Karolina De Costa, Author at RG Magazines https://www.rgmags.com/author/karolinad/ RG Magazines Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:20:07 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.rgmags.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-logo-fav-1-32x32.png Karolina De Costa, Author at RG Magazines https://www.rgmags.com/author/karolinad/ 32 32 This Might Be Our Favourite Shade Of Green https://www.rgmags.com/2019/02/this-might-be-our-favourite-shade-of-green/ https://www.rgmags.com/2019/02/this-might-be-our-favourite-shade-of-green/#respond Tue, 19 Feb 2019 17:12:11 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=8190 I spent most of January binge watching Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix. I’m going to give myself a little pat on the back here since I’ve been doing it on the treadmill (still haven’t given up on that New Year’s Resolution!). If you’re not familiar, this reality show follows the Japanese organizing guru [...]

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I spent most of January binge watching Tidying Up With Marie Kondo on Netflix. I’m going to give myself a little pat on the back here since I’ve been doing it on the treadmill (still haven’t given up on that New Year’s Resolution!). If you’re not familiar, this reality show follows the Japanese organizing guru Marie Kondo as she tries to declutter people’s lives. I now wander around my house on a Sunday thinking about what I can throw out and what I can fold. Hubby is not happy.

Anyway, all this talk of clean and tidy brings me to what might be my newest favourite paint colour – silvery green. I know I have a love affair with everything grey (and truth be told green is not my favourite colour) but there’s something so crisp about the rooms below!

Did you know pink and green make a great pair? Throw in some grey (I can’t help myself) and you will have a stunning space like this one.


Last year we painted our kitchen Benajamin Moore Nelson Blue. During the day it looks green, at night it seems more blue and I love it! It pairs perfectly with white trim and whitewashed woods for a Scandinavian feel.


Paint colour names can often be misleading. The name says Imperial Gray but this shade is much more green in real life. For a moody space try painting walls, woodwork and furniture in the same shade (vary the sheen for interest) and use accessories for colour.


More pink and green! In the bedroom create a restful space by minimizing clutter and using a cozy wall colour like Benjamin Moore Grenada Villa. It’s romantic without feeling too feminine.


If you’re looking to a create a more modern but still relaxing space try Benjamin Moore Catalina Blue but for accents use a clean colour palette of white, grey and black.


The kitchen is a great space to experiment with colour. Since cabinets and appliances take up most of the wall space a strong shade like Benjamin Moore Caribbean Teal won’t overwhelm the room.


Why should your walls have all the fun? Painting the bathroom vanity is not only a great way to give your space a refresh on a budget it’s also the perfect opportunity to add a pop of colour. We love this shade of green paired with gold hardware and plenty of white.


Kitchen goals? I think so! This deep grey/green is stunning on these shaker style cabinets.


Which shade is your favourite? Leave us a comment below!

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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7 Easy Headboard DIY Projects https://www.rgmags.com/2019/01/7-easy-headboard-diy-projects/ https://www.rgmags.com/2019/01/7-easy-headboard-diy-projects/#respond Mon, 28 Jan 2019 14:25:21 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=8019 It’s no secret that furniture here is expensive – especially large furniture like a bed. Since it’s the focal point of the bedroom, you want it to make a statement but that shouldn’t mean breaking the bank and spending a fortune. Below are a few of my favourite headboard DIY’s that will make your bed [...]

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It’s no secret that furniture here is expensive – especially large furniture like a bed. Since it’s the focal point of the bedroom, you want it to make a statement but that shouldn’t mean breaking the bank and spending a fortune. Below are a few of my favourite headboard DIY’s that will make your bed stand out on a budget.

First, let’s start with the easiest. Sometimes a headboard can be just as simple as taping off and painting a geometric design on the wall behind the bed. Remember to invest in a good quality painter’s tape to prevent bleed under (run the edge of a credit card or plastic spreader along the tape line to seal it to the wall better), a level to make sure your design is straight and measuring tape. Experiment with colour and sheen!

This next headboard DIY is great if you need a little extra storage or want space to show off your stuff. Stack crates to create a modern large scale headboard with lots of nooks and crannies for pictures or mementoes. You can leave the wood plain or paint the inside or outside (or both) to match your decor.

Every hurricane season there’s a run on plywood but these inexpensive sheets of wood can be so much more than just protection for windows and doors. Install one behind the bed to create a large scale headboard that can be customized with paint. TIP: If you choose to leave the plywood natural use a waterbased sealer to protect the wood and make it easier to clean.

