[color kreyv]: Navy Blue

I know this is a shocker, but I want everything in these pictures. I am seriously considering changing my bathroom vanities to navy. Yumm-ee. Speaking of blue, let's talk about the awkward party and the blue jeans I wore to said party--a "casual work get-together" according to Jeremy.  Yeah...not so much.  We walked into the room, and people were in suits, tuxes, cocktail dresses, and even a few floor-length gowns…and there I was in my faded jeans.  It. Was. Awesome. Nothing like an awkward party to get the year started off right.

image from Anthropologie

image from The House Diaries

image from Samantha Pynn

Colorful Couches

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a good weekend. I did--mostly because I got a brand new, super cute, practically perfect nephew. Oh, and I had lunch with some of my favorite people and later ate sushi at a totally awkward party. Good stuff, and I mean everything, not just the sush. (Yes, I call it sush, which is a super awesome word, because it can be both a noun and a verb (ie. Do you sush?).

Anyway…that was so far off topic, that I had to start a new paragraph. Colorful couches: I love them. I've always thought it would be fun to have one in a sitting room. We are actually going to have a sitting room in our new house, but it's not going to be a sitting room.  It's going to be a roller skating/ballet/piano with no piano room. Yup, it's going to be empty. Completely. Empty.  Sigh…no green couch for me! Oh well, I could really stand to improve on my roller skating skills.

image from House Beautiful

image source unknown

image from Domaine Home

[color kreyv]: Mint & Navy

I'm not going to lie; these rooms are pretty freaking adorable. I'm super loving the mint and navy combo, aren't you? I feel like navy is a hard color, meaning it's dark and anchors a space. This sounds crazy, but I'm going to say it anyway, because, well, that boat sailed long ago. If colors had personalities, navy would be the serious color. Mint, on the other hand, is soft; it's playful and light, and I just love the juxtaposition of the two colors.  Another bonus of this combo? It is definitely gender-neutral, which I love.

image from Lay Baby Lay

image from Bibelotte

image from Kate Dixon via Poppy Talk

[color kreyv]: Teal

I am loving the different ways teal is used in each of these spaces, don't you? I had the Traditional Homes image saved on one of my Pinterest boards, so I decided to see what other teal pretties I could find.  I have to say, I was quite successful.  That Pinterest sure is amazing.

Speaking of Pinterest, I have noticed a bit of mocking from the men I have been around.  We hung out with friends on Saturday, and then another group of friends on Monday, and both times, Pinterest and (I am merely quoting the offenders) the lameness of it came up. Lame? Ummm, is this seriously coming from the gender who created fantasy sports leagues? FANTASY sports. Are you kidding me? Cataloging recipes (that I at least think about making) and beautiful interiors (that will definitely come in handy when we build my our dream house) in an organized way is NOT lame. I mean, don't get me wrong, I am mostly just looking at pretty pictures (and then organizing said pictures),  BUT AT LEAST THEY'RE REAL!  No. Freaking. Comparision. I mean, really guys,  did you really think you would win an argument with something with the word fantasy in it. I'm thinking no. Pinterest: 1; Fantasy Sports: 0.

image from Traditional Home

image from Joss & Main

image source unknown

What's Your Favorite Color?

Is your favorite color in your home? Is this same color in your wardrobe? I thought about this last night when I ordered four new shirts: two white, one cream, and one mint. I'll be honest, the mint one was a stretch for me, and though I really like it, I ordered it, because I "need" more color in my wardrobe.  I know. I'm crazy like that, buying a mint shirt and all. Anyway, there's a point to this post...

