will love it (and you!).  

Pour a little paint into an old mason jar and swirl it around.  Let is dry and enjoy custom colored mason jar vases. (etsy)

And finally, add a splash of color to your dresser by painting the drawer fronts.  (projectnursery)

What do you think?  What do you do to bring spring into your home?  

Check out our palette of non-toxic paints inspired by spring:

pottingshed

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Wentworth Gardner House Photoshoot.

A few weeks ago Lisa and I staged a portion of the Wentworth Gardner House in Portsmouth NH for a photoshoot.  As a paint company, it is important to show our colors on the walls so you, as potential painters, can see more than just a swatch.  We chose a few colors, one from each palette in the Quiet Home Collection and went to work.  Staging rooms for a photoshoot is a fun (but big) job.  Not only did we need to paint each area with the color we wanted to shoot, but we needed to shop for furnishings, accessories and art, then move it all into the space, stage the space, have it photographed, then break it all down.   Like I said, it's a big job.

I've shared some previews of what the space looked like in progress here on the blog previously.  Today I wanted to share the results (along with how we got to them!). 

A big thanks to the photographer who captured these shots, John Hession. 

First up: Grass Stain

 

It's the most beautiful green and the perfect backdrop for purples, teals, and creams.  You can find Grass Stain in the Potting Shed palette among other colors that inspire spring.  

Pretty, right?  

Well, here is what it looks like from my angle:

John is great at doing what it takes to get the shot.

Next: Whisper and Cuddle Together Forever

There is something so beautiful about an all white space.  When we started Quiet Home Paints, we knew we only needed two whites: one warm and one bright...  here they work together to create a perfect spot. 

Here is Lisa painting over that horrible color that lived on these walls previously.

Pretty. 

Jewel Toned Ballgown and Emma:

Both of these gorgeous colors live in the Estate Palette.  When used together like this, the impact is a powerful one. 

You can see the difference here: 

Ballgown before we added Emma on the wall in the hallway...

There she is. 

And of course, the addition of furniture and accents makes a big difference.  You can see a little texture on the wall here.  We painted right over some textured wallpaper.  It's a great look and much easier than taking all that wallpaper off! 

Husk and Foxtail:

I love this color combination.  Both husk and foxtail can be found in the Camp palette...  along with Truck which is the orangey red on the stool.  Its a warm and lovely space.  

what do you think?

Ok, now for Porch:

A lovely blue from the Cottage Palette...

Up next:  Nest

This warm toned neutral really transformed this hallway... 

And finally:  ACK

The back wall of this small closet is painted in ACK from the Cottage palette and makes the small space special. 

And there you have it!  It was a fun project to work on...  where would you use these colors? 

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Andi's Bookshelf Makeover.

 As promised, today I wanted to share with you my own bookshelf makeover. 

It's a start...  I never knew how many orange books I had until I started this process.

Anyway.  I'm embarrassed to admit that this is how my bookshelves looked yesterday morning:

They became a catch-all for photos, books and pictures with no rhyme or reason to how it was displayed.  I wanted to change that. 

I started by clearing everything from the shelves.  A blank slate. 

There.  That is better.  Upon doing so I realized the the shelves were in pretty bad shape - they really needed a paint job.  I had wanted to paint the backs of the shelves anyway, so I picked a color and got to it. 

I went with our color celadon, from the loft palette.  It's a cool gray, green that I thought would work well with our wall color (spool). 

In this in-progress shot you can see the difference between the painted side (right) and not-painted side (left).  

Rigby always like to help when I paint.  You can also see how dinged up the shelves are...  So I gave them a quick once over with our white, whisper.  

While the paint was drying I did two things...

First, I organize all the stuff I had on the shelves previously. 

I guess that doesn't look too organized, but it made sense to me. 

Then I decided I needed something for the top of the shelves that wasn't just "stuff".  These built-ins are unique in the fact that they do not extend all the way to the ceiling (or even to the top of the window) so you are left with this awkward space to fill. 

I remembered I had some letters from the local craft store and grabbed them.  I wanted to spell out bibliotheque, but I didn't have two Bs, so I went with Library.  In hindsight, I don't think bibliotheque would fit anyway. It really bothers the boy that there are four letters on one wall and three on the other.  It doesn't bother me so much - thoughts?

Once I decided I liked the idea,  I painted the letters to match the back of the shelves. 

Then I slowly started filling the shelves with books, art, photos...

I didn't go shelf by shelf.  Rather I tried to balance the shelves with color and shapes.  If I found I had a lot of orange on the right side, I tried to balance it out with bold colors on the left side.  

Slowly I filled the shelves until they looks like this: 

I was pretty satisfied, but there were some things that need tweaking.  It was really helpful to look at them through the camera lens... 

After the final tweaks: 

left side. 

right side. 

Rigby seems to like them.  What about you? 

This project took a total of 4 hours from start to finish.  Painting the backs of the shelves was maybe the easiest painting project I've done in awhile.  And I used a brush for it all, so if you used a small foam roller it would take even less time.  

