May 10

Conquering the Fear of Color – A Q&A Interview with Patti

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, apartments, architecture, artistic expression, bar, bars and restaurants, beauty behold it, blue and white, branding in interior design, breweries, Centerpieces, chairs, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, color of light, color Q&A, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, Contrasting colors, corporate branding, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, custom furniture, dark colors, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design Q&A, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designing a new home, designs in nature, DIY design, drama of color, eclectic design, eclecticism, element of surprise in design, fabrics, favorite colors, good design, good taste, graphic designs in interiors, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design pro-tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, living with color, logo development, logos, modern cabinets, modern interiors, paint colors, painted cabinets, painted furniture, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a new home, planning a remodel, Q&A, re-upholstery, remodeling, reupholstery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, tile, timeless colors, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design, white color schemes, white kitchens /

The serenity of neutral color schemes has a significant place in interior design. However, it is more about the fear of color that I approach this article today. Committing to color arrests most people – they want it and admire it but are fearful about selecting and committing to bold colors.

Beautiful neutrals are a color all to themselves. Layers of whites, creams, grays offer sophisticated schemes.

However, that is not all that causes clients to reach out for assistance. Even if they have made a decision about taking the leap, it is how much, where and with what or to what the color is applied or occurs.

A white kitchen receives a patchwork of blue and white Talavera tile as a backdrop adding depth and interest.

In addition, upon closer inspection, we have incorporated a fine detail of an aqua glazed Spanish tile running horizontally and vertically through the patterned tiles.

I remember when architect Antoine Predock’s project for United Blood Services in Albuquerque https://bit.ly/3LBQbDv made a splash – a really RED splash when he stuccoed the entire exterior brazenly brilliant, bold, blood red! It was astonishing – astonishingly effective!!! https://bit.ly/3NNQihd If a picture speaks a thousand words, color is right there in conveying remarkable communications.

From branding to personal style, color is key.

The addition of our tongue and groove walnut wall established the theme for the rest of the furniture in this interior.

With freedom to select colors for this new brand, the signage and interior finishes all contribute to a unified statement using a dark cadet blue, warm gold, and caramel colors throughout the space.

From T-shirts to interior finishes, the brand is reflected and reiterated in colors throughout.

My staff recently investigated information from projects. They posed questions and gathered observations regarding my use of color. Photos, at the end illustrate some specific color decisions and why. The resulting questions and answers are as follows:

Patti Hoech‘s design practice has been and continues to be an exploration and emphasis of the subtleties and strengths of color. It is an integral part of her work. We wanted to know why and when she discovered this specialization in her design sensitivity and how it relates to her approach to effective design decisions. We are asking clients and colleagues to pose questions to get the answers.

Why is color so important?

Patti Says: Color is power and peace. Color is important on so many levels – personal joy (or aversion), perceived temperature, brand identification, seasonal interactions, emphasis, and contrast. Color is everywhere. Understanding and harnessing it for specific purposes is key.

This new backsplash had a specific purpose, which was to acknowledge the existing rust-colored porcelain sink and the intensely green marble stone countertops. By pulling those two colors into the tile selection so strongly and interspersing other colors that complemented the palette, the result was an effectively unifying design detail.

How do you determine the color specifics for your projects?

Patti Says: What color brings you joy? What color tells your story? Interviewing clients about their color preferences – being an important question begins the dialog regarding what colors to incorporate and why. This can be personal preferences or aversions or specific colors relating to branding whether it is new or existing. Also, existing fixed design/architectural elements might also play a significant part in developing an effective color scheme.

This couple wanted turquoise and other blue tones to weave through their interior. By selecting a neutral backdrop in the floors and walls, it allowed the accent color to punctuate the space from several key pieces of fabric and finishes.

Do you believe color affects the lives of your clients in their homes and workplaces?

Patti Says: Absolutely!! Color can insert many subliminal effects that impose on people’s perception of a space or graphic. Color can evoke emotion, instill comfort or agitation, rekindle memories, spur appetite, affect perceived temperature. It can embed recall for commercial brands. Color can be a clever tool.

In this interior for Boba Tea, we played with the colors of the flavors and the multi-colored tiles to correlate to the fun experience of sucking the tapioca pearls.

How do you navigate color trends?

Patti Says: Trends are necessary to keep our market moving. Capitalism is based on consumer activity, and nothing generates purchasing frenzies like stimulating new trends in the market. However, basing design decisions on trends must take into consideration the intended longevity of the design. Much of color trends are based upon pairings and combinations of color. It is those combinations that can “date” a color scheme – not so much a specific color. It is how, where and with what it is used that pegs it.

A classic, well-balanced color combination of blue, white, and yellow is a comfortable warm and cool with a neutral that transcends trends. Fabrics and finishes contribute to how one updates a classic color scheme.

Do you feel you are a forecaster or influencer?

Patti Says: I believe that I have imparted and am still providing thoughtful, challenging color consultation to my commercial and residential clients. Having prospective clients request designs based upon others that we have produced is telling and flattering. It means they have confidence in the decisions regarding long-lasting color schemes – if not timeless, in some cases. However, it must be said that design elements that present the color often determine – in many ways – how well a selected color or color scheme “holds up” over time. Considerations regrading patterns, materials, and elements can and might be either improved or modified over time while maintaining the same color scheme. Forecasting anticipates color trends. I have successfully influenced clients to make selections based upon an anticipation of future color directions in the market or merely go with classic combinations that have been proven over time. . .

Playing off the colors in this corporate logo, the interior design reflects and further strengthens the brand. This company invited us to design various locations in three different states over the course of several years. The interiors have held up against the ravages of changing trends and market directives.

What has influenced your appreciation for and interpretation of color in design?

Patti Says: It started at an early age. Observing the world around me. Nature, architecture, decorative arts (china, textiles, artwork), fashion, logos/brands, trends, regional colors, seasonal colors, cycles of color…Pinks, turquoises, yellows of buildings in the West Indies, bold color statements of Mexico…Color is profoundly important and signature in its application. From fish to birds, flowers to leaves – color captivates me and urges me to find words to express it and continue to have it a primary part of my descriptive vocabulary. As an omnipresent element in the design process, color is unavoidable, but to enjoy it so fully and embrace the limitless range of options is an exciting artist’s pallet of possibilities which stimulates me at every turn.

The magic of color on architectural exteriors can be amazing. Here in Burano, Italy my dear friend captured the colors! Similar to what we see in Guanajuato, Mexico and the sunny islands of the West Indies.

I attribute much of my color awareness to my mother. I remember being greatly influenced by her sense of color and design. Her sensitivity and talent were innate. She selected fabrics that had unusual color and pattern combinations. When orange, avocado, brown, and gold prevailed in the 60s and 70s, she selected the olives with chartreuse and gold for the less formal areas of our lives and leaned into Lily Pulitzer’s dynamic colors and patterns for her clothing and a pastel version of soft pinks and verdant greens for our more formal areas. The master suite was primarily yellow with beautiful bits of blues. Beach scenes always emphasized blues and greens. Nothing in our world was on common trend, but an artful interpretation of color combinations, eclecticism and comfort. Pairings of orange and brown were never her happy place nor was gold and brown. But orange and PINK – YES! Pink and green especially! And browns were recognized in context with stone shades of greys and tans. I believe that sense was greatly influenced by richly organic, textured stone walls of the West Indies – Danish architecture in the tropics where limitless colors of greens and blues punctuated with flowers were all around.

