"Paint Colour-Card"

"Pillars imitating Paint Striker Cards"

I just had to share this Project - I recently helped a good friend and Interior Decorator with some Colour Advice...Look how beautiful this "Vibrant Palette"-of Lime Greens;Orange;Reds and Rusts turned out.

It creates a warm, inviting and yet comfortable atmosphere in this beautiful Family Restaurant....Love, Love,Love...

The Yellow up-lighting also creates a cosy and intimate feel to this Space. These are all Colours which are not only fun and vibrant but also work very well together. The Pillars almost imitate a "Paint Colour-Card" with the white stripe in-between each band....very cleverly done...

Well Done-BEYOND THE HOME AND OFFICE
http://www.beyondthehome.co.za/

Credits:Thanks Andrew Home for the Image.

"Til the next time...Happy painting...:-)FK

"Trial and Error"

Choosing Colours can be such a daunting task. There are so many factors which have to be taken into consideration like:
1)Lighting : The light in which you viewed the colour in the Store is normally "White" Light - Check your Lighting at Home. We often use Low/Yellow Lighting in our Homes - Therefore this will affect the Colour on the Wall.
2)Flooring: The Colour of the Floor generally affects the Wall Colour when "Light" bounces off the Floor and back onto the Wall. (eg: a terracotta floor tile tends to change the colour to a more warmer shade. White Tiles generally change the colour to a cooler shade)
3)Space : The size of the Room also can affect the Colour. If you have a small room then darker Colours tend to make the Room appear even smaller. High Ceilings also affect Colour as this draws in a lot of Light and sometimes "Lighter" colours appear "White" in appearance.

250ml Paint Tester Pots

Colour Cards are not always accurate

We cannot rely on the Colour Cards as they are not always accurate. The best thing "paint manufacturers" could have ever introduced are "Paint Tester Pots" - I often use these when I am advising on Colour. Be it Interior or Exterior. I normally  paint an A3 size "Triplex Board" with various Colour options. I use board because not only can you move these around but you don't have to paint an undercoat to hide the previous wall Colour. It is also very useful when working on projects whereby "Fixtures" are not in place yet - You create a visual for Clients and it helps when Contractors are pushing you for a "Colour choice". This process in turn saves you as the Painters do not have to return to complete the job and their production is not delayed.



"Choosing Colours can be a daunting Task"



"Use plain white Triplex Board to Test Colours"

So come on what are you waiting for - go out and try it. Not only will you look at colour in a different light but you will have great fun making your selection in the process. Happy painting:-)...'Til next time...FK.

TIP: With all your un-used Boards why not Frame them and use them as Artwork

"Decor scrapbooking"

"Oh so Natural"

I often find myself looking through magazines and cutting and pasting pictures that appeal to me. I know one day I will either be drawn back here for inspiration - whether it be for a Display or a Client I am working with.

"Look to nature for Inspiration"

When I'm advising my Clients I tell them to search the Internet or look at Decor Magazines - start a "Scrapbook" - (Nothing fancy) just collections of Pictures that you are drawn to. You will find that a certain Pattern will flow - in terms of Styles;Colour-schemes; Furniture; Room Settings etc...This is a very good starting point for us Decorators as this narrows things down - it gives us a Prospective of your likes and dislikes.

"Pretty in Pink"

Try this it's great fun...

*The Pictures you look at could be a "Colour-scheme" that appeals to you -
"Look to Nature for Inspiration" -this is the Best Natural Resource we look to and see whether or not Colours work well together...
*It could just be an interesting piece of furniture - you might love the Craftsmanship or fabric that it is upholstered in (Cut it out and paste it)
*It could be a piece of Artwork that you would like to draw inspiration from - whether it sets a "Theme" to the Room or ties the Colour-scheme together.

"Take a Painting and draw Inspiration from it"

*The next step is to gather "Colour-Cards" that pick out all the Colours in the Pictures - You will see your Story-board come to life.
*You could even go a step further and add fabric cuttings and accessories to complete the look...It's that easy.

Then take your storyboard to your Interior Decorator and together you can start building on that dream Project...one step at a time...:-)Happy Decorating...'Til next time FK.

"Spring is in the Air"

Notes: You will notice from the Pictures I have selected - I love anything that is natural and organic. My favourite colour is Pink and  I am immediately drawn to anything and everything with Pink in it... I love texture, simple artworks,cherry blossoms and I am always looking to nature for Inspiration.

"Anything and Everything Pink"

"Design Team"



www.designteamfabrics.co.za

 This post I am dedicating to two Special Textile Designers - Amanda Hupt and Lise Butler - co-owners of "Design Team Fabrics". They met at Tech. studying Textile Design and Technology and have taken the Fabric;Clothing and now recently "Furniture" Industry by storm. The amazing thing is that in a time when the Textile Industry in South Africa was fading out - these two decided to design and manufacture Textiles. They are not only South African Design Icons - but also National Ambassadors. Through their designs and attention to detail they have brought a Nation together who are now embracing the "New with the Old Natural Heritages" into leading the country as a Proud Nation. Design Team have placed South Africa on the Map with beautiful "Line Sketched Proteas" and "Potjie Pots" with some of History's Icons like "Steve Biko" and the ever popular "Dolly on the Drum magazine".

