Category Archives: Trends

kitchen cabinets: two-toned color trend


kitchengray kitchen cabinets: two toned color trend
Image via the deocorologist

The easiest way to transform your outdated kitchen is to slap on a fresh coat of paint to those worn-out kitchen cabinets. And that’s exactly what I plan to do this spring or summer.

I’m not the most timely of DIY-ers, that’s a well-documented fact on this blog. But I hope to knock out this much-needed task soon — yet the paint decisions are driving me crazy!

Do I go all white? Or should I do a universal black-and-white decor? Or, should I be daring and take a risk with a fun color? I hate to get too trendy, or I’ll need to repaint in a year.

So here is what I WILL be using — a two-toned kitchen cabinet color scheme. Darker paint on the lower cabinets, lighter on top.

It’s not terribly new — designers have been using this idea for a few years now. But for those who think it’s too out there, think again. You can really get creative with this trend– while keeping the look sophisticated and subtle.

kitchenbluewhite kitchen cabinets: two toned color trendImage via the kitchn

From a visual perspective, it’s a good idea to keep the darker color on the lower cabinets  – love the indigo blue in the above kitchen. Then use a crisp, lighter shade on top. This will make your space look larger. You really can’t beat a bright white for a a clean look.

glossykitchen e1364142000956 kitchen cabinets: two toned color trendImage via Better Homes & Gardens

But just because there are certain “rules” for two-toned kitchen cabinets, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with finishes. This glossy look is a perfect example. The glossy paint from the lower cabinets gives these basic espresso cabinets a modern touch.

This would be a good option for a more traditional kitchen, like mine. Or for those who want an updated, yet approachable look. I for one, don’t want my kitchen to look so sleek and perfect that you can’t get your hands dirty!

green kitchen e1364141840767 kitchen cabinets: two toned color trendImage via Design Traveler

And for the more daring, you can still get very creative with kitchen cabinet color, as well. You can choose to color block your kitchen cabinets, so to speak. Paint an island cabinet section white, then choose a bright shade for the opposite block of kitchen cabinets. You can’t go wrong with green, especially this year!

The bottom line in kitchen design is to have fun, be creative and make your kitchen the most comfortable room in your home!

in defense of mint

mint pool in defense of mint

Image via Style Me Pretty

Earlier this week, one of my more opinionated design-type friends posted something to Facebook to the effect that “mint green is never a good idea”.  If you’ve seen my nursery or my pick for this year’s Spring color, you’ll know that I VERY strongly disagree.  In fact, if you check most of the Spring 2013 Color Forecasts, you’ll find that they disagree as well (like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, and more).  So as a bit of a rebuttal, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite products in the hue, along with some swoon-worthy images I couldn’t help but include.

mint car in defense of mint

Image via Christopher Patric Ernst

mint skirt in defense of mint

Image via Atlantic Pacific

mint in defense of mint

Arrows, by Trevor Baum; Romance Holiday Dress, ModCloth; Foundation Bracelet, Stella & Dot; Victorinox Tomo Mint Green, Swiss Army; Small Birch Cutting Board by Silver Pine Woodworks; Zipper Mint Pillow, CB2; Covela sandals by Lucky Brand, Piperlime; Soda-Lime Pitcher, Anthropologie.  

Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring Colors

PH9 CTS 64 of 17 Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsSome of our favorite spring colors — Prairie Hive Spring Issue 9

What are your favorite spring colors? For our Spring Issue 9, a few themes came to light — saving space, creative entertaining,  DIYs and, of course, color.

As someone who has been a fan of the Easter egg palette — since birth, really — I couldn’t be happier that color is back in a big way.

This season seems to be replacing last year’s bold brights — aka neon — with hues reminiscent of bright sorbets and sherbets. Think Easter eggs with a bit more saturation. For example, I’m loving the colorful denim that’s in stores right now –it  reminds me of my butter yellow Guess jeans from back in the day. Come on, admit it . You had some of those jeans, too!

