We often talk about what we want to accomplish in a weekend or the projects we’d like to tackle… if you’re looking for some change, but don’t want to commit to more than a weekend then here are a few projects to get you going!

1. Redo your front door… find a great pop of colour to change your curb appeal.  Ask your Color Company staff to suggest the right finish for your door. Check out the colour Schmooze from PARA as an option. (Love me a red front door)
2. Update your window treatments; take the standard store bought panels you have and put your creative juices to work. Add some extra material to change the look.
3. Update your kitchen cabinets; if you’re looking for a quick and cheap reno this is a great route to take.  With a coat of paint and an update to your hardware you’ll give your space a whole new look.
4. Refresh your bedroom; here’s your chance to give your space some new personality.  Consider a fresh coat of paint, something new and different from what you currently have. Step outside of that box!  Next look at getting some new bedding and unique lighting to change up your space.
5. Update your bookcases.  This is more about organizing & arranging, but adding a pop of colour on the back is a great way to bring some additional colour to the space. Remember book shelves are not just for books… try adding some decorative elements to break up the space.
6. Millwork… yes adding or upgrading moulding with baseboards or crown moulding can really elevate a room.
7. Dress up your space with mirrors… mirrors will definitely give the illusion of more space in your room. A symmetrical arrangement stand out for both its space-enlarging reflections & its graphic symmetry.
8. Tile your backsplash… if you’re looking for a quick kitchen reno and to add some sophistication to your space then consider a great backsplash.
9. Paint fun stripes… pick a wall and add some colour. Depending on your current wall colour you may want to choose only one colour, however for those of you who are looking for a bit more of a risk then consider two or three. Just remember painting the stripes isn’t the tough part, but it is important to take the time to prep.  This way you can pull off a strong stripe.
10. How about a mantel reno? This is more about a fresh coat of paint and revamping your accessories.
11. Create a custom shelf… consider your entryway, bathroom or a bedroom. There are many pre fabricated shelves to use but give it your own twist. Pick a decorative theme that speaks to you or your family.
12. Who doesn’t love a home office?  Visit your local office supply store and pick up your fun & colourful organization tools. Make this space all about you and having it function for yours or your families needs.
13. Pictures… put together a family gallery or a stairway gallery to bring a personal touch to your space.  When you’re creating galleries the key is to use the same colour of frame. Feel free to pick different shapes and sizes.
14. Make a new headboard…one idea, take two salvaged windows. These are a great alternative to the ordinary. Thinking outside the box can create a focal point you’d not previously thought of.
15. Create an instant mudroom in your front or back foyer. Start with a bench, this is a great focal point.  Add other items such as a rug (think colour), coat rack, boot tray and umbrella stand.  You might also want to consider some individual cubbies so there is space to store your gloves, scarves and other outdoor items.

Well this week we have something different for you… We thought we’d keep this blog fun, light and easy.  We’ve put together a play list all to do with colour.  Sometimes we’re looking for a new song to add to an existing play list, or sometimes it’s fun to bring something back that we use to listen to.  Enjoy a little colourful inspiration! (We’ve included the links to some Youtube clips to get you started.)

Spring projects are just around the corner. Time for a fresh coat of paint for the kitchen, bathroom or the master bedroom.  Maybe you’re building a new deck or bringing the old one back to life.  Here’s your opportunity to save a bit of cash… on Saturday April 28 and Sunday April 29 you’ll have the opportunity to save up to 50% off both PARA & Coronado by Benjamin Moore.

Perhaps you’ve not picked your colours or the project has just been dropped in your lap but you don’t want to miss this sale.  No problem stop by, purchase your paint and we’ll tint it later. Does it get any better… (well maybe if someone did the work for you)

Visit one of the below locations and let our paint & colour experts get you ready for your spring projects.

It’s that time of year again in London; time for The London Spring Home and Garden Show taking place from Friday April 20- Sunday April 22. It’s time to Be Inspired, Informed & Entertained. It’s the great big show that happens once a year, in one place and is your chance to experience it all at one time.

