Inspired Color ~ The Beauty of Green

Green and pink striped house ~ credit?

Yes, green and gray are my two all time favorite colors. And though I have done posts on chartreuse with green accents, I can't believe I've never done a post about gray and green. They are both such soothing colors, and green can be warm or cool, depending on how it is used and looks amazing with both cool grays and warm creams. Though it is often seen as springy or Christmas-y, I believe it makes an amazing seasonal transition color into the fall. Saying good-bye to greenery and hello to golden landscapes. It really marries the two together, adding a richness in a way no other color can. Blues seem to be the color of the moment, but has anyone though to entertain, a lovely shade of green?

 Eclectic Interior Design Group~ Keep it (art arrangements) Tight

I love how each photo here has some element of pattern as well, from simple stripes on a throw or the bottom of drapes to damask bedspread, or a trellis wallpaper, it's so refreshing to see these patterns.

 

Coastal Living ~ Green, gray, white and aqua striped damask bedroom

 

Coastal Living~ Green dining room

Horse Art ~ Taylor Howes

Coastal Living ~ Gray and white striped dining with green accents

Homefront: DIY Painted Stripe Accent Furniture

I've run across a few striped furniture pieces that have really called to me (shown later in the post). So, I wanted to experiment with something small. In 30 minutes, I had a new look, and now know if it's worth doing a larger piece in the future. (it is)

Last year, this adorable plant stand broke and I was only left with the top. My husband pretty much thought I was nuts for saving it. I glued it with E6000/hot glue (can't remember which)  to a candle holder pillar. Now I have this cute little pedestal cake stand, though I wouldn't put a cake directly on it because it isn't sealed.

I spent about 60 seconds laboriously sanding the top and side that I would be painting. If you do not want the unpainted part to be distressed, then sand after you put the tape down.

I took some electrical tape and made my stripes 2 strips worth. I used that little tape piece between each set of tape I laid down to make sure they were the same width apart. I think blue painters tape would be better as my tape stretched out of shape too easily and didn't lay down as flat so the paint smudged.

I took regular white craft paint and watered it down, and painted the exposed areas. Then, I pulled off the tape while the paint was still wet. I was able to get those smudgy areas off the stripe edges by gently wiping them off with a damp paper towel. If I were extra ambitious, a bit of black paint would have worked too.

After the paint dried, which was really quickly, I lightly sanded the stripes. Though, I think I will go back and sand it down more for less contrast. (I think white and a soft gray would look perfect.)

before in black

after

Stripes on a small piece is a fast and simple change that adds just a touch of spunk to a corner. And if you don't like it, no biggie, just paint over it or sand the heck out of it.

*More stripey furniture inspirations for you*

 My House of Giggles striped painted table. I love how her stripes are varying widths and how she kept the side of the top base the one stripe color. She does another striped table top with wide stripes here.

 In the Fun Lane painted the stripes from the top down the front for a coastal beach feel. 

 Her sea side dresser isn't technically striped, but  with the drawers painted a different color and the addition of hand painted numbers, it gives a same effect. Perfect for those who have a hard time making straight lines.

I love the muted tones here. It would work well in so many settings and wouldn't be as difficult to decorate around should your decor change. 

Great Oak Circle has a diy post on this table she painted. Love what she did to the writing desk.

 I truly adore love this home featured in Coastal Living. The idea of doing the large stripes on a dining table is lovely. I am pretty sure this is how we are going to do ours now. 

This Mini-Kildare dresser by TreeHouse Trading Co. shows that there are lots of ways to play with stripes and colors, especially on detailed pieces with doors and trim. 

*Linked to Strut your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple, Transformation Thursday @ Shabby Chic Cottage, Life as Lori's Get Your Craft On, Fireflies and Jelly Beans' Show Off Your Stuff, The Shabby Nest Frugal Friday, Tater Tots and Jello DIY Linky, Finding Fabulous' Frugalicious Friday.