Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year~ Marsala



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I should have seen the signs.....

The iridescent pomegranate jacket that reached it's arms out to me in the gift shop at Longwood Gardens (I resisted, but only long enough to have to pay shipping later on). The glasses of Malbec cradled in my hands over the holiday season. The enthusiastic encouragement to a client about Ben Moore's rich red titled Dinner Party (and with equal enthusiasm a chandelier that screamed, "Brass is Back, Baby!).

And, of course, I should have known because my heart color is Garnet Red. A heart color is not necessarily a color you wear out or even design with. It's more about an inner desire.

For me the stage was set this new year when Pantone introduced it's 2015 color of the year~ Marsala.  

I had been using it and contemplating it for years. As perhaps many of us have.

The adjectives go something like this: Heady, Complex, Earthy, Complete, Sensual, Intelligent, Delicious... well you get the point. But I think the one that speaks to me the most is Universal. 

We love Pantone for their forward thinking, unapologetic donation of color choices, but let's face it, we don't all look good in Emerald Green (the cast of Wizard of Oz as the exception).

This years color is the exception. This wine colored wonder actually looks just as good on men as it does on women.

 

It comfortably crosses geographic and ethnic backgrounds. Carrying a balanced mix of undertones, it is equally comfortable working with all colors. 

It brings about a balance, a tolerance, and a harmony. Perhaps it's giving Pantone a bit more credit, but I'm thinking they have hit upon a color for our times.

So, how do we invite this heavenly hue into our homes?

Well, a color of this nature will always be welcome to the dinner table (although the science of romance tells us that it would also be welcome in another room with horizontal surfaces).

Image from the Design Home

If an entire room seems a bit too ambitious, most of the housewares industry has picked up on how versatile this color will be. From warm stoneware  

Crate and Barrel

 

to cool coffee makers to even a collapsible filing rack, it's easy to sneak this sumptuous shade into your daily routine.





 

Anthropologie









I will be adding a collection of pillows into a clients home with some subtle wine colored tones weaved within the design. 



Surya~ To the Trade


Don't feel like you need to commit to that color alone. There are some fabulous color combinations coming out that balance out grounded nature of Marsala.



RealSimple.com

One of my favorites is adding a splash of aqua or orange to the mix. Think Sangria.




Found on Pinterest



Glassy Baby



Anthropologie

And if you are needed a little inner strength and affirmation, choose to slip a little Marsala on your finger or around your neck. 



Anthropologie


The shade brings strength, purpose, and decision. 

A former boyfriend once asked me what I would rather have for Christmas, a microwave or a garnet ring. While I was happy he saw I had a practical side, I am even happier that when I open my jewelry box, there is not a microwave in sight.




Found on Pinterest

Take Marsala out for run. Slide it across your lips, drape it around you, snuggle into it and let it work it's universal magic. I promise, it's going to grow on you.

Living in Color,

Renee

P.S. Don't for get to find us on Facebook and check out my new Pinterest board ~ Meet Marsala~ Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year.

Meet my friend Art!

Artwork by Rose Bryant

I love my friend Art. Want to know why? Because Art knows how to transform a space. Art doesn't need to be expensive, just good looking. And once you've met the right Art, it takes on a whole different meaning.

What am I really talking about? Artwork of course! No matter what your budget, the art that you choose for your walls can completely transform your space.

I really work hard with my clients to have the art they choose mean something. It doesn't have to be an original, it just has to be meaningful.

Know thy Medium. You don't have to have been an Art History Major (although having a son who was is awfully handy), to appreciate and feel good art when you see it.

Think about what attracts you on an emotional level and try to incorporate that into your room design. Are you very traditional, then you may lean toward oils. Connected to the local landscape then you may want something created by a local artist or photographer. Maybe you're the modern type, in which case something more abstract may tickle your fancy!  A trip to the local museum or gallery will work wonders for the senses. 



More stunning artwork by local artist Rose Bryant

I love shopping local for artwork. Not only because it's important to me to support local businesses, but because I often feel that there's more of a connection to the artwork.

One of my favorite local artists is Rose Bryant (pictured here).  Click here to see more of her work.


Artwork by Jay Schadler



Artwork by Jay Schadler

I also adore Jay Schadler, click here to see more of Jay's artistry.  These local artists create pieces that tell stories and they are so accessible to their clients.

Even if you are just starting out, you can afford great art work. Sites like Art.com have reasonably priced prints as well as Surya.com which is available only to the trade, so you'd need to work with your designer to find the right piece for you on that particular site. 

There are also some very popular "flash" sites like Joss and Main and Ones Kings Lane. On these sites you can find a great artist at a fraction of the original piece price.

Andrea Pramuk

Andrea Pramuk

For my latest cottage I was completely enamored with Andrea Pramuk. Visit One Kings Lane and search Andrea Pramuk to find more of her pieces. I found her work to be both curious and investigative. I wanted to travel into her artwork to see beyond what she had created.

Once you have found a few pieces that fit the bill, both in price and meaning, you need to determine where to hang it. Typically, gallery height is roughly 57" from the floor to the center of the picture. Perfect for my assistant and I, who are slightly vertically challenged, but a bummer for tall people, so maybe factor that in before you hang your artwork. There is nothing worse than when things are hung too high to look at, unless it's a purposeful arrangement.

Also consider interesting arrangements of artwork using different frame styles, mixing mediums and materials, using shelves to rest artwork on etc. Take a look at the Pinterest board I created with lots of inspiration and useful advice for how to arrange your art. Click here!