In light of all our color love, we each picked our favorite spring colors for our magazine’s Welcome page. So I included our reference photos below for a full perspective.

The lesson: Now is the time to brighten your life with some color, whether you buy a new throw pillow, paint a room, or buy (another) pair of yellow jeans.

Happy (almost) Spring!

Kim   lavender Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsKim: Lavender, Image via J Crew

Dawn PH I9 Canary Yellow Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring Colors

Dawn: Canary Yellow, Image via mariakillam

Lisa   I9 pink peonies e1363188984718 Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsLisa: Fuchsia, Image via Pinterest 

blush2 Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsAlayna: Blush, Image via My Design Ethos

Sarah   greyed jade e1363131164658 Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsSarah: Greyed Jade, Image via Etsy

Roxanne   spring green e1363131260807 Color Burst: Our Favorite Spring ColorsRoxanne: Spring Green, Image via Natty by Design

Winter Green : Outfit to Room

emerald Winter Green : Outfit to Room

OTR wintergreen1 Winter Green : Outfit to Room

 

 

Top image via Tumblr

I thought a little of a winter Emerald Green – the 2013 Color of the Year  - was a great way to kick off January…I loved this un-preppy take on emerald green and leopard.  Black hardwood floors are both modern and provide a great dramatic backdrop for almost any color palette.  Like a green wool coat, a green sofa would definitely be a big investment, but if you’re in love with the color, why not?  Green can go many different directions, so you could change up the vibe of the space as your tastes change.  The casual gray flannel ottoman is a good counterpoint to the fancier leather chair, like a good pair of Chuck Taylors.

1. Nate Berkus for Target Oversize Chain Link, Target.  2. Kartell FLY Suspension Lamp, Lumens.  3. Murphy Sofa, Room & Board.  4. Leopard Pillow, Jayson Home.  5. HRI Rainbow Rug, Rugstudio.  6. Arteriors Danforth Ivory Chair, Zinc Door.  7. Bliss Ottoman, West Elm.  8. Peppercorn Hardwood Flooring, Armstrong.  

Sherwin-Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912sw high midnight Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912SWMidnightPaintPale Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912MustardSofa Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Image from Ethan Rohloff Photography at Ryan Group Architects via Houzz

The Sherwin-Williams 2013 Color Forecast has been release and as usual, I love it. With a fondness for all colors at one point or another, I think just creating palettes is enjoyable. I think they’re a little piece of art all on their own.

Starting with the Midnight Mystery palette, we dive into a world of moody jewel tones and earth inspired neutrals. I like that the mustard is a bit muddy compared to recent saturated versions that have been popular and the subtle take on purple with the bottom right color, Plum Brown. Perfect for cozy walls in the winter with a warming fire in the fireplace.

RD110912sw high vitality Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912HonedVitalityPaintP Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Next up, Honed Vitality presents what I would refer to a color neutrals. I think most of this palette could be used in such a way that they inject a bit of life and color without reading as full colors. The top left, Silver Strand will lend life to a space by changing colors as the daylight changes. At the end of the evening, this warm grey would make an inviting room to end the evening, perhaps a dining room dinner party?

RD110912EarthyMutedPastels Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Image from Houzz

RD110912sw high moxie Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912VintageMoxiePaintPa Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Vintage Moxie takes the popular somewhat neon pastels of past days and saturates them a bit. You see a bolder almost sea foam nod to the soft mint that’s been spotted everywhere and the icy blue gets replaced with a pale robin’s egg blue. I’m happy to see the yellowed avocado in Independent Gold, I love using this a punchy painted furniture piece. I love the dark and light neutral in this palette. Try the Darkroom on trim and interior doors and that gauzy white could lend to a gallery space without being too stark.

RD110912WarmPunchyPastels Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Image from Houzz

RD110912sw high voltage Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

RD110912HighVoltagePaintPal Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

For the color lovers among you, High Voltage should satisfy for the brights and leftover neons from our recurrent 80′s trends of last year. My favorite for pops of color to add to a neutral home? I pick the limey Eye Catching and the pinker coral of Gladiola. That Frank Blue has been a long stand in for royal in my world. Just waiting for the day when I can paint some built-in cabinets in a glossy just-a-bit-electric blue.