As a result of this of this early introduction to the value of color, my personal spaces reflected similar sensitivities. Beginning with pink in the early years I graduated into blues, turquoise and greens for my teen years. The final scheme, in my room in the home in which I grew up, was a dusty pink, clay, and mocha-rose. No one in my world had that color scheme in the late 70s and it was difficult to assemble. It helped that I worked part time in a design showroom in Georgetown where handling the amazing abundance of fabulous fabrics was a daily inspiration. Throughout my life experiences color has been a constant distraction. Not in a bad way, but rather a noticeable, unavoidable interruption that causes me to pause and take note. Ask anyone who knows me – I stop and remark about color at every turn. For better or worse, I comment on color. It is a deep appreciation that I enjoy sharing. And the most rewarding is discovering color for clients who yearn for it but don’t quite know how to find and use that which would make them feel the joy of color!

A dear friend in Mexico recently took a leap in selecting an accent color for his seaside villa. Once an all white interior, which was lovely and fresh, he wanted a new look that provided contrast and strengthened his color theme. The yellow accents made me smile when he unveiled his new look!

Color plays a major role in discovering and expressing personal style. Fear not – color is your friend. Find your style. Live your style. Love your Style.

Nov 15

Color Scheme Tips

By pattisays In Arita pottery, art and interior design, art as gift ideas, artistic expression, artistic imagery, artistic talent, artists, autumnal design, beach design, beauty behold it, building blocks, ceramic, color and temperature re: interior design, color classes, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, comfortable colors, commercial interior design, Contemporary Art, contemporary fabrics, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing a new home, designing with a purpose, designs in nature, DIY design, drama of color, eclectic design, eclecticism, fabric design, fabrics, favorite colors, floral paintings, flowers in design, functional art, glass art, good design, good taste, handcraft, handmade, handmade tableware, hiring an interior designer, home decor, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design pro-tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, interior paint, Japanese pottery, living with color, modern interiors, natural designs, nature, new home design, paint colors, painters, peaceful places, personal expression, personal spaces, personal taste, planning a new home, planning a remodel, pottery, practical design, public design, public spaces, re-upholstery, Refresh, Regional design, relaxation, remodeling, reupholstery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, seasonal interior design, Subscribers, sunflowers, table top, tableware, textile design, textiles, textures, timeless colors, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design / 1

Color schemes are limitless. The permutations are endless. Color is exciting and fun. It is personal. Colors evoke feelings, memories, emotions and are key to a comfortable interior.

How often have you been asked or pondered on your own…”What is your favorite color?” Some people hesitate to answer, while others blurt-out readily with their fav. But what color you choose to wear versus what you enjoy in your interior surroundings and how much might be quite different.

Several weeks ago, I launched a weekly post on our PATRICIAN DESIGN Facebook page called “Color Schemes.” The idea is to inspire design ideas by pairing artwork with designer fabrics. When planning an interior there is always a focal point complimented and surrounded by supporting elements. Whether a key painting will command the space or an expansive window with a view will direct the focus to a scene of outside colors and textures – that key element will greatly influence a successful interior color scheme.

Annette Donald creates colorful cubes in her creative take on our beloved chile ristras. A serrano chile oil painting, on canvas, by Federico Leon de la Vega is quite representational. Paired here with Romo and Ralph Lauren fabrics, Sherwin Williams paints…fresh and festive!

Here is the example of a November Scheme and you can scroll back each Monday for the past few months to enjoy a variety of the Color Schemes! https://www.facebook.com/PatricianDesignABQ/photos/a.243005986618/10157154423221619/

We embrace the The Nature of November with its unique colors and textures. As the air becomes chilly and the leaves fade…warm, soft colors bring us indoors. Featured here an elegant fused glass ribbon wall piece by Lisa Checnoff.

There are four primary considerations that I discuss with my clients when determining which colors to choose, emphasize, avoid, use as accents and where. To establish these selections, we evaluate personal preferences, contextual implications, seasonal influences and even trends.

PERSONAL: In planning an interior, I always want to know what colors make our clients happy, comfortable, stimulated, vexed or relaxed. These personal insights reveal important information for selecting types of materials too.

By examining what might be one’s favorite color, the discussion will navigate the distinctions, if any, regarding preferences for clothes versus interior furnishings. Interestingly, they are not always the same – although, by mere comfort and familiarity, they often are. Simply asking about a favorite color is not enough.

Brilliant golden yellows and blues – splash color! Featured here are fabulous photo-realistic acrylic paintings by Sheri Mays paired with amazing fabrics of the same exciting palette.

CONTEXT: The context of the interior might dictate or at least steer the direction of the design. The luxury of having multiple personal environments offers the opportunity to have different color pleasures exercised in different places. The ski condo might be woodsy and textural with browns, greys, stone and wood punctuated with a pop of color versus the seaside retreat with its crisp whites and cool blues and greens punctuated with pastels or bold contrasts. Therefore, the location of an interior might direct the desired color palette.

Inspired by this spa-aqua pottery bowl by Penny Roberts and the custom glass tile mosaic we recently combined to face a newly remodeled kitchen wall – the cool seaside/spa feel balanced with ambers and warm dots of color – pink, fuchsia, orange and golden yellow. Durable brushed cotton solids come in myriad colors and are perfect for pillows or upholstery.

SEASONAL: This one is tricky because it plays on the perceived climate outside – even if the interior is maintained at a constant temperature. It takes a concerted effort to plan a color scheme – including textures and finishes in anticipation of changing seasons and relative temperatures. I previously mentioned that a window with a view might be the focal point of a room…imagine the effect the changing seasons might have on the selection of interior colors and textures versus a consistent tropical scene, for example?

Perhaps you love purple – ever pair it with golden yellow? Here, functional, fantasy pottery designed and crafted with the most precise attention to detail by Jen DePaolo inspires our boldly brilliant scheme.

TRENDS: Inasmuch as I avoid being steered by trends, it is impossible and not advisable – in design – to avoid them. Clients are influenced by them and bring that would-be preference to the table. It is essential to continue to have “colors-of-the-year” and other market-driven colors change to stimulate the economy with buying and selling, replacement and updating. It’s our socio/economic norm. It also serves as an encouragement to re-fresh. But to limit that influence, in favor of long-term personal pleasures, is best. The pressure of this marketing color influence contributes to our being a disposable culture. Not time here for a lecture on such things – but rather to instill an appreciation for and confidence in personal selections an decisions – in this case, color.

Patinaed pearls and stunning glasswork by Margaret Hidalgo Vanderheyden inspire the soft, greyed lavenders and blues of this cool scheme.

An interesting and on-going test for evaluating a successful interior is when designing in one season – it has to work in all others. For example, when I meet with clients in the heat of July with lush foliage and color, warm temperatures and long days, that same interior has to succeed when it is frigid outside, barren, and with darker, shorter days. What might the challenges be in creating a successful scheme and what might be the solutions to make it work?

