Recently I found that I have a mild obsession with yellow. I don’t know where it has come from because I’ve always been drawn to natural earthy palettes or more vibrant palettes that are in the warm tones. However, when you stop to think about it yellow is both of these. It is found in our natural world (flowers, fruit, the sun) and it is vibrant and warm.

That said, I really think my recent obsession with yellow is most likely connected to my mild addiction to Williams-Sonoma and we have them to thank for these gorgeous Lemon Botanical serving dishes (which I admit I recently purchased a few myself).

Slowly I have been infusing yellow into my kitchen in small touches and accents. It is a great color for the kitchen because yellow evokes a sense of cheerfulness, it stimulates mental activity, and it has a warming effect on a person. What better place to create these feelings than in the kitchen? Ironically the color yellow is typically associated with food.  

Yellow is also associated with a sense of joy, intellect, and a lovely sense of freshness. This room I found on Southern Accents embodies all of these three things. It is a bit playful with the acrylic chairs, youthful due to the circle art, and for lack of a better term…it is just fun! There is a touch of sophistication here with the furniture choices and the chandelier which is a perfect balance for the space.

Lighter shades of yellow can disappear into white therefore if you want to accentuate the color be sure to use a darker color in the space as well. This will help draw out the true tones of the yellow that you have chosen for the room. If you prefer to have a softer feeling then it also works to let it fade into white. I love the effect of this in the following Martha Stewart space.

A side note, Martha Stewart has some great new paint colors available at just about any Home Depot in the country.  If I had to choose a shade of yellow I would say that my favorite new paint color of hers is Macadamia because it is a creamy balance of white and just the suggestion of yellow much like this space above.

You can balance the amount of yellow that is accentuated using both techniques previously mentioned. First add a darker color to room in order to bring out the yellow in the space and then tone it down by allowing some of the yellow in the room to fade into white. It’s all about balance. A  great example of this is found in the following dining room. The dining table really grounds the space with the dark wood tone. All of the surroundings are light and airy and nearly fade into white which makes the space  feel welcoming which yellow is supposed to do when used correctly.

The creative placement of the mirrors stand out and are potentially an inspiration for my own home…just not sure where yet so I will have to file this away in my idea book.

Yellow is one of the hardest colors to get right in a space. It is so dramatically affected by the amount of light in the space as well as the amount of white and darker colors in the room. Go with your general instinct but if the color scares you a little bit when you first paint it on the walls my advice is to add the accessories, drapes, furniture, and lighting back into the room before you panic and change the paint color. You really can control the tone with all the other things in the room so be patient in the process. If nervous, err on the lighter side because paint always gets darker as it drys and if the yellow is TOO vibrant it will just piss you off (literally) because yellow can have that psychological affect.

A few additional warnings about the color yellow (ironic because yellow is the color of caution) be aware of how you are using yellow in the space. It can easily become dingy which can conjure thoughts of decay and sickness. Ick! If yellow is overdone or overused it can also cause anxiety to those within the space. When overdone yellow has a disturbing effect and it is even known that babies cry more in a yellow room (typically the very vibrant overly done tones).

I don’t want to frighten you with these last words about the theory behind the color yellow. It’s a fun color to be inspired by. If frightened by it but you want to try it start small…I am.  As mentioned it all started with my Williams-Sonoma addiction and the acquisition of one simple item, a pepper mill.

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Thanks for considering the color yellow. You will have to come back at a later date to see pictures of my own home when my kitchen and dining space are perfectly peppered with just the right amount of yellow! It’s all a work in progress.

I continuously get the question, “Where do I start?” or better yet, “I’m so overwhelmed that I haven’t done ANYTHING”. Are you stumped by decorating according to a color palette? Do you feel a bit lost, so much so that you are simply paralyzed in making decisions?

Well I have a basic guideline that may help. I’ve blogged about this before but thought I’d bring it up again because it seems everyone often feels a bit lost in design and choosing color palettes in various ways.

Where to start:

1) With a RUG

2) Choose your WINDOW COVERINGS. Typically I recommend two, one for light control and insulation (example, lined bamboo shade) and then the second being the fabric drapes. The only trick here is to connect the tones in the window coverings with the rug (example, warm, cool). IT IS ABSOLUTELY OKAY TO MIX PRINTS…in fact, it is very trendy at the moment.

