Degrees Employers Look for Most

In the 2013 news, there are 10 Major degrees that employers look for the most. If one is wondering what degrees are popular, or which degrees one should earn in college, here are the ten majors that top the employers' charts. The list of schools below are not an endorsement, but the schools that I may have worked with in the past or schools that may have been attended by friends or family. With this wide range of majors, there is no end to a successful future in employment.

1. Finance
2. Computer and Information Sciences
3. Accounting
4. Business Administration and Management
5. Mechanical Engineering
6. Management Information Systems
7. Electrical Engineering
8. Computer Engineering
9. Marketing 
10. Economics

As a favorite, The major that has the fourth spot on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE's) list of top bachelor's degrees are Business Administration and Management. In a survey, 55.6 percent of employers say they want to hire candidates who graduate from this program. With the many college's that offer this degree there are a few that stand out. For the cost, the high level candidate could go to Harvard, Yale, Master of Business Technology (MBT),or the University of Oxford. For the mid level, one could attend University of Phoenix, Southern Methodist University (SMU), Villanova University, and Stanford University. For the most cost effective, one could look into a community college such as Antelope Valley Community College, American Heritage University of Southern California, College of the Canyons, California State University-Northridge, or Truckee Meadows Community College.

In a business management and administration program, one should research what are the needs and requirements for this degree. Though the above list is short, the complete list available is endless. The College Board announces that one could learn as little as the ins and outs of controlling an organization's activities, to one might discuss case studies of issues affecting real companies. Either route is beneficial in the field of business. If one enjoys leadership roles and has a solid problem-solving skill, this major might be a good option for the candidate to look into.

The reason employers look for this degree, is that it increases the candidate's employability. This degree guarantees employers that the candidate understands how business operates and that he or she grasps the core operating concerns. Not only is this a good idea, but it prepares the candidate to compete for a wide variety of entry-level positions.

Tremblayisms Revisited

One step is all it takes...your journey will begin!
-Yal B. Mert

"TRY TO KEEP UP!" 
-Amanda Tremblay

People are richly rude, facetious, and mean; mainly they are just unhappy so they want to spread the wealth.
-Yal B. Mert

Writing is the only way to say what you imagine, and then you can live up to it. 
-Patrick Tremblay

"I write what I feel, not what I fear!"
-Patrick Tremblay

Your intelligence is not defined by your grades, but by your actions to complete your education.
-Patrick Tremblay

If you fail to plan; plan to fail.
-P.Tremblay

Don't say I'll try to do it; you have already accepted failure. 'I will do it!' That is the proper way to say it
-PT

Do you hear that whine?
It's a tiny violin,
Playing your theme Song.
-Mori Awanabe-Haiku Black Belt

Never write to someone and say, "I hope..." you sound unsure.
-Yal. B. Mert

You deserve what you accept.
-DVG, used by PST

If you announce, "Honestly" in the beginning of a statement, you are also announcing you are lying the rest of the time. Everything you say should be honest.
-Patrick Tremblay

Why worry? The majority of what you worry about, never happens.
-P. Tremblay

Never cheat, it robs you of your soul.
-Grandpa Figueroa

Welcome everyone as an acquaintance until you know them. Their actions will prove themselves worthy of friendship.
-Yal B. Mert

Give from the heart fully, whether it is time, love, money, or advice.
Yal. B. Mert

Don't borrow, but if you do, return it twice fold.
-Armando Figueroa, Patrick Tremblay

One shouldn't stir the pot too hard, because sometimes the cook is the person who gets burned first.
-Patrick Tremblay

More doors will open in your future when you apply a softer knock.
-Patrick Tremblay

When faced with a challenge, I like to ask why not, whereas others only ask Why?
-Yal B. Mert

When I was a kid, we were so poor that we had rich week and poor week. Rich week was payday night. Poor week was all the days before Rich week!
-Steve Tremblay

Follow your heart; if it takes a detour, still follow, it knows where it is going.
-PTremblay

Let's be honest, there are at least 100 designers that are better than I am, but there are Thousands that are worse! 
-Patrick Tremblay, Owner Tremblay House of Design 

With maturity comes unwanted responsibility, but you can not have one without the other.
-Patrick Tremblay

