Thursday Tip #2

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/101475/Caudill-Lane-modern-hall-austin"><img alt="Caudill Lane modern hall" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/101475_0_8-5024-modern-hall.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/hall" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professional/11976/Webber--Studio-Architects" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Webber + Studio, Architects</a></small><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><small><b><span style="font-size: small;">Use accessories to carry colour</span></b></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: small;">The vibrant yellow green in the artwork in this hallway is repeated again in the pillow in the bedroom. A darker green appears in the art work above the bed.  When walking down the hallway your eye pops from the artwork into the adjoining room  which is seen at a distance.  This causes visual movement from one room to the next.  A small thing but very effective for connecting one room with the next. Never underestimate the power of accessories to improve every room in your house. Have you carried colour from one room to another in your home? </span></small><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></small><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">Check back for my next post on Colour Continuity when creating a colour scheme. </span></small></div><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>  </small></div>

Thursday Tip #2

Webber + Studio, ArchitectsUse accessories to carry colour The vibrant yellow green in the artwork in this hallway is repeated again in the pillow in the bedroom. A darker green appears in the art work above the bed.  When walking down the hallway your eye pops from the artwork into the adjoining r…

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It's never perfect

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">There's room for improvement in most decors because perfection is difficult to create and every set of eyes will see a design in a different way.  I'm amazed by the discussion that ensues when several decorators look at the same photos of a project.  Often an  aspect of a  room that I will focus on may be ignored by someone else or one of my colleagues will bring up an aspect of the design that I didn't even notice. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;">  Look at each of the photos below and see how you feel about the decor. You will notice a general theme of art work running through my commentary.That's because I feel strongly that art work can make or break great decor.   What do you think are the strengths in these rooms?  Is there anything that bothers you?  Is there anything you would change  (add or take away) if you could? Or is the room just perfect in your eyes?  Decide what you think and then scroll down to my commentary.  Did we focus on the same strengths and things that could be changed to improve the overall design?  Did entirely different things come to light for you? Remember it's opinion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><b>Number 1</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOFTxl3CeVuDiyzWV5tC1m3az6a7IU9UKeLomavwp3YhmqNim__RSv3QBkHtK5FkJvThScmPfvT5pUgMXvd0lC9DF-5C2vms9GbTg6StZorfJktqEQwnochbtwwZAJNwxvrDG_gNrLYxi/s1600/ss_SIP944306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijOFTxl3CeVuDiyzWV5tC1m3az6a7IU9UKeLomavwp3YhmqNim__RSv3QBkHtK5FkJvThScmPfvT5pUgMXvd0lC9DF-5C2vms9GbTg6StZorfJktqEQwnochbtwwZAJNwxvrDG_gNrLYxi/s400/ss_SIP944306.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/master-bedroom/25-of-our-favorite-real-life-bedrooms-/"> BHG</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A bed between two windows calls out for symmetry which this decor has.  The colour scheme that supports the light wood tones is very soft and  ple</span>asing  which I predict would make sleeping in this room pleasant and relaxing. Given the overall symmetry of the room, I find the artworks above the bed begging to be lined up with each other.  Better still I would have just one piece hung since the second piece almost reaches the ceiling.  I crave  pattern for variety and it could be added in pillows , a throw and/or and with the addition of an area rug under the bed. I'm personally not fond of all the wooden furniture matching  and think that something more bench like  would work at the end of the bed.   