Red Doors, Irish Traditions & Being Beautifully Prepared

I’ve kept a beautiful collection of red door photos, just waiting for an opportunity to post them.  Red happens to be a favorite color of mine.  To me, it’s lively and spirited and it brings a smile to my face whenever and wherever I see it! 

When Irish traditions are mentioned, the color green is usually one of the first hues which springs to mind.  After all, we always speak of the “Wearing of the Green” for St. Patrick’s Day.  Did you know, in Irish folklore, it is thought that painting ones door in red also keeps away bad luck and evil spirits?  There are also many other spiritual references to indicate safety will lie behind this painted door . . . that a type of shelter will be provided, of which one will be welcomed to share.

As I was planning to post this pictorial, (and for an entirely different reason), the devastating earthquake in Japan was weighing heavily on my heart and my mind.  I kept wondering how I could share an article about doors, (which might seem to be a bit frivolous), given what had just happened?  Within the doors images, something kept resonating.  Call it a symbolic moment.

 This is what appeared . . . .

I couldn’t think of a better source to offer others a shelter from life’s storms.  Not only does The Red Cross reach out in times of great need, they also have created a wonderful series of lists to help us anticipate being better prepared for what might come our way.  Did you know the American Red Cross is the only humanitarian organization with a Congressional charter to provide relief to victims of disasters and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies?

Behind each door, you’ll find the tools you’ll need to guide you through different emergencies.  (And you can also go to their website to find more information for other preparedness lists.)

            

Be Red Cross Ready       Earthquake Safety         Tsunami Safety

                

Pets & Disaster Tips       Flood Safety                  Power Outage

You may have stopped by to read a post about interior design and to see beautiful images. I usually try to share posts on how you can live a more beautiful life and to “Love the Home You’re In”. 

We can’t always plan for the Luck of the Irish . . . but a little preparation might just see us through.  To me, there’s nothing more beautiful than that!    

Sending my thoughts and prayers to Japan and beyond. ~ Wanda

(If you are able, please donate to your American Red Cross Chapter.  They will honor your donation by directing your funds in the manner you so chose.  You can even be a Hero!)

Shifting Style Gears In Interiors

I’m often asked about my preference for a particular interior design style.  I suppose, growing up in the South and also being around a mother who loved to find antiques, I developed a real appreciation for timeless classics.  I know with the right touches, classic designs can be updated with color, fabrics, patterns and accents and they will stay fresh for years to come! 

On occasion, I’m asked to step into a more modern world and it’s great fun to apply the principles of design, in a different way.  If a designer knows his or her trade, personal preference doesn’t get in the way of creating a client’s desires.

I’m working on a lower level “man space”, where my client asked for me to transition away from the upper levels of the home and to create a personalized living experience for an escape from his normally hectic world.

Here’s a peek into the progress:

A rug is forthcoming and I’ll get those pictures, later.  It’s going to be the piece that pulls this all together.  I’m still in awe that my client and his family installed the cork flooring, all on their own!  It’s a great solution for a sublevel space.  A fun design, on the ultrasuede ottoman, hints of some color accents to come.

Leathercraft was the maker of this super cool recliner.  We wanted to get rid of the bulk of a traditional style and my client, who is 6’4”, needed the height.  We had them add two more inches for a better fit.  It just goes to show, it doesn’t hurt to ask a manufacturer if they can customize their products.

The more rustic fireplace could have pushed us into another design direction.  We decided to wrap our brains around a modern, Arizona lodge.  A little Mission meets Modern vibe.  The side walls are wrapped in American Clay and the remaining walls were painted with Mythic flat paint.  We focused on being as eco-friendly as possible.

The stone and brick gave us some direction for our leather color palette.

Another portion of the area has been devoted to a media function.  A super comfortable sectional, from the Norwegian company, Ekornes, fits the space perfectly.  (Thanks to Rick at Innbo Furniture for all of his great help!)  Another rug is on the way to round out the space and to provide a soft texture.  Eventually, the remainder of the space will be finished with the wainscoting you see in the backdrop.  The larger cabinet, in the background will be moved and a bookcase will take its place.  The client’s original art provided us the inspiration to have some custom pillows done, by Leathercraft, in brilliant Ultrasuede tones. 