"That is so wrong... I love it!"
-Patrick Tremblay

"Be good, and if you can't be good, be good at being bad!"
-Yal B. Mert

"Parenting sucks. Not mine...everyone elses!"
-Patrick Tremblay

Say sorry immediately, but mean it first!
-Yal B. Mert

Speak to the left with dishonesty; speak to the right when unsure; and speak straight-ahead from the heart.
-Patrick Tremblay

I will begin my life today, and try everyday until I am happy!
-Yal B. Mert

When someone asks, "What's your name again?" They won't remember again, because they don't care.
-Observation from PTremblay

I am glad stupid has a tendency to gravitate around others constantly, and around me sparingly.
"I just don't have the patience for stupid!"
-Told to PST by a good friend

His art ranges from early impressionist to WTF!
From the TV show Grimm
I am using this
-PSTremblay

Life should not be a journey to the grave with intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and Screaming, "WOO-HOO...What a ride!"
-Yal B. Mert; Unknown

You need to learn Patrick if you want to understand me! 
-Patrick Tremblay

What a FREAK! That is all it takes to sum up one's behavior.
-Patrick Tremblay

Sequencing a Color Scene

Emerald Bay
Lake Tahoe, Nevada

When I was younger, I did this art activity in a class and I had no idea what we were doing. I thought our project was the coolest art project ever. After 40 years of education and teaching art, I have still used the same project to excite the students. This art activity never fails as a mini 3-D book, a themed card for a special event, or a sequencing lesson of events. I usually have the students make up stories that coincides with the picture so the kids have a hands on success.

In the following pictures, one will see a lake scene created by sequencing the pages. This is a project the class worked on recently, where the student learned about color coordinating, three-dimensional art, motor skills in coloring, cutting, sequencing, and story telling. This is a sample of a template that instructors may use in a small, medium, and large size to accommodate the lesson. At times, I will just use different colors of construction paper to simulate the colors we are using rather than using a crayon to color the art.

This is the lesson works in my class:

First the instructor should explain the process of each section and then give time limits to reduce the amount of distractions and behavioral issues. This is a good lesson to have parents volunteer for because the lesson runs more smoothly if there are plenty of helpers to assist the students. 
Set-up and supplies are as follows;

1. Have five stations, one for each page of the book
2. Have each station supplied with scissors, coloring crayons, and pencils
3. There is card stock or construction paper in each station
4. There are sentence strips or strips of lined paper to use for the text portion of the project
5. Last, there is glue or tape if the class decides to add embellishments like the sun, or birds flying, or flowers.

This is the base color for the back page. 
Make sure to cut out an oval for the  template

Here is the next template, make sure you 
cut out the middle and leave the brown attached

And the next...Cut out the the middle and leave the dark blue 

Cut around the green and move onto the last page

Here is the completed book with a scene of the lake. 

Add an embellishment to the cover like this sun 

or add birds or a boat to the piece.

There you go, a great way to create something special for your children. 

The students will love the feeling of accomplishment and the parents 

will appreciate the hard work as well. 

All someone has to do now is make up a story 

to go along with the pages.

Elementary Art Class

Painting by PST

An art curriculum is an extensive result of research from resources and dedication to the development of a guideline in art lessons adopted by the school district. Many of these lessons are influenced by the many classroom teachers that offer input on the national and state standards. This standard is used to plan art classes, integrate art and other studies like language arts and social studies.

Teachers are encouraged to develop an approach where he or she will use a theme to influence the area of study. These resources are influenced by artists locally and historical in the profession. Local artist are asked to volunteer their time to introduce the many practices in the art curriculum. Students tend to learn more and enjoy meeting local artists and experiencing the knowledge the artist offers or the talent visualized by the students with the encouragement of the artist. This can promote art as a specialized field that students would choose as a career.

Introduction

The National Standards for Arts Education (NSAE) was published in 1994. I was an elementary reading specialist at the time, and researched this extensively. What I can remember is the NSAE defined that every young American should know what they could do in the arts. This was a cumulative collaboration of worldwide educators in developing these standards. These standards were published and later accepted officially by the U.S. Department of Education. Fortunately, every state was given the freedom to define content specific to the individual needs of each state. 

Before After

Standards have been written to guide students through instructional sequencing of instruction that will allow them to understand the elements and principles of art, as well as art performance, historical, and cultural context of the arts.

