Color Made Easy - A Cottage Kitchen Makeover and A Sea Glass and Driftwood Color Palette

Today I wanted to share two stories which I recently came across in Better Homes and Gardens Color Made Easy - both of which include a Red Door Home curtain project.

The first is a fabulous Cottage Kitchen Makeover produced and designed by Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

This story shows the transformation of an outdated kitchen when it was given a total renovation from both a layout and design standpoint. 

Before

To create a vintage look in keeping with the architecture of the 1935 Cape-style cottage, the homeowners choose a mix of open shelving and recessed panel cabinets as well as a chalkboard message center and a vintage style faucet. 

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To address the seating space and storage issues of the eating area, a custom made bench was added to create a beautiful banquette.

Eating Area Before

The dining area was kept light and bright with the addition of the sheer Roman shades I created.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The complete story of this makeover including additional pictures, and budget saving ideas can be found HERE.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

The second story, which appeared in the same issue of Color Made Easy, featured a soothing and wonderful sea glass and driftwood color palette.  This story was also designed and produced by Donna Talley.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

Blue – in all its many shades – has always been a staple in the decorating world.  Here, Donna combined a pretty shade of aqua and beige to create a simple and calming atmosphere.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

My contribution to the photo below was the simple aqua shade mounted inside the window frame.

Color Made Easy    -    Photography by John Bessler

Donna Talley, Regional Editor and Producer for Meredith Publications

To create this look, a sheer aqua panel was cut to length, hemmed on all sides and then stapled to a board.  The board was then installed inside the window.  Although this is a non-functioning shade, in the sense that it does not go up and down, it is a great option for anyone looking to add a bit of color to their windows while still allowing light into the room.