Color Trend 2012

This was published a few weeks ago by Trend Bible, an awesome blog that is great about following trends in the interior design industry.

Coming up in 2012 it looks like a blend of neons and pastels for a bold color palette.

Colour Trends: Crown Paints 2012 Colour Panel

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Trend Bible

Earlier this month we attended the Crown Paints press day to see the results of our collaboration with the Crown Trend Panel to create paint palette concepts for Spring / Summer 2012. Each year Crown invite a group of colourists from diverse industries to join them for lively discussion and to define the trends that will inform the design landscape for the year ahead. The event, held at the Swarovski Crystalized Lounge, London, showcased four colour palettes; New Directions, Summer Jewels, Surreal Botanical, Modern Nostalgia.
The stunning styling in the forthcoming summer colour brochure is by Living Etc Style Director, Harriet Patterson. ”One of the key concepts I was keen to get across for emulsions ws about thinking beyond traditional colour groupings like ‘pastels’ or ‘brights’ or ‘neons’ or ‘neutrals’,” explains Trend Bible director Joanna Feeley. “So the strongest palette for me was New Directions, which cleverly blends pastel shades with bubblegum pink and acidic chlorophyl brights. Grey still underpins strong colour and we see grey as being a key backdrop to brights through 2012.”
“The consumer is increasingly sophisticated with colour in the home, and I think we’ll see a return to clever colour combinations expressed through paint replacing our obsession with wallpaper, which can give the desired effect in terms of drama and personality in the home, yet is more permanent and harder to update than paint.” said Joanna. “The ongoing post-recessional mood means homeowners will be staying put instead of moving house, encouraging them to think cleverly about creating more space, more storage and a unique hard-wearing yet characterful style at home.”

Carte Blanche

I am designing a master bedroom for a single elderly gentleman... though I don't know that he would like me to be calling him elderly. But since he is older than my dad, he falls into that category in me book. He's a great guy though, and is giving me a really exciting project. I don't have many boundaries on this one, he just wants it to look good. He says he's a chamillion - he can blend in with anything so there is no reason to try to make it look like something that he would want. Make it stylish. I did get him pinned down to something more modern. He has some sentimental furniture, but then again, everything is sentimental in the house - one of the reasons for bringing me in was to break through the sentiment. The furniture can stay or it will go to his children. A real Carte Blanche. In a lot of ways this is really cool in other ways.... some direction/feedback please?
These are a few ideas that I have come across that I think would be appropriate for a client's bedroom.
I am leaning toward neutrals/browns with bold patterns in accent. We discussed keeping the existing furniture so I began designing with that in mind. However, I feel that the furniture that the client has now is more traditional and has more feminine curved lines than what we discussed for the overall desired look. Since the client is wanting a modern, masculine feel I have suggested that new furniture be brought in. I have suggested that the senitmental furniture be used in a guest room, and the client seems pleased with this alternative. Below I have included some concept photos, Renderings will be comings soon and photes when the project is complete. These pictures definately need an accent color, I am leaning toward red and/or gold, there are some middle eastern artifacts that the client has requested to be included in the decor.

Some Library Designs

I love books. I love to read them and I love to look at them. I especially love a well designed library. Even if you don't have space in your home for a specific library room, it is possible to give your favorite books a distinct place in your home.

I love the bookcase built around a fireplace look, it reminds me of Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" in that the focus of the room is dominated by one wall. I think it lends itself well the many different design styles.


I love this industrial modern approach to tackling the book storage situation. Again, the concept is applicable to many different design styles, but it does have certain architectural requirements. This wouldn't be something that could be an afterthought in most homes.


Here is something a little more practical for an existing space. Either building the shelves onto the wall or using a bookcase to create a small library area in an open floor plan can give you convenience and style, as well as a little retreat in your own home.


If you are dealing with small spaces and want to keep the place looking open, build the book case into or onto the wall. Leave the floor area clear.
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Choose your library look when you are choosing your fixtures. Don't go into half heartedly and hope you find something that will work. Have a plan and work from there - what you are looking for can be found. Happy Designing!

18 Kowloon East

I came across this amazing building that has been built in Hong Kong, it was just completed last year. The project is a 28-story mixed-use building housing offices, retail spaces and a carpark. A design with efficient office floor plates and a rational box were requested by the client - what I love about this building is the innovative way it incorporates an efficient office floor plan with some out of the box thinking to address the air quality in the area.