I love the top stitching!  The weight of the filler allows the pillows to rest in place on what could be a slippery surface with the leather.  Lightweight foam pillows would be all over the place.  I’m going to say it out loud. . . details are what I think I do best!  I really try to anticipate the cause and effect of product specifications.

I suggested my client might like to consider using some photography in the opposite space.  My wonderful photographer, Whitney Gray, just happened to be in Sedona, last week.  You should take a glimpse of her heavenly views.  I think they would mirror the brick in the fireplace, don’t you?

While some might feel it’s better to see a room in total, or in one big reveal, I like to share some of my projects as they are being layered and personalized.  Each addition has a story and a reason for why it fits. 

. . . And I do love sharing my stories with you. Tell me about yours! ~ Wanda

Love Hue

Rosebud Red and Passionate Purple.  Both are dramatic hues and can be a perfect match for those who love color.  When you have two strong color “personalities”, you have to be sure one doesn’t overpower the other.  It always helps if they are complementary in nature.  A beautiful waltz also never works without one partner guiding the other. 

A gorgeous banquet setting, from David Kahoi, featured in “House Beautiful”, provides the perfect illustration of balancing the relationship of color.  While the room is saturated in purple, the red really captures your attention. 

Because purple is a marriage between blue and red, it depends on the combination as to whether it leans more towards the cool, (blue), family or the warm, (red), family.  Red, being a warm hue, will always advance.  If you look closely, a few touches of it are popped around the space . . . in the banding of the table skirt, in the napkin, and the wall art.  With such a rich surrounding of purple, it was the perfect solution to match the trim and shutters as they would have provided too much of a contrast in a traditional white or neutral.  Placing the white on the ceiling allows for a wash of light and plays nicely off the French Bergere chair, to the left.

It takes a leap of faith to move towards a dramatic color scheme.  It also helps if someone, (little shameless plug here), is there to hold your hand and guide you along the way.  It can be a true, color love match!

Love the home you’re in! ~ Wanda

Not So Neutral – The Love of Color

“2011 - Love The Home You’re In”™

Often, one of the first calls I receive after the “thrill” of the holiday season has passed, is in regards to freshening up living spaces.  The New Year has arrived and many of you have put away seasonal decorations, which always seem to add extra warmth to any interior.  The sparkle might seem to be missing and your home may be exhibiting the need for a little extra “love” and attention! 

Even if you’re feeling the purse being pinched by how much you gifted to others, there can still be some “uplifting interior moments” as the coffers are being replenished!  It’s time to hug your home!

Let’s start with color!

Just to give you an idea of how I conceptualize the process of layering a room, I created a virtual design board.  In this case, I might have had a client who’s been afraid to dip their pinky-toe into the color pond.  I wanted to show how lovely it can be to bring in the addition of one of the latest color trends, without it being too “trendy”.  I think this is where I see folks shying away from making the commitment.  They would rather court the idea and a design board allows them to take the concept on a “first date”, as it were!

Sometimes, when color trends are presented, such as Pantone’s Color of The Year – Honeysuckle, there can be a question about how much is too much?  By distributing color in small doses, it’s easier to embrace any new palette additions and to decide if you’re ready to take it to the next level.

This Lee Jofa fabric exhibits just one example of using a pattern to slip in pops of color.  There are also geometric patterns with similar accents.  I wanted to illustrate how even bright colors can transition nicely with earthy tones.

A room has more depth when handcrafted elements are added.  A Suzani pillow, from Claire Watters Etsy site, Material Recovery, was fabricated from embroidered, antique textiles. 

Imagine how interesting it would be to frame out a pen and ink-type print with a painted frame!  Even as trends come and go, this subject would always have a home.  (From:  Natural Curiosities)

Thanks for stopping by for a little design chat.  It’s time to get back to my interiors’ list for new and fun projects!

