Design By Cathleen: August 2008

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Mix and Match

Mix and Match stripes and florals, as long as you have a common theme. What do these fabric colors have in common?

Have you figured it out? By using a theme color that will blend the fabrics together, as well as color pallets that compliment each other.

Go out and mix it up.

xoxo,

Cathleen

More Colors for you

White

Symbolic of purity and cleanliness, white tends to soften down the emotional content of other colors. From a functional standpoint, too much white can contribute to glare. It's important to remember that the human eye sees white as a brilliant color and it can cause headaches and eyestrain. For this reason, full strength white should be used in moderation, especially when it has a glossy finish.

Black

This neutral value can have negative connotations like evil, mourning, night,
death, and fear. However, black can be very stylish and modern. Because it seems to never go out of style, it carries an air of sophistication.

Suggestive of strength and determination, black can be intimidating to some people because of its power and formality. Considered by many to be the "design anchor," most interior designers feel a room isn't complete without at least a few black accents.

Brown

Assuring and protective, brown communicates credibility and stability. It's great for creating a neutral environment that promotes open discussion. Dark browns imply masculinity, while lighter browns suggest warmth and femininity. Because of its versatile nature, brown is welcome in any color scheme.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

More Colors for you

Blue

Blue promotes relaxation and slows down the central nervous system. This may be why, during times of economic uncertainty, the popularity of the color blue increases. Blue is a responsible color, symbolic of security, trust, and loyalty. Regarded as being therapeutic to the mind and body, blue is symbolic of water. This makes a bathroom swathed in a variety of blue shades an ideal setting for a relaxing bubble bath. Sleeping in a blue room can be a serene experience, as blue can reduce stress and relieve tension. Actually, monochromatic blue bedrooms can be so relaxing that you may want to spice things up with a zippy accent color or two, in moderation.Relaxing as it may be, blue can also be punchy! Brighter blues are proven energy-enhancers, and most people will be more productive in a blue room.

Indigo

Intuitive and idealistic, people who like indigo are considered to be intellectual, and truth-seekers. They tend not to enjoy the spotlight, but rather like to focus on helping others. People who like indigo are usually very creative. Indigo conjures up images of the infinite universe—space without limits. Since indigo is a compelling shade, it is most often used in moderation, as an accent color. Splash indigo around any room by using accessories like decorative pillows, rugs, or candles. indigo is particularly lovely with a variety of reds and pale yellows.

Green

It's actually very easy being green. At least it's easy on the eyes—green is the easiest color for the human eye to bring into focus. Green elicits powerful feelings of security. It doesn't hurt that it is also the color of money. Green signifies life, growth, energy, and renewal. Associated with nature, green promotes balance, harmony, and relaxation. It is said to be even more relaxing than blue! The color of healing, green soothes pain and lowers stress. People who work in green environments have fewer stomachaches. Green makes you feel cool, fresh, and almost instantly—right at home.

Violet

Historically, violet has been associated with mystical qualities and spiritual characteristics. It's also indicative of royalty, wealth, power, and sensitivity. Rich in color, violet is a healing, romantic shade, and is considered a color of passion. In hues ranging from deep to pale, violet is known to thwart insomnia and is a preferred color for bedrooms. Violet also promotes relaxation and can be soothing.