What do you think?  Time for a bookshelf makeover of your own? 

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bookshelves: inspiration

Today, my bookshelves are getting a makeover.  I am a lover of books.  Real books.  While I understand that kindles and the like are convenient and probably more environmentally friendly, I just can't give up actual books.  I often find myself jealous of the boy when we travel who just carries his ipad, while I lug around numerous books and magazines.  But like I said, there is just something about them.  Not to mention if I didn't own books what would I fill my bookshelves with?  It's such a nice feeling to have a well-stocked bookshelf.  When friends come over, they always end up perusing the titles and inevitably borrowing something they haven't read.  Who can give that up?

Anyway.  Like I said.  Today my bookshelves are getting a makeover. Currently they are a mess...  no order and very top heavy.  I'll share a whole post with you including before and afters tomorrow, but in the meantime here are some photos that I used as inspiration for the makeover:

If only I had built ins like this.  I don't but I love the mix of books, photos, and accessories and will definitely be incorporating that into my own shelves. 

Color.  Love color on the back of the shelves.  I think I'll choose a slightly more subtle color for mine, but the idea is the same.  How do you feel about hanging mirrors over shelves?  I've seen a lot of that lately and can'e decide whether I am a fan...

This one I love for the layering.  Photos, boxes, and dishes layered in front of each other give the shelf depth.  Mine will be more about the books but I will definitely show some layering. 

This one incorporates all of the above: variety, color, and layering.  

I saved this one for the color coded books.  My shelves are currently organized like this and I'm thinking of keeping some of that element in the new design. 

And finally.  I love these shelves.  They are organized and I love the way the magazines are displayed (or hidden).  

Stay tuned for before and after shots of my own bookshelves! 

Photos:

1. Pinterest

2. houseofturquoise

3. amberinteriors

4. recentlytheblog

5. dehnbloomdesign

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play space.

As you all know, I am not yet a mother.  I hope to be one someday, but in the meantime I get my baby fix through this job and my two beautiful nieces.  The boy and I spent our weekend with one of them and let me tell you, I don't know how you all do it!  She is 18 months old, full of spunk and energy and a joy to be around - but man is it exhausting!  We picked her up Saturday morning and returned her (safe, sound and happy I might add) Sunday morning.  Between singing songs, drawing, making pizzas, walking on the beach, and very messy meals I learned two things:  1.  It is impossible to keep a clean house with a toddler running around and 2. you parents must all be brilliant, patient, multi-tasking, creative geniuses.  It got me thinking about play spaces.  They seem essential.  I know not every home has a whole room free to designate the playroom, but it became apparent that we needed a small space that was home base for books, crayons, dolls, toys - and more importantly free of all the things not toddler proof (like scissors, electronics, sharp cornered coffee tables, etc).  It seemed our house was an accident waiting to happen...  

So today I thought I'd share some creative and functional play spaces for your little loved ones.  It seems to me that whether your play space is a whole room or just a corner there are a few key ingredients to make it work:

1.  Color

I love how this nursery has the color on the floor in the form of a cushy rug and allows the walls to be a blank canvas for the creations of the kids who play there. 

Similarly, this cute space has a colorful ceiling letting the main wall be a gallery for books to inspire reading. 

2.  Storage

A refurbished armoire makes a great play station for kids...  Close the doors and it is all hidden away, open them and let the kids get creative! 

Get creative with your storage.  No one says you have to use simple bookshelves if you have a beautiful old wagon that will do the trick! 

3. Some creativity:

An activity seems essential.  I love this play kitchen! 

But if you lack the room for that, why not use one wall to allow their imaginations to grow?  A simple mural (this one is interactive) takes up no space!  

4. And finally: Chalkboard! 

Whether you have a lot of space for a whole wall...

Or just a corner, our chalkboard paint makes a great addition to any place space.  As you know it comes in all of our colors and is completely non-toxic.  Check it out! 

Enjoy! 

Photo credits:

1&2: Simplified Bee

3: Better Homes and Gardens

4: her blog

5: mali-mo

6: elmueble

7&8:  QHP

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DIY ideas for the weekend

 Happy Friday everyone!  I've been waiting for this day.  It was a long week and I, for one, am looking forward to the weekend. If you don't have plans for the two days off, here are some easy, simple, quick DIY ideas to keep you occupied and make a big difference in your home.  You know we are lovers of paint...  these ideas illustrate just why that is. 

A coat of color makes a big difference.  Surprise your guests and delight yourself with each opening of the cabinet.

We all have at least a few of the clutter collecting baskets in our home.  Why not customize yours with fun colors and shapes? 

Perhaps the easiest and quickest of the projects...  make your kitchen utensils unique with colorful stripes. 

Have a little more time?  Paint those chairs in a beautiful, bright color...  notice this house uses the same color on the chairs as on the top of that old sideboard... I love this space.  Beautiful! 