RD110912BlueKitchen Sherwin Williams 2013 Color Forecast

Image from Archer & Buchanan Architecture via Houzz

I think what I like most about this collection of palettes is that you can pull from multiple palettes and still create a cohesive look. You’ll see in the photos that even though some of the pieces represent a specific color in one of the palettes, there’s always a color from one of the other palettes mixed in. This lesson is one to take with you, always a bit of the unexpected when you think you might be finished and you’ll end up with quite an interesting space.

It’s Fall — Bring on the Tights and Gloves

 tightsmain Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via LittleGreenNotebook

I’m very excited that fall has (sort of) arrived, which means bye-bye bare legs and hello tights and gloves! The ladylike trend in fashion has spawned a more covered-up look in general, but that doesn’t mean bland.

I’m so excited that colorful stockings, tights and hose are everywhere this fall, along with their sophistocated first cousin — the ladylike glove.

Finally, a reason to properly utilize that glove compartment again!

 ellegloves Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Fashion Blog Files, from Marie Claire

First, let’s talk tights. Fancy stockings in a multitude of colors, fabrics and textures have been hitting the runways and the streets for the past few seasons.

Add an inexpensive pair of tights to a neutral dress, and you’ve got an instant showstopper, like these ombre tights. Or wear them against a bold pattern and you’ve got a really memorable look. If you’re on Pinterest, you have probably seen these ombre tights on many pinboards!

 ombretights1 Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Etsy 

And even the more conservative dresser can wear tights to her full advantage. Paired with a LBD or a business suit, these really add some punch.

nordtights1 Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Nordstrom

huetights Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Hue

Now moving onto my second-favorite fall accessory — the little glove. The runways have been loaded with all sorts of gloves this year — from dainty lace, to full-on leather studded gloves. 

Whether you go for Princess Grace or Lady Gaga, and they still look fresh and cool. Happy fall accessorizing!

lacegloves Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via LightInTheBox 

torygloves1 680x1024 Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Tory Burch

etsygloves1 Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Etsy

lavgloves Its Fall    Bring on the Tights and GlovesImage via Ravely via Vogue Knitting

Boss’s Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life

homessweetoffice Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy LifeImage via Etsy

Did you remember that it’s Boss’s Day this Tuesday?

Nope, me neither. I guess I’m a lousy subordinate. But thanks to Dawn, I was reminded just in time to get my professional ducks in a row.

You don’t want to forget your hard-working boss, no matter what your current work situation. I’ll just leave it at that! No matter if your boss is a close friend, or an acquaintance at best — Boss’s Day is the day to show your appreciation.

The classic way is, of course, with flowers or candies. That’s an easy way to show you care (and a great last-minute option). But if you’re up for a raise or promotion, getting creative just might win you those all-important brownie points you need.

Now is the tricky part — what to buy and how much to spend? The answer is: It depends entirely on your situation, and your boss.

shawl Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life Image of Halogen ‘Wave’ Wrap via Nordstrom

It’s a wrap. Thoughtful gifts always score big points, and if you work in a large office space, you’ll know where I’m going with this. Climate control is always a frustrating experience, especially here in Oklahoma. It could be 107 degrees outside, and 45 inside, thanks to the know-it-all in control of the AC.

If your female boss is professional and chic, then a smart wrap or pashmina can can travel with her from meeting to office to airplane. She’ll give you a big bonus if it’s cashmere!

