bedroom makeover...

i'm sitting here listening to a relaxing yet inspiring mix of the weepies, the watson twins and grizzly bear, watching the rain and dreaming up a new bedroom.

since the master bedroom became mine again, and i am no longer sharing it with someone, i've had the urge to really make it mine. it's been an interesting transition going from co-habitation to an empty bed, and while it hasn't necessarily been hard, it's hasn't really been easy either. i think part of my moving on process is to paint away the wall color that i settled on because he wanted a "rustic tuscany" feel...to replace the bedspread that i purchased, even though it wasn't even close to my favorite, because it was more traditional and masculine than my super modern-feminine taste...to finally be able add the vintage, thrifted, quirky and sometimes downright weird knicknacks and art pieces to my shelves and walls that used to curl is lip but make me smile. i really think this is important.

one color that i always turn to is aqua. it seems to be all the rage these days, but it really has been my favorite since childhood and will probably always be my go-to color. the color is calming yet invigorating. light and crisp but also rich and vibrant. the color itself is a contradiction, and i really think that's why it speaks to me and appeals to me so deeply.

my struggle these last few months has been choosing a secondary, or accent color. this color will still play a huge role in the room, being incorporated into bed linens, draperies, wall art, possible wall treatment, bathroom accessories, etc. i've spent countless hours flipping through home improvement magazines, looking through flickr for color inspiration and staring at the paint chip wall at lowes and i've narrowed it down to two choices, but i can't seem to make that final leap.

aqua and green:

1. FLoc of ..., 2. Aqua, 3. Above the camping ground, 4. wall with outlet and grass, 5. closer*look, 6. Barn

the shades of water against rich green hills in the rainforest...these colors are complimentary because they are adjacent on the color wheel. aqua and green will promote a cool, crisp and calming environment. light and airy, and uber relaxing.

aqua and orange:

1. Reasons to be cheerful (Part 158), 2. gerbera aqua, 3. New York - Brooklyn Bridge Sunset, 4. All Souls Giants and Ghouls, 5. Aqua Grace, 6. Drooping Grace, Aloe

a sunset...muted dirty aqua blues and greens with pops of a deep yet vibrant pumpkin orange...these colors pop well against each other because they are exactly opposite of each other on the color wheel. these colors would create a rich and cozy bedroom retreat.

can't you see why i am so torn?!?

here's what i think...one step at a time. i know that aqua will be the main color in the room, so maybe i should focus on choosing the perfect shade...because we all know how hard that can be! do i want a bright aqua? a muted aqua? clean? crisp? dirty? more to the blue side? more the the green? an aqua with a greyish tone? decisions, decisions...

for this decision, i'm turning to you, my fellow crafters...an artist at heart has a natural eye for color...the ability to fit the puzzle pieces together and create the perfect color palette. won't you help me decide? leave the name and brand of your favorite shade of aqua, green and orange and let me know which you prefer. i'm excited to see what you talented folks have to say!

xo

emjay

ps...on another note, i think i'm stealing jamie's idea for "meet me on monday" and will be back with that post later this evening :]