In these two photos the students look at a blank canvas. Then the students differentiate what they would like the space to look like when they are finished. In this example, the students wished to make a 3-D bulletin board that reflects a spring setting. Studies in critical response, enables the students to understand how to determine the techniques and to compare and contrast works in the arts to give them a scene in 3-D. The studies performed in aesthetic response enables the children in understanding the emotional impact of the art. In this example the students saw a natural setting in nature. The content standards are measured through a sequencing process. Each aspect of this board was executed on a sequenced table enabling the students to understand how the space is created by a series of events. 

In this appreciation to art, the context of understanding how nature is created can be assessed. The enjoyment of creating this scene was implicit in the process, and the students made an educated decision in the art. Another process was adding a sensory to the context of the lesson. At the end of the project, the first instructor distracted the children in imagining that the student's were at this scene by having the second instructor spray a room freshener that was scented with a country essence. When the children focused on the bulletin board instead of the discussion, some students imagined they could smell the flowers, the wind, trees, and some of the elements in the art. This sensory effect can implant the process in enjoying the creation of artistic development at an early age. This project was made at a kindergarten level so the experience would begin early in the student's life.  

The curriculum that follows was designed to accomplish the needs of all students at the elementary school level. This curriculum meets the national and state standards as it adapts to local resources and the demographic differences among socioeconomic class requirements in the district. These concepts can be measurable, so the lessons can be taught through instructional plans driven and standards based for assessment. These lessons are designed for all students to teach context with other subject areas. This provides a comprehensive foundation for arts. The following list is created by the N.S.A.E. to use during early education. 

In standards of art, the student will:

Explore the use of markers, crayons, and pencils

Experiment with a variety of methods of applying paint

Participate in various cutting and pasting experiences

Create patterns and designs using printmaking methods

Use modeling materials to create shapes and textures

Create forms from paper

Create sculptures

Build structures using blocks, boxes, or other materials

Develop pride in his/her work

Show respect for the others’ work

Clean up after an activity

Use materials safely

Design and Function

Students will begin to develop a perception of the elements of design, i.e., shapes, colors, and lines

Make and use shapes to create artwork

Use primary colors

Mix primary colors to create and use secondary colors

Use of design elements to create artwork

Content and Creative Expression

The student will identify and use representational subjects in artwork, e.g., family, friends,

Animals, plants

Create artworks based on personal experiences and familiar

People/things/places

Create artworks based on imagination

Art Heritage

The student will view and discuss artworks from different cultures and eras

View and discuss religious art

Learn about places where art is displayed

Begin to develop an awareness of art in the home, school, and church

Inquiry in the Arts

The student will have an opportunity to view a variety of artworks

Discuss and ask questions about artworks presented in class

Discuss the subject matter of artworks presented in class

Discuss the subject matter of his or her individual work

Inter-Disciplinary Study

The student will participate in lessons integrating art with other subject

Salmon Burger Dinner

This burger is by far the most scrumptious entree I have made in ages. I am not one to prepare fish normally, but this was a spare of the moment attempt at making something different. I would never have tried this if it wasn't for my father-in-law and his regular fishing trips. 

I have tried Wahoo, Durado, Yellow fin tuna, Marlin, Maui Maui, shark, pike, and a few other fish I forget what they were called. This list only began after I was married. My previous equivalent was fish-sticks and a cod fillet if I had to eat fish for supper during Lent.

Here is the recipe and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. A nice paring was homemade chips and homemade coleslaw. A nice white wine or a chilled beer makes everything go down nicely.

Ingredients

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup Panko
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds salmon fillets, skinned and finely chopped
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
Sesame Mayonnaise, recipe follows
8 buttered and toasted sandwich buns
8 lettuce leaves
8 slices tomato

Directions

In a medium bowl, combine peppers, Panko, garlic, and salmon.

In a small bowl, combine egg, soy sauce, lemon juice, and salt; add to pepper mixture, tossing gently to combine. Form mixture into 8 patties.

Lightly coat a grill pan or skillet with cooking spray.

Heat over medium-high heat until hot

Grill or cook patties, 5 minutes per side, or until desired degree of doneness.

Spread Sesame Mayonnaise evenly over toasted buns.

Top each with a lettuce leaf, tomato slice, and salmon patty. 

Cover with tops of buns. 

