February’s birthstone is the Amethyst, which is a purple variety of the mineral quartz.  (although to be amethyst it must be purple , however it can come in many different shades)     

It’s believed that the word amethyst comes from the greek word ‘amethystos’ meaning sober. Amethystos is the god of wine and it was common practice to serve wine in amethyst goblets in belief it would prevent over indulgence.

For those who are giving the gift of amethyst it is symbolic of protection and the power to overcome difficulty.  It’s said to strengthen the bond in a love relationship.  For years it was a popular choice for anniversary gifts.

The colour of purple that you see in amethyst is traditionally the colour of royalty and amethysts have been used since the beginning of history to adorn the rich and powerful monarchs/rulers.  Purple was reserved for the powerful, with only blue and gold paint valued more highly, (these were the traditional dominant colours of the madonna’s robe, and the golden holy halos. the bystanding kings wore purple, as do monarchs and senior religious figures today.)  It wasn’t until 1856 that purple dye was synthesised, and could be cheaply produced. William Henry Perkins was trying to synthesise quinine, (a medicine for malaria) and accidentally produced the first chemical pigment. It happened to be purple…

Purple will continue to be a strong colour presence in home decor throughout 2012 and the word amethyst will be a word used to describe this purple trend.  There are so many different hues of this colour that you can choose between ‘rich & regal’ and ‘pale & delicate’.

This year you’ll find some great inspiration from rooms such as the above…. you’ll have great colour choices such as PARA’ Vixen (P5094-63), Dark Orchid (P5096-73) or Moulin Rouge (P5097-73) or if you’re looking for perhaps the softer side of what amethyst has to offer then you can try PARA’ Shopoholic (P5100-41D) or Spring Lilac (P5099-34D).  You’ll also see some fabulous accessories and furniture in this great amethyst tone.

So although February is all about the amethyst… looks like you’ll have plenty of amethyst throughout 2012.  Personally I’m also looking forward to the softer shades that will be making their way into our wardrobes this spring/summer.

The first palette is one that is alive & playful! Digital is a palette that is charged with modern greys, blacks and reds; but brings a luminous energy that inspires ones creative clarity.  This palette delivers high speed hues that give sharp definition to a room’s style and sense of form and function.

Some of my favourite colours from this palette are: cleopatra P5009-52, sing time P5221-34D & tuxedo P5249-85

The second palette shows us that design trends are as global as commerce and culture. Rhythm gives us a bold and electric collection that show a strong multi cultural influence.  This is hybrid palette, a primal & evocative effect yet with a luxurious regal affair.

A few colours that jump out here are:  saffron P5055-73, lily pads P5043-73D &lustful P5150-85

The third palette; Urbanage is a well-heeled, well honed downtown chic.  City dwellers tastes in colour are more gown up, they speak to sophistication that is posh & polished.  Ambrose Price says ‘A well-designed urban space should reflect the character of the city’, and PARA definitely pulls this through in this palette.

Personally this is my favourite palette, it has bold and strong colours combined with feminine, soft hues to balance the space. It’s the palette that also showcases some of the colours we saw on the runways for spring 2012.  Honestly you can’t go wrong with any of the colours in this palette.

• leaning tower of pisa P5167-34D
• soft lavender P5237.34
• lunch at tiffany’s P5219-24
• city scape P5219-62
• tribeca square P5207-34
• little black dress P5195-85
• yahoo P5181-24D
• ravished P5141-85

The final palette is one that showcases how we are naturally drawn to organic textures & comforting earth tones.  Inhale is a palette that shares with us both neutral & soulful, while also providing muted overtones that bathe the room with a measured calm.

Some of my favourite colours from this palette are steamed P5225-34, download P5222-83 & ocean seawall P5201-34

Looking through the palettes and the vibe they provide there really is a little something here for everyone. The main thing to take away is don’t be afraid to try a little colour. Lots to choose from ~ Happy Painting!

In one of Color Companies past blogs we discusses colour names and what’s in a name.  We know that as a general population we’re all effected by the names of the colours we’re presented with.

LOFT SPACE P5248-44D, BAY STREET BLUE P5005-63 & HIGH ROLLERS P5030-85 ~ These colours are a great selection no matter what the name; however are they better than HOLD MY HAND P5246-44, SANTORINI KISS P5007-52 &  STROLL AWAY P5029-85D? Both sets of colours offer a soft grey, bold blue and deep green… slight variations in colour but very much in the same spectrum. The only difference… the first set were named with a man in mind.

