The Renewed Appreciation of Historical Colors

Do you want to know a secret?  It is our ability to embrace our darker understanding of what draws us to investigate and question. Most individuals are guilty of wanting the more irresistibly gloomy depths of despair and the dark shadows of mystery. Colors create mood, and moods create sensations of masculinity and aesthetics of a hypocritical era to an elaborate futuristic vibe. At times, perceptible mechanics intrigue us in why we question how something works. Whereas visual effects, eerie collections, theatrics, and  fabrics like tweed or hounds tooth bring to mind inspired attire worn by famous characters like Sherlock Holmes or historical times such as the prohibition era.

When thinking of these facts, I also think of my favorite subject—paint—and when colors that are available came to be here like the natural colors derived from plants or geography. As an artist, one experiences nature through the layered colors of mineral deposits riddling rock fronts. One looks at the egression of hues that sparkle from a polished stone that was in a running river bed or the sea. Last, one would look at the distressed and weathered siding of a rustic log cabin or farmhouse; these hues look chalky or earthen. The materials become organic, and have a raw finish naturally matte in appearance. Through time and stress, these elements work hand-in-hand to develop a softened splendor of beauty. This beauty can influence one in comfort, restfulness, and tranquility.

As a designer, one will take these elements and do as an artist does creating a palette from natural layers of colors inspired by the recent appreciation of nature. This craft shows a down-to-earth aesthetic. This is not a new thought; historical colors were created throughout history to emulate traditional colors. This scholarly study of hues began with the development of colors from the period the colonists came to America.

Designers will pick a company that reflects his or her concept in historical colors. This process is through resources and study of historical architecture.  A favorite supplier is Benjamin Moore Paints and the reasoning is that this company specializes in chronological colors. This review will offer colors that reflect the era of multiple styles in American history using colors from today’s suppliers.

The Colonial and Federal Style

This was called The Colonial and Federal Styles (1640-1825) when a new nation was created from scarce and limited funds. The pigments came from natural resources like the land, plants, and fibers. These pigments created a dark and rich hue of affluence in a growing nation. Homes were painted in a solid tone, including the trim and doors, but  the interiors were colorful and contrasting. The Federal Period was a post revolutionary war time when colors became lighter and more delicate with detail. These colors were accented on the trim by using off-white or natural opaque’s like ivory or bone white, and doors painted in dark tones like black or shaded greens to create a darker tone creating paler aesthetics in design
.

Using Benjamin Moore Paints here is a list of colors that reflect the era’s color palette.

The Colonial                                                          The Federal

Mysterious AF-565                                                  Crumb Cake CSP-1010

Tumeric AF-350                                                       Monroe Bisque HC-26

Tea Room AF-270                                                   Hepplewhite Ivory HC-36

Jungle Canopy CSP-900                                         Van Deusen Blue HC-156

Dinner Party AF-300                                                Hawthorne Yellow HC-4

Thicket AF-405                                                         Marlboro Blue HC-153

Blue Suede Shoes 798                                             Hathaway Peach HC-53

Coriander Seed AF-110                                            Mayflower Red HC-49

Rustique AF-275

Rainforest Foliage 2040-10

The Early Victorian Period

The Victorian Period (1830-1900) was split into two periods. These are the early and late Victorian eras. Broken down, the periods start with an Early Victorian style that includes Greek revival, Gothic Revival, and Italian Styles. This was an influence from the long reign of Queen Victoria, and there were multiple varieties of architectural themes. As time progressed many styles comingled and created a transitional blend of styles. These were broken down by periods, but the styles blend to create each styles trades mark.

The Greek revival (1830-1850) Many architectures were placed close to the street with pediments, or themed columns (Doric, Corinthian, or Ionic). Many of the styles were large in keystone and design and took on the look of ancient temples. This color style included tones that look like sand or stones, marbles, and light alabasters.

The Gothic Revival (1840-1860) inspired romance and picturesque settings with drama and excitement. This style involved structural embellishments like steep gables, archways, and ornamental trim pieces. The colors for this heavier style were earthy deep tones. The house body and trim were painted in the same family with times when the trim may have been darker in tone.

