After going through countless paint samples, I decided on Simply White by Benjamin Moore.

Here is the space I am working with.  

PAINT COLOR

For the Bench:

Wall Vase:

That's it!!
One project down!!

 After the paint dried I put everything in place and started to decorate.  

Fresh cut daffodils in mason jars hang from the wall vase.

A blue pillow softens the bench

 An area rug offers a soft place to put shoes on.

Baskets for storage

Our sweet Molly girl always ready for a photo opp.

Simply White is the perfect refresh for spring!  

 How about you?  

Are you thinking of a spring refresh with white paint?

FURNITURE BEFORE PAINT:

Buy furniture pieces first!  Choosing your inspiration pieces first makes it easier to find paint that will work with your furniture than the other way around.  Buy paint samples instead of bringing home paint chips. Test the samples on your wall and leave them on for a few days, look at them in different lighting before you commit.

Make sure to measure your room and know the measurements of the pieces of furniture you are purchasing.  Not measuring is a common mistake and can be costly, you don't want to end up with a sofa that can't fit through your front door.  And you certainly don't want one that is too large or too small for your room.


TRAFFIC FLOW:
Avoid the common mistake of filling every square inch of a room. Traffic flow involves the ability of people and pets to move around the room. Where you place your furniture is important not only for aesthetic purposes but for safety too.  Think about the size, shape, and characteristics of the room like doorways and windows.  Also, consider what the focal point is in the space then build your room around these important factors. The best way is to create a floor plan on paper to determine the best spot for furniture placement.



HANGING ART:
Here are a few things to consider before hammering that first nail into your wall.  Hang your art prints at eye level.  Most people make the mistake of hanging art too high.

Make sure the prints are the focal point and not the frame. Use similar frames for all the prints in the room.

Size is key!  A Large piece looks best when hung on an open wall, but a smaller one can get lost up there. Instead, opt for a small section of a wall for small pieces, or group them together to form a gallery wall with other works of similar sizes.





COLOR:
The right color palette is the key to a well-designed room. Pick one or two colors from your inspiration piece and let that be the main color palette for the room.  Use secondary colors as accent colors, for example, pops of navy or forest green in an abstract pillow can be used in throw blankets, solid pillows, or artwork. Think 90% white and 10% color.

Common mistakes when choosing wall color are: Forgetting about natural light and choosing a paint color that is too bright. You need to paint color tests on your wall in swatches, in areas of direct light and shadow to get a real sense of how the color will look.









COMFORT MATTERS: 

Comfortable furniture is a must!  Too many people buy furniture that looks beautiful but is impractical for everyday use. No one wants to lounge on a hard sofa or linger around the dining table sitting in a hard or stiff chair. If you want to foster relaxation make sure your seating is comfortable and can take the wear and tear of daily use.

Looking for ideas on how to update your home without renovations?  Click Here to read that article.