Showing posts with label Color. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Color. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Spring and Petite Wonders




I recently saw this wonderful, dainty floral arrangement while on a trip to New York.  There were so many things that caught my eye: it's petite, but full presence, the contrast in hues, the desaturated color of the large grey green leaves contrasted with the intense chroma of the dainty, frilly fuchsia flower petals.  This one little presentation has so much richness, and best of all...it won't get in your way while eating!

So, of course, I had to ask the Garden Guru, my mother-in-law Deb Brown, the best way to duplicate this little dandy on your own.  Her suggestion:

"It looks like several frilly carnations for the center wired together at the bottom. I would say look to your houseplants and trim the ends from trailing philodendrons or pothos this time of year.  In summer, you could cut a few leaves from perennials.  Or any time, you could pick up a small bunch of floral greenery at a grocery store florist -- or wherever you buy the carnations.  I think the fun part would be the creativity involved.  That little arrangement or bouquet could be made with other flowers as well as carnations...a mound of mums, for instance.  And in June, one luscious peony, surrounded by contrasting leaves."

Spring will be here...eventually...really!!

Susan
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Monday, January 21, 2013

OvErSiZeD ART!

I love playing with design elements...looking at strategies a different way, reversing the norms, etc. For the last few years, a trend of reversing the size of wall decor over furniture has been booming.  I love it!  It really gives a new sense of energy and enthusiasm for rooms by playing with proportion and scale, and of course, I always love it when art takes center stage! It works brilliantly in creating a strong focal point and can give the illusion of enlarging a small space. In addition to being great examples of oversized art, below are also some of my favorite rooms of all time.  Enjoy these fabulous examples, and please, try this at home!!!  If you're not sure how to make it work, let's talk!

What can I say...one of my all time favorite designers.  His mix of styles, patterns, proportions, and colors always makes me smile. Miles Redd

Another of my fave designers. As Jamie has said, if you're looking for all beige, don't come to me.  I agree! Design by Jamie Drake & Assoc.  Art by Lana Gomez


 Cool Liz Taylor art--Love the image of her in her slip with a drink, the pinky rosy hues of it, the retro feel, the way it fills up the wall, but in a child's bedroom? Hmmm...not so sure about that. I think future therapy will be in order. Vogue Archive

A mirror also does the trick.  Make sure it has a substantial, interesting frame.  Elle Decor


Steven Gambrel

So minimalist, yet feels so complete. Garret Cord Werner Architecture & Interiors

Don't hesitate to tuck the art behind the sofa if too large -- of course, this also may depend on the image. Design by Annabelle Selldorf of Selldorf Architects. Photo by Nikolas Koenig.

Notice how the sconce shades, on either side of the photograph, blend into the wall giving the art even more focal power. Amanda Nisbet Design

Photograph or painting, I see this design strategy as a sure winner and a classic, yet avant garde approach, that will never go out of style.  Go for it!!!

XXOO Susan

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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Eclectic Vintage Color, Part 1 -- the Kitchen

Hi All!

Time for after pics!! This post is focused on a kitchen from a multi-room first floor project.  I'm calling this project Eclectic Vintage Color because those are three adjectives the homeowner really wanted to incorporate into the finished designs.  The entire project included the kitchen, laundry room, powder room, family room, living room, and dining room.  I think I'll do different posts for each room.  How's that sound? First up -- is the kitchen -- which probably isn't as vintage, eclectic or colorful as the other rooms.  After all, we did need function here.  I posted before pics of the below kitchen here and did progress posts as we were selecting finishes, etc. here and here.  So now, drumroll please...check it out!

Eclectic Vintage Color


Maple cabinetry, granite countertops, mosaic style backsplash with glass, stone, and marble, stainless fixtures, stainless breakfast table, vinyl chairs


I absolutely adore the backsplash/granite combo.  The swirl of the granite combined with the structure of the tile is just divine!

I really like all of the coordinating textures in this image, particularly the charming basket shelf.

In addition to the island, there is a large peninsula -- see the three pendants -- with three stools for additional seating or to watch TV in the family room.

Didn't my client do a fabulous job finding baskets for the shelf with the perfect shade of grays and cream liner to tie in with all of the varying colors we brought into the kitchen?


A little personalization with knob icons for the four family members:  grapes, baseball, books, and butterfly

But wait, we can't forget about the adorable family dog, Milo!  He gets a personalized knob too...

I know, not the best pic, but it's a dog head knob identical to Milo's breed.  How fab!

And of course he also gets his own little eating/food storage station!

Stay tuned for Room #2!

Susan

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Monday, January 16, 2012

Simple, and Sooo Stunning!!


Using complementary colors, and bold simple patterns, with blocks of color, this bedroom is simply stunning!  By Massucco Warner Miller

~~~  Susan~~~

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Sunday, December 11, 2011

Care to Tango baby?

Pantone, the worldwide standard language for accurate color communication, from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer, and across a variety of industries and the creative community everywhere, has selected it's color for the upcoming year 2012:  Tangerine Tango!!  Check it out below.

Fabric swatch

Journal

Coffee mug

Love the mug, don't  you?  Tango your heart away!

~~~Susan~~~


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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Pantone Postcards

I saw these Pantone Postcards at C.S. Post on line recently.  I love them!  Being the color enthusiast I am, they would be so perfect to send out a quick note (that's right with a stamp, NOT email) to clients and other color lovin' folk.  Are you listening up family?  Holidays are right around the corner... hint, hint, hint...





Each box contains 100 qty. 3-3/4" x 5-1/2" cards all for $19.95 + shipping.

Pretty sweet deal!!  Susan

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Monday, May 2, 2011

Deviled Eggs!

Aren't these yummy looking?  “Deviled” Eggs with Sweet pickle-egg mousse & pencil asparagus tips.  What caught my eye?  The color and shape proportions--nice balance!


via The Peak of Chic blog

Have a scrumptious day!!  Susan




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