New! Pantone Color of the Year 2013: PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald

Posted by klatimer

Pantone Color of 2013 – Emerald Green 17-5641

The Pantone color of the year is PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald! I had favored this one of the two front-runners – while Emerald Green and Monaco Blue were both rich and somber, Emerald does offer a true complementary relationship for everyone who has invested in allot of Tangerine Tango-range accents over the past couple of years.

Emerald Green and Tangerine Tango really set the stage for interior drama!

For all you who may be stopping by fr the first time, and don’t hang on every note in the color industry, this is the biggy – Pantone LLC, is owned by X-Rite and is the global authority on color. The provide the system that standardizes the professional use color of color for all of the design industries. Yesterday’s announcement of PANTONE® 17-5641 Emerald will shape the tone of the color year to come across fashion, home, automotive and many other style-driven industries.

Pantone characterizes Emerald 17-5641 “a lively, radiant, lush green, as the Color of the Year for 2013.”

The variation between The 2012 Color of the Year, PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango and Emerald could not be more opposed – in fact, they are absolutely opposed on the color wheel, making the pair as noted, opposite that attract. Pantone characterized last year’s Tangerine Tango as  “a spirited, reddish orange, provided the energy boost we needed to recharge and move forward”. Emerald, is characterized as “a vivid, verdant green, enhances our sense of well-being further by inspiring insight, as well as promoting balance and harmony.”

Pantone’s thoughts on their vision:

“Most often associated with brilliant, precious gemstones, the perception of Emerald is sophisticated and luxurious. Since antiquity, this luminous, magnificent hue has been the color of beauty and new life in many cultures and religions. It’s also the color of growth, renewal and prosperity – no other color conveys regeneration more than green. For centuries, many countries have chosen green to represent healing and unity.

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “As it has throughout history, multifaceted Emerald continues to sparkle and fascinate. Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Emerald for Fashion

A recent Pantone Ad – image via Pantone

“The prevalence of green has been steadily rising for several seasons, especially in the fashion and couture markets, and even on the red carpet. Appropriate for every occasion, Emerald’s classic elegance makes for striking and irresistible women’s formal and everyday wear as well as accessories. Emerald also makes a strong statement in men’s sportswear, knitwear and ties. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2013, including Tracy Reese, Nanette Lepore, Barbara Tfank, NAHM and Marimekko, are incorporating Emerald into their spring collections. Balanced yet sophisticated, Emerald enlivens all colors in the spectrum and will continue to make a statement beyond spring and summer into fall and winter.”

Crossing over from Closet to Home – Emerald for Interiors

Benjamin Moore Greens over time

Pantone states: “Enhance your sense of well-being at home by rejuvenating the interior with Emerald paint, accents and accessories. This jewel-like hue will create a luxurious feel in an entryway, powder room, dining room or study, and bring life to a living room as an accent wall. Add a splash of color to the kitchen and dining room areas with Emerald.”
The Color of the Year selection is the culmination of the most influential minds in color. Pantone color gurus sift the influences, both visual and economic spanning the globe, disseminating the impetus driving the choices of the entertainment industry, unreleased films in production, art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and socio-economic indicators.

Colors of the Years Past:

Past colors include:

  • PANTONE 17-1463 Tangerine Tango (2012)
  • PANTONE 18-2120 Honeysuckle (2011)
  • PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise (2010)
  • PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa (2009)
  • PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris (2008)
  • PANTONE 19-1557 Chili Pepper (2007)
  • PANTONE 13-1106 Sand Dollar (2006)
  • PANTONE 15-5217 Blue Turquoise (2005)
  • PANTONE 17-1456 Tigerlily (2004)
  • PANTONE 14-4811 Aqua Sky (2003)
  • PANTONE 19-1664 True Red (2002)
  • PANTONE 17-2031 Fuchsia Rose (2001)
  • PANTONE 15-4020 Cerulean (2000)

What does all this mean to your home in the year to come?

Antique Czech Beads from the early 1800′s in colors compatible with Emerald – via LikeBeads8 Etsy Store

Whatever you like!

We’ll explore the ways and means this week to come. It’s not about the forecasters or doing what trend-setters say you should. It’s about influence – how it’s used, what makes it work, and drawing from what the experts have spoent so much time and effort narrowing into a few selections. Color is a trepidatious pursuit for more people than not – I will guide you through using the expert cues to personalize the year in color to come so that it contributes to a reflection of who you are and how you want to feel.
Putt your seat belts on, and strap in for a year of color to come!

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Poinsettias! A Christmas Story

Posted by klatimer

From Martha Stewart, 14 different types of poinsettias: snowcap white, da vinci, puebla, marble star, maren, enduring pink, monet, plum pudding, cortez burgundy, jingle bells, winter rose pink, strawberries ‘n cream, freedom red, and holly point.

Poinsettias first caught my eye in high school, under rather extraordinary circumstances.

My parents made a decision completely out of character for them, casting off conservative, low-risk postures and packing my sister and I into a Volkswagen bug to drive over 3,000 miles, and 6200 feet in elevation from Central New York State to San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. We lived in San Miguel for a year while my dad (an art teacher) earned his MFA at The Instituto de Allende. The variation in cost of living was the only manner in which a teacher could support a family on half-salary on sabbatical; so we headed South.

La Parochia in San Miguel de Allende, the starting point of The Mexican Revolution

When I first laid eyes on poinsettias in San Miguel, it took me more than a few moments to process what I was seeing – I had never looked up at Poinsettias before…sometimes it just takes seeing something familiar through a new lens to spark creativity – but first some history….