Kowloon Bay, once dependent on manufacturing, is undergoing transformation of rejuvenation. With the building located in a community with dense industrial blocks, the design investigates the possibility of providing an environmentally sustainable design an incredibly industrial area. The target is to contribute a greening effect to the neighborhood and enhance the quality of life for users in the building, as well as accommodating pedestrians at street level.

With "green" as the theme, the final design introduces extensive planting at the car park floors located at the lower portion of the tower. The building looks amazing but the visually greening effect to the neighborhood is not the only purpose for the gardens, the planting also filters the air and improves the air quality within the car park.

20 Ways to Decorate a Wall

I absolutely love when I look at a wall and think, "yeah, that is just like (insert your name here). I love to see the character of a person reflected in the design on their home. Whether the walls be busy or stark naked it shows a lot about that person. So, instead of listing out general tips, I found the following list inspirations and design ideas.

My one tip is start with the largest!
This one is from homehints.com on decorating walls with images. I like their bit of advice on putting your largest object that you are going to hang first (as well as mapping out your composition on the floor, starting with the largest object first) and then working from there on placing the smaller ones. Then they suggest that once you get it all outlined use rub-off chalk to mark the top and side positions on the wall. This should keep your wall from looking like holey cheese.


Now to the rest.....

Using a frame to "hang" photos/drawings. I like the idea of being able to swap out the images, I also like the depth this gives the wall

Nice use of color and pattern on the plates.

Decorating a wall with stencils

The good idea of this is to use uneven numbered objects to hang on the wall rather than using even numbered objects. It just looks better...

I didn't think that I liked plates, but apparently in some cases I do. Try using plates that you like and hang them in an abtract pattern to liven up your walls.

Love how the leaf patters on the plates match with the pattern of the room and this lodge/wood type furniture.

It's not too clear, but the hanging lamp also matches the pater on the wall somewhat. Nice touch.

A wall of mirrors, but not a wall mirror... excellent

A framed wall mirror blends in nicely with the ceiling moldings... I like the design but don't agree to much about having mirrors in the bedroom...

See the odd number of framed mirrors on the wall? The frames match nicely to the rough wall background, has a rustic/aged look to it..

It looks like wall designs incorporate curtains and windows and lighting. The wall dressed up will give the room more focus and definition.

Shelving can be used to place objects of decoration and functional to create more "space". Again, notice the odd number of shelves.

A more mediterranean design in using iron shelves rather than wood.

Now this is a true space saver wall design idea.. Good modern contemporary touch.

I really like the use of small pictures here to create a single composition. I might like to see it taken a little farther, but part of me says too much.

The stencil and framed wall design..

This one uses a little bit of everything, shelves, picture frames, a bronze

plate... it seems a little busy to me but the point is... don't be afraid to go bold what matters is if you like it.

Using paint in creative ways along with matching picture frames adds a nice touch to a room..

If you have something to say, then put it on the wall... so everyone can read it? There are many other types of designs, the right words in the right color can look very nice.

There are many different ways to do it... What was your favorite?

Happy designing!

Baby's Nursery

Since both my sisters have had babies in the past two months I thought it might be appropriate to consider the baby's room.
A baby's nursery is a special place for a new baby and a new mom, especially in the first few months. It should be comfortable and provide for sleeping and storage for the new arrival.

Furniture that can serve multiple functions will work best in baby nurseries, such as a convertible crib that become a single bed and a chest that can serve as a changing table until it is no longer needed would be good furniture choices. Choose furniture that will not be out grown quickly.  A rocking chair or glider is a must!
When decorating baby nurseries use soothing colors, typically the nursery is painted in soft colors but bolder colors in small amounts can also be used.
Mom suit yourself when choosing nursery themes, this in probably the only time in your child's life that you would be able to do so. As your child grows, he or she will have likes and dislikes and will want say into what goes into his or her room.
With this in mind, make sure that the nursery theme and decor is easily changed. Children's interests are fickle.
Here are some rooms that I absolutely love. In all of these pictures the walls are painted to adapt to baby growing up. If you are interested in applying a more whimsical color to the walls, be prepared to repaint.



Note that the gender specific additions to this adorable room are also easily removed. Another thing that makes this room great is that even though it is a nursery, the accessories will work well for different ages If there was a bed instead of a crib this would be a very cute room for a young girl.

I love the sophistication that is brought to this nursery room. I also think that it would work well for a boy or girl. Again, the color scheme will work for years.


