Greenery was named by Pantone as 2017 color of the year.
It's described as a fresh, yellow-green shade that is reminiscent of the first few weeks of spring seen in nature's trees, plants and leaves.
This annual tradition in design and home fashion presents a new trend for the interior design fan. Do you like the color? Do you want to bring this new tone into your home? More importantly, does the new trend color even look good with your home décor?
If you like the color and want to bring it's zest into your home, I think bits of it can add a lot. And you don't have to break the budget or replace what you already have.
Think of adding the new color in accessories like throw pillows, an area rug, a vase, candles, a sofa throw, table runner or table cloth and napkins, poster art, bed spread, bathroom towels with shower curtain. I'm sure you can find many ways to bring Greenery color into your home.
Friday, January 6, 2017
Thursday, December 15, 2016
DIY Tips for Interior Decorating
If you enjoy all things about interior design, then you know what it feels like when you walk into a well-designed room. You can sense how everything feels put together just right. There are principles that professional interior designers use to create those fabulous rooms. And I've got some of their secrets for you.
When you know the basic interior design principles, you can transform any room to look like a pro did it. With knowledge, practice and experimentation you're on your way to creating a beautiful home.
BALANCE
In design, balance creates a feeling of equilibrium. It's all about approximating the visual weight of objects. Balance is created not just through shape but through color, pattern and texture. There are three kinds of balance:
1. Symmetrical or formal. Traditional spaces call for symmetrical balance where the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other. For example, two chairs on either side of an end table can be symmetrically balanced. This kind of balance is easy to achieve as design elements are repeated on each side. If you are not careful, this kind of balance can become boring.
2. Asymmetrical or informal. The visual weight of lines, colors, forms and textures are balanced without exact duplication. It is not as ordered as symmetrical balance and can be more interesting and complex. For instance, a sofa can be balanced by placing two chairs on the other side.
3. Radial balance is achieved when there is a central focal point with other elements radiating from it or around it. There is a lot of repetition of form, texture and color.
RHYTHM
As in music, rhythm is design is all about creating patterns of repetition and contrast to create visual interest. You can achieve this by using the same color or shape at different intervals. Its purpose is to move your eye around the room. For instance, you can establish a rhythm by using a color in the pillows, picking it up in the painting and using it again in a rug. These repetitions will help carry your eye around the room.
HARMONY
Harmony is created when all the elements act together to create a unified message. Just as rhythm can create excitement, harmony creates a sense of restfulness. You can create harmony by using just one color, even though your forms vary greatly in shape, size and texture.
EMPHASIS
A room where everything gets equal importance will seem either scattered or boring. You need an anchor. Architectural spaces often have points of interest such as a fireplace or window with a beautiful view. You can choose to enhance the built-in focal point by arranging furniture around it to emphasize it. In a room that lacks a built-in point of interest, you can create one through groupings of furniture or using an unusual or large piece.
PROPORTION AND SCALE
Proportion is the ratio between the size of one part to another and scale is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in which it is placed. For instance, a large overstuffed sectional in a small room will be out of scale. Some proportional relationships are more pleasing than others. The ancient Greeks came up with the Gold Section which sought to reduce all proportion to a simple formula. The ratio of the smaller section to the larger section should be the same as that of the larger section to the whole. This proportion is present in nature, and artists and architects use is as well.
When you know the basic interior design principles, you can transform any room to look like a pro did it. With knowledge, practice and experimentation you're on your way to creating a beautiful home.
BALANCE
In design, balance creates a feeling of equilibrium. It's all about approximating the visual weight of objects. Balance is created not just through shape but through color, pattern and texture. There are three kinds of balance:
1. Symmetrical or formal. Traditional spaces call for symmetrical balance where the space is evenly split into two sides that mirror each other. For example, two chairs on either side of an end table can be symmetrically balanced. This kind of balance is easy to achieve as design elements are repeated on each side. If you are not careful, this kind of balance can become boring.
2. Asymmetrical or informal. The visual weight of lines, colors, forms and textures are balanced without exact duplication. It is not as ordered as symmetrical balance and can be more interesting and complex. For instance, a sofa can be balanced by placing two chairs on the other side.