The next project requires a little more work but is still pretty basic as far as carpentry goes. With an open slat design this headboard feels light and cheerful so it’s great for smaller spaces. You can find the tutorial here.

Finally, this headboard may be the most complicated of the wood designs so far but it’s the most impressive for sure. You can do this fancy pattern with wooden shims (from the hardware store), paint sticks or if you’re really fancy, pieces of custom cut wood. Stain the wood with a gel stain then finish with a frame. For the tutorial click here.

If a wooden headboard isn’t your thing then glam up the bedroom with this tufted beauty. It’s surprisingly easy to make with these step-by-step instructions.

Finally, if you love that farmhouse feel, don’t forget that old doors and windows can be easily recycled into headboards. Here is one of our favourites from The Little Glass Jar.

here’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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New Year = Home Decluttering Tips https://www.rgmags.com/2019/01/new-year-home-decluttering-tips/ https://www.rgmags.com/2019/01/new-year-home-decluttering-tips/#respond Fri, 11 Jan 2019 13:44:31 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=7966 Rowe Spurling Paint Company With 2018 behind us, January is great time to get inspired for a new year full of possibility. While I don’t subscribe to the “New Year = New You” mentality (after all, there’s nothing wrong with the Old You) like most people I do make a few resolutions. Along with hitting [...]

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Rowe Spurling Paint Company

With 2018 behind us, January is great time to get inspired for a new year full of possibility. While I don’t subscribe to the “New Year = New You” mentality (after all, there’s nothing wrong with the Old You) like most people I do make a few resolutions. Along with hitting the gym more and cleaning up the diet, I am also trying to be more organized and not in the cram-it-in-the-cupboard-and-forget-about-it way.

Apparently so are a lot of other people since this year Marie Kondo, the Japanese organizing guru and best selling author, got her own show on NetflixTidying Up With Marie Kondo. Her basic philosophy is that if something doesn’t give you pure joy, you should get rid of it. She is VERY passionate about organizing (and folding) and I have to admit that her enthusiasm is infectious. So much so that I have resolved each Sunday to set aside some time and tackle an area in our house that needs organizing. Today while the stove is on the clean cycle I am tidying up the kitchen junk drawer and next week I’m diving into the bathroom vanity.

If getting your home messes under control is a part of your New Year’s Resolution here are a few key areas you should tackle. Remember that it doesn’t need to happen in one day. Set aside a few hours each weekend and clean up one area at a time – even if it’s only one drawer or cabinet. It won’t seem so overwhelming. Don’t know where to start? Here’s my list!

With all of those drawers and cabinets (don’t even get me started with the fridge) this is by far the biggest job. Unless you’re prepared for a marathon weekend clean up I would NOT recommend emptying everything onto the floor and trying to tidy up. Instead – start small. Look through the fridge and throw out all expired food. I recently found a jar of paprika that expired in 2015! Clean off the shelves and door compartment then organize everything that’s left. Same goes for the food cabinet or pantry.

Got a junk drawer (or two?). Throw out those manuals for appliances you no longer have. Same goes for that key collection to forgotten locks. I don’t know why I’ve been holding to keys for the house my dad sold two years ago. Organize everything that’s left into small bins or boxes – no loose rubber bands or paperclips!

I love to cook but I hate to admit there are pots and pans I will never use. Despite the fact that in eleven years of marriage I have NEVER used the wok it’s still in the cabinet – and taking up a lot of space (it’s huge). This is the month it’s going to a good home where it won’t just gather dust. I have delusions of baking bread but haven’t done that in a decade either (actually – never) so those loaf pans are leaving too. Same goes for the bunt cake pan. Go through your cookware and honestly evaluate what you use all the time and what you can part with to control the clutter. It’s also a good time to get rid of that mismatched dinnerware, glassware or utensil set and clean up the Tupperware collection.

It’s ironic but the cabinet under the sink (the one with all the CLEANING supplies) needs cleaning too. Throw out old sponges, empty bottles of cleaning detergent and that metal polish that went hard years ago. If you’re short on space I love this idea of installing a simple tension rod and hanging bottles instead.

