O happy day!!!  O happy day!!!  Check this out!  OMG, I am having a blast playing around with my latest iphone app.  Paint selection just got a little easier thanks to Benjamin Moore.  That right.  You guessed it.  They have actually created an app that helps you select paints from their line to use in your home or next design project.  It’s super easy to use & best of all, wait for it…..  IT’S FREE!!!

There has been a bit of controversy surrounding the accuracy of the helpful paint selection tool.  The arguement is that the colors you see on your iphone screen or computer are not compatible to real life.  Thus, making it nearly impossible to select color correct hues for your project.

I’ve played around with it for a week or so now & I’d have to say that overall I’m really excited about it.  It sure beats flipping thru a paint deck.  I captured photos of a few fabrics with my iphone & then used them in the Benjamin Moore app to help select a few paint options.  I’m already pretty familiar with their line of paints, so choosing from their suggestions was not difficult for me.  Even with the app, I still feel strongly that you should ALWAYS sample at least 3 options.  Paint looks remarkably different in your room than it does on a paint chip, or in today’s technology advanced world ~ an iphone app.  My vote ~ thumbs up!!!

The Benjamin Moore iphone app ben® Color Capture™ is available in the itunes store.

I am in love, love, love with this look.  I am SO into color & this definitely emanates color!  As a matter of fact, this room consists of all of my favorite colors.  All of the color experts are proclaiming that 2009 is the year of bright colors.  This look nails it.

When I grow up, I want my master bedroom to look like this!  Seriously.  The whole look is very artsy & says “look at me”, but in a tasteful way.  The hot pink chairs combined with the cool water blue chest and celery green walls are to die for.  I’m guessing that the inspiration for this room was the art.  It reminds me of a fabulous sculpted oil painting that my parents own that consists of every color in the spectrum.  I’ve loved that piece since I was a child.  I’ve always teased my mom that if it turned up missing, she’d know where to find it.  A piece of art like this is always a great place to start.  The possibilities are endless.  You really could go in just about any direction.

In my opinion, the look is flawlessly pulled together.  It’s busy with color, but free of clutter.  The art ties it all together in a perfect little bow.  It makes me want to jump start my master bedroom makeover!

Today on GMT, we’re talking paint!  If you want to avoid one of the biggest mistakes people make when decorating their homes, then take note:  SAMPLE YOUR PAINT COLORS BEFORE YOU COMMITT!

Watch the segment here!

·1) 2 ways to sample paint: a) paint directly onto the wall or b) use plastic or foam sample boards made for sampling paint. These poster-like plastic sample boards can be picked up at most paint stores. I got these from Benjamin Moore for $2.99 a sheet. I cut them in half to be able to sample more colors, but if you want to make a larger sample just use it as is. The larger the sample is, the easier it is to visualize in the room, but I think they are still big enough even if you cut them in half.

·2) Tester set & mini-pots: These innovative “tester sets” can also be purchased at Benjamin Moore. They are completely re-usable. All you have to do is wash them out immediately after finishing your sample. Benjamin Moore has also created these mini-pots as a more cost effective way for people to test their paint colors before they buy. This keeps you from having to buy a quart of paint. They are available in most of their popular colors, but not their entire line. Benjamin Moore has nearly 4,000 different colors to choose from.

·3) Analyze one color at a time. Don’t hold up multiple sample boards to compare. Look at each sample individually & compare with how it looks with your fabrics, flooring & trim.

·4) Just because a paint color looked great in your neighbor’s house doesn’t mean that it will look good in your house. There are many factors that can change the look of paint from room to room. (i.e natural light, room dimension, trim & flooring colors & fabrics used in a room)

Today on Good Morning Texas we discussed new techniques in paint finishes for your home.  All of the gorgeous samples I used were provided by my good friends at Artifax.  We’ve worked with them for over 15 years & let me tell you …. they are incredible!  Kris Perry is a true artist & her work is just awe-inspiring.  Her husband James is a master at Venetian and other plaster techniques.

These techniques are not for the novice painter.  They are incredibly labor intensive!  The team at Artifax have spent years perfecting these techniques.  They are the crew to be copied!  Copying is the sincerest form of flattery, but do NOT try this at home yourself!  You will be thoroughly disappointed, not to mention exhausted.  This is one area where you definitely want to call in the professionals!

Kris Perry
214-636-1104
www.artifax.us
artifax_p2@yahoo.com

Top Photo:  Inganno Fresco
Middle Photo: Antiqued cabinets sample board showcasing a variety of colors
Bottom:  Tin ceiling tile featuring 4 different faux colors & techniques

Click here to learn more by watching this GMT segment!