Poinsettia tree – this image from gardenofeden blogspot

The poinsettia originated in the south of Mexico, its cultivation credited to Joel Roberts Poinsett, which is allot like crediting the discovery of America to Columbus, when millions of indigenous peoples had called this place home for eons; the plant was already well-known to the Aztecs, who called it cuetlaxochitl. From the 14th-century to the 16th, the Aztecs used the sap medicinally to suppress fevers, and the leaves to make dye which survives in certain artistic representations today.

Born around 1779 in Charleston South Carolina, Poinsett became a member of South Carolina’s House of Representatives and held several prominent political posts before founding of the Smithsonian Institution.

President John Quincy Adams appointed Poinsett to the post of first United States Ambassador to Mexico and anointed him with the unenviable directive of offering the Mexican government a million dollars to acquire the tract of land we know today as Texas. The offer did not bode well with the Mexicans who not only refused, but surreptitiously ejected Poinsett from the country.

An amateur botanist, Poinsett turned to botanical rather than political pursuits. He shipped samples of the plant to South Carolina, where it was christened the “Mexican fire Plant”. But in Mexico, almost everything has a fable attached – and Poinsettias are no exception…

triple-potted poinsettias

Once upon a time, a little boy was walking to church to see the Christmas Nativity scene. The boy was too poor to offer a ceremonial gift to the Christ child but he placed his faith in the fact that the Christ child would overlook this short-coming since he had been after all,  the son of a poor carpenter. After looking in earnest, the boy gathered some branches that lay at the side of the road, and placed his belief in the power of the gift given with love.

When the boy reached the church, the people already seated turned to see what gift he would bestow at the manger. Upon seeing the bare branches, they all laughed at him. Undeterred, the little boy trudged up to the altar and laid the branches by the edge of the manger, whereupon they burst into blooms of bright red flowers.

The historical version is less colorful – upon his return to the U.S., Poinsett cultivated the plant and introduced it to botanical gardens worldwide. By the mid 1800’s the plant had become known as the poinsettia.

green, pink and white

Poinsettias have come a long way in terms of variation and selection since catching Poinsett’s eye. These fantastic pops of color and beautiful organic contributions to  elegantly simplistic holiday decor.

Burgundy poinsettias

In addition to the wide range of natural selections, botanists have taken some creative license in adding variety to this holiday favorite. The images above and below are all selections for under $15 that I photographed at my local grocer, and provide more than ample inspiration for holiday table and display stories for your entertaining and intimate family celebrations.

fiery red-orange

To add a bit of sparkle, you can lightly spray the top aspect of the poinsettia leaves, and dust with some super-fine glitter – just remember not to spray underneath the leaves. Like most plants, poinsettias breathe from the under-side of their leaves.

hot fuschia

The variegated varieties provide not only variation but depth of color and pattern that create the perfect partner for vintage ornaments.

corregated soft pink

The new dyed varieties offer great potential for styling, and the dusting of fine silver and gold glitter are an invitation to Christmas tree lighting to sparkle.

parakeet blues

The introduction of colored dyes to the root systems createsw a stunning array that mimics the colors of parakeets…

lavender blue-gray

This red variety is dappled with what looks like soft yellow paint spatters….

paint splattered

The soft pink and peach varieties not only mix well with the hotter pinks but also look amazing with other Christmas-themed flowers, like the star hydrangea, amaryllis, and paper flowers.

mixed with star hydrangea

Poinsettias style beautifully, without accepting that holiday invitation to go broke! Try grouping as a collection in glass vases of varying heights.

House and Garden

Mini-poinsettias are gorgeous when fashioned into a living wreath.

mini-poinsettias – image via hortes.ee.com

Don’t hesitate to go out into the yard and gather some winter berries or rose hips to add to your display at no cost…

apricot poinsettias and winter berries

Pick up the tempo of your holiday decor by displaying poinsettias in unexpected ways…

Why not try filling a magazine stand with Poinsettias? This red acrylic one would look amazing filled with Variegated Red and Fuchsia Poinsettias near your favorite accent chair…

In an entry or foyer start with a focal piece like this icy blue lamp (below). Get a rustic bushel basket with wood slats. Turn an inexpensive glass calendar vase up-side down in the center of the basket that comes level with the basket sides. Surround the inverted vase with blue poinsettias, and place the lamp in the center of the inverted vase to cast down-light on the poinsettias – stunning!

Just use an element in the same color as your poinsettias that seems unexpected used in a display and invent your own poinsettia display!

21 Days to Christmas…get decorating!

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Pantone Color of The Year 2013 – The Contenders!

Posted by klatimer

image via Pantone / Xrite

The 2013 Pantone Color of The Year webinar will convene on December 13, when you can tune in to Re-Do it Design to check out what the world’s authority on color standardization and trends has to say about the year in color to come! I am kissing good-bye with kleenex in hand on the 13th.

There are several possible contenders for the Color of The Year spotlight; let’s talk suspects and evidence to see if we can come up with some best-guess scenarios, based on the precedent behaviors of the color industry at large.

As always, Pantone announced the Spring line-up for the year to come in the September prior,  placing  Monaco Blue in the position of lead color – we’ll get back to Monaco blue, but The Spring Fashion Report Color Line-up also included several other suspects:

Emerald and Grayed Jade, and the rest of the list is as follows: Linen, Poppy Red, African Violet, Tender Shoots, Lemon Zest, and Nectarine. So who stands out for Color of The Year? There is some tantalizing evidence. I am going to discuss the more prominent contenders.

Pantone 2013 Spring Fashion Report Colors

Yes, these are fashion, not home colors. The trends for Home and Interiors emerge every February, but always tip their hat to the Fashion Report – and why not? Most people have a far more defined sense of color in relationship to clothing. Clothing is not necessarily an accurate gauge of colors that will work in your home, but if the paint and furniture store feel like over-whelming prospects to you, a look in your closet may be offer a scaled-down place to begin looking for inspiration.