The Italianate Revival (1840-1880) these stately residences were elegant and restrained from heavy tones, but rather by natural warm tones that highlighted the details of the architecture. Doors and trim were left natural and unfinished with color.

Here are the tones that make up the early Victorian Period.

Greek                                                       Gothic

Suntan Yellow 2155-50                          Old Salem Gray HC-94
Golden Tan 2152-40                              Lewiville Green 494              
Cotton Tail 2156                                     Saddle Brown 2164-10
Mellowed Ivory 2149-50
Roasted Sesame Seed 2160-40
Camouflage 2143-40

Italianate

Audubon Russet HC-51

Nickel 2119-50

White Wisp 2137-70

Wickham Gray HC-171

The Late Victorian Era

The Late Victorian Era (1855-1900) was inspired by French architecture grouped with ornate designs, slate shingles mansard roofs, and delicately crested ironwork. This era was inspired by two periods. The Second Empire (1855-1885) and the Queen Anne period

(1875-1900) homes were embellished early in this period with warm colors, light accents, and stone-like influences. Later, in the Second Empire richer tones deep in colorful shades and bejeweled darker hues created a geode of sparkle and depth.

During the Queen Anne period, styles were accented in irregular compositions and were represented by patterned combinations of textures, materials, colors, and gradations of décor. The diverse range of colors were displayed by contrast ornamentation from the body of the home to the clapboards on the different stories are separate hues. The doors and window matting was accented to accentuate another tone of contrast.

The following colors were chosen to compare period colors with available tones in today’s paint choices.

The Second Empire 
                                              

Meditation AF-395                                                  Weathered Oak 1050

Olivetone 252                                                           Oystershell 864

Gondola Ride 602                                                    Forest Hill Green 443

Vanilla Cookie 372                                                   Land of Liberty 440

Blue Ridge Mountain 1043                                      Pineapple Smoothy 142

The Queen Anne

Dakota Shadow 448                                                 Ipanema AF-245

Sweet Basil 455                                                       Colorado Clay AC-15

Warmed Cognac AF-235                                        Savannah Clay 047

Glacial Till AF-390                                                    Cascabel Chile CSP-445

Wenge AF-180                                                          Dark Burgandy 2075-10

The Colonial Revival and the Bungalow Style

Americans began to look toward the past and found a traditional direction in architecture. The Colonial Revival and the Bungalow Style (1890-1930) was an interpretation of historical architecture from the Colonial era. 

The Colonial Revival (1890-1920) was highlighted with ornate doorways, railings, and dark hues for shutters and doors. The exteriors were light in color with soft to off-white trim. The window trims were drawn from the 18Th century, and the interior woodwork was painted and accented with popular wallpapers as an aesthetic combination.

The Bungalows (1910-1930) were small homes with signature porches and dormers. This distinguished look was generally accented by natural tones of rough shale and river or fieldstones, roofed with shingles, and finished in stucco for the exterior of the body.

The historic accents and trim colors were dark toned to accentuate the softer body tones of the home with a traditional super white to use in various historical home designs. These historical shades add a prominent finishing touch providing enhanced distinction to the main style of the homes conveying depth in each era while preserving esteem to historical detail.

The Following colors display the appropriate colors from Benjamin Moore Paints for the Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles. Included with this review is the historical accent and trim colors.

The Colonial Revival

Good Morning Sunshine 326                                Lemon Ice OC-114

Vale Mist 1494                                                      Dolphin Af-715

Spring Thaw 1508                                                 Sunburst 2023-40

Franklin Lakes 1643

West Coast 1671

The Bungalow Collection

Cattail CSP-295                                                       Silver Streak 2119-40

Secret Path CSP-800                                              Smoke Gray 2120-40

In the Garden CSP-805

Porcini CSP-195

Taupe Fedora CSP-280

Historical Trim and Accent collection

New London Burgundy HC-61                              Frostine AF-5

Bewitched CSP-450                                              Caliente AF-290

Bittersweet Chocolate 2114-10                             Universal Black 2118-10

Salamander 2050-10                                             Paris Rain 1501

These popular shades can distinguish a variety of historical homes, as the colors will enhance the primary color providing a contrasting style. The highlights will express a deep opulence that accentuates the architecture of the home. This richness in color channels the eras while preserving a reverence to details that display significance. The value of a historical home begins with the appearance of the home. The authenticity of the colors can show pride in expressing true characteristics of a period.