As I said earlier, a nursery is your chance to decorate your child's room. You will never get this chance again so make it a reflection of you. I don't know that all the white is practical, but I like the sentiment.

This one is just the more princess-y of all the rooms that I have looked at. It's elegant but not sappy and over the top. I love that it is a princess nursery without the pink. The furniture and fixtures are very feminine.

Feng Shui Colors

Feng Shui and color

One of the easiest ways of creating harmony and balance in your apartment is by adding color. This is also one of the most rewarding Feng Shui adjustments you can make.

Feng Shui practitioners believe that all colors can affect Ch'i energy differently as the energy in the colour ‘speaks’ and helps to connect the mind, body and spirit.

With Feng Shui you should decorate your dining room, living and kitchen areas in warm colours from the red/yellow side of the spectrum and neutrals are preferred for hall and entryways. The cool colours from the blue/violet side are used in the bedrooms and bathrooms.

White

Blends all the colours of light and represents truth, harmony, purity and the way to higher spiritual knowledge.

Black

Associated with mystery and the unknown. When used carefully it can be considered powerful and dramatic but in excess it soaks up energy and vitality.

Red

Denotes vitality and energy and is associated with joy, strength, love and motivation.

Pink

Offers a sense of spiritual completeness and contentment and promotes healing.

Orange

A happy colour that inspires hope, confidence and enthusiasm. It also stimulates creativity and nurtures ambition.

Yellow

A mood-lifter, stimulating joy, optimism and a sense of well-being.

Green

An abundance of nature and is both restful and energising.

Blue

Generates harmony, hope, calm and stimulates creativity, communication and spiritual understanding.

Purple

Associated with intuition, dignity and wisdom. Purple is also considered very soothing and calming and can create the perfect atmosphere for meditation.

 

Picking a Fabric: Installment #1

Fabric is always a little bit tricky. A lot of times a fabric will look wonderful in a swatch but is incredibly busy in a larger quantity. A good rule for these busy patterns is to use them in small amounts. Pillows, upholstered dining chairs and the like are great for the bold stripe and awesome paisley patterns. If you are going bold on a large peice of furniture like a sofa, be careful that you love the pattern because it will be magnified. Bold moves are rewarded in design, but there is also the possiblity of epic failure. Happy designing.

Building on Neutrals

I know I've spent a lot of time talking about accessories, this is why. Accessories are very easy and relatively inexpensive to switch out and get a new look to your room. Accessories allow a room to be trendy if that is your wish, while maintaining some timeless furniture as your central pieces in the room.

Those central pieces: sofas, headboards, walls - can be painted and upholstered in vibrant colors and be beautiful. The question you have to ask yourself is if you will love it enough to keep that style for a very long time. If the answer is yes, than do it. If not, stick with neutrals.

This doesn't mean that your walls have to be white and the sofa is grey and all the wood is oak. What I am saying is let the accessories bring in the color and give the feel you are looking for in the room. If you tire of that look it is easy to switch out pillows, lamp shades, or prints on the wall.

It's a Pillow

I love throw pillows, I have way too many of them. So I always notice a good pillow when someone else happens to have one. I really like the bold patterns pillows can bring into a room. When I was redecorating my bedroom I was looking at throw pillows for my bed, and some of them were outrageously expensive. Come on! It's a pillow, I can make that!

For those who are less sewing inclined, I think we are in good company. I found that the solution to my miserly pillow love was already at hand. solid color pillows range from 5.00 to 20.00 depending on what kind of pillow you are looking for, the fabric type and if you are into ruffles, round pillows and other fancy fabric.

Patterned pillows are expensive, but fabric paint is not. Neither are fabric stencils, if you want to make your own stencil that's a little more work but totally doable. I've made stencils and they have turned out great. the other great thing about stencilling fabric is that painting allows for a flexibility that printing does not. I would say make sure to over paint, especially with different colored paints.

The patterns can be as intricate or basic as you like. I really enjoy the look of spencilled Fabric as well. It's a pillow, but how much more fun is it when it is your own!

The Ceiling

Traditionally, the ceiling was the decorated part of the room, not just some flat surface that hung over a room. I'm not saying that I don't like a white ceiling. What I am saying is that the ceiling, as well as any crown molding around the upper walls should be given some thought.