Women look at paint selection in different ways than men… they are likely to feel inspired by names such as  LUNCH AT TIFFANY’S P5219-24, GIFT OF THE GAB P5147-73 or WALKIN IN THE RAIN P5204-85. Though men can also find a connection to paint names; as long as the colour name is one that they can admit they have in their space then they’re happy.

When PARA Paints launched their last colour system about 4 years ago they took the time to look at each colour strip and give it a theme. Themes that worked for everyone; yes there are some colours for the ladies and some that were particularly chosen for the men.  Then there are so colours in-between; palettes about Greece, Italy, Photography and many more.  If you’re looking for a brown, grey, green or deep red theirs a colour that works just for you!

If you’re looking for something different why not try a few of these; great colour, great names and definitely on trend!

• DIGITAL P5222-62
• SOAPY WATER P5233-14D
• FILM FESTIVAL P5221-41
• EPIPHANY P5159-24
• SCHMOOZE P5208-85
• WHIPPED CREAM P5233-14

To see all these colour or find just the perfect colour for you, visit one of your Color Company stores and let them help you find just what you’re looking for.

Remember… there’s something for everyone.

It’s very interesting to see what the various paint companies are submitting as trends for 2012; after the runway trends for spring/summer were released I definitely thought we’d be seeing many more feminine & ‘pretty’ colours.  However the blend of colours are some of natural, pretty, modern & inviting.

The first palette that Benjamin Moore presented was Earth & Sky… a palette where nature’s elements unite in a style-savvy manor.  This is a palette that offers a calm & relaxing escape from the busy world. Ideal for the master bath or a bedroom retreat. However if you gravitate to these colour then try it in your office or dinning room as well.

The second palette, Eclectic Elegance is one of casual glam.  This diverse palette offers the ability of a very tailored look while offering you the choice of both cool and warmth all in one palette.  What effect does this have? One that’s both enticing & fresh.

Looking for some spice in your life?  This third palette is one that has more of an urban feel… name the Spiced Life it all about offering a refined perspective. With elements of depth, soft tones and a kick of spice this palette with awaken any room.

Timeless trends and classic colours are what this fourth & final palette puts forth.  Sense & Sensibility brings us back to classic colours while offering a modern spin to the feel they present.  These colours will provide any home with a contemporary & established feeling while bringing a worldly feel to your space.

Hopefully some of these beautiful, modern and inspiring colours will give you the desire to try something new this year.  It’s a new year and time to step outside the box!

~Benjamin Moore; the most inspiring colours for 2012~

Turquoise blue denotes a desire for peace and order

What can soft pea-green, indigo, and violet do for you? If you need to learn to love yourself and achieve greater self-worth, then look to watery Neptunian tones. Rich regal indigo indicates knowledge, self-respect, and spirituality. Violet is the colour of the crown chakra, the energy center within the body that is closely linked to the “third eye,” which is said to be the center of creative visualization and psychic perception. Violet is linked to healing knocks on the head and skin eruptions via the nervous system, and it can help to induce sleep.

Red is the colour of the red planet Mars. This is the color of love, fertility, and energy. It signals action and can keep you alert or provide extra courage when needed. Like Aries, seeing the colour red gives strength of will and can act as a pick-me-up when depressed. Wearing red will actually raise your temperature and increase body heat, possibly because it is linked to raising blood pressure and circulation. It is good for those who are anemic, but not advisable for those with high blood pressure, as red acts as a stimulant and releases adrenaline into bloodstream. Red acts as a detoxifier for the psyche as well as the body and can help fight infection.

Pink, which is less active and aggressive than red, has an endearing quality. Psychologically, it is chosen by those seeking affection and has the ability to engender unconditional love, which appeals to the Taurean desire for domestic bliss. It protects and brings peace of mind, especially if grieving the loss of a loved one. Pink signifies Taurus’s comfort zone, as this ray gives soothing, comforting vibes.

The Mercurial colour is yellow, which signifies agility of mind, intellect, and inspirational thought. Yellow is good to wear if you are feeling down or shy, as it brings feelings of optimism and buoyancy. It cleanses the emotional “baggage” and even eliminates waste from our body. Wearing shades of yellow can help control weight, as it aims to maintain a correct balance of liquids in the body. Yellow can also help in the treatment of skin complaints such as eczema.

White, silver and even grey are Moon colours. The purity of white instills a sense of tranquility and peace. It should not be used to the exclusion of other colours, as white on its own can be passive, even deathly still, both physically and psychologically. Grey provides a bridge between black and white and opens doors to subtle moods. Silver is more versatile tone, with its reflective, glitzy vibrancy; it suggests optimism in the present, but makes you aware of the reflections of the past. Silver has the cold charm of a moonlit night.

