Use Color In Design

Ikat Fabric and Wallpaper

Warm Colors are the easiest to introduce to a design because the colors remind homeowners of the fiery colors that radiate from the sun. These vibrant colors are reminiscent to fire engine reds, smoldering oranges, and bright yellows. These colors can make the room appear warmer, and the room will visibly advance. Cooler colors will recede and make rooms appear smaller or the walls close into the furniture. Warm colors give the illusion of intimacy but one should beware not to use warm colors if the room is already warm in character. This makes a space radiate too much warmth aesthetically. 

When using cool hues, one will envision water or ice. These colors are soothing as cool tones make a person cool down. These are shades of depths in the sea. Cobalt blues, aqua greens, and majestic purples. Cooler colors will make the walls appear to look larger; the cool wall color will seem to recede, making a room more open and airy. Cool colors are perfect to use in a room flooded with sunlight. The cool colors makes one believe they are in a cooler place as the psychological effect kicks in and the human psyche makes one feel cooler.   

Connecting with neutral colors similar to the family of tans, browns, beige, white tones, and grays can create a bond between colors and transitional spaces. Neutrals work to connect rooms as well as layer a foundation for more vivid color schemes or combinations. Mixtures are created by various colors, and colors have a psychological meaning that has been researched and studied for generations. In the last few decades, these colors have a refined definition that designers used in the industry of interior, graphic, and fashion design. The definitions are as follows, though they are not complete, this brief description will assist the interior designer in determining what the array of colors will do for the client’s home.

Red – this color can make one feel hot and is known to increase one’s appetite, heart rate, and passion. Red is largely used in residential dining rooms and fast food restaurants using this exciting tone in the color theme. Because red increases a person’s appetite, one tends to eat faster, and this is beneficial for fast food establishments. Red can often be applied in bedrooms adding alluring and sumptuous touches to enhance romantic settings. At times, designers use small portions of red hues in every room to increase warmth and comfort to the home.

Pink – Pink has matured and is not just for a princesses or toddlers. Pink along with touches of charcoal tones create a depth of richness. These neutrals embellish the look or intensity saturated pinks. Though pink portrays a softer approach to a feminine quality, the designer will balance the amount of pink with other colors to allow a mixed gender space in the bedroom. Hot pinks are still popular, but used in smaller amounts in addition to accommodate the aesthetics of the home.

Orange – Orange is known to develop nervousness and anxiety. When people feel edgy, they tend to fumble more or become frustrated. On the opposite side people tend to act giddy and playful. This color is high in energy and is perfect as a burst of color in a room. Orange can be daring in design and can create layers of color to energize a small space, such as the laundry room or hallway. A dull or shadowy space takes on a lively feeling as the bold color enlightens the space with this dramatic approach.

Yellow – this is the most controversial color in the color wheel. Thought often as a sunny and happy tone, bright yellows are aggravating and annoying if viewed too long. One should use yellow sparingly when decorating and only as a highlight in décor. If yellows are dominant as a design scheme, use golden yellows, butter tones, or pale tones of this hue. Yellows are tricky as it can have green traces that can suggest a sickly demeanor. Black can also change a yellow to a green tone, and this can creates chaos in the design. Staying on the lighter shade of yellow works best in decorating and can add a lighter nuance to the space.

Green – this is a natural color and can create a serene scheme if decorated with properly. Green can take on two jobs in decorations. These jobs are energizing and relaxing in various design settings. This can be done at the same time as a combination of tones. Good uses of greens are best used in a setting for bedrooms, living rooms, and for waiting rooms to create a perfect choice for tranquil, revitalizing, and stimulating environments.

Blue – this color can actually lower blood pressure and reduce an appetite in people. Needless to say, this color would not be effective in a kitchen or eating establishment as the loss of appetite may reflect on the food or the individual preparing the meal. One may even psychologically believe the food does not taste properly. The color blue and the tint of white are rebooted in trends or in fashions as realized in Wedgwood china, country decorating, and nautical design or navy schemes.

Purple – this royal and majestic color was just that a color representing wealth and positioning in class. This was a color that very few could afford in the earlier times of fashion and design. In the theater, a portrayal of nobility is symbolized in a deep purple and highlights of gold. Purple is best used in moderation adding richness or drama to the room without making the space look cagey or over theatrical in design. 

Black – this color does not just signify the rebel or a depressive cogitation. Black is a classic and regal accent color that shares a traditional and contemporary look in any room. Once thought of as an accent tone or a neutral to add to any upholstery piece, black is used in whole room applications partnered with rich tones or pastels, and accompanied by chromes, mirrors or crystals.

White – this color represents a clean and sophisticated class in design and white also can be used in traditional and contemporary looks in design and fashion. When one uses white he or she is trying to show spirituality, ethereal purity, and promote cleanliness. White is very popular in design, but designers will add various colors to add character and influences where a solid white could have a tedious presence in styles and textures.

Brown – another tone used to show a safe and a neutral tone in design has been rejuvenated from its former glory as a boring color. Brown is the new classic color that goes well in a rich design. Deeper tones of brown known as cognac, espresso, or Dark chocolate have accompanied rich colors such as various reds, burned oranges, bright pinks, electric greens, and smoky blues. Dark brown has moved into a multifaceted color and has been added to every color working as a strong companion in design and popular color scheme.

Whatever color used in a timeless collection, the tones capture a simple yet elegant design in today’s home and setting. The spirit a mixture of colors brings to a home is classic and transcending. The details of a crisp color can create a couture that a designer prepares for any individual looking for the next best trend. Colors should never be a fad, as trends seem to last and make a difference in future designs and styles. A high-quality or custom design can make or break a home’s success and as a designer it is his or her responsibility to deliver sound and professional advice to the public. With a refined eye, the designer will find the perfect materials and styles that capture the elegance and class that many homeowners are looking for in their home. Another important aspect in home design is the amount of calming and relaxation one can achieve through the colors used in the finished design.

Fresh Tomato Sauce Made Easy

Fresh tomato sauce is another way to create a new taste for an old creation. Today, tomato sauce is served with a variety of dishes and not just Italian food. Tomato sauce partners well with vegetables, various cheeses, breads, and proteins. Tomato sauce is one of the mother sauces in cooking and has multiple variations to experiment with in the kitchen. This delicious sauce is robust and full of flavor, and one would never guess it only takes 25 to 30 minutes to make and the end result is scrumptious.

Here is a simple recipe to follow when a quick tomato sauce is needed.

Ingredients

5 large ripe tomatoes (for a stronger taste, use the equivalent volume in Roma tomatoes)

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil or canola oil

½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

*A bowl of ice water is needed to blanch the tomatoes

Directions

Blanch the tomatoes by taking a paring knife and slice an X on the top. This is called scoring a tomato. After the tomatoes are scored place them in boiling water for 30 seconds to a minute. *Immediately take them out and plunge them into a bowl of ice water. This will make the skin separate from the flesh of the tomato. Peel off the skin, dice the tomatoes, keeping the juice and discarding the seeds; set aside in a bowl.

Heat the oil in a large sauté pan until hot, medium-heat. Make sure the oil is not too hot or it will burn your garlic and make them bitter. Add the garlic to the pan and stir until slightly brown and the garlic have began to permeate a garlic flavor.

Add the tomatoes with juice and mix into the garlic, this will marry the flavors.

Add the parsley, and stir in lightly.

Spill the mix onto a warmed serving dish, season with salt and pepper to desired taste, and sprinkle the top with Parmesan.

Serve this sauce over pasta, rice, proteins, beans, or whatever one wishes to eat.  

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.