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More Pink {and Blue}
Many thanks to The Washington Post for featuring this post in their Blog Watch column on April 16, 2009!
I’m loving pink right now. I’ve taken several walks this season, so I guess I’m paying more attention to pink blossoms.
It really is true that you notice way more when you’re walking as opposed to when you’re driving. The photo I snapped above is from my stroll near the Eastern Market in DC. The pink cherry blossoms set against that blue row house was so eye-catching! Check out the inspired spaces below:
Photos from: coastalliving.com; livingetc.com; southernaccents.com; traditionalhome.com
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Painted D.C. Dwellings
Thank you, DC Blogs!
This week, DC Blogs is featuring my photograph on their homepage banner! Photography is another way that I capture and work with color. Below is the original photo of the entire house, located in the Shaw neighborhood of D.C.
Our nation’s capital is best known for it’s monuments and other historic buildings, but as beautiful as they are, they tend to….well…lack color. Now I’m not suggesting that we paint them with primary colors. I love these structures. In fact, my husband proposed to me on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial. But if you’re looking for the city’s real culture, you must visit the neighborhoods. There, you’ll also find tons of color inspiration!
This brilliant blue row house along 7th St. in Northwest has been converted into a store. With it’s orange and white accents, it quite possibly attracts more potential customers than the other stores around it. I’m thinking these colors would make a great palette for a girl’s or boy’s bedroom.
Here are a few “painted ladies” on Potomac Ave. in Southeast. I love the pale lavender house. I want that color for my studio {I’m re-designing it this spring}.
And this is the Art Deco neon sign on what used to the be the Dunbar Theater. Located on 7th St. in Northwest, this historic building was recently restored, but for years it sat vacant. First opening in 1921, this theater was a popular jazz and movie venue featuring legendary artists such as Duke Ellington and Eubie Blake. Not too much color inspiration here, but tons of history — and I do like that green.
photography by Kelly Porter
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A New Era of Colors
The Inauguration of President Barack Obama was truly an amazing day in American history. Being a native Washingtonian, I’ve never seen the city so electrified — powered by two million jubilant people! And I must say, I’m delighted that we have a family in the White House that loves unique, vibrant colors and wears them well! So, here’s my “Yes We Did” palette inspired by the colors proudly worn by the Obamas on this historic day (colors by Sherwin-Williams):
"Independent Gold" reflects the color of Michelle Obama's day ensemble. This yellow-gold metallic fabric also had a touch of green. "Heartthrob" not only describes President Obama himself, but it was also the color of his tie.
"Frank Blue" was the classic color of Malia's coat, while Sasha wore a fun-loving combination of pink ("Loveable") and orange ("Kid's Stuff")
Other hues of the day included these brightly-colored buttons that volunteers on the National Mall were handing out (refresheverything.com). Inaugural Ball invitations and tickets also made a colorful mark on the evening (bottom picture):
top photo of the Obama family from huffingtonpost.com
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Inauguration Nation
Colorful scenes from my trek to the mall in D.C. this weekend to see the We Are One concert:
Our journey began at the Glenmont subway station in suburban Maryland. There we were greeted by one of my favorite public art displays — a beautiful, uplifting mosaic tile mural. I love the different shades of blue and unexpected pops of red. The photos below tell the story of what we saw downtown:
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That Kennedy Center Red
The Kennedy Center has been in the news lately. First, with the announcement that it will be the venue for The Oprah Winfrey Show during Inauguration Week. Then, just this past weekend The Kennedy Center Honors paid tribute to Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman and others (shown at top).
This time of year brings back my own memories. When I was a child, my father would take me to The Kennedy Center to see The Nutcracker. It’s been a few years since I’ve last been there, but one thing about The Kennedy Center has always stood out to me — that distinctive red. Red carpeting, red seats and red opera house decor, all accented with white and gold. There’s also a colorful surprise in the Hall of Nations (below) where the flags of several countries hang from the ceiling.
A trip to The Kennedy Center is always inspiring. Here are some ideas for bringing the look into your space:
In this entryway (bhg.com) light blue is paired with red, just like some of the flags hanging in the Hall of Nations at The Kennedy Center.
In my red study, I have a white Christmas tree adorned with gold and white ornaments. If you like this idea, go ahead and copy it!
Boxes wrapped in red, gold and white (pointclickhome.com) will add a festive touch to your home this season.
The Kennedy Center has gorgeous gold and crystal chandeliers given as gifts from Austria and Norway. This lovely Mardella chandelier from the James R. Moder collection (lampsplus.com) is sure to add sparkle, elegance and maybe even a little envy to your dining room.
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