Photo credit http://knightmovesblog.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to assess your space. Do you have a large wall to fill? Or is it a "not so big" kind of space? Consider this, one small object on a large wall will look silly and maybe even a bit lonely, while a piece that is too big on a small wall will seem overwhelming. Aim for a balance of art and empty space.
 

The key is to make it express you..your feelings, your passions and your interests. There is no price tag on celebrating you!

Be sure to say hi to Art for me!

Best,
Renee

Go ahead, walk all over me!

That's right, I said "walk all over me!!" That's because this week we're talking rugs!!

Often times rugs can be the jumping off point in a room. It's easy to find the colors of your room in a vibrant rug. Other times rugs are used as a neutral backdrop for more dramatic furnishings and pillows. Whatever works!

There are so many choices sometimes it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Whenever I design a room, I always ask my client if they have an "inspiration piece". Something that they love so much that they either want to incorporate that piece into the room design, or they want to mimic the colors or style. Sometimes that inspiration piece is a rug, believe it or not! A certain floor covering may have the exact colors and style you want for your room, but you just don't know how to pull it all together.

If something other than a rug is your "inspiration piece" (which is often the case), then you need to decide what role that rug is going to play in your room. Is it a focal point? Or do you want it to balance your room and pull all of your other pieces together? Whatever the case is, there's a rug out there to suit your needs!

Dare to be a little different! There are tons of shapes and sizes to choose from these days. Think outside the box and go for squares and circles. There are even irregular shapes that add character and interest and become more works of art, like this one from Angela Adams.

I think that when it comes to rugs Angela Adams is brilliant! She's one of my favorite designers and is the master of imagination adding raised relief to her designs.

Ocean by Angela Adams

For example, I am using this rug in a seaside home. It's so lovely I think I can actually smell the salty air! (wouldn't that be amazing...I digress, sorry!!)

  

 



photo via YLDesign

Get creative and think about using rugs on the walls. It just might surprise you how fun this looks. Check out this +Pinterest board that's got some great ideas for hanging your favorite rug! Click here to see the board!


The Liora Goldfish Blue Carpet Square from CB2

 
Rugs can spark the imagination and tell a story. I am actually using this little rug from +CB2   in an upcoming cottage design! I love the feeling it evokes, and the colors are divine!


Of course, material is very important to consider. Know thy Family (and friends and pets). If you know you have a high traffic area with lots of little (and big feet) consider a more durable nylon or man made material. I love using indoor/outdoor rugs for under dining room tables and kids play areas. +Grandin Road  has great, colorful and affordable options.  Check them out by clicking here!


If you are looking for a more flexible option, I would recommend you check out Flor. Their styles are always at the forefront of playful, durable designs. Wine spill, muddy feet, cat brought in something it shouldn't have? No worries, just pick up the individual tile, wash it off and slap it back down. When you are ready for a new design, you can pack up the old tiles and ship them off, knowing that they will be reused in another rug (minus what the cat dragged in).


Nothing beats natural material under foot, so when you can, use wool. It is a wonderfully strong, luxurious material that becomes a family heirloom. Some of my favorite companies to purchase from are Surya and +Company C. They have made it easy to find what you are looking for by allowing you to search by size, color, material, etc.!


Citrus by Susan Sargent



I also love Susan Sargent rugs because they practically vibrate with unique and whimsical colors.


Lake Placid by MAT

MAT is another favorite of mine, especially because they have a strong history of environmentally friendly, fair trade products that are as easy on the world as they are under foot. 

Can't find the size you need? No fear. Consider having a broadloom bound. Many wall to wall floor coverings can be cut to size and bound with or without a border.  One of my all time favorites is the decadent, tactile carpet Shangri-La from +Masland Carpets.

I used this rug in my assistants family room because they wanted the beauty of hardwoods, but still needed something cozy to lay on for movie nights! It is also my number one choice for an area rug in a bedroom. It is warm and soft underfoot with just a little bounce.  Trust me, you will actually look forward to getting up in the middle of the night :)

It's a lot to consider when choosing a floor covering for your room. But I think once you decide what role your rug will play in your room design - focal point vs. neutral - you will easily find something to suit your needs.

Warmly (& softly underfoot!),

Renee

Home is where your mom is...

Homes are like moms, reliable, strong and beautiful. That said, your home should be that place that wraps you in a warm hug, it's always there for you when you need it, it holds you quietly when need be, or let's you be loud when the spirit moves you. It loves you even when you aren't loving it back (for the moment).  And just like your mother, your home can sometimes get overlooked, because it's so reliable and you know it (or she) will always be there for you. Sometimes we simply forget to stop and give it a little love.

Maybe this weekend, for Mother's Day, it's time to show your mom, and your home how much they are loved and appreciated!

After you've celebrated mom, how about a little something for your own home? Perhaps an inexpensive refresh!?

Here are a few of my latest, and greatest favorite finds.

I'm loving this beautiful fabric by Duralee. The orange creates a great pop of color & Mr. Octopus is just so cool!

If orange is not your thing, these pillows from +West Elm have a softer tone, but will work well with pretty much any color décor and they still feel fresh & summery.

Pair them with this cool daybed from +West Elm and you've got yourself a cozy place to relax with a good book...or a nap!

If you're looking to add some POP! of color, these should do the trick for you!

A knitted yellow pouf from +CB2 

 I love how this rug from Surya pulls together so many colors. The possibilities are endless!

 

Add some artwork, also from Surya, and a pretty blue lamp from +angelo:HOME Store and you've got a fresh new look!






So here's to celebrating all those strong, reliable moms and homes who are all so beautiful on the inside and out!

Best,

Renee