The ownership of a historical home whether by era or known history, evokes style and pride as the homeowner acknowledges the importance to details and worth. With this in mind, the colors chosen to represent these historical colors were derived from architectural documents that revealed formulas, chronological material specifications, and paintings depicting the period.

The Mighty Pine

Years ago when I was visiting my family in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, I painted this picture of a pine cone during a sunset. It was such a spare of the moment painting, which I used every medium of paint my family had in their house. I did not have a camera to take a photo, so this paintings by memory. Intrigued by the reflection of the sun and the vibrant colors it layered across the sky behind this branch. It was touching to view the strength of this lone pine cone. The cone stood out from anything else I was looking at during dinner.

When I studied Japanese in college, the pine had a symbolism I remembered when I was painting this picture. During the time of ancient and feudal war in Japan, the pine symbolized the vitality and growth it shows in all four seasons by remaining green the entire year. The Japanese regard the pine as a symbol of good fortune, longevity, and steadfastness. As a practice, the Japanese display the pine as a crest, a motif of winter, or as decoration symbolizing a welcome to the God or Goddess of a New Year. This display was placed on a gate, a wall, or a low hanging tree and is still in practice today.

The various types of pine foliage --almost 100 variations-- are presented in three designs: Needles and single or multiple pine cones, a branch with needles, or the whole pine containing its roots. The Hino, a family of noble stature from the (1193-1332) Kamakura Period, originated the first pine crest accompanied by a crane or heron. The use of this crest is an ornament on the crown of a Japanese helmet (known as a mabizashi-tsuke kabuto or visor-attached helmet). The crest was also placed on banners taken into battles or on carriages carrying clansmen and women of noble rank.

This crest was used by the Matsuda in Shimane Prefecture, and by three families in Kagawa Prefecture; the Iida, the Fuke, and the Samukawa. Later, 15 families in the Fuji clan adopted this crest in the Sanuki Prefecture. Beginning in 1603, the Edo Period, the crest was commissioned by the daimyo families Nishio and Nagai, and 50 families of direct retainers for the Shogun.

Pine took on a new meaning as the plant was depicted in crests, art, calligraphy, and poetry in the form of a Haiku. 

The twin-pine of Takekuma was a gigantic pine tree that was visited by many. Sadly, on the second visit from a respected poet named Noin travelling to see the pines, he was devastated to see that one trunk was cut down by the newly appointed Governor to form a bridge over the River Notori. The tree was planted and chopped down many times in the last 1000 years, and today it is just as splendid as it was in the past as mentioned in the poems below.

The following haikus were written by modern poets reminiscing about the twin-trunks of the famous Takekuma Pine Tree. 

The poet Kyoshu wrote:

Don't forget to show my master
The famous pine of Takekuma,
Late cherry blossoms
Of the far north.

The following poem was in reply:

Three months after we saw
Cherry blossoms together
I came to see the glorious
Twin trunks of the pine.

Various Decorating Styles

Interior decorating includes anything that deals with house's interior and its furnishings. In the process of revamping the house, one should have to consider the different attributes that play a vital role in the design, such as the layout, color or theme, and furniture arrangement. So, instead of tuning into a favorite home makeover show and praying that they one-day gift the homeowner with an idea of a dream house, why not educate oneself on the different styles available and do it his or herself?

