My Go-To Benjamin Moore Paints in 2022

The colors you chose to bring into your home are not only a reflection of your design and aesthetic, but they become the canvas which brings everything together. Paint changes and reacts depending on your location, time of day/year, lighting, and what it is in relation to. Below are 7 of my Benjamin Moore “Go-To” paints in 2022:

Super White OC-152

My favorite “white” paint for trim and molding. Creating a crisp delineation from the wall color that “suggests clarity and simplicity”.

Cloud Cover OC-25

A dreamy off-white subtle shade with a gray-blue tint that works well in contemporary interiors. It’s also my favorite number :)

Pale Oak OC-20

A great alternative to white on cabinetry, Pale Oak is a versatile neutral that works with every metal finish for hardware or plumbing.

Balboa Mist OC-27

My favorite “Go-To” Greige, Balboa Mist is “pale gray with a slightly warm cast” which works great in Transitional to Contemporary Interiors.

Graytint 1611

I can never go wrong with this “soft neutral featuring a whisper of gray”. Whether on cabinetry or walls this is a timeless, classic paint.

Van Deusen Blue HC-156

My favorite navy! The perfect blue for traditional to modern spaces. It works well with whites, rich woods, and nickel or brass metals.

Wrought Iron 2124-10

A soft shade of black great for painting doors or railings when simulating metal. Rich and moody when used on cabinetry or walls.

There are many more great paints and having a Designer by your side in curating the perfect palette for your home’s color story is key in a successful remodel or renovation.

“Disclaimer:
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by Cynthia herself. This blog and/or author has not accepted any forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation. ”

I get it from my Mama

It’s Mother’s Day! and although we don’t need a holiday to remind us how great our mothers truly are. I wanted to dedicate this post to my mama today and how she influences me as a woman, mother, and designer. This one’s for you Mami.

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STYLE

Let’s begin with my mom’s fierce, big, and bold personality. She’s an interesting fashionista! Never afraid to make an entrance, stand out, or be the center of attention. She isn’t afraid to take “risks” in her fashion or in decorating her home. She loves color and pattern, and I can thank her for my confidence and ease in first exploring them in my home and personal fashion then into my interior design projects. My face lights up when I meet a client who says they love any hue from the rainbow and will allow me to create a personal color story for their interiors.

LIFE

Calling my mom a plant lady is an understatement. Plant guru… Plant whisperer… What’s a bigger title for such a gift? I think you get the point - the woman loves plants! She tends to her house plants and flowers as if they were her children. When she comes to my home that is the first thing she surveys to see if all is in order. In my youth, I didn’t get it. “What’s all the hype?” But as I’ve grown, and into a plant lady myself (with her help of course) I realized that plants bring life into your home which then ripples down into your self. They create a soothing and beautiful environment while boosting your mood and well being. She knows what she’s doing!

GATHER

Growing up my mom was super big on celebrations. Holidays and birthdays were a big to do! Am not sure if “themed parties” was even concept back then, but my mom created some of the best birthdays with full on matching cake, decor, and outfit. Everything coordinated. Christmas was her favorite time of the year and she was the best hostess. Thinking of every detail, catering to everyone’s needs, and curating memories to last a lifetime. What became of that are Traditions which I have continued on with my family and hope to pass on to each new generation.

MUSIC

Man does this woman love music. She has a varied collection and love of different music genres. Music is in my blood, a love fostered from her womb. She has a collection of vinyl records which I casually “borrow” without her knowing every once in a while. (perdon mami) We can go from Stevie Wonder and Bee Gees, to Hector Lavoe, Marco Antonio Solis, and Fernando Villanova, to Guns & Roses or Chris Stapleton and not miss a beat! Music is soul essence.

MAKER

And last but not least, my mom is a creative. Although it was standard practice for girls in her time to learn to sew as part of their path of becoming homemakers, I don’t believe everyone who did so enjoyed it. Sewing became her first practical skill that she turned into work when coming to the states. I remember in her spare time she would make items for me and my sister. My most vivid memory was of her making Cabbage Patch Kid dolls. I was amazed how she could turn plastic body parts, cloth, and cotton into my favorite toy! Decades later I purchased my own sewing machine and taught myself basic sewing skills. Enough to get me by - hemming drapes or sewing my daughter’s girl scout patches onto her uniform. Nonetheless, every time I thread the needle, I am reminded of my mother, and possibly her mother, and all of the other generations of mother’s doing the very same act. An act of creative expression AND love.

