Earth Day – Everyday

I was 10 for the first “Earth Day” and I remember it well. Our entire school went outside, and we planted a tree and talked about the environment and what we could do to keep it clean. I went home and created a little flyer that I distributed up and down my neighborhood that was titled “STP – Stop Treacherous Pollution!”. A little nerdy, but I was a convert. Fast-forward 50 years and I am in an industry that is working to not only uphold the ideals established on that first Earth Day, but actually is finding ways to be even more conscious of our resources and environment. Here are just 5 things you can consider when remodeling or building that will not only be healthier for you – but for our environment as well.
Choose no or low VOC paints – this protects the environment inside your home from the off-gassing of harmful ingredients. It’s not just for the initial painting, but on-going health for your home.
Choose locally sourced materials – and support local artisans who are using reclaimed or re-purposed materials. You’d be surprised at their beauty. They’re not just for hippies anymore!
Choose cabinetry that is made by companies participating the Forest Stewardship Council. They are environmentally considerate when sourcing their products.

When doing a remodel that involves a considerable amount of demolition, consider donating your wood flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets and appliances as well as other construction materials. There are several companies that will take them and what a great way to help out others AND keep construction waste out of landfills! Two that I like are Renovation Angel and Recyclean.

Select materials like ceramic tile that not only has a long life-span but may include recycled elements and flooring like Tarkett’s laminate and sheet vinyl flooring. Tarkett not only has many products that are asthma and allergy friendly, but as a company they are committed to producing sustainable products.
Last, but certainly not least- if you’re in need of a good desk chair to support you comfortably while we work from home, take a look at Humanscale’s Smart Ocean Chair. It’s made with nearly 2 lbs. of recycled fishing net material.

Yes, this year’s Earth Day will definitely be a different one. Maybe our current experience will remind us of the impact we all have on each other for the health and well-being of all. Click here for a pinterest board of ideas for sustainable products for your home. Happy Earth Day.

(images from pixabay.com)
2020 Colors of the Year
- At February 04, 2020
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
The 2020 Colors of the Year were announced in late 2019 and there were a bunch of them. You’ve probably seen them all but we’ve distilled the best-of-the-best to show you with some ideas for how you can use them in your home. This year highlights blues, greens and blush colors found in nature.
Such pretty eye candy! Let’s break them down:
Sherwin-Williams “Naval” SW 6244
Dark blues have been growing in popularity in recent years. We’ve seen more and more kitchen and bath cabinets using beautiful deep blues inspired by the sea. Sherwin-Williams chose this rich navy that they describe as creating a calm grounding environment infused with quiet confidence, paving the way to a new decade of wellness of the mind, body and soul. The company further says the color gives a nod to Art Deco influences, the power of nature, and the importance of our need as humans to interact with nature. Sounds like quite an inspiring color!
Check out our pinterest board for many more examples for incorporating this color in your life.
Pantone “Classic Blue” 19-4052
Pantone Color Institute chose a blue they dubbed “Classic Blue” for it’s solid and dependable feel. They describe it as elegant in its simplicity and suggestive of the sky at dusk, thought provoking, reassuring, and stable. Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman said this of the choice: “Classic Blue provides and anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, Classic blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” You can explore their color suggested color pairings on their website here.
Brighter than Naval, this blue is still a solid and popular choice for kitchen and bath cabinetry. See our pinterest board for many examples of this classic color from home décor to fashion.
PPG Paints “Chinese Porcelain” PPG1160-6
Brighter than Naval but darker and more muted than Classic Blue, Chinese Porcelain gets the special nod from PPG Paints. They describe the color as blend of cobalt and moody, ink blue. It evokes natural elements like the sea and the sky, imparting calmness, hopefulness, serenity and sense of long tradition. PPG color specialists see the new decade as leaving behind neutrals like gray for more colorful backdrops. As the most popular favorite color, blue is the “easiest possible entry point” from neutral to color.
Check out our pinterest board for many gorgeous ideas to use this color this year.
