Design Psychie: Feelings of Fall

The leaves start falling, the temperature is changing, you can definitely tell, Fall is in the air. It just so happens this is one of my favorite seasons! I can't help but get a little excited to carve pumpkins, wear sweaters and enjoy some cooler weather.  But also with Fall comes a change in the colors that surround us. Take a look at these two panels of colors. Which one "feels" more like fall to you?

The second one, right?! Its because during the cooler months or as temperatures become cooler we tend to gravitate towards colors with a warmer undertone. It has a opposites attract method.

Red, yellow and orange tend to be the most common "warm tones" and any other color that has red or yellow as its undertone makes it a warm tone. For example look at that shade of green in the center of the second panel. It was far more yellow in it than blue, making it a warm green and not a cool green.

So why warm colors? Here are some of the emotional affects warm colors have on us:

Red:

• gentle
• warmth
• comfort
• life

Yellow:

• happiness
• laughter
• cheery
• warmth
• optimism

 Orange:

• warmth
• wealth prosperity
• sophistication
• change

So I say thank you to warm tones, for creating such positive feelings.  No wonder I like Fall so much!

Family Room Color Scheme

I have owned this rug for about 6, maybe 7 years. I love it! I love the color scheme & the pattern. Design tip: Find a piece that you love & build your room around it! I was able to pull accent colors out of this rug for the living room in my old house and now the basement family room in my new one. 

 I loved the rusty coral of this pillow, which I used for years, however I was never fully satisfied with the pillow in general. I wanted to freshen up my color scheme and give an updated feel to my family room while still keeping the color scheme. Design tip: Many store sell pillow covers in a variety of sizes. Hobby Lobby and Ikea are 2 off the top of my head. This cover was purchased at Hobby Lobby for $6.99. I payed $3.50 for it because every other week or so they are 50% off; just check their website for sales and 40% off coupons. I stuffed my old pillow in this new cover... and voila! A fresh new look for very little money and very little time!

 -B.Ballard

Picking a Color Scheme: 5 Tips For Choosing Color.

So many times, I walk into a home and everything is white, beige, tan, brown, cream, and oatmeal, layered on top of each other, with either a little blue or red thrown in. I'm not sure what it is with blue and red but they seem to be the color of choice. Personally I say, save the red for Christmas. Anyways I thought I would share a few tips on how I choose a color scheme to decorate a space.

5 Tips For Choosing Color 

1. Find an inspiration piece, like this amazing chair from Z Gallery.

2. It is much easier to find paint to go with furniture than the other way around. In this day and age paint comes in every bold, bright, muted, fun, crazy, calming, color you can think of. Not to mention every shade of that color as well.

3. Think out side the box. there is no rule against having two bold colors. In fact having more than one can add a little life to the room

4. Balance. Find a combination of light and heavy. In this collection a tangerine orange and an emerald green will add a little weight to the room, giving it a strong foundation. The grey and golds are far lighter, helping fill the room by complimenting the other colors rather than consuming them and becoming overbearing.

5. Don't be afraid. Color can go any where in a room. For a more conservative look use color in your accent pillows or home accessories. For a more bold look use the heavier colors on your walls or in strong statement pieces.

Color is one of the best ways to make your room feel like yours, so be adventurous and incorporate your favorite colors into your next space.

-B. Petersen

One Fine Day In The Emerald City!

According to the very trusted and reliable source of pantone.com, Emerald is the "IT" color this year. How spectacular is that?! What is even better, are the accent color trends this spring. Home accessories are going to be so much fun with this color pallet. Here are a few I have discovered and can not wait to use is some design plans.

Top left to right:

• Linen: Baxton Studio, Sussex Linen Loveseat: 899.99
• Lemon Zest: Pier 1, Cabana Geometric Pillow: 20.00
• Nectorine: Hayneedle, Collegiate Locker: 79.89
• Poppy Red: www.homedecorators.com, Kerby Area Run:699.00
• African Violet: Crate & Barrel, Marimekko Pippurikera Wisteria Bedding:119.00

Bottom left to right:

• Emerald: Lamps Plus, Ovo Table Lamp: 99.99
• Tender Shoots: onlinefabricstore.net
• Greyed Jade: Dwell Studios, Gate Rug: 347.00
• Dusk Blue: www.efurnitureshowroom.com, Ikat Fabric Accent Chair: 297.70
• Monaco Blue: etsy.com, Colorblock pillow by JillianRenee Decor: 45.00

There you have it, just a little sampling of the amazing things you can find in the hottest colors of this season. Hope you are as excited as I am.

-B.Petersen