Taming The Trends...Paint

One of my newest design elements...Brushed Suede Paint on Ceilings. The textured trend adds so much wow, but without distracting from my other favorite design elements such as the two story rock fireplace and exposed beams. It just enhances the other features.

I guess it's safe to say I am not a creature of habit...I love change! That's how I know I am made to be a homebuilder. Homebuilders must be able to be Madonna. Change...Adjust...Evolve...and I believe the key to success is making sure you do it first!

BUT...most people do not like change. They must slowly be introduced in new things. In this world you can't get too far ahead of the trends either. I try to incorporate new things, but never at the expense of all the other things I normally do. I basically try to enhance, not recreate the wheel. A Taming of the Trends so to speak...

Another New Crush....Limewashed Woodwork. Love it...the blog world can't get enough...but I will work this in by still keeping my signature warm colors, keeping what works for me now, but also appreciating how well it can adapt and change when someone wants a new look in 10 years. In this case, the trend is actually timeless.

I am always very busy overseeing the construction sites- keeping everyone on track, on budget, and on time, but I also invest huge chunks of time (mostly late into the night) studying my craft. I am always looking for something new and different I can incorporate into my homes...I have two computers filled with blog pictures and floorplan samples, my office is littered with old At Home in Arkansas, House Beautiful, Veranda, etc. publications...some over 10-15 years old! Those Post-It Notes Flags?...why didn't I think of those??? I should have bought stock in the company I use so many of those darn things to mark anything from a paint color to a landscape bush to a brick design. It may be four years down the road, but I will create that koi pond I just saw at the last hotel I stayed at. It will be perfect for the right yard and home somewhere down the line...and I will have 31 different angle shots of it when the time comes!

I am a house junkie...I just can't get enough...I will drive 2 hours one way to look at paint samples I can't get my hands on anywhere closer because they called and have a dozen new colors. I guess in a nutshell you can say I love the hunt. The hunt to find the next thing to make people ooo and ahh over. Burt hunts deer and duck...I hunt design.

Ahhh....one of my favorite obsessions..Chalkboard Walls. It's very right now, but the functionality outweighs the funkiness. The paint is recently being made into tintable colors to blend into your current colors, but I'm a sucker for the classic school green and the bold black. I also love this look because it needs nothing but chalk and imagination to create whatever look and function you need from it.

Since we build in such a wide price range, I try to look for details that could be incorporated in a home of any price or size. Things such as the paint techniques I shared with you above.

I plan to continue this post with other design trend elements such as cabinets, trim, stairs, etc.

Stay tuned!