This same thing happens all the time with design clients. They tell me that they really like certain colors, but that they "need" to use something different in the next room.  Here are my thoughts: You don't "need" to use different colors in every room. If you are drawn to certain colors, use those colors in your home. I love all of these rooms from the very colorful, to the pastel, to the neutral. But, I am definitely drawn to some more than others. Buy what you like, just because you like it, not because it's a certain color that you "need". I promise you, you'll like your house a lot better, because it will be more you. Plus, you won't end up painting a room yellow, and then covering it up with tan the very next day. I've heard that's kind of a bummer.  What's your favorite color?

image from FreshGoo

image source unknown

image from Daniella Witte

image from Home Life

image from Rachel Whiting

[color kreyv]: Pale, Pale Blue

That's right: pale blue with two pales, that's the way I like it. Isn't it the best? So, speaking of blue, did you guys watch How I Met Your Mother (or HIMYM as we call it in the biz)? (If you're trying to figure out what this has to do with blue, don't try. It has nothing to do with it, I was just needing to change the subject.) What did you think of the finale? Apparently, lots of fans hated it. I liked it. In fact, I thought it was legendary. And so is pale, pale blue.

image from Charleston Mag

image from Emily Henderson

image from Tillman Long Interiors

[color kreyv]: BM Dark Harbor

How absolutely amazing is this color? It's yummy, that's what it is. I mean, it's like the double dark chocolate Godiva brownies (with caramel) of paint. Yeah, it's that rich. I pinned one of the images with the plan of calling it peacock blue, which I was feeling pretty good about, BUT then, upon further investigation, I found the actual color: Benjamin Moore's Dark Harbor. Gorg, right? That's right…just take it all in. By the way, anyone else craving chocolate?

image source unknown

image from Erin Williamson

image from Kristin Sjaarda

Big Girl Room | Stella

Somebody may still be obsessing over the pale blue and chartreuse combination, so somebody decided to make a design board. For herself a "client."  Named Stella.  Yes, Stella...as in my daughter…as in the one who just turned four and is on her fourth bedroom. I She needs it.  Plus, we may be moving this summer, and I really think it will help me her adjust.  For now, let's not bring it up to Hubs until we find the right opportunity, mmmkay? Timing is everything. BTW, Stella loves it. (The sheets and quilt didn't quite translate no matter how I uploaded them, so go to Serena & Lily and check them out.  They are perfect!)

For more information on my design services, email me at jamiejjoyal@gmail.com or click here for my design services overview.

image from Serena & Lily (They look gray here, but they are actually white.)

image from Serena & Lily

[color kreyv]: Pale Blue & Chartreuse

I'm not sure where or when this color combination came to me (not that I invented it, obvi), but if I had to guess, I'd say probably 3:00 a.m. when I was trying to sleep but instead thinking of pretty rooms. Isn't that when all your good ideas come to you (as your husband is just snoozing away, partly on your side of the imaginary bed line)? I have always loved pale blue, so I'm picturing the perfect shade of pale blue, bright whites, and accents of chartreuse…and not an obnoxious blinding chartreuse, but just a subtle chartreuse. Don't worry, I know exactly what I'm talking about, and the color swatches are being stored safely in my brain. 

image from Graciela Rutkowski Interiors via Decor Pad

image from Anne Packard

image from Southern Accents

[color kreyv]: Dazzling Blue

Pantone just released its 2014 color of the year: dazzling blue. Sounds fancy, right? So, what do you think?  P.S. How do I get the job of picking the color of the year? I'd also settle for the job that makes up the names of fingernail polish and/or lipstick. I'm flexible.

image from Elle Decor

image from NY Times

image from Eclectic Living Home

[kreyv of the day]

image source unknown

[color kreyv]: Indigo

So, before I bore you all with vacuum talk (more on that later), let's talk indigo. I love the indigo in these spaces, and even though I'm typically not a bold color girl, I can definitely get on board with indigo. I especially love the contrast of the white against the indigo. Simply gorg. 

On another note...I need your advice. I need a new vacuum. I'm kind of thinking that the one we got for our wedding 12 years ago is probably ready to go to the vacuum graveyard. It probably wasn't even that awesome in the first place. (Thank goodness we've had wood floors and haven't used it a ton the last eight years!) Anyway, I think it's between Shark and Dyson, and I can't make up my mind. We are able to get a huge discount on a Dyson, so the cost would be comparable, so don't take that into consideration. So, with cost being about the same, which one would you choose: Shark or Dyson, and why do you love it? (Does anyone really love their vacuum?  I really just can't get excited about this purchase...unless it comes with new shoes or new furniture. Or a house.) 

image from Stacey Van Berkel

image from Crate & Barrel

image from Elle Decor

What Color Are You?

