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Mid-Century Modern Hues
The 1950′s and 60′s was indeed a colorful time in history. During this period, it appears that color-phobia wasn’t much of an issue as homeowners used vibrant hues liberally. After all, it was a post-war era and there was much to be happy about.
A look back can be comical or maybe even nostalgic, but there is no doubt that this period influences today’s interiors as we continue to be inspired by classic streamlined furniture and bold hues.
These photos of present-day interiors are reminders that fun colors aren’t just for kids.
top photo: home and decor
Powder Rooms
Powder rooms may be small, but they can speak volumes about a person…
Because powder rooms tend to be that one tiny, windowless, and often unnoticed space {because the door is usually closed} in the home, many people use this room to make a statement. You know, they’ll use an over-the-top wallpaper, glossy glam tile, or an intense color — something a little crazy and something they love but would never do anywhere else in the house. The powder room becomes their design fantasy.
Fortunately for my husband I haven’t had time to really think about our powder room, but I’ve been toying with the idea of doing something wild and crazy. Pictured below are a few of the existing elements that I’m working with {although I may just start from scratch}. Hubby will not like this.
Definitely a mix of styles, but the colors — blue, yellow and green — are the unifying factors. I have two shades of blue on the walls, but I’d like to add a third color and also paint the ceiling. I’ll let you know what I come up with…
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?
Nesting Newbies – A Colorful Magazine
There’s a new magazine on the web scene that has caught the attention of design bloggers alike.
When Nesting Newbies arrived in my in-box recently, I was immediately intrigued by the striking orange, black and white ‘front cover.’ An hour later, I was color happy.
This lifestyle magazine offers cover to cover ideas and inspiration for decorating, entertaining and cooking — all with abundant color!
You’ll find great tips from a variety of creative professionals, and did I mention the color?
One of the best features about this magazine is that you can navigate easily and quickly through the pages and also print with ease — very important for on-line publications. Nesting Newbies is a great read. You can visit their site to subscribe.
All photos from Nesting Newbies
Haiti’s Colorful Art {For Sale!}
It’s been weeks since Haiti was devastated by a catastrophic earthquake. Since then, we’re not hearing as much about relief efforts, but they are on-going. Haiti still needs our support and prayers. If you’re a collector of colorful artwork or just inspired by it, you may be interested in helping through the Vassar Haiti Project, a non-profit organization that provides aid and assistance to Haiti through the sale of Haitian art.
One of the Vassar Haiti Project’s main goals is to support education and sustainability in Chermaitre, a rural Haitian village. Since the earthquake, the organization has expanded their monetary aid to relief efforts and a fund that is helping artists rebuild their homes in Port Au Prince.
You can purchase the artwork directly from the Vassar Haiti Project website. Even if you’re not a collector, this vibrant artwork can serve as a striking focal point for any room in your home. It is truly inspiring.
Many Haitian artists are self-taught, and their artwork is rich with color and culture. Their art reflects the beauty of their country — despite the struggles and tragedies that they face.
“Through political turmoil, natural disasters, and crippling poverty, the Haitian artists have preserved a cultural heritage, and offered pride and hope to the Haitian people through their beautiful visions of their beloved country. Protecting and supporting the art community and culture in Haiti will be vital for its long-term recovery and its rebuilding as a nation.” — excerpt from the Vassar Haiti Project Blog.
The artwork presented here is from the Vassar Haiti Project. Visit their site to purchase. However, please note that due to the large number of recent sales, some paintings on their website are no longer available. If you see a painting you’d like to purchase, please check with them to see if it is still available.
Color and Style
I just wanted to share a random selection of spaces that demonstrate a creative use of color and individual style. Enjoy!
{Bloomingdale’s Big Window Challenge Winner: Eddie Ross, photo by Addie Juell}
{I love a colorful dressing table!}
photos from: decorpad; houzz; apartment therapy
Romantic Dessert Table
I created this fun and funky dessert table for Valentine’s Day, but I’ve been told this would be a great idea for romantic spring events, too. This colorful table is romantic, whimsical, and totally bohemian. My inspiration pieces? Two sarongs that I purchased while vacationing in Jamaica a few years ago. With their bright colors and tribal print motifs, they made the perfect tablecloth to build upon.
To pull this look together, I headed over to Antique Depot, one of my favorite antique stores in the DC – Baltimore area. Then it was off to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. Definitely not the most glamorous shopping trip, but it resulted in a fun and surprising mix of candy jars and other dessert table essentials.