Dunn-Edwards “Minty Fresh” DE5687
Dunn-Edwards choose a sweet, nostalgic pastel shade of minty green they call Minty Fresh for it’s fresh, clean feel. The company describes it as a subtle and relaxing pastel that conveys a partnership between technology and nature, bringing both an optimistic, upbeat feel and a tranquil balance. This color finds a home on many a front door and garden gate, but is no stranger in graphic design.
See our pinterest board for all the many places we discovered this shade in current home décor and fashion.
Behr choose a muted, organic green hue that looks to be straight from the forest or a meadow. They describe the color as restorative and revitalizing, fulfilling the need to create a soft landing at home. Behr sees the trend of bringing the outside indoors as continuing into new decade and a need to engage with nature will be ever more important in the hustle-and-bustle of 2020.
See all the ways we found to use this organic green on our pinterest board.
Benjamin Moore “First Light” 2102-70
Benjamin Moore sees this light, rosy pink as the defining shade to a new decade. They describe it as an uplifting, refreshing neutral that is soft, airy, and plays well with other colors. It’s a happy shade without being sticky sweet, luminescent and reflective without being too bright, and just crisp enough to look clean without feeling sterile. The company says it’s a cooler take on the very popular Millennial Pink that they see as continuing throughout this new decade.
See our pinterest board for all the ideas we found to bring this pretty pink into your new year.
All the colors speak to a link between nature and technology and a need to slow down and relax in a rushed and hectic world. (Sounds blissful!) The terms revitalized, optimism, and fresh appear in most of the color descriptions released by the companies. Do you love them?
2019 Colors of the Year: Nature Meets Technology
- At January 07, 2019
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
The 2019 Color of the Year picks span the spectrum but there are two main themes: encapsulating nature and harnessing high tech.
Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral
Pantone is seeking to do both this year with it’s top color pick called Pantone 16-1546 Living Coral, a playful yet nurturing shade plucked from the coral reefs.
above: tile, Home Depot; shoes and clutch, Sole Divas; natural coral necklace, Betteridge; Wellingtons, The Hunt; Spring 2019 RTW Elisibetta Franchi, Vogue; nail polish, Ulta Beauty; bowls, Anthropologie; Fabric, Kravet; Living Coral, Pantone; gerber daisy, Fifty Flowers; penny round tiles, Wits End Mosaic; ribbon trim, Kravet; Lace Heels, Selfridges; cutting board, Bed Bath & Beyond
A smidgen too vivid to be pastel and a bit too soft to be classified with the brights, Living Coral finds a unique home for itself somewhere between the two just as it does nestled in the watery depths of soft blue waters and bright marine life. Referencing our emersion in social media and our need to find relief from the stress of the same, The Pantone Color Institute says Living Coral is “an animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge. …Representing the fusion of modern life, Pantone Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”
This is a perfect shade for pops of color in neutral interiors, mixing particularly well with grays. It’s a bold choice as wall color but brave souls can enjoy a cheerful room with neutral furnishings inside coral walls. We especially love the Kravet fabrics designed around Pantone’s COTY for gorgeous chairs, throw pillows and curtains. Check out our pinterest board for more ways to incorporate Living Coral into your everyday life.
Benjamin Moore Metropolitan AF-690
Benjamin Moore, one of America’s leaders in paint and stains, picked a sophisticated, versatile silvery-gray called Metropolitan AF-690 as their 2019 Color of the Year.
above: chair, West Elm; throws, Target; paint, Benjamin Moore; tile, Tile Bar; Michael Kors purse, Rachel Ray cookware, and round pillow, Macy’s; mosaic tile, All Modern; Michael Kors bootie, Macy’s; Fitbit and Uggs, Nordstrom
This shade is comfortable and soothing with just enough pop to look glamorous in contemporary and modern designs. According to an interview with Architectural Digest, the color guru’s at Benjamin Moore take the yearly pulse of the globe to decide on their COTY. This year the theme they discovered time and again was “pause,” reflecting a longing for stepping back from the hurry-scurry to immerse in needed moments of quiet. The slight hint of silver seems to evoke a heartbeat of high-tech just behind calm in this nuanced gray.
