In this case it is on the list but the necessities have been bought and we are ready to go. We are going to decorate a Ginger Bread Train. I was thinking about a Christmas date night and walking thru Walmart and I saw options for gingerbread building. I wasn’t sure if my boyfriend would be down for a whole house so I went with a train instead.
My boyfriend loves anything nostalgic but we seem to vary on what that is. He loves his games, cartoons and of course Pokemon. I on the other hand love carving pumpkins, decorating cookies and skating. Its like we are opposites in the way we grew up and he missed out on the normal, or what I consider normal, holiday things.
We had so much fun carving pumpkins this year, which he also hadn’t done since age 10, that I want to give him that fun and wonder with decorating a ginger bread train and having Christmas snacks til we burst, with White Christmas in the back ground. Its a Christmas date and a winter thing. I hope that we can squeeze a snow day in there before winter is over. I bet he hasn’t thrown a snowball in forever. 🙂
Spread some love and cheer this year and try out those fun holiday things that you say you grew out of. You can never grow out of fun. Merry Christmas!
Are you tired of your dull and boring kitchen? Do you want to give it a fresh and exciting look? Well, you’re in luck! Here are some simple yet effective tips to spice up your kitchen. Pun intended.
1. Add a Pop of Color
If you have glass doors on your cabinets, why not paint the back or add some wallpaper? This will instantly add a pop of color and personality to your kitchen. Choose a color or pattern that complements the overall theme of your kitchen and watch it come to life.
2. Upgrade Your Backsplash
If you’re not a fan of painted backsplashes, consider adding a tile or metallic backsplash. This will give your kitchen a modern and sophisticated look. You can even go for a luxurious marble backsplash if you want to add a touch of elegance. The options are endless, so choose something that suits your style and preferences.
3. Temporary Backsplash Options
Don’t want to commit to a permanent backsplash? No problem! There are peel and stick backsplash options available in the market. These are easy to install and remove, making them perfect for renters or those who like to change things up frequently. Explore different patterns and designs to find the one that speaks to you.
4. Illuminate Your Cabinets
Add some cabinet lighting to your upper cabinets or even on the toe kick. This will not only provide functional lighting but also create a warm and inviting ambiance in your kitchen. There are several types out there, commonly puck lights or strip lights, depending on the look you are going for. Choose LED lights for energy efficiency and opt for warm white or cool white depending on the mood you want to set. And if you are feeling fun or like something extra try RGB LED lights and enjoy the rainbow settings.
Black Kitchen Cabinets with Granite Counter-Top. Corner Part
5. Find a Statement Light Fixture
A colorful light fixture can instantly become the focal point of your kitchen. Look for one with colored glass or a unique design that adds a touch of personality. Whether you choose a bold pendant light or a chandelier, make sure it complements the overall style of your kitchen and adds that wow factor. You can even go with a metallic that could match your hardware.
6. Upgrade Your Hardware
Don’t underestimate the power of hardware in transforming the look of your kitchen. Consider changing up the handles or knobs on your cabinets and drawers. Opt for matte finishes for a sleek and modern look or go for decorative handles to add a touch of elegance. This small change can make a big difference in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen.
So, there you have it! These simple tips can help you spice up your kitchen and make it a place you love spending time in. Remember, it’s all about adding your personal touch and creating a space that reflects your style and personality. Happy decorating!
The other day, a friend asked me what my definition of a two toned room is. There are a few different versions out there. Different ways to create, using two colors, using trims or chair rails, adding cutouts etc. Unique styles range from formal and elegant such as in a dedicated dining room or office to adding a bright and fun secondary accent color.
A very simple way to create a two tone room is to divide the walls by using a decorative trim, using two materials for above and below. Usually, the trim is positioned at 1/3 or 2/3 of the room’s height and creates a border. The base can be painted, paneled, dimensioned with picture moldings or even wall papered if so desired. Often times, the trim and base is painted in a bright white, however natural and stained woods can also be used. The function and style of the room will determine the color scheme.
Many clients will choose a neutral color pallet and will pull colors in that same family, working within the different shade levels. To ground rooms while using a chair rail, a mid tone to dark rich color is chosen for the base. The upper color is one to three shades lighter than the base, essentially moving up the color card. As you can see in this room, there are two shades difference between base and upper walls.
Moldings can be added to the base in many different styles. They can be painted white, accented picture framed, paneled and even use wainscoting. Here are a few examples.
Sometimes, builders will create cutouts or recesses in the walls that can become perfect opportunities to two tone. Alcoves, tv or fireplace recess can be different color paint or can be enclosed by cabinetry giving off two tone looks.
Believ it or not, wall paper is making a comeback. There are a variety of styles from full floor to ceiling prints, half wall murals and accent images, some can even be custom printed. Advancements with wallpaper include less surface prep as adhesives are better, they are easier to work with for the everyday home owner, and some are peelable and removable if a client is in a temporary living situation such as in an apartment. Below are some examples.
Two toned in its most basic form is creating a divide with the use of color. It is not limited to dividing horizontally as you can also vertically divide a space, I personally am a fan of contrast and bright, intense colors. You can see in these images how a simple clean line of paint transforms a room.
I know that there are more ways out there to create a unique two toned design. I do hope however that this brief post will help get your ideas going. Change up the look of your room or your hallway, add in that divider or wallpaper. I hope that as I continue to help customers color their walls I will have examples of my work posted here for you to enjoy. In the mean time, don’t be afraid to experiment, Distracted Damsel signing off.
The Distracted Damsel 