3) The SOFA is the next item. This is typically a larger investment in a room so choose something in a neutral tone that you can change its surroundings over time to suit your taste.

4) CHAIRS (likely to be upholstered or leather) fall in line after the sofa. This is a great opportunity to bring in another color (found in the rug or drapes) into the palette.

5) OCCASIONAL TABLES. Material, style, finish, could stem from the furniture items you have already selected for the space. This is also a great opportunity to mix styles as no designer is a fan of the matchy-matchy set of furniture. Try a different material such as metal legs, glass top, or reclaimed barn wood to name a few.

6) OTHER FURNITURE ITEMS. Examples are other occasional tables, unupholstered chairs, bookcases, ottomans, and such. Fill in the space with eclectic items you find from various sources. This is also something that most likely will happen over time. There is no need to buy everything and fill an entire space immediately. The best environments develop organically over time…just don’t wait until you have it ALL to add something new to the space.

7) NOW you are ready to choose your PAINT COLOR. Pull the paint color from the rug, fabrics, or inspirational accessory you picked up along the way.

Of course this ideal order is only if you are starting with a blank slate and nothing in the room. Most of us, in reality, already have several pieces we intend to reuse or keep in the room such as the sofa, chairs, and finished floors. If this is the case then I suggest choosing an accessory, a new rug, a piece of art, or an inspirational fabric and use it to set the palette for the space.

That said, you most likely already have a “general” idea for the paint color or dominant color scheme. That is okay, just don’t pick your paint color until you have found some of the other items first. It is MUCH easier to match paint to  a fabric, rug, or accessory than it is to try to match all the things in the room to the paint color already on the walls. Besides…paint is probably the cheapest thing in the room at only $25 per gallon or so!

 Happy Painting or Should I Say Color Picking!

The home I recently moved into is…well, let’s just say it’s beige. Beige walls, shades of beige in the tile, and even the ceilings are beige. I’m not opposed to the color, it is just TOO much beige. So I am slowly but surely making a few changes in select rooms just to change it up a little bit.

One of the first projects tackled is the guest bath that adjoins one of the bedrooms in the basement. It’s the largest guest bath in the home and it also connects to the basement family entertainment room. The beige box before:

Typically my first rule of thumb is to NOT choose the paint color first. However, in this case I did which I realize goes against my regular design advice. This room is an exception. It’s a bathroom, nothing too dominant is going to change. The tile, cabinets, even the mirrors and fixtures are definitely nice and will remain in the room.

Historically my preference is for Benjamin Moore paint but there isn’t a retailer nearby so I thought I would try one of Martha’s new colors now found at Home Depot. I’m a fan of Martha and thought this would be a good test. Looking for something a little bit in the gray family but still warm I landed on the color ”Brook Trout”. It’s a warm gray-brown or brown-gray, not far from the beige family but with much more depth. What I love about the color is that it really made the trim pop and the hickory cabinets standout. The beige box after:

The space is large and comfortable for a guest bath but very square. This results in what feels like wasted space therefore I chose to put a 3×5 area rug in the center of the floor. It gives visual texture, depth, and interest where it is difficult to create given that there is little open wall space for art. It also keeps a cold tile floor feeling warm under foot.

Keeping with a more natural theme I opted for a few dried flowers and a burl wood bowl on the counter top. The height and accessories that are a little bit masculine were needed. I found the vases and the burl wood bowl in an unlikely place… Kohls. With the desire to remain budget conscious I stumbled upon these items while I was shopping for the decorative towels. The splurge were the dried flowers from Michael’s, I spent more on them than the two ceramic vases combined! But I do love the texture…

Other details that I added were new guest towels and shower curtain in white, of course, because that always reminds me of staying in a hotel. I want guests to feel a little bit like they are on vacation. Hardware was also added to the drawers and cabinet doors. They are like jewelry, it’s a little added touch that creates a finished look.

I’m still looking for the right vintage or antique piece for the wall opposite the vanity, but that takes time and is something that you just stumble upon when you are least expecting it. In the end I’m pleased with the non-beige box and the fact that it no longer feels like a cold basement bathroom. All in all, not a bad transformation in one weekend!

You can find this post and other decorating transformations on:

Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch!

