Decorating With White

White worksWhite carpets are impractical, but other than that, white is a great color to use in your home.  It works well year round, thanks to its spectacular and diverse seasonal imagery – winter wonderland, the clean slate of spring, the fresh energy of summer, and hushed wisdom of fall.

White is dramatic, energetic and versatile.  Benjamin Moore offers over 200 different shades of white, each with its own particular nuance and substance that still permits other colors to enter a space without overpowering or yielding to them.

Starting with white, no doors close, making it the perfect way to begin any design process. A wide world of possibilities always stays open, so let your imagination take you wherever you please.

White does demand texture though.  If you decide to model a whole room in white, try to vary the fabrics, materials, patterns, and upholstery in order to create more depth.  You can also change the accessories seasonally (e.g. blue pillows in summer, orange in fall, pink in spring, etc.).

If you like white, but don’t want to make such a commitment to a color that can stain easily (dog owners beware), try whitening your accessories.  White curtains look fantastic in the sunlight and help keep your home cool in summer.  A white border around a room can also create a striking accent on your wall.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with white.  It’s one of the most versatile color options in your catalog with an endless array of sparkling possibilities.

Now take it away Mr. Clapton!

Above: Contempo Closet Hanging Wardrobe Closet

Is DIY Worth It?

How do you know your DIY project is worthwhile?Home magazines love to tout the virtues of DIY projects as both money savers and home improvement projects.  But is it always worth it?  Anyone who’s ever seen Tom Hanks’s The Money Pit understands the perils of DIY remodeling, and the waste of time and money involved in taking on projects you are not prepared for.  So how do you know when not to take on a DIY project?

Does the project require special tools?  Don’t be a manly man about it.  If the project requires five tools you’ve never heard of before, hire a professional and save yourself the time, stress and money.

Are you safe?  Again, don’t be a tough guy.  If you’re handling electric wiring, heavy machinery, or chainsaws, leave the job to a professional.  It’s not worth the medical bills and personal trauma.

Is everyone else safe?  This one is specifically for kids and pets.  Will you have chemicals or sharp objects lying around?  Will you be able to keep an eye on them and work on your project?

Do you really have the time? Some DIY projects only take a few hours, some take days, and others can take months.  Before you embark on your project, ask yourself if you really have the necessary time to finish your project in a timely manner.  The last thing anyone wants is a half-painted den lying around for three months.

Is it worth it?  There’s a lot to factor into a DIY project.  Purchase of materials, tools, safety equipment and time off work all add up to take cash out of your wallet.  And you will need to factor in non-monetary factors such as stress, time constraints and preparatory training/research.

A DIY project might sound like an easy money-saver at first, but be sure to account for all the factors involved in your project before diving in.  It might be cheaper to just hire a professional.

Photo Credit: scottchan