Meaning Behind the Color: Turquoise

When selecting colors in design for a particular space we need to think in ways that reflect us as individuals as well as what the space is being used for. A quick example, red is used in dining rooms for a sense of appetite as well as in a bedroom for romance. This brings us to one of my favorite colors, turquoise! I did a little research to find out why I love this color so much and came up with some interesting information that I would like to share with you!  Turquoise represents open communication from and between the heart and the spoken word. It relates to the electronic age and the world of computers, and communication on a large scale. Also, it is the mid color between the extremes of red and violet, turquoise is the color of balance, for the emotions, thoughts and speech. Turquoise is also representing self-sufficiency and has the ability to tune into its own needs and find the way to success.  Turquoise also enhances the ability to focus and concentrate, assisting with clear thinking and decision-making, and the development of good organizational skills. Lastly one of my favorites,  it is calming yet invigorating, restoring depleted energies. Now the amount used in key, too much and it can create an emotional imbalance, too little and it can lead to secrecy, lack of direction in one's life.  Now that you know a little more about this great color, here are some spaces I think represent a healthy amount of turquoise! Enjoy!

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S Squared Design

Color of 2013: Emerald Green

Green has always been a favorite color of mine. I have green eyes which I think was when I first fell in love with green! Although my eyes are emerald green....they are still green! :)

Rich, saturated colors are so bold and make such a statement in a space. Please are naturally drawn to eye-catching things(such as bright colors) and it stimulates the brain and makes people think! That is how I feel about interiors, in my designs I always have elements that standout on purpose! It creates more interest and keep people in that space longer usually. Well I have yet to use emerald this year in my designs but I am sure it will be used soon with all these beautiful examples of the hue! Enjoy!

 Oh my! These tiles are gorgeous! A stunning use of the color, but make sure you are going to still love it for years to come. They even used the tiles in a vertical and horizontal pattern which gives it more of a modern look!

Love the color but not sure where to bring it in to your space? Well a great way is in a small accent piece, such as a nightstand. Mix it with other patterns and colors for a mixed look! 

 

 Want a quick fix for a bland room? Pillows are a great inexpensive way to bring in color. Whether you change your pillows for the season or every year or so this is a great way to keep your home looking fresh!

   Paint, the other quick fix for adding color. Keeping your furniture neutral is a great way to add accents elsewhere in the room. Like the wall for instance, and a can of paint makes a statement and is easy on the wallet!  

   Bathrooms look great in white but sometimes white can be lonely, which is why a friend is nice to bring in.  Here the emerald is paired nicely with the crisp white on the walls and a few decorative accessories.

 

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

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Picture Perfection in Your Own Home

Why do we share more pictures on the internet than we do in our own home? Let your home share your story! These wall displays make your photos cohesive so you can tell your story in a way that is just as unique as your own life. Enjoy!

 No one wants a 'hole-in-the wall' place! This unique photo rack lets you display many pictures without putting more holes in the wall. Show off your sensibility and sophistication with this sleek setup. 

This arrangement reminds me of mountains and their reflected image from a still lake. I love the visual line that splits the upper and lower photos in the display- it lengthens the wall in a creative and subtle way. 

 Mix and match! This display definitely took a lot of advice from my previous 'Mix and Match' post. Notice how the photos seem random, yet cohesive? It's important to keep even spacing between frames, otherwise this could affect the display's balance and flow. 

Don't let your photos go haywire! Instead, hang them on the wire! This display allows you to easily swap photos and slide frames to keep your memories fresh and fun.

   Life is one big balancing act, and it shows on your wall! Even though this wall is not covered entirely by picture frames, the panoramic photos maintain balanced by symmetry. Again, I love the classic nostalgia that black and white photos give!

  Keep your photos in line! This display is simple yet sophisticated. The clean lines offer order while the black and white photographs portray timeless charm and class.

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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Seaside Cottage

This seaside cottage shows you do not have to be a millionaire to have a great looking place that functions perfectly. The beach house was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Ike and has been the best improvement these happy clients made to their beach house lot. Using a soft color palette that plays off the natural ocean colors near them, makes this home bring the "outside in" as people say. This seaside cottage is where the family and close friends spend weekends and vacations at. The aqua and white color scheme is throughout the house but shown in different shades to make each space feel a little different. Doesn't this make you want to lay on the beach all day? Enjoy!

 

Color palettes for design inspiration!

Color is a great way to enhance a design, and in some designs that makes or breaks it.  I currently am working with a client who love the ocean and all the colors found in scenes throughout the color changing day.  Sunrises and sunsets have some of the most beautiful color combos when over the water. Design-seeds takes photos and pulls colors from them to create these amazing palettes so here are some I found!  How could you not relax with these color palettes! Enjoy!

 When I first looked at this photo I was trying to pick the colors that would give lots of depth, but design-seeds did a great job of that!

 Fun! Love this combo, its simple and sophisticated.  Also depending on how much of each color you use your room can have a totally different feel just be changing the amount of one color. 

 Ah relaxation! This makes me want to be laying on the beach...

If you travel and remember a great spot you went to make sure to take a photo of it because that could always be you next design inspiration.

Sea glass has always be a favorite and this palette pulls the perfect hues out to incorporate into a space.

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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10 Kitchen Design Tips

Everyone dreams of their perfect kitchen, and whenever that time comes to make it happen you need to make sure everything has been thought through down to the smallest detail.  Kitchen renovations can be stressful if you are not prepared for it or if you try to take on too much by yourself without consulting a professional.  These are some key things that should be considered before taking on a major kitchen renovation alone.