Summer Salsa

Summer salsa is one of my favorites during the hot season. This versatile salsa can be eaten by itself with fresh corn chips and guacamole, or as a topper for beef or fish  tacos. Many times summer salsa is regulated by the various fruits available, but my favorite is when you add a fresh mango to the mix of tomatoes and onions and peppers that make ones mouth water for the hot weather. This goes best with a beverage like a tart lemonade or strawberry daiquiri.

This combination of fresh ingredients is one of the easiest recipes to follow and the list is not too long. Here are the ingredients and directions for summer salsa. The guests will ask for the recipe every time. This is one of the "go to" meals that is always a winner. Here is hoping you have the same success I do every summer. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1.5 or 2 medium ripe tomatoes diced with all the juice and seeds included
1 medium yellow onion (Maui) diced small
1/2 mango, diced; add a teaspoon of sugar to the meat if it is not too sweet.
1 or two long pickled Serrano peppers diced, the more you use the hotter it becomes
1 whole lemon, squeezed, be careful of the seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all the ingredients together without bruising the fruit and vegetables.
Refrigerate the salsa until chilled and the flavors marry.
Eat with freshly warmed corn chips or as a topper for tacos
Either way, you will enjoy this meal with friends and family for years to come.

Use Color In Design

Ikat Fabric and Wallpaper

Warm Colors are the easiest to introduce to a design because the colors remind homeowners of the fiery colors that radiate from the sun. These vibrant colors are reminiscent to fire engine reds, smoldering oranges, and bright yellows. These colors can make the room appear warmer, and the room will visibly advance. Cooler colors will recede and make rooms appear smaller or the walls close into the furniture. Warm colors give the illusion of intimacy but one should beware not to use warm colors if the room is already warm in character. This makes a space radiate too much warmth aesthetically. 

When using cool hues, one will envision water or ice. These colors are soothing as cool tones make a person cool down. These are shades of depths in the sea. Cobalt blues, aqua greens, and majestic purples. Cooler colors will make the walls appear to look larger; the cool wall color will seem to recede, making a room more open and airy. Cool colors are perfect to use in a room flooded with sunlight. The cool colors makes one believe they are in a cooler place as the psychological effect kicks in and the human psyche makes one feel cooler.   

Connecting with neutral colors similar to the family of tans, browns, beige, white tones, and grays can create a bond between colors and transitional spaces. Neutrals work to connect rooms as well as layer a foundation for more vivid color schemes or combinations. Mixtures are created by various colors, and colors have a psychological meaning that has been researched and studied for generations. In the last few decades, these colors have a refined definition that designers used in the industry of interior, graphic, and fashion design. The definitions are as follows, though they are not complete, this brief description will assist the interior designer in determining what the array of colors will do for the client’s home.

Red – this color can make one feel hot and is known to increase one’s appetite, heart rate, and passion. Red is largely used in residential dining rooms and fast food restaurants using this exciting tone in the color theme. Because red increases a person’s appetite, one tends to eat faster, and this is beneficial for fast food establishments. Red can often be applied in bedrooms adding alluring and sumptuous touches to enhance romantic settings. At times, designers use small portions of red hues in every room to increase warmth and comfort to the home.

Pink – Pink has matured and is not just for a princesses or toddlers. Pink along with touches of charcoal tones create a depth of richness. These neutrals embellish the look or intensity saturated pinks. Though pink portrays a softer approach to a feminine quality, the designer will balance the amount of pink with other colors to allow a mixed gender space in the bedroom. Hot pinks are still popular, but used in smaller amounts in addition to accommodate the aesthetics of the home.

Orange – Orange is known to develop nervousness and anxiety. When people feel edgy, they tend to fumble more or become frustrated. On the opposite side people tend to act giddy and playful. This color is high in energy and is perfect as a burst of color in a room. Orange can be daring in design and can create layers of color to energize a small space, such as the laundry room or hallway. A dull or shadowy space takes on a lively feeling as the bold color enlightens the space with this dramatic approach.

Yellow – this is the most controversial color in the color wheel. Thought often as a sunny and happy tone, bright yellows are aggravating and annoying if viewed too long. One should use yellow sparingly when decorating and only as a highlight in décor. If yellows are dominant as a design scheme, use golden yellows, butter tones, or pale tones of this hue. Yellows are tricky as it can have green traces that can suggest a sickly demeanor. Black can also change a yellow to a green tone, and this can creates chaos in the design. Staying on the lighter shade of yellow works best in decorating and can add a lighter nuance to the space.