3. Radial balance is achieved when there is a central focal point with other elements radiating from it or around it. There is a lot of repetition of form, texture and color.
RHYTHM
As in music, rhythm is design is all about creating patterns of repetition and contrast to create visual interest. You can achieve this by using the same color or shape at different intervals. Its purpose is to move your eye around the room. For instance, you can establish a rhythm by using a color in the pillows, picking it up in the painting and using it again in a rug. These repetitions will help carry your eye around the room.
HARMONY
Harmony is created when all the elements act together to create a unified message. Just as rhythm can create excitement, harmony creates a sense of restfulness. You can create harmony by using just one color, even though your forms vary greatly in shape, size and texture.
EMPHASIS
A room where everything gets equal importance will seem either scattered or boring. You need an anchor. Architectural spaces often have points of interest such as a fireplace or window with a beautiful view. You can choose to enhance the built-in focal point by arranging furniture around it to emphasize it. In a room that lacks a built-in point of interest, you can create one through groupings of furniture or using an unusual or large piece.
PROPORTION AND SCALE
Proportion is the ratio between the size of one part to another and scale is how the size of one object relates to another or to the space in which it is placed. For instance, a large overstuffed sectional in a small room will be out of scale. Some proportional relationships are more pleasing than others. The ancient Greeks came up with the Gold Section which sought to reduce all proportion to a simple formula. The ratio of the smaller section to the larger section should be the same as that of the larger section to the whole. This proportion is present in nature, and artists and architects use is as well.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
New Holiday Decorating Ideas
It's time to decorate your home for the holidays. Maybe this year you don't have room for a holiday tree, you're in a larger space and need additional decoration or you're just in a creative spirit. There are many ideas to put a twist on the traditional Christmas tree décor. Try a few of these inspired holiday decorations.
- Place vintage ornaments on a cake stand nested with leaves for a stunningly simple centerpiece.
- Are you serving holiday dinner buffet style? Wrap each dish in a sheet of parchment paper and tie with a length of ribbon before stacking it. Guests will be rewarded with a pretty presentation.
- Lush greenery draped around the house, especially doorways, creates an inviting atmosphere and a woodsy aroma.
- Use a string of pinecones to make an easy swag. Tie a big bow in the middle so you can center it perfectly over a doorway, then tack it up with nails.
- Decorate a small, artificial white tree with objects that share a color scheme--such as candy canes, peppermints and red bows--then place them on a side table or coffee table.
- A grouping of old-fashioned ornaments hung from the ceiling makes a whimsical chandelier effect.
- Tie big silver bells to the front doorknob with festive ribbon. Visitors will jingle all the way in to your home.
- For an elegant look, trim the mantle with a row of white votives and dramatic white amaryllises.
- Use leftover ribbon to tie around the stems of your Champagne flutes or wine glasses for an extra bit of festivity. A bonus: choose a different color for every glass will help guests keep track of their drinks.
- A five-second centerpiece. Mix clementines or oranges and peppermint balls in a single glass compote or a grouping of three.
- Add a little sparkling style to your dining room table by filling a snifter to the brim with an array of shiny silver balls.
- Wreath filled with wishes. Hang an unadorned twig wreath in a spot where guests can't miss it. Set out red Magic Markers and small plain cards on a table next to it. Post a little sign asking visitors to scribble a greeting or a wish for the upcoming New Year, along with their names, and have them slip the notes into the wreath.
- Decorative photo collage. Up on the mantle, collect your family's holiday picture cards from previous years and clothespin them to a long, slim stick suspended between two vases. Put them in chronological order and you can date the pins.
- A staircase looks lovely with a garland of greenery. Easier than looping it around and around, lay evergreen on top of the banister, fasten in place with floral wire and wrap with extra-wide ribbon.
Have a happy holiday season!
- Place vintage ornaments on a cake stand nested with leaves for a stunningly simple centerpiece.
- Are you serving holiday dinner buffet style? Wrap each dish in a sheet of parchment paper and tie with a length of ribbon before stacking it. Guests will be rewarded with a pretty presentation.
