paint 101

Today we wanted to talk a little about why we chose to build our line in the way that we did and how it affects you as a consumer.  I'll try not to bore you. 

Pictures help, right?  This little cutie pie is worth going green for. (picture by leighdameron)

When we first started talking about making Lisa's dream of her own paint line a reality we both knew it would be incredibly important to make the line as "green" as possible.  But what does that mean?  It's a term that is thrown around a lot and, especially when it comes to paint, can be rather confusing.  I gave a presentation at Northeastern a few months ago about the life of a start-up (they call it entrepreneurship, but that word makes me uneasy).  There I was, going on and on about what makes us different and why we wanted to offer organic paint, free of VOCs and I realized... they had no idea what any of it meant.  These kids were smart and engaged and passionate about new businesses. They knew I was using buzz words like "green" and "organic" and that was "good business", but no understanding of how it applied to paint. 

Paint is confusing.  Not only are there thousands upon thousands of colors for you to choose from, but various sheens and finishes.  And most importantly so many options when it comes to safety: low-VOC, VOC Free, Eco-friendly, Green, Organic, Water Based, etc.  What does it all mean? 

Well, we've tried to simplify the process for you in both color selection and sheen... so let's talk safety. 

Paint is made up of primarily three things:

• colorants: pigments used to create a certain shade
• binders: makes the color stick to the paint
• solvents: keeps the paint in suspension until applied to the wall

It's those pesky solvents that cause most of the problems.  When paint is applied to the wall and begins the dry the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the solvents are emitted into the air.  This is called off-gassing and can last for years. YEARS. Not just the few days it takes for the paint smell to disappear, no, these toxins can still be present on your child's first day of school, his first t-ball game, her first ballet recital...  off-gassing continues to happen.  Scary, right?  

We thought so.  A recent investigation done by Good Morning America, found 300 toxins in a new nursery.  Three Hundred.  And guess how many were outside the house?  Two.  We need to be careful about what we are bringing into our homes.

So we aimed to offer a product that we could be proud of, that we could trust in our own homes and feel good about offering to you for your own... Our paint is without solvents completely, and what's more - there are no other toxins in the paint.  It is completely organic. 

Here is a little video that drives the point home.  We shared it on our facebook wall a few days ago, but if you missed it, it's worth watching. 

A Wake-Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World on Vimeo.

So why does this all matter to us?  Both Lisa and I strive to live a healthy life and be conscious about our mark on the world. We knew we wanted to create a line that was smart about packaging, consistent in it's message, and safe for both people and the earth.  But we learned so much on the way... and feel its our turn to spread the message.  

Do you still have questions?  Please feel free to email us at andi@quiethomepaints.com. 

inspired color combinations

Andi must have read my mind when she found these inspiring rooms.  I am in Mexico working on a color plan for an 18th century colonial home.  Such bold palettes are a departure for me, but I love a challenge.  Andi managed to find these great combinations, and the palettes look like they could have been plucked right from our own Quiet Home Collection.

From Andi....
It has two stair cases, I thought to myself while winding around the back stair well of an adorable cottage we looked at over the weekend.  Two staircases and about three hundred windows. It was perfect.  Cute and quaint, sunny and bright, old and unique - my perfect home in a beautiful sea-side town with a back yard that abuts to an old, beautiful graveyard (am I alone in thinking that graveyards are anything but creepy?). It even had a shed in the backyard decorated with old lobster buoys, perfect for mixing paint.  I was sold.  And then later, while I was picking colors in my head for what we would make the guest room (we would finally have a guest room!), we found out another couple snatched it up.  Bummer. So I ate ice cream even though yesterday was the coldest day of winter to date.  But alas, there will be more houses, better houses even.  As you know, I often get so caught up in the dreaming that it overshadows everything else, like the fact that our current lease isn't up until May.  Minor details...  Anyway, none of this has anything to do with today's post, except that... well, if you were day dreaming about what colors to paint your new house, would you go here:

(from Pinterest via Bonnie Tsang)

Ah, yes.  The soft blue-green and purple is a classic combination...  just kidding.  But, what do you think?  It's definitely unique! 

  

(For a similar look, you could try our colors Hyacinth and Pool together)

Today's post is all about unique color combinations.  We often work with clients who shy away from bold colors or color at all for that matter.  There is something intimidating about it.  Well, friends, fear not.  Color is wonderful.  It can be bold and impactful or soft and subtle.  It can make you feel a certain way.  It can inspire you.  And with a little help from your friends (like us), any color combination you like or dream up can work for you...  let us help! 

Like this fuchsia and blue wall. Impactful right?  But somehow it works.  

Want something similar, but not quite so bright.  We think our colors Avenue Qand Cusp would look great together. 

  

It's a slightly darker, more moody combination. 

I threw this one into the mix because of the contrast of the graphic black and white maps against the cheery yellow.  Want a yellow wall, but don't want to go overboard on the happy, sunshiny thing?  Here is a perfect solution. 

Try our color buzz:

And this place.  I have to say, I love it.  Yellow, orange, pink and green all in the same place... yes, it's possible. 

        

(ACK, Peony, Buzz and Grass Stain play the part nicely)

Most people think when you use black or any other almost black tone, the room will be moody or romantic.  And that can be true.  But the opposite can also be true.  The nearly black room is cheerful and fun.  

Try Vintage Tux. 

And what about this room?  Too much or just right?  

Tomorrow we will feature another DIY video since the first one was such a hit.  We will show you how to paint your own chevron and herringbone patterns... a trend all over the web right now. 

Introducing Quiet Home Paints...