Make some garden markers by simply dipping, drying and putting in your garden.  Use our chalkboard paint so you can change the writing as you change you plants. 

Whether it is pine cones, rocks, sea shells or anything else... whatever you have piled up in bowls...  dip a few in some beautiful paint to make them stand out. 

Moms. Dads.  Is this not the best idea ever? I loved getting notes in my lunch growing up...  and this just takes it to a new level.  Good news...  each and every one of our colors comes in chalkboard finish.  (and it's organic and completely non-toxic so none of that healthy food you pack for lunch will be affected)

And finally, how about some customized coasters for your home? 

As you can see, the options with paint are endless.  So get creative and get painting!!! 

Image credits:

HandmadeCharlotte

Marion House Project

Paint me Plaid

Pinterest

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painted tv trays.

Good Morning!  We hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Today we have a post from Jamie detailing a project she completed in her own home to add a little color in her living room.  Enjoy! -Andi

_____

I’m on a budget. I have never been on a budget before in my life, but now hubby and I are on a budget. It’s a great thing, though, because we are on the same page about finances for the first time in our relationship. It does, however, make redecorating our house a bit more challenging. I’m forced to utilize items we already have around the house and jump-start my creativity side instead of taking the easy (and usually more expensive) way of buying new.

We’re currently working on updating our living room. We’re looking at some grey/green shades from the QHP palettes to brighten the room, while still coordinating with our vibrant kitchen. I bought a new entertainment center and bookcase that I felt were priced appropriately. When I looked at the side tables in the same set, they were about $90 each. No way was I going to spend that $180 on two side tables. I’ll find something at a yard sale I can repaint, I thought.

So, when we were cleaning out (mostly) my husband’s junk in our office closet, I saw these babies:

(from target)

Boring, right? I know, but these were exactly the trays I had been hoping to find at a yard sale or on clearance at Target! I knew that some primer and a couple of coats of paint could turn these trays into the pops of color I wanted to brighten up our living room. So, with a quart of QHP primer (which is VOC-free and non-toxic just like all our paints) and a quart of Pool, we were able to go from bland to grand.

Here is how we did it…

First, we took apart the tables and sanded them to rough up the surface a bit.

Then we primed the pieces with one coat of QHP primer.

Lily Claire wanted to paint, too, so she came out and helped us paint the cardboard.

Each table then received two coats of Pool in satin finish with 2 days in between each coat for drying time. We wanted to make sure the paint thoroughly cured to stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.

  

After the tables were done, we placed them on either side of our love seat, and I was so happy with how they turned out! I love that we were able to take something we already owned and repurpose it into something beautiful and functional. It is nice to not have to set our drinks on the floor anymore, and I can’t wait until we get the living room painted… the color is going to stand out so much more! I hope to update you with the finished living room pics soon!

What are some repurposing projects you are planning to accomplish in 2013? 

  

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warm up.

Seven. The number of houses I lived in growing up. A lucky number.  The largest number of animals I had at one time (including horses and a cow).  The number of days in the week.  The title to a really great movie.  A brand of jeans.  The number of Roman Emperors.  When preceded by 00, a really handsome man.  Seven is a lot things.  But today, to me, it is only one:  the temperature outside my front door.  Brrrrrrr. 

(this is my puppy.  she has nothing to do with the number seven, but she does illustrate how cold it is rather well.  and i like showing her cute face whenever possible.  oh and she is also no longer a puppy but i think i will call her one forever.)

That's right, folks.  It's cold outside.  And yes, I know.  It is colder elsewhere.  And yes, I have lived through colder temperatures.  But today, looking at that measly seven on the thermometer, it doesn't feel like it.  It's the kind of weather that makes you want to make a fire in the fireplace, move your chair directly in front of it and wrap yourself in a blanket.  New item on the to-do list?

So, since they are on my mind.  How about it?  Some pretty fireplaces today:

Like this traditional masterpiece, showcased by that beautiful, rich gray.   (from style at home)

Or this?  Traditional frame, made unique and wonderful with a coat of bright yellow paint.  It's my kind of fireplace.  (from bleuepiece)

Blue is fabulous on its own.  Mix that with some warm yellow and creamy whites all surrounding a great fireplace and it's perfection.  (from jpmdesign)

Try it? 

catnap/cuddle/bolt

And this lovely place made special and sophisticated with a coat of shiny black.  (from houzz)

Try truss on the walls and vintage tux on the fireplace:

 

OK, so this one won't necessarily keep your warm, but it will keep you entertained! (from unclutterer)

You only need one color to get this look:

one of my personal favorites, Torn Skirt. 

More yellow... (from this old house)

Try buzz and bee together:

Love this one... the bright white with this perfect blue makes me smile.  (from mymodernmet)

Try Pout with Whisper:

 

And finally:

Don't feel like painting the whole fireplace?  Why not try just the screen? (from MadebyGirl) 

try spash:

Stay warm today! 

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