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Hot Accent Color: Coral
I’m really loving coral right now, but I think I like it best when used as an accent color, as opposed to coral-drenched walls. What about you?
…And nothing beats a coral-accented celebration!
Go Rogue With Red
My home just wouldn’t be the same without our red room.
Situated just off of the foyer, our crimson study/piano room greets visitors with an unexpected yet welcome blast of color. It also provides a nice balance to the neutral walls of the nearby dining room. Our crimson space provides warmth, energy, drama, and it makes our home feel more festive during the Christmas season.
Using red can be risky, but if done right, it’s like the prettiest girl at the prom — it gets noticed. Below are some other ideas for using red at home:
Not So Basic Black
Painting your space black can take unwavering courage, but the result is a sophisticated and elegant room where any other color can co-exist harmoniously.
{Long black draperies can also add tons elegance — and they’re easy to remove. Photo by bhg}
Pink Flowers
I had planned on posting photos of my pink flower arrangements before Easter, but I ran out of time! However, I do think pink flowers are perfect for spring occasions such as a baby shower or Mother’s Day {which is coming up on May 9, 2010}. In fact, I’m sure there are many Moms and Grandmas who would really appreciate a Teacup Tablescape.
Once again I raided the thrift store — where teacups are abundant — and found these lovely cups from Laurel China….but you know me…I had to glam them up a bit so a little bling was in order.
Thanks to adhesive jewels {from Michaels} these vintage teacups now have a contemporary touch. I then arranged three roses in each teacup, and Viola!
The second design {below} is just a fun, casual mix of seasonal pinks: snapdragons, tulips and more roses.
My vase is another thrift store find. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice more jewels.
If you’ve ever perused the ‘jewelry making’ aisle at the craft store I’m sure you’ve seen an array of beautiful beads and gems. These items really can turn a centerpiece from ordinary to extraordinary. Even subtle jewels can add interest and catch your guests’ attention.
Well, I hope you enjoyed my centerpieces this spring. If you use any of these ideas or come up with your own, I’d love to hear from you and share your creations with Color Sizzle readers!
{One last photo of my office which was overtaken by flowers for several days. My oldest son, who has allergies, was sneezing like crazy — poor thing. Oh, how my family puts up with me!}
CLICK HERE to view Spring Centerpiece Central
Has Graffiti Gone Glam?
I’m very excited to announce my new Living Style column at STIR, Sherwin-Williams’ website for color and design professionals and enthusiasts! I’m pleased to be among a colorful team of three other experts, and together we’ll bring you a variety of informative design stories throughout the year. You can also join the conversation by leaving comments, so be sure to check out my first story — GRAFFITI GLAMOUR. Here’s a preview/photo gallery:
{by Spray Paint Artist Chor Boogie}
Graffiti has long been associated with vandalism. For years it has stirred up sentiments about its legitimacy as an art form. However, in the midst of this debate, a shift has taken place. Graffiti is now trending toward the glamorous — showing up in chic places, on hip home furnishings and on high-end fashion accessories. Artists are being commissioned for their work, which is now know as urban, street and spray paint art. I interviewed five creative professionals, and they are all inspired by this art form’s energy, style and colors.
{both photos from Michael Tavano; photographer Rick Lew}
The graffiti-infused environment that designer Michael Tavano created for the New York Design Center at DIFFA’s Dining By Design event last year is still generating buzz. Michael believes that graffiti impacts design partly because color influences design. “We live with color all around us,” Michael says. “You can use a lot of color and still be comfortable.”
{photo from The Dolce Group}
Graffiti is just one element that completes the dining experience at the upscale Rare 120 steakhouse in Las Vegas. You’ll find only a hint of graffiti scrawled across the restaurant’s dining chairs. However subtle, I surmise the graffiti was a key ingredient in designing the “cool, sleek and fun” atmosphere that owner Lonnie Moore tells me his clientele wants.
{Lovegrove & Repucci’s New York Delft dinnerware; weegohome.com’s South 3rd Hi-Light; furniture designer Luis Alicandu’s Louffiti Mirror}
Ken Leung’s colorful jewelry collection {kenanddanadesign.com} reflects the street art of New York City, which Leung describes as “a raw and unapologetic expression of emotion and rebellion.” “Art is a means of expression as well as communication. Through that prism, graffiti becomes a very beautiful art form,” he explains.
Keenly aware that graffiti carries a negative connotation, Chor Boogie calls himself a spray paint artist and he emphasizes the positive aesthetic of this art form. Based in San Francisco, his work has taken him around the globe. Commissioned works include a mural at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in China and other public work in Australia, Dubai, Mexico and my hometown of Washington, DC.
{both photos/artwork by Chor Boogie}
“I don’t discriminate when it comes to color,” Chor tells me. “I’ll put any off-colors together and make it look beautiful.” My kinda guy!
{Chor Boogie contributed to the “Seasons In The City” mural in Washington, DC; photo from Albus Cavus}
I asked Chor what he wants others to focus on when deriving color inspiration from his art. He says that people should look at how the art makes them feel, however far they can take their perception. “Look for something from within…and go with what you feel is right.” How does Urban Art make you feel?
Moss Green
Inspired by a patch of moss that has grown at the foot of my steps leading to the backyard, this post explores the beauty and tranquility of nature’s green.
Literally bringing the outdoors in, with this space {designcorner} the designers used dried moss to embellish the walls. They also created a room divider, as shown below.
And last, but certainly not least, famed Harlem designer Shelia Bridges’ dining room {ny social diary} boasts soft moss green walls, traditional furnishings and eclectic accessories — making for a very serene and luxurious space.
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Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
When I reflect on the promise of Easter, I’m sure it’s no coincidence that this Day occurs in the Spring — a season of renewal, hope and the raising up of what was previously dormant.
“…Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” — Luke 24:5-6
Happy Easter!
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