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Because that’s what MOMS are. A natural, creative, expression of LOVE. Anything and everything they do is interlaced with love. So love your “mama’s” a little more today. Whether they be biological, un-biological, Bonus Mom, and any other kind. And for those missing mommas, I send you a Big Virtual Hug.

“In all the world, there is not heart for me like yours.
In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”

— Maya Angelou

5 Tips to a Simple Home Refresh

“here comes the sun…doo doo doo doooo, here comes the sun….”

I said goodbye to my heavy coats and dark boots about two weeks ago, and I refuse to put them back on - even though was a bit nippy and windy yesterday!  The change in season from winter to spring brings upon a natural feeling of wanting to lighten things up, clear things out, and brighten up the atmosphere.  Since our spaces are a reflection of ourselves, our personalities, and our mood, our home is the first place we welcome a change.  Here are 5 Tips for a Simple Spring Refresh that can inspire you to make easy changes to uplift any space in your home.

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CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER

Thank you to the “Get Organized with The Home Edit” on Netflix for making my neat freak (aka) OCD tendencies look and sound “normal”!  There is nothing better than an organized closet or pantry.  “Outer Order = Inner Calm” is real! Our physical environment is a reflection of who we are and how we feel.  Creating space will have a major impact in your home.  Use this season to get rid of old, unused, and/or unwanted items, and make room for the things that truly matter.

RESTYLE YOUR SURFACES

Take all décor and accessories off your shelves, tables, and case goods, out of your bookcases and cabinets, and place them in one staging area.  If you’re like me, bring out the bins of your additional home decorative accessories.  Then turn on the music, bring out the swifter wand, and have some fun.  Maybe that vase now lives in the living room instead of the dining room.  A stack of books in livelier hues from your home office can sit on your coffee table instead.  Reimagining ways to style your surfaces using the old and new accessories will breathe new life into your space. 

BRING IN THE COLOR

We have a Spanish saying: “Para el gusto se hicieron los colores”, which means “Colors were made for taste”- our taste that is! Springtime is the perfect season to introduce vibrant hues and an easy way to do so is with our soft goods and/or décor.  Swap out the blankets, pillows, and drapes with those in brighter colors and interesting patterns.  Current color trends are inspired by nature with the use of blues and greens.  If you’re really bold mix in oranges or yellow for an extra dose of color that will have you smiling your way well into spring and throughout the summer.

PAINT, PAINT, PAINT

Much like duct tape, there is nothing a can of paint cannot fix.  Does your home need a new paint job?  Is it time to turn that not so baby room into a big kid space?  Is a space feeling old and drabby?  Spring is the perfect time for painting homes.  While you’re clearing and cleaning things out, take this opportunity to apply a new coat of paint onto the walls also.  And if you’d like to knock out 3 of the tips in one sweep, introduce that color with the paint as well! 

BECOME A PLANT LADY/GENTLEMAN

Welcome the outdoors in – literally!  Plants and flowers not only help to liven up your spaces, but they are also natural purification systems, and provide better indoor air quality.  They help to introduce color and texture into your space and are visually interesting.  If you can’t commit to real plant babies, there are some faux alternatives that will give you the same effect and most people won’t even notice the difference at first glance.

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What home refresh projects do you have in store this season?

Would love to hear about them. Drop me a message below.

-Cynthia

KITCHEN & BATH TRENDS

There have been a ton of kitchen and bath projects in the studio!

They continue to be the top spaces for a refresh or full renovation.  They rank #1 and #2 in 2021 in home improvement plans as per the NKBA.

We all know why these spaces are our top priority: Kitchens are the heart of the home while Bathrooms are our retreat from the world. Especially with how much time we have been spending at home.