On a recent vacation to Costa Rica I took this photo and today I am inspired to consider what lies behind the color red…

What is it about the color red that draws us in? Is it the energy? Vibrancy? The obvious…it simply stands out? When thinking about the color red in regard to interior design there are a few simple points to consider.

Red provokes the most physiological response in comparison to other colors on the color wheel. It can make the heart beat faster, it is invigorating, and it has been shown that it aids in the interconnection of brain neurons. Brain neurons? What does that have to do with interior design? Well, there is a science or theory to using color in your interior environment. You may be thinking the science of it is all great but really what it comes down to is the fact that it is an exciting color! … And I agree with you, however, you can’t ignore the rules of red.

In nature red is fire, blood, ripe fruits, and beautiful flowers in the rain forest. So naturally it is an inspiring and fiery color in the interior built world as well. Known to stimulate the appetite it is a great color for the dining room or kitchen.  Love the red poppies and countertop in this kitchen by Thomas Deir. It really makes it “pop”!  

You may wonder if red in the bedroom is a good idea or not given that it is so invigorating. After all how can one sleep if the space is too psychologically stimulating? Well, a bit of red here and there can really work. Also, the color red in the Western world is a symbol of love, passion, and affection which is perfect for the bedroom. My favorite examples of a subtle use of red in the bedroom include the following spaces. 

The red bedside lamps can definitely get you going.

What child wouldn’t love to wake up in this four poster bed in the morning? Just the right amount of color to make the room fun for a little one but not so much that bedtime becomes a battle!

Red is obviously a warm color and it can symbolize aggression…which can be good or bad (depending on the application). It has also been shown that it makes people work faster when used in the work environment.  It’s okay to be a bit aggressive in the form of initiative at work.

I love this example of the home office. It isn’t such a bright red yet it remains visually stimulating which helps to get some work done while at home.  In this space you will definitely “see the color red” … literally, though in a good way.

According to Feng Shui the front door is considered the “Mouth of Chi” where all good energy enters a space.  Red is considered to be the most auspicious color in Feng Shui.  Therefore painting the front door red is done to attract luck and good energy… or simply because it is also welcoming.

At the end of the day if you are considering the color red in some form for you home. Do not be afraid. Trust your instinct. If it draws you in and you like it because it is exciting then go for it. Some of us are just that kind of personality and you can pull off the color with nothing but success and style. You can’t go wrong because inspiration to use the color red often starts with something so simple that results in a style that stands out. You deserve to stand out so give red a try! 

Have you ever stopped to think about WHY you feel a particular response when you enter a space? Do you feel welcomed, comfortable, excited, are you drawn into a room for a particular reason?  If the space doesn’t feel right I’m sure you have even had  the desire to leave as quickly as possible or even worse you have no response at all.

There are many reasons people react to their built environment however one of the primary influences is color. What inspired me to take a closer look at color theory and therapy is the process of identifying a paint color for the guest bedroom. I am inclined to use the same shade of blue-gray I did in my previous home because I absolutely loved it (so did my guests that toured my home when they would visit). It was the perfect hue that created a calm and soothing environment ideal for getting a great night of sleep. Not to mention it also had the psychological affect of making the room feel cooler in temperature which was essential in a home without air conditioning.

According to color theory and color therapy the characteristics of blue evoke a sense of peace, truth, devotion, and sincerity. All things that we emotionally and intellectually associate with a safe and comfortable environment.  As I mentioned previously blue is a calming color that helps to relax nervous over-excitement and it also deterrs insomnia. It is even thought of as more soothing than the color green when it comes to a person’s emotional state. The muted or softer tones of blue are used for meditation which is a natural fit for a bedroom. Can you picture yourself in this bedroom? Does it provide a sense of relaxation? Personally I can see myself curling up with a great book at the end of the day.

If you are an introvert, it is also thought to help you come out of your shell. Dominant or vibrant shades of blue inspire communication and promote knowledge. It’s said to be connected to your throat chakra which is also your creative center. Figuratively speaking…it is connected to your voice. In this space the Tiffany Blue chairs around a large dining table perfectly suit an environment designed for communication.

Or can you see yourself gathered around this large island with family and friends? The gray-blue cabinets suit this space well. Evenings filled with great conversations accompanied by a glass of wine is what comes to my mind.

