It seems as though the eternal battle in the family dwelling is not between siblings or spouses, but rather between Design & Functionality. We all desire a space to be visually appealing, but at what cost? Can a Minimalist dwelling be adequate for 4 children who own every Spongebob Squarepants toy on the market? Can a French Country kitchen provide the storage space needed for a master chef moving about like a whirlwind? Where does style confront substance and is there a point where the two of them unite to face the challenges of the home?
The solution Moderation & Balance - Moderation - Anything, including design, can be deadly if not taken in moderation. If you love cupcakes, go ahead and eat one...maybe two...pushing it on three. Twenty or thirty though, and you will most likely end up flat on your back on a gurney (en route to the hospital) or doubled over in pain in the restroom! An overly designed space puts too much focus on how things look and not how they function. It is all well and good to have a beautiful space but when it doesn't meet the needs of the person living in the space what good is it? . We long for the handsome white marble countertops not thinking about our four kids who would give it "patina" as soon as the installers walked out the door or a gleaming hardwood floor that our dogs are giving "character" to with their chasing games. It is important to make design choices that fit not only our lives but our personalities as well. For example a feature or fixture that requires constant maintenance is best suited to a type A personality who has the diligence to make it what it ought to be. They may be able to pull off spaces that the rest of us can only drool over in a magazine. And a comfortably "lived in" design would only drive that personality type bananas.
We have to truthfully analyze not only the way we live but also what we actually want to gain from the space. If you want a tranquil oasis from a hectic life, don't fill up your space with "stuff", instead de-clutter for a serene feeling. On the other hand, if you want to achieve a comfortable put-your-feet-on-the-table sort of atmosphere you might leave a few purpose driven accessories to enhance the feel. Balance - The rolling meadows in all their beautiful glory, do not impress us with just the colors and textures that they provide, but also the life and interaction that they support. We want to see the butterflies dancing around the flowers...we want to hear the birds singing their songs...we want to smell the sweet nectar of the wildflowers that seems to make the bees go crazy.
Showing posts with label Colour Trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colour Trends. Show all posts
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Design Basics Moderation & Balance
It seems as though the eternal battle in the family dwelling is not between siblings or spouses, but rather between Design & Functionality. We all desire a space to be visually appealing, but at what cost? Can a Minimalist dwelling be adequate for 4 children who own every Spongebob Squarepants toy on the market? Can a French Country kitchen provide the storage space needed for a master chef moving about like a whirlwind? Where does style confront substance and is there a point where the two of them unite to face the challenges of the home?
The solution Moderation & Balance - Moderation - Anything, including design, can be deadly if not taken in moderation. If you love cupcakes, go ahead and eat one...maybe two...pushing it on three. Twenty or thirty though, and you will most likely end up flat on your back on a gurney (en route to the hospital) or doubled over in pain in the restroom! An overly designed space puts too much focus on how things look and not how they function. It is all well and good to have a beautiful space but when it doesn't meet the needs of the person living in the space what good is it? . We long for the handsome white marble countertops not thinking about our four kids who would give it "patina" as soon as the installers walked out the door or a gleaming hardwood floor that our dogs are giving "character" to with their chasing games. It is important to make design choices that fit not only our lives but our personalities as well. For example a feature or fixture that requires constant maintenance is best suited to a type A personality who has the diligence to make it what it ought to be. They may be able to pull off spaces that the rest of us can only drool over in a magazine. And a comfortably "lived in" design would only drive that personality type bananas.
We have to truthfully analyze not only the way we live but also what we actually want to gain from the space. If you want a tranquil oasis from a hectic life, don't fill up your space with "stuff", instead de-clutter for a serene feeling. On the other hand, if you want to achieve a comfortable put-your-feet-on-the-table sort of atmosphere you might leave a few purpose driven accessories to enhance the feel. Balance - The rolling meadows in all their beautiful glory, do not impress us with just the colors and textures that they provide, but also the life and interaction that they support. We want to see the butterflies dancing around the flowers...we want to hear the birds singing their songs...we want to smell the sweet nectar of the wildflowers that seems to make the bees go crazy.
The solution Moderation & Balance - Moderation - Anything, including design, can be deadly if not taken in moderation. If you love cupcakes, go ahead and eat one...maybe two...pushing it on three. Twenty or thirty though, and you will most likely end up flat on your back on a gurney (en route to the hospital) or doubled over in pain in the restroom! An overly designed space puts too much focus on how things look and not how they function. It is all well and good to have a beautiful space but when it doesn't meet the needs of the person living in the space what good is it? . We long for the handsome white marble countertops not thinking about our four kids who would give it "patina" as soon as the installers walked out the door or a gleaming hardwood floor that our dogs are giving "character" to with their chasing games. It is important to make design choices that fit not only our lives but our personalities as well. For example a feature or fixture that requires constant maintenance is best suited to a type A personality who has the diligence to make it what it ought to be. They may be able to pull off spaces that the rest of us can only drool over in a magazine. And a comfortably "lived in" design would only drive that personality type bananas.