Interior Decorating Styles

Although a professional interior decorator will give a home the flair it much needs, this will only come with a dent in the wallet. The good thing, however, is that the various interior decoration styles can be understood by almost everyone. All it requires of someone is he or she uses a little imagination and infuses some personal flavor in the design. Some people opt to study interior decoration, but for those with a knack for creativity, it is a talent that just comes naturally and can nurture in the process of creating a stylish space in their houses. Some of the decorating styles that can be used to give the much-needed push into the colorful realm of interior decoration include:

Art Deco Ambience

A characterization by the use of modest structures and colors, this involves the use of sleek, strong lines, and wooden furniture lacquered in black. Use mostly red, white, and black colors for this style, but the use of dull purple, pale blue, and dove gray work as well. The colors are always accentuated through the use of aluminum, steel, glass, mirrors, chrome, and white marble. Although the flooring for art deco is generally white or black marble, the lighting is integral and incorporates the use of table lamps, ceiling lights, and wall scones throughout the room.

Asian Decor

One embodies the oriental style of interior decorating by plain furnishings plus uncluttered areas. This style always appeals to those who like balancing the positive and negative aspects of their lives. You can use Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese form of decorating and chi balance, to design the space in your house. It always utilizes the direction of flow of energy in determining the best arrangement for your house. Tatami floor mats and rugs form an integral part of ancient oriental culture, and as such can include this classic covering. Fabrication of most furnishings should typically include bamboo, lacquer, or black wood.

Contemporary Decor

It borrows heavily from Art Deco style, but adds a little dash of comfort. The characterization of this style is shown by subtlety, simplicity alongside the use of geometric shapes. The floor can either be wooden or tiled, while the colors used include white, black, and neutrals.

Country Decor

This English country style is all about charisma, comfort, and functionality. Country style mainly emphasizes a striking balance with nature and comes in handy in decorating cottage type houses that have gardens, which are commonly found in villages and small towns. It also uses warm colors, and thus imparts a kind of inner coziness to a house. Furnishings used in English country style are generally heavy in wood work.

Although this article does not cover each style in detail, it gives a solid base to work from in determining if the style meets the homeowner’s desires. Other popular interior decoration styles are the Mediterranean decor, Victorian decor, and Retro decor. Because interior decoration is a craft, you need to have a feel for it, and one should strive to understand the various aspects that form its core. It is also much advisable to check out one’s guests’ reactions as he or she tries different styles of interior decorating.

What are Textiles?

Recently, I was told I did not have enough knowledge to teach a materials class. I was surprised at first, and a tad upset, but I assume the individual was going off a brief conversation while discussing the class dynamics, specifically textiles.

 

Here is what I do know. Textiles are the most universal and efficient method to introduce texture and patterns to a design. This could also add color to the interior by the reflective surface and the various styles of the materials. In the design industry, today the market can offer styles of textiles ranging from contemporary, traditional, and transitional. These textiles are available in natural fibers and synthetic fibers that typically are man-made. Pricing the textiles, the function of capacity of the textiles and the aspects of the textiles technically, can dictate the selection process.

 

The primary consideration for the designer is the process of spinning the yarn and the construction. This is how the designer will determine the durability of the textiles used in each job. Spinning the yarn conditions the character or profile of material. This is called the denier or thickness of the yarn thread. The texture of the yarn can be twisted, slubbed, or smooth. The construction is the process of creating a weave that is tight, close-set or open-set cloth. These range from a sheet sample of material to a netting sample like stocking or webbing. It is also measured by the thread knots per square inch.

 

Construction is the interweaving of the yarn. This yarn is the warp or filler yarn that is laced to create a weave. This process creates a knit, a hooked loop, or tufting of the materials. When I worked for the rug department at my previous job, I learned that this was a process of creating carpets punched by lines of needles that inject yarn into the fabric backing, usually woven or rubberized. This can be said for textiles in a fabric capacity as well.

 

Another construction process used for nonwoven fabric is the process of felting where loose fibers adhere to each other under high pressure. Determining if a textile is durable or maintainable it will depend on the fibers used and how the fiber is spun and constructed. These fibers can be classified in two ways, the synthetic fiber or the natural fiber. Each style has a subdivision.