Gray has been popular in both interior design and fashion for several years now and is highly adaptable to many color schemes and styles. Check out our pinterest board for ways to use Metropolitan AF-690 in your new year.
The Go-To Blues
If blues are your go-to color choice, several of the top brands are singing your tune.
above: towels, Nordstrom; tile, Tile Bar; pillow sham, JCPenney; dishes, Crate and Barrel; knit throw, Macy’s; high back arm chair, Article; peacock pillow, Pier1; wallpaper, Graham & Brown; round chair, Jonathan Adler;
HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, selected a pretty, light blue called Reflecting Pool they describe as a versatile color that is fun and elegant.
Behr, another industry leader, chose a muted, medium blue they named Blueprint S470-5. An “honest, approachable color” inspired by architectural blueprints, Behr says Blueprint “creates a space where you can build your own reimagined life” and is a calls to action. It evokes honest labor and industrial and metropolitan themes. A versatile interior design color choice, muted blues are popular cabinet colors, especially in kitchens. See ways to use Blueprint on our pinterest board.
Diamond Vogel chose a nearly navy shade called DaySpa. Inspired by nature, mind and body, Diamond Vogel calls this a “deep, introspective” blue. This is a fabulous color for exterior doors and shutters. Navy is gaining popularity in home design in recent years. Most cabinet manufacturers have painted cabinets in gorgeous navy shades.
If you prefer a more dramatic blue, Kelly-Moore Paints named the vibrant Peacock Blue as their top pick. Graham & Brown chose a knockout teal called Tiru taken from the backdrop of the Tori wallpaper and inspired by the Kabuki trend, a classical Japanese drama-dance with a bold color palette.
Going Green
The color of nature and balance, green will always resonate as a soothing, restorative color. A few of the paint brands are going green in 2019.
above: dark green tile, Tile Bar; chair, Anthropologie; dishes, Pottery Barn; green penny round tile, Tile Bar; blanket, Hayneedle; geometric pillow, Society6
PPG Paints chose a dark, nearly black green called Nightwatch PPG1145-7 that they describe as lush and luxurious inspired by the healing power of nature. Just a couple shades lighter, Annie Sloan Paint selected a deep green called Amsterdam Green inspired by the painted shutters and doors of Amsterdam. Both of these deep greens work well as accent colors. Check out more ways to use PPG Nightwatch on our pinterest board.
Dutch Boy Paints selected a botanical green called Garden Patch 326-5DB to offer “rejuvenation and peace” in our homes. We’ve found lots of ways for you to use Garden Patch on our pinterest board.
Saddle Up with the Naturals
Several of the paint brands selected top picks that evoke the desert, terracotta and clay, natural caverns, rich spices and sunsets. Saddle up for a trail ride to the more rugged side of nature.
above: throw, West Elm; tile, Pratt and Larson; multi pillow, Pottery Barn; copper pillow, West Elm; terracotta bowl, One Kings Lane; pink waffle throw, West Elm; round pillow and faux fur throw, Macy’s; natural fiber pillow and pink pillow, Pottery Barn; hexagon tile, Fire Clay Tile
Dunn-Edwards top pick, Spice of Life DET439, was inspired by the adventurous, exciting, flavorful aspects of an authentic life. Things like spice-markets, the American West, and even exploring the red planet, Mars. It’s exotic, yet folksy. It’s a desire to be rooted deep in the earth instead of lost in technology. Check out ways to use Spice of Life on our pinterest board.
Sherwin-Williams chose a warm terracotta called Cavern Clay SW 7701 they describe as midcentury modern meets the American Southwest. This earthy color, inspired by beaches, canyons and deserts, can be refined or casual. See ways to incorporated this color into your life on our pinterest board.
Pratt & Lambert chose a soft pinky terracotta called Earthen Trail 4-26 from their Preserve palette inspired by the softer side of plains, deserts, and sunsets.
The color experts at Dulux wanted a color to “reflect the new positive mood of the moment” that was versatile enough to be either soothing or vibrant. They chose Spiced Honey based on the color of natural honey for a cozy yet sophisticated neutral. It also blends beautifully with our desert naturals.