I’d say good Interior Design is the key ingredient in creating new Kitchen and Bath spaces that complement our home, support our lives, and project our style. 

NKBA 2021 Home Renovation Projects Statistics

Below are the top Kitchen and Bath Trends i am seeing from my time collaborating with homeowners

LOW-UPKEEP

Maintenance free materials are a top request.  Quartz countertops simulate marble designs that homeowners love while not needing the extra care and attention of its natural counterpart.  Porcelain tiles have come along way in design, and have made an impact in interior spaces due to their budget friendly and durability characteristics. Ceramic tiles are both easy to clean and beautiful in designs with varying degrees of textures, hues, and finishes.

TIMELESS DESIGN

“Trendy versus Classic” designs? I am often asked if certain selections we are seeing in the design world are here to stay or just here for the moment. It’s hard to predict the future but there are tried and true details that never go out of style. Natural stone is an everlasting material that transcends time. They can be used from tile or slab format to intricate mosaic patterns that add a naturally textural impact to any space. Not only do they withstand time and exude classic beauty but also help the planet in being a sustainable resource. Natural wood finishes complement the space and help to add character and warmth.

NATURE

Creating a sanctuary and oasis in indoor or outdoor spaces help transport your spirit and mind to far away places. Taking a cue from the natural landscape and incorporating them into our home continues to stay on trend.  We see them in the earth tone colors in tile, stone, and paints, to the use of natural plants. Helping to create an atmosphere that is both relaxing and inviting.

SPACE

Open spaces and flow from one to another remains important in homes.  The prior formality of separated public spaces are less important.  Home and family life is about collaboration and connectedness, and open plan spaces support these needs.  Kitchens open to family and/or dining rooms continue to be a top request when designing interior spaces. 

MIXED METALS

I love mixing metals when designing spaces!  Kitchens are a natural space for the use of more than one metal since appliances are usually a standard finish.  Continuing that language as an underlying theme woven into other spaces, like the Bathroom, help to add depth and warmth to the overall aesthetics of the home.  Touches of brass or matte black can direct the design from traditional to modern depending on the features and details expressed.

what are your home renovation project plans for the new year? Are you looking for an interior designer with an expert eye to help bring your visions to life?

if so, drop me a message. would love to hear from you!

-Cynthia

2021: A year in review

“With a new year upon us, it is an opportune time to reflect on what has happened and what is yet to come. I didn’t realize how action packed 2021 was until I sat down to write this blog. Because when you’re knee deep in work, family, life, and living in a time where there is so much uncertainty and unease, it is easy to lose sight of how good things are and can be. So here is a recap of all the “good” that has happened in the studio this past year, with the hope that this will continue to manifest positive outcomes in 2022 and beyond:”

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Best of houzz

2021 came in with a rush as CPB Designs was nominated for “Best of Houzz in Service”.  Houzz is a wonderful platform that connects me with many homeowners and potential clients and has become an important avenue to showcase the studio.  As well as a great source for inspiration and community.

luxe red award

It was extremely exciting when the West End project won “Best Use of Color” for Luxe Magazine’s RED Awards in the Greater NY Area. Luxe is a prominent publication showcasing some of the country’s top interior designers and their best work. It was a great honor to be recognized among industry professionals.

wedding season

Late spring is the beginning of wedding season – or so I am told. We donned our party planner hats and orchestrated a rustic chic wedding set on a working farm in the Pennsylvania Mountains. Carefully selecting and designing every detail from the music and entertainment to the décor and florals, down to the menu. Design is truly in everything we do, especially in event design.

cooper house

Cooper House was then completed. Designing a home with a real estate developer was such a fascinating project! Creating spaces and making decisions on selections while keeping a potential homeowner in mind, which we did not know of exactly, was an interesting process and it couldn’t have turned out more beautiful. I’d say there is a happy family making wonderful memories within those beautifully curated spaces.

forest house

Forest House began construction and will become the largest home I’ve collaborated on to date. I am so excited to see our designs come to fruition and to continue sharing snippets of this project on our IG stories with everyone. Please stay tuned!

ncidq

The Fall was filled with as much color on the landscape as there were color coded index cards in my hands, as I studied for the NCIDQ exams. With a lot of perseverance, late nights, and long weekends I can say it all paid off. I am officially a Certified Interior Designer! A long-time goal I can check off the list.

holiday season

And as the holidays approached, decorating a client’s home for Christmas is something I will continue looking forward to each and every year.  There is nothing like seeing the clients’ happy faces after their home is carefully decked out for the holidays with your help.