Samsonite Fashion Tote Laptop Bag Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life

Image via Wayfair

Peaceful travels. Too many times, bad business traveling experiences can make for a cranky boss. For the busy career woman on the go, the problem is always packing and luggage, especially the ever-annoying laptop or computer bag. With two ‘personal’ items allowed on a plane, that means you often have to pick between a purse or the laptop bag. Why not combine? This Samsonite bag is durable, great-looking and full of pockets and compartments. And it includes a laptop sleeve to protect your hardware.

cozy Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life

Image via Knotwork Shop on  Etsy

Funny and frugal. So you don’t have $50 to spend on your boss, but you still want to be appreciative. No biggie. You can get her something cute and clever — like his cozy. It helps build her self-esteem and keep her morning Joe piping hot — a good thing to be associated with!

 chocolatedominoes Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life

Image via Williams-Sonoma

Chocolate saves all. If you don’t quite know your boss so well, or are afraid of coming off overly personal, you cannot beat some good, old-fashioned chocolate. Pair it with a sense of humor, and you’re golden. These Chocolate-Caramel Dominoes are fun, not overly familiar (you don’t want to make these sweets feel like they’re for your sweetheart!), and they look like you put a lot of thought into your choice.

shavekit1 Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy LifeImage via Fossil

 

Manly travels. Just like with female bosses, men can have a tough time keeping it together on the road. If you’re friendly with your boss, and he’s a bit of a Renaissance man, he’ll appreciate a leather shave kit from Fossil. This one is manly-man approved; I got it for the husband for his last birthday. It has just enough room to hold all of his travel items, and the leather smell is oh-so-masculine.

woodbowtie1 Bosss Day Gift Ideas: Happy Boss = Happy Life

Image via Uncommon Goods

Hipster boss. Once in a while, even the oh-so-with-it hip boss needs to be impressed. This is perfect for your stylish male boss. Nothing says cool like blending a big trend — bow ties — with an unusual texture, like in this wooden bow tie. This is perfect for that ‘guy who has everything,’ and a unique conversation piece he can wear or display on his desk. Warning — this gift is NOT for the Polo-shirt-plus-khakis kind of guy. He might think you need a vacation if you give him this!

Have a happy Boss’s Day!

Autumn Brights: Outfit to Room

OTRFalloutfit Autumn Brights: Outfit to RoomOTRFallroom Autumn Brights: Outfit to Room

 

 

Outfit Image via Style by Kling

Sure, I could have gone with a plaid/mustard/burgundy combo for a fall look, but this one is just so much more fun!  The camel coat grounds the brights and the black accessories toughen up a classic piece.  A perfect irreverent approach to a modern but classic room.

Blue Bulletin Board Lamp, Land of Nod; Panorama Chandelier, West Elm; Jonathon Adler Walnut Desmond Screen, Zinc Door; Aluminum Wood Side Table, West Elm; Clarke Sofa, Room and Board; Lava Burnt Orange Rug, CB2; TOFTERYD Coffee Table, IKEA; Zip Line Pillow, All Modern.

Pantone Fall Color Forecast

Pantone Fall Colors 600w Pantone Fall Color Forecast

image via Pantone

Ahhh…..fall is oh, so close.  Can you feel it?  Smell it?  See it?  Well I can (perhaps it’s because I am wishing it here so hard!).  And because of that, it is time to spruce up your home and wardrobe with some fall colors!

Here at Prairie Hive we all love color.  Not in a small way, but a big way.  We are always excited to see what is up and coming.  One of the best ways to get ahead on the color each year is through the company Pantone.  Each year they are responsible for the yearly color….remember my post on Tangerine Tango back in January?  Well, in addition to the yearly color, they also have spring and fall color collections.  The fall color collection is pictured above.

I really love it.  The jewel tones are in full force with some brights that carry our neon loving ways from summer into fall.

Here are some fun items I found that can help you incorporate some of the great fall colors into your life….

Owl & Drum is a brand new fabric store that just opened up here in Tulsa.  We are sooo very excited to have them here b/c they have got some great product!  This is not your grandma’s quilting shop.  They have super hip fabric, fun ribbon, handmade items from all over the states, and even some unique jewelry the uses old skateboards!

Fabric is a great way to incorporate fun colors and patterns.  You can easily make throw pillow covers, cover a lamp shade, make a quick table runner, the list is endless!  Here are just a couple options that showcase the great fall colors….

