One of my favorite areas of interior design is color and how we integrate so many into our daily lives. Colorful images conjure up all kinds of creative thought processes and these images can be translated into anything you want them to be – with some imagination that is. Whether a wonderfully merchandised retail environment or a gorgeous mix of paint palettes, beautiful and thought provoking color mixes help us to re-imagine design. The answer too…. a design challenge.
This is a great image and definitely whimsical and thought provoking, good merchandising (via)
Textures and colors, with the exposed centers of theses macaroons, evoke a spectrum that works together beautifully (via)
Nothing inspires a color sense more than florals or any sort (via)
This plate is wonderfully colorful and playful (via)
I love this image, it is stunning (via)
Another cool image, nail polish, creative, perfect (via)
There is so much stimulation when it comes to color that it is hard to separate, much less choose what is more beautiful. When looking for cool color for clients I have reached for shelter magazines that often dedicate an article or editorial to color and paint. My favorite has been House Beautiful for quite awhile. Their work is always perfect in execution and creatively stimulating. I’d like to share a few of the favorites that I have saved. When developing the paint pallette for a project, I skim through my plethora of these “colorful imagination” tear sheets.
A shimmering scarab beetle to celebrate metallic beauty (by HB)
Feminine tutus and ballarina’s – I love this (by HB)
A simple cup of coffee or glass of tea (by HB)
Delicious ice cream hues, oh my! (by HB)
Working in design for many years has taught me to appreciate all the creative capital that goes into deriving a perfect design or environment. Don’t forget the need for a colorful imagination, too.
Another favorite, Chinese brushes.(via)
Do you love color as much as I do? How do you get your color inspiration? From imagery? Nature? Or something else?
The kaleidoscope of brilliant colors in fashion and home fashion is so fresh this year that no matter how much you may love “non color,” it will be hard to resist adding the splash of brightly colored pillows, throws, art work, or selected furnishing to your home for the summer. In the design community this brilliance of color has been making a resurgence for a few years. As all things go, bright clear color and pattern mixing has transcended into main stream. I think it is the intended influences of exotic Brazil, Morocco or the islands we all dream about escaping to. Also, it is the influence of famed tastemakers and designers worldwide.Their style inspires, and with summer upon us, it seems like the look and feel of San Paulo beckons. Or perhaps an island off the coast of Morocco? I’m loving the whole vibe….
This famed designer Sig Bergamin (from Walker & Co library)
Bergamin’s design is exotic and inviting, I want to be there (from Walker & Co library)
Some of the influences I love are the pattern upon patterns mixes. Intertwined with color and texture and the clarity of white or mint or frankly any other color of brilliance.
This pattern mix is remarkable, by Bergamin (from Walker & Co library)
The mint green is perfect, by Bergamin (from Walker & Co library)
A stylish tastemaker, Fabrizio Rollo – another fave (from Walker & Co library)
Love the color and patterns (via)
This chair by Muriel Brandolini, another fave (via)
Liza Bruce, I loved her as a swimsuit designer (from Walker & Co library)
Isn’t this stunningly gorgeous? Liza Bruce (via)
Pattern and colorful fret work (via)
When looking at all these beautiful and inspiring images, I want to mention that each have gorgeous books or have been published many times. After all the sensory overload of color and pattern it is great to dream of being in the tropics with a glass of wine or just relax with the beauty of the intended influences.
Doesn’t this table invite dreams of far away places? (from Walker & Co library)
Do you love these bright mixes? How will you use the colorful patterns this year?
It may seem unlikely to refer to the architectural details of a room as jewelry, but that is what I see when thinking of moulding, panels or elaborate crowns in the design of a room. Not every project is architecturally abundant in details like these, but when they are, it is not only a challenge but always amazing to see the end result. The finish carpentry is one of the most important aspects of a custom home and it is they ( the carpenters/ woodworkers)who make our design ideas and drawings come to life. It is possible to take almost any space and with these elements turn it into a 17 th century chateau, fabulous loft or a gorgeous pre war manor home. Moulding details…can really leave you breathless.