While cooking Thanksgiving dinner last year I cut myself pretty badly. In search of a band aid, I came across tons of expired creams and lotions in the bathroom. That weekend, I threw out a trash bag full of junk from the vanity – everything from old sunscreen, half used tubes of toothpaste, empty perfume bottles and Advil that had long expired. Before any items were put back the bottoms of the drawers got a thorough scrub and now they’re clean and tidy.

If you’re a beauty product hoarder like me remember that everything has an expiration date (usually a little picture of a jar and a number of months printed on label). Every few months it’s a great habit to look through your drawers and throw out anything that’s expired. And sure, that lipstick shade seemed like a good idea when you bought it but chances are if you haven’t worn it in two years you probably won’t in the near future.

Remember that small spaces feel even smaller when they’re messy so organize your extra towels, toiletries and toilet paper into pretty baskets or put up an extra shelf to keep the space tidy.

Whenever my husband is away I always take the time to organize the closets. During the week when life is hectic and time is short, I often put away the laundry without a whole lot of thought which means that over time there is a pile of mismatched socks, messy jeans, and scattered t-shirts in the closet.

Getting your clothing under control can be hard – especially since we have a tendency to hold onto things we haven’t worn for sentimental reasons. Remember that lipstick you haven’t worn in two years? Same goes for that dress you bought on a whim in 2015. It can be emotional for a variety of reasons but take a hard look at items that can go. Start with things that are stained, ripped or damaged. Keep a few as gardening clothes or make into cleaning rags and get rid of the rest. Then move onto to items that no longer fit. I have a closet full of shoes that I bought in my 20’s and I love to look at them but if I’m being honest, some pairs are now too small and others are so uncomfortable that wearing them is torture. Donate those which are in good condition and you’ll have more space for the items you truly love and wear all the time (and maybe for a couple new pieces!).

Speaking of organizing your closet, Marie Kondo has a brilliant hack for making sure all of your clothing is accessible and easy to see. For example, if you stack your t-shirts ON TOP of one another, you will have to mess up the entire pile to find your favourite one (it’s usually at the bottom). If you arrange them IN A ROW you will see them all at once and picking up the right one will be quick and easy.

It’s no secret that I am passionate about doing the laundry. My favourite has be the bed linens and bathroom towels. I love slipping into clean sheets or drying off with a fluffy towel. However, over the years I have amassed quite a collection of both. Since they are washed frequently (often in hot water) both towels and sheets have a shelf life. Once a year go through and throw out anything that has been stained beyond saving, worn through or torn. Instead of throwing out, donate what you no longer use to an animal hospital or the SPCA – they always need towels for the animals. Match up pillow cases with sheets and duvets, hand towels with bath towels and so on then store for easy access. TIP: Put a complete set of sheets into its corresponding pillow case to keep it together!

WHEW! That certainly enough to keep me busy for a few Sundays to come! But remember – doing a little bit at a time will prevent you from getting overwhelmed and discouraged. Now if you excuse me – it’s time to tackle that cabinet under the kitchen.

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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Here’s the Benjamin Moore 2019 Colour Of The Year https://www.rgmags.com/2018/11/benjamin-moore-2019-color-of-the-year/ https://www.rgmags.com/2018/11/benjamin-moore-2019-color-of-the-year/#respond Thu, 01 Nov 2018 08:00:45 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=7448 Every year paint companies release their colour predictions for the upcoming season.  Think of it as the paint colour fashion awards.  With my love of the colour grey I was over the moon when Benjamin Moore announced that the 2019 Color Of The Year was AF-690 Metropolitan. Because greys have so many undertones, finding the [...]

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Every year paint companies release their colour predictions for the upcoming season.  Think of it as the paint colour fashion awards.  With my love of the colour grey I was over the moon when Benjamin Moore announced that the 2019 Color Of The Year was AF-690 Metropolitan.

Because greys have so many undertones, finding the right one can be tough (click here for tips on picking your perfect shade) but Metropolitan strikes just the right balance between too warm (beige) or too cool (blue).  It has has a nice depth so it’s perfect for making large rooms feel cozier but not too dark that it can’t be used in smaller rooms too.  In short – it’s pretty great!

Benjamin Moore Metropolitan can be found the Affinity fan deck which is a collection of 144 colours that are designed to compliment and work well with each other.  It’s just enough choice to give you a variety but not enough that you’re overwhelmed.  Most of the colours are muted so think earthy moody colours instead of bright oranges, yellows and turquoises.