 Pantone Fall Color Forecast

fabric jazz packed leaves Pantone Fall Color Forecast

 images via Owl & Drum

MADE:  The Indie Emporium Shop is one of the pop up shops from last year that now has a permanent location in downtown Tulsa.  And boy are we glad that they do!  It is full of handmade goodness from many different artists.  From knitted scarves, clever baby onesies, to jewelry you are sure to find something unique that you love.

Scarves are one of the easiest ways to freshen up your wardrobe.  They take a simple t-shirt and jeans to a whole new level plus they keep you warm in the chilly weather.

One of my favorite picks for fall at MADE is their glitter acorn necklaces.  The bottoms are dipped in glitter paint…all of which fall perfectly in line with this seasons colors.  And it’s an acorn, so you get double points!

glitter acorn necklace Pantone Fall Color Forecast

image via Weather & Noise Etsy Shop

How about some color in the kitchen?  You can easily amp up your fall entertaining by adding some fun salad and appetizer plates to a simple white collection.  Target now has the Curiosity Shoppe that has great novelty pieces in the perfect colors.

target salad plates Pantone Fall Color Forecasttarget appetizer plates Pantone Fall Color Forecast

target mugs Pantone Fall Color Forecast

image via Target 

You can also spruce up your kitchen with some new kitchen towels.

target kitchen towels Pantone Fall Color Forecast

image via Target

And finally, I think one of the easiest ways to bring color into your wardrobe is with jewelry.  And what girl doesn’t like jewelry?

Noonday Collection is a new company to the Tulsa area that has a fabulous selection of jewelry, home and gift items, and accessories.  The great part about the company is that all of the items are made by fair trade artisans around the world.  So you are getting great, unique items that have a great story behind them as well.

Here are a few pieces of jewelry that I think would be perfect for your fall collection…

bangle Pantone Fall Color Forecast

Striated Gourd Bangle, made in Peru

exploration necklace Pantone Fall Color Forecast

Exploration Necklace, made in Uganda

evening horizon necklace Pantone Fall Color Forecast

Evening Horizon necklace, made in India

escalera bracelet Pantone Fall Color Forecast

Escalera Block bracelet, made in Ecuador

images via Noonday Collection

Those pieces are just the tip of the iceberg as to what Noonday Collection has to offer.  You can see other favorites from the Prairie Hive girls on our Pinterest PH-Fashion board.

And, TONIGHT Prairie Hive is hosting their first Goods & Goodies event.  It will be held at the brand new Antoinette Baking Co. on Brookside (right next to the Purple Glaze) from 6-9pm.  You can sample some of their yummy goodies and see Noonday’s Fall Collection, which I promise you won’t be disappointed in!  What’s better than some Goods & Goodies?

Hope to see you tonight!

GG FLYER web friendly 800px wide Pantone Fall Color Forecast

 

 

To see all these goodies live, check out my segment on Great Day Green Country!

Black and Gold for Fall

blackenrty1 Black and Gold for FallImage via Elle Decor

I’m happy to admit I’ve always been a fan of black and gold.

It’s bold and ostentatious, but that’s what I love about it. I’ve always loved the color pairing for clothing and jewelry — especially accessories.

So I’m happy to see black and gold making a comeback of sorts!

blackdining Black and Gold for FallImage via Small Shop Studio

Whether you go completely over the top, or scale it down a bit — black and gold is a classic neutral pairing. Thanks to the metallic craze that keeps building momentum, it’s easier to find well-designed gold accessories these days.

blackoffice Black and Gold for FallImage via Eddie Ross

Black and gold to me just screams glam. You may not live in Anna Wintour’s penthouse (I assume she lives in one?), but you can dream.

Fantasy is a healthy part of home design, right?

Here are some attainable choices for black and gold schemes:

blackboard Black and Gold for Fall1. Neiva Sailor Dress, Malene Birger

2. Chrome and black pendant chandelier, Lamps Plus

3.  Z Spoke Zac Posen bag, Piperlime

4. Luxe Shine wallpaper, Anthropologie

5. Tomi Bangle, Tory Burch

6. Charmuse Satin Pillows, Target

pixel Black and Gold for Fall