"Design Team Fabrics - Young at Heart Range"

As an interior decorator you need to keep up to date with the latest trends and designs - We are often looking abroad for Inspiration, but I was so inspired when I was first introduced to them. I am very proud that we in South Africa are setting Trends and the rest of the World are drawing Inspiration from our Local Talent...I am a very Proud South African...Ensure to support local talent and product...'Til the next Time FK:-)

www.designteamfabrics.co.za

"Recession Tips for Interiors"

TIP 1 - Planning
This is vital as it saves you time; energy and money. You will be surprised of how much you can save by Planning. With everything from Meal-plans to Decor plans. When you go to the store only buy what you need and stick to your Plan. Always take a List.
The same with Decor - My golden rule is do one room at a time. Do it until it's complete - from the Flooring to the last Accessory. You will see how you will progress through your home without you realising the constraints. Remember: There is no rush - you do it at your pace and within your Budget. Do not be tempted by these "High-end Stores" with "Glamorous Displays" - ask yourself these questions - "Is that me? or "Could I live without this?" And  "I'm I going to still love this over time?" If most of the answers are "maybe" or "no" then you best walk away...and revert back to your original "Plan".

TIP 2 - Yard Sales
Visit garage sales as you never know what you could find there. Or even one better - hold a "Yard Sale" of your own. Gather up all the stuff that you know is not worth preserving - and you could generate some cash to go towards your "Decor Budget". It is also a great way to "Spring Clean" and get rid of all the old stuff and create space for the new. Like on "Clean house" - whatever you don't sell give it to a Charity. Don't keep unnecessary stuff that takes up space and clutters your home.

TIP 3 - D.I.Y
Before you decide to throw out "Grand-ma's" old chair - you could also look at recovering or doing a paint technique on it to revive the look. Sometimes just a good sand down; a new updated fabric and a stain with a lick of varnish could be a good face lift for any solid piece. If you're going to be Re-painting - look at doing it yourself. You will save loads of money - Just remember to go to your local Paint store for the Right Advice in Preparation and Products required for the Job.




TIP 4 - Accessorize
Adding Colour in accessories and Co-ordinates could change the look of any room.
In Bathrooms : Co-ordinating your colours with a selection of  matching Towels and Bath mats.
In Bedrooms : Colour co-ordinating your bedding and accessories like lampshades;cushions and bed-throws.
In T.V. Lounges : A Collection of Old Movie Posters placed in Frames creates a "Theatre Feel" to any Lounge and it stirs-up great conversation. Most Movie Houses will be glad to give these away - so all you would need is a solid Frame to place them in.

 In Studies: The same concept as the Posters - but you could collect Old maps or Stamps. Make Colour copies of these and Hang them in a Grouping on the Wall.

In Kitchen : Plants and Accessories like Dish Towels; Aprons and Mittens are always a winner with  creating a refreshing look. Try making your own co-ordinates - this will save you lots of money. You will even find your friends asking where you got them from...A business opportunity maybe??
In Dining Area: Do slip-covers for "Dining-chairs" - this not only gives you an option of inter-changing your Look but it costs a lot less that replacing the Full Chairs altogether. You could also do this for your sofa's whereby you have slipcovers made-up to have a "Seasonal Look".(Design permitting that is...)

These are just a few small; cost effective ways of changing the Atmosphere and Feel to any Room.

Tip 5 - Go Green


"Idea from Apartment Therapy Blog"

 Re-use old coffee tins by planting herbs in them - you could display them on a window sill or freshen up your garden. Collect assorted glass bottles; swirl some paint in it and place it on a display shelf - It's a cost effective way of adding Colour to a Wall.

"Idea from Pinterest Blog"

Try and  REMEMBER:
Recycle;Re-use;Re-vamp; Re-purpose; Re-juvenate; Re-position or Re-place.

Happy Spring Cleaning:-)...'Til next time...FK

"Just Love this Chalked-out Welcome Mat" - Recession Tip#6

"Psychology of Colour"

"Colour Psychology"

Colour affects us both emotionally and visually. Without us even being aware of it...Colour affects our "Mood" and "Emotions" - Take a little boys room painted Red, for example - studies showed signs of aggression and anger played out by him.

We have to be very weary when advising on Colour - certain questions need to be asked together with some of the key factors of Interior Design like Function;Occupants and Style need to be considered.  A young girl aged 6 would not like to walk into an "Army Themed" bedroom with Camouflaged Tents and GI Joe themed toys laying about...or Would she?

