… or sweet… or tranquil… or sophisticated… or cheerful… or sporty… (felt like I was naming off Spice Girls or the 7 Dwarfs for a second there…)

Summer is an awesome time to paint. But when contemplating the options feels a bit like counting stars in the night sky, it’s no wonder that many are overwhelmed with the thought of it. Regardless of whether you love or hate to paint, color can have a remarkable affect on us - not just psychologically but physiologically.

Few people realize that color affects our mood, our appetite, even how well we are able to concentrate or relax in a space. Literally, color can make or break a room. Need I also mention that 1 in 10 men are also color blind?

Because color can be so complicated, and because I know the difference the right color can make, a color consultation is one of my favorite services I offer. I love being able to work with someone for what could be as little as an hour, and be able to provide them with peace of mind and confidence that they will love their color selection.

Is there a painting project on your To Do list this summer? Call or write today to schedule your consultation.

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Some time has passed since I’ve done much Pinning. My Pinterest consumption got a little out of control back in the days of wedding planning. Now that I’ve had a respectable break, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to explore some seasonal imagery. All good things in moderation, right?

How will you be decorating for the fall this year?

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In case I haven’t mentioned it before, I have a MAJOR thing for Ikat fabrics. They are graphic, they are colorful, they are exotic, and simply sensational. Ikat (pronounced e-cot) is a dying technique utilizing a resist dyeing process (sorta like using rubber bands in tie dyeing). The yarns are strategically dyed prior to being woven, resulting in a fabulous striated pattern. This design has been known to various cultures for centuries, and it’s a hot trend you’re likely to see more of in 2013. Absolutely love it!

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With the onset of snuggly weather, I thought I might offer a bit of toasty fireplace inspiration. Aren’t these delightful?

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Saturday was the big reveal for Building on Hope’s renovation of Girls, Inc. in Manchester. This was such an incredible experience for me to learn, give, and grow. Below is a snippet of the the program from the big day.

Thank you again to everyone involved. We made it happen as a team! I’d like to offer special thanks to Brushworks Painting, BSR Services, Ed’s Flooring America, JR Langley, Liberty Hill Construction, Harvey Construction, Rowland Studios, Surplus Office Equipment, Warrenstreet Architects, and Melissa Amorim.

Check out before and after pictures in the Gallery!

Hello! Hello! It may only have been a week, but it feels like a lifetime since my last visit. Leave it to a nasty stomach bug to knock me out of synch with the world. Isn’t it strange how time seems to stand still when you’re sick, while simultaneously you can lose days at a time? At any rate, I’ve got a bit more pep in my step, and I’m looking forward to getting back into the grove of things. Business is busy with Lavender & Lotus - I can’t wait to fill you in on fun details and after pictures.

Until then, here is a little sunshine for your day.

Welcome back for another exciting post about color. Today we will be discussing… Yellow!

A strong contender for my favorite color, Yellow has helped to lift my spirits on many occasions. Yellow is known to be the color of sunshine, friendship, optimisim, hope, joy, confidence, and spontaneity (to name a few). Yellow, well it’s just so darn happy!

Below are a few images for your viewing pleasure. (I dare you not to smile).

As a woman in her early 30s, it should come as no surprise that many of my friends/ acquaintances are taking the next step in adulthood and becoming parents. Very exciting!

One benefit to working with a designer, is having a friend to see you through life’s many changes. A relationship that may start with a nursery can develop into finishing off the basement to create a playroom, or adding a bathroom to manage a house full of teenagers.

Here’s a super cute kid’s room I just whipped up

Spring is just around the corner — and not a moment too soon. After another dreary New England winter, I have a serious craving for color. Delicate and subtle shades are all well and good, but right now I want bold, delicious, breath-taking color. Below are a few designs to help shake those winter blues. Enjoy!

Shown are images from Domino and desiretoinspire.blogspot.com - love them!

There is no doubt about it — I’m crazy for furniture, chairs especially. The form, color, and texture of a beautiful design is enough to elicit a reaction most women may experience with chocolate or shoes. In order to achieve my daily fix, I save delicious, to-die-for designs as my desktop wallpaper. This morning I thought I would share the joy of my current display with you. I LOVE IT!

Colorful arrangement of Executive Chairs (designed by Eero Saarinen, produced by Knoll).

Stay tuned… more fantastic furnishings are on their way!