In addition to the colour of the year, Benjamin Moore also releases a small collection of additional favourite shades.  I was thrilled to see a few of my favourites on that list too (hello Hale Navy)!

Need some inspiration on how to use Metropolitan?  Let’s start in the bedroom – I love sleep so it’s my favourite room in the house.  See how the colour is just dark enough to make the room feel relaxing without looking small and closed in?  Also, I love that it’s been paired with soft pink fabrics and gold accents.

Navy

When it comes to my favourite colours navy is right behind grey and the two make a stunning pair.    In this kitchen, walls in Metropolitan are paired another one of my go-to shades Benjamin Moore Hale Navy.  Again, note the gold accents.  It’s an unexpected choice but really warms up the space along with light woods, marble counters and plenty of natural greens.

Okay this is pretty much my dream kitchen!  Hale Navy is definitely on our short list for kitchen cabinet colours and it looks stunning paired with gold hardware and marble counters.

Pink & Grey

I’ve always loved the combination of pink and grey.  They balance each other very well and sometimes we just need a little bit of pink in our adult lives.  This cabinet painted in Metropolitan is set against background walls in Head Over Heels AF-250.  We’re “head-over-heels” in love!

The trick to painting walls in pink in your adult space is picking the right shade.  Look for tones that are softer, slightly grey or brown.  Here’s another shot of Head Over Heels AF-250.

Too much pink for the walls?  Try it as an accent on the bathroom vanity.  It’s just the right amount of colour.  Keep the rest of the space white.  We love the slight hint of grey in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.

Teal

There were a couple of surprise shades in this year’s collection too.  I love the colour of deep ocean – a rich teal that gives rooms a moody almost old fashioned vibe.  These walls painted in Benjamin Moore Beau Green 2054-20 is stunning behind an antique gold desk and gallery wall.

Charcoal

Over the years I have changed almost every wall paint colour in our house but our living room has remained constant. It’s not large and doesn’t have a lot of light but I painted it a deep charcoal and have loved it for almost a decade.  Benjamin Moore Black Pepepr 2130-40 has very slight violet blue undertone and pairs well with creamy tones, other cool greys as well as pink!

If you’re looking for a warmer charcoal grey you can’t go wrong with Kendall Charcoal for walls, trim or cabinets.

Greige

If you’re worried all these moody shades are too much for you try Benjamin Moore Balboa Mist, which has been on my favourite “off-white paint colour” for along time.  It’s a light greige perfect for all-over interiors as well as individual spaces.

Which one of these shades is your favourite?  Leave us a comment below and don’t forget to Pin the images above for inspiration on your next paint project!

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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My Top Grey Paint Colours Explained https://www.rgmags.com/2018/09/my-top-grey-paint-colours-explained/ https://www.rgmags.com/2018/09/my-top-grey-paint-colours-explained/#respond Fri, 28 Sep 2018 18:17:50 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=7067 It’s no secret grey is my favourite colour.  The walls in our house our grey, I am sitting on a grey blanket and I’m wearing a grey shirt.  It’s contemporary, goes with anything and looks great in any room.  But picking the perfect grey paint colour for the walls can be tough – especially with [...]

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It’s no secret grey is my favourite colour.  The walls in our house our grey, I am sitting on a grey blanket and I’m wearing a grey shirt.  It’s contemporary, goes with anything and looks great in any room.  But picking the perfect grey paint colour for the walls can be tough – especially with so many choices.  That’s why I’m making a list of my favourite shades below with a quick description of each!

The reason why grey walls are so tough to get right is that there are so many undertones.   Some greys are cooler with a blue or violet undertone while others can be warmer with a beige or green undertone (my husband hates the work “geige” but it works here).  Which one is perfect for your space depends on the other elements in your design (furniture, flooring, counters, art, etc.)  as well as the lighting so scroll through my top picks below to see which ones might work well for you.

Let’s start with the cooler colours – ones that have a blue undertone.  They will work well in modern spaces and can also be great for making small rooms feel more open and breezy.   Remember, paint colours on the wall will look darker than on a paint swatch so I’m going to start with the lightest one and work my way down.  Also, the chips below will look different on your computer or phone than in real life so always double check the colour before making a final decision.

I love Benjamin Moore Distant Gray because it’s barely there so it’s perfect in spaces where you want to use the same colour on the walls and on the ceiling.  This is a handy trick if you want a small space (or a space with weird angles and ceiling lines) to feel bigger.  You might not even notice that it’s a colour really but it’s just off white enough.


