Where did the summer go?

How many times have you heard that question followed by a wistful sigh? The kids are back to school, the bathing suits are packed away and there's a definite coolness in the air.

The time for outdoor activities, including painting, is now limited. The new Aura Exterior Paints do give you a little extra time since they allow painting in temperatures as cool as 4.4 degrees Celsius, but don't leave it too long.

You may notice a new link in the column to the right. The Nola's Home Decor website is up and running. Please check it out.

And now you can email me at info@nolashomedecor.com if you have questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

Time Flies

Wow! Another week gone by! Did you get everything done that you planned to do? I know it hasn't been a very good week for painting outdoors.

According to the Benjamin Moore 'Deck Care Planner', when you're staining a deck you achieve best results if the relative humidity is between 40 and 70% and no rain, dew, or frost is expected within the next 2 - 3 days. Perhaps July and August will give us longer 'best results' windows.

One of the most misunderstood parts of staining decks is mill glaze. This is the glossy surface resulting from the planing process of new milled lumber and it must be removed for the stain to penetrate and adhere properly. It can be removed by using Benjamin Moore BRIGHTEN Brightener and Neutralizer and sanding in the direction of the grain with 80 grit sandpaper.

And if you're stuck inside looking out, you can improve the view with new Silhouette shadings from Hunter Douglas. From May 1st to August 31st, 2011, you will receive a $275 Rebate with the minimum purchase of 4 Silhouette® window shadings with UltraGlide® and receive $60 for each additional unit purchased.

For more information check the links to Benjamin Moore and Hunter Douglas in the side bar. Meanwhile, have a good week!

Housecleaning

I need your help! I've got new products coming in and nowhere to put them. If you're interested in saving money you can help me out. Discontinued paints, primers, and stains are priced at 30 - 50% off retail or less. Get a gallon of exterior stain in your favourite colour for as little as $15! It's bargain hunters' heaven!

Colours

People have asked the name of the colour of my door, so I thought perhaps I should include that information here. The door is AF-355 Etruscan and the trim is AF-380 Coastal Path. Both of these are from the Affinity Colours from Benjamin Moore, the newest of the thousands of colours available.

If you take the virtual tour of my store you will also see AF-420 Agave on the walls, AF-365 Amulet on the ceiling and door, AF-220 Masada as an accent wall and cove molding, and AF-655 Silhouette in the windows. Oh, and the display units are 2067-20 Starry Night Blue. These aren't colours that you might set out to put together, but I love the way they work together here.

And in case you hadn't figured it out, that's me at the counter. I hope you enjoy the tour! Of course, meeting you in person would be fun, too.

It worked!

The rain did go away and we have had a beautiful sunny week! Time now for some outdoor work. I've just received a truckload of Benjamin Moore AURA Exterior Paint and now I have to make room for it. So if you're looking for a bargain... I've got paints, stains, and primers that have to go!

There have been some new fabric samples come in as well. Some gorgeous cotton prints and silky checks. I'm sure you'll want to check them out.

Meanwhile, enjoy this weather!

Rain, rain go away!

Are you tired of the rainy weather we're having? A little sunshine will do us all good, I think. Did you know that we tend to pick different colours in different seasons? Brighter, warmer colours in winter and during rainy springs like the one we're having, and cooler, more neutral hues when it gets brighter and hotter outside.

If you're making a colour change a good place to start is with the elements in the room that aren't changing. And you will want to pull colours from adjacent rooms into the room you're redecorating. That in a nutshell is how to create 'flow' from room to room.

It's a New Year!

Welcome to 2011! What's new? The magazines are showing colour and pattern on walls and windows. Wallpaper is still very much in vogue with some smaller contemporary and floral prints. Windows are sporting patterned draperies and tailored valances.

We can help you with all of these new looks. Call Nola today or drop in to the store for design ideas and advice.