Don’t forget to give your home a hug! ~ Wanda

Christmas Countdown – Day 10

Christmas Bright and Blue – Day 10 - The Year of Turquoise - 2010

In yesterday’s post, I unveiled the upcoming color trend from Pantone.  For some, it seems to take a few months to embrace the changing tides of design, and just about the time it hits their comfort zone – Whoosh! – it seems to be on its way out!

The great thing about color; however, is that we can continue to layer and mix until it becomes a part of a refreshed decor, as opposed to it being the focal point.  As the wise folks of Pantone plan for hues to hang around for about five years, you’re okay if you jumped onto a certain color bandwagon, within that time frame.  (Ever notice how tired you become of certain mixes, around that time?)

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ?” . . .

Not on Santa’s watch!  (Just click on each photo and it will take you to the creator and details.)

This handmade snowflake artfully shows us the intention of the turquoise palette . . . All is calm, all is bright.

 

The assortment of blue in this garland, by Love Monkey, will be good to go for many years!

 

A popular pop of red, as the accent, is shown on this ornament by rodica.

A little touch of green and navy rounds out some holiday bling!

Not only did this hand-painted lovely capture my eye, I love the clever idea for displaying it by inverting a milk glass compote!

Ooooooo . . . origami!  Can you just imagine a tree-full of these lovelies?

Remember, what’s old is new and what’s new is old.  These 1940’s vintage Christmas balls are a testimonial for timeless design.

Ahhh, dear turquoise, I knew you well.  Love can be a fickle thing.  Who knows?  Perhaps I’ll introduce you to Honeysuckle and all will be right in the world!

Bright and Beautifully Blue! ~ Wanda

16 Days and Counting!

2010 High Point Market Finds – Post 1

A first glimpse of behind the scenes:

(I took a window wall, in a current client’s home, and created a concept board for how it might appear if I translated this design direction to her space.  We could emulate an English library, with the hand-painted plaid chest being the focal point, instead of a fireplace.)

There is so much to tell about my recent visit to the High Point Market!  There were so many beautiful showrooms, new market introductions, and amazing events – chock full of fabulous interior designers and trade vendors in attendance!  I’ll be sure to sprinkle some of that in, as I continue to post.  I know what you’ve been waiting for; however, and that’s the visual experience.  I’ll do my best to let the pictures do the talking, while I share short tidbits of some of the trends and the concepts behind them.  So without further adieu . . . .

The Thrill of The Hunt!

Hunt scenes, herringbone wovens, tattersall plaids, dog motifs, updated paisleys, and many gentrified appointments will be prominent in home design.  The classics have never gone away – they’re just being revamped!  There will be a return to some of the jeweled tones - not the heavy ones of yesteryear, but softened and more sophisticated.  Look for Jacobean florals and large graphic adaptations of traditional patterns, such as the deer horn trophy fabric, shown in the CR Laine showroom, above. 

(Horn covered accents are the perfect way to tie this look together.  These were made from naturally shed horns.)

(This tooled, leather table not only compliments an equestrian flair, it also brings in an important color on the rise – caramel.  Look for it to be trending into 2012.  The antique brass finish shows off a metallic touch, of which we’ll be seeing more.)

(Notice how the jeweled tones, in this crewel paisley fabric, are a bit brighter and fresher.  This textile could be very “happy” in a bohemian chic room, too.  A little touch of caramel makes it absolutely delicious!)

(Oh, if I only had a place to put these beautifully carved and painted panels!  They were in the new Antiques & Design Center.  These lovely ponies once graced the back of a bar.)

I’ve shared just a smattering of this classic style.  If the idea of the “hunt” is not your cup of tea, there are definitely some elements which can be paired with other design details, to add in the depth of history, character, charm, and the accumulated feeling of this interior’s focus.  Believe it or not, you can create a bit of “Ralph Lauren meets punk”, if you desire!  An interior designer has the ability to provide the artistic license to create the most unique spaces.