The next time you think of the color blue and the potential it has in your space take a moment and focus on how you want the room to feel for you and your guests. Is it a part of your home where you want to escape and relax at the end of the day? If so, be sure to pick a muted or softer tone of blue.  OR do you see yourself in a cozy environment that is ideal for talking with your friends and family? Then most likely you should choose a vibrant tone as seen in the example of the kitchen above.

Try opening the door to any tone of blue in your home and see how it not only transforms the physical space but also transforms the physical you.

It seems that time and time again I learn of people trying to choose a paint color FIRST before they decorate and accessorize a room. Inevitably they are disappointed in the color and wish they had done something a little differently. They find themselves getting more and more frustrated as they shop endlessly for the perfect bedding, side chair, or sofa. This feeling of disappointment in a chosen paint color CAN be avoided.

FIRST, pick the major pieces for the room (i.e. sofas, flooring, and other large ticket items). Try to keep these pieces in the neutral tones and patterns whether they are in warm or cool colors. By doing this they can last the any changes in your style and preferences over time. SECOND, choose a color inspiration item. This inspiration item could be the area rug, a throw pillow, a piece of art, a sculpture, or even a personal item that will reside in the room. THIRD, build your paint color palette from this inspiration item.

I feel like I am repeating myself and perhaps I’ve discussed this process in the past. However, I cannot say it enough…do not pick your paint color and THEN try to decorate the space around this color. It is far more difficult to match bedding, artwork, and accessories to a paint color on your wall than it is to choose the paint based one of these items.

For example the fabrics for the upholstery, curtains, and accessories as well as the rug are selected for a room as follows:

Based on these selections I would recommend a few different options. For a warm and cozy room pull the dark brown out of the patterned upholstery. For a cooler or fresher feeling pull the light gray out of the floral patterned upholstery. For a color palette that leans toward a monochromatic feeling (with a few color accents) select a shade of green that is somewhere within the same color family as all the shades of green found in the fabrics. And finally, for a more neutral selection a warm shade of creme found in the base of the floral upholstery would be the best option.

Hopefully this advice I am offering helps you…at least a little bit. If you aren’t sure and find yourself stuck in choosing a paint color simply send me an email at questions@theidesignbox.com with a digital image or link to an accessory that you are using as the inspiration item in your room. I’ll offer a few recommendations to point you in the right direction.

Happy Painting!

It is my quest to share with you that color can create an inspiring, desirable, and welcoming space. So I set out to see what the everyday person, may or may not be a designer, is doing with a space that does not include the color beige.  After browsing the top rated rooms on the HGTV website Rate My Space I found the following rooms to be very inspirational.

New York City Apartment: I chose this room for it’s creativity with wallpaper and pattern in a small space. What works is the simple color palette of three colors, repetition of print and decorative elements (i.e. bold graphic wallpaper, curtains, and pillows), and the use of a white sectional as the largest element in the room.

Spicy Kitchen: The next space is a winner for its use of spicy color in the kitchen. Shades of red increase the appetite and also create the psychological desire to linger over a long dinner. The unexpected element in this room that I found inspiring is the ceiling treatment. The linear lines create a grand sense of space and the fact that it is wood brings coziness to a welcoming family kitchen.

Contemporary Home Office: If color is still a little overwhelming to consider for your home, I highly recommend shades of gray as a neutral backdrop (in place of the common builder beige). This home office is successful for its soft palette of gray and white. The unexpected element that brings visual texture and, lets face it, excitement is the graphic zebra rug. The versatility of a rug is a great way to experiment with color and pattern in a room because it is a simple change you can make on a whim.

Artful  Home Office: Another inspirational home office and example of good use of a small space is this room. Repeating the art along the one wall adds a visual to the room that creates the illusion of a larger space. Keeping the color palette simple and use of repetition in the space makes the room feel larger. My favorite elementi s the throw pillows on the guest chairs. There are a lot of hard surfaces and square edges in the room and the pillows add a touch of softness.

Little Girl’s Bedroom: Last but not least, and most likely one of my favorites, is this sophisticated little girl’s room. While it is meant for a baby girl she can easily grow into this princess bed. The one element I am so glad is missing is the literal use of princess themed items. The soft colors, use of multiple patterns, soft surfaces, and grand chandelier makes you think of a princess without the actual presence of a tiara or cartoon character.