I've always thought color psychology to be very interesting. When I was 12 or 13, I went to girls camp, and there was a presentation about color. I tried to be a yellow...the fun color, but CLEARLY I'm a red. Clearly. This post on House of Fifty was about being drawn to certain colors and what it may say about our personality. I thought it was super interesting, and hey, if being drawn to white, black, and gray means that I'm conservative, honorable, reliable, individualistic, innocent, disciplined, and strong-willed aka boring, I'll take it. Fortunately, there are no negative adjectives on any color, so it's pretty much a feel-good exercise! So, what color(s) are you drawn to, and does this describe you?

Color in the Kitchen

Aren't these kitchens gorgeous? Do you think their fabulousness (totally a word) would rub off on me and make me a better cook? Yeah, I don't think so, either. The other night, I told Mr. Hubs that I just wasn't a good cook. "I think you're a great cook and super hot..." is what he should of said. BUT, what he actually said was, "Well, do you want to take a cooking class?" And then I said, "I sure don't, but you can."

image from Better Homes & Gardens

image from Better Homes & Gardens

image from House Beautiful

[color kreyv]: Regal Blue

So there I was about to start work on a design board, when I came across these West Elm panels (pictured below). They are so uh-maze-ing. Besides the fact that they are regal blue, (sounds so fancy), they are absolutely gorgeous--stunning, even. And now, I must design the room around my newfound love: regal blue. (She said with a rolled r as she raised her head up high and raised one fist into the air...) I know. I'm a nerd. Just one big regal nerd.

image from House to Home

image from House Beautiful

image from West Elm

Just. Plain. Pretty.

Oh, Monday. I really feel bad for you. You are the least favorite of the days of the week. You mean cleaning the house, grocery shopping, and worst of all, you mean that the weekend is over. I'd rather just look at pretty pictures until you go away.  P.S. Can you tell your friends Saturday and Sunday to last just a little bit longer?

image source unknown

image from Restoration Hardware

image from Casa Decor

[color kreyv]: Blue

I've decided that more offices should really reconsider their decor. Or, just consider SOME decor. If any of them looked remotely like these pictures, I could stay forever (accompanied by an up to date People magazine, of course). I mean, don't get me wrong, I've really enjoyed my time in the Jiffy Lube waiting area as well as the waiting areas for the different doctors' offices I've recently visited, but they could really use some umph, if you know what I mean. Tomorrow I get to go to the DMV. I can't decide what's worse: the DMV or the gynecologist. Unfortunately, no amount of decor would make either of these experiences better. No amount. Ever.

image from Style at Home

image from Elle Decor

image from House and Home

[color kreyv]: Indigo

Do you remember Rainbow Brite and all of her friends? Do you remember Indigo? I always thought she was the prettiest one. I loved the color of her hair and skin, and especially the color of her clothes. And, let's be honest, these pictures with indigo are not too shabby, either. But back to memory lane...

I had every single Rainbow Brite doll (Rainbow Brite, Red Butler, Lala Orange, Canary Yellow, Patty O'Green, Buddy Blue, Shy Violet, and Indigo). And her horse. And her house. They were in perfect condition, just like all of the rest of my toys. It's true. I have had OCD since I was little. I had lots of toys, all in perfect condition, and I always had the complete set. When I was too old for all of my toys, I boxed them up and stored them for years...until I had the bright idea of selling them at a yard sale to earn money for my cheerleading uniforms. 

I'm sure my mom would have just paid for my uniforms, and she would have loved to pay for my uniforms rather than see me sell my toys. But I wanted to earn the money myself, blah, blah, blah...dumb teenager trying to earn money when I had parents to pay for everything. What was I thinking?! Anyway, I'm sure whomever bought my toys laughed out loud when they got to their car with my perfect toys that they practically got for free. And, if by some chance that person reads this blog, you're welcome. And, to my mom: I'm sorry to bring this up again. I know it makes you cringe just thinking about it.

image from Nina Jizhar of Swanky Swell via Decor Pad

image from Jean Allsop via Decor Pad

image from Tobi Fairley