Having noted all of this and knowing the different reactions people have to color, isn’t it interesting when an interior is so successful that it appeals to many, if not the majority, of those who experience it? This is more applicable to commercial or public spaces – from doctors’ offices to hotels. However, the challenge and success is in knowing the many things to be considered and implementing a balance of them throughout all aspects of the interior.

Anne Marie Werner-Smith’s brilliantly glazed pottery here with Margaret Hidalgo-Vanderheyden’s lovely fused glass crosses along with coral and dyed stone necklace and woven table runner from Chiapas reflect the changing colors of fall leaves…

Appreciating color is a gift to designers. It truly is an imperative to appreciate all colors and have the sensitivity to discern the nuances between various values and the effects of selections and combinations from the infinite choices.

I hope this has given you ideas and inspiration to move forward with YOUR color schemes! Sign-up for our weekly email of Color Schemes with classic blue and white and stunning neutral greys coming!! And follow the posts on Facebook every Monday.

Jul 06

CONVERSATIONS ON DESIGN – SPECIFICALLY, PRO TIPS ABOUT COLOR

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architecture, art and interior design, artistic expression, bathroom remodel, before and after, branding in interior design, chairs, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial design, commercial interior design, commercial remodel, contemporary interiors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, corporate branding, creative process, design, design and marketing, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design theme, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, drama of color, existing materials, fabrics, good design, good taste, hiring an interior designer, home, home decor, home improvements, how to select colors, inspiration, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, paint colors, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, powder rooms, re-purpose, re-upholstery, Refresh, remodeling, reupholstery, selecting colors, Sherwin Williams, Subscribers, textiles, textures, throw pillows, timeless colors, trending design, trends, Uncategorized, updating, upholstery, white interiors / 1 2 Comments

This past week alone I have consulted with a commercial client about reception seating and color, a home-owner, in a mountain setting, about durable floor finishes, bathroom remodels and color, a couple in a new home downsizing from one of 20 plus years about furniture arrangement and color, a couple from Las Vegas buying a second home by their daughter and grandkids about color, and a woman stopped in the shop yesterday visiting from Santa Fe and said that she didn’t know we were also a design firm -picked up a brochure and told me inasmuch as she had “a pretty good handle on design – she always struggled with color.”

See a common thread here? The comments were from that where she admitted to always struggling with color to another wanting her seemingly tract home to feel like a woodsy cabin with color, others wanted their spaces lighter while others wanted to make a corporate statement that would support their brand and not go out of style in the coming few years. They all had steered toward neutrals – but not in a good way – because they were uncertain about committing to COLOR.

The whites and greys are their own beautifully valid color scheme. https://patriciandesign.com/project/modern-make-over/ I have written before about when white is a color or when it is the absence of color. https://patriciandesign.com/white-by-design/

I also continually stress that all design decisions are based upon context. Many of you reading this, with whom I have consulted, will recognize much of these observations and tips. I stress select color to compliment your context!

Interestingly, the mountain home has existing painted doors and trim. To change those elements would be costly. How can we woodsy-up this interior without those seemingly necessary key elements?

I asked her for her priorities and “comfort colors.” As a result, we will change the flooring for look and durability, building from that add color and various textures to enrich the space – stacked pebbles at the fireplace, a slab hearth, a wooden mantle and a light neutral will be the main backdrop splashed with strong elements of color (notice them on the mantle). The very vertical fireplace will be a bold golden yellow color to intentionally work with the honey tones of the pine architectural elements.

By contrast, a magnificent home (also in the mountains with great wooden details), had too much of a good thing for the owners’ other interior furnishings. In this case, the seeming sacrilege of painting the solid wood doors and trim was in order.

To paint all the solid wood doors and trim in this home was a leap of faith. But the goal was to add back stacked stone to carry a theme from the now naked fireplace to the kitchen bar and over to the entry door wall. Having it in three places will commit to an architectural theme for this finish selection. New colorful rug and fabrics for throw pillow will enliven the space and bring focus to individual accents throughout the interior.

The grey hand woven grey rug was not providing the needed backdrop for this new scheme so we gathered rug and fabric samples to “punch-up” the scene.

After the new rug arrived, we assembled the fabrics for another study of our options to detail the design.

Before, this little powder room was a bit bland. The quality, solid wood, raised panel, pine doors were too rustic for the owner’s preference – but painting was not an option – until we discussed it. What was a possible sacrilege became a beautiful solution to changing the design direction of this interior. Mirror and sconces remained while vanity, sink and colors were transformed!

The AFTER of the little powder room is still in the process, but it is clear that the transformation is startling with the newly painted doors and trim and the fresh POP of turquoise on the walls. Layers of color and emphasis changed. It is not about painting wood, it’s about creating balance. The massive, solid wood front door and antique and art pieces throughout will be emphasized as key features

Another such interior was over-burdened with stained wood and to paint it all out white was a major commitment yet, the results will make for a lighter backdrop still revealing the bones and their texture, but freeing the owners to showcase their other pieces of fine woodwork, art and furnishings.

PRO TIPS

The trick with design decisions is to determine and understand the primary purpose and intended “read” of the space. What is most important and where do you want your focus?
Once you have evaluated the space, identified its primary purpose and selected what you want to emphasize; see what is either in the way of, or competing with that emphasis, and clear all else away. Add back the things that you consider most important either for function or joy (form).

If the architecture is most important, determine what about it and work from there to complete the space. If a piece of art is most important – place it to its best advantage and build around it so as not to compete, but compliment. If a view is most important – the same is true – clear away and frame with the most important and/or effective pieces. Pick your priority, yet take everything into consideration.

With regard to color…it can emphasize the architecture or be inserted for a bold statement(s) of art or fabric on furniture, rugs…When using color, the idea is still to have balance in the context of where you are placing it. It can be a backdrop or a foreground accent.

Consider existing conditions that will not be changed – such as flooring. Select colors that include the compliment to that material. Whether in direct opposition for contrast or to meld in a way that creates a subtle transition – the consideration of existing materials is important.

The effect of considering existing materials can result in their appearing as though part of the plan rather than being inherited unintended. This is generally a desirable result. Therefore, if you have a material that will not go away – make it intentionally part of the plan.

The corporate color issue was about updating their image and connecting with their clients in an intimate and comfortable manner- an environment that carried the trust of years of experience and embracing a new generation of financial management. They developed a marketing plan moving forward to identify a theme, feel of confidence and carry it through the entire experience. In a recent Facebook post you will see this project in the process and notice that the carpet was an existing condition and that it was used deliberately to make the new materials appear to all have been coordinated from the start. Long time clients and new are comfortable with the changes! https://www.facebook.com/PatricianDesignABQ/

It’s OK to play it safe with neutrals – but in this case, it was time for a updated “brand” for this business. The unusual eggplant and chartreuse carpets inherited in the move to a different suite required some deliberate coordination, to have it all “read” as though designed afresh!

The want-to-be woodsy cabin project will have new, durable porcelain tile floors imitating variegated slate and from that palette of colors pull paint colors to add whimsy and visual impact along with other new additions of stacked pebbles at the fireplace and wood encasing the now sheet-rock mantle.

The stacked pebble stone, engineered stone, new wood mantle and splash of colors against the neutral will make a dynamic statement. Notice new color chips leaning on the mantle.