Another great cool shade is Benjamin Moore Chalk White.  Definitely more blue in this one so it’s great for bathrooms, laundry rooms, hallways and any other space you want to feel crisp and clean.   Because it has a tiny bit more colour than Distant Grey you will see a contrast with white trim, doors and ceilings.


In some lights Benjamin Tundra can look almost violet.  That’s why I love it in a nursery or bedroom.  It works beautifully with cool metals like silver and with woods like walnut.


We are warming up a bit but we’re still not in the “greige” category.  Genesis White and the darker Whitestone are my favourite greys when you’re looking for something cool that’s not blue.  Whitestone looks great in larger spaces with a lot of light and will contrast beautifully with white trim and doors.


Looking for a great grey that won’t feel too dark and cold in small spaces without a lot of light? A few years ago we painted Benjamin Moore Paper White on the walls in our apartment.  It’s partially below grade so the light isn’t great and the rooms aren’t big but it looks clean, fresh and contemporary without making the space feel gloomy and dark.  It’s definitely one of my top picks for all over interiors (the swatch below doesn’t do it justice)!


And of course you can’t talk about grey without mentioning Stonington Gray (currently on the walls in our entry and laundry room) and Coventry Gray.  They are both very neutral – not too cool and not too warm – and would like great in the living room, bedroom and kitchen.  Because Coventry Gray can look quite dark it also makes a great accent wall colour!


It’s getting warmer!  The next few colours have beige undertones and will feel more traditional (without being dated).  My go-to colour is Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl because it’s great for all-over interiors, will work with any design plus it has just enough colour to stand out against white trim and doors without making rooms feel too small.


If your rooms are larger with more light try Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray.  It’s perfect when you want to create a warm atmosphere in bedrooms, living rooms and nurseries.  You will definitely see more “beige” less grey in this one.


No conversation about grey would be complete with Gray Owl.  Surprisingly when you put it up against other greys it almost looks green – which it is!  Because it’s warm and earthy it’s beautiful with any wood plus looks cozy in any room.  You can’t go wrong with this one.

Have you tried any of the colours below?  Which one is your favourite?  Leave us a comment below!

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

 

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Kitchens – Open or closed? https://www.rgmags.com/2018/08/kitchens-open-or-closed/ https://www.rgmags.com/2018/08/kitchens-open-or-closed/#respond Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:25:01 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=6779 We have given ourselves until 2020 to save up for a new kitchen so recently I’ve been slightly obsessed with saving hundreds of my dream spaces on Pinterest.  Because of our stone walls, we’re limited to working in our current footprint – a 12′ x 12′ room with four walls, one window and two doorways. [...]

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We have given ourselves until 2020 to save up for a new kitchen so recently I’ve been slightly obsessed with saving hundreds of my dream spaces on Pinterest.  Because of our stone walls, we’re limited to working in our current footprint – a 12′ x 12′ room with four walls, one window and two doorways.  We have some great ideas on how to re-arrange the space but it doesn’t make sense to spend a small fortune and months of construction to get the open concept spaces that are so trendy on makeover shows like Fixer Upper (my fave!).  Plus, even though they look stunning in photos and on television, are open concept kitchens practical?

First, everyone can see your stacks of dirty dishes.  I love to cook and I cook with enthusiasm.  By the time I’m done making dinner there are at least a dozen utensils in the sink, dirty pots, pans and bowls not to mention a counter sprinkled with spices, vegetable peels and other remnants.  Luckily, in our house the cook doesn’t do the dishes (hubby grumbles but is a good sport about cleaning up) but I wouldn’t want to sit down to a meal with my family or friends and have them stare at the mess I’ve made while they’re eating.  A separate kitchen space means I can close the door and worry about tidying up after the meal is over.

Also, the process of cooking can get a little smelly – especially if you’re frying something.  I love a delicious piece of fried chicken but that doesn’t mean I want my living room smelling like one.  In an open concept kitchen smells carry to other rooms and are hard to control but in a closed space I can shut the door, open the window and not worry about lingering odors.

Controlling the temperature is easier in the rest of the house too!  When our house was built over 60 years ago no one was planning for air conditioning.  It would have cost a fortune to fit it out with central air so we decided on in-wall split systems instead.  Having a separate kitchen is handy because we can close the door and enjoy cool air in the living room/dining room without worrying about the extra heat generated by the stove.