The lovely cabinet could be moved to another room. </div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Number 2 </b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsGS_Egcmo147tIhP4c5J6MvAxsRLwzRfVvpz8lVBVnmei0alKbk-8P_qMBbWzF6yrpWrh6G22mCb-2k0tRg0z_tH0H_QITTUmTDtgrYU-xOW7CWX7DiSgzlzNmnq1GrEADwg5rpUZh0W/s1600/ss_101316575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSsGS_Egcmo147tIhP4c5J6MvAxsRLwzRfVvpz8lVBVnmei0alKbk-8P_qMBbWzF6yrpWrh6G22mCb-2k0tRg0z_tH0H_QITTUmTDtgrYU-xOW7CWX7DiSgzlzNmnq1GrEADwg5rpUZh0W/s400/ss_101316575.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/color-scheme/real-life-colorful-bedrooms/?page=2">BHG</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I like this neutral bedroom that just sings with the splashes of orange red on the bed and in the art pieces above it. Any art work arranged in a grid interests me, but this bed seems to need larger pieces above it.  Even with the massing of smaller, brightly coloured  works, the scale doesn't work with the bed.  It's crying out for something with more visual weight. I bet there is another spot in this room where these pieces could be used to better advantage.<br /><br />When choosing artwork for over a bed I like to see at least 2/3 of the linear space occupied. With a queen bed,  I'd aim for  two 18 x 20 or 20 x 20 inch works or one larger piece of approximately 40 inches in length. The higher the headboard the smaller the vertical measurement.  Something brighter and larger in scale could be added to bring more visual interest to the bedside table that is visible. While there isn't much pattern in this room, the little bit on the pillows appears enough for my tastes. </div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Number 3 </span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/33459/Shelter-Island-House--2-contemporary-living-room-new-york"><img alt="Shelter Island House #2 contemporary living room" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/33459_0_3-9677-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/living-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/1474/SchappacherWhite-Ltd" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">SchappacherWhite Ltd.</a></small></div><br />The elements in this room are quite interesting, especially the inclusion of the yellow flowers that are beautifully framed by the doorway beyond.   The zebra is an unexpected touch and creates some pattern in this room which seems a little devoid of it. The two things I find jarring are the two pieces of artwork.  I want to line up the small piece on the left with the chair under it and the large piece on the right  is much too large for the space and looks awkward and squat. Sometimes this forced confinement of a work can be used to great advantage, but this work doesn't have that kind of imagery. I want to see it on a large wall which allows  breathing room all around it. The brown  light fixture  is  large, but it works because the room is vaulted and the dark colour connects with the wood on the ceiling. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><b>Number 4</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79763/Room-contemporary-living-room-portland"><img alt="Room contemporary living room" border="0" height="266" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/79763_0_3-4210-contemporary-living-room.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/professionals/9609/Garrison-Hullinger-Interior-Design-Inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.</a></small></div><b><br /></b><br />Many times in our homes we have to use the furniture that is available  and arrange it to best advantage.  I think the table is such a piece of furniture.  It reads as just a tad too big to place between the two chairs, but thought has been put into creating  visual flow with red to connect the disparate pieces and make the vignette look inviting.  Your eyes have no choice only follow the pops of red that have been set up in the age old triangular format.  My one great annoyance in this room is the plant that obscures the art work behind it.  It is never a good idea to mount art work and then cover it up with the next layer of design.  Perhaps it is only me who has this pet peeve;  it might be the artist in me rising to the top.<br />  <b><br /></b><br /><div style="color: #444444; text-align: left;">IMHO... in my humble opinion. As I said, there's no one correct way to design a room and we all perceive a room differently.  Do you have any reaction to these rooms?  </div>