Here are Colors of The Year that span very nearly the past 13 years:

Colors of The Year for the past 13 Years assembled

If you stack the colors of choice in 5-year increments, some patterns emerge. If history means anything at all, we are in line for something in the blue-green range. Poppy red is, I think, a band-aid for people like myself who are pouting at the surrender of Tangerine Tango’s title.

So let’s go back to Monaco Blue. From a painter’s perspective Monaco Blue is a cross between ultramarine and cobalt blue. As 2013 Color of the Year, Monaco Blue would be Tangerine Tango’s somber sister. Yet there is enough evidence to make the case for Monaco Blue; Monaco took the lead in this announcement for a webinar that was sadly canceled in the wake of Hurricane Sandy – I think Pantone appropriately deemed “Happiness” an oblivious banner to carry on the heals of such a historical disaster – but the banner shows the Spring lead color in the prominent center of the Autumn / Winter Color Planner.

Pantone Color Ad – image from Pantone

This was my best guess throughout the year, until consideration of prominent competitors – every player in the industry wants to be considered an expert, and rightfully so – many are. But all roads lead back to Pantone’s predictions.

If you watch trends, supporting evidence can be gleaned from Pantone’s competitors, too. Competitors don’t wan to be seen as “wanna-be’s” and almost never base their color of the year predictions directly on Pantone’s elected color.

image via ColorFutures.com

 

 

 

There is a really pretty color trends site called ColourFutures.com, that has made their annual color of the year prediction for 2013 . Colour Futures is an extension of AzkoNobel and their color color predictions are based on the “collective research and interpretations of AkzoNobel’s Aesthetic Center to form ColourFuturesTM“.  They are a huge corporate umbrella that includes a decorative paints division holding inclusive of  Glidden, The Freshaire Choice, Ralph Lauren Paint and Devoe paints; so a qualified trend authority.  See the image above, right? In a paint palette the one above is ultramarine blue. Pantone’s Monaco blue below is a more cobalt hue of a Cerulean blue range – but to the untrained eye they are nearly identical.

Benjamin Moore Color of The year – Lemon Sorbet 2019-60

Benjamin Moore’s Color of 2012, Wyeth Blue

Benjamin Moore announced their color of the year, which I posted an article on, touting Lemon Chiffon as this year’s ad-hock neutral. It’s a really lovely shade, and very close in range to Pantone’s Lemon Zest. Benjamin Moore NEVER chooses a color of the year close in range to Pantone’s – it is always based on a side-kick in the fashion report. Benjamin Moore’s color of 2012 was Wyeth Blue; a color in the Pantone Grayed Jade range. They did preceded Tangerine Tango with a nearly identical shade in 2011, but none the same – my best educated guess would eliminate both Lemon Sorbet and Grayed Jade.

A tantalizing ad popped up in my email last week or so…

A recent Pantone Ad – image via Pantone

Could Nectarine or Emerald take center stage in 2013? Give me a moment to close my eyes and wax on the possibilities…..

A reef image from National Geographic

oooohh…..

image via kwestiasmaku.com

aaaahhhh….

image via A stylish nest blog

Ok, I’m back……

I love the coral and emerald combo, but only one color can rule.  One could make some case for apricot – I have been seeing loads of coral popping up in furnishings as of late – it go along with the trends toward out-of-season use of pastels, which I rather like for its rebellious convention – but apricot is so in-line with Tangerine Tango – I’m just not convinced.

Emerald however is a contender. If you stack the evidence, Monaco Blue is still a suspect, but I would really not mind being completely wrong in favor of Emerald!

What about Pantone Linen?

Pantone Linen – image via Burnettsboards.com

It’s also shot – the move toward pastels has been a marked trend as of late, but that can be attributed to Spring – my money is not quite on Pantone Linen, although a very similar shade took the color of the year stage in 2006….

African Violet offers the purple range some well-earned hope. Purple, despite its unprecedented prominence in the trades and the home decor market place has never enjoyed a stint in the spot light of color of the year – but purple will forever be saddled with adolescent stereotype-cast stigma. I think allot of closet purple-lovers out there would really enjoy that day in the sun….

And finally – no, not quite done yet – and no – this is not a color that has appeared in the forecast prior to this ad, but I am throwing in a wild card for consideration. I received this ad from Pantone a few weeks back, with a lead color that raised my brow at the screen.

Pantone Color Card Ad 2013-2014 – image from Pantone

This came out of left field and is going to be a color of significance in Fall – maybe Color of 2014? We can mull that later….

Don’t forget to stop back on December 13th to see which suspect will do time as Pantone’s Color of The Year for 2013!

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Life of Pi – Translating Inspiration to Design

Posted by klatimer

image via

New ways to see to color always inspire and fill me with gratitude for the fact of living.

Sometimes it’s important to take a few days off and hit the ground running with a fresh lens…and a fresh lens is exactly what I got when I dropped into my seat and donned my 3-D glasses to see Life of Pi following to reward myself for the exhaustive preparations for Thanksgiving dinner for sixteen.

If you have not yet seen it, you should make it a point to rest those aching feet after Black Friday madness and renew the sense of wonder that the unapologetic blast of commercialism of the introduction to the holiday season seems so intent on snuffing out.

I am no movie critic, but The Life of Pi, above its well-earned visual comparison to the feature block-buster Avatar, is an amazing portrait of the human brain’s capacity to embrace and re-culture trauma in the elegant dance of human survival. It is also a poignant and unconditional testament to the ability of faith to transcend individual religious interpretations.

Bioluminescence, reflection, and variations in natural light are used to full potential to demonstrate the full potential for the dance between blue and green analogous color palettes.

Life of Pi movie still from the official trailer of Life of Pi, and color samples I have taken from the image

All this inspiration makes for a great primmer for the mental progression of translating imagery that speaks to you into sophisticated translations into room design….