 

Synthetic fibers are cellulosic fibers that are an organic compounds found in vegetation like plants. These examples are acetate, rayon, or triacetate.

Non-cellulosic fibers are made from polymers or glass products. These non-cellulosic fibers are the most common products used in more than one resource than just textiles. These are nylons, acrylics, olefin, polyester and a few others. One can tell if a fiber is unnatural by the way he or she observes a glassy or twinkly sheen when looking at the surface or hand of a textile at an angle.

 

Natural fibers can also come from plants or animals. Natural plant fibers are hemp, flax, jute, cotton, and ramie, which is a bark from the nettle bush. Animal fibers consist of wool, hair, and silk. Other natural fibers can come from metal like gold leafing or threads, copper, and silver. These natural fibers were used over 5000 years B.C., yet because they are so durable and resilient, these natural fibers are still used in today’s manufacturing of textile fabrications.

Hemp is the most durable of natural fibers and originally this fiber was exclusively used for ropes, and burlaps. Today hemp is used in some of the finest fashions for the durability and the ability to manufacture this fiber extremely soft. A way to sample this and other textile breakthroughs are through testing the fibers whether natural or synthetic for longevity and sustainability. Testing is the only assurance that manufacturers have in a product that will last the standard five to eight year lifespan of performance. Some of the performance issues are soil resistance and flame retardant. This characteristic is achieved by chemical applications like Scotchgard and Zepel. Both products can protect textiles surfaces from liquid, soil, and flame damage to the weave.

 

Weaving, as mentioned before, is achieved through construction. This is the process to loom by hand or machine and create a lacing effect of fibers. The shuttle will loom yarn through raised warp yarns creating a weave in and out. There are three methods in weaving a textile the first is a plain weave (later this was called taffeta), the second is satin, and the third is twill. Twill is used to create durable garments like a tweed jacket or bag. All three basic weaves are the same variation of the plain weave. The only difference is how dense the loom weaves the yarn with different fillers creating a selvage as a return. There are five different weaves available with basic taffeta, satin, twill, pile, and leno. The most durable—historical— fiber used in modern textiles is hemp and will continue to improve with age.

 

Well, that is what I know and I am sticking to it.

Comments From Followers

Hey Family and Friends:

I have been writing valuable and new ideas for over a year. Now it is time for you, the reader, to make comments over the articles that have been published so far. Here is your chance to add a suggesion for me to write about or comment on your favorite topic written so far.

Just add a comment to any or all of the posts that are of interest or what you would like to read in the next year.

I am open to anything, so let me know what you would like to read about. Have a fantastic holiday season this 2012.

The Art of a Kiss

A kiss can signal more than just a feeling, but rather short circuit one’s system the moment his or her lips touch. A kiss creates communications beyond words and is the beginning of volumes in emotions. If the kiss is done properly, the man communicates his intentions, and the woman can answer the man’s tactile statement. This statement could say, “I love you” or “I need you” or “I want you.” Either way, the communication is clearly stated by the way the kiss is presented. In every lifestyle this presentation is true.

On the flipside, if a kiss is delivered badly, one seals his or her fate, especially if a new relationship is in the works. Therefore, before this goes any further, one should ask themselves, “Where do I measure?” As long as one has kissed in their lives, have they learned any skills or techniques that keep the event fresh?  At times romance is in a rut and these established skills are taken for granted. Seriously, think about it, is the person good at a kiss or could the act use some invigorating help?

 

To become a better kisser, here are some key points to consider in helping one become a superior kisser. These skills will enhance the individual’s ability to weaken the knee or create that cardio marathon. One should use the skills that work best for the situation. Some skills are not what one looks for but can use the acts in the experiment to hone the ability to please his or her partner.

 

Never underestimate the use of eye contact. The delivery is important, and just like any delivery it should never be late. If one cannot read the signals, it is better not to try until you can. One method is to move closer SLOWLY to the recipient. An invitation will not be spoken here, and one should never ask if it is alright to proceed. Do not invade one’s space, just inch closer to the target, and do not make physical contact. This will build anxiety, and look for the flicker of his or her eyes as they look toward one’s lips for confirmation. This will show the way to the intense act of a passionate caress of the lips. In other words: a kiss, a lip-lock, sucking face, a make-out session, etc.