We have extended our line to our Home Collection and finally launched our new website.  Here is a tour of the new site which points out some of our favorite features and things that have changed.  But first, we are sending a huge thanks to the amazing design firm who brought the new site to life, Height and Hands.  Amy and Dan worked with us tirelessly to make our vision a reality.  If you have any design projects coming up, we highly recommend them.  Check out their other work here. 

There it is.  The home page has been updated to be all encompassing and allow customers to easily access both collections and other key information.  And did you notice?  We now offer FREE SHIPPING! All day, every day. On all orders.  Hooray! 

  

Each Collection Page displays all the colors (and the whites) in that collection, separated in their palettes.  Be sure to click around.  You can click on a specific palette or any color for more information.  

     

One of our favorite things is how much easier it is for you to order samples.  There are a number of ways you can do this.  At any time you can click on the Sample tab in the header bar, which will display all the colors from which you can choose. You can also order samples directly from the product page.  So if you are looking at a color, you can add a sample to your cart right from there.  

     

We'd also like to point out that our smallest sample size (4.5 x 5.5 inches) is now free of charge.  All other samples come with a checkout code which will refund you the price of the sample on your next order of a gallon or quart of paint.  We want the process to be as easy and cost-effective for our customers as possible. 

Also, be sure to check out the usage page before ordering. It can be found under About in the main header bar. It gives some more information about our different finishes and will help you choose which one is best for your project, along with coverage. This information, in brief. is also on each product page. 

And lastly, be sure to check out our packages for each collection.  These are rooms that we have designed with colors from each collection that have been our most popular color combinations.  The packages allow you to create the same look in your own space.  You will receive all the paint you need, in the correct finish to achieve the look! It's paint selection in it's simplest form. 

  

We'd love to hear your thoughts on the new site.  Feel free to send any comments or questions straight to me at info@quiethomepaints.com. 

Don't forget that we are offering 10% off all the new colors in the Quiet Home Collection! 

preparing to launch...

So today we wanted to start with you a little sneak peek into where we are headed. 

 

The new Quiet Home Paints website will be launching in the coming days and with that a new line of paints designed for other areas in your home, the Quiet Home Collection.  As you know, we've been offering a few select colors from this line all along.  These colors have been among our most popular.  We are so excited to share the whole line with you soon! 

Quiet Nursery isn't going anywhere.  Both lines will be available on the new site.  The addition of the Quiet Home Collection will give customers more options and allow them use our organic, safe, beautiful paints in each and every room. 

So, what is changing? 

-The website!  We will announce the official launch date next week and on that date, you will notice a new, totally awesome website.  The site will feature both collections (Quiet Nursery and Quiet Home) and be a more stream-lined experience for our customers.  We can not wait to share it with you. 

-Our facebook page!   We will update our name on facebook to our company name, Quiet Home Paints, which will include both the Quiet Nursery Collection and Quiet Home Collection on one page.  We feel this will be easier than separate pages for each collection for you all to follow and give a more complete picture of our products and ideas. 

-Our twitter handle!  Just like facebook, we will be updating our twitter to @QuietHomePaints.  This is probably something we should have done from the beginning, but we were so excited about the nursery line that we wanted it to be as clear as possible what we were focusing on.  Now, it's important to focus on both lines! 

**Don't worry - if you currently follow us on facebook or twitter, you won't have to change a thing! Our name will change, but nothing else! 

What is staying the same? 

-The quality of our paint.  Nothing is changing here.  We still offer completely organic, non-toxic, safe and beautiful paints for you, your family and the earth. 

-Us!  While we are moving from a home built site to more professional and stream-lined look, we want you to rest assured that we are still here, behind the scenes each and every day available to answer your questions, address your comments and working hard to give you the best paint we possible can.  

Like I said, we are days away now!  So get excited!  Of course, we will have some crazy, amazing deals as we launch the collection so stay tuned for those! 

And because I don't want to leave you without any color on a Friday... 

This awesome, western-ranch style nursery is just making me happy today...  We'll talk about how you can get the gradated mountain (or other shape) look next week! 

(from Little Crown Interiors via Project Nursery) 

glass birches

Isn't this tile lovely?  It was selected by a young woman looking for a sleek, yet soothing master bath.  It's a great choice running vertically up the walls in the tub surround and separate shower.  One walks in and feels that they have entered a birch forest.

We're looking for contemporary, but spa like and trying to play down the green hue the glass gets once installed.  I am thinking Quiet Home's Sidewalk, Truss and Clothes line...and what about these fabrics?

Preferences?  Yep--and please forgive the poor photos--iPhone in a basement--not so great...

for Erika

QN colors, petal, bee, jump, and peep

 I have a color consult this week with just the sort of client I adore.  Erika is just turning 6 and wants a room re-do.  She selected colors Jump, Petal, Sprig and Bee from our Quiet Nursery line.  This is simply one of my favorite things--to climb into the imagination of a child and see if I can make the dream come true.

images--decor-pad

I love the palette Erika picked and pulled these sweet rooms off of the web as inspiration.   The colors can be used in combination to create drama or a dreamy retreat.  We'll let you know where it goes...

 Personally I am betting on drama...

painted stairs

 I painted these stairs a few years ago in a beautiful old farm house I used to live in.   It was nice to do something fun in an entry that was rarely used.

photo, Lisa Teague by Bjorn Wallander for Country Living

From there I changed my palette and moved to the sea and again took my brushes to the stairs.  A friend told me that as he contemplated re-painting his own stairwell, he googled "painted stairs"  and photos of mine kept showing up--so I tried it myself--and sure enough!  But along with mine came some other fabulous stair designs that I thought were brilliant...

apartment therapy

apartment therapy

And again, painted spindles--they are so effective.  I think it's time to get out my paint brushes again...

Happy weekend all...