The couple downsizing and wanting more light and a less heavy southwestern feel panted their entire ceiling of beams and tongue and groove including support columns in white. The wood still “reads,” in all its hand-hewn texture and knots. The white is no less natural than the dark chocolate that had been their previous faux finish. Albeit the tongue and groove had a clear lacquer that we concealed behind the new cloak of white for a uniform backdrop.

The dark chocolate opaque stain of the pine members was no more valid than painting them an other color. We selected a white to open and refresh with a neutral backdrop to allow other elements to be more focal.

Painting currently underway!! Watch for before and afters of this refreshed interior.

The couple with the second home had history in Hawaii and wanted a beachy, fresh theme for their new desert home. The flooring was a mottled light brown glazed tile and we selected a noticeably light, subtle sand colored wall paint to contrast and POP the existing off-white doors and trim throughout the home. Accents in recessed niches and doorways will become a soft turquoise while an interior laundry room gets a splash of citrusy yellow. The layers of color will be visible from different angles and vantage points. With the golden oak kitchen cabinets being painted out to match the existing off-white trim – the scheme will be fresh and beachy! Their artwork presents these colors and will being their personal touch to the arrangements. Watch for this project in coming weeks.

Do you have ideas about certain features in your interior that do not quite seem to come together? Do you feel the need to refresh? Are you looking for a new color scheme? Please do not be afraid of color and do not be confused about current trends. White and grey is a soothing combination. Trimmed with black, you get a defined contrast. Insert organic greens and the combination is sharp and now – and yet potentially timeless. HOWEVER – colors too have their place and selecting those and their combination that will speak to today and not be out-of-style tomorrow, as certain trending combinations might – select colors to compliment your context.

Here are a few other Patti Says blogs and PATRICIAN DESIGN projects about color selection:

Designing a Cool Theme for a Vacay Rental Property

BEFORE AND AFTER for Busy Young Couple Making First House a HOME

KEMP BEFORES https://patriciandesign.com/rejuvenate-and-expand-your-interior-spaces-by-opening-walls/

Friends Don’t let friends pick paint colors https://patriciandesign.com/5677-2/

Johnson’s PHX https://patriciandesign.com/spanish-style-brings-interior-spice/

Color forcasting https://patriciandesign.com/color-schemes-and-the-complex-simplicity-of-it-all/

Bay area bungalow https://patriciandesign.com/project/bay-area-bungalow/

Celebrate the LOVE of COLOR!!!!!!!!!!

Mar 29

Creativity Ignited

By pattisays In artistic talent, artists, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, context of interior design, contrasts for balance in design, Covid -19, creative process, creativity, custom art in interior design, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, custom furniture, design, design challenges, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing small spaces, designing with a purpose, drama of color, fabrics, furniture finds, good design, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home decor, home improvements, interior accents, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, Interior design pro tips, interior design trends, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, lifestyle, paint colors, planning a new home, planning a remodel, practical design, re-purpose, recognizing signs, Refresh, room arrangement, Subscribers, textures, tips for new home design, trending design, trends, update design, updating, upholstery, value of good design / 1 Comment

These are amazing times that are truly testing our creativity and ingenuity. We are challenged to alter our work-modes to operate remotely, utilize time very differently to balance work and family, find new ways to communicate and share and even radically re-direct manufacturing for purposes far different from their original intent…these are all very stimulating, creative challenges.

Isabel works from “home” in Denver managing the daily business of PATRICIAN DESIGN.

Where do the masses flock now that they are confined? Craft stores, home-improvement warehouses and on-line instant gratification pick-me-ups.

Don – in his Home Depot orange shorts was a joke that we enjoyed for several years coining the phrase “Everywhere we go – we got o Home Depot!” From China to Albuquerque we took photos of Home Depot, often in his orange shorts! Couldn’t keep us away!

While most people are home-bound and businesses are fallow – wondering how they will survive this down-time and loss of income and the means to play catch-up with their debts – there are those who have been able to re-invent their talents to manufacture items very different from their norm that are in high demand at this time. Re-purposing has taken on a whole new meaning. Where we were re-purposing an old door into a headboard or bicycle parts into wall art, we are now transforming entire production facilities that made widgets of all manner into plants of workers learning how to manufacture masks and ventilators… gowns and gloves.

The creativity is so broad-reaching it will change the way each of us behaves moving forward. It will change policy and priorities in government. It will alter thinking and spawn new ideas and procedures everywhere. It will have global impact and consequences unlike anything we have known. It will prove uniting and divisive, for differing reasons.

Less public displays of affection between casual connections with more formal respect for personal space are certain outcomes. Perhaps a combination of suspicion and respect at the start…but how long will it take to wear-off? When will the guard be dropped and behavior relax? What will be the definition of our new normal? Circumstances – certainly do – alter cases…

Interior design is tactile. It is comprised of textures and colors difficult to replicate over the computer screen. Before off of this we recognized that viewing fabric collections over the on-line portals was a way to get possible candidates for consideration – but more often than not, there were greater numbers of rejects once the actual samples arrived.

There is much we can do remotely. We can send drawings, send photos of fabrics (providing we have felt them and know them, in order to honestly recommend them), do video walk-throughs to view a space and make recommendations remotely. We can place orders and arranging shipping and receiving, coordinate sub-contractors and make things happen.

Many tradespeople such as upholsterers, seamstresses cabinet-makers can continue to work in the privacy of their own workrooms providing the have the material. Many fabric sources are still shipping orders. We have two sofas and two benches currently being upholstered – the fabric having been ordered, shipped and delivered all last week. With several other fabrics on their way, our seamstress will be very busy creating custom throw pillow, bed dressings and draperies. We can keep many of our talented, local people busy.

Artists in their studios are eager to express their thoughts and feelings and even bring YOUR interests to life in paintings, pottery, jewelry, sculpture…self-quarantined by their own habits – now is the time to commission a custom piece – pottery centerpiece, focal painting, personal jewelry piece, pet and people portraits by sending photographs!

The dynamics and demographics of our communities will be radically changed as a result of this crisis. Remember how upset many were over Walmart coming into towns displacing, if not eradicating small local businesses? Well, watch what’s happening with large national businesses today and their smaller, local counterparts. We will lose so many and replaced by whom? What? How? How will this change the look and feel of Mainstreet?

The interior design profession is so intimate and personal. It is about hands-on…to be there to move furniture, adjust groupings, share the experience of balancing textures, temperatures of color, size and scale… it’s hard to do from your laptop on a remote beach.

So while the ads on TV promote the home decor sites for instant furnishings and decorative accessories – remember that they don’t always look as you expected once they arrive. Many offer returns, but often with freight and re-stocking charges.

During this unusually unprecedented time when anxiety instigates spontaneous purchases, designers can still consult to advise and direct, offer ideas, consult about choices and decisions. They can help make decisions and assist in finding the right pieces and making the best purchases.

So call them. Show them your finds. Discuss your choices and ideas. Get their opinions and make better decisions due to their experienced advice. It might and should save you money and headaches in the long-run.