 

A make-out session should conclude with an element of adorability. This element could include a tiny series of pecks on the cheek, the forehead or temple, and the tip of the nose. With passion in the works, it is important to stop for a breather and look into his or her eyes before moving in for another kiss—this is rapture. A rapturous kiss when not expecting it is sexy. On the flipside, when strolling in the park or at the mall, from nowhere, press up against a partner’s body, wrap an arm around them and make-out passionately. Do not care who walks by! This will create a passionate memory that will last a lifetime.

 

A passionate kiss is imperative to the success of a continued relationship. Kiss slowly and make sure to read the movements of one’s partner. If one wants to continue kissing in any liaison than one should mean it and constantly induce passion to the act. Be strong in this point, and mix these ingredients into the kiss. One should kiss long, add the slow part here, and add a splash of kissing deeply and hard. A passionately hot kiss is garnished with either a hand wrapped around one’s waist or fingers gently in his or her hair right behind one’s neck. Most people adore their hair fiddled with and the slightest pressure showing support at the neck.  Do this at once and watch the fireworks commence.

One can display fireworks in another way by stealing a kiss like a thief in the night. This technique is a winner every time. Kisses are not always delivered face-to-face; sometimes kisses need to be a surprise. When a relationship begins, one takes his or her mate on dates. Never stop taking dates, this creates ruts and contention. Try this on the next date, and become the rogue partners’ looks for. One should excuse him or herself to freshen up at a bar, a restaurant, the game, etc. When returning, steal up behind them and put a hand around his or her waist and kiss the side of the recipient’s neck just under the ear. This brazen act will send quivers down one’s spine. Add a secret to this act and whisper into his or her ear to cement the longevity of this association.

Last, enhance your kiss with a heartfelt embrace. One should hug his or her partner to the right side. By doing this act the couple aligns hearts which are at the closest convergence in an embrace and the couple will feel the heartbeat of his or her partner. The power of this embrace can send chills through the couple and this fire will ignite any relationship to the next level. Always conduct yourself like a lady or a gentleman while committing to a relationship. There will always be time for naughty behavior if one plays his or her cards right and this is another topic to write about in the future.

 
In the meantime, a person needs the right amount of confidence and tenderness to deliver a proper kiss. Over-confident is a huge turn-off for many, and men and women despise a potential partner who is over-confident in oneself. With eye-contact, adorability, passion, risks, and communication one can enjoy a lifetime in a relationship. If this is what one wishes, and by following these simple rules, let the kissing commence.

The Gift-for-Gab Chili Cook off

I would love to say I won the chili cook-off last year, but I didn't. However, I did win the "Gift-for-Gab" ribbon for having the most clothes pins by the end of the night. That was a fun game. The way to have the most clothes pins is to take a pin away from the other players if they uttered a forbidden word. I started off slow because "NO" was the forbidden word. I guess I use the word "NO" too much. Then the words changed and I championed the event. The winning words were Can then it was I and last the word was Happy. I must not use these last words often in my conversations.

I CAN say I am HAPPY that NO was not the word for the night!

Here is my award winning chili

Rattledash Chili

1/4 c. olive oil
2 medium green peppers
1 medium jalapeno pepper, roasted
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 lb. pork shoulder, diced
2 lb. Tri-tip, diced
1/2 qt. tomato juice
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz.) can stewed tomatoes
1 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. sea salt
2 tbsp. brown sugar
1 tsp. cumin, ground
1 tsp. cayenne pepper, ground
1/2 tbsp. crushed red pepper flake
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. dry mustard
1 tbsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. cloves

Chop into small pieces all vegetables and meat
Heat oil in large pot or Dutch oven
Sauté vegetables and meat in oil
When meat has browned add seasonings, stewed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
Add tomato juice as needed while chili simmers for approximately 4 hours.
Add cheese and diced onions to the top for something extra.