ON THE MAIN STAGE

Beyond managing one of Canada’s largest and most successful RE/MAX franchises, Jodi Gilmour is the celebrated host of HGTV’s new hit property series FOR RENT now in its fourth season.
Widely recognized for her professionalism, resources and winning charm, Jodi’s experience and warmth set her apart from the competition. And, whether she’s representing her clients, mentoring sales agents or connecting with viewers, Jodi’s goal is the same: “I am committed to improving their quality of life” she says.
FOR RENT’s real estate agent and rental expert, Jodi Gilmour, reveals her top tips on performing a magazine-worthy makeover on a dime! Jodi demonstrates how to find a home’s hidden potential and how to optimize even the trickiest layouts. Discover the best ways to get fantastic results with a minimal investment along the way!

Sharon Grech is the Colour and Design spokesperson for Benjamin Moore in Canada and has been sharing her passion for colour and home decor with Canadians on CityTV’s CityLine since 1997.
An authority on colour trends in the home, she is an active member and chairperson of the Color Marketing Group, an international colour forecasting organization.   Sharon also contributes to the Benjamin Moore Colour Pulse Team that researches colour & design trends to produce the company’s annual Colour Pulse a global trend report for architects and designers.
Sharon believes that colour is the most affordable and influential factor to creating harmony in the home. With her lively “hands on approach”, Sharon demystifies colour theory and demonstrates how colour can unify any space – inside and out – appealing to all budgets and personal styles.

ABOUT THE SHOW

In it’s 36nd year, this is southwestern Ontario’s largest home, renovating, gardening, landscaping and lifestyle Show. When you attend you’ll have the opportunity to get fresh & innovative ideas from the ultimate showcase in indoor and outdoor living. This is THE event for you and your home! Whatever your home improvement project, you will find everything you need to remodel, redecorate or create exciting and practical living spaces indoors and out!  Take advantage of the opportunity to see and speak with professionals from a massive selection of the area’s finest home improvement, renovation, gardening and landscape companies all in one place at one time.  Bring your ideas, plans and questions and get the expert advice you need. See the latest in products, services and technology – many with special Show pricing.  If you like your home, you will love the Show because it’s the ultimate showcase for indoor and outdoor living. It’s more than just a home show – it’s where ideas come to life!
It’s the Great Big Show where Spring happens first!

SHOW HOURS

Friday April 20             12pm – 9pm

Saturday April 21         10am – 8pm

Sunday April 22            11am – 5pm

LOCATION

Western Fair District
316 Rectory at York,
London ONTARIO

IDEA STAGE

UPDATE YOUR LIVING SPACE WITH THE LATEST COLOUR TRENDS – Idea Stage Saturday April 21, 12 pm & 3pm

PARKING – IT’S FREE

Black and White

The most classic colour scheme of all — black and white — is inherently sleek and sophisticated. What we love most is the backdrop the two colors provide for unexpected punches of colour like hot pink, electric blue or lime green. We suggest white Benjamin Moore’s Super White or PARA’ Chrysler Hall White because these whites don’t change tone with other colours and they remain a true white.

Black & White

Orange and Blue

Like all of the classic combinations shown here, varying shades of these colours work well together. Here, orangey coral is an equally bright counterpoint to teal blue. ‘A neutral, like black, paired with a colour allows the colour to shine without overwhelming the viewer.

Orange & Teal

Red and Gold

Often found to be paired with deep green, these colours were used in many Victorian, Tudor and Renaissance-era homes. Red was a favourite for dining rooms in particular, giving dinner guests a warm feel in the days before central heating. Today, the combination evokes a rustic, Italian vibe.

Red & Gold

Robin’s Egg Blue, Yellow and Cream

Although it dates back to the French courts of Louis XI and Louis XIV, this airy palette could easily be expanded to include baby soft pinks, lavenders and hues of celery greens. These trio of colours are a staple for romantic French country and shabby chic interiors.

Robin's Egg Blue & Yellow

Green and Yellow

We often find that as in most classic colour combo’s these colour are borrowed from nature.  Case in point: yellow and green, reminiscent of sun and plants. If nature is pairing colours together then we know that they’ll work… blue and brown from a creek and naturally the green & yellow we’re looking at now.  Since there isn’t just one yellow and one green, the combination can create many different effects. Use the two as a base, and then add a third and a fourth colour to the mix.

Green & Yellow

Pink and Green

Bright colours were briefly popular during the mid-1800s, but it was mid-20th-century homemakers who really made them famous. Modern Baroque style and the bold use of colours like hot pink, apple green and turquoise were exemplar of the era.  Definitely spot on to the trends we’re seeing this year. But something that if done right can take you through the next few years.

