Fortune Cookie Prophet Says...

If you don't do it excellently, don't do it at all.

Decoding Color!

Color can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be. I mean when did it become so agonizing? It was fun in elementary school, right? Didn't you just want to use every color in the entire crayon box?! So let's make it fun again! One of my favorite design tools is my color wheel. Whether you're hesitant in your approach to color or you're kicking down the paint store's door, you should have one. It helps the fearful gain some certainty and the bold to become masterful.  

When people think of color, for their homes especially, it tends to be one extreme or the other. It's either an overly saturated crayon box, or  it's colorless.  There is a whole beautiful, seemingly untapped, world in between.  So let's get to it!  

We'll start with Monochromatic color schemes, which are schemes consisting of various tones and shades of one color.  A great tool and example is a paint swatch. It typically shows a gradation of a certain color and it will help you to stay in the color family and pull off something great. Here is an example of a monochromatic room.





Inside-Outdesign.com

 

This violet scheme is successful because the violet is distributed in different values (light, medium, dark) and there is texture to add interest and depth, as in the wallpaper and fabric on the armchair.

 



Here is a room in blue. Don't be fooled by the white either.  It too has blue in it, but now we are getting far more technical than I intended. There isn't alot of change in value but there is an enormous amount of texture provided by the bold pattern mixing. From the pillows, to the drapes, to the artwork, this    monochromatic palette is wonderfully executed. (Photo courtesy of designtothenines.com)

Complimentary color schemes consist of colors that are directly across from eachother on the color wheel like red and green, blue and orange, and yellow and violet. Here are some examples of these schemes in rooms.



CountryLiving.com

 

Although this room is mostly green, you can see how the red stands out making this laundry room cheery and harmonious.

HGTV.com

These blue walls and drapes are the perfect backdrop for this lovely mid-century dining set.  Although there are accessories that bring in blue's compliment, orange, the tone of the wood is also orange.  This scheme would work just as well without the accessories.

Analogous color schemes consist of any three colors next to eachother on the color wheel. Such as yellow- orange, yellow, and yellow-green or red-violet, red, and red-orange. 



Amindondesign.com

 This analagous scheme is green, yellow-green, and yellow. This room, too, utilizes patterns and materials like metal to add visual interest to the space. Those little extras take the space to a whole nother level of sophistication.  

So the keys to decoding color are:

• Use a colorwheel to decide color scheme direction.

• Use various tones of the colors you choose; from muted to saturated (*a good rule is larger pieces, like walls and sofas, should be more toned down and smaller pieces, like vases and paintings, can be more vibrant).

• Add texture with materials, patterns, and artwork.  This extra layer will add dimension to the space.

•  Everything has a color, even wood and metal. So keep them in mind as you decorate as well.

•  Have fun!

Feel free to contact me with complex color questions.  I know it can be intimidating at times so fire away, and best of luck on your color journey!

King of...Pop Art!

Michael Jackson Original Artwork #1 from Room Service

This little blurb is in honor of the late great Michael Jackson.    Remember The Time you first saw Thriller and tried to do the dance moves? You Are Not Alone!  Well, I'm far from the Dancing Machine that Michael was but I had fun trying.   The world was left in a State of Shock at  hearing you were gone. Life goes on and so does your legacy of great music, talent, and peace. Thank you for the endless hours of music to Jam to and, more importantly, for reminding us that We Are Here To Change The World.  


Room Service has portraits of other late greats as well as pop icons and pop iconography available. James Brown, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, and Jimi Hendrix to name a few. They're pretty neat. Check them out!

Red,White,and Oooh! (Some Blue too)

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and there will be countless barbeques and gatherings no doubt.  In the spirit of the holiday I've selected some cool outdoor finds that will jumpstart any get together with style. With that said, have a happy, safe, and very fabulous Fourth!!

 

Vintage Style Metal Seat from Grandin Road- This is a great outdoor chair.  It has vintage flair and nostalgic appeal. It just makes me happy.  



Outdoor Grecian Block Pillows from West Elm- I'm a sucker for a graphic pattern, and this is no exception. This pattern is reminiscent of fretwork or lattice. Quite clever!



Spello Zebra Outdoor Rug from Grandin Road- The perfect foundation for a swanky outdoor get together.  I can picture everyone in their easy breezy white  linens holding nice fresh lemonade in one hand and a light hors d'oeuvre in the other (sighhhh).



Classic White Table- You gotta love it! It has mod appeal, the positive vs negative space is quite engaging, and the shadow it casts is pretty fun too.