 

1. Unique Flooring

 If you decide to go with a neutral palette and solid colors a bold floor is a great option to bring in interest. Here, classic black and white share the stage and create a truly unique floor.

2. Integrated Appliances  

 Starting from "scratch" on a kitchen is the perfect opportunity to give yourself maximum storage and function.  Integrated fridge drawers for the kids or dishwasher drawers so you can wash a partial load these ideas can make or break your everyday tasks if you don't consider them. Also, disguising them with your cabinet face gives your kitchen a seamless look.
 

3. Update Cabinets

So you kitchen has the function you need, but its just outdated. Refinishing your existing cabinets can be a huge cost saver and frees up your budget for other key elements you want in your dream kitchen.  

4. Hardware

 Using finger pulls instead of decorative pulls creates a more streamline look.

5. Use a Similar Color

Bring other colors from adjacent rooms to make your new and improved kitchen flow with the rest of the house. Kind of like it has always been there!

6. Durable Solutions

In a hard working kitchen durable surfaces are important.  Countertops are one of the most because they get the most abuse. So make sure you pick a material like quartz, concrete or stainless for a longer lasting counter.

7. Open Up Your Space 

Ever had the chance to knock down a wall? Its a great feeling, like a therapy session or anger management at home! Also makes for a closer family or better entertaining space. Even though square footage wasn't added your home will feel bigger.

8. The Social Island

The kitchen is the heart of the home, right? Well at least that's where everyone migrates to. Creating ample seating for others to hang out with the chef is always good. It allows you to still be apart of the action and a comfortable place for others to sit.

9. Creative Backspash

There are so many options for backsplashes now so why not take advantage of them?  This one shows irregular shaped stainless tiles. They are just as simple to install as sheeted mosaic tiles but are more interesting. 

10. Mix It Up

Two tone cabinetry is a great way to introduce another color into your kitchen as well as create some interest instead of having a sea of one color cabinetry.

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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Loft: Living the High Life.

Lofts are my favorite! You can layout your home in many different ways. I used to live in one with vaulted ceilings and exposed duct work and of course no walls! But you may wonder how does exposed brick and duct work, lack of doors, and open empty space sound like 'home' to anyone? If you're wondering the same thing, I can assure you that loft living can be lofty living- all it takes is some furniture and accessories to turn a cold, empty room into a warm, welcoming home! Here are some great ideas to inspire your loft. Enjoy!

Living lofty, sky high! The skylights and white walls make this loft bright and warm while visually expanding the space.

  Is this a city loft of a village cottage? The wooden furniture and exposed brick remind me of a hearth: very homey!

Living lofty: scholar style! Take advantage of the height and display your book collection (easily accessed via ladder!).

 Wide open space! Lucky for this loft there are columns to visually separate the space and define different areas for living and dining!

Notice the ceiling they embraced it by mimicking the lines with shelves. And of course I love the exposed brick!

 Color your loft, brighten your world!  In a neutral space bright furniture brings a sense of home to a cold space.  

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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Heading to Bed

You just got home from a long, hard day of work. You're exhausted, and all you want to do is fall into bed and fly away to Dreamland. You look at your bed- a mattress on top of a measly metal bed frame. It's definitely not inviting you to Dreamland, is it? This can all change just by adding a creative headboard. Here are some inexpensive ways to bring a new design element into your bedroom that will invite you to head to bed and onward to Dreamland. Enjoy!

 These doors are fresh, charming, and inviting! A perfect headboard for a cute, quaint room such as this one.

Open the doors to your wildest dreams! These vintage doors lend a rustic and chic feel to this bedroom complete with crystal chandelier and wooden furniture: what a perfect combination!

"I love being board!" If headboards could talk, am I right?! But seriously, this design is sweet, simple, and earthly-sound! I love seeing recycled materials used in creative ways!

 

 You designed these? Oh, you're a natural! These natural wood panels give your room height yet add a cozy feel to the design of your room.

 This ornate headboard is so intricate, inviting, and incredible! You'll have some interesting dreams, that's for sure!

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Not Your Mama's Washed-out Washroom!

Mama always said, "Life is like laundry... it's loads of fun!" Well, I'm sure no one's mama ever actually said that, let alone meant that. The laundry room may not be a fun room, but it should be a functional room! When designing a home, many people often put the laundry room in the back of their mind until it soon becomes their biggest headache. One of my current clients has suffered numerous years with laundry room headaches, but with a little inspiration, I have the ideal prescription for her. Maybe you'll find some of these examples inspirational to you, too! Enjoy!

 To stack or not to stack? That is the question! Well, no matter whichever answer suits your space, know that color is the ultimate answer! Like I said, this isn't your mama's washed-out washroom- these bright blues make the laundry room seem cleaner and more exciting.

 

This laundry room is on double-duty!  Everything is clean and symmetrical. The splash of color on the walls and bold cabinets take this washroom from washed-out to wonderful!

   

 The wall says it all! This patterned wallpaper offers stimulation to an otherwise non-stimulating chore: laundry. The toned-down cabinets play-up organization and efficiency, and the large window lets the sun brighten your dullest chores. 

Mission: Impossible. Who would have thought that such a small space could hold so much?! The washer and dryer are streamlined perfectly into the rest of this multi-functional room's decor. 

 

Hope you guys enjoyed today's inspiration! Fell free to leave a comment.  Tell us what you liked and if you are in need of inspiration and its not here.....we will find you some!

 

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