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

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

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

Chandeliers - From The Simple To The Sublime

Although when redecorating, or just decorating, we tend to agonize over things like paint colors for the walls, upholstery and accent fabrics (well, at least I know I do... I'm not alone, am I?), there is one sometimes overlooked room feature that can take a room from drab to dazzling. Lighting fixture - or, more specifically for this article, chandeliers.

From the sweet and simple metal cottage style pieces to tiers of shimmering crystals, a chandelier can work in almost any room. Whether you use a modest style as an accent piece, or choose a sparkly stunner as the focal point of the room, these lighting fixtures can fit into any role. And with an almost limitless array of styles and colors, you can surely find one to suit your room, style, and budget.

And don't overlook vintage! Even dull and dreary vintage chandeliers can become show-stoppers with a little metal paint and imagination.

Italian designer chandelier takes center stage in a classic Baroque room
(interiorstyledesign.tumblr.com)

This black chandelier adds an elegant touch to a dramatic gray and black room
(by Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.)

Vintage chandeliers add charm to a shabby chic interior
(by Dreamy Whites)

A divine Lladro butterfly chandelier
(Lladro Niagara Chandelier)

More photos after the page break

Let's Get Organized - Creative Closet Spaces

Often, designers and homeowners focus on the "WOW" factor of decorating a home, concentrating on furnishings, colors, styles. But it can be what is hidden away from view, behind the scenes, the more functional aspects, that can take a dwelling from a mere showplace to a true home.

Closets are one such feature. Once hidden away, these utilitarian catch-all spaces are becoming more and more visible in modern homes. A well-planned closet can be a true blend of function and beauty.

Open-fronted, built in closet
(by Astleford Interiors, Inc.)

A walk-in closet with built-ins and a dresser island
(by Munger Interiors)

Custom-made shelving, just for shoes
(by Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design)

A former closet is converted into a small home office space
(by Ed Ritger Photography)

More photos after the page break

Rustic Warmth - Stone Fireplaces

For many people, the words "stone fireplace" conjure up images of a rustic hearth, perhaps in a charming log cabin. However, with a wide and versatile range of options in stone facing today, the stone fireplace has moved past the traditional style. Today's stone fireplaces range from massive river rocks set into soaring log home great rooms, to sleek and stylish stacked stone sections with a contemporary, modern feel.

Which style do you prefer? Rustic? Modern? No matter your style preference, the elemental combination of stone and fire makes for a warm and inviting spot in almost any home.

Sleek and contemporary stacked stone
(by Cornerstone Group Architects)

(by David Fleener Architects, Inc.)

(by Simpson Design Group Architects)

(by Shuffle Interiors)

More photos after the break