Ace Hardware did something fun with it’s Clark + Kensington paint line – they held a contest for customers to mix their own shades and submit them for 2019 Color of the Year. The winning color, Pineapple Cream Granita, was created by a New Jersey native Francine C. at her local Ace Hardware store. It’s a creamy neutral that pairs well with our naturals. Good job Francine!
Color Your New Year Gorgeous
The 2017 Colors of the Year have all been announced and they offer the promise of bold, vibrant shades and depth of layers. Here is the lineup:
An interesting mix capturing an array of moods: light and calming, dramatic and intense, bright and hopeful, and timeless and earthy. Yet they can all work together in a cohesive palette should you choose to incorporate them all into your color scheme. Let’s check out the breakdown from the color experts.
Pantone “Greenery”
The Pantone Color Institute describes their yellow-green, spring shade as refreshing and revitalizing shade, symbolic of new beginnings. Meant to evoke those early spring days when nature is waking and awash in bright green, it signals a reset, hope, and life.
- Samuel and Sons Passementerie
- Ann Sacks Glass Mosaic Tile
- Crate and Barrel Ribbed Green Bath Towels
- KitchenAid Green Stand Mixer from Bed, Bath and Beyond
- Decorative Pillow from All Modern
- Claude Monet Print “The Waterlily Pond with Japanese Bridge, 1899” from Art.com
Benjamin Moore “Shadow”
The experts at Benjamin Moore named their dramatic purple selection “Shadow” because of their fascination with how it changes hue as the light changes throughout the day. It’s a rich, royal amethyst they describe as allusive and enigmatic.
- Benjamin Moore Shadow Wall Color
- Anna New York Amethyst Bowl
- Rachel Ray Dinnerware from Bed, Bath and Beyond
- Cambria USA countertop “Williston”
- Calvin Klein Bedding from Bonton
- Amethyst Bath Tub by Baldi of Florence, Italy
Sherwin Williams “Poised Taupe”
Sherwin William’s “Poised Taupe” is a marriage between conservative gray and earthen beige to create a “weathered, woodsy and complex neutral that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life.” Both warm and cool, classic and modern, it is meant to be an organic, balanced neutral.
- Sherwin Williams “Poised Taupe” Wall
- Vannaire Tile in Premiere Taupe from Mohawk Flooring
- Kahla Pronto Dinnerware from porzellantreff.de
- Allen Braithwaite Wallpaper
Glidden Paints “Byzantine Blue”
Glidden Paints named a mystic purple-blue shade meant to be comforting and soothing, playful yet peaceful. The describe “Byzantine Blue” as a gender-neutral “purple in disguise” with all the best qualities of blue and gray. It morphs from hue to hue depending on what you partner shades you select.
- Byzantine Blue Walls by Glidden
- Pratt and Larson Tile
- Soft Floral Wallpaper by Seabrook WallCoverings from Burke Decor
Olympic Paints “Cloudberry”
Olympic Paints chose a soothing, lavender-purple the dubbed “Cloudberry” intended to be soothing, encourage meditation, and transform you space into a sanctuary. Cloudberry will float you away on a cloud to carefree, airy spaces.
- Samuel and Sons Tiebacks
- Imperial Gardens Chinoiserie Panels by Mural Sources
- Teleflora Lavender Chiffon Bouquet
- Anna New York Kivita Platters and Coasters
- Lotus Flower Wallpaper by Farrow and Ball
- Plum Goose Amethyst Bowl
PPG Pittsburgh Paints “Violet Verbena”
PPG Pittsburgh Paints selected a moody, gray-purple they describe as playful, elegant and calming. “Violet Verbena” is expected to appeal to those seeking the popular bohemian look as well as those looking to create luxurious, pampering spaces. It finds a middle ground between masculine and feminine, young and old, work and play.
- Purple Quilt from Joss and Main
- Oxford Wallpaper by Graham Brown from Burke Decor
- Faberware Purple Cookware from Joss and Main
What do you think of the biggest colors predicted for 2017? Check out our pinterest board for even more Color of the Year images.
