Seasons Blog

Apothecary Jars

Glass Apothecary Jars are still one of our favorite decorating accents. Modeled after those used for centuries to store dried herbs, these containers are available in a wide array of shapes and sizes. They become a decorative focal point in a variety of settings - on a kitchen island, countertop, hall table, fireplace mantle or in a bathroom.

It's always a fun project to change out the contents with each season, and we are always coming up with new, creative ways to fill them - sand and shells, bath salts, soaps, acorns, pinecones, faux fruits, ornaments, candy... the list is endless.

 

            

For Halloween, we created a whimsical assortment of jars filled with candy. To keep with the traditional colors of the holiday, we used candy corn, black licorice, white & orange gum balls, and ghost & pumpkin peeps. Most of this candy can be found in your grocery store - just be open minded, pick your color pallette and have some fun!

4 Halloween Myths Debunked

Halloween is associated with more skin-crawling superstitions and myths than any other holiday. Here are a few that peeked my curiosity...

Spiders
	Historically, spiders were known as the weavers of people’s fates and connecting the past with the future. Legends say if you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved one watching over you.
Black Cats
	“If a black cat crosses your path you will have bad luck.” Black cats were seen as companions of witches, and many Pilgrims believed that witches often transformed themselves into black cats to avoid death. The ancient Egyptians venerated black cats and treated them as royalty. I am an owner of a black cat named “Boo” (or should I say she owns me…) and she definitely leads a royal life!
Number 13
	This number became associated with Halloween because there are 13 witches in a Witches Coven. In many hotels and skyscrapers, there is no 13th floor. Most airplanes have no seat No. 13. In Italy, they usually leave out 13 in numbering the lottery tickets. Thirteen for dinner? Not in France. A party of thirteen can hire a professional quatorzieme, a fourteenth person, from an agency. In some big hospitals, there is no Operating Room 13, to spare the patient added anxiety being wheeled into Room 13.
Broken Mirror
	“Break a mirror and face 7 years of bad luck”. Many cultures believed that a mirror had the power to confiscate part of the user's soul, and their soul would be trapped inside the bizarre world the mirror represented. Personally, I would use it as a great excuse to go shopping for a new mirror for my home!

Color Trends for 2012

As in fashion, home décor follows color trends that are always evolving. These ever-evolving colors often reflect the feeling of what is happening in our environment and in our world. Here is a short summary of the trends for the coming year that will help you with your next decorating project.

• Black is the new black

• The palatte is similar to the “Escape” trend in 2011, but a bit bolder for 2012.

• Neutrals will be cooler – grays and slate colors

• Pink and purple undertones will be strong

• Camel & Khaki become the new neutrals upon which richer hues can be layered as accents

• Metallics and pearlized colors will continue to be strong

• Gold will begin to make a comeback, but with more of a satin finish

• Bronze and silver will remain strong

Paint color can have the most dramatic effect on your space, and it is the least expensive way to update your home. Benjamin Moore has added some intriguing new colors to their 2012 paint palette. Here are some key color-family trends along with the Benjamin Moore color name.

Red: Walls and furnishings may see a range of feminine reds and oranges, all the way to softer vintage pink tones (soft, blush). Some highlighted Ben Moore colors: Candy Cane Red, Potpourri.

Yellow: The 2012 yellows will be sunny and golden, sometimes even in a lacquered shine vs. the previously seen matte finishes. Luminous blonde tones, honey and gold will also emerge. Look for colors like Baby Chick, Hollywood Gold or Metallic Gold at one end of the spectrum and more neutral tones like Subtle, Buttercream Pearl and Turmeric or Bronze Metallic.

Green: Beautiful green will move to crisper shades, some teal-tinged but also safari and camouflage tones. Forecasters are pointing toward colors like Fresh Scent Green, Pear Green or Winchester Sage to Dark Olive and Harbour Town.

Blue: The blue story will be one influenced by water and air... but more saturated than in previous years. Look for charcoal and blackened navy hues. A few colors of importance: Palm Coast Teal, Old Glory, Serenata and also deeper tones like Deep Ocean, Mysterious and Gentlemen's Gray.

 

 

Print out this blog and take it with you as you have fun planning your next painting and decorating project.