Martha Stewart Star Lanterns from Grandin Road- These lanterns are whimsical and festive. Can't you just picture the fireworks and the handheld American flags being waved all around? Yeah, me too.



Red Fretwork Tables from Horchow- These labyrinth patterned tables are tres chic and would make any outdoor event that much more fabulous. 

Designing Lives

Alpha Workshops

The Alpha Workshops is an ingenius not-for-profit organization that not only makes great contributions to the design industry but also invests in people's lives.  Alpha trains people living with HIV and AIDS to become artisans in the decorative arts and then employs them in said areas.   I had the honor of attending the Alpha Awards at the Prince George Hotel a few years ago with a colleague of mine. I was amazed to learn that the employees of  Alpha restored the ballroom where the event was held. Their work was simply masterful.  From the hand-painting to the guilding, words just can't describe so I won't try ( tee hee). Take a look.

 

The Alpha Workshops line of  products  are available through various  design showrooms. Do visit their website for product and showroom information and Do support this great organization!

Here is a cheerful wallpaper they offer called "Kimono". It is hand-painted and absolutely customizable using colors offered by Benjamin Moore.  Here are two colorways that I just adore!



Kimono in Ling Ling





Kimono in Sand Dollar



Children At Play!

  5 Design tips for your child's playroom

1.  A darker hued area rug will hide those little spills and "oops" better than a lighter rug will, even if it is stain resistant. Lint will show up easier on darker rugs, however running a vacuum is much easier than scrubbing out a stain. 

2. Use Laminate wood flooring. It takes abuse better than natural wood. It's more durable,  doesn't nick as easily (if at all), doesn't wear from the traffic of those little active feet, and you don't have to be concerned with peeling polyurethane that your little ones may be tempted to eat.

3.  Use sconces opposed to table or floor lamps. You won't have to worry about  the kids tripping on cords, playing with cords, or accidentally knocking it over. And let's face it, they just aren't utilized enough in children's play areas, and they should be because they are practical and good-looking. 

4.  Purchase a stain-resistant sofa. Or ask your retailer if they offer a "goof proof" plan where, for a little extra money, if your sofa becomes downright NASTY, they will send someone to clean or replace it.

5. Corner guards to protect kids from those sharp corners on furniture. It's nice to find another option other than those clunky foam ones that are so common. This one is from IKEA. Don't get me wrong, kid safety first! So purchase ugly clunkers if necessary (I have), but when possible do safety in style (smile).    

Style Int'l

Talk about eye candy, right?!  Patterns, contrast, texture, etc. Shall I go on? This is just a little collection of some fabulous, globally inspired, finds. If you want your space to have an international world traveler type of vibe, this is how you do it. Individually, all these things are great, but how much better when they work together. THOSE plates above THAT bed with THAT side table and...(bringing it down--breathing). I'm getting carried away (lol). There is variation in materials, patterns, textures and finishes; that's what makes it so pleasing to the eye.  The muted palette with the trace of blue also keeps it cohesive. There's nothing worse than a space that sends you into such visual overload that you feel like your being attacked! Aspirin anyone? The key is buy what you like, try to find some cohesive element (color is probably the easiest--but not matchy matchy), mix it up and see what you come up with. Safe travels. 

Blue Ikat Rug from Horchow- Ikat, popular in South and Central America (and all over really), are recognizable by their stretched-looking patterns.  The colors can be arresting or subdued but their added texture is great.

Chinese Garden Stool from Wisteria- I love a good garden stool and this one is even yummier in metallic gold.  It's shiny reflective finish makes it standout allowing it to be special whether alone or in a crowd.



John Derian 12-Faience Style Wall Plates from Horchow- Decoupage never looked so darn good! These wall plates were made to mimic the popular earthenware made in France, Germany, Scandinavia, and Spain.  The history goes back as far as Egypt but regardless, they are simply stunning.  The various sizes, patterns and colors are just the best. This grouping does a lot of the leg-work for you. I love it!

Kuba Cloth Pillows from Wisteria- Each of these pillows is handwoven by the Kuba people of the Congo. I love their graphic  patterns and texture.  They're wonderful, chic, and unique pieces of African culture.






Morocco Headboard from West Elm- Here is a taste of that popular Moroccan fretwork. This is the perfect backdrop to any bedding you might choose. BONUS: The bedding! Hand-blocked Mosaic Quilt. I love it when a plan comes together (sigh).



Graphic Suzani- Inspired Dhurrie from Wisteria- Add some Central Asian flare to your decor with this graphic piece.  I could stare at it all day.