May 03

Remodeling Process and Presenting the Same Accessories in the New Scheme

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, bathroom remodel, before and after, cabinet pulls, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, decorative accessories, decorative arts, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, DIY design, eclectic design, engineered countertops, existing materials, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, illusion of space, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, master bathrooms, mirrored walls, mirrors, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, paint colors, painted cabinets, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, practical design, raised panel cabinets, re-purpose, re-purpose cabinets, remodeling, residential restrooms, selecting colors, stone, Subscribers, textures, tile, timeless colors, update design, updating, white color schemes, white interiors /

It’s true. If you think designer’s projects go more smoothly than the ones they do with and for you, you’re wrong. It’s true – they don’t! It’s about Murphy’s Law and I have been remodeling our master bath for months. Starting in November and as recently as this weekend personally installing (DIY) the stone surrounding our mirror, it is still not finished. But it’s close.

The full-wall mirror was re-used. During the removal and transportation to be cut-down, the edge cracked and had to be cut down…we lost an inch or so – no big deal EXCEPT that it then affected the dimensions of the new stone surround that had already been determined. Oh well…we now will have to cut the tile – had intended not to have to do that. One of the many little surprises and delays. We had to order more stone and will now engage the installer to cut the ones that would not fit the new and slightly non-parallel conditions .

It’s actually fun to tile…until you have to cut it. It is like frosting a cookie and then pressing it onto the wall. It goes quickly and gives instant gratification. But when things are not perfectly parallel, something has to give. That’s when we cut. (Or call someone to cut!!!)

The effect, of having almost all of the mirror surround finished, gets us that much closer. The effect is great and is beginning to feel like the intended design.

The shower before and after is providing the open expansive look that our little shower enclosure didn’t provide. Despite the facts that the footprint is nearly the same and the old enclosure was all clear glass – albeit framed in gold finished aluminum – this new single panel of 1/2″ clear glass and white-on-white floor and walls looks clean and open. Not a snail design – but, no door. Prepared to add a white shower curtain on a custom curved aluminum ceiling track once winter returns – but for now we’re enjoying the refreshing and comfortable atmosphere.

We elected to use stacked stone on the rear wall of the shower as our house sits at the base of the majestic Sandia Mountain and selecting stone seemed more grounded and contextual than other decorative options – of which there are a million from printed concrete, glass mosaic, embossed porcelains…the list goes on…

Decorative elements are beginning to “read” against the new finishes. The same Portuguese ceramic footed rectangular container holds a bouquet of white washcloths. Yes, I think that the rolled terry towels look like rosebuds and I have always enjoyed the softening effect they provide amidst all the other hard surfaces. Plus they are handy on the countertop for clean replacements.

Footed Italian porcelain has had wash cloths in it for years and stays on the new counter top in a slightly different location.

Behind the terry rosettes, notice the pair of Heisey open and lidded pair of stemmed glass vessels that I use for make-up brushes and cotton balls respectively.

The same crystal wide-mouth vase holds and dispenses the facial tissues. I love the effect of the white-on-white coiled folds of the tissues. They are soft and read interestingly through the cut crystal.

I’m a LEO and find myself discovering and enjoying subtle references to lions. Our front door knocker and this cache pot that I’ve had for over 20 years as examples.

Nothing in this new scene is new. These accessories are all the exact items that were scattered on the countertop previously! Funny how the exact same decorative accessories work so well in this new interior!

A silly little collection of found things in a family inherited vintage pressed glass bowl including a glass marble, square frosted glass coke-bottle-colored mosaic tile, various sea shells and fragments, a squashed bottle Coca Cola bottle cap from Mexico, a hemp cord DIY necklace with a shell pendant…

Another glass tray that was also on the previous countertop presents my fragrances, a few products, a bobble-head turtle, my Waterford ring stand stacked with costume glass rings, my tragic, yet miraculous jade bracelet (save for another story), a fossilized bone – in – stone I found as a child, my white framed sunglasses which might seem selected for the new color scheme – when, in fact, they are a result of my love for white framed glasses and these that I bought even though I didn’t like the would-be “reader” small lenses – I kept. I don’t like the way they look on – so have relegated them to the master bath for emergency dashes to the outdoors, on the upstairs deck when my other sunglasses are downstairs!

Still to complete…the stone mirror surround, hang the glass shade for the new pendant light fixture, install the towel/robe plugs, install the polished chrome drawer bar handles to match the new square door and drawer pulls, clear all the remaining stone pieces, thin-set and grout bags and boxes from the tub deck, install the new window sills…

Re-evaluate your existing accessories (and/or furniture) before feeling the need to change everything when you remodel. Watch for the completed before and after shots of this remodel soon to come. Well, relatively soon!!

Mar 18

BEFORE AND AFTER for Busy Young Couple Making First House a HOME

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, art and interior design, artistic expression, before and after, breakfast rooms, cabinet pulls, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, Design Team, design tips, design trends, drama of color, drapery treatments, eclectic design, element of surprise in design, fanciful design, flooring, good design, handmade, hardwood floors, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lighting, Mexico, mosaic, mosaic tile, nostalgia and design, paint colors, painted cabinets, patterns, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, raised panel cabinets, re-purpose cabinets, Regional design, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, Sherwin Williams, southwestern design, stone countertops, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, terracotta, tile, timeless colors, traditional kitchen design, trends, update design, updating, value of good design, wallcovering / 1 Comment

Busy lives in a new town, he in his residency and she working in a busy OR, they bought a house – their first house – and asked for help making it theirs.

They have traveled the world and collected art along the way, a disparate inventory of things that caught their eye, spoke of their experiences and reminded them of people, places and things to savor once home.

Home, that was the task. Create HOME in this new, old house. Built mid-century, it was simple, clean with some patchy remodeling from previous owners reflecting rather common decisions, with limited funds. We needed to discuss priorities and budget, evaluate what should stay and what needed to be changed.

They both had a love of Guatemala. Their travels there left them with dreams of color and pattern, handmade functional art and an exotic sense of place. Having these elements ingrained in their longing, they expressed a desire to have that sense, but with a bit of a modern twist.

We salvaged the existing natural granite slab countertop and unfortunate surface-mounted sink. The granite was a practical save and the sink came along for the ride. In order to integrate the granite as though intentional, I selected a multi-colored Talavera tile that specifically had a dollop of mustard glaze in the design picking up that Dijon field color in the speckled granite. As is my usual preferred mode of installation, we took it wall-to-wall as a complete wall-covering.

We also saved the cabinet boxes and doors, but needed to give them a lift from their median caramel stain on oak. Deconstructing the colors in the design of the Talavera, we knew we wanted blue cabinets – so the paint shades were fanned and the color pinned-down. To give the cabinets that wabi-sabi look of loving wear, we sanded the edges after the painting was finished. We also added cabinets over the stove for additional storage space and utilization of that blank wall.

We removed all the doors and drawer fronts, filled the holes from the old pulls/knobs and painted them off-site. We painted the boxes in the field. Granite was salvaged along with the sink.

New paint, Saltillo flooring, Talavera tile and cabinet pulls along with new appliances gave an updated look to the scene.

In real life, when practicality rules, certain things have to give way for the good of the whole. The whole being the pocketbook and other elements that take precedence at the time. So we live with the radiant heaters, keep the chandelier for now, until they have one fabricated to their specifications, use a machined rug instead of a handcrafted piece and know that over the years they will massage this starting place and truly make it their home.