We have to truthfully analyze not only the way we live but also what we actually want to gain from the space. If you want a tranquil oasis from a hectic life, don't fill up your space with "stuff", instead de-clutter for a serene feeling. On the other hand, if you want to achieve a comfortable put-your-feet-on-the-table sort of atmosphere you might leave a few purpose driven accessories to enhance the feel. Balance - The rolling meadows in all their beautiful glory, do not impress us with just the colors and textures that they provide, but also the life and interaction that they support. We want to see the butterflies dancing around the flowers...we want to hear the birds singing their songs...we want to smell the sweet nectar of the wildflowers that seems to make the bees go crazy.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Epoxy Paint for Your Garage Floor
Epoxy paint on a garage floor is a great way to protect it. It is probably the most common finish people apply to their concrete flooring. There is a lot of work involved in doing this job although it certainly can be done in a weekend by most do-it-yourselfers. You can always hire a contractor if you are not comfortable with this type of work or you just do not have the time. If you are going to take on the job of applying epoxy paint on your garage floor then you need to wait for a day in which the weather is good enough to keep the door open for ventilation. Not only do you require ventilation but also the proper protective clothing is also required. This includes protective eyewear, rubber gloves, long sleeve shirt and pants as well. There is a lot of preparation required before applying epoxy paint on the garage floor. Once the job is complete and it is done right then it can look very nice, you will be impressed at the result. This type of paint is a long lasting product that is applied to concrete because of its resistance to grease, oil and pretty much anything else that will stain a concrete floor. There are a number of supplies and tools that you will need to apply epoxy paint on a garage floor. Here is a list of the things you will need if doing the job yourself:
* Water resistant nylon rollers
* Concrete repair compound
* Garden hose with good spray nozzle
* Hard bristled scrub brush
* Cleaner with bleach
* Epoxy paint
Make sure you read the instructions on the paint can, it is very important that you follow the directions because this is a job that must be done correctly. Once of the most important aspects of this job is the part of getting the floor prepared before applying the epoxy paint on the garage floor. If it is not properly prepared then the epoxy will not stick properly.
* Water resistant nylon rollers
* Concrete repair compound
* Garden hose with good spray nozzle
* Hard bristled scrub brush
* Cleaner with bleach
* Epoxy paint
Make sure you read the instructions on the paint can, it is very important that you follow the directions because this is a job that must be done correctly. Once of the most important aspects of this job is the part of getting the floor prepared before applying the epoxy paint on the garage floor. If it is not properly prepared then the epoxy will not stick properly.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Color Trends For Your Home Decoration Furniture Bedroom
Decorating your home does not need to be trendy, but it should be current, comfortable, and totally you! Some color choices work for one person, while others capture someone else's fancy. Forecasting color is really a trend that follows the fashion world. Colors that look good on people are generally easy to incorporate into your home's décor. Many are experiencing an economic downturn and therefore we are trying to make home improvements without breaking the bank! Paint and color choice is the perfect way to create a mood and update. As with anything else, take these ideas loosely and work with what you have and what you like! Strong colors. Remember back a couple of years when you could not walk into a house and not see a red dining room. Everyone embraced this color in the dining room for a number of reasons. It is very bold, and you did not live in your dining room- only visited it- so the color was not too overwhelming. Red was supposed to make you hungry, so the dining room was a natural choice. All of the other colors were soft in comparison- flooring, woodwork, fabrics, and therefore did not fight with the bold red. This strong color movement has moved out of the dining area and into the powder room. Again, a room that is not "lived "in, and can be shut off. Generally there is a lot of white fixtures here, so be bold with that color! Eggplant purple, chocolate brown, deep greens and blues all work in this tiny space. It's daring, but really current and attractive!
Soothing colors. The soothing colors of surf and sand (blues and browns) are still going very strong. Soft blues paired with stronger browns are used in bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms. Soft blues can be incorporated even into the ceiling color, thus evoking the feeling of a sky. These colors tend to slow us down, so use them in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. They are harder to use in kitchen/dining areas, but a strong blue and yellow scheme is still attractive in this area.
Natural colors. Take a step outside and enjoy the landscape. Look around and find inspiration in what you see in your garden, neighboring park, and forests. The mixture of greens, browns, and vibrant flower tones work well together. Bring that look into your house. The fresh green of a blade of spring grass paired with the browns of a tree trunk and the golds of yellow twig dogwood are very striking and easy to live with. Use natural fibers and organic items in this décor. It's a perfect mix for a great room or family area. In fact, most of your accessorizing can be found right outside your door! This color combination lends itself to changing seasonally, so if you want to change your look often, start with the natural tones of greens, browns, and golds. Use these color combinations to inspire your next project. Try a bold color in a closet if a large space is too extreme. Take a trendy turn in a guest bedroom where you can enjoy it on a limited basis. Or go all out, and re-do your living space-after all, its just paint!