Hermes Mailea’s book Havana, wow! (via)
This is detail and floor jewelry at its finest (via)
A gorgeous coffer ceiling with recessed panels an entry jewel (via)
Architectural mouldings enhance a spectacular view (via)
(via)
I like the contrast of the raised moulding (via)
Love the round windows and all the beautiful detail (via)
European manor houses and apartments are intrinsically beautiful because of their architecture and history. When the opportunity presents itself, I always go for Baroque or Rococo hotels and rooms when traveling, these are my favorite eras.
Beauty and detail (via)
Ceiling treatments (via)
Love this crown moulding and paneling (via)
Details in any room are what we all look to achieve, but the true test is when you transform a room into a period piece considering the attention to detail architecturally.The room jewelry. Really..
The truth is in the details, beautifully (via)
Do you love crown moulding, paneling and coffer ceilings? What era of architecture are you most attracted too? Are you Baroque? Gothic? Rococo?
If you read Hues and Cues, you have probably noticed that I am mad for art. To me, most design perceptions point to some related art form. My taste is quite varied and I often wish I had 50’ walls so I could fill them with the varied pieces I see in my travels and some that I just fall in love with, immediately. What really appeals to me are the thought provoking, emotional responses that an artist is relaying while engaging our senses. I know many Interior designers who have an art installation company or person as part of the team for installing their clients projects. That being said, we interior designers don’t often ask our art installers to help us in our own home. Why? Frankly, we never have the time. Well, I did ask an installer recently to help me. I loved the experience and I can’t believe how the rearranged art has changed my home. I love it. He approached the whole project from a gallery point of view and placed pieces I love in unexpected places so that I may gaze upon them from many angles all the time. A fresh point of view.
Now this is a installation, dramatic yet calm and peaceful (via)
The entry is glamourous and the photographs work perfectly (via)
I have always loved fashion art for a bedroom or ladies repose (via)
Have always loved this idea (via)
This composition is well designed and placed (via)
Dragonflies, this is stunning (via)
I love the cranes, too, great composition (via)
So well designed and the art is spectacular in this setting (via)
I have been fortunate in that most of our clients own or collect art and/or artifacts, which is perfect when redesigning or building their homes or offices. The arrangement of art, though installed at the end of a design scheme, is always planned and drawn out from the moment we begin. It is the installer however who possesses the magic touch. With their experience and expertise the art and the walls meld together seamlessly, becoming an intricate part of the overall plan. In some instances, the art IS the plan.
I love the empty frame concept, though can’t remember where this is, SLS, Viceroy? (via)
I know there are some who would say that Black or White are not colors. Well, they are, and my love for both in clothing and home furnishings started a very long time ago. My first apartment was a study in op art, blanc and noir. There is nothing more stunning than a beautiful piece of furniture in Black. Equally, there is nothing more compelling than the pristine starkness of white in everything. I love them together in most forms, and from my perspective there is nothing as chic or crisp as black and white interiors. Note I said chic, I realize if not handled correctly anything can be garish. Not here:
How perfect is this trio? Blanc et noir poodles and gorgeous Audrey Hepburn in Sabrina <3 (via)
Pretty stunning,non? (via)
Love the animal mix prints in blanc et noir (via)
Tranquil…. (via)
I love this image, don’t you want to relax? Right here. (via)
The Hempel in London, perfected minimal blanc et noir in the 80’s (via)
Everything looks fresh in white and black or black and white. From the original Barbie, in her smart black and white stripe swimsuit, to automobiles, which always look slick in black or white, and everything in between; this pair cannot be beat for beauty and attitude. Intrinsically classic.
Here she is in the original form, stripe swimsuit and all (via)
This letter and the studio, how chic (via)
Beautiful, classic Austin Healy (via)
These trays are awesome (via)
Blanc et noir gift tags (via)
The perfect wedding cake? (via)
Ok, one sorta garish, or maybe it’s just me. Thanks for indulging me, on my ode to blanc et noir en francais.