- Lush greenery draped around the house, especially doorways, creates an inviting atmosphere and a woodsy aroma.
- Use a string of pinecones to make an easy swag. Tie a big bow in the middle so you can center it perfectly over a doorway, then tack it up with nails.
- Decorate a small, artificial white tree with objects that share a color scheme--such as candy canes, peppermints and red bows--then place them on a side table or coffee table.
- A grouping of old-fashioned ornaments hung from the ceiling makes a whimsical chandelier effect.
- Tie big silver bells to the front doorknob with festive ribbon. Visitors will jingle all the way in to your home.
- For an elegant look, trim the mantle with a row of white votives and dramatic white amaryllises.
- Use leftover ribbon to tie around the stems of your Champagne flutes or wine glasses for an extra bit of festivity. A bonus: choose a different color for every glass will help guests keep track of their drinks.
- A five-second centerpiece. Mix clementines or oranges and peppermint balls in a single glass compote or a grouping of three.
- Add a little sparkling style to your dining room table by filling a snifter to the brim with an array of shiny silver balls.
- Wreath filled with wishes. Hang an unadorned twig wreath in a spot where guests can't miss it. Set out red Magic Markers and small plain cards on a table next to it. Post a little sign asking visitors to scribble a greeting or a wish for the upcoming New Year, along with their names, and have them slip the notes into the wreath.
- Decorative photo collage. Up on the mantle, collect your family's holiday picture cards from previous years and clothespin them to a long, slim stick suspended between two vases. Put them in chronological order and you can date the pins.
- A staircase looks lovely with a garland of greenery. Easier than looping it around and around, lay evergreen on top of the banister, fasten in place with floral wire and wrap with extra-wide ribbon.
Have a happy holiday season!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Chicago Source for Right Size Furniture
There is so much focus today on the interior design trend of downsizing. I prefer the term rightsizing because that's really what you're doing---making changes in your living space to reflect your current lifestyle. With this has come the need to adjust the furnishings in your living space.
You still want your furniture to feel comfortable, look luxurious and meet your room functions. You may have smaller rooms. You may have fewer rooms. And your rooms may serve dual purposes, such as, your living room also serves as a family room/den, the dining area doubles as an in-home office or a second bedroom has workout equipment.
One of the solutions is the right size and scale for your furniture pieces. Most retail furniture stores do not offer a variety of sizes for furniture that still has a sumptuous, generous look. That's where A. Rudin Inc. fills this niche nicely.
Located in The Mart in Chicago, A. Rudin Inc. is a family owned furniture manufacturer since 1912. Based in Los Angeles, all A. Rudin furniture is made in the U.S. The line includes upholstery and casegoods, along with fabrics, leather and Novasuede. Their furniture designs have been made larger to fill the scale of Beverly Hills mansions and small enough to fit a New York City pied-a-terre.
To complement the line, the Chicago Showroom also features contemporary stainless steel and wood tables by Henry Royer of Wisconsin, contemporary lighting and casegoods from John Pomp Studios of Philadelphia, Phoenix Day classic lighting from San Francisco and Matsouko of Japan tables and casegoods.
You still want your furniture to feel comfortable, look luxurious and meet your room functions. You may have smaller rooms. You may have fewer rooms. And your rooms may serve dual purposes, such as, your living room also serves as a family room/den, the dining area doubles as an in-home office or a second bedroom has workout equipment.
One of the solutions is the right size and scale for your furniture pieces. Most retail furniture stores do not offer a variety of sizes for furniture that still has a sumptuous, generous look. That's where A. Rudin Inc. fills this niche nicely.
Located in The Mart in Chicago, A. Rudin Inc. is a family owned furniture manufacturer since 1912. Based in Los Angeles, all A. Rudin furniture is made in the U.S. The line includes upholstery and casegoods, along with fabrics, leather and Novasuede. Their furniture designs have been made larger to fill the scale of Beverly Hills mansions and small enough to fit a New York City pied-a-terre.