Leo colours shine from sunup to sundown, radiating rich orange-gold hues, which emit positive vibes of well-being, warmth, and optimism. Orange tones deal with conditions that are dormant, bringing them out into the open. Gold and rich oranges are the colours to surround yourself with if you are undergoing massive emotional disruption, such as divorce, as these colours will help to stabilize your emotions. Leo colours also help to increase appetite and improve intestinal disorders, owing to their stimulating quality.

Earthy colours, such as dark brown, green, and even strong navy blue are Virgo shades.  Navy blue, a strong and cool colour, instils self-confidence and helps steady nerves. Green aids balance in all things and is a typical healing hue. Blues and greens are excellent for calming frayed nerves, especially if there is anxiety or fear of a breakdown. Boost your nervous system with these tones.

Soft pastel shades, from blue to pale green, are ruled by Venus and are symbolic of femininity, but also subtly emanate messages of regeneration, balance, and fertility. Soft blues heal, as they encourage relaxation and tranquility. Pale greens are neither warming nor cooling, but act as a tonic, balancing the mind, body, and spirit. Libra colors offer sanctuary from a stressful world. As Libra is of the air element, doing breathing exercises while visualizing Libra colours will enhance vitality and well-being.

Dark reds to maroon hues, reflecting the tones of autumnal berries, are the shades of Pluto-ruled Scorpio. These blood-red hues, although less vibrant than Arian crimson or scarlet, signify a warmth that holds strong undercurrents of heat. Scorpio colours are sociable and active, with an undercurrent of mystery. Black is also owned by Scorpio.  Scorpio colours give power, strength, and sociability, exuding sexual as well as dynamic change to those in its path.

Sagittarius colours, ranging from dark blues to purple, emit cool confidence. These shades reflect the cooler spectrum of the colour chart and are useful when there is a need to instill quiet confidence or even to sedate someone suffering from anxiety. Purple denotes creative energy and spiritual wisdom. Those who seek this colour desire an experience of oneness with a higher power, yearn for an understanding of the true meaning of life’s journey, and are compelled by an urge to search for greater understanding of who we are within a smaller but increasingly chaotic world.

Capricorn: As you would expect from Saturn, ruler of Capricorn, its colours represent power that consolidates and sets boundaries.  After all, why do most police forces wear black? Just as Capricorn is associated with limitations, so too, do black, dark grey, and brown denote enclosing, even shutting off. This is nowhere more so than when bidding a funereal farewell. Choose carefully these hues, if you want protection and a sense of enclosing space. Black is also a symbol of infertility within many cultures, and it signals the finality of life. But it can also act as a release and an awareness of time and nature with its never-ending cycle of life and death.

Hanukkah is only days away and Christmas is fast on it’s heel… I thought this weeks blog would cover a couple last minute things.  Steering away from the decor, decorating & presents I though we’d focus on some charitable initiatives and our stomachs with a great recipe we can take on with a loved one.

Have you ever thought about taking a portion of your holiday spending and giving to charity. I’ve met a couple families this year that are completely forgoing gifts and giving 100% to charity.  Here is a list of 10 charities to check out this Holiday Season; see if one fits you and your friends/families criteria for giving.

1. Because I Am a Girl (becauseiamagirl.ca) ~buy a goat for a family in a developing world; or rock a fashionable tee that gives proceeds to help Plan Canada’s overseas efforts.
2. Breakfast for Learning (breakfastforlearning.ca) ~Buy a stylish apron to help feed hungry school kids.
3. Children’s Wish Foundation (childrenswish.ca) ~Help fulfil a special wish for a child with a life-threatening illness.
4. Free the Children (freethechildren.com) ~Donate a medicine kit to a family or grant a loan to help a woman in a developing country start her own business.
5. One Drop (onedrop.org) ~Support easier access to water by making a donation or by purchasing swag such as transparent place mats.
6. Humane Society of Canada (humanesociety.com) Make the animal lover on your list an honorary guardian of a creature in need.
7. Red Cross (redcross.ca) ~Aid disaster relief efforts as home and around the world.
8. Ten Thousand Villages (tenthousandvillages.ca) ~Pick up a Fair Trade paperweight, soap or delicious jam and support artisans around the world.
9. The Hospital for Sick Children (sickkids.ca) ~Make a hospitalized child’s Christmas brighter with decorations for their room or a surprise stocking.
10. World Vision Canada (worldvision.ca) ~Help feed a Canadian family, or give text books to a child on the other side of the world.

