Skip to main content
Top 10 Posts

Best of Colour Me Happy 2013

By 12/30/2013January 28th, 201716 Comments

It’s time for my annual round up of the best posts of 2013, here they are:

1. How to be Smart in a World of Dumb Designers

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

This homeowner was so generous to share her mistakes with us and this photograph illustrated my never changing advice about combining colours and fixed elements accurately.

2. An Open Letter to All Paint Companies

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

Ever wondered why some fan decks are so complicated? Well that’s what this post is about.

3. My One Big Secret You Don’t Know

Best of Colour Me Happy 2013

 

At 456 comments, well, we were overwhelmed at how supportive you all were! Thanks again so much!

4. How to Find More Money for Home Decor

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

 

Ever wondered if there were more effective ways to spread around your renovation/home decor budget? This post will get your thinking cap on.

5. First Rule of Design: Boring Now Equals Timeless Later

Best of Colour me Happy 2013Check out the dramatic results of this transformation from concrete to flagstone pathway.

6. How I Created my System of Understanding Undertones™

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

Ever wondered how my system was born? This post explains it.

7. Italy vs. Drapery. Which would you Choose?

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

This post generated a lot of ‘Are you nuts that you didn’t go to Italy?‘ comments, haha. I’m still waiting for Terreeia’s post about Italy.

8. 5 Best Ways to Choose your Roof Colour

Best of Colour Me Happy 2013

 

This post is a great resource if you need to make this colour decision.

9. Wood Stained Kitchen I Like

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

 

I recently had a reader ask what I thought about combining wood and white in a modern kitchen with a slab (flat) cabinet door style. I responded that I think a lot of plain white kitchens with flat door styles can look, well flat. So a combination of wood stained and white works well. If you are going to do it though, I would still stay away from espresso brown.

10. The Best White Bathrooms

Best of Colour me Happy 2013

 

This post got a lot of reactions because many readers thought I meant the walls should be white as well. That is not what I meant.  My point here was that if you stick to white or cream fixed elements in your bathrooms, you would not have to be married to the same colours for as long as that bathroom was installed in your house.

Happy New Year my lovelies!

Related posts:

Best of Colour me Happy 2012

The Best of Colour me Happy 2011

The Best of Colour me Happy 2010

If you would like your home to fill you with happiness every time you walk up to the front door, become a client. On-line or In-person.

Download my eBook, How to Choose Paint Colours – It’s All in the Undertones to get my complete step-by-step system on how to get colour to do what you want and to make sure the undertones in your home are right, get some large samples!

If you would like to learn how to choose colour with confidence, become a True Colour Expert. 

16 Comments

  • Allyson Paris says:

    My hands-down favorite was “The Zen of One-Day Decorating”!

  • Sharon Abel says:

    I loved and learned from every one of these posts…..thank you for a great year ! All the best for a great 2014 for you and yours !

  • Karen says:

    Maria: Happy New Year to you and Terreeia: I love all your blogs – I have learned so much from you – and believe me it is not all about decorating and colour tones. You say so much about love, and family and friendship and community – probably far more than you know. You exemplify what it means to be a really, really good person – in your heart and in your behaviour. And although we have no monopoly on good people it makes me extra proud that you are Canadian.

    • Marianne says:

      You said exactly what I had in mind, Karen!

      All the best for 2014 Maria and Terreeia. I have forwarded your blog to many friends and family members; all will eventually need to repaint something and you will steer them in the right direction.

  • Diane Amick says:

    Thanks so much for once again helping me organize my thoughts so that I choose classic combinations that will NEVER be dated. Currently working on new fireplace surround (coral brick that matches the exterior – yuck) and bathroom remodels. You saved me from trying to “update” an 80’s bath – if I’m installing stone flooring, new vanity/sink/hardware, I should bite the bullet and change the toilet and bath so that I’m not trying to marry old with new. I’m feeling more confident in what I want to do vs. what I think I can get away with, thanks to you.

  • franki says:

    That acrylic stand in the bathroom…swoon!! Add my wishes to you and yours!! HAPPY 2014! franki

  • Mary says:

    Happy New Year! I’m looking forward to another year of being enlightened. So glad I found you.

  • Barb says:

    Thank you Maria for a great year of posts. Happy New Year!

  • Linda Fitzgerald says:

    Maria – I’ve not read all of your blog posts but wanted to start by commenting on the one about your relationship revelation – I admire your bravery & honesty, laying bare your heart like that. I can only imagine how ‘light’ you must have felt after hitting ‘publish.’

    I remain a fan and look forward to the next webinar this month, with you and Penelope. Happiest Year ahead of us all..

  • sandyc says:

    Impossible to pick a favorite post because there were so many serendipities. My very big favorite inspiration pix was the white French kitchen you pinned on Pinterest. My biggest lesson learned was how to go from paralyzing angst about everything (“but what if…”) to thoughtful analysis and practical trial and error (especially painting large color blocks to move around the room and live with in every light – a really cheap way to realize that what I thought was going to be “the” color actually isn’t quite right). I’ve had a ball this year with all things color and decorating thanks to you, Maria, and I’m really looking forward to 2014. All my hopes and wishes for a fantastic new year to you and Terreeia and all your family. Again, eager to read your 2014 goals.

  • GaBi says:

    Happy New year Maria and Terreeia and to all of your family. Good health, lots of happiness, love and many new projects for you to work on and share your knowledge.

    With love
    GaBi

  • Fran says:

    I enjoyed each one of these blog posts as well as all the others you’ve shared with us. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2014!

  • Ivy Lane says:

    Happy New Year to you and yours Maria! Thank you for another year of inspiration and knowledge!

    Keep on keepin’ on in 2014!

    xo,

    Ivy

  • Thanks for another year of fabulous posts Maria! I look forward to next year already. Happy New Year xoxox

  • A happy new year and lots of wishes for you. This has been a great year and your blog has been a great inspiration for me. I actually got my first blogging advice from you here and I learned so much. Thank you so much for such a great blog and may this year brings you lots of health, happiness and prosperity.

  • Dimi says:

    Happy new year Maria & Terreeia! Best wishes!!

Leave a Reply