Breaching whale lit in emerald green image via o9.com

Color Trends frequently take their inspiration from feature films, as do so many areas of design.

Turquoise and Purple influencing 2013 – image via Pantone Color Trends webinar

Translating inspiration in a visual language in the form of design is a great way to allow your sources of inspiration to set the stage for interior design that defines your home with the essence of what you love or even meaningful holidays gifts.

filmdrunkuproxx.com

To translate a visual inspiration, treat your thought process as though you are an abstract painter – think of it in stages….

Glow In The Dark Glass Marble Galaxy Necklace from Etsy

Start with realism and progress – this fluorescent marble necklace (above) from Etsy is a blatant interpretation of the image above from Life of Pi’s “carnivorous island”.

Now take the shapes and color and apply it to your design. It does not (nor should it) have to be specific.

The computer lacks the human eye’s finesse, but has its own revealing translation of a reflective sea palette.

Chip-it reveals more than blue

In kindergarten we are taught absolutes that must be shed in the interest of great design…. The sky is blue, trees are green, tree trunks are brown and so forth.

Absolutes have never been credited with great art, design or much in the way of innovation. Chip-it (Sherwin Williams Paint’s online color too) sees a palette in the image above that leaves out the reflected teal sky that occupies nearly a third of the image above.

Let’s abstract this image even further by diving into the depths of tacit implications. We do this by surrendering the specific implications of shape for a tacit cultural influence and by putting that teal back into the sea inspiration in the form of an area rug accent.

Another way to abstract from an implicit visual image is to ignore the color palette completely and infer a more sophisticated subtlety to your design by considering just the topic of your image.

image of moon-soaked blues via ngpopgun.wordpress blog

This approach runs the risk of netting a “themey” design by default, so everything in moderation….but here the tiger is both a character and a symbolic foundational element in Life of Pi. The Tiger and its Asian influence can stand alone as inspiration for a great design accent – albeit not so literal.

Whatever your inspiration, just o to the heart of the way it makes you feel and find an unexpected way to express your interpretation – design is just a tool to discover yourself.

Magic Cave in a Bottle from Etsy

Don’t for get the fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Color Trends 2013 – Pittsburgh Paint’s Ruth Ann Hanlon

Posted by klatimer

Pittsburgh Paints & Glass Color Expert Ruth Ann Hanlon and The Elusion Palette from PPG’s Color Forecast for 2013 / 2014

Color Trends 2013 are here and every trend-setting paint source has their exciting new interpretations of colors that will shape our view of the year  to come.

A few weeks ago, Sarah at my favorite paint source invited me to see a color talk given by Ruth Ann Hanlon, National Color & Design Manager at PPG Architectural Coatings. I really like Pittsburgh Paints; my living room is done in three of their atmosphere colors. It was a fun and informative evening, and a chance to connect with a kindred soul. Ruth Ann does color presentations across North America on color trends and their influencers for design professionals, as well as seminars on how to choose and use color in residential applications. Ruth Ann is an IP member of ASID, IIDA, NKBA and NARI.

I asked Ruth Ann if she might consent to share her color ju-ju with all of us, and answer a few questions. A fresh perspective is always a great opportunity, because one voice does not a chorus make.

I asked her questions that I based on those I hear most often to see what her take might She was kind enough to share both her perspective and Pittsburgh Paints’ forecast on the workings of color trends for 2013 / 2014.

Kim – Ruth Ann, thanks so much for agreeing sharing your formidable color experience with the readers of Re-Do it Design.

Ruth Ann Hanlon – My pleasure!!

Kim – Let’s begin with a bit about you, and what you do before we zone in on some of the yummy color trends that Pittsburgh is introducing.

Everyday Hero palette from Pittsburgh Paints for 2013 – 2014

Ruth Ann  – I’ve been in the field of design since graduating from Villa Maria College in 1994. Since then I’ve worked for a cabinet and appliance distributor focusing on high-end kitchens and baths, a furniture gallery where I assisted customers in selecting both case goods and upholstery along with space planning, and have been in the architectural coatings industry since 1999 working for Pittsburgh Paints & Glass. Color is definitely my passion; I love the powerful effect it has on a room and those who enter it.  My position entails consultations on projects ranging from new home construction, to residential repaints, to commercial properties and historic restorations.

Kim - I love it! being inundated with color for a living sounds like heaven on earth! During your presentation in my local, I loved the New Bohemia, Instinct and Up-cycle palettes – and I was so happy you dedicated some of your presentation to black rooms – I think they’re so stunning!

Pittsburgh Paint’s Elusion Palette

Ruth Ann Hanlon – I’m glad you like those palettes, New Bohemia, Instinct and Up-Cycle are from our 2011 trend forecast but are still relevant, and quite popular!  Black walls are among my favorites; the drama, mystery and sophistication it provides is very intriguing.

Kim - I report and discuss trends, but I think it’s really even more important to know what you love – the past two years have been great for me, because I loved them before they became trends, and they will probably speak to me long after! So how did you become a color expert?
Ruth Ann Hanlon – Throughout my career with PPG my focus has been on color; how it impacts a room, creates an atmosphere and transforms a space.  More importantly, the powerful emotional response we have to color has proven to be just as instrumental when selecting colors; whether that be to personalize a home to reflect the style, tastes and preferences of those who reside there, exterior schemes for new homes, or hotels and retail stores that need to appeal to the masses.  Over the past 12 years my experiences in the field have honed my knowledge of color; as has attending industry meetings and CEUs that include color specific topics.