This is kinda cool, just not sure about the stuffed zebra, etc. (via)
Do you like white and black? Do you dress in all black or white? Do you look at things in black or white terms? Ha ha, just threw that in. Have a wonderful day.
I like to think of myself as a floor, door, and window design aficionado. From the first time I visited Italy and France, I have taken photos of exterior doors and their details. Initially, I was attracted to the carving and hardware; now I look at them as great additions to the perfect design scheme. Walker& Co started as an architectural salvage business. I would scan and source all over for reclaimed doors, columns, or gates. Big hardware was also on my A list of items to covet. I would buy and warehouse these cool items until I had a perfect place or opportunity to use the special piece. Some elements were used as bookcase fronts, bedroom doors or outdoor gates. The thing is with beautiful reclaimed pieces they always add a sense of history to a project. Even when added to a very contemporary home, something old and reclaimed looks fresh.
I have always been fascinated by the carving in Florence (personal photo)
This is French and so intriguing (via)
Love the over all look of this door, Sweden? French? Danish? (via)
The hardware is magnificent, I want (personal photo)
The carving is so beautiful (personal photo)
Replacing hardware is one of the special unexpected touches to a design plan and the use of columns as free standing architectural features is spectacular in the right environment.
Is this fabulous or what? (personal photo)
How French, I love the latches (via)
This is beautiful from Croatia in Dubrovnik (via)
Reclaimed shutter, uses unlimited (via)
It is so cool to repurpose these gorgeous elements that can be found in so many places today. Just one special piece can set the tone for the entire design schematic. We can set our sights on one item and the entire design just falls into place. Its fun, fresh and sustainable. Perfect.
(via)
Have you considered salvaged doors for your home? How would you use one? Elaborate hardware, do you like the look?
I’m always pontificating about my current or pending projects and the direction of the design scheme. Today, I am thinking of imagery and the sheer beauty that inspires or contributes to the inspiration of a interior design schematic. For me, inspiration can really come from many avenues. I am currently working with a gorgeous Caesar Stone product – Concetto. It is an expensive application of semi precious stones perfectly engineered. I have specified it for a bar in a new residence and if the budget permits, I’m looking to place it in the master bath in a white quartz. The Concetto we chose looks like freshly cut agate and quartz, respectively. I am so excited about the selection. I have been smitten with this product since I first laid eyes on it a few years ago when it was introduced. The colors are stunning. It is perfect.
Isn’t this gorgeous inspiration? Agate? (via)
This is what we are using, beautiful (via)
The depth of color is gorgeous (via)
Color inspiration from nature, wow (via)
This image from Caesarstone has always inspired (via)
The white quartz up close! (via)
Clever usage of slab (via)
Semi precious stones within petrified wood (via)
As you can see one is more beautiful than the other, therefore the possibilities are…. Well, whatever you want them to be. For me this is simply another example of how and why the design business is so stimulating. So much inspiration and sheer beauty, naturally. Of course, let’s not forget there is always the over the top: this one is in gold and semiprecious stones, too!
(via)
The Tata Nano by GoldPlus made of gold, silver and encrusted with semiprecious stones. Wow! At a mere 4.69 million in gold alone. I wonder how much the stones cost?
Isn’t Concetto beautiful? How would you use a product like Concetto? Inspiring?
Well, it’s spring break this week and Easter is on Sunday. Several of our family members will be in New York City for the annual Easter Parade. By the way, they had their decorated hats shipped already! Seriously, this is a huge deal and though it has been several years since I strolled the parade, it is always a blast watching all the people with their creativity propped up on their heads. Fifth Avenue comes alive like no other time of the year! I will always have a nostalgic spot in my heart for this special time of year in the big apple. Beginning with my parents and now my own family, it has been a tradition for us and I am sure it will endure for years to come.
