Title: GMT
Location: WFAA Channel 8
Link out: Click here
Description: Tune into Good Morning Texas this Friday as we show how one family’s design wishes came true in this fabulous family room. Learn how we made their favorite fabric co-ordinate with their chosen color palette for some truly custom draperies!
Start Time: 09:00
Date: 2008-09-26
End Time: 10:00

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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!

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·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)

Dear Shay,
I want to turn an upstairs bedroom into a ladies study with a small desk and lamp etc.  If there is no bed in the room what do you use for an anchor piece?
-Trisha

Trisha,
First, think of the room as a study, not a bedroom.  Make the desk the anchor piece for your room. I would use a writing desk; one that is open at the bottom. If you use a desk that is closed in, it will be very hard to balance the room in a small space because closed bottom desks have a very heavy feel to them. Try angling the desk in the room in one corner & place a small club chair across from it. If you have the room, you could place a floor lamp & small end table beside the club chair & use it as a place for reading. You could also use a small desk lamp on the writing desk. Adding built in bookshelves would offer you a great place to store office supplies (have the cabinet maker build doors across the bottom of the built in) & display treasured mementos.  Adding french doors could really help define the room as a home office, but could also get expensive.  If you have the room in your budget, go for it!  To finish off the room, dress the windows with some draperies in a pleasing feminine print & add a few accessories & some art or framed family photos.  Happy decorating!
-Shay

Today’s Design Dilemma:  Ideas for creating a peaceful master bedroom retreat

Calming colors of gold & green chosen in soothing tones create a peaceful retreat for this master bedroom.  Drama is present with the high contrast of the dark rich woods with the cool tones of the color palette.  The 4 poster bed draws your eye up and makes quite a statement in the room.  Keep it simple on the accessories.  Too much clutter will take away from the restful atmosphere.  Use sleek silver photo frames on nightstands to showcase family photos.  Black & white photos would keep in line with the clean sophisticated look of the room & also offer a classic touch to your decor.    We’ve dressed the windows with simple drapery panels hung on fabulous rich wood rods & rings for a clean sophisticated look.  A small straight lined club chair & end table were added to define a sitting area for the room.  No rug is needed since the flooring that was chosen is a high quality neutral carpet with a sturdy pad.