Color Consultation inspiration in Pittsburgh Al Fresco

Kim - What is the biggest obstacle to effective use of color that you encounter?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – The fear associated with color that makes many hesitate, especially when it comes to darker or stronger colors. We often know what colors we want to select but don’t have the confidence to actually use them. Oftentimes providing that confidence is all that’s required in consultations, and those are those rewarding.

Kim -  The landscape of lighting is about to change as incandescent lighting becomes unavailable. What energy efficient lighting choices do you prefer to showcase your designs and color schemes?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – I prefer any light source that mimics natural light. When compact florescent lamps (CFLs) were introduced the light was very cool and could drastically alter the colors of a space, including flooring, fabrics and wall color. Technology has progressed and even CFLs are now available in warmer light. My preference is Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) but their current cost makes them not suitable for every fixture. Hopefully in time that will change.

Kim -  Many of the trends for 2013 are showcasing pastels and a move away from darker or richer tones. Do your color experts at Pittsburgh Paints concur?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – PPG’s recently launched 2013/2014 color forecast features palettes that celebrate the complexity of pairing pastels with deeper, saturated hues as evident in our Elusion palette. Bright colors such as fuchsia and sea foam are the energetic middle ground between dramatic black and the pastel pinks, blues, and greys that serve as neutrals.

Kim - Can you explain to everyone how are color trends compiled? What processes of elimination do your experts use to narrow thousands of colors down to a few that speak to a given year?

Color Consultations in Pittsburgh, using Pittsburgh Paint Colors

Ruth Ann Hanlon – Our trends are compiled by our Global Color Team; PPG representatives from the automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and architectural coatings segments from around the world. We identify not just the forecasted colors but more so the reasons behind them. For example; technology, environmental concerns and our connection to our communities, fanciful escape, cultural diversity and nostalgia are among the important influencers in recent trend stories.

Kim  -  What are the most commonly over-looked color opportunities and biggest mistakes?

striped painted ceiling via houseofturquoiseblog

Ruth Ann Hanlon – Looking to the room for inspiration and ignoring unique architectural features are among the most overlooked. If you have a beautiful area rug, exotic granite countertops, favorite piece of art or gorgeous window treatments your wall color, or a shade of it, is most likely within that element.  Tray ceilings, architectural niches and coffered ceilings are the perfect opportunity to add accent colors but are often overlooked. I say show those features off and add some character to the space through the use of color.

One of the biggest mistakes I see homeowners make is falling in love with color selections then changing them because a friend or family member influenced their decision thinking they were too light or too dark, too bold or too subtle.  We almost always know what we like but don’t often trust our instincts.  I say surround yourself with colors you love and don’t let others sway your decisions.

Kim - I couldn’t agree more! If you had to build a design around just one element, what would it be?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – That would depend on the room. If I had to choose just one element it would be an inspirational piece that best represents the homeowners; it could be a vacation photo from a favorite destination, heirloom china, investment piece, favorite sports team, etc.

Kim – How can readers differentiate between warm and cool hues – for instance cool reds and warm blues?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – If you reference a color wheel it’s easy to differentiate. Typically reds, oranges and yellow are warmer, blues, greens and violets are cooler. Reds with an influence of blue are cooler than reds with an influence of orange. Greens with an influence of yellow tend to be warmer while greens with an influence of blue tend to be cooler.  That’s part of the beauty of color, the possibilities are infinite and there’s surely one to suite your tastes and compliment your space.

Kim - What fail-safe tricks would you give Re-Do it Design’s readers for creating a winning look within your comfort zone?

bright palette from Pittsburgh Paints inspiration gallery

Ruth Ann Hanlon – Trust your instincts. If you’ve always wanted a dark red dining room or aqua master bath just go for it.  Color is so subjective and there are few rules to follow, personal preference should be the ultimate decider; beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all.  If in doubt reference PPG’s Color Sense Game at www.voiceofcolor.com, it’s a system that helps you identify your color personality with ease and confidence while eliminating much of the guesswork with the color selection process.

Kim -  What are the most important design / color lessons you have learned?

Ruth Ann Hanlon – Two important lessons come to mind;

1. Never underestimate the power of color. I’ve seen it transform spaces and impact the lives of those utilizing the space that surprised all involved.

2. There are no wrong colors. There may be inappropriate colors for a certain space but if used artfully any color can be the perfect choice. When I started in this industry a well versed homeowner selected a unique shade of bronze with a strong green undertone that had many shaking their heads in doubt, when I saw it in the space it literally took my breath away – the room was stunning and the color choice was perfect. I have never doubted a color since.

To yourself be true – you couldn’t ask for better advise than that!

 

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Velvet

Posted by klatimer

Velvet banquette from The Corinthian Club in Glasgow via paloma81blogspot

via Kate Spade

Velvet is the fabric of nobility. The origins of velvet may be traced to Baghdad during the rule of Harun al-Rashid introduced by merchants of  Kashmiri and to Al-Andalus by Ziryab. This is Wikapedia’s version, and my research has not upturned contradictory evidence, nor an account that predates this version. King Richard II of England was so enthralled by the aesthetic of velvet that he left instructions in his will to clothe his body  in “velveto” in 1399.

Velvet’s depth, luster and texture owes is arresting allure to its multi fibre construction. Velvet pile is created by warp or vertical yarns and velveteen pile is created by weft or fill yarns. Silk velvet is far and away the most expensive of velvets at hundreds of dollars per yard, dependent in part on the color – but industrialization made mass distribution of velvet possible in the form of Cotton, bringing this caveot of royal style to the masses in a far more durable form. The more recent development of synthetic velvets created by combining a myriad of synthetic such as polyester, nylon, viscose, acetate, retaining a vestige of its silk origins in the mix have created a design tool that is at once beautiful and durable.

There are many types of velvet, and educating yourself to be your own designer is the best way to pick the one that’s right for your home.

image courtesy of designers Guild

Crushed velvet, like the teal crushed velvet sofa shown below from One King’s Lane is produced by pressing the fabric down in different directions.