Colour also creates illusions of an Area appearing Larger or Smaller. Position of that Colour in this Space can also affect us indirectly. For example - a rich Red Persian carpet on the floor could give off a Warm, Regal feel - yet  the same carpet hung on a wall could create an Over-powering and an Intrusive feeling.



These are a few Guide-lines of the affects the Following Colours could have on an Area.

Red can be associated with Anger,Passion,Stimulation.Best used in Resturants and Dining areas as it is known to stimulate ones Appetite.

 

Pink can be associated with soft and sensous emotions. Best used in Little Girl's Bedrooms and Guest Loo's.

Orange can be associated as a Colour that is Exciting and Intense. Best used in Areas where creativity and enthusiam is encouraged. Eg: Classrooms and Kitchens.

Yellow can be associated as a Luminious and Cheerful colour. Often used in Studies and Kitchens. It can also be used in Hospitals and Doctor's Rooms.

Green is one of the most versatile colours and can be used throughout. It is associated with Relaxation; Health and Food. Therefore best used in Kitchens; Resturants and Clinics.

Blue is associated with Peace; Space and Tranquility. It does also act as an appetite suppressant; therefore not recommended for Kitchens and Resturants. Best used in Bathrooms; Bedrooms and Doctor's Rooms.

White is a Pure and Clean colour. Just like Green it can be used as an "All-rounder". It creates an Illusion of Space and Transparency. Also speaks "Peace" and "Calm".

Just a few other pointers  to remember:

Black creates a sense of Elegance and Dominance.

Grey's create a more Conservative and Soothing Feel.

Brown creates a feeling of Stability and always lends itself to a more Earthy Feel.

The lighter the "Hue/ Colour" the more softer the Emotion.

The darker the "Hue/Colour" the more intense/drastic the Emotion.

Hope you have been enlightened by Colour Psychology...and next time you feeling a little "Down" - Look at your wall colour and see if that might be the cause of why you feeling this way...Take Care... 'Til next Time. Happy Painting :-)FK

"Fresh Cut Roses..."

 I was introduced today to the most beautiful fragrance...The Yankee Candle Fragrance.


"Yankee Candles - Fresh Cut Roses"
(One of my Favourites)



I have never experienced aromas like these...they eminate the exact smell of their "Title". Ranging from "Baby Powder" (I watched as my customers went oooh...and aarh... to the various smells) to "Island Spa" and "Sun and Sand"...These are sure to be a winner in the Store...Love...Love...Love:-)

www.yankeecandle.com

"Baby Powder"

"Wedding Day"



There is a variety of Candles available - the Glass Jars seem to be very popular with some burning up to 140 hours. These make up special "Birthday" and "Mother's Day" gifts. But not forgetting they also have a variety on "Seasonal Fragrances" for "Christmas and other special Holidays"... The "Wedding Day Collection" makes up into perfect "Thank You" gifts for your bridal party or can also be used for "Table Memoirs"...The choice is so Inviting I could have one in every room..."Happy Smelling all your Yankee Candles"...LOL...FK:-)

"Sailor-made"

With Summer around the corner...I started thinking of "Fun activities" I could do to keep my almost three year old son entertained. He loves anything to do with the Water...so the Beach is always a Favourite. My Creative "Right side of my Brain" often drifts off  into other "Inspiring" ventures so I started thinking about everything and anything to do with the Sea - From the grains of the Sea-sand; to the deep red Corals; to the red and white Lighthouse at the Oyster box to the piece of drift-wood that has washed up to the shore...There is so much which you can draw from this Island of Nature...




Fun Themed Closet Doors (Design dazzle Blog)

 

 



Kid's Themed Party (The Party Dress Blog)

 



Beach Themed Wedding

  

I searched for a few Pictures of Inspiration to get those "Creative Juices" flowing...You could use these anywhere - for Kids Parties; Beach Themed Weddings; Beach Houses; Kids Bedrooms...the List is Endless.  The Best part about Decorating using this theme is that it is very hard to get it wrong...From Stripes to Checks (Red and all shades of Blue to Sea-sand Beige) to Lighthouse or Boat printed Fabrics the more "Beachy" the Better...Have Fun with this Theme as you are sure to enjoy that "Holiday Feel" the room gives off...:-)



Deep Reds and Optical White Coral Ceramics

  


"Inspirational Story board"

 

I found a few Pictures of one of the Front-window Displays that I had done of a "Little Boys Nursery" with the ever popular "Nautical Theme". Hope you like it...'Til next time FK.



"The Union Jack Scatter was a Fun addition."



"My Nautical Themed Front Window Display"

I enjoy adding a twist in every Theme - from the traditional "Boat Sketched" Wallpaper (which you can't really see clearly) above the shelf , to the duco-white "Boat-like" Sleigh Cot. The "Pod Chair" (a modern take to the hammock) is a fun piece for any kid leading them way into their teens.

xxxFK:-)