Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Yellow Rooms - Happy and Sunny

The other day we explored the calming effects of using the color blue in a room. Today, we'll look at the color yellow. I'll do a few more color series in the coming days.

The color yellow gives a room a feeling of warmth and happiness, as it reminds us of the color of sunshine. Personal anecdote, my kitchen was originally a drab and chilly white. We painted the walls a very soft yellow, the color of rich buttermilk, and immediately the room felt brighter and more inviting.

Yellow can range from bright to very soft and subtle, and blends nicely with most other colors. It can add a touch of warmth and brightness to a predominately cool-toned room (think blues, purples, greens), pairs well with other warm hues (orange and red) for a fiery appearance, and also works with natural materials like wood and stone.

I usually like to recommend shades of yellow especially in cooler climates that tend to be overcast frequently, as the color fools the eye slightly into thinking it is sunny, and thereby makes the room feel more inviting on cloudy days.

Very bright yellow works particularly well as an accent color, as opposed to a wall paint color. If you want to paint, a soft pastel yellow is usually best.

A yellow ceiling makes this enclosed porch glow
(by Group 3)

Yellow accents warm up this home library
(by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.)

Cupboards painted a yellow-beige hue bring cheer to a country kitchen
(by Superior Woodcraft, Inc.)

Small splashes of bright yellow liven up this black and white bathroom
(by De Meza + Architecture)

More photos after the page break

Monday, February 27, 2012

Blue Rooms - A Calming Color Scheme

Aside from looking great, the color of a room can have an impact on you, your emotions, even your health. Scientific research shows that colors do have an effect on our moods, and how we feel. Red can make a room feel lively and energetic, yellow conveys warmth and happiness, green can rest the eyes.

In this article, we'll showcase the color blue. Blue, as a room color, produces a calming atmosphere, and is particularly suited for rooms in which you wish to relax, such as bedrooms or bathrooms. Blue rooms have been shown to reduce heart rate and decrease blood pressure. But choose your blue wisely - dark shades, when overused, can actually produce feelings of sadness, while the wrong shade of light blue can make a room feel chilly and cool. Therefore, it is best to choose accents with care - warm colored fabrics, rich wood, and white trim work best. Also, using blue accents, such as painted furniture or fabrics, is a nice way to introduce a little relaxing color into a room without having it become overwhelming.

White cottage room with blue accents has a nautical feel
(by Marcelo Brito)


Pale sky blue and pink and green accents have a feel of spring
(by Amanda L. Reid)

Dark blue pairs well with wood and light accents
(by Jane Ellison)

A pale gray-blue wall paint pairs nicely with Wedgwood blue chairs
(by David Sharff Architect, P.C.)

More photos following the page break

Monday, February 20, 2012

Get The Look - Bohemian Gypsy Dining Room

Modern Boho Gypsy Dining


Olivier 5-Piece Place Setting
$70 - crateandbarrel.com

IKEA Minut
$20 - ikea.com

Bag of Pomegranates
$7.95 - crateandbarrel.com

Medium Red And Gold Textured Glass Bowl
£7.50 - liberty.co.uk






Artwork can be found at ragenmendenhall.com


Kitchen Islands - Multi-Functional Centers

Yes, I was gone for a while from my blog... combination of a lingering sinus problem, frozen/broken water pipes in the house, and just general lazy winter blahs. :(

I hope I can make up for my absence! Sorry, everyone.

Anyhow... although I have never had one, I have always wanted a kitchen island. Who doesn't want extra work space? And today's modern islands perform a multitude of functions, from extra prep counter space to special prep sinks, storage, and places to feature special appliances. Some islands even feature extended counters to form a dining bar.

Whether you have one that matches your cabinetry or countertops, or something fun and contrasting, these islands can transform a kitchen from adequate into a highly functional space.

Traditional island with marble counter and decorative corbels
(by Venegas and Company)

Rustic European-style kitchen with antique island cabinet
(by CHRISTINA MARRACCINI)

Island with seating and basket storage
(by Felhandler/ Steeneken Architects)

Contemporary triangular island with eating area
(by Frederick + Frederick Architects)

More photos after the page break

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Lofts - Fun In Small Spaces

Forgive me for this being a sort of short posting... I think I'm getting a cold. About all I want to do right now is have a cup of tea and sleep for two or three days. The cold and snow has finally hit Southern Germany... and with it, have come the sniffles.

So I will leave you all with a brief posting on lofts. Not huge, industrial loft living spaces (although I love those, and they will be coming in a future article), but small, second-story (or higher) spaces with open fronts, and often peaked, vaulted ceilings. Due to their open nature, these airy aeries can take a very small space and it make it feel much larger and open.

Tiny space combines a mini-kitchen with a loft bedroom above
(by Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch)


An open loft library looks down onto a two-story living room
(by Summerour Architects)

An open loft with amazing windows is used as a 2nd story family room
(by Robert Hawkins)

An open loft is located above the living room in this carriage house
(by Carl Vernlund)

More photos after the page break