It can also be produced by mechanically twisting the fabric while wet. The result is patterned appearance that is very lustrous.

An image I snapped of Kevin Obrien Studio Devore wood-grain and patterned pillows at NYIGF

Devore velvet uses a caustic solution that dissolves part of the velvet leaving sheer areas of fabric.

Castellani Violet Cushion by Designers Guild from MyHomeFaceLift

Embossed velvet is patterned with a metal roller is used to heat-stamp the fabric, producing a pattern.

Designers Guild pillows from MyHomeFacelift.com

Hammered velvet is rich and lustrous, appearing dappled and somewhat crushed.

Anne Coyle interiors via Kelley’s Blog

Panné is a variety of crushed velvet produced by forcing the pile in a single direction by applying heavy pressure.

Meme Chair by Nancy Price by Design Legacy

Plain: Commonly made of cotton, this type of velvet has a firm hand and can be used for many purposes.

Silk velvet is undisputed in beauty and price point for its unmistakable lustrous sheen. It’s

Silk velvet with jute header via defining elegance blog

buttery softness adds to both its allure and price tag.

To save design dollars, viscose is your best compromise – look how similar viscose velvets are (below) to silk velvet (above).

Viscose velvet colorways from Designers Guild

Viscose is also very durable for every day use and resembles silk velvet a bit more-so than its cotton velvet counterpart.

Velveteen is faux velvet is made of cotton or a combination of cotton and silk. It has shorter pile and unlike velvet it’s a bit heavier, does not drape as easily, and has less sheen. But its close set weave makes it a durable alternative.

Velvets bring real presence to any design, by virtue of their rich luster, texture and the manner in which they take color in the dying process.

vintage sofa recovered with velvet ends from Designers Guild fabrics – sofa from couchgb.com

If you have kids or pets whose habitual use of furnishings is somewhat less that precious, don’t sell yourself short by losing the velvet in your design plan – just choose a durable velveteen for chairs or the sofa, and complement your look with viscose velvet panels and pillows. The effect is stunning, colorful and surprising durable – not to mention perfect for showcasing your rooms for the holidays!

Velvet is not just for nobility these days – if home is your castle, then velvet is fit for you!

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Hot Color – Cool Tones

Posted by klatimer

image skonahem.com

black body kelvin scale

Hot Color and Cool tones are masters of confusion, leading us down slippery slopes of assumptions that leave our designs threads unconnected. We started a discussion of use of accent color yesterday. Today we use green (or yellow and white added to blue) to tame blues.

Black body temperature tells a story worth hearing about color temperature that flies in the face of what we think we know of color. We think of blue as cool, but the wavelength at which stellar radiation is strongest is measured by Wien’s displacement law. The overall power emitted per unit area is given by the Stefan–Boltzmann law. The up-shot is that, as temperature increases, the glow color changes from red to yellow (at the cooler level of light temperature to white to blue. Even as the peak wavelength moves into the ultra-violet, enough radiation continues to be emitted in the blue wavelengths that the body will continue to appear blue. What all this means to our designs here on earth is that blues are powerful representations of color whether in the depths of space or on the walls in your house.

Blue does some interesting things while flexing its iconic color strength.

image via api.qbank.se.tumblr.com

Matte blues are nearly impenetrable tby light. There is little reflectivity in certain shades, creating a blunted effect of light that can make your room feeling as though you are in an aquarium if the you lack sufficient light sources.

Blue blunts light, creating an instant visual effect of depth. image via theberry.com

A blue feature wall in a shade that incorporates very little white in the color mix will have the effect of punching the wall back visually, creating depth. This can be very eye-catching, again, if this effect resides within your color comfort zone….

image via undecorateblog2

Where as mentioned yesterday, yellow has a great deal of movement, blue shades lacking white or green infer very little movement, and create instant depth calling to mind the feel of a tideless sea. But there are some tricks to manage and optimize blues, and one of them is to add yellow. Yellow and blue make green, as we all learned in kindergarten – and like the blackbody measures, playful yellow and brilliant white combine to have a very uplifting effect on blue – in the form of turquoise.

image via thegiftsoflife.tumblr

While the addition of yellow and white to create green or turquoise add sparkle when used in combination of blue range colors….

surface variation adds sparkle and interest – image via cinderellaproject.blogspot

…some blues can seem very matte. A blending of green and the constrained addition of metallic surface or transparency both function in concert to lighten this heavy color group.

decorpad

Although these shimmering Kartell Ghost Chairs may be hot in color temperature, we don’t tend to draw our influences from the bigger picture. We relate to what we know. On terra firma, this is the color and finish of ice.

The office image to left has used icy blue transparency to its full potential in this inspirational office setting. Every trick of style has been lobbied here to create an environment that bolsters creativity, productivity or a winning combo of both.

The ecol tones are repeated, unifying the room. The chairs are weightless because they are transparent. The warm (if cool in Kelvin) glass chandelier is repeats the transparency, further unifying and warming the space, carrying the warm tones onto the ceiling, which becomes the unexpected focus in the room relating to, rather than ignoring the emphasis on those chairs. I’m ready to sit down with a cup of coffee (which I can wipe easily from the counters or floors is I become too absorbed) and get to work!

Blue and blue greens create stunning color accents that while a bit feminine with the introduction of white and yellow into the color base will not offend male sensibilities. If you act fast, all of these add a spot of color, yet an airy zen feel that grounds your design in a manner that is not obvious or short on style. The gorgeous accents (below) are available at Joss & Main at fabulous prices while they last – just click the names in the captions to have a look.

In summery:

1) The best way to introduce blues within a limited color comfort zone is by way of accents. – So to begin, get inspired!