Green – this is a natural color and can create a serene scheme if decorated with properly. Green can take on two jobs in decorations. These jobs are energizing and relaxing in various design settings. This can be done at the same time as a combination of tones. Good uses of greens are best used in a setting for bedrooms, living rooms, and for waiting rooms to create a perfect choice for tranquil, revitalizing, and stimulating environments.

Blue – this color can actually lower blood pressure and reduce an appetite in people. Needless to say, this color would not be effective in a kitchen or eating establishment as the loss of appetite may reflect on the food or the individual preparing the meal. One may even psychologically believe the food does not taste properly. The color blue and the tint of white are rebooted in trends or in fashions as realized in Wedgwood china, country decorating, and nautical design or navy schemes.

Purple – this royal and majestic color was just that a color representing wealth and positioning in class. This was a color that very few could afford in the earlier times of fashion and design. In the theater, a portrayal of nobility is symbolized in a deep purple and highlights of gold. Purple is best used in moderation adding richness or drama to the room without making the space look cagey or over theatrical in design. 

Black – this color does not just signify the rebel or a depressive cogitation. Black is a classic and regal accent color that shares a traditional and contemporary look in any room. Once thought of as an accent tone or a neutral to add to any upholstery piece, black is used in whole room applications partnered with rich tones or pastels, and accompanied by chromes, mirrors or crystals.

White – this color represents a clean and sophisticated class in design and white also can be used in traditional and contemporary looks in design and fashion. When one uses white he or she is trying to show spirituality, ethereal purity, and promote cleanliness. White is very popular in design, but designers will add various colors to add character and influences where a solid white could have a tedious presence in styles and textures.

Brown – another tone used to show a safe and a neutral tone in design has been rejuvenated from its former glory as a boring color. Brown is the new classic color that goes well in a rich design. Deeper tones of brown known as cognac, espresso, or Dark chocolate have accompanied rich colors such as various reds, burned oranges, bright pinks, electric greens, and smoky blues. Dark brown has moved into a multifaceted color and has been added to every color working as a strong companion in design and popular color scheme.

Whatever color used in a timeless collection, the tones capture a simple yet elegant design in today’s home and setting. The spirit a mixture of colors brings to a home is classic and transcending. The details of a crisp color can create a couture that a designer prepares for any individual looking for the next best trend. Colors should never be a fad, as trends seem to last and make a difference in future designs and styles. A high-quality or custom design can make or break a home’s success and as a designer it is his or her responsibility to deliver sound and professional advice to the public. With a refined eye, the designer will find the perfect materials and styles that capture the elegance and class that many homeowners are looking for in their home. Another important aspect in home design is the amount of calming and relaxation one can achieve through the colors used in the finished design.

Fresh Tomato Sauce Made Easy

Fresh tomato sauce is another way to create a new taste for an old creation. Today, tomato sauce is served with a variety of dishes and not just Italian food. Tomato sauce partners well with vegetables, various cheeses, breads, and proteins. Tomato sauce is one of the mother sauces in cooking and has multiple variations to experiment with in the kitchen. This delicious sauce is robust and full of flavor, and one would never guess it only takes 25 to 30 minutes to make and the end result is scrumptious.

Here is a simple recipe to follow when a quick tomato sauce is needed.

Ingredients

5 large ripe tomatoes (for a stronger taste, use the equivalent volume in Roma tomatoes)

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

*A bowl of ice water is needed to blanch the tomatoes

Directions

Blanch the tomatoes by taking a paring knife and slice an X on the top. This is called scoring a tomato. After the tomatoes are scored place them in boiling water for 30 seconds to a minute. *Immediately take them out and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will make the skin separate from the flesh of the tomato. Peel off the skin, dice the tomatoes, keeping the juice and discarding the seeds; set aside in a bowl.

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan until hot, medium-heat. Make sure the oil is not too hot or it will burn your garlic and make them bitter. Add the garlic to the pan and stir until slightly brown and the garlic have began to permeate a garlic flavor.

Add the tomatoes with juice and mix into the garlic, this will marry the flavors.

Add the parsley, and stir in lightly.

Spill the mix onto a warmed serving dish, season with salt and pepper to desired taste, and sprinkle the top with Parmesan.

Serve this sauce over pasta, rice, proteins, beans, or whatever one wishes to eat.  

