DAILY ENTRÉE

The Colors of Seduction

by Penny on January 26, 2012

in Interior Design

image

This is Walter Herrington’s Pasadena home – and I approve! Not that he even knows who I am…but I really like his crib. I like the relaxed nature of the fabrics and furnishings he has incorporated and the purposeful arrangement of objects and art. In the bedroom specifically, I like that Mr. Herrington himself, painted the abstract design on the wall.  (One color, paint brush, abstract design? You can do this too! Give it a try!)  I also like his combined use of black, white and brown – these are very seductive colors.

image 

image

Did you know the combination of black, brown and white, are a common color preference for men? Of course you did. But did you know or understand why men are drawn to these shades? Its not that they lack enough imagination to incorporate much color.  It goes deeper than that.  We call them the silent shades. Tee-hee, okay that’s fitting, since the average man has trouble communicating. (That’s me talking, not fact…um-hum) ‘male or female, by surrounding yourself with these three shades,

  • you seek to become more centered and are better able to prioritize your thoughts and actions
  • you seek to define better what you need and what you value
  • you seek to live in the moment so you are more aware of what you want
  • be careful because  you can be obstinate, focusing on your past needs

Don’t most men need a little help in these areas?  Except my husband of course))))

image

Read Dewey Sadka’s, Embrace Hue You Are, for more info on the phenomenon – colors that reveal the true you.

There’s so much truth to how your personality lines up with the colors that you favor. The key is to also embrace the colors that you reject, because the personalities associated with these colors, are often the traits you reject. So, learn to embrace all colors in your world for a complete you.

image

All images via LA Times

image 

image

image

So here’s a little bit of FUN for ya. I like.  

image 

image

image

image

{ 0 comments }

San Francisco via Kind Design

image

Who likes a sexy loft?  Count me in. Notice how the gold accent color has a repeating pattern – it’s on the hearth, the end table and the art. The rule: repeating elements within a space creates  rhythm and harmony.  This room is ALIVE with M-U-S-I-C!!! (Sorry, it’s the nerd in me)

image

image

image

Soho via FFFFound

image

image

image

image

Los Angeles via LA Times

image

Toy Factory Loft’s, located in the Arts District of downtown LA, is amazing! Featured in the LA Times are 4 lofts, same canvas, unique designs.  All 4 living rooms are posted below.  To see more of all 4 loft’s here.

image Loft 1

image Loft 2

image Loft 3

image Loft 4

This just goes to show you, there’s more than one way to design a space, so don’t be afraid to veer from a settled upon design plan if your gut is telling you otherwise. 

I like designs 2, 3, 4 and 1 – in that order. Which space is your favorite?

{ 0 comments }

DAILY ENTRÉE

What Inspires Your Creativity?

by Penny on January 24, 2012

in Art

That’s the theme for Charlotte’s 3rd annual HIGHEST DESIGN contest!  Create the next design for the Design Center of the Carolina’s water tower.  Not only will the winning design be seen at an inspiring altitude, the designer will also win $1,000!  Additionally, Carolina Pad will make a $5,000.00 donation of classroom supplies to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg School championed by the winning artist.  Contest began January 17th, 2012.  Visit Design Center Carolinas website for official rules.

image

IF YOU ARE CHOOSEN AS THE LUCKY WINNER, YOUR DESIGN WILL CERTAINLY NOT BE MISSED!

image image image

image image
image image
image image
image image

images via

PREVIOUS YEARS WINNERS!

image 

1st Place 2011: Ashley Plyler

image

 1st Place 2011: Randy Logan, 5th grade, Sedgefield Elementary.

{ 0 comments }

image

The exterior and the interior structure is so adorable.  The exterior seems to fit the personality I see in Taylor. It’s like a little ginger bread house. Although it seems like a smaller cottage from the front, don’t be deceived.

image

What I don’t like about this house is the decor. Its way too old and traditional for what I hope that she would like. Come on Taylor! You are young, fresh and way too current for this style!  Grant it, this could be the decor from the previous owner, I’m not sure.  Lets pray that’s the case.

image

Okay, this is more like it. LuVin’ the kitchen. White kitchens NEVER grow old!

image

image

The paneling and the ceiling details add so much character; however, the oversized furniture and heavy valance? It’s NOT happening:-(

image 

image I’m almost certain this bathroom is incomplete. It’s just too blah – and what’s up with the single vanity – it’s WAY TOO small. That should be a double.

image

Breath Taking!!! 

See more of Taylor’s photos and other celebrities’ homes HERE at Front Door.

{ 0 comments }

DAILY ENTRÉE

Inspiring Visual Decor

by Penny on January 22, 2012

in Inspiration,Interior Design

image

Decorate around a wall mounted TV

What a beautiful living room to unwind or even entertain in.  So often I hear how challenging it is to decorate the space around a wall mounted TV, for fear that too many items will be distracting.  Let this visual be a lesson – A well designed grouping will not interfere with your view of the TV. In fact, it should enhance the overall setting of the space.  Two thumbs up to Lisa Ling’s designer for creating such a functional, orderly and aesthetically pleasing space! See Lisa’s Video from concept through construction to the finished design. You will be surprised just how green she and husband went  in the process.

image

How to arrange a grouping of art

Although there are many ways to achieve a stunning effect. Notice the commonalities in this grouping? Although each image varies in size, they all have a black frame and white matting. And it works!

image

Less is more

This reading room has all the ambiance for a relaxing get away.  Who says every space in a home has to be filled with furniture, especially if it’s intended to be a retreat.

image

image

Sometimes it’s just about the architecture

When the emphasis is on one particular element, in this case the structure, keep the remaining items clean and simple. Don’t let the entire room fight for attention.

image

Accentuate with color

Keeping the walls a light soft gray tone, allowed the homeowner to add splashes of color in blue and yellow. This retro room is fun and easy on the eyes.

image

Enliven neutral palettes with texture and graphics

Taupe, gray, black and white envelope this cool living space.  The bold zebra pattern in the rug when combined with silk curtains, a velvet ottoman and pillows and a large crystal chandelier create an inviting atmosphere.

All images courtesy of LA Times, Over 100 living room designs

{ 0 comments }