Monday Color: Pine Green

I know, I know, it's getting a little ridiculous that I keep infusing my eco-principles into my Monday Color posts, but we all must draw our inspiration from somewhere, right? And I have mentioned a few times that I seem to be running out of colors to feature.

The hot topic around my house right now is whether or not to get a real Christmas tree. I'm opposed of course. Not against buying a tree that was farmed and cut for that purpose, but because of what happens to it after we enjoy it for a few weeks. Drive around most neighborhoods in early January on garbage day and you'll see piles of discarded trees bound for the landfill. That's not cool. But my six year old son wants a tree, so I'm obligated to at least consider the options. Real tree with roots and all that can be planted after the holidays? An artificial tree many feet taller than the puny one we had all the years we lived in the city that can be used again and again? A cut tree that we take to the chipper or other appropriate recycler in the new year? Or something 100% tree-free and totally creative? Of course I'm leaning toward the latter, but not having much luck swaying my little boy.

So, I'm just going to go ahead and embrace the mighty pine tree today, at least for this post (and because I may soon be welcoming one into my home). The green that I most associate with conifers of the Northeast where I'm from is a cold dark green with a tint of blue-gray in it, like the Douglas Fir, one of the most common species grown as Christmas trees. Pine Green has been an official Crayola Crayon color since 1949 - I did not know this! While other shades of green seem to be more popular in interiors, Pine Green is still a comforting, easy-to-live with hue. Read on to see more.....

































Images above:

1. This bedroom found on Interior Design Styles features deep Pine Green painted woodwork with a lighter green and white palette throughout, complimented cheerfully with pops of salmon.

2. A deep Pine Green on lower cabinets lightens in the medium-toned backsplash and pales to a mint green on upper cabinets in this retro-country kitchen.

3. A dark Pine Green wall with turquoise swirls is balanced by bleached wood and lots of white.

4. A cozy dressing room found on housetohome.co.uk.

5. A deep green has an old-world feel on these floor-to-ceiling library shelves (from Katy Elliot).

6. Stunningly rich green tiles in a master bathroom look opulent but yet earthy (found on Attic Mag).

7. Pine Green is a classic home exterior trim color too.

8. Fine Little Day's Gran Wallpaper is available in 6 different color ways.

9. To add a little country kitsch, how about this Pine Tree End Table from Cottage Surroundings?

10. The Mason Jar Snow Globes from Anthropologie have an extra-nostalgic appeal.

11. A clever D.I.Y. holiday door mat from the geniuses at A Beautiful Mess.

12. A reproduction-style mailbox spray painted in Pine Green, as found on Country Living.

13. Glittered Christmas Tree Candle from Z Gallerie.

14. A modern pine print on the Marimekko Manty Green Gift Wrap from Crate & Barrel.

15. Colonial Mills Braided Poly Rectangular Rug in Dark Green; it's synthetic but that means it can be used indoors or out and the braided construction gives it textural interest.

16. Holiday Tree Coasters from Paizley Polkadot's Etsy Shop.

Reclaimed Wood Dining Tables

With the holiday season well underway, it's family feast time!! If your dining table isn't standing up to your guest load, maybe it's time to consider a new one made from materials that aren't so new. Here's my round-up of reclaimed wood dining tables:


This Old Elm Trestle Table from Furniture Classics Ltd is made of reclaimed building-grade elm and left in its found, weathered, unfinished state for a one-of-a-kind table with history.


The Parsons Reclaimed Wood Top Dining Table from Crate & Barrel has a compact footprint and a modern, hot-rolled steel base that contrasts the reclaimed wood top beautifully.


C.G. Spark's Reclaimed Teak Wood Dining Table and Benches Set is the right size and durability for a lifetime of holiday feasts.


The feminine shape of this Reclaimed Wood Round Pedestal Table from Edie's Lab on Etsy is balanced by the rough-hewn planks of reclaimed southern pine.


The Vintage Farm Tool Rectangular Dining Tables from Restoration Hardware combine the character of vintage garden tools and the rustic look of reclaimed pine.