Now to focus on our tummies… here’s a great Double Vanilla Sugar Cookies to bake with friends, family members or loved ones.

Prep Time:  50 mins

Total Time: 2 1/4 hrs

Makes: 48 cookies

Two sources of vanilla give these cookies a deep and complex vanilla taste.  Put the scraped bean posd into your sugar canister to add flavourful notes to granulated sugar.

• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Using paring knife, scrape seed from vanilla bean; reserve bean pods for another use.  In food processor, pulse sugar with vanilla seeds to combine.

In a large bowl, beat butter with sugar mixture until fluffy; beat in egg and vanilla.  Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt; stir into butter mixture in 2 additions to make smooth dough.

Divide in half; wrap each and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. (Make ahead: Refrigerate for up to 24 hours; remove from refrigerator 15 mins before proceeding.)

On lightly floured surface or between waxed paper, roll our dough to scant 1/4 inch (5mm) thickness. Using floured 3 inch (8cm) snowflake cutter, cut out shapes, rerolling and cutting scraps.  Arrange, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, on parchment paper lined baking sheets; refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes.

Bake in top and bottom thirds of 350F (180C) oven, switching and rotating pans halfway through, until golden on bottom and edges, about 12 minutes.  Transfer to racks; let cool completely.

Happy Holidays to you, your friends & family!

With the end of the year in sight we all know that it’s about that time that PANTONE group announces their colour of the year for the upcoming year. Last Thursday December 8th PANTONE  announced their  colour of the year for 2012 as Tangerine Tango (17-1463).  According to their press release this 2012 colour of the year  is ‘a vivacious, enticing hue’ that will ‘provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward’. As with their Colour of the Year choices of Mimosa (a yellow) in 2009, Turquoise in 2010, and Honeysuckle (pink) in 2011, we can expect to start seeing a lot of orange in fashion and interior design in the new year.

Inject some of that vivaciousness into your world, be it through decor items, fabrics or a new paint colour. Looking at the Benjamin Moore trends for 2012 try Persimmon (2088-40) from the Urban palette.  If you’re looking for something from PARA, try Dancing Flames (P5068-73) or Orange Crush (P 5069-75D)

With this colour we’re reminded again about adding some fun & optimism into our lives.  Here’s to 2012!

If you’re thinking about renovating your kitchen and have done any research at all, you probably know that choosing kitchen cabinets is not the easiest on you or your bank account. Kitchen cabinets cost a lot, and the choices can be limitless, depending on what you’re looking for. However don’t be too overwhelmed as the right cabinets will make your kitchen a warm & comfortable space. The kitchen is often known as the place where everyone gathers and creating your own look and feel is half the fun. You just need to be aware of your options before heading for the home improvement store or custom cabinetmaker.

Renovating your kitchen can add ease to your lifestyle and value to your home. Here are some of the most important things to consider when you’re updating your kitchen.

Anyway I thought I’d just review some holiday wrapping ideas that you can use no matter what colour trend you’re drawn to.

The first idea I love because it’s simple and fun… all you need are a variety of white boxes.  You can use different sizes of the same shape or get a few different shapes.  The only other thing you require is coloured masking tape.  Try different colours and different widths to change up the look.

Next we’re talking reduce, reuse, recycle.  Save some of the Saturday & Sunday comics for a couple months and you’ll have a great selection of some options to choose from. Add some coloured ribbon to make the comics come to life and you’re ready to go.

FUN FUN FUN!  That’s what’s comes to mind when I look at the next idea…. again we’re using simple white boxes.  However this time includes a little arts and crafts. All you need is some construction paper your choice. (Obviously it needs to be long enough or wide enough, though you can always attach some pieces together.)  Next take a hole punch and make a pattern, what every you feel like.  The other option is folding the paper in half and cutting a pattern like we did when we made snow flakes when we were younger.

Last but not least… my favourite.  Haven’t seen this before but LOVE the idea. Again white boxes would be great, however any solid colour box or bag would work for this.   All you’ll need is string, a hole punch and colour paint chips of your choice.  Adding a punch of colour through paint chips is something fun and different, and gives you the opportunity to write a little message.  With all the great colour names out there these days, you can also use some of the names as clues to the presented or as a play on words.

What ever you choose, remember to have fun!  As we said the colours this season is anything goes… so if you’re in the mood for traditional, bold, metalics or even something modern you’ll have your pick.