Continuing to dissect the colors from the new wall tile, our colorful young couple wanted more color…we chose individual values of bold paint colors – smoky turquoise, slightly burnt orange and brilliant golden yellow to intersect the planes throughout the space.

Typical mahogany doors common to that era of home interiors, the decision to match the white trim would have been easy, but we labored over the existing natural, tropical wood and decided to keep it in the mix.

Although the nearly immaculate, original hardwood oak floors were revealed after removing the wall-to-wall carpeting, the kitchen floor throughout the rear vestibule and laundry room was an inexpensive and uninspired sheet vinyl. Saltillo clay tiles were the answer to furthering the Guatemalan feel. More commonly associated with Mexico, these clay tiles are historically the plebian choice. Taking many forms, some artful enough to be the cornerstone of patrician interiors in fine mosaic installations and other patterns and designs, clay tiles – glazed and unglazed always add an artful, soulful human element. Speaking to that, we inserted 2″x2″ glazed Talavera accent tiles into the floor’s new Saltillo field in the vestibule creating an almost area-rug-like definition.

The dated floor-plan enclosed the kitchen separating it from the rest of the living area. The very first comment made by our clients was questioning if we could open that wall – connecting with the living room and large picture window beyond.

The mottled cobalt blue light fixtures add another punctuation of color over the bar along with the parrot green barstools that our home-owners spontaneously nailed in an irresistible lust for even more color!!

Rather than trying to continue the existing “Dijon” granite, white Talavera tiles were used on the new pass-through bar counters – both high and low on the new cabinets.

The first phase of this colorful project has set the stage for an enjoyable work-in-progress for years to come as they now have a basis for design, more collectibles to come, and all they enjoy from places near and far. The upcoming annual trip to Guatemala, in April, will reinforce the joy and appreciation for this special place “home base” in their lives.

The dogs look in eagerly, but are limited to their expansive backyard, their vestibule and full run of the master suite.

Although they selected a durable denim twill fabric to reupholster their sofa and loveseat that they were gifted from a friendly neighbor, the primary living area is – for the most part – “off-limits,” but that seems to work for everyone in the family!!!

Mar 04

The Blue and Yellow Buzz…

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, artistic expression, blue and white, Boulder. Colorado, breakfast rooms, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, creative process, custom art in interior design, custom design interior design, custom furniture, decorative accessories, design, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, drama of color, flowers in design, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, how to select colors, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, lifestyle, paint colors, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, remodeling, selecting colors, Subscribers, tile, timeless colors /

What’s all the buzz about bees this week?? Seems it has been studied and determined that they can discern between blue and yellow in order to prove they can perform remarkable arithmetic.

Last fall while hiking in Boulder, I spied this little fellow on a cornflower.

Yes, it’s official – they can distinguish colors – blue and yellow – in order to prove their math skills! Want to know more? You can immerse yourself in the study here:

http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/2/eaav0961

In our source library at PATRICIAN DESIGN, we have hundreds of fabric samples from designers all over the world…these little iron bees were irresistible for our purposes today!!

Blue and yellow as a color palette is classic. I never tire of it. I find myself encountering it often. Blue and white…often punctuated with yellow. It transcends styles.

Color schemes are the basis for so many design related exercises. Finding your color preferences for your lifestyle from clothing fashions to interior appointments – it’s about personality, temperature, lighting…

Here’s a great link to get you thinking about color palettes or finding one that suits your personality.

https://colorpalettes.net/tag/blue-and-yellow/

Undecided? Change schemes from one room to the next – have a little fun!

Feb 17

Time to Remodel – Finding a Theme

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, architect, architecture, art and food, art and interior design, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, before and after, blue and white, breakfast rooms, cabinet pulls, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, concrete finishes, context of interior design, creative process, creativity, custom cabinets, custom design interior design, decorative accessories, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designing with a purpose, dining and design, drama of color, expanding spaces, exterior - outdoor design, Federico Leon de la Vega, fireplaces, flooring, Food and art, food and interior design, good design, graphic designs in interiors, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, illusion of space, illusions of space, inspiration, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, kitchen, kitchen cabinets, kitchen design, kitchen lighting, kitchen remodel, kitchen remodeling, lifestyle, lighting, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural stone, nostalgia and design, organic design, paint colors, painters, patio, personal taste, planning a remodel, raised panel cabinets, Refresh, Regional design, remodeling, Santa Fe, New Mexico, selecting colors, slate floors, southwestern design, stone, Subscribers, Talavera Tile, tile, timeless colors, traditional kitchen design, trends, update design, updating, value of good design, wall texture, wall treatments, wallcovering, white color schemes, white interiors, white kitchens /

Time to remodel the kitchen!! This charming little bungalow had already experienced its share of remodeling – well, not so much structural – although, many interior design transformations had occurred over the decades. In the mix, the well-used and enjoyed kitchen was feeling a quite tired and dated.

You might remember I have used this now completed project, in the last few months, during its transformation process to identify certain features and design practices. Here is the as-promised unveiling of the before and after photos for further discussion about the design process, intent and results.

We loved the mottled color and organic character of the existing slate floors and opposing green-grey beams with spanning boards of a caramel stain. These were the two elements that went well together as though intentionally planned. Yet in between, the pale, peachy pickled oak cabinets with their radius detailing and red-rose/black matrix of the tiled granite counter-tops, didn’t seem to speak at all well with the ceiling treatment and slate floor’s greens, rusts and charcoal tones. It was a dark, confused space.

When observing and “listening to” the house, it was evident that the current kitchen, in addition to being poorly coordinated, had absolutely nothing to do with the original architectural intent. The new owners had brought a few very fine antique pieces into the home. The mid-century circa 1964 age of the house accepted them on its original hardwood floors also adorned with their fine antique rugs…but something was missing. There was no cohesive thread running through the house. Over the years finishes and decorative elements had been selected and installed without any consideration for original materials or an attempt to introduce compatible and harmonious materials for the good of the home’s overall theme.

In all fairness, had the entire interior been gutted and a contemporary interior been uniformly installed into the framework/shell of the structure, I might have considered it a success. However, this multiple decade decor was a mix of disparate trends and preferences that had no commonality.

To begin the process of bringing this home into a cohesive design last year, we had redesigned the living room. There we introduced a classic blue and white color scheme derived from the Persian rug in the adjacent dining room.

To the corner kiva fireplace, we added a sandstone hearth and mantle with just enough blue and white Talavera tile trim at the base of the hearth to subtly coordinate with the new scheme. The Talavera was an appropriate material for this New Mexican bungalow.

The original fireplace had a dark, broken brick quarry tile hearth and no cap on the mantle.

The face-lift replaced the hearth material with broken-edged sandstone slab and matching mantle cap with Talavera detailing at the bottom.

With this living room having been so successfully re-designed, the obvious thought came into the discussion to continue the vernacular of the blue and white Talavera into the kitchen. As a bit of a purist when it comes to application and termination of materials, I was not content for a mere back-splash. No, if the tile were to be effective and commandeer the stage, it had to be used wall-to-wall as though an entire wall treatment.

