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How to Choose the Perfect Blue Paint

discussing the art of many shades of blue, and what to look for when settling on the one
In Partnership with BEHR Paint
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

Picking the Perfect Blue Paint, @waitingonmartha

It’s really no surprise that blue is one of the most calming and healing paint colors you can choose. We’ve often seen it used to create a relaxing oasis in the bedroom, but it can also promote a cleansing, tranquil feel in the bathroom and a bold, fierce ambition in the home office.  The versatility and wide range of beautiful blues is infinite; the color is a go-to when infusing depth into spaces all around the home (check out these nine different rooms that prove it!). 

I, of course, have always gravitated towards blue when decorating my own home.  I’ve learned how the endless shades can work perfectly together, whether that’s through throw pillows, accents or paint.  Decorating with blue offers so many possibilities as it’s a lot like the ocean; a multitude of blues, constantly changing and effortlessly mixing. And unlike most colors, decorating with a myriad of multiple shades works no matter what. 

When settling on your own blue paint options, rest assured that this color family is probably one of the best ones for you—even if you’re a little hesitant to paint.  It’s a classic, timeless color that both men and women can usually agree upon, and it can transcend redecorating for years to come.  But as you decide on what exactly blue to paint with it’s good to remember a few things. Blues, much like greys, can take on a chameleon-like quality on your walls as light changes throughout the day so test swatching all over is a must.  Dark blues can have some sneaky purple tones in them, and the darker the shade the more it will affect the amount of light you actually get in the room.  So when going bold make sure you’re ready, and remember the paint on your walls usually reads darker than you planned.  When painting with light blues keep in mind they can read very baby-ish so it’s best to keep them to nurseries, small powder rooms, and accents. And lastly, never forget about the ceilings and doors.  I turned to a deep, almost-indigo blue on my ceilings, doors and island (rather than paint the entire downstairs) to keep things light and airy, while still giving a nod to my absolute favorite color around. 

Below I’ve rounded up my favorite blues and provided some helpful insight as to how I’d use each shade.  Let me know which shade is your favorite and I’d love to know if you’re as big of a blue fan as me?  Truly, MKR

The best blue paint by @waitingonmartha @BEHRpaint #spon

Photography, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | This post is in collaboration with BEHR Paint, a brand we love and adore. All opinions are 100% our own. 

Colors pictured: Sailors Bay M510-5, Optimum Blue M540-7Very Navy M500-7Ice Drop M530-1Elegant Navy M530-7Hawaiian Sky PPU14-07Brisk Blue S530-SNight Flight S520-7Blue Me Away M510-1

5 Inspiring Bedside Tables & How to Get the Look

It's time to step up your nightstand styling game
Filed Under > Ideas & Inspiration

With my current focus on a good bedtime routine (no #SundayScaries here), I realize that a styled bedside table is pretty important.  That may sound a bit silly, but when I glance over at my tidy nightstand to see a pretty candle, the four books I’m currently reading (here, here, here and here), and this healing crystal I just bought (after writing this post), I’m at peace.  You know what they say about the joy a tidy room brings…well nightstand styling plays right into that. 

I was recently inspired to revisit my nightstand styling thanks to a few gorgeous pins I came across.  I’ve included them in the slideshow above, along with a few takeaways from each look.  I’d love to know: what’s on your bedside table?  Cheers, Kat

P.S. For more major nightstand styling inspo and essentials, check out MKR’s post here. xo

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

 

 

Look #1

Look #1

Use an antique or vintage-inspired dresser for a perfect bedside table that has a certain feminine Parisian flair.

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VIA ONE KINGS LANE
Look #2

Look #2

There's no denying it; this curved lamp steals the show. Compliment the look of this unique lamp with decorative crystals and candles.

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VIA AVE STYLES
Look #3

Look #3

A small, rustic wood table creates a beautiful boho look when styled with other textural accents. Stash a woven rice basket under the bedside to keep the table's surface unobstructed.

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VIA MY DOMAINE
Look #4

Look #4

When mixing modern and traditional details, consider tying the space together with brass or gold elements like this lamp.

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VIA STUDIO MCGEE
Look #5

Look #5

In a bedroom with relaxed, Scandinavian vibes, pair a modern lamp with clean lines and a minimalist surface to serve as your bedside table.

