Color, Pattern & Texture, Oh My

Colors, patterns and textures add depth and dimension to an interior space whether it’s a home, office or retail space.

Colors have a psychology all of their own and should be selected with great consideration for how the space will be used. For example, avoid using reds in a shared bedroom or office as red stirs emotions like anger and conflict. Greens are safe for bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and offices as green induces senses of calmness and prosperity.

Patterns can be tricky for those that find it difficult to visualize a pattern or print in a space and/or have fear around a long term design commitment. It’s common to hesitate when choosing a pattern or print especially if it comes at a cost. Most of the time the budget is better spent in another area, however, decided on a minimal print or pattern may be a great solution.

Textures such as upholstery, pillows, blankets, area rugs, rustic flooring, window treatments and seagrass wallpaper add dimension to a space while creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. This is a great technique to use if a space is feeling cold and sterile. Adding a basket, plants and a candle to an otherwise stark room can add much needed visual and actual texture.

Take a look around your home and answer the questions to see where the potential lies to make your space feel warm and inviting;

1. When I walk in the front door after a long day, do I feel like my home is hugging me?

2. Does this room support or inspire me to focus on my health and personal goals?

3. What do I love most about my favorite restaurant, hotel or friend’s house?

Photo by: Taylor Heery @taylorheeryphoto

Photo by: Alevision.co @alervisionco

Photo by: Emmanuel Ben-Paul @beepeax

Photo by: Olga Kozachenko @olgakozachenko

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

This weekend take a look at the lighting around the house to check for efficiency and proper accent lighting for special areas. Make sure the task lighting is bright enough to reduce eye strain and soft enough as to not induce headaches. For accent lighting, find areas of interest and use directional lighting to cast a subtle spotlight. Adjusting accent lighting will make your favorite areas stand out as you pass through creating some intrigue. For inspiration on directional and accent lighting, visit a specialty market or shop to see how the lighting is adjusted to highlight featured products. This type of lighting is typically more yellow than blue creating warmth and an inviting feeling. Once you open your eyes to the lighting around you and the lighting that lures you to products, your eye for lighting will forever be changed. You’re welcome!

Light It Up

Lighting is so important to an interior space. Choosing the appropriate lighting sets the mood and dictates emotions that will set the tone for the rest of the rooms that are connected. How do you want your space to feel?

Here are 3 types of lighting for the home and office; ambient, task and accent lighting.

Photo by: Etienne Girardet @etiennegirardet

• ambient lighting - evenly provided lights to a room such as a chandelier or LED lights

• task lighting - specific lights targeted for an activity like a desk lamp

• accent lighting - provides directional lighting and spotlights a particular items or artwork

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Photo by: Inside Hughes @insidehuges

Sofa shopping! Shopping for furniture can be fun and stressful at the same time considering all that is necessary in making choices instead of just what you find attractive. Measurements end up being a deciding factor when dealing with a small space so compromises are needed. The fun part is testing the comfortability of beds, chairs and sofas, WEEEE. This weekend, whether you’re in the market for a new sofa or not, go polish your sofa judging skills. Casually doing comfort tests with furniture that you’ve only admired from magazines or your screens will help narrow down the choices for when you’re actually on the hunt for new pieces. It’s a much more enjoyable process when you’re not under the pressure of making a potentially pricey decision on the spot. Simply inform the salesperson you’re in the early stages of testing out the sofas and you will not be making a purchase today.

My recommendation is to try the Cloud Sofa from Restoration Hardware (be sure to leave all credit cards at home). The Cloud Sofa is so far the most comfortable and expensive sofa I have tried and yes, I was hypnotized by its magnificence that I briefly considered selling my soul and ruining my credit score. Thankfully, it was too large for my space at the time or I would still be paying that bad boy off today. Practice self-control and move in the research mode to enjoy the testing only process!

Mid-Century Sofas

Mid-century sofas are long, lean, symmetrical and sturdy. The structure of a mid-century sofa has proven its longevity through the decades with many of them having multiple facade upgrades over time.

Photo by: Phillip Goldsberry @phillipgold

Choosing a mid-century sofa can be cost effective if you shop at the right thrift or second hand vendors. Of course this process with take time and patience and a really good upholsterer.

First, measure your space to see if it can accommodate a long and sometimes deeper mid-century sofa. Have an idea of the type of upholstery fabric and color would be fitting for the overall look of the room in case the sofa appears and needs a fabric face lift. If going through this process seems daunting, there are plenty of retailers like All Modern sell mid-century inspired sofas. Good luck and don’t forget to enjoy and even document your process. It’s a great way to look back and feel a sense of accomplishment even if you purchase a newer version of a classic piece.