I’d love to see how you are using color in your home. Send photos to me at darcy@theidesignbox.com and I will share them in a future posting!

The fourth, and final color trend, in the series of Colormix 2010 from Sherwin Williams is a little bit of a throwback to the bright colors from the 80s with a 60s influence yet flirty, fun, and playful. The new color trend you will see this year, Refreshed, brings the feel of warm and sunny tropical days lying on the beach while enjoying a fru-fru drink with an umbrella. It’s easy to appreciate this trend while we are in the depths of winter.

The Refreshed color trend is perfect for a child’s room with its butterfly colors. There is a sense of optimism with a hint of a bohemian spirit. Additionally, three to four of these pallets of colors may be used at the same time as you can see in this child’s bedroom. 

While not specifically the exact shade of coral I couldn’t resist sharing this amazing octopus print fabric. It’s fun, a little bohemian, and the styling of this chair is straight out of the 60s just as this trend is also influenced by this period.

You will see tropical floral prints and graphic geometric patterns as found in this Jamaican Villa designed by Meg Braff. What I also appreciate about Meg Braff’s design is the exceptional use of this color trend yet the interior environment isn’t overwhelming with its bright colors. The use of this trend can still provide a sense of relaxation we psychologically associate with a tropical space.

Bright and juicy colors simply make you feel good, Refreshed, and may even inspire the desire for a great getaway. While we may not all be able to escape to a villa in St. Martin or Jamaica…perhaps infusing these colors into our bedroom, kitchen, or another relaxing part of the home will bring a smile to our face while we enjoy a little stay-cation where we live.

For more about Colormix 2010 from Sherwin Williams go to.

It has been rumored in the design community that gold is a new trend in 2010. We have seen shades of metallic return and evolve in various ways in our interiors over recent years.  However, gold has not been the the front runner…until now. Could gold be coming back due to the fact that 2010 is an Olympic year? Or perhaps it is simply because it is perceived as an uplifting color and in the wake of natural disasters like the earthquake in Haiti, a bad economy, and other signs of difficult times we could all use a little uplifting. Surrounding yourself with gold (i.e. a shade of yellow) can bring a sense of joy, vibrancy, and a feeling of promise. According to basic color theory it just makes you feel good.

I set out to look for shades of gold in readily accessible design and though I had to dig a little deep I was surprised at what I found. Just as we have infused cooler shades of  metallic into our homes in recent years you will find that gold and warm shades of mustard will appear in 2010 in the form of subtle accents.

A single piece of furniture…

A bedside lamp…

And even in our dinnerware and table linens…

Not so ready to commit to a metallic gold? This trend can also be seen in a return of shades of mustard and earthy tones of yellow…

As with any trend, it is easy to mix the new gold into your space if you keep it to the accessories and extras that add a little touch to your interior environment. Whether or not you like the new metallic trend of gold or a more subtle shade of mustard yellow it is sure to lift your spirits, bring a smile to your face, and even provide that little bit of winning attitude that goes a long way.

The third in a series of four Colormix color trends for 2010 from Sherwin Williams leans more toward the classically sophisticated side of things. The new color trend, Simplified, is mindful of classic art but not plain, dark, or too simplistic. You will see clean, tailored lines and materials that evoke a bit of softness to what could potentially be considered a style that is stark or cold.

Structure, shape, and the integrity of design are important to this color trend. There is an absence of ornamentation and definite attention to form and design.

Fashion often translates to and influences what we incorporate into the interiors of our home. Calvin Klein is a classic example of a fashion designer that influences the Simplifiedtrend. His ever present clean lines with the blend of current colors, materials, and the ability to understand good form and structure is why Calvin Klein style is forever a classic.

The colors are calm, soothing, and adapt well to their environment. Texture and shape add interest and there is an illusion of breezy volume.  Natural materials can weave their way into this trend as well.

All-in-all the Simplified color trend is connected to classic lines, art, with the added feeling of being current for the new decade. A nod to classic artist and Bauhaus school of thought on design the Simplified color trend is a perfect fusion of old and new.  

For more on Colormix 2010 visit Sherwin Williams.