I refer to the bigger picture – the science behind color and design so frequently because there are deep and explicit connections between what lays out of reach beyond the blue marble we call home, and the world that we know. In our own back yards lives that connection in the forms of endless inspiration that can be translated with just imagination at absolutely no cost. For example – a gorgeous river in Greenland can inspire elements in your table story:

A river in greenland so clean that it’s utterly transparent and stemware from RoyalDoutton – image left via http://onebigphoto.com

2) Get instruction!

If you look through the archives, you will find everything you need to know about proper selection, execution and design theory to make it work – there is no substitute for doing your homework, and no reason to shy away since I’ve done it for you! Remember: 60% of people get color results they feel they need to re-do – and a large majority of the remaining 40% live with their results less than happily. Your time matters – make a plan and get it right!

3) Create a board – doesn’t need to be fancy – that assembles your color and considers your layout.

Measure everything and all entry ways and paths that your furnishing must fit in and through, and blue tape it on the floor. Now take that out and shop – with blinders on! Most people crash and burn due only to lack of restraint. If the plan is good trust the plan. When everything is in place it’s then time to edit – that’s why the God’s of retail created returns!

4) Have fun!

Design is an expression of you! It doesn’t cause wars nor end world hunger. It is a way to channel what is quintessentially you and share that expression with the people who give your life meaning. Don’t forget the fun!

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Accent Color and Color Trends

Posted by klatimer

vtwonennlblog

If Accent color is power – the greatest power lies in the use of the hottest colors. Accent color is the designer’s best and most persuasive weapon against color hesitation. Discretion with color can definitely the better part of design valor, and a little color can be used judiciously to create a design that most would describe as very colorful.

neutrals comprise the larger area, yet color dominates – image via peppermintblisscom

The promise of color restraint is a style carrot that cajoles and coaxes even the color-resistant out into the lime light of discovery. With all that color out there, picking and assembling specific shades of colors that will both speak to you in a language that your room design can interpret can be pretty daunting – this is where color trends come in very handy. It’s not so much a matter of needing to religiously prescribe to what forecasters are encouraging you to do….but taking some inspirational guidance from color gurus is not different from taking any other expert advise that assists you in making . People who eat sleep and breath color and can save you a great deal of time and stress you might otherwise waste on experimentation. Let’s start with accents involving color whose color temperature is in the cooler range – yes, that would be the colors we think of as warm to hot shades. Color temperature is amongst those facts that the human brain can’t process easily. Red is the first thing the brain sees, yet reds orange and yellows in the light range are the coolest in temperature.

Benjamin Moore recently published a vignette of popular paint shades that provide insight and direction into making the most effective use of accent color for your room designs.

Popular Benjamin Moore Reds – image via Nuance Magazine

Reds (which include the Fuchsia range) and oranges are a tricky group. Hot colors work like laser pointers in any design – the eye will automatically follow red, irrespective of other colors in your palette so you should use red deliberately to guide the eye.

image below via Pinterest by Jodi McKee

(If you are intrigued by the accents below, just click the links under the image)

Orange is a favorite of many designers, like Thomas Paul who told me that orange colorways in his collection always do well, in part because orange photographs so well. Red is a bit coyer on camera, as it’s a transparent color by nature. This comes as no surprise to painters. On walls this temperamental color diva can require five coats in certain blue ranges to reach opacity. Orange takes its better opacity from its yellow parent, which dominates the mix in most orange shades – but as accents like rugs, wall art and small furnishings they play exceptionally well in the sand box and even people who are phobic of bright color feel comfortable in a room where some bright colors define while held at bay.

There are certain images worth using twice – this mod color blocked living room is a less in how the brain processes color fields. The eye will go to reds firsts and then scoot straight to yellow.

image via Elle Decor Spain

and again – the eye goes to red like a bullet and then follows the yellow brick road…..

pvc pipe vases via 101woonideeen.nl.com

Yellow is one of the nest accent colors out there, and it ranges in application from shades that are semi-opaque, making it really beautiful in transparent applications to creamier butter tones that cover in one coat as a painted color.

Benjamin Moore’s popular yellows for the past 3 years – image via Behjamin Moore’s Nuance Magazine.

image (below) designtraveller.tumblr.com

Yellow is one of my favorite accents, because you get a big bang even in small application. The color of the sun that we all owe our continued existence to, this color is read by most people as very positive and energetic. Yellow accents provide fabulous movement to interior design and to art, and easily dominate cooler (or is that hotter?) tones.

image via Artful Harvest à la parisienne, pinned on Pinterest by Lisa Hewitt

Even if you are afraid of color, make it work at home by following in the footprint of this well-traveled design path:

1) Taking some inspiration from the hot (yet cool) Benjamin Moore shades guaranteed to perform

2) Use the color chips to blend with inspiration from images you love the color palettes that speak most clearly to you.

3) Target your accents using your inspiration.

4) Find your percentage base of color comfort – most people range between 10% – 30%

5) Use a neutral background – gray ranges and white always work. This is the color mortar for your accents.

6) Don’t leave the ceiling white! Choose a softer gradient of your least prominent accent color on the ceiling.

7) …and finish with some sparkle – luster-ware, gold, silver or colored matallic accents are the jewelry of your room ensemble. A little color goes a long way!

 

 

 

Posted in Color Trends, Interior Design Tips, Paint Colors | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Color of Christmas

Posted by klatimer

livethemma.IKEA.Sweden

The colors of Christmas abound – and yes – we just got done with Halloween! I have been working hard since All Hallow’s Eve on a less than stylish head cold. But prior to taking refuge in my fuzzy robe and slippers, I was in Home Goods to grab some last minute candles. I was stunned, not to see Christmas every where but by all the people buying it! This is a big change from the last few years, watching shoppers milling about with set faces and empty hands. It seems as though there may be a change in the wind, but for many of us stretching our budgets to include everyone we want to remember can be daunting.