The Country Manor Table from Sundance is made from reclaimed wood, much of which still retains patches of colored paint from its original life as barn siding.

Monday Color: Matte Black

Few could avoid the buzz of "black friday" last week. From the onslaught of promotional discount emails from every major retailer to the abundant news coverage, it seemed like the event of the year! I'm happy to say the only cash I shelled out last Friday was for a tank of gas.

But with the call of "black friday" in my face at every turn, I decided to pay an anti-tribute by featuring Black in today's Monday Color Post, but with a commitment to featuring only independently manufactured small-scale products after the beautiful inspiration rooms. Not a single Target product anywhere in sight. And because I've already featured the color Black, I'm focusing on its softer, gentler counterpart: Matte Black.































1) From an Apartment Therapy post on black kitchens, I'm smitten over this combination of Matte Black and tons of rustic wood.

2) The Matte Black walls in this room are soothing when paired with this much white and an abundance of nature-inspired elements.

3) Spotted on The Design Darling, these Matte Black paneled walls also get a shot of energy from lots of white and natural materials, with an extra dose from various reflective surfaces.

4) Matte Black is even an option for wallpaper lovers, as seen in this room found on Apartment Therapy San Francisco.

5) & 6) Although starkly different, I love both of these black-walled kids rooms from Oh Dee Doh equally: (5) a artistic minimalist approach and (6) one with lots of color and fun themes.

7) A daring black grasscloth-covered office from Desire to Inspire.

8) Mila Table Lamp in Black from Canvas.

9) For an inspiring round-up of Matte Black painted furniture, head to this Remodelista post, which includes tips on the best low VOC, acrylic latex paint to use on such a project.

10) A 20" x 30" map of the United States in hand-drawn white type on a matte black background (from Little Owl Designs on Etsy).

11) I love how black chalkboard paint modernized this old globe and gives it an interactive, wanderlust appeal to (found on The Stir).

12) Kontextur Tissue Cover in Matte Black, from Design Public.

13) An unbelievably affordable Matte Black Nightstand Cabinet from Aspen Country.

14) Large Carafe from Calypso Home.

15) Blu Dot's powder coated steel Totem Bookcase in Black, available at The Future Perfect, is the ideal size for storing vinyl records or large art books in a small unused corner.

Monday Color: Thanksgiving

Yes, I know that Thanksgiving is not a color. But let's face it, I'm running low on single color choices (I think 2012 Monday Color posts will have to feature color pairings....woo too!), however when I close my eyes and think of Thanksgiving, there is definitely a palette of hues that comes to mind. It is this same essence of Thanksgiving that makes it my favorite holiday hands down....a warm glow of food and family and crackling fireplaces, flushed cheeks and full bellies, and the remaining glimpses of Autumn turning into Winter outside our windows. I've mentioned before that aside from the arguable history behind the tradition, I love Thanksgiving because it is one of few non-religious holidays that has no commercial agenda (unless you count the boom in poultry sales); you are not required to give cards or presents, or don a costume, you simply get together with family, sharing company and a deliciously endless feast. And to me, that's inspiring.



























Images above:

1. Turkey decorations made from all-natural materials seen on All Home Decors.

2. An earthy seasonal table setting from Haute Living.

3. A beautiful farmhouse-style Thanksgiving found on Nice Home Decor (this look is going in my 'dream house' files for sure!).

4. I love the lighter Fall-inspired colors in this tablescape.

5. An inspiring example of last year's Hostess With the Mostess Thanksgiving entertaining and decor ideas.

6. A simple table setting with brilliant Fall leaves from Martha Stewart.

7. A beautifully simply bittersweet wreath.

8. Thanksgiving Stacking Boxes available from Terry's Village.

9. Warm, honey-colored Smoked Glassware from West Elm.

10. A dried Wheat Bundle from www.drieddecor.com

11. Add some earthy colored pattern to your living room or bed with the Ezra Pillow from Crate & Barrel.

12. Maize photographic print by James Linton Sain from Z Gallerie.

13. Toss some fallen branches into a rustic vase like this Clay Vase with Rattan Trim and your table is instantly Thanksgiving-ready.