Inspiration in the Studio

The Fan Deck...Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a splash of GREEN!

To celebrate the Irish today, the next color in the Fandeck Series is….GREEN!  This outdoor patio would be the perfect spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Green is the tranquil color of nature.

Green is soothing, relaxing and helps alleviate anxiety.

Green represents renewal and harmony.

A splash of natural green in a neutral space can have great impact. Green is found so often in nature, it becomes soothing when incorporated into interior spaces.

How about this peaceful and inviting dining room to promote family harmony?

Image

Or, if family harmony is lacking, retreat to this beautiful bedroom!

Image

Enjoy the beauty of these longer days and the fresh new growth of spring.

May the luck of the Irish be with you this St. Patrick’s Day!

Images from Phoebe Howard, Veranda

The Fan Deck...Black and White Drama

The Inside Scoop will have several series this year that will highlight design trends and inspiration. “The Fan Deck” series will focus on a designer’s best friend…the paint palette! I’ll cover the rainbow and different ways to incorporate color into our homes. We’ll even explore color psychology and the different ways color can affect our moods and behaviors, along with the symbolism associated with each color.

So, where do I start? For the first post of the series, I decided that classic and simple was best (usually my personal style anyway). We’ll use two colors…black and white!

Black represents power, sophistication, formality, elegance, wealth, mystery, style, evil, death, fear, professionalism.

White represents purity, youth, peace, truth, innocence, simplicity, humility, hope.

Combine the two colors and create instant drama.  I just love this black and white photo of a peaceful winter scene.

bwphoto4

I’m often reminded that great architectural detail doesn’t need a lot of color. This entry is the perfect example.

bwentry1

I absolutely love this black and white kitchen with open shelving.  The signature red knobs on the Wolf range add an extra pop of color.

bwkitchen1

The simplicity of this kitchen immediately makes me slow down. Dramatic contrast between black and white, but I think the peacefulness of the white has great impact.

bwkitchen21

This is a classic bedroom, complete with a collection of black and white photography.

bwbedroom1

Black and white interiors are classic and timeless….and work with every style. For those designing on a budget, black and white is the perfect combination. There are a lot of inexpensive accessories and furnishings available that make this palette work well. Add your favorite “pop” of color and you can instantly change the look!

bwphoto21

As the sun sets early on this cool January day, enjoy the quiet of the season. Spring, and all of its glorious color, will be here soon!

Images from:  Veranda, Elle Decor, Traditional Home

2010 Color of the Year!

As 2009 draws to a close, it’s time to look ahead to 2010 with great anticipation. Pantone has recently announced it’s 2010 Color of the Year! In the design world, color is everything so it’s always exciting to see the predictions!

Pantone says…

Turquoise transports us to an exciting, tropical paradise while offering a sense of protection and healing in stressful times.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Following trends is important, but being trendy is not always the goal for interiors. If your basic pieces are from a neutral color palette, it allows greater flexibility to add a punch of color in smaller, more flexible items that can easily be replaced. I love the collection of turquoise glass in this foyer

The Color You Need Now ... Turquoise

Add a punch of turquoise on your front door for instant drama!

Exterior Color Choices

Or make a statement with a turquoise wall tile in a calming white bath.

Aqua

Add a splash of color in a children’s playroom.

2009 Southern Living Texas Idea House Children's Playroom

As you plan your celebrations for New Year’s Eve 2010….consider a tablescape in turquoise.

New Year’s Day Party

And, when you need a little pick-me-up this winter, dream of the beautiful turquoise waters of your favorite tropical island.

Wishing you a new year filled with health, happiness and prosperity….and the time to enjoy it!

Images from:  Southern Accents, Southern Living, Veranda

NAVIGATION