There is a silver lining to most dark and runny clouds – being under the weather is an excellent excuse to shop resources, and while it may be a bit early to talk about Christmas it’s not to soon to plan. I like small clever gifts that keep home on the list, and keep the emphasis on sharing rather than going broke. In that spirit I have compiled a list of creative ideas that bring the color of Christmas to all those you love, while streching your budget.

All these hand-made tokens come in at $20 or under; just click the links under the images if you want to visit the sources:

These handmade soaps on Etsy are stunning – the colors are gorgeous and the price is right at only $13 for a selection of four.

While trend-setters may have projected the horse as the accent theme for 2013, the buyers have spoken – or rather shouted “peacocks” from the roof tops. Like any band-wagon trend, you don’t want to hedge your design bets on a bumper sticker aesthetic – spend your hard earned dollars on something with an unexpected twist to keep it fresh. This wine stopper fits the bill and the occasion beautifully at only $15.

goddessglass10359 on Etsy – $15

$19 buys you a dozen 3D Summertime Peach Cookies. These scrumptious little jewels are butter shortbread cookies sandwiched with Chocolate Hazelnut Filling and Finished with Sparkle Sugar Peach Fuzz – almost too pretty to eat and a treat to receive!

 

Handmade Chocolate Marshmallows, 1 dozen – whimsyandspice – Etsy $6.50

These light and fluffy classic chocolate marshmallows are made with Valrhona chocolate and have an intense, rich flavor. Perfect for your favorite chocolate-lover to dunk into a steaming cup of hot chocolate or coffee. One order includes a dozen 1.25″ cubes (teacups shown are miniatures). A steal at $6.50 per dozen!

How about a tiny tree in a salt shaker – how cute for someone special’s holiday table story, or add a hanger and put on the Christmas tree! $18 each from Anthropologie.

$10 buys a bag of real butterfly wings! Just frame an assortment and you have one of a kind art for under $20 (loads of great frames at Target).

 

For only $13, kids’ walls in need of whimsy will love your gift! Want to add some whimsy to your wall? Portholes wall decals are just the thing to finish out a pirate, space ship, submarine, nautical or steampunk themed room. The porhole decal is 13.75″ in diameter, but Wilson Graphics offers over 1,000 designs starting at $3.50 each! Larger sizes are available as well on request.

An archival quality print for only $20! You won’t find that claim in your pedestrian store for $20……

A set of ombre spoons adds style and fun to any kitchen, and makes a budget friendly wall display at $15.

four ombre, gold tipped wooden spoons OhmeandOhmy – Etsy – $15

Melamine is a fabulous budget-enhancing trick for glass fronted cabinet display, and Mad Hatter Platters offers bright, unique and unexpected display plates that can pull double duty in your most whimsical table stories for only $18 each.

Fancy those French Macaroons for Christmas dessert trays? For $19 you can give someone their wish!

Each assortment contains up to 3 different flavors picked by you from the following:

- Magnifique (lychee, orange)
- Hypnose (passion fruit, chamomile)
- Rogue (chocolate, hazelnut, cognac)
- Strawberry
- Honey Sesame Pistachio
- Lemon
- Toasted Coconut
- Cafe Aguni

Finally, check out these collapsible vases – perfect and unexpected for office gift draws, or teacher gifts….

Everyone loves getting flowers – to complete the gift just reach into your purse and pull out a flat-packing flower holster (no I did not invent the name). It’s a collapsible, reusable vase for or and outdoor use! Its even recyclable—a green win/win – see for yourselves, I was amazed it stands up the way it does!

More Christmas Color to come, with some interim shopping suggestions as we draw closer to the holidays….

Posted in Color Trends, Interior Design Tips | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

American Style!

Posted by klatimer
Pinned Image

Co-mingled red, white and blue image from Pinterest – Rachel Thompson; How to Smoke on a Plane by Alex Hubbard, thanks once again to Lisa Hewitt

Today is the day to celebrate American Style, by getting to the poles and supporting the system that upholds hearth and home!

Our nation’s limited palette offers unlimited potential to those who can imagion all the possibilities.

I don’t know an unopinionated designer, because it’s such an oximoron, really. If you find your comfort zone stationed firmly on the fence, it would be difficult to defend the merits of a design vision to a client who is not yet aware that you are offering all that they are as yet unaware they want and need.

With all that conviction to lobby it is important to emember that great design is really all about restraint.

It is diificult to surpress opinions at times, but I work hard to create a safe forum that is not opinionated, condescending or judgmental. I hope that everyone (or rather those readers that call the US home) exercise the one occasion we are afforded to be equal and get out there with your opinions and vote today!

In our conviction to express our colors (or opinions) let’s all endevor not to allow our limited palette to prevent us from respecting appreciating one another’s color choices. All colors have something to offer. Bue looks lovelier contrasted by white.

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mage vis Design Sponge

And the potential of red is thrown into its sharpest relief with neutral support.

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image via awhitecarousel.com

The fact is that the best American Style is always the result of a creative and ecclectic mix that brings red, and blue together by the colorless acceptance of white….

image via Elle Decor

Within every limited palette exists the potential for variation, achieved through diverse views that allow one color group to serve so many different color stories that transcend indivdual preferences and points of view.

image via adesignmom.com

So get out today and express your American Style, whether red, blue, or decidedly white and come back to often to enjoy design that always includes the value of all palettes, points of view, and the best of all design styles.

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My own vision of our nation’s limited palette, from my Pinterest Board of free photography for all!

HAPPY ELECTION DAY!

 

Posted in Color Trends, Interior Design Tips, Paint Colors | Tagged , | 2 Comments