The Renewed Appreciation of Historical Colors

Do you want to know a secret?  It is our ability to embrace our darker understanding of what draws us to investigate and question. Most individuals are guilty of wanting the more irresistibly gloomy depths of despair and the dark shadows of mystery. Colors create mood, and moods create sensations of masculinity and aesthetics of a hypocritical era to an elaborate futuristic vibe. At times, perceptible mechanics intrigue us in why we question how something works. Whereas visual effects, eerie collections, theatrics, and  fabrics like tweed or hounds tooth bring to mind inspired attire worn by famous characters like Sherlock Holmes or historical times such as the prohibition era.

When thinking of these facts, I also think of my favorite subject—paint—and when colors that are available came to be here like the natural colors derived from plants or geography. As an artist, one experiences nature through the layered colors of mineral deposits riddling rock fronts. One looks at the egression of hues that sparkle from a polished stone that was in a running river bed or the sea. Last, one would look at the distressed and weathered siding of a rustic log cabin or farmhouse; these hues look chalky or earthen. The materials become organic, and have a raw finish naturally matte in appearance. Through time and stress, these elements work hand-in-hand to develop a softened splendor of beauty. This beauty can influence one in comfort, restfulness, and tranquility.

As a designer, one will take these elements and do as an artist does creating a palette from natural layers of colors inspired by the recent appreciation of nature. This craft shows a down-to-earth aesthetic. This is not a new thought; historical colors were created throughout history to emulate traditional colors. This scholarly study of hues began with the development of colors from the period the colonists came to America.

Designers will pick a company that reflects his or her concept in historical colors. This process is through resources and study of historical architecture.  A favorite supplier is Benjamin Moore Paints and the reasoning is that this company specializes in chronological colors. This review will offer colors that reflect the era of multiple styles in American history using colors from today’s suppliers.

The Colonial and Federal Style

This was called The Colonial and Federal Styles (1640-1825) when a new nation was created from scarce and limited funds. The pigments came from natural resources like the land, plants, and fibers. These pigments created a dark and rich hue of affluence in a growing nation. Homes were painted in a solid tone, including the trim and doors, but  the interiors were colorful and contrasting. The Federal Period was a post revolutionary war time when colors became lighter and more delicate with detail. These colors were accented on the trim by using off-white or natural opaque’s like ivory or bone white, and doors painted in dark tones like black or shaded greens to create a darker tone creating paler aesthetics in design
.

Using Benjamin Moore Paints here is a list of colors that reflect the era’s color palette.

The Colonial                                                          The Federal

Mysterious AF-565                                                  Crumb Cake CSP-1010

Tumeric AF-350                                                       Monroe Bisque HC-26

Tea Room AF-270                                                   Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

Jungle Canopy CSP-900                                         Van Deusen Blue HC-156

Dinner Party AF-300                                                Hawthorne Yellow HC-4

Thicket AF-405                                                         Marlboro Blue HC-153

Blue Suede Shoes 798                                             Hathaway Peach HC-53

Coriander Seed AF-110                                            Mayflower Red HC-49

Rustique AF-275

Rainforest Foliage 2040-10

The Early Victorian Period

The Victorian Period (1830-1900) was split into two periods. These are the early and late Victorian eras. Broken down, the periods start with an Early Victorian style that includes Greek revival, Gothic Revival, and Italian Styles. This was an influence from the long reign of Queen Victoria, and there were multiple varieties of architectural themes. As time progressed many styles comingled and created a transitional blend of styles. These were broken down by periods, but the styles blend to create each styles trades mark.

The Greek revival (1830-1850) Many architectures were placed close to the street with pediments, or themed columns (Doric, Corinthian, or Ionic). Many of the styles were large in keystone and design and took on the look of ancient temples. This color style included tones that look like sand or stones, marbles, and light alabasters.

The Gothic Revival (1840-1860) inspired romance and picturesque settings with drama and excitement. This style involved structural embellishments like steep gables, archways, and ornamental trim pieces. The colors for this heavier style were earthy deep tones. The house body and trim were painted in the same family with times when the trim may have been darker in tone.

The Italianate Revival (1840-1880) these stately residences were elegant and restrained from heavy tones, but rather by natural warm tones that highlighted the details of the architecture. Doors and trim were left natural and unfinished with color.

Here are the tones that make up the early Victorian Period.