Have questions about anything you have seen or need some guidance?  Please feel free to ask!  This look is perfect for the Charlotte, NC area I serve!

For now, I’m trotting off!  Have a lovely day! ~ Wanda

Coming next . . . Vintage/Cottage Style.

In the Pink – By Design

In most recent times, to say that one is “in the pink”, is often in reference to being in good health.  In the days of old, it came from the fox-hunting tradition where a rider had reached his pinnacle of achievement, in the hunt, and was allowed the privilege of wearing the red jacket, also called, “pinks”.  Some think the modern translation might have also come from the riders, who would have the flush of rose in their cheeks, after the exhilarating trek.  Tradition would have it, only the men should wear the “pinks” and women should wear a black or navy coat. 

Mmmm?  I wonder how such a thing came to be?  We tend to think of pink, (or it’s precursor of red), to be more of the feminine persuasion.  In fact, if you ask many men, they would run far away from the notion of wearing anything in any shade, tint, or form of pink – or – cringe at the notion of having any part of their home accented, swathed, or pinkly punctuated!  Even some women will also share it’s not a color they would fully embrace.

Unless, it’s to don one of these . . . . .

. . . Then any man, woman – or even child, who has had a loved one, friend, or close acquaintance experience the disease of breast cancer, seem to happily cloak themselves in this proud shade of pink, to share their support and love.  In honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it’s time to get “in the pink”, as we celebrate the pinnacle achievements of the survivors, and cherish the memories of those who have passed on.

What’s your favorite tint or shade of pink?

Leave it to clothing designer, Betsy Johnson, to add her twist of whimsy to this palette!

And, by the way, she is also a breast cancer survivor.  Click on the page to read her story.

Stomp out breast cancer in style!

Let’s kiss it “goodbye”!

Let’s cheer on my high school friend, Teresa Worthy Howard, as she heads out for her third walk, as a survivor.

If you can – donate!

Let’s make sure more women can remain, “in the pink”, and don’t forget, men can get breast cancer, too.

All my best! ~ Wanda

. . . . .And just one more little inspiration board from my Facebook page:

Am I Blue?

So . . .  This week, a gazillion of my Twitter friends are heading to NYC to be in the audience of the Nate Berkus Show.  Why?  Well, because they are design bloggers, extraordinaire, and a couple of raving fans of Nate, the Moggit Girls, made this show happen.  There’s even a photo guide for everyone who’s attending. 

(Chanee Vijay, a Charlotte area blogger, created this page.  You can see the fun gal pals from Moggit Girls, Joy and Janet, along with my Twitter friend, Amy Beth Cupp Dragoo, a fab NYC blogger, recently in the process of refurbishing a country home in Connecticut.)

So why am I blue?  Well, if you peruse the photos, there’s one missing . . . .

Now don’t get me wrong.  While I would enjoy seeing the talented Nate Berkus, my demeanor is more about missing a meet-up with folks – and with whom I’ve shared tons of tweets, (even think of some as good friends), but some I’ve never met in real life.  I’m also very blessed to be busy with projects so I’m really thrilled my calendar isn’t overly empty.  It’s just a little bit like knowing there’s a great, school-night party and your parents are telling you to stay home to study for exams.  You know they’re right but it still leaves you in a bit of a funk.

In honor of this cool color, which gets such a bad rap in being often overused for describing a less than joyful outlook, I’ve decided to show it’s sunny side – and mine, too!

Something blue landing in your mailbox?  A handwritten note can chase the other kind away!

Ever heard of the bluebird of happiness?

You could certainly wash the blues away in this fab vintage bath featured on Decorology.

There’s just something plain fun about this not so plain blue milkglass plate!

Have a cup of warm tea in a lovely vintage set from my friend, Juliane, of Norbridge Antiques.  (Another Twitter friend I’ve not met, in person, but feel as if we’ve been close chums for a long time!)

Of course, something sweet always goes a long way in raising the endorphins. . . if not also ones blood sugar level!

Have a fabulous time, all of my blogging buds!

Be sure to tell  I said “hello”!

All my best! ~ Wanda