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VIA SARAH SHERMAN SAMUEL

Featured image, My Domaine

20 Great Pieces of Affordable Art from Minted

Grow your gallery wall without breaking the bank with one of our favorite sources for art online
Filed Under > Everyday

Art instantly adds interest and personality to the home, there’s no question about it.  It’s the statement that takes a space from cookie-cutter to unforgettable.  It also happens to be one of my favorite things to lust after these days, now that I’m developing my own style at home.  I say “lust after” because most of the pieces that I find cost a pretty penny, and I’m too intimidated to invest in large, original paintings as I sign new apartment leases every few years. 

Of course it takes time to build a really great art collection, but it can also be fun (read: not insanely expensive!) to look for the pieces you love.  I recently fell down a rabbit hole favoriting a ton of great prints on Minted, currently one of my favorite sources for affordable art online.  (And no, this post is not sponsored by Minted…it’s just one of those online sources worth sharing because it’s THAT good.)  The site is a culmination of work by artists from all over, which makes each purchase a bit more meaningful than shelling money for all of that mass-manufactured stuff.  The site really has something for everyone; both art aficionados and newbies alike can find affordable art to fit their styles.  I’m personally a sucker for the stunning photography, vibrant and playful abstracts and I even find myself loving pieces from the children’s art collection that will make sweet gifts for friends later.  

The great thing about Minted is that all art is customizable by size and frame (white, black, farmhouse wood grain, antique and distressed, etc.).  This way, you can create the ideal piece for your gallery wall at home or hand-pick the perfect present for a loved one, all at a price point you feel comfortable with.  And I’ve seen the quality first-hand…MKR’s frame-worthy additions to her gallery wall, this piece hanging in the WOM office and then the pieces I picked out for Christmas gifts last year (here and here). 

I’ve rounded up 20 great pieces of affordable art from Minted in the slideshow above; simply click on the image to scroll through them.  Tell me, have you scored any art from Minted?  Cheers, Kat

P.S. If you find an artist on Minted that you just LOVE, you can also work directly with many of them for an original commissioned piece! xo

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
"Purple Kimono"

"Purple Kimono"

The bold, vibrant and sassy colors in this abstract are begging to make a statement.

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VIA MINTED
"50s Paperwhites"

"50s Paperwhites"

These sweet florals make for a great gift or an easy addition to a powder room, kitchen or girls' room.

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VIA MINTED
"Yield"

"Yield"

Deep, rich azure and jade stand alone for a great dramatic piece.

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VIA MINTED
"Days in Paris"

"Days in Paris"

The delicate details of Paris streets should never go unnoticed, and this photo would look pristine in a frame on the wall.

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VIA MINTED
"Composed"

"Composed"

Simple, yet perfect. This rough sketch would make a wonderful addition to the gallery wall, but really would do just fine on its own too.

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VIA MINTED
"Idalia"

"Idalia"

Vibrant and bold, this print is sure to get the conversation flowing.

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VIA MINTED
"Journey"

"Journey"

A serene scene, this photograph brings a certain calmness to the space.

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VIA MINTED
"Abstract Watercolor 90"

"Abstract Watercolor 90"

Watercolor in a muted charcoal proves to be is anything but dreary.

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VIA MINTED
"Arrows"

"Arrows"

This minimalist print lends a subtle tribal vibe to the space. Consider this as a neutral, and pair the piece with other patterns for a multi-depth feel.

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VIA MINTED
"Composition 4"

"Composition 4"

Bright strokes make this beauty an instant success for any lover of abstracts.

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VIA MINTED
"On the Move"

"On the Move"

This sweet watercolor piece is a great addition to any nursery.

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VIA MINTED

These soft hues and beautiful blurs would add a lovely feminine feel to the room.

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VIA MINTED
"Tropical Palm Tree"

"Tropical Palm Tree"

These sweeping palms prove the beauty in nature's simplicity.

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VIA MINTED
"Duet"

"Duet"

The punchy colors of this synchronized duet and water embody the playfulness of summer.

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VIA MINTED
"Fly This Way"

"Fly This Way"

Faint planes invite kids of all ages to dream among the clouds.

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VIA MINTED
"Red Flowers Bouquet"

"Red Flowers Bouquet"

These wonderfully rich, red flowers are (almost) better than the real thing.

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VIA AMBER INTERIORS
"No. 203"

"No. 203"

Playful lines and a sunny feel make this piece frame-worthy.

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VIA MINTED
"Southwestern Succulent"

"Southwestern Succulent"

This piece gives our favorite hardy plant a soft, neutral feel.

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VIA MINTED
"Lula"

"Lula"

Gorgeous drops of indigo make this piece truly unforgettable.

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VIA MINTED
"Venice Beach"

"Venice Beach"

A summer haze on Venice Beach is one worth framing.

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VIA MINTED

Featured image, Minted

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