Treating the Talavera tile as wall-covering, it continues from the kitchen, into the adjacent pocket-space housing a desk and laundry machines.

But wait! The addition of an earthy aqua handmade tile from Spain offered an appealing and unexpected accent woven intermittently through the Talavera. It created a coordinating thread from the colors found in the mottled slate floors and ceiling beams.

Pre-grout shot shows the individually cut 1″ pieces inserted as mosaics into the random field of Talavera

The cabinets were in excellent condition, but the doors were sadly dated and in no way spoke to the home’s other cabinets, doors and finish carpentry.

The confused interior finishes we in need of a transformation!

With the white raised panel theme throughout the home’s original appointments, we elected to salvage the cabinet boxes and replace the doors and drawer fronts with a similar raised panel detail. The same red oak was used and, with a glossy white paint applied, the grain “read-through” with a very intentional yet subtle moiré-like pattern. The new raised panel white doors and drawers, with crowning top molding provided a crisp, timeless motif. The random patterned Talavera used as an entire wall-covering was very effective. The kitchen was quite gussied-up!!

The transformation was dramatically successful!

The existing slate floor was beautifully organic and I felt, from a design standpoint, was a must to salvage. Making it look like an intentional selection – part of the new scheme – was imperative. Therefore, selecting a counter-top that communed with the tones in the floor resulted in a selection of concrete-like engineered Italian quartz material – balancing the floor with the next horizontal plane and ultimately with the stained and green-grey boards of the existing ceiling treatment.

The new concrete-like Italian quartz counter-tops coordinate well with the other materials.

Another asset was the connection to the outdoors, however the existing window over the sink was high and small.

The window over the sink was high and small…

By bucking the warranty of the Pella people, we had a new double-hung window made to close down onto the new counter-top that passed through from inside to out. They would not fabricate the window to do what we intended, so we had the contractor remove the bottom of the new window frame, thus rendering the warranty null and void, in order to have a completely open, uninterrupted pass-through when raised.

Amusing and interesting…existing family pieces of blue and white ceramics are being discovered and used as decorative accessories in the new kitchen!

We also captured the opportunity to open the opposing wall into the hallway adding pass-through light and dimension to the space. This exponentially expanded the space and made the encapsulated kitchen feel much less confined.

Before, the kitchen felt small and dark…

Opening the wall into the hallway brought in additional light and dimension.

To add drama to the newly created dimension, we discussed having a painting commissioned to pop an accent of yellow into the blue and white scheme on the far hallway wall. Lemons, a perfect citrus for the kitchen, was decided for the theme.

A miniature oil painting by Federico Leon de la Vega was used to Photoshop into the scene to inspire and convey the design intent.

The additional POP of yellow is a dramatically effective contribution to the overall composition. After consideration, the owners selected a local artist to paint the full-scale painting.

A local Albuquerque artist, Thomas Tomlinson rendered the lemons in acrylic with blue and white tile details.

In summary…keeping the original slate floor, existing cabinet boxes (replacing door and drawer-fronts only), with a bling of new chrome cabinet pulls, switching out the stained glass pendants, replacing the island’s surface with a handsome solid walnut top and a new coordinating concrete-like counter-tops on the periphery, with the decorative embellishment of the Talavera tile continued from the subtle introduction at the living room’s kiva fireplace, the transformation of the kitchen is stunning – not trendy – and was truly, uniquely designed for the architecture and forward, on-going contextual design conversation of the home.

Look around and listen to the environment for and in which you are designing. What makes the best sense for the design direction considering the function and context of your project?

Feb 10

Color. The Spices and Ingredients of Design

By pattisays In Albuquerque, New Mexico, ambiance, art and food, art of cooking, artistic expression, artistic talent, artists, chairs, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, context of interior design, cooking and design, creative process, creativity, custom design interior design, decorative arts, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing with a purpose, drama of color, drapery treatments, fabrics, floral arrangement, floral designs, flowers in design, food and interior design, good design, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, how to select colors, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, interior enhancements, joy, kitchen design, lifestyle, paint colors, personal expression, personal taste, planning a remodel, red, retail remodeling, sectional sofas, selecting colors, sofas, southwestern design, Subscribers, textiles, textures, timeless colors, trends, upholstery, white interiors, window dressings /

Colors for fashion, interiors or a composing a bouquet are like the many ingredients, spices and herbs selected for great food. Creating dishes with fine flavors and visual appeal, by selecting the right combination, is good culinary design. So we see the spices and ingredients of design everywhere!

Assembling the colors, textures and shapes in a bouquet…

The art is in gathering the right combinations, textures, colors, flavors,…ok – maybe edible bouquets…Well, we’re not tasting the interiors – but some are scrumptious! Ooh – good enough to eat! And the fashion – yes, we’ve seen edible fabrics…generally not attempted in draperies – but who knows? The sky is the limit in design!!!

A few years ago, Kingston University Fashion Student, Emily Crane began pioneering a new strain of edible couture created from gelatin and seaweed! Brilliant and beautiful!!

Inasmuch as edible couture and creating fabrics from edible materials is fascinating, I digress…the actual point of my story is to recognize the common denominators between gathering materials for all forms of art – the assemblages result in the creative finished products. In this instance, interiors and their color schemes which bear likenesses to beautiful foods!

Color is the most apparent ingredient of most artistic design endeavors. It is the most obvious and first to catch your eye. Assembling an interior is usually grounded by a desired color. The foundation of a room begins with deciding a direction with color. This might seem to be contrary to the concept that form follows function – but I believe that the designing for the two are often concurrent events. The vision occurs while the function is simultaneously examined. Most people visualize in color.

I often write about color. It is an ongoing fascination to discover who prefers what color(s) and why. It offers the beginning of the visualization of a concept. As the framework is discussed – such as programming a kitchen. Inevitably, in the early stages, colors and materials are discussed. They might change. They might not end up as first imagined, but color aids in the visualization and process of design.

Look around your world and consider color. Why did you choose your interior colors? When selecting a color for the surfaces, fabrics and finish materials what would you do differently and why. Taking care not to merely react to trends, what colors will bring you joy? Trends often tempt. They are enticing and new, but they move along…It takes thorough examination to determine if a trend is truly applicable or merely a passing temptation. The validation of design is the approval of the occupants or function for whom/which it serves. Not just the feature of a new trend.

So have a little fun seeing these interiors paired with edible color schemes as dishes are correlated to interior schemes.

The spices and ingredients selected to create the flavor bursts might be hot green jalapenos, serranos, tart limes, dried red chiles balanced by the soft and warm yellow of corn tortillas.

What interior might look like a spicy platter of festivity? Perhaps bold wall colors sprinkled with myriad decorative accessories and functional art.

Imagine creating a creamy white-sauce mushroom pasta with velvety texture and soft finish. The ingredients you would reach for would be the cream, pasta, white pepper and perhaps a touch a sherry. Sautéing the mushrooms in butter for a luscious golden brown.

An interior that captures a similar feel derived from the same palette of colors…

Mimicking the creamy mushroom palette, rich wood, copper and steel tones contrast against the creamy whites in this interior featuring one of our favorite furniture and fabric lines – Duralee/Robert Allen!