Benjamin Moore 550 ~ Hot Pink

Green and Blue

Blue and green combos can go one of two ways; traditional or very modern.A traditional version could include, accenting an apple green sofa with a light blue throw and matching trim on the custom window cornices. The blue and green could work well together because they are analogous colours of similar intensity.  For a more modern feel, deepen the intensity to kelly green and navy. (Who doesn’t love a great navy!)

Green & Blue

Earth Tones

As the name implies, these colours are derived from earthy elements like rock, water and sky. Stick to this palette for a more neutral colour scheme or add ‘natural’ accents in brilliant floral or plant shades for a punch of colour. Earth tones although popular are a go to comfort for many home owners.  It’s a safe palette that also settles many colour arguments.

Earth Tones

With Easter less than a week away we thought we’d provide a few ideas for this weekend. A craft for the kids, a great recipe for your friends and or family and a fun but easy centre piece for your table.

TIME TO GET CRAFTY

When the most humble of art supplies meets the shell of a just-boiled egg, the crayon wax softens, and the colors swirl together in a magical way. The results are fast, fun, and gorgeous.

• white eggs
• tongs

• empty egg carton
• crayons

1. Hard-boil white eggs. Remove them from the hot water with tongs or a slotted spoon, dry them, and rest them in an empty egg carton or on plastic bottle caps (an adult’s job).
2.  Color them with the crayons’ tips or remove the paper coverings and use the crayons’ sides. For a speckled effect, grate a crayon and sprinkle the bits over the eggs. The waxy eggs are very slippery, so take care when turning them to color the underside.
3. When you’re done coloring, leave them to dry for about an hour.

HUNGRY YET?

How about brunch… here’s a great drink and tasty treat for your company to enjoy. (Compliments of www.marthastewart.com)

Time for some Mimosa’

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons orange flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
• Prosecco, chilled
• Fresh mint leaf

Directions

1. In a Champagne flute, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, and liqueur. Fill with Prosecco. Garnish with mint leaf and serve immediately.

Now what about something sweet… Cinnamon Bites

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon active dry yeast (from two 1/4-ounce envelopes)
• 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus 1/2 stick, melted, and more for dish
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• Vanilla Glaze

Directions

1. Pour water into the bowl of a stand mixer. Sprinkle yeast evenly over water, and let stand until foamy, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk until smooth, then whisk in 1/2 cup flour to form a loose paste. Let rise in a warm place until yeast mixture has risen and fallen, about 30 minutes.
2. Add eggs, 1/4 cup sugar, salt, and remaining flour to yeast mixture. Knead dough, using dough hook attachment on mixer, until smooth, 4 to 5 minutes.
3. Add 1 stick butter, and knead until dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes (add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky). Turn out dough onto an unfloured work surface, and knead by hand until very smooth, about 3 minutes. Transfer dough to another bowl, and let rise in a warm place, covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Punch down dough; press out air bubbles.
4. Lightly butter a 9-inch pie plate or 9-inch square glass baking dish. Place melted butter in a bowl. Stir together remaining 1 cup sugar and the cinnamon in another bowl.
5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls (you should have about 45). Working with 1 at a time, dip balls into melted butter, then roll in cinnamon sugar and place in pie plate. Stack balls to form a dome. Sprinkle with any remaining cinnamon sugar, and drizzle with any leftover butter. Cover with plastic wrap, and let balls rise by half, about 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap balls, and place pie plate on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and firm, and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Let bites cool in dish 15 minutes, then drizzle with glaze.

 TIME FOR SOME PRETTY

Hollowed-out eggshells make naturally beautiful vases for tiny flower arrangements. Break an egg at the top of its shell, drain the contents, and carefully rinse out the inside. Next, fill the empty shell with room-temperature water and place it in an eggcup for stability. Finally, insert small cuttings of your favorite blossoms (we used lilacs, lily of the valley, and violas). Individually or grouped together in a centerpiece, these tiny arrangements make a wonderful addition to the place settings at your table.

“Life lived in black & white is not a life lived.Today I choose color – to see it, to feel it, to be in it, to be upon it, and to live a life surrounded by it. Today, I put on a fresh coat.” ~Benjamin Moore

For those of you who follow paint trends and what each brand is doing I’m sure you’ve not missed the new approach that Benjamin Moore has taken in their most recent ad campaign.  Bright, fun, bold and relating back to personality. Putting a face to the brand and in  a playful and exciting way.