It's never perfect

There's room for improvement in most decors because perfection is difficult to create and every set of eyes will see a design in a different way.  I'm amazed by the discussion that ensues when several decorators look at the same photos of a project.  Often an  aspect of a  room that I will focus on…

Read more »

Thursday Tip -Fall is in the air

<div style="text-align: left;">Many people focus on new beginnings in January, but mine are always prompted by the arrival of September.  I put it down to my past career as a teacher when September was the month of planning and new possibilities.<br /><br />I just returned from a month in Europe and my mind is agog with all the possible posts I could write and it's hard to select the best idea .  When I feel like this I have to do something to focus my thoughts. Rather than choosing one topic  I've decided to go broader.  I'm beginning a new post focus which I'm calling <b>Thursday Tips</b>.  Each Thursday I will feature one image and several simple ideas that could be easily translated into your home decor. </div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76411/buffet-table-inspiration-set-1--entry-other-metros"><br /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76411/buffet-table-inspiration-set-1--entry-other-metros"><img alt="buffet table inspiration set 1 entry" border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/76411_0_8-7670--entry.jpg" width="323" /></a><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76411/buffet-table-inspiration-set-1--entry-other-metros"></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76411/buffet-table-inspiration-set-1--entry-other-metros"><small></small></a><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/entry" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Houzz</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Orange gaining favour in 2012</b> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">The colour forecasts for 2012 are just beginning to appear and orange seems to be in favour.  Not the toned "dirty" oranges of past years, but a fresher variety that brings warmth and thoughts of  a fresh autumn day.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Layering in Decor </b></span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">While this orange chair is very striking, you don't need  to make such a large purchase to get an up to date look.  The tulips in the vase above are lovely in spring, but think about   Chinese Lanterns to bring a blast of  fall orange. Twigs and branches in the arrangement add structural elements and height which helps focus your attention . Stacking two mirrors of different heights on a console table provides a backdrop for your arrangement and also provides  interesting layers.Always think layers when you are decorating.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu48vnjF1caGQ88rdkxehHeMP__U1P79-F2_sE9VMiawkOi4x2EuIxEnK6TDtn6dR_utD9z5FUyxq_HxTKNJtwrxAqyH3G5rDRsBF__0McNHVt76_poKgX7tmEoee6g_xO0T8RV6osoDy/s1600/JFMY7B7C9RZCGT8EZCMY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwu48vnjF1caGQ88rdkxehHeMP__U1P79-F2_sE9VMiawkOi4x2EuIxEnK6TDtn6dR_utD9z5FUyxq_HxTKNJtwrxAqyH3G5rDRsBF__0McNHVt76_poKgX7tmEoee6g_xO0T8RV6osoDy/s1600/JFMY7B7C9RZCGT8EZCMY.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gifts.com/products/LAMPS-PLUS/Surya-Tristen-Gray-Plum-Throw-Blanket?p=1488:R6622:259"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> source</span></small></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">If you have a neutral chair, an orange throw draped over the back or arm would add just the right amount of colour.</span></small></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rLJKP4gJVZ_2MbstKx8UUeebwfWhQLzJXA0fWMvO98SmKrXJBCATOH_pVefFk0XyjT5ctnvYzU-Q3IXntH3lLE_npKGXBEjOETFAyexJcfkbJOwFLMn00tyWwSgwYlvnfH2FUV5rjAk/s1600/baskets-crateandbarrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3rLJKP4gJVZ_2MbstKx8UUeebwfWhQLzJXA0fWMvO98SmKrXJBCATOH_pVefFk0XyjT5ctnvYzU-Q3IXntH3lLE_npKGXBEjOETFAyexJcfkbJOwFLMn00tyWwSgwYlvnfH2FUV5rjAk/s320/baskets-crateandbarrel.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crate and Barrel </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHxa-ci8saSvEI59jq_6TkPj6_O2BGvHXyIcQwTTGvfqvFSJIDTWKAEpsUmlhRHHFeB5BMTkwz0NPkD-HIqBTKsye4bNtqekj0rc9aTU7OnVq_yS3T2RibP9eQpmrZgGznbTRZdfMZsBE/s1600/cushions-horchow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHxa-ci8saSvEI59jq_6TkPj6_O2BGvHXyIcQwTTGvfqvFSJIDTWKAEpsUmlhRHHFeB5BMTkwz0NPkD-HIqBTKsye4bNtqekj0rc9aTU7OnVq_yS3T2RibP9eQpmrZgGznbTRZdfMZsBE/s320/cushions-horchow.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.horchow.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=cprod70100026&eItemId=cprod70100026&cmCat=search&searchType=MAIN&parentId=&icid=&rte=%252Fsearch.jhtml%253FN%253D0%2526Ntt%253Dorange%252Bdecor%2526_requestid%253D17938">source</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><small><span style="font-size: small;">When I'm adding in colour accents in this way I usually think in threes and using varying proportions  of the colour.  Think about small, medium and larger sized accessories and you can't go wrong. Variety is another key word in decorating.  Find your varying sizes in pillows, boxes or canvas totes,  a piece of artwork or large pillar candles.  <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/colour/10-terrific-tangerine-tinted-finds/a/36047/7">Style at Home </a>offers 10 ideas for adding Tangerine to your decor. </span></small><br /><br /><small><span style="font-size: small;">What's your favourite accent colour? </span> </small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/76411/buffet-table-inspiration-set-1--entry-other-metros"><br /></a><small><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></small></div></div>

Thursday Tip -Fall is in the air

Many people focus on new beginnings in January, but mine are always prompted by the arrival of September.  I put it down to my past career as a teacher when September was the month of planning and new possibilities.I just returned from a month in Europe and my mind is agog with all the possible post…

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