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Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Do You Live With Colors That Make You Smile?


Color is back in a big and beautiful way!!
 
Everywhere I look I am seeing bright, beautiful colors.

I am sure you have all noticed in Spring fashions we are being shown beautiful and fun color combinations.


You don’t have to find color inspiration at the clothing stores, or even in home design centers, just look around you. Color inspiration is everywhere.

If an image is attractive to you, study it and figure out what it is that you love about it. It does not have to be a literal translation.


Look at an image and write down the key words that refer to the colors, texture, feel of the image and then see how you can translate those words into your room.

Today I am going to show you some images that inspire me and how they can translate into home décor.

Inspiration……



Mother nature is always the best colorist, just look at this gorgeous clematis in blues and greens.

Translation:

Obviously this room with it’s bold stripes is not for everyone, but you can see how natures color scheme can translate to a room.


Inspiration:

Spring time pastels work well with a black and white backdrop.

Here is a room that shows just how well it can work…..



Inspiration:



Blues, greens, yellow and neutrals all tied up at a boat dock. Look around you will be surprised at how colorful our world is and how many winning combinations it has to offer.

Let’s look at these colors translated into a room………


This is not a literal translation but all the color cues are here, the rough textures of the basket luggage are found in the rug and the blinds.

Inspiration:

Beautiful blues and greens with the rough natural texture of a basket. Notice the blue in the denim jeans as well.



Translation:


Blues, greens, neutrals they are all here, even the rough texture has been translated in the finish of the cabinet.
Inspiration:





Translation:


Even though this blue and yellow combination is not as bright as the above it still gave us our color inspiration in a more traditional manner.

Inspiration:


A stack of beautiful cashmere sweaters ranging from turquoise to greens. You might see something similar when out shopping for clothing. Look around at how they display colors in the stores.
Translation:

Again this is not a literal translation but the color cues are here.

It is so important to surround yourself with elements that are pleasing to your eye. So many live in a colorless world or one filled with colors they don’t really love.

Today start looking at your world a little differently. Look around you for color combinations that are attractive to you. 

Think of ways you can add them to your own home in a manner that is pleasing to your own personal design aesthetics.

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF:

Are you living with the colors that make you smile!?

17 comments:

The Pink Pagoda said...

Oh, Kathysue, I LOVE this post! All your images are beautiful. And yes, I'm living with lots of color that makes me smile!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Great post. You know I love the autumn colors and then sprinkle in a few brights for spring and summer. Yep, I love color. Hugs, Marty

michele said...

yes i am!

gorgeous images and color is def a universal language we can all understand.

:)
michele

L.Duncan@Home23DuncanBoys said...

I'm not!!! I'm trying to, though! I was going to do a similar post about this exact topic. There are so many things I "love" and I don't live with any of it:(

Toy Carli said...

I've been so busy that I haven't been posting much but I've been watching with interest. I am not a blue person but I do love "my" colors that I surround myself with and use in my art. I particularly loved your picture of the cashmere sweaters. I pretty much love all those colors. I appreciate your blog, Kathy. T

Linda Hartong said...

Love it. And I am .

MC said...

Hi, I am using MC's computer. Can't get on your comments from mine?
I love all the color. Now that I am into black,white and gold, all this color shows up. What is a Girl Supposed To Do?
I will search for my POP of color and find a pink pillow.

Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies said...

OMGOLLY IT finally is letting me in! I made a comment from MC's computer. I spent the day on this silly thing working on Emily's Link Party. I think I wore it out.

Elizabeth "Libby" Day said...

Great post, Kathy. It is obvious you put a lot of time and thought into it. Thanks for reminding us that there is inspiration all around us if we will but be aware.

Melinda said...

What a clever and well planned post, with lots of useful and relevant information. As always.

Wendi @ Classic Chic Home said...

I love this post, Kathysue! Your examples are beautiful. I'm working on surrounding myself with more colours that make me smile. It's a long process, but it'll be worth it!
~ Wendi

La Dolfina said...

Wow, that was fun!!!

The Buzz Blog said...

What a wonderful and colorful post, Kathysue. We're in the midst or redoing our living room and we'll definitely be bringing in colors that make us smile... Can't wait to see more color in the garden, too!
xxoo
C + C

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Well, this beautifully done post made me smile.

debra @ 5th and state said...

my my kathysue, you are so clever! loved the segue from inspiration to gorgeous rooms. surely a day brightener!
xo
debra

Saffronia Baldwin Interior Design said...

What a b eautiful post. Such gorgeous images and so instructive to people looking for ideas. Thanks!
Saffronia

SHERRY HART said...

The great thing about color is that black and white neutralizes it...thus making one more point for the rug in your family room :)