Tags: Color Chart Meaning of Colors Color Wheel Color Guide Color Theory Color Palette Color Names Color Table Color Therapy Paint Colors Color Psychology Definition of Color Web Colors Primary Colors Coloring
Soothing colors. The soothing colors of surf and sand (blues and browns) are still going very strong. Soft blues paired with stronger browns are used in bedrooms, living areas, and bathrooms. Soft blues can be incorporated even into the ceiling color, thus evoking the feeling of a sky. These colors tend to slow us down, so use them in rooms where you want to relax and unwind. They are harder to use in kitchen/dining areas, but a strong blue and yellow scheme is still attractive in this area.
Natural colors. Take a step outside and enjoy the landscape. Look around and find inspiration in what you see in your garden, neighboring park, and forests. The mixture of greens, browns, and vibrant flower tones work well together. Bring that look into your house. The fresh green of a blade of spring grass paired with the browns of a tree trunk and the golds of yellow twig dogwood are very striking and easy to live with. Use natural fibers and organic items in this décor. It's a perfect mix for a great room or family area. In fact, most of your accessorizing can be found right outside your door! This color combination lends itself to changing seasonally, so if you want to change your look often, start with the natural tones of greens, browns, and golds. Use these color combinations to inspire your next project. Try a bold color in a closet if a large space is too extreme. Take a trendy turn in a guest bedroom where you can enjoy it on a limited basis. Or go all out, and re-do your living space-after all, its just paint!
Tags: Color Chart Meaning of Colors Color Wheel Color Guide Color Theory Color Palette Color Names Color Table Color Therapy Paint Colors Color Psychology Definition of Color Web Colors Primary Colors Coloring
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Power Colour Combinations
Power color Combinations: Color effects human behaviour and feelings in the home, as they do in art. Beyond pastel colour palettes encouraging calm and relaxation, certain colour combos produce even greater connotations. Take for example, primary colours (red, blue and yellow) when used together suggest a youth-oriented appearance, while jewel tones such as deep purple and royal blue indicate a regal and formal environment. There are limitless colour possibilities when it comes to your home’s décor. For those who are not shy about colour, here are a few power colour combinations to inspire the imagination:
Black and White
Some people may argue that black and white are not actual colours, however for decorating purposes they certainly are, and bold ones at that when combined together. Black represents power, formality and sophistication. White exemplifies purity, innocence, and simplicity. Decorating in black and white creates a unique and striking look for any room. Think houndstooth or of the balance of the yin-yang when putting a room together, therefore try to mix and match. Patterns work well in black and white, whether it’s on wallpaper, area rugs or lamps. To take the look to the next level, throw in a precious few fire-engine red accessories.
Burgundy and Gold
This colour combination glimmers of opulence. Think old Hollywood Glamour with velvet drapes and gold tassels or two-tone burgundy striped furniture with gold grommets. Burgundy may be too dark a paint tint for an entire room, depending on room size, however burgundy as one accent wall would work well, with the other walls a warm golden colour. Combining burgundy and gold in a wallpaper pattern could also be quite lovely.
Green and Pink
Green is a far underrated colour. There’s something about green that soothes the soul; it could be that it represents nature, wealth and good luck. From lime to emerald to army green, there will be a green that catches your eye. Compliment your green décor with a hint of pink. Look to spring tulips for inspiration. Depending on how daring you are will determine the shades of green and pink to use. One could use a bright leaf green on the walls and really add pizzazz with one fuchsia pink accessory such as a throw pillow. If that’s not quite your style, try a pale pistachio for bed linens and rose pink pillow shams. This colour combo would also work very well in a nursery.
Blue and Saffron
Blue symbolizes harmony, confidence and peace, while Saffron embodies sunlight, earth and happiness, These colours enhance each other, despite not being exactly opposing colours on the colour wheel. This combination is often seen in European pottery and as such they work exceptionally well in the kitchen. That’s not to say one couldn’t do this in a family or bed room. Saffron has such a warm feel it would do well in any room and balancing it with blue will help complete the look. Look to blue and white striped linens and saffron coloured walls or blue floral wallpaper with saffron coloured furnishings—Oprah’s guest seating on her studio stage is this colour. Who said you couldn’t have saffron leather in the living room?
Gray and Lilac
Although both gray and lilac are light in hue, combined together they create a delicately sensual ambience. Gray signifies elegance and balance, while lilac denotes spirituality and creativity. Taking inspiration from the pairing of a gray vest with a lilac button-down, imagine lilac walls with crisp gray linens or a gray tablecloth with lilac napkins. Try a monocromatic gray room (by varying grays in darkness, lightness, and textures) with a few bold lilac items such as lampshades, a throw blanket and a painting on the wall.
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