Dress Up Your Home in the Latest Fall Fashion
- At September 30, 2016
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
1
The big names in color are ushering in fall with earthy, authentic neutrals paired with vibrant, optimistic hues.
Sherwin Williams recently announced that their 2017 Color of the Year is Poised Taupe, describing it as earthen brown combined with conservative gray to form a weathered, woodsy that celebrates the imperfections and authenticity of a well-lived life. Pantone has a similar neutral in their Fall color lineup called Warm Taupe they describe as organic and grounded.
Here’s the full color lineup from Pantone’s Fall 2016 Color Report:
There’s sure to be something to please everyone with this color array! Why not treat your home to a fall fashion update? Here are some easy ways to work these new colors into your home decor:
Add an ottoman, accent chair, or pouf, like these fabric or leather ottomans from Crate & Barrel available in a wide range of styles and colors:
- Ottoman from Crate and Barrel
Or cozy up the family room with some soft throw blankets, pillows and decorative candles:
- Faux Mohair Throws from Pottery Barn
- Pillows from Eight Mood
- Candles from Anthropologie
Don’t forget the family pets! You can find a pet accessories in the same color lineup, like this cute bed from The Company Store:
The sky is the limit – or the ceiling. Consider a new table runner, area rug, lamp, bedding, or wall decor. To see more ideas on simple ways to integrate these colors, check out our pinterest board.
2016 Colors of the Year
- At January 21, 2016
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
After 2015 thundered in with a mix of bold colors, the 2016 Color of the Year announcements have whispered in on a gentle breeze. All the big names in color are unanimous in selecting soothing, natural colors that evoke tranquility, peace and harmony.
For the first time ever, Pantone has released two colors of the year together: Rose Quartz and Serenity. It’s being compared to a sunrise at the beach and clouds of cotton candy. They are just bright enough to be fun and uplifting and just dusky enough to work into any room without being overwhelming.
PPG Pittsburg Paints chose Paradise Found, an aloe green meant to feel organic and calming. They describe it as a solid, sturdy paint color that reassures us in a hectic, unpredictable world. It is versatile enough for indoor or out, accent or primary color.
All the other major players selected variations on white and off-white shades. Glidden, also owned by PPG, released Cappuccino White as the 2016 color of the year. Glidden says the color creates “a calm lightness in the home to encourage a relaxed mind” much like kicking back with a cup of cappuccino. Also like the namesake, it mixes beautifully with coffee tones.
Sherwin Williams selected Alabaster, a neutral, understated white they hope provides “an oasis of calmness” in our personal spaces. They suggest pairing it with Carrara marble and other natural materials and using it as a primary foundation for earthy accent colors.
Benjamin Moore rounded out the selections with Simply White, a warm clean white they hope can be the canvas for any color palette you choose. They believe it is versatile enough for warm or cool palettes, and it can be strong and powerful or understated and even invisible.
Pantone chose the colors a beach sunrise, Sherwin Williams chose the off-white sand, and Pittsburgh Paints chose the tropical foliage. Glidden supplied your cappuccino and Benjamin Moore the fresh, white canvas for you to paint your new year. Here’s hoping 2016 really is your tranquil year at the beach!
For more examples of all the colors of the year, see our pinterest board.
2015 Colors of the Year
- At December 22, 2014
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
The 2015 Colors of the Year have been announced by the biggest names in color and the contenders are competing for top popular pick! Here’s the gorgeous new lineup for next year:
- Behr “Seared Gray”
- Benjamin Moore “Guilford Green”
- Pantone “Marsala”
- PPG Pittsburgh Paints “Blue Paisley”
- Sherwin-Williams “Coral Reef”
Behr’s 2015 Color Trends palette includes their new “Deep Dreams Collection” and they have named Seared Gray T15-2 from this group as their top pick of the year. This serene, dreamy charcoal is meant to feel mystical and relaxing.
Benjamin Moore selected from their “Historic Color Collection” for their Color of the Year. It is meant to be a timeless, natural neutral that works in traditional or contemporary spaces.