Finally, sometimes you just want a little piece and quiet.  I love my hubby but we work together which means that at the end of the day we both want our own space.  It’s sometimes nice to close the kitchen door and spend an hour cooking on my own.  That also gives hubby a chance to unwind after a long day in piece and quiet!

That’s not to say open plan kitchens don’t have their benefits!  With a busy household it’s the perfect layout for keeping an eye on the kids while you’re preparing meals.  Plus, in a smaller home it’s a great way to create the impression of bigger spaces.

Leave us a comment below and let us know which kitchen style you prefer!  Need some inspiration?  Below are a few of my favourite spaces.  Don’t forget to Pin YOUR favourite!

Replacing a few upper cabinets with open shelves is a great way to not only show off your pretty cookware but also create the impression of a larger space.
Two is better than one! Using a contrasting colour on the lower cabinets or island is a great way to introduce a bold shade to the kitchen. (New home by Willow Homes and Willow design studio in Birmingham Alabama. Photographed by architectural and interiors photographer Tommy Daspit. www.tommydaspit.com)
Warm it up with wood! Use butcher block counters, wooden shelves or wood beams to add a farmhouse feel to the kitchen.
One of the easiest, fastest and most economical ways to update the kitchen is by replacing old hardware. Why not experiment with fun metals like gold or copper?
Open concept! This kitchen puts everyone in the middle of the action!
Divide and conquer! Even if you don’t have walls you can still separate an open space into “zones” with furniture, lighting and accessories.

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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5 Ways To Make A Small Space Feel Bigger https://www.rgmags.com/2018/02/5-ways-make-small-space-feel-bigger/ https://www.rgmags.com/2018/02/5-ways-make-small-space-feel-bigger/#respond Mon, 19 Feb 2018 20:22:18 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=4545 Looking at all the beautiful spaces on Pinterest and amazing makeovers on HGTV it’s easy to get jealous of the large open rooms.  In reality, most rooms in our homes (especially in older ones) tend to be much smaller and making them larger isn’t as easy as taking down some drywall and studs.   After [...]

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Looking at all the beautiful spaces on Pinterest and amazing makeovers on HGTV it’s easy to get jealous of the large open rooms.  In reality, most rooms in our homes (especially in older ones) tend to be much smaller and making them larger isn’t as easy as taking down some drywall and studs.   After all, our stone walls need a jackhammer and who want to go through that mess!?  Luckily there are a few easy design tricks you can use to make your existing spaces feel much larger without expensive and time consuming renovations.

CUT DOWN ON CLUTTER:  Tidying up won’t cost you a thing other than some time.  Who knows – you might even make a little money by selling items you no longer use!  Getting rid of clutter is one of top ways to make any room feel larger.  Clean up the kitchen counters by putting away small appliances that are not regularly in use (how often do you really use that ice cream maker?), store measuring cups and bowls away in the cupboards, and arrange oils or spices neatly in the cabinet.

Same goes for the bathroom.  Sure, we all need extra toilet paper but store it in a pretty bin or basket to keep it out of sight.  Same goes for that collection of lotions, hair brushes, and make-up.  Speaking of make-up, take the opportunity to check expiration dates and get rid of anything that might be past its due date.  No sense hanging on that dried up nail polish bottle!

USE A LARGE MIRROR:  If your space is short on natural light make some more by using a large mirror!  Position it opposite a window or light source and it will reflect light back into the room making it feel brighter and larger.  In the bedroom you can place mirrors behind nightstand lamps to serve the same purpose.

WALL COLOUR:  It’s amazing how the right wall colour can transform a room.  If you want to make a space feel larger use cool colours like soft blue/greys.  Shades of blue visually recede, making the walls seem like they are farther away which in turn creates the illusion of a larger space.  A couple of my favourites are Benjamin Moore Constellation,  Benjamin Moore Sea Foam and Benjamin Moore Ocean Air– still bright and airy but also soft and grown-up.

And let’s not forget about white walls!  Use the same colour like Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White (it has the slightest hint of cool grey) on the walls and ceilings for a crisp, clean look.

For the perfect neutral try Benjamin Moore Sea Pearl or White Dove.  They are both just enough colour to make white woodwork and trim stand out.

