things are looking up.

 

Warm weather, sunny skies, weekends full of fun and weeks full of, well, paint have my spirits high.  This time of year always gives me a renewed sense of purpose.  Why I live in a part of the country that really only has weather worthy of t-shirts for three months I'll never know.  Why I love it here, I'll also never fully understand... but perhaps it has something to do with the fact that after long months of shivering, the first hint of warm weather puts everyone in a good mood.  Things sure feel like they are looking up on this warm day...  and so with that in mind, today we share with you some beautiful color in high places so you, too, can look up.

What a beauty. Am I right?  The creamy-white cabinets, the warm wood floor, the marble and oh yeah.. that ceiling.  I would happily spend my mornings, afternoons and nights in this kitchen.  (via decorpad)

Try: 

 

Whisper and Cusp for a similar look. 

Another kitchen.  Another color.  What I love about this space is how happy it feels.  The yellow on the ceilings just shines down cheeriness on the space.  (from escapade)

Try:

 

Cuddle and Bee for a similar look. 

Talk about a fun room for a little girl.  Stripes on the ceiling is a great way to make a space feel fun.  (found on indulgy)

Try:

bloom, pout, and sprig for a similar look. 

If you are a real color lover, this is great trick for you.  Pick your wall color and then punch it up a notch by using one or two shades darker on the ceiling.  It will envelope you in color.  (via houseofturquoise)

Try:

pool and torn skirt for a similar feel. 

This dining room is stunning.  Using black on the ceiling defines the space and make it feel just a little glamorous.  (source unknown sadly)

Try:

 

vintage tux and cuddle

And finally, let's end on a sweet note.  This room feels soft and lovely with the pale grey-blue ceiling. (via decorpad)

Try:

 

Whisper and Breathe for the look....  

And that's it folks.  What do you think?  Color of the ceiling - yes or no?

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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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walk on the wild side

Today we have some very daring wall treatments to show with you that really express a wild side:  animal print. 

(found here)

Now, it is not something that I would think to do in my home immediately, but there are always ways to take something bold and dramatic and make it more understated by choosing the right colors.  Many of the photos we will share with you today are wallpaper.  And while we love wallpaper, we wanted to show you that you can totally get this look (with a lot more freedom on color and style) with paint.  So today, we will share with you some inspiration for wild walls and tomorrow: the tutorial.  (I wonder what the boy will think when he comes home to animal print on our walls tonight).

First stripes, then spots:

Here, a beautiful, bold zebra print in navy blue.  I love the bold choice of navy and white and how they kept that color scheme going in the graphic art choices.  What a great, modern space.  But you can do animal print without being quite so bold... (from here)

This room uses the same inspiration of zebra stripes, but manages to feel understated and elegant by using a soft, taupey gray with a warm white. (from here)

If you like something in between the two, try stripes on the softer side played up with a bold color in an accent area (like these awesome green chairs). (from here)

Moving on to the spotted:

Talk about drama.  These leopard spots look like the real deal.  (from here)

But these are slightly less dramatic (although still quite the statement). I love the simplified look of this wall compared to the previous one. (from here)

And again, these spots make a great backdrop for something bright and fun.  (from here)

Stay tuned for the tutorial on how to get these looks without wallpaper in your home tomorrow.  We will share color tips, painting ideas, and show photos of the whole process.  How wild are you?? 

See you then!

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6 Great DIY Paint Projects to try.

 Happy Monday.  Today we have some great projects to share with you from creative people all over the web to get you inspired and painting.  

1. Painted Piano

Isn't she a beauty?  I love the creamy white color chosen, but if you are a color lover, there is no reason you couldn't choose a brighter hue. 

2. A Painted Runner:

Spruce up your stairs with a painted runner.  The color options are endless...  in fact, I think I'll do a little tutorial on this Wednesday.  Stay tuned! 

3:  Painted Kitchen Cart

I recognize this cart.  It's from IKEA.  But look at how great it looks with a fresh coat of paint! (found here)

4. Painted Rug

I always have a hard time finding the right rug.  So why not create my own?  Check out this DIY Rug...  and try it for yourself! 

5. Painted Dresser Makeover:

 

This makeover shows just how big a difference a coat of paint can make... (from here)

6. Painted French Doors:

And finally, a little color to separate your spaces...  an easy DIY that will be a real crowd pleaser.  (from here)

Check out our range of non-toxic, VOC Free Paints here and get painting!  Free samples available! 

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bright & cheery

How about something bright and cheerful today?  I feel like I need it - maybe you do to...

cheerful kitchens are a must in my book.  Love these cabinets painted in a lovely yellow. Cool white walls behind the yellow make them pop. 

Oh this lovely mudroom/laundry room combination. The color of the walls, the white built ins, and never forget fresh flowers - they cheer up any space. 

yellow always does the job of cheering up a space with ease.  I love the border at the top - how easy would that be to add a dose of color to your space?

lightest grays, warm whites, and pops of spring green - just lovely. 

I love this children's bathroom.  That pop of orange on the ceiling is just glorious. 

 

As someone who has an office very similar in shape to this, I so appreciate the success of this space.  

White walls.  Blue accents.  Perfect. 

Warm whites, neutrals, and yellows make this play space oh so cheerful. 

So there you have it, a little cheer for this day.  The sun is shining here in the Boston area... hopefully it is your neighborhood too! 

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help me pick a color to paint my closet

So, I have a problem when it comes to keeping my closet organized.  When I first moved into this house, I was in love with my new closet.  It has two levels for hanging cloths and lots of built-in storage compartments - a big step up from the boy and I sharing a tiny closet in our various apartments. I thought keeping my closet organized would be a breeze.  That lasted about a month and now its back to disheveled.  While Lisa and I were staging our last project we painting the inside of a closet as an afterthought.  We had our color ACK with us and hadn't used it anywhere else, so we thought why not? read more »

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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From Lisa.

Twice a month we will be featuring posts from our Co-founder, CEO, and lead designer: Lisa!  The posts will range in subject from painting tips and project tours to Q&A's and Inspiration.  Today is her first post and gives you some insight into her life...  enjoy! 

Well I’m moving.  I just can’t believe it.   5 years, 5 moves, plus a major home renovation. And I’ve moved the studio—twice!  That’s it I’m crazy.  But this one, I just can’t resist this one…

Andi has asked me to start writing blog posts again, advice on color, design, painting and the like.  I agreed, but when I sit down to write, I realize I lose interest unless it’s personal…and what is more personal than making a home?

 You’ve all seen my little home.  For some reason it gets a lot of press and attention.  What many of you haven’t seen is the beginning…so let’s start there, and then I’ll introduce you to my new home…

Check out all the before, after, and in between photos of my current home here.  And stay tuned for my next posts featuring my new home!

-Lisa

 

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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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