Always the trendsetters to watch, Pantone has selected a hue that embodies the wine that gave Marsala its name. It is meant to evoke a rich, natural, sophisticated earthiness and make a bold yet elegant, grounded statement that translates seamlessly from fashion to interior design.
PPG Pittsburgh Paints selected an almost electric shade of blue for its Color of the Year. They were seeking a vibrant yet stylish color that speaks to the global eclecticism of technology and nature.
Sherwin-Williams went all in for optimism with their lively, pinky-orange hue. They want to encourage upbeat creativity that is versatile enough for traditional or contemporary designs.
What is your favorite Color of the Year? Vote for your favorite on our Facebook page or look at more examples on our Pinterest board.
2014 Colors of the Year
- At January 08, 2014
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
1
Color me excited! The top names in color have made their annual Color of the Year announcements to ring in the new year. Soon you will see these colors on bridesmaids gowns, smartphone cases, and that must-have new handbag. Shoe brands from Converse to Jimmy Choo will tempt you with these colors.
- Radiant Orchid
- I love Ikat patterns and I love the interplay of the orchid, citrus green and grey
- Here is a very interesting color combination in a Damask pattern.
- I love the intensity of the color and I’m a sucker for a Greek key pattern…Ah, the Greek isles!
- Exclusive Plum
- Breath of Fresh Air
Undoubtedly the biggest of the color trend-setters is Pantone. In a dramatic color-wheel contrast to their 2013 pick of Emerald Green, Pantone has chosen a bright pinky purple color called Radiant Orchid. This tropical, flirty shade is, well, radiant. Those chose it in part because it flatters almost any skin tone with rosy, healthy glow when worn. It also pairs well with a wide variety of colors so it can be easily be added to existing color schemes with simple accent pieces.
So, how do you best use Radiant Orchid in your home design? It is a bit loud for all-over color in most settings, but works well as a contrast wall and in accent pieces and trim. You can use it with bold colors like greens, blues, and reds, or it livens up neutrals like grays, whites, and browns. Here it makes for a bright kid’s room.
Before you dismiss Radiant Orchid as too juvenile, check out these gorgeous fabric designs by Robert Allen that incorporate Radiant Orchid.
If Radiant Orchid is just too bright for you, the Sherwin-Williams color pick might be more your style. Exclusive Plum is a purple that leans more toward the blue hues, giving it a more earthy, chalky tone. This sophisticated color tends to change with the light from dark gray to bluish to purple. Here it has a masculine feel when paired with leather and rich woods or elegant and romantic paired with gold and white.
If Exclusive Plum is too heavy and somber for you, try this ethereal blue hue from Benjamin Moore. Breath of Fresh Air is soft and tranquil yet cheerful. Perhaps the most versatile of the color picks for 2014, it looks welcoming in a living room, clean and spa-like in a bathroom, dreamy in a bedroom, soothing in a nursery, or crisp and bright in a kitchen. It is part of the “new neutral palette” Benjamin Moore touts as livable and functional yet more interesting than the standard beige or white.
How do you feel about the 2014 color picks – in love or underwhelmed?
Fashion and Interior Design Collision
- At March 28, 2011
- By catherineschager
- In Design Trends
0
I thought it would be fun to talk about how colors, textures and trends in the interior design world overlap with those in the fashion world.
I’ll start with the color forecast from Sherwin-Williams’ Jackie Jordan, who is the director of color marketing. She develops and presents the latest color trends and resources for professionals and DIY’s.
Jackie feels, contrary to Pantone (see previous blog: http://catherineschager.wordpress.com/2011/01/17/pretty-in-pink/) that the color for 2011 is Indigo Batik SW7602. It’s that color that we’ve grown up wearing, whether it be our favorite jeans, a fabulous blazer or even on a great accessory. Jackie feels that it represents the hard-working people of America’s past, present and future.
Personally, while I like Pantone’s color of the year, when I see the indigo and denim blues in fashion as well as in fabrics, I feel comfortable and at home. Take a look at these fashions and fabrics and tell me how you feel.
Now lest you think that Michael Kors was my only fashion inspiration for these hues, I also found some on the Ralph Lauren website.
So, which “color of the year” resonates more for you?