Can you imagine? (via)
Love the colors and chicks (via)
This was a Bernie Madoff Hat (via)
Check these guys out! (via)
This is cool – jelly beans! (via)
Flower power (via)
Ha, are these two cute or what? (via)
This year I am decorating the house,cooking and enjoying friends for Easter dinner. Such a special time of year, the rebirth after a long winter. I’m looking forward to the fresh flowers the beautiful colors and our PEEP party. Spring is here!
I love this book, we have Peep parties (via)
Top of a Easter Bonnet (via)
Another Bonnet, eggs and ribbons (via)
For me the most memorable and beautiful flowers are Easter lilies- the flower of life’s renewal.
Easter Lily, symbol of the renewal of life (via)
As I remember the first time I strolled the parade with my mom, I think of all the little girls getting all dressed up in their Easter best to walk fifth avenue on a this clear spring day.
Is this vintage image great? (via)
Happy Easter!!!
I fell in love with Santa Fe, New Mexico a long time ago. The first time I visited, it was winter and snowing! Beautiful. The art scene on Canyon Road and architecture of the adobe buildings drew me in immediately. There is a spiritual aspect to the land once settled and inhabited by the Anasazi Indian, and you sense this presence. It is what fascinates and draws people here to build peaceful dream homes that gracefully meld into the hills. The Adobe is breathtaking.
This image says it all (via)
A relaxing modern feel to this adobe (via)
Most adobes in town have this sensibility of simplicity (via)
In the town of Sante Fe (Centro), the adobe homes are modest and charming, and as you drive a few minutes out of the center into the hills the mesas unfold before you. This is where we are working, right above the Centro. It has been a few years since I wandered the area for inspiration and art for a project. I must say the Native American art and artifacts look very fresh (I’m so LA). And the best thing? The many artisans with capabilities to build or craft anything we may or will need for this project.
This RC Graham has gorgeous color with black (via)
The spirit walker at wounded knee by Frank Howell is wonderful (via)
Native beading designs on baskets (via)
Rugs in gorgeous patterns (via)
I like a more austere approach with great art (via)
This Ralph Lauren collection with large art (via)
I am just visiting this weekend to get a feel for the land, so to speak. It’s clear, dry and warm. The project is very intriguing. Stay tuned – I’m on the road to inspiration and will be shopping in LA and Taos for this cool adobe.
Can’t wait to eat at the Santa Cafe before we leave.
An image of how I remember first meeting Santa Fe. (via)
Do you like the Adobe vibe? How would you decorate this type home? Colors?
Spring Fever has hit me hard these past couple weeks. I have been working with a new client and recently she suggested a fabulous idea! Come to Hong Kong with her next month to evaluate what we are designing for her residence at the beach. Though I adore Hong Kong, I’m thinking we need some gorgeous Thai fabrics and furnishings for the outdoor living spaces and I would really like to go to Thailand and do some shopping. She agrees. Recently, I have been reading about Chiva-Som, translated as “Haven of Life”, a healing spa resort outside of Bangkok in HauHin . I’m thinking I might be inclined to take a three day side trip and replenish my spirit and balance my chi. Secluded by tropical gardens with a beautiful beachfront this tranquil place sounds perfect.
I’m feeling it- let’s go (via)
What a gorgeous entrance, I’m peaceful already (via)
The simplicity and restfulness beckons (via)
I want my own healing master too (via)
Serene pools, the rooms secluded (via)
A pavilion for yoga practice, with my master of course (via)
From the moment you arrive, the resort offers any combination of ancient eastern therapies combined with the latest western techniques. All designed to relax, decompress and pamper. This total relaxation sounds like a perfect retreat. I think this has got to be my plan. Now should that be, before or after Hong Kong? After….
The Welcome – wheat tea (via)
The colors and textures so peaceful (via)
I can see it now, a gorgeous sunset and more yoga (via)
Have you been to Chiva-Som in Thailand? Do you like to vacation at spa resorts? Which is your favorite?
