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Seeing Red {At Work}
I just had a discussion with someone the other day about using red in the workplace. The guy I was speaking with said that although he likes red, he was hesitant about using it at his business because “red sends the message to stop.” Really?
Well, don’t tell that to the wonderfactory, a successful web strategy business {pictured above}…and by all means do not mention that to internet powerhouse Google because they may think you’re kinda crazy.
{google offices via interiormagz}
There’s a reason why businesses use red. No color captures your attention better or leaves more of an impression. Red adds excitement and energy to a space. Using red helps to get your business noticed and your brand remembered. Red also keeps your employees motivated and engaged.
You may have also noticed that the food industry loves to use red. That’s because red stimulates the appetite. So, when you’re around food and ready to eat, the color red can make you hungrier. Restaurants and grocery stores often use this color in their branding and decor as a way of enticing us to consume more.
Red can trigger a big appetite, but it’s also just a fun, chic color to use in public spaces. I used plenty of red for an ice cream shop re-design {above} to the delight of the customers, especially the younger ones. And in this modern eatery shown below, red tables and chairs steal the show.
So, in my opinion red means go. It works at work…but what about at home, you ask? Find out in my next post!
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Restaurant Color {The Silver Star Diner}
You may remember my eDesign post when I gave you a glimpse of my color design for The Silver Star Diner in Ontario, Canada. Well…
…I was so happy to discover that the restaurant finally opened, and from the photos I’ve seen, it looks terrific! I was so honored when the restaurant’s owner {who is also a top chef} contacted me about creating the color design for his modern diner, which was still under construction at the time.
I didn’t travel the 400+ miles to the site {although I would have gladly done so}. Instead, the owner and I exchanged sketches, drawings and photos via email, and we also had a couple of phone conversations. In the end and after several months, The Silver Star Diner opened for business earlier this year. Let me take you on a tour:
The restaurant’s owner wanted stand-out colors that would fit the diner’s modern take on tradition. He also wanted the colors to attract customers and make them feel welcome. I chose Eastlake Gold for the main color {very warm and inviting} and charcoal gray was used for the upholstered banquettes.
And for a little bling at the bar, I specified a metallic-silver upholstery for the stools.
{All paint colors are from Sherwin-Williams}
For the accents I selected fun, punch colors: Robust Orange, Gentian and Ionian. All of these colors are featured on the bar wall and on the upholstered chairs. I wanted to have the bar wall color-blocked to create a strong focal point. Then, chose Ionian for the coffee station wall:
Using ‘in-between’ colors gives a space tons of interest because they are so intriguing. In this palette, Gentian is in-between purple and blue. Ionian is a cross between green and blue.
Another great feature in this space is the ‘welcome wall’ at the front of the diner. The owner wasn’t quite sure how to treat this wall, so I suggested a silvery-gray glass mosaic tile. The idea was that the tiles would twinkle — just like stars.
Setting the mood with color is so important in commercial spaces. Just like we want to feel comfortable in our homes, we also want to feel at home in our favorite restaurant.
If you need help choosing a color scheme for your restaurant, contact me at kelly@porterhousedesigs.com. I offer affordable eDesign services to assist you wherever you live {PayPal accepted}.
Photos by: Class Act Productions; Reclaimed
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the colors of facebook
We all know that denim blue is the brand color of choice for ‘social media giant’ facebook…
…but do they have one choice color for their working environment? These photos of facebook’s corporate offices suggest not. Not just one color, that is — but instead they’ve used a palette of warm hues and gray tones.
{Check out the DJ turntables. Very convenient for after-work parties.}
I’m always fascinated by creative work spaces {did you see my post about LEGO?} because they almost always include the inventive use of color.
I’m actually surprised that the facebook offices aren’t a little more over-the-top, but it works. Often, industrial environments can look sterile and cold, but because they’ve used splashes of warm hues — mustard yellow, red, rusty orange and warm gray — the space appears somewhat cozy.
Then again, nothing really looks too comfortable. I guess when you’re on top, there is no rest for the weary.
All photos from Facebook FBML Templates.
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Color Inspiration from LEGO
I’m often inspired by commercial spaces, and the offices of LEGO are no exception.
I mean, don’t you wish your office looked like this? Fun colors are linked to productivity and innovative thinking. Isn’t that one reason why we all play with LEGO’s when we’re kids?
{Conference room or dining room? Love the citrine green flooring}
The entire color palette of white, black, red and green is very lively and contemporary — great hues for a home office, too…
…although, if you work for LEGO, why would you want a home office when you can go to work and do this??
All images from ihouse-designs
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Styled In Color
I am in total awe of this insanely colorful ‘concept salon’ designed by Garry Cohn.
The Style Club in Dublin, Ireland has got to be the most energetic, color-packed salon on earth. It definitely pushes the limits of design, color and pattern — but that’s the whole idea.
This cutting edge establishment offers daring trends in hair styling — and the interior was designed to reflect just that. I’m really loving the pink giraffe print on the ceiling.
This is more than just getting your hair done {did I mention the live DJ?}. This is an experience. Wow!
photos from garrycohn.com
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Restaurant Color {The Bicycle}
One of my favorite topics to blog about is restaurant design & color. Trendy eating spots provide an array of great ideas that we can incorporate into our own home or business. My hubby and I recently dined at The Bicycle, an Asian-influenced bistro in Baltimore. Comprised of two renovated row houses, the atmosphere here is very cozy and colorful. Shades of blue, olive, yellow and a few other earthy hues serve as the backdrop for eye-catching artwork and photography featuring…what else? Bicycles.
Inspired colors from The Bicycle: Lobelia, Tansy Green and Butter Up {from Sherwin Williams}.
Top photo by Kelly Porter. Other photos: bicyclebistro.com, baltimoresun.com
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Restaurant Color {Ranazul}
I recently dined at Ranazul, a tapas restaurant in Maple Lawn, MD. As with all restaurants I eat at for the first time, my eyes searched for color and design inspiration.
In the midst of lot of brown, beige and black leather, I noticed blue overhead. Sky-blue fabric panels gently swooping from the ceiling. It was just a subtle touch of color, but I surmised that if the panels had been a more vivid color, they would have taken away from the serene feel of the restaurant.
Adding soft blues to a neutral palette is a great color scheme for any space that you want to keep casual and relaxed.
{The wine wall is a focal point at Ranazul}
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Restaurant Color {Two Urban Licks}
I was just in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago and I was totally inspired by a restaurant with an unusual name.
Two Urban Licks is one of the city’s trendiest places to dine. Once a large warehouse, this hip, mid-town eating spot is characterized by tall, exposed ceilings, large windows and industrial flooring — but the space is anything but sterile.
With a contemporary color palette of red, brown and gray, this restaurant is very warm and sophisticated. I loved the red lighting fixtures of different shapes that hang together in a group {top photo}. It makes a very dramatic color statement and it’s also something you can do at home in your dining room.
If you’re ever in Atlanta, check out Two Urban Licks! Besides the fab decor, the servers are really friendly {southern hospitality, here} and the food is excellent. I recommend the ‘Salmon Chips’ for starters.
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