“As I think back to each of these moments, I recall that little girl in her bedroom quietly decorating and rearranging the space so she can surprise her mother when she came in. Seeing the smile and joy across her mother’s face is the same smile and joy I see in each new client’s face. The happiness I witness at the completion of a project continues to solidify my purpose in becoming a designer. Whether it’s helping a bride realize her dream wedding or homeowner create their dream home, designers help create environments that then create meaning in people’s lives. That’s not a bad “job” to have if I say so myself.”

— Cynthia

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Exterior House Painting Tips

As featured with REDFIN: Exterior House Painting tips by CPB Designs

Today marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time and with longer, sunny days ahead, cue in the spring cleaning and home improvement projects ahead. Many home owners are looking for ways to spruce up their homes. One way to do so is by changing the paint on the exterior of your home.

As interior design and architecture tend to go hand in hand, interior designers are often asked to assist in the selection of paint for home exteriors due to their color consulting skills and tips.

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“With so many paint colors, finishes, and factors to consider when undertaking an exterior paint update, choosing a paint color can seem like an intimidating decision to make.”

— Hannah Tan

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While this can tend to be a big job, here are 3 easy tips:

1. Select colors that complement the period of your home.

2. Divide your home into 3 sections when selecting paint colors:

   • Siding color

   • Trim color

   • Door and/or Shutter color

3. Lastly, place the samples at the front of your home, or an area where you can see all 3 paint selections working together, and observe them during different times of the day.

For more tips, musings, project updates and features, subscribe to the blog and follow me at Instagram and Facebook.

Cynthia

Home for the Holidays

Is it me or is everyone jumping headfirst

into the Holiday Season

more than usual this year?

I can bet that there is not one single person that isn’t looking forward to all that the Holidays bring into their Home and Heart this year.

2020 has been rough even for the toughest of us!

This year more than ever we need all of the glow the twinkling lights provide, the warmth the fireplace blazing ensues, the scents the oven roasting brings, and the soothing sounds the melodies of music blaring can give.

This December will be one to remember!

We will be saddened and soothed simultaneously. Missing those that we can no longer share a seat with around the table, and cherishing those we can hold closest to us as we gratefully create more memories.

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As we draw 2020 to a close,

let’s raise a glass to those that have touched our lives in one significant way or another,

and relish in the comfort that spending the holidays at home provides us this year.

I wish you a warm and cozy Holiday Season

-Cynthia

* Holiday Decorating services provided to an Interior Design client featured above. Images presented for marketing purposes. All information on the blog is based on the opinion of the author. This blog is a personal blog written and edited by the author.

E-Design

CPB Designs is offering one-on-one Interior Design services - Virtually.

Do you need direction on a simple room refresh, have a total room make-over in the midst of planning a renovation project? E-Design offers home-owners who are hands-on and avid DIY’ers access to a creative professional’s expertise.

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How It Works

DISCOVERY

Let’s get to know about you and your project through a Design Questionnaire and Initial Consultation.

GATHER

We’ll collect some pertinent information from you regarding the space through images and measurements.

DESIGN

A customized design is created for your space based on all of the information from the Discovery and Gathering phases.

PACKAGE

A design for your space is delivered to you virtually and yours to keep as you embark upon your interior project.

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CPB Designs offers four single space E-Design solutions

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Click on an icon above or see the E-Design webpage for detailed information on the selected solutions and what offerings are available with each.

Then contact me to get started on your next Beautifully Curated Space

5 Tips in Depth

Last month, I listed my 5 tips for a Successful Interior Renovation Project.

This month I’ll go in-depth on each key area with some insights based on my 15 years of experience in the Residential Design world.