Duralee/Robert Allen has many collections providing the perfect fabrics and furnishings for so many deliciously diverse interior projects!

From creamy, soft and warm to cool and refreshing…

Cool sushi plates featuring the pink and orange tones of tender fresh fish, cilantro sprig greens, and so white rice!

An interior possessing similar colors – the perfect ingredients to create a stunning design!

Durlaee encompasses many fine collections. Here the Clarke & Clarke Oriental Garden fabrics are gathered together to present a fresh scene reminiscent of our colorfully fresh sushi plate!

Ready for reds?

A berry lovely dish with creamy whites…Our delectable raspberry tart presented on a lace-embossed white pottery piece accented with finely sliced toasted almonds sets the stage for the next interior color scheme…

Once again we are featuring Duralee’s Clarke & Clarke statement called Zanzibar a brilliant raspberry and red ethnic statement inspired by the exotic and vibrant world of Tanzania, Africa. Discovering the creativity of colors and fabrics in distant places offers a mélange of ingredients with which to create an exciting interior design!

Mix it up. Gather the ingredients that will bring you joy and result in a deliciously creative interior!!! Come see and feel these fabulous fabrics and furnishings from Duralee/Robert Allen in our comprehensive design resource library at PATRICIAN DESIGN! Call us and we will send samples!

Jan 28

WHITE by Design…

By pattisays In architecture, artistic expression, artistic talent, bars and restaurants, brick, cabanas, coastal, cocktails, color and temperature re: interior design, color forecasting, Color schemes, color trends, colors, commercial interior design, Concealed lighting, context of interior design, Contrasting colors, contrasts for balance in design, creative process, creativity, custom lighting, design, design challenges, design details, design process, design scenes, design solutions, design tips, design trends, designer fabrics, designing with a purpose, doorways and entrances, drama of color, Dunn-Edwards Paints, element of surprise in design, exterior - outdoor design, fabrics, Garden, good design, good taste, handcraft, handmade, hiring an interior designer, home, home improvements, houses, how to select colors, illusions of space, indirect lighting, inspiration, inspiration from nature, interior atmosphere, interior design, interior design preferences, interior design trends, landscape design, lifestyle, lighting, Mexico, mosaic, mosaic tile, natural designs, natural stone, organic design, paint colors, patio, patio design, personal expression, personal taste, pink, planning a remodel, Refresh, Regional design, remodeling, restaurant design, selecting colors, site furniture, site sculpture, smart surfaces, stone, Subscribers, summer, timeless colors, travel and design, trends, tropical, umbrellas, walkways, wall texture, wall treatments, white color schemes, white interiors /

With all the New Year buzz about the new color forecasts…I started taking notice of the seeming non-color, white. It is often considered the absence of color when in fact it is a very complex color of many shades and values. Just try to select a white and you will know what I mean.

When you look at white paint samples, you will notice the nuances. There are pink whites and blue white, grey whites and yellow whites. Each white is off-set and contrasting to another. You see the differences by comparison and by context. You think you have just the right white until you place it against another sample and see that it is grey or cream and then second guess yourself again…and again…How do you know which white is right?

Dunn Edwards groups their whites and pastels in a separate section of their fan deck as do other paint companies. What is interesting here is that the background is a sheet of white copy paper. Notice how is reads against the colors in the samples…it seems to be a purple blue color. This shot was taken under a full-spectrum LED lamp. The colors should be true. The range of “white” is amazing.

To intentionally design with white is bold. To have the confidence, to decide that white IS the color and that white IS the scheme, is challenging. To effectively design with white, you not only have to select the right white(s), but you have to know just how much of anything else might be effective yet not detract.

Le Leche in Puerto Vallarta is a fabulous example of designing exclusively with white. Only with minimal punctuation with black lettering on the wall of containers and also by allowing shadows is the white interrupted. But the blacks’ minor interruptions gives depth and fine detail.

White design can be cold or warm. Depending upon the desired effect, mood or function of the space, the whites need to be carefully selected. This is true with lighting as well. Warm whites or cool whites…what gives you the desired result?

Popular white string lights add festivity and a warm glow to an evening scene.

See how many lighting colors you can identify in this scene…Starting on the left, a cool pocket glows through the underbrush. The walkway has a warm pink-ish light. The very cool blues of the pool area give a dramatic read. A bold yellow accent peeks from the far left and also over on the right. The palm trees are wrapped in a warm white tube lights while the far right side illuminates the entry to the dining palapa with a cool white light source. The foam of the surf on the beach is captured with a cool white spotlight that maintains its naturally expected white color.

Knowing when to add color to a white scene to achieve an intentional POP is an art. The color itself, the amount and placement is all part of the success of a good design result. From the fine black detailing in the previous shot of La Leche to this still-life composition of a tropical cocktail that I propped the other day, the minimal punctuation of color is key.

White mosaic shards of tile in the background of this composition featuring a peeled coconut and the POP of a pretty pink party umbrella result in a white-on white scene. Yes, this shot says PARTY with a perky smile!

The bench which served as the backdrop for the coconut cocktail is a dramatic serpentine sculpture of site furniture that plays with the white-on-white of the tile and grout.

Contrasting against the organic wood decking, this white monolithic bench snakes around the periphery of this outdoor lounge area. The sunset is casting a soft pink wash over the all white glazed tile.

Beach settings using white materials compliment the white sand and greenery of the tropical plants. From wood frame platform cabanas to the sprinkling of umbrellas, white is a wonderful, fresh color for a crisp clean scene.

Whites on whites…creamy sand colors to crisp white terrycloth, the white-on-white scheme is soft, inviting and clean.

Greenery compliments the white umbrellas and sunning beds on the lawn by the beach.

Palm trunks and other fruit trees are often painted white to protect against insects and what insects insist on climbing the surface are easily spotted by birds who appreciate the help to capture a snack! In this case, they contribute to the white design theme.

The soft creamy off-white folds of fabric offer a soft, inviting scene.

Shadows in the creases and depths of the folds add the dimension to the luxurious feel of the cotton damask fabric.

White stucco is dappled by shadows and greenery while given a warm, strong base by the brick pavers. White as an architectural finish is only successful if the context compliments it. This is true in all design.

Architectural color and texture of surfaces is a moving target. A recent discussion about a white building with black detailing would not have proved right for this particular use of white. The hard, commercial read would have been too severe for the intended effect. Yet that same project, with a warm white and an ochre accent, will be just the right combination to achieve the desired result. Watch for this project to be featured in a few months.

Architectural surfaces incorporating tones and textures of white provide interesting opportunities

Block and crumbled edge accent bands on the facade of an exterior wall.

White in design is an exciting selection. Knowing how, when and why to use it is a test of your creativity. Picking the right white is the challenge.

The limitless colors of white found in a pile of gravel…..

So the next time you think white, think a lot about it. Study the context and what you are trying to accomplish. Feel freed by the fact that white is a color to express and enjoy.

Remodeling Process and Presenting the Same Accessories in the New Scheme

BEFORE AND AFTER for Busy Young Couple Making First House a HOME

The Blue and Yellow Buzz…

Time to Remodel – Finding a Theme

Color. The Spices and Ingredients of Design

WHITE by Design…

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