To complement the line, the Chicago Showroom also features contemporary stainless steel and wood tables by Henry Royer of Wisconsin, contemporary lighting and casegoods from John Pomp Studios of Philadelphia, Phoenix Day classic lighting from San Francisco and Matsouko of Japan tables and casegoods.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
A Painting Primer
Color is one of the most influential elements to set the tone of your home interior. To get the palette right, there are things to do before you select your colors. Benjamin Moore Paint Co. has put together a list for you to DIY. Here are some of the key ideas.
Create a list of key elements in the room, such as, sofa, rug or flooring. Determine your budget. Think of the room's purpose and how you'd like to feel in it. Determine your own personal color likes. Collect color and fabric swatches along with images you like from magazine and websites.
Once you have gathered your ideas, take a look at your collection and see the design elements that stand out. Group colors to see the one you like most. Look at the samples in the room where you will use them. Consider the size and scale of your room and its furnishings.
Its really important to view your color choices in various light conditions that effect the room: direct sunlight, indirect sunlight and artificial light. Surrounding colors, such as, from a sofa or flooring, effect a paint color on a wall also.
Remember the color wheel made up of primary colors (red, blue and yellow), secondary colors are a combination of two primary colors and tertiary colors which is a combination of a primary and secondary color. Color intensity describes brightness or dullness of a color. Value refers to a color's lightness or darkness. Add white to a color to create a tint. Add black to create a shade. Color schemes are based on the color wheel and are combinations or pairings to create an aesthetic look and feel in a room.
Don't forget neutrals and the infinite array of grays, beiges and whites.
Sheen levels impact the look and functional aspects of a room. Flat is the least reflective finish and a great choice for hiding minor surface imperfections on walls and preferred for ceilings. Matte is more reflective than flat for minimizing imperfections while providing a durable finish. Eggshell gives a softly polished glow and provides an easy-to-clean surface. Satin or pearl is medium finish ideal for high-traffic areas when the full sheen of a semi-gloss is not desired. Semi-gloss creates a smooth, highly reflective finish that is durable and withstands repeated cleaning. Semi-gloss is also used to highlight interior trim, doors and window frames.
Create a list of key elements in the room, such as, sofa, rug or flooring. Determine your budget. Think of the room's purpose and how you'd like to feel in it. Determine your own personal color likes. Collect color and fabric swatches along with images you like from magazine and websites.
Once you have gathered your ideas, take a look at your collection and see the design elements that stand out. Group colors to see the one you like most. Look at the samples in the room where you will use them. Consider the size and scale of your room and its furnishings.
Its really important to view your color choices in various light conditions that effect the room: direct sunlight, indirect sunlight and artificial light. Surrounding colors, such as, from a sofa or flooring, effect a paint color on a wall also.
Remember the color wheel made up of primary colors (red, blue and yellow), secondary colors are a combination of two primary colors and tertiary colors which is a combination of a primary and secondary color. Color intensity describes brightness or dullness of a color. Value refers to a color's lightness or darkness. Add white to a color to create a tint. Add black to create a shade. Color schemes are based on the color wheel and are combinations or pairings to create an aesthetic look and feel in a room.
Don't forget neutrals and the infinite array of grays, beiges and whites.
Sheen levels impact the look and functional aspects of a room. Flat is the least reflective finish and a great choice for hiding minor surface imperfections on walls and preferred for ceilings. Matte is more reflective than flat for minimizing imperfections while providing a durable finish. Eggshell gives a softly polished glow and provides an easy-to-clean surface. Satin or pearl is medium finish ideal for high-traffic areas when the full sheen of a semi-gloss is not desired. Semi-gloss creates a smooth, highly reflective finish that is durable and withstands repeated cleaning. Semi-gloss is also used to highlight interior trim, doors and window frames.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Home Decor Color of the Year 2017
New trends in color are always of interest to interior design fans. This week Benjamin Moore Paint Co. announced the color of the year. It's Shadow #2117-30---a rich, royal amethyst like lilac-gray or coal. Shadow sets the mood of the color palette including such hues as a teal called Sea Star, terracotta called Etruscan, rich red Dinner Party and Dark Burgundy.