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THE GOAL(S)

Ask yourself: what areas of your home are not working for you (your family)? What is lacking? Do you need better flow, function, or use? Is your and/or your family life evolving and things are no longer supporting it? Has it been 10, 15, or 20 years since the last improvement and its time for an update? Is this a new home and needs a transformation to match your style and needs? Get clear on what projects are needed and what you’d like to take on at this time.

PLANNING

BUDGET

How much can you spend on the project at hand? (and always add 10% for the unexpected/unknown)

HIRING A TEAM

Depending on the size and level of your project a team of professionals will be needed and will help the process go smoother. An Architect, Interior Design, and Contractor to start. Add on Structural and Mechanical Consultants as needed. Landscapers, AV Consultants, and Lighting Designers can play a big role as well.

DOCUMENTATION

Obtaining the appropriate approvals and permits from local authorities is a must! There are Home Owner Associations, Building, and Zoning Departments with protocols that need to be adhered to. Your Team will also play an important part assisting with this.

TIMELINE

There are many factors that create the timeline for a project:

• The scale and scope of your project and its complexity.

• Design and planning phase - the pace between you and your Architect / Interior Designer.

• Permit process - the time needed to obtain the necessary approvals.

• Construction / Renovation Schedule - this is gauged by your Contractor and how many decisions have been made upfront as well as how quickly decisions can be made on site.

THE TEAM

We’ve all heard the old saying that “Team Work Makes The Dream Work” and it couldn’t be truer in Design. Getting a great team together is what really turns a project into a work of art. Think about it: a renovation from beginning to end will take from as little as 6 months to as long as 2 years. You will be spending a lot of time with your Team bringing this project to fruition. Choosing a Team that you are comfortable with, trust, and can rely on is key and possibly the most important aspect!

THE PROCESS

I always tell my clients that renovating your home is a Labor of Love. Home is the utmost special place! Allowing people into your home is major! You are giving other people a glimpse into your world. Trust the process. It could be nerve-wracking and exhilarating all at the same time. But YOU have assembled a Team of Professionals that have your best intentions at heart and will steer you in the right direction.

BREATHE

With all that being said, have fun! This is still a creative undertaking. We are creating art on your walls, floors, ceilings - entire space. There are no right or wrong answers. There are “what is right for you” answers. YES, there are some standards and guidelines created by industry professionals but then there are personal, subjective expressions of what your space needs to become.

Remember when I said renovations are like humans - shiny and messy all at the same time? Do not forget this. There are parts that will go smoothly and then there will be some hiccups along the way. Its a natural occurrence in all things in life. Problem-solving and critical thinking are a few of the many great skills you and your Team possess.

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Pause…Breathe…and Lean In to the Art of Renovations.

by, Cynthia

Residential Interior Designer

Say hello, send me your comments, or submit your new project inquiry below.

5 Tips to a Successful Interior Renovation Project

I’ve collaborated on my fair share of renovations in my 15 years in residential design.  If I had to put a number to it, I’d say approximately 250 projects to date.  From gut renovations of NYC Apartments to remodels and additions of homes in New Jersey.  No two projects are ever the same!  The intricacies of designing, planning, and executing a renovation project takes a bunch of Ingenuity mixed with a steady Inner Calm, and a sprinkle of Patience.  

Spoiler Alert:

No Project Is Ever Perfect from Beginning to End.

And that’s not a bad thing.

Projects are like humans.

They can be shiny and messy all at the same time.

That’s the beauty of it!

Redesigning your home is a Labor of Love and there are a couple of guideposts I’ve learned [created] along the way.  I share them with you in hopes of giving a perceptive of the process and gear you up for your next home interior renovation project:

• THE GOAL(S)

Being clear on what isn’t working for you (your family) in this space, rooms, and/or house.

• PLANNING

Budget, Hiring a Team, Documentations, Timeline

• THE TEAM

What professionals are needed for your particular project?

• THE PROCESS

There is a natural Ebb & Flow to the renovation process – Trust it!

• BREATHE

Be flexible and “enjoy the ride”

Stay tuned to next month’s blog post, where I’ll get in-depth on each of the 5 areas I believe are essential to a successful home interior renovation.

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