The color from the walls veing used on the molding, or spilling the color onto the ceiling can make the room seem taller. This is a great trick in basement rooms where the ceiling height can be 7 feet. I know I always feel like ducking. So while you may not want to paint the entire ceiling. consider part of it.

Conversely, if the ceiling seems too tall, bring the ceiling down the walls just a bit, or create an attic on the walls (a part of the upper wall that is decorated separately from the rest of the wall and ceiling). It will help fill the room.

Color Palettes

Before I dive into color schemes I need to get a couple of terms clear. I'll use them and if they are not clear, than not much else will make sense.

• The hue of a color is the basic color. For example, blue is the hue in light blue and dark blue. 
• Tone describes the color's density and reflective quality. Tone is important when choosing a color scheme.
• The value of a color describes the amount of white or black in the color. The value ranges from light to dark on a gray scale.
•  The saturation of a color refers to its pureness and boldness.

Different colors affect our moods in different ways. Before you decide on emerald green, buy five gallons of emerald green paint, consider the effect it will have on the appearance and mood of the room. It's not that you can't use emerald green, but remember our previous discussions - is the room large, because a small room will probably not be able to support the dark color. The room will always feel cold and soothing, is that the feel you want? If your room and decor support that -- go for the green.

If the room is too small or you are not quite set on the foresty look for your room, but still want to incorporate emerald green, accessorize in green, paint in neutral or consider the following:

A color scheme is any set of colors that work together to create a visually appealing layout. The following are suggested combinations, but the possible combinations are limitless.



Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are located opposite each other on the color wheel; for example - red and green, yellow and violet. Each color brings out the richness in the other. When using complementary colors, one color should be subtle and the other color should be more dominant. For example, an intense, dark violet should be paired with a medium to light yellow.



Split Complementary Colors


Split complementary colors offer a wild and daring color palette. Select a main color. Next, find the complementary color and select colors from each side of the complementary color. These colors are excellent for using when layering a faux finish.


Related Colors


Related colors are located next to each other on the color wheel. These colors produce a less contrasting effect than complementary colors. For example, a dark blue-green combined with a light blue can give the feeling of floating in a blue lagoon.





Monochromatic Colors


Monochromatic colors are colors with the same hue but different tones, values and saturation. For example, a paint swatch card has several different values of one color. Using two or more monochromatic colors creates a stylish and pleasant look.

There are more color schemes to be considered but this is a good start. Remember to consider Values Tones and Saturation when bringing a color scheme together. They do not have to be the same, but it is important that they match. Happy Designing!

To All My Loyal Readers

I know you're out there! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you've been enjoying reading it as much as I have been enjoying writing about design. I will be out of town this weekend, and won't have access to a computer. I will make sure that there is a great entry tomorrow, but I won't be able to write again until next Tuesday.

As far as I'm concerned we've only just begun. I'll be back with all sorts of new ideas to share. If you have any questions let me know, I'd love to answer them.

Making the Most of a Small Room

Small rooms present their own special set of challenges when trying to design a functional space.  I've seen that challenge lead to some of the best and worst designed rooms I've seen. Entire industries have been built around space saving furniture and equipment to varying degrees of practicality and functionality. With a few tips, planning, and a some creativity, small spaces can be some of the most interesting and coziest places in a home.

1. Increase floor space in a small room by removing unnecessary pieces of furniture. Remember, the main function of a room and allow that function to dictate the largest piece of furniture in the room.

2. Use furniture with feet that will show the floor below the furniture. This will visually increase the floor space of the room.

3. Get as many items off the floor as possible. If you want to keep them in the room, reposition them on shelves and pieces of furniture instead of on the floor.

4. Increase usable space by removing clutter, leave just a few (1-3) of any one type décor room accessory; such as magazines displayed on an end table, vases, throw pillows, etc.

5. Consider the use and choice of decor on wall space wisely. Too many objects and too many prints will make the room appear smaller, stuffy, and closed in; instead of open, airy, and relaxing. Although using wall space can be helpful for creating more floor space, too many things on the wall will make the room appear overcrowded and smaller.

6. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall..... A decorative mirror, especially a large wall mirror, will act as a room expander when strategically placed to reflect light or an attractive element in the room. Such as a window with a scenic view, a doorway into another room, a fireplace, or artwork. A lighted mirror will add warmth and depth to a small room with otherwise subdued lighting. A large mirror on the long wall of a narrow room will make the room appear wider.