To bring these tones into your home, you don't need to change your entire décor. You can update your room with one or more of the new colors adding accessories. Adding a touch of a color into your room is also one of the best ways to find out if you like living with a color before you make a large investment in furniture.
A few ideas for accessories are throw pillows, table runners or place mats, drink coasters, napkins, vases, a sofa throw, an area rug, a piece of artwork, decorative bowls or plates, candles and candleholders, unique plants and containers.
To bring these tones into your home, you don't need to change your entire décor. You can update your room with one or more of the new colors adding accessories. Adding a touch of a color into your room is also one of the best ways to find out if you like living with a color before you make a large investment in furniture.
A few ideas for accessories are throw pillows, table runners or place mats, drink coasters, napkins, vases, a sofa throw, an area rug, a piece of artwork, decorative bowls or plates, candles and candleholders, unique plants and containers.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
What's New from Design Chicago Market
The Mart in Chicago presents its annual market for designers. Held each October, here's the all-important overview of items the professional designers and furnishings showrooms deem HOT!
MATSOUKA furniture at A. Rudin Showroom. Crafted in Japan using artisanal skills and unique finishes. Modern lines on tables, chairs and casegoods. Mixing contemporary furniture pieces with transitional and period pieces is trending.
COWTAN & TOUT COLLECTION fabrics and wallcoverings in the new brick and cream colors. It's the color scheme to watch.
WALLCOVERING ARTISTS with more than six lines of original pattern wallpapers at Bradley Showroom. Wallpaper is in!
KYLE BUNTING COLLABORATION at Edelman Leather. Unlimited design capability using leather in creative ways for floors, walls and on furniture pieces. One-of-a-kind designs for your home.
INTERIOR CRAFTS and the chaise. At home lifestyles love the look and relaxing feel of a chaise.
LALIQUE DESIGN translates the iconic Anemone motif to its collection of architectural custom panels. An elegant combination of eye-catching light, classic design and layered texture.
DWELLSTUDIO MODERN BOHEMIAN collection at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill presents signature prints and shimmery fabrics. Blush color is the new neutral.
SFERRA from Designers Linen Source shows how to dress a luxurious bed, that you will enjoy looking at and look forward to dreaming in.
DUO CABANA at Janus Et Cie Showroom is the quintessential poolside lounge. Pull the canopy down for privacy and sun protection---pull the shades up to see the view.
SUNBRELLA TEXTURES at Kravet offers durable, cleanable, UV resistant and guaranteed in-stock selection of patterns and colors.
MATSOUKA furniture at A. Rudin Showroom. Crafted in Japan using artisanal skills and unique finishes. Modern lines on tables, chairs and casegoods. Mixing contemporary furniture pieces with transitional and period pieces is trending.
COWTAN & TOUT COLLECTION fabrics and wallcoverings in the new brick and cream colors. It's the color scheme to watch.
WALLCOVERING ARTISTS with more than six lines of original pattern wallpapers at Bradley Showroom. Wallpaper is in!
KYLE BUNTING COLLABORATION at Edelman Leather. Unlimited design capability using leather in creative ways for floors, walls and on furniture pieces. One-of-a-kind designs for your home.
INTERIOR CRAFTS and the chaise. At home lifestyles love the look and relaxing feel of a chaise.
LALIQUE DESIGN translates the iconic Anemone motif to its collection of architectural custom panels. An elegant combination of eye-catching light, classic design and layered texture.
DWELLSTUDIO MODERN BOHEMIAN collection at Robert Allen/Beacon Hill presents signature prints and shimmery fabrics. Blush color is the new neutral.
SFERRA from Designers Linen Source shows how to dress a luxurious bed, that you will enjoy looking at and look forward to dreaming in.
DUO CABANA at Janus Et Cie Showroom is the quintessential poolside lounge. Pull the canopy down for privacy and sun protection---pull the shades up to see the view.
SUNBRELLA TEXTURES at Kravet offers durable, cleanable, UV resistant and guaranteed in-stock selection of patterns and colors.
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