As we enter into the spring/summer season where colour is all around us, this campaign comes just at the right time to inspire. Who doesn’t want to add a splash of 14 Carrot or Mystical Grape to our life. The way these images were designed brings a fresh new look at putting paint on your walls. Visit Benjamin Moore’s Color & Design Centre to find your colour transformation.

For a sneak peak at their transforming colours and exciting personality click on this link Benjamin Moore Transform

Tips to Win

Get Creative– Create memorable color names and tell us why you choose the colour names you have.

Start Early – Submit early and begin sharing your submission with others. You may get a head start and begin collecting votes before the official voting stage.

It’s A Group Effort – Share your story with your friends! Build a group to help your submission go viral!

Device Compatibility – Due to mobile interface restrictions with Facebook, the Contest King™ can only display from a home computer. Let people know they must be on their home computer to vote/participate!

Share it! – Let your social network on Facebook or through email know about your participation. You can share your post with the “share” button located below your vote meter.

Most important – good luck and have fun!

For those of you in the London area, look no further than your own back yard to The Children’s Museum.  Each day this week join in the March Break fun with cookie decorating 10am until supplies last, and face painting 10:30am-11:30am and 1:30pm-2:30pm.  They’ll also have a different Smart Art every day 10am-4pm, and balloon animals from 3pm-4pm.  Visit www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca to get all the daily details on what there is to do.

Next why not check out the Kinsmen Sugar Bush. Enjoy their guided tours, hay rides & demonstrations. Buy fresh maple syrup and other maple products, and visit the sugar shack and pancake pavilion for delicious pancakes, sausages and pure maple syrup. Come and see the improvements made for the 2012 season!  They’re open every day this week from 9-4 with the last tour at 3:30 **Just a quick reminder that they except cash only. If you have any other questions call them at 519-461-1073 and they’ll be happy to help.

Looking for some glow in the dark fun? Check out Fleetway …bowling, glow in the dark mini put and more. Click here for all your March Break Deals. Lanes are open every day and there’s lots of fun for kids and adults alike. You’ll find them at 720 Proudfoot Lane in London, ON.  Call 519-472-9310 x0 for bowling reservations.

Looking for a few things to do in the GTA? Why not visit the Ontario Science Centre or Spring Fling at the Rogers Centre:

Spring Fling is Canada’s largest indoor carnival which returns to Rogers Centre for a seven-day run through March Break 2012. Spring Fling is your solution to the question, “what should we do with the kids this March Break?” Enjoy midway fun with rides, family entertainment on the Children’s Stage, and interact with 26 exotic animals with Reptilia.

All-Day Ride Pass for only $20.00 (2 years and older)/ No Ride Pass: $10.00
Save 25% and double your Family’s Fun and attend Family Fun Fair along with Spring Fling for only $30.00

Visit www.springflingfun.com for all info and to plan your day!

The Ontario Science Centre is offering something for everyone… check out an IMAX film and learn about something new while taking an adventure or exploring something new. Discover da Vinci, magic or the super dogs and so much more… Toronto’s Ontario Science Centre has it all! Located at 770 Don Mills Road, Toronto ON  it’s another great activity for both you and the children.  March Break equals more time for science.

Hopefully some of these activities will help you fill your week before the kids head back to school! Have fun!

1. Colourful boxes with lids from IKEA (VAMMEN) $4.99 -These boxes are perfect for storing your desk accessories, hair clips, jewelry or other small items. 2.Fun bright popping red shelf from IKEA (LACK) $59.99 – This narrow shelf helps you use small wall space effectively by accommodating small items in a minimum of space. 3. Spring Striped Doormat from Crate & Barrel (30 x 18) $23.81 4. Marimekko Sateenkaari Green & Blue Melamine Plate from Crate & Barrel $8.73 (per plate) 5.  Lacoste Crocobayadere Towel from The Bay $29.99 A bold striped crocodiles on plush velour are ready for the beach or pool. 6. Add something fun to your fashion accessories with MICHAEL Michael Kors Jet Set Travel, Small Travel Tote in Sun $228.00 7. Kitchenaid artisan available at The Bay & Home Outfitters $449 regular price, watch for SALES from $275 to $382.