Greek                                                       Gothic

Suntan Yellow 2155-50                          Old Salem Gray HC-94
Golden Tan 2152-40                              Lewiville Green 494              
Cotton Tail 2156                                     Saddle Brown 2164-10
Mellowed Ivory 2149-50
Roasted Sesame Seed 2160-40
Camouflage 2143-40

Italianate

Audubon Russet HC-51

Nickel 2119-50

White Wisp 2137-70

Wickham Gray HC-171

The Late Victorian Era

The Late Victorian Era (1855-1900) was inspired by French architecture grouped with ornate designs, slate shingles mansard roofs, and delicately crested ironwork. This era was inspired by two periods. The Second Empire (1855-1885) and the Queen Anne period

(1875-1900) homes were embellished early in this period with warm colors, light accents, and stone-like influences. Later, in the Second Empire richer tones deep in colorful shades and bejeweled darker hues created a geode of sparkle and depth.

During the Queen Anne period, styles were accented in irregular compositions and were represented by patterned combinations of textures, materials, colors, and gradations of décor. The diverse range of colors were displayed by contrast ornamentation from the body of the home to the clapboards on the different stories are separate hues. The doors and window matting was accented to accentuate another tone of contrast.

The following colors were chosen to compare period colors with available tones in today’s paint choices.

The Second Empire 
                                              

Meditation AF-395                                                  Weathered Oak 1050

Olivetone 252                                                           Oystershell 864

Gondola Ride 602                                                    Forest Hill Green 443

Vanilla Cookie 372                                                   Land of Liberty 440

Blue Ridge Mountain 1043                                      Pineapple Smoothy 142

The Queen Anne

Dakota Shadow 448                                                 Ipanema AF-245

Sweet Basil 455                                                       Colorado Clay AC-15

Warmed Cognac AF-235                                        Savannah Clay 047

Glacial Till AF-390                                                    Cascabel Chile CSP-445

Wenge AF-180                                                          Dark Burgandy 2075-10

The Colonial Revival and the Bungalow Style

Americans began to look toward the past and found a traditional direction in architecture. The Colonial Revival and the Bungalow Style (1890-1930) was an interpretation of historical architecture from the Colonial era. 

The Colonial Revival (1890-1920) was highlighted with ornate doorways, railings, and dark hues for shutters and doors. The exteriors were light in color with soft to off-white trim. The window trims were drawn from the 18Th century, and the interior woodwork was painted and accented with popular wallpapers as an aesthetic combination.

The Bungalows (1910-1930) were small homes with signature porches and dormers. This distinguished look was generally accented by natural tones of rough shale and river or fieldstones, roofed with shingles, and finished in stucco for the exterior of the body.

The historic accents and trim colors were dark toned to accentuate the softer body tones of the home with a traditional super white to use in various historical home designs. These historical shades add a prominent finishing touch providing enhanced distinction to the main style of the homes conveying depth in each era while preserving esteem to historical detail.

The Following colors display the appropriate colors from Benjamin Moore Paints for the Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles. Included with this review is the historical accent and trim colors.

The Colonial Revival

Good Morning Sunshine 326                                Lemon Ice OC-114

Vale Mist 1494                                                      Dolphin Af-715

Spring Thaw 1508                                                 Sunburst 2023-40

Franklin Lakes 1643

West Coast 1671

The Bungalow Collection

Cattail CSP-295                                                       Silver Streak 2119-40

Secret Path CSP-800                                              Smoke Gray 2120-40

In the Garden CSP-805

Porcini CSP-195

Taupe Fedora CSP-280

Historical Trim and Accent collection

New London Burgundy HC-61                              Frostine AF-5

Bewitched CSP-450                                              Caliente AF-290

Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10                             Universal Black 2118-10

Salamander 2050-10                                             Paris Rain 1501

These popular shades can distinguish a variety of historical homes, as the colors will enhance the primary color providing a contrasting style. The highlights will express a deep opulence that accentuates the architecture of the home. This richness in color channels the eras while preserving a reverence to details that display significance. The value of a historical home begins with the appearance of the home. The authenticity of the colors can show pride in expressing true characteristics of a period.

The ownership of a historical home whether by era or known history, evokes style and pride as the homeowner acknowledges the importance to details and worth. With this in mind, the colors chosen to represent these historical colors were derived from architectural documents that revealed formulas, chronological material specifications, and paintings depicting the period.