7. Continue a single color theme between two continuous rooms. If this is not possible, another color idea for small rooms is to add depth using solid colors. Using one color for the wall of one room, and another for the door opening and walls in the next room will accentuate and define the space.

8.  Avoid patterned wallpaper and dark colors; both have the tendency to overpower small spaces. Neutral, light shades and bright colors work best.

9. Make use of corner spaces for entertainment centers, china hutches, and book cases. Floor to ceiling built in book cases and shelves are great space savers and look amazing.

10. Consider how small the space you are working with actually is. Small apartment furniture is down-sized; attractively designed specifically for limited spaces. Some have an ingenious collapsible space saving design; others have hidden space saving storage, fit in a corner, or are simply smaller versions of standard-sized furniture.

There's something for everyone, you just have to start looking. Happy Designing!

It's Not Easy Being Green

Has anyone else noticed the love affair with that ugly flourescent green color that's telling the world to "Go Green!" You would think of all the greens there were to pick from, they could have found one that was less annoying. Because I'm all about saving Polar Bears, but that poster almost makes me want to punch one and see how I fare.

In any case, whether you're a polar bear or penguin fan, going green can be tough on the wallet, at least up front. This is especially true if you are wanting to go all out with geothermal or solar power, convection heated floors, and and all sustainable materials. But doing your part to be environmentally conscious doesn't have to be extreme, or extremely expensive.

First, let's discuss sustainable materials. Can the material being be naturally replaced? Bamboo is awesome. Versatile, strong, and beautiful, this grass's lifecycle is 28 years. It will replace itself very quickly and provides a thriving industry in East Asia. It also satisfies my next question. Can the product be efficiently harvested, quarried, and shipped to its final destination? How long will the product last? Can the material be reused once its original purpose is complete? More important, can old material be used instead of new material? If old material can be used there is the possibitlity for a look that would be very labor intensive to achieve in new matierial.




Designer Trevor O'Neil used salvaged cork to create this modern sofa. Thanks to
Treehugger.com for the picture.

 Salvaged material is amazing. There is an entire industry that pulls sunken logs off the bottom of the Mississippi River and other large shipping thoroughfares, dries them out and uses them for furniture and accents in homes and office buildings. The amazing part about this is that the logs being pulled up from the bottom of the river are much larger than the trees growing around the area today. Being settled on the bottom of the river changes the logs, even when dried out, the preserved logs are aged. Obviously this is an expensive process, resulting in an expensive product. Something less expensive. My grandma was pulling down her barn and needed a picture frame, she needed some wood for her picture frame, she used the wood from the barn for the picture frame. I love that picture frame.

Try looking at old things it new ways, how can I use this instead of just tossing it aside. If there isn't a way to use it, recycle it. It's really quite easy being green, you just have to find one that suits you.

Accessorize



Dresser Top and Painting

 I have been doing a lot of remodeling lately. It's been good to keep busy. This is some pictures from my room. Since I am focusing on the accessories, I'll give a little background. The walls are a cool gray the trim is a very light blue to combat the feeling of being in a lavender room. I didn't want a blue room or a purple room, I wanted a gray room. I was pretty nervous when the paint was 3/4 of the way dry, it was looking grayish purple, but it's gray now. Accent colors include that pretty, almost white - blue, champagne orange, rust, orchid and purple.


A detail of the side table/vanity

  I haven't been following any specific style for my room on this one, I'm going a little Modern French meets Art Nouveau. I have a classic art nouveau porcelain figurine that I paired with a French shoe box. At first I wondered if these two styles would mix well, they seem to be on good terms so far. But I cannot say that I have stayed with these two styles alone.


I found a random bird house that I thought
was beautiful and just went from there, the
fan is from the Philippines.

 I love natural wood. So when I found this bird house, I thought for a long time if I could make it work. I did have natural wood in my room so that would be ok, it needed more whimsy. Birds. I needed to add birds. That's easy, and I had a shelf that needed something on it so I had a place for it. All I had to do was get some birds and I was set.

I think that the hardest part about accessorizing is knowing when to stop. I am always finding cute things to put somewhere but then I am left with a cluttered mess. I also love to make my accessories, I love to arrange flowers and paint pictures, but accessories, like everything else in a room have to be planned. More isn't necessarily better, a lot of the time it's worse.

If you do want to change accessories, that's great, do it. but change them. Take things out. When designing a room keep large objects neutral. Use those accessories to add the character to the room and you'll have a new room every few years if you want it to be so.