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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

Garden & Gun Jubilee Part I

Filed Under > Travel

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A few weeks ago I had the immense pleasure of collaborating with Garden & Gun Magazine to attend their second annual Jubilee Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina.  Being my first time, but definitely not my last, to Charleston I knew I wanted to capture every moment I could so along with the Mr. one of my other partners in crime, my photographer, Kathryn McCrary came along for the ride.

Charleston itself was everything I had dreamed it would be.  Picturesque, full of history, and overflowing with charm, but this isn’t a story about Charleston, that story is coming next week.  Today we’re talking all about the Jubilee…well today and Friday because I couldn’t possibly squeeze everything Jubilee into just one day.  Not when there was so much to see, do and talk about.  

We started our weekend eating the most amazing local food, sipping wine, and stalking Harry Connick Jr. under twinkle lights at the Jubilee Oyster Roast, (tickets go fast for the evening, but I highly, highly, suggest attending the Roast next year).  Day one then began bright and early by noshing on homemade biscuits and candied grapefruit libations at the Editors Breakfast all why shopping the Southern Made Market Place.  I snagged numerous homemade treats, vintage cocktail napkins, the new Leontine Linens; For Every Room book, and a few handmade belts for the Mr.  We walked for miles under the canopy of Charleston’s gorgeous mossy trees, chatted with old friend and new, and rounded out our day with a quick trip to the Hobnob Entertaining Candy Shop before heading back for dinner at Husk.  

So with Jubilee Part I officially one for the books I can’t wait to share Part II with you!  Lastly I’d be amiss if I didn’t specifically send big thanks and love to Garden & Gun Magazine, Ms. Colleen Call, and the Belmond Charleston Place for making our stay nothing short of magical.  Happy Monday Loves!  Truly, MKR 

…AS PICTURED….Sweater, DKNY via Shopbop c/o (sold out similar HERE)  ||  Striped Shirt, J.Crew (on sale now, I have it in every color)  ||  Jeans, Paige Denim c/o  ||  Boots, Tory Burch (ON SALE!)  ||  Hat, Sole Society c/o (on sale NOW!)  ||  Watch, Daniel Wellington  ||  Ring, Kendra Scott c/o  ||  Acanthus Ring, Julie Vos  

*Photography, Kathryn McCrary  ||  This story was in collaboration with Garden & Gun Magazine, a magazine I love, adore and ready every single month.  Opinions are 100% my own.

The Golden Isles: Day One

A Divine Start to a Getaway on Georgia's Coast
Filed Under > Everyday

Life on the water | Waiting on Martha A Getaway to the Golden Isles via Waiting on MarthaCoffee table styling via Waiting on MarthaA cocktail on Sea Island, Waiting on MarthaStaying on the Golden Isles via Waiting on MarthaStunning statement jewelry | Waiting on MarthaThe shore at sunset via Waiting on MarthaStunning bathroom scenes via Waiting on MarthaVisiting St. Simons Island via Waiting on MarthaHotel fountain via Waiting on MarthaShopping on St. Simons Island via Waiting on Martha Stunning architecture on the Golden Isles via Waiting on Martha 

Being only a few hours away from Atlanta, I’ve always heard friends refer to the irresistible pull of the sleepy Georgia coastline and its comforting resorts.  So when our dear friend Cheri Leavy, cofounder of The Southern Coterie, invited me to experience her Golden Isles, I knew my photographer and friend, Kathryn, and I would be in for a treat. 

There’s really no wonder why it’s called the Golden Isles; the cluster of St. Simons Island, Sea Island, Jekyll Island, Little St. Simons and Brunswick nestled on the Georgia coast and their romance envelopes you like rays of warm sunshine the minute you enter into the low country. An easy drive from Atlanta, the Golden Isles offer a tempting getaway from everyday life in the city, and you’d be hard-pressed to be anything but relaxed along its pristine beaches among miles and miles of sprawling marshlands. 

Before meeting up with the group, we did a bit of shopping at Redfern Village, where I could have spent hours.  Stops at Two Friends, Two Friends Too and Petite Maison were a must.  In Two Friends, I found bags from my dear friend Cinda B and jewels from one of my favorites, Julie Vos. At Two Friends Too, I fell in love with an antique Chippendale dresser that I had dreams of turning into a bar, but alas there was no extra room in the car home.  And how could I pass up my greek letters, Chi O, in a super fun doormat version. At Petite Maison, my heart went pitter-patter as I swooned over art by Britt Bass and Teil Duncan, plus the most amazing tassel earrings from Audrey Allman.  And before heading out I of course, had to hit up the Tibi outlet and support a hometown hero. 

After doing a little damage in Redfern, we were happy to gather for evening cocktails at The Lodge on St. Simons Island, recognized as a #1 resort in the mainland U.S by. Conde Nast Traveler.  As Cheri always says; “the Lodge is my happy place,” and happy it was.  As the sun set and the sky turned pink we enjoyed our sips on the sprawling porch overlooking the 18th hole and causeway, while being serenaded by a set of bagpipes.  It was nothing short of magical, and the perfect way to start the weekend.

Be sure to fan through the photo gallery for more stunning images from Day 1 below, and tune in Friday for the recap from our second day among the glorious Golden Isles.  Truly, MKR

SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE

 

 

Photography, Kathryn McCrary

A big thank you to our fabulous hosts and everyone who made this visit such a success: Cheri Leavy | The Lodge at St. Simons Island | Grace Graffiti | One Love Organics | Sea Island Marketing Team | The Cloister | The Vine | LBH & Co. | Petite Maison | Two Friends | Southern Soul BBQ | Halyards

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