My Vote is for Grey

There was a time not so long ago that I would avoid Grey based schemes for my clients. I would lean towards selecting neutrals with warmer tones.

My thinking was Cleveland already has so many grey days, that adding grey to the home would feel cold. I overlooked the beauty and richness that Greys have to offer.

Last Summer I was working with a client on remolding a home from the late 1960's in Akron. The Den was that dated, deep brown paneling and it needed a lift. Instead of painting it white or cream, I went the opposite direction and suggested Sherwin Williams 7047 Porpoise and it turned out gorgeous. It balances nicely with the new charcoal stained walnut floor we put in the Den and Living Room. (See picture above)

I have noticed a trend towards Grey with my clients.They are starting to crave a little grey in their lives. It is everywhere in our new introductions from the High Point Furniture Market. Fabrics, wallcovering, furniture finishes, lighting.

One of my favorite ways to use Grey is in the Kitchen.

It feels fresh and it doesn't have to look modern.

It is nice mixed with Butcher Block counters.

And so nice with the painted wainscoting behind.

It can look modern as it does in Imperial Trellis (I told you I was obsessed).

Of a great background to a pop of color, like cerise.

Or lilac.

I also love it as a finish for furniture as on this table from West Elm.

But my absolute favorite shade of Grey is on my sweet grey dog, Oliver. Perfection!


Cheers,

BBS


Images found on Google Image and credited to Philip Ennis, Canadian Home and Garden, Veranda, Kashani, Colleen Duffley, and West Elm, Oh, and me.

Oliver's Twist vol.1

From time to time I, Oliver Twist Spang, will be making guest posts on mummie's (BBS) blog. I will be short and sweet as I have lots of napping to do. I really don't have time for all this blogging stuff, but she is insisting.

Mummie has found these new dog beds she is all excited about. They are made by Crypton Fabrics and they look super comfy. They are water and stain resistant. She says best part is they will actually look good in the house. I don't really get that part....

She was going crazy for this one....Something about water proof damask and she could cover a sofa in it??????

We don't have ours yet, so until we do I will stay right here on "my" sofa and sleep.

Sloppy Kisses,

Oliver

Pictures of dog beds are from Google Image and of Crypton Fabrics. They can be found at www.cryptonfabric.com. Image of Oliver was taken by BBS.

Oliver

I think it is about time that I introduce you to Oliver, my sweet gray dog. He is a 2 year old silver lab. Yes, they do exist and no, they are not a mix of a lab and a weimeraner. You would be surprised how many times I get asked that. He is the sweetest dog I have ever had and he is pretty handsome as well.

Oliver will participate in my blog when he (I) find(s) something that he(I) think(s) the pet loving world will want to see. I am not crazy...I know Oliver could care less about what the newest dog bed is or what collar he is wearing, but I do. Our pets things are strewn through out our home, there is no reason they shouldn't look great too.

He will be a guest blogger from time to time in a section called, "Oliver's Twist". When you see that title you will know that the blog is pet related.

Oliver is enjoying a relaxing Sunday sleeping in his dog bed next to the roaring fire while I type away. His plan is to head to the park for a quick (as it is very cold here today) romp. I guess I will tag along.

Happy Sunday!

Cheers,

BBS (and Ollie too)

First Things First

Oh how do I begin.....Let's see....The only polite thing to do would be to tell you a bit about myself. I am Barrie, an interior designer in Cleveland, Ohio. I am single and live with my sweet grey dog named Oliver. He is a 2 year old silver lab, but you will hear more about him later.

I hope to share the hilarious tales of being an interior designer. I swear I could write a book with all of my stories, but baby steps. Let's see, I have been chased through a client's home and bitten on the bum by their dog. I had permission to be in their home, but they must have forgotten to tell Fido. I have even had to clean up pet vomit off of a gorgeous antique rug that was on trial at a client's home. No, they didn't keep it and yes, I did tell the rug dealer. And those are just some of my animal stories....More to come, promise.

Parties are my thing. I love, love, love to plan parties. I have planned dozen of parties in my mind that will probably never even come to fruition. I love theme parties, cocktail parties, dinner parties...you get the idea. Several of my friends in Cleveland own bars and restaurants and I love to help them plan events for their places. It is just so much fun. I get such a high when I see all of my guests mingling and having fun.

I love movies. All movies. Indies, Blockbusters, Chic Flicks, comedies....I am not a movie snob, but I do get obsessed around this time of year. I become obsessed with the Oscar contenders. I aspire to see all of the movies that are nominated for the major awards, Best....Movie, Director, Actor, Actress, and Supporting. A few of my friends have joined me in the quest to see all movies and it is really fun.

A big part of my life is cooking. I really didn't cook anything until after college. I am totally self taught. While my mom was actually a really good cook, she rarely did it. We ate in really nice restaurants 4-5 times a week. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that she could have had an entire dinner cooked and if my dad called to ask if we wanted to go out to dinner, she would say yes. That meal would be in Tupperware faster than I could ask where we were headed and we were out the door. I am not complaining. I enjoy dining out and cooking equally. Both are very relaxing and enjoyable to me.

All of this chat about myself is boring me, so I will wrap it up by saying, I also enjoy reading, traveling and I volunteer my time to several organizations. I believe in the importance of giving your time, efforts, and donations to those in need.

Well that is me in a nutshell. I look forward to opening up to you. Making you giggle. Sharing design insights, tips, and secrets. Getting to know you. Growing with you.

Cheers,
BBS