One of my favorite finds was this terrific ruby red cake plate. I placed it on top of one that I already owned to create a delicious cupcake and cookie tower.
This trio of retro candy jars turned out to be a cute addition to the dessert table. As you can see, they provided plenty of love and happiness.
Other elegant finds included pairs of vintage candy dishes to display grapes, atlas vases for the Tootsie Pops and Asian mini-vases for the flowers.
I added personal touches {and additional color} with scrapbooking paper and ribbon — my two entertaining must-haves! The baked goods, candy and flowers all came from the grocery store. I really saved time and money by mixing in items that I already owned with my new purchases from the antique and thrift store.
This dessert table is clearly a reflection of what I like, which is a mix of modern, vintage, color and cultures.
These days, entertaining is all about injecting our own individual style. So make sure your table and displays include your unique, personal touches.
All images by Kelly Porter of Porter House Designs
Romantic Bedrooms
Now is the time to bring sexy {and maybe even a little color} back to your bedroom.
A romantic, cozy bedroom can do wonders for your marriage, and with our busy schedules these days, your bedroom should be a place where you can feel comfortable and let loose.
Whether you’re married or single, your bedroom should be your haven — that serene space for relaxing at the end of the day and an inspiring space that rejuvenates you in the morning. And yes, bold colors can be relaxing if they are colors you love.
Aside from crazy, sexy, cool colors, your bedroom should have great lighting. Make sure your lighting sources are on dimmers, or switch some bulbs to a low wattage so that you can create a romantic mood. See more great tips at the bottom of this post.
My tips for a romantic bedroom:
- Remove clutter! Get rid of those piles of clothes, magazines and mail, and return your kid’s toys to their rooms. It’s difficult to relax and romance in a room filled with out-of-place stuff.
- Invest in quality sheets with a thread count of about 400…and if it’s been a while since you’ve purchased a mattress, you may be due for an upgrade. These days, mattresses are thicker, have pillow-top options, and will offer you a better night’s sleep.
- Layering equals comfort & versatility, so use a combination of silky and textural bed coverings {duvet, coverlet, throw, etc}.
- Be disciplined with T.V. watching. Viewing too much television or watching the wrong thing can kill romance {and give you weird dreams}. Instead, hook up your ipod or invest in a Sound Soother to hear the ocean waves.
- Use scented candles, home fragrances or fresh flowers to make your bedroom smell scrumptious.
- Give yourself permission to linger and enjoy your space by having a late-night dessert or morning breakfast in bed.
By all means, put your bedroom first! It really is the most important room in your home.
All photographs from House To Home
Fabric. Color. Love.
I’m really loving the colors and patterns in these gorgeous fabrics by Amy Butler. Tons of color inspiration in these bohemian, retro, happy fabrics…
…and notice all of the mixing and matching going on here. Of course, I love that too!
{Very pretty Amy Butler prints}
There is definitely a place in my home for these fabrics! I’ve lived in my home for 10 years now, and this year I’ll be making some fun changes. I plan on blending in really cool bohemian-style touches through fabric, layering, funky accessories and new lighting fixtures {or at least new lamp shades}. I look forward to sharing it all with you and passing on my new love for Boho-inspired interiors.
All photos from amybutlerdesign.com
{Hot! Hot! Hot!} Colores
I don’t know about you, but I’m freezing!
The winter here in the Mid-Atlantic region has been frigid and snowy thus far. So to heat things up a bit I’ve decided to showcase sizzling colors from south of the border. Caliente!
As a color lover, I totally heart Spanish and Latin American design — an aesthetic marked by hacienda-style architecture and pure, vibrant color that naturally gives you a feeling of warmth. In Mexico, color is used abundantly. For centuries, hues have been inspired by the sun, sky, soil, clay and indigenous plants and fruit. A signature color that you’ll often see in Mexican interiors is called Rosa Mexicano.
Rosa Mexicano is a very vivid pink that is often paired with orange and yellow. Other popular color combinations include a mix of red, indigo, violet and mid-tone green.
Although these colors are used in a way that is pleasing to the eye, the overall goal of the Mexican color palette is to emphasize the architecture, such as ceiling beams, arches, stairs, shutters and doorways.
Colorful Mexican and Talavera tile is also used in a variety of striking combinations.
One more…
You may remember this photo from my ‘House of Paint’ post. This house is not located in Latin America. It’s the home of one of my clients, who bravely selected bold colors reminiscent of Guatemala — definitely one of my favorite projects.
Well, I’m feeling much warmer now, and I hope these photos have brought out the color courage in you!
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