GO BIG: It might seem strange but filling a small space with large items can actually make it feel bigger!  Skip a collection of small furniture and choose one large couch instead.  Not only will your family be more comfortable, the room will seem larger because it’s less cluttered.

Skip those postage sized rugs too!  They will break up the floor and make a room feel smaller.  Instead, invest in a large rug that will cover most of the floor and define the space.

In the bedroom, a larger headboard will not only make a statement, it will fill up the wall making the room feel bigger.

KEEP IT SIMPLE:  Not only will a simple, neutral colour scheme help make a room feel larger, the lack of sharp contrast will also make a it feel more relaxing – just like your favourite spa.  Minimize the variety of colours in a space and skip bold prints in large patterns. Instead,  choose curtains, rugs, bedding, towels and other fabrics in solid colours and natural textures like linen.

There’s more where this came from!  See thousand of our decorating and design Pins on our boards here. If you liked this post don’t forget to check back next week to see what’s new on the blog but if you can’t wait  our Facebook page is updated daily with amazing spaces, design tips and DIY projects.  Or get a sneak peak at life behind the scenes at the paint store (and more stunning rooms) on our Instagram here.

If you’re local and don’t want to miss a paint sale make sure to join our mailing list by following this link (and get a little bonus for subscribing!)

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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Eight great pumpkin ideas https://www.rgmags.com/2017/10/3681/ https://www.rgmags.com/2017/10/3681/#respond Mon, 23 Oct 2017 20:35:32 +0000 http://rgmags.com/?p=3681 Fall is my favourite time of year.  The weather is getting cooler and shorter days mean more cozy time on the couch.  Growing up in New England, the leaves would be starting to change, the air would smell like cinnamon and every farm would have their Fall harvest on display – especially pumpkins. If you’ve [...]

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Fall is my favourite time of year.  The weather is getting cooler and shorter days mean more cozy time on the couch.  Growing up in New England, the leaves would be starting to change, the air would smell like cinnamon and every farm would have their Fall harvest on display – especially pumpkins.

If you’ve ever tried to carve a pumpkin you know it’s a messy business.  Before you can get creative with a knife you have to take out those slimy seeds and pulp. Speaking of knives, you really don’t need the extra stress of worrying that your five-year-old will chop off a finger.  Plus, since it doesn’t really get that cold here, those rotting cut-up pumpkins are an open invitation to the entire neighborhood of bugs and creepy crawlies. Eww.

Thanks to the creativity of other people and the magic of Pinterest, I’ve put together eight great ideas for non-carved pumpkins. Don’t forget to Pin your favourites for later and click on the images to tutorials.

Have you ever seen a more stylish pumpkin?  Halloween may be a lot of fun for kids but that doesn’t mean that your pumpkins can’t be all grown up.  These would look great in any adult space and I love the glamorous metallic touches.  A paint pen is all you need!

If you prefer your pumpkins fun and funky use acrylic paint in bright colours to give them a vibrant look then splatter with metallic gold for a bit of sparkle!

Spooky!  Instead of carving our scary faces, paint them and arrange on a mantle or the dining room table.  It will make a fun centerpiece!

…or give your pumpkins faces made out of yarn.  Use a cardboard cut out to plan your design, outline in pins or thumbtacks and connect the dots with string.

For another truly spooky Halloween pumpkin raid the crayon box for moody shades of black, grey and white.  Cut the crayon in half (adult job), glue to the top of the pumpkin then melt with a blow drier.

Do you have left-over nail polish?  Here’s an easy tutorial to turn your pumpkins (the smaller the better) into marbled works of art.

Husband has banned glitter at our house so use a little extra and think of me!  I can only imagine how these gold dipped pumpkins sparkle in the light.  TIP:  After applying glitter, spray your project with a clear sealer to make sure the glitter stays put and doesn’t make a mess all over the house.

Mummy!  Mummy!  Wrap your pumpkin in gauze (or toilet paper!), glue on a pair of eyes and voila!

Karolina and her husband Justin De Costa took over Rowe Spurling Paint Company in 2007 after the senior De Costas, Pamela and Neviile, retired.  Both Karolina and Justin studied theatre at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island.  This gave them a foundation in architecture and design while helping to fuel their creative endeavors.  They continue to evolve Bermuda’s oldest paint store, providing the latest in coatings technology as well as inspiring their customers in their own home and professional projects.

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