Gray and gorgeous...

Forty-one degrees outside this morning - which is {exactly} forty-one degrees shy of my ideal temperature. 

{These lovely shades of overcast skies were lingering on This is Glamorous.}

Chromatic theology...

Sink into glamour with a drip of royalty as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of violet will be present in color variations - lavender, plum, eggplant, periwinkle, magenta, etc.
VIOLET is a secondary color with a challenging personality. Take a mental meander back to elementary school and recall that violet is a mixture of red and blue. This specific combination of hues is ambivalent, as a heavy dose of tension exists within violet’s conflictions of warm and cool, calm and intense. Spaces and color schemes implementing violet are often ambiguous and dramatic. Pale tints {amethyst and lavender} boast whimsical and magical reflections of light, while deep shades {eggplant and plum} are symbolic of dignity and regality {and sometimes laced with a threatening undertone}. If you are new to the world of color, or your eye is less than impeccable, avoid saturated violet tones or dabble with caution {sometimes the power and force of pure drama result in discord and uneasy aesthetics}. Oh, but when violet is applied with skill - the result is stunning success, insinuating artistic expression and sensitivity.
Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Indulge in the rest of the series with these previous posts.

{Images from The Society Inc..}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}

Mmmm...

This glimpse of metallic typography, an industrial light bulb, pristine white, and a few leaves is perfect.  This little bit of brightness is from Cherry Blossom. 

Meander over to EcoSalon and devour my recent words {take a look, maybe even leave a comment or rate my words}.  Soak in the talent of photographer Mikkel Vang and the beauty of Thailand.  Peruse the wooden delights of the sweet little store Canvas.  Enjoy the lovely, lovely words and creativity of Kelle Dame with this week's handpicked take on vintage crates {and visit Ms. Dame's blog - she is a girl of genuine charm}.

Something old, something new...

Brace yourself for a gorgeous dose of a little something new.  Today I am {hesitantly} stepping into the kitchen - at least metaphorically.  Lately I have been lusting after beautifully styled edible delights, like this delicious cake.  Just to be clear, I won't actually be baking this, just salivating over lovely photo shoots.  When it comes to make food gleam, this foodie photography blog is bliss.

Something old {industrial, rustic beauty} and something new {baked beauty}...

{Oh, Design*Sponge, how you make me drool.}

Delicious dining...

I am totally in love with this dining room from Rue.  This lovely space belongs to the lovely lady behind sfgirlbybay.  Would it be totally offensive if I just invite myself over for dinner?  Both the company and the interiors would be delicious.

Matchmaker...

Brace yourself for an inspiring introduction.  Rue meet Ditte Isager.  Blissful forever for sure.

The rustic wood of this staircase is so alluring {I secretly want to disassemble it and selfishly build something for myself...shameful, I know}.  I have been admiring this gorgeous vignette from Mr. Isager lingering in the sidebar of Splendid Willow for quite some time.  At last I have found a perfect match. 

Chromatic theology...

Plunge into a gorgeous case of the blues as the Chromatic Theology series continues.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of blue will be present in color variations - navy, cerulean, peacock, indigo, blueberry, aegean, etc.

BLUE is the coldest color {for more on warm and cool colors - devour this post}. Blue demonstrates intense relaxation, denoting simplicity, purity, dignity, and truth. This hue is frequently coupled with intellectual activity; blue is contemplative, thought provoking, and meditative. Saturated or bright, blue can be lively without tension. Blue reflects the calm expansiveness and subtle movement of the sky and ocean. Light tints {robins egg and ice blue} express soothing tranquility balanced with quiet optimism. Darker shades {deep navy and indigo} frequently have a dignified and undeniable presence – sophisticated, heavy, and potentially depressing; these dark shades of blue are often associated with authority, having official implications. Pair regal shades of deep blue with crisp light neutrals to infuse a hint of optimism.

Come back next week for a dose of glamour and drama – violet.

Want to get acquainted with the rest of the rainbow? Feast your baby blues {or sultry hazels} on the rest of the series with these previous posts.

{Photographs from A Punch of Color.}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}

Another Autumn week...

It's official.  Golden tones and amber hues are drifting from the trees {and floating into in my yard}.  Ah, Autumn.  These ruffles of yarn laced together {the Leonora Scarf} should help insulate against the crisp Pacific Northwest mornings.

Enjoy this glimpse of my recent words at EcoSalon {take a look, maybe even leave a comment or rate my words}.  Indulge in the gorgeous aesthetics of mathematics with this collection of graphic and bold numerical morsels.  Tour a gorgeous modern model home with a fireplace to die for.  Sink your toes into this interior boasting floors of sand {yes, sand}.  Plunge into my thoughts on green design and peruse a new online magazine.    Explore a mid-century modern muse.  Devour these cardboard sculptures to hang on your wall and suspend from your ceiling.  Admire this lovely and creative studio.  Let your eyes examine these graphic eye charts on an array of commodities.  I know, I know...a lot to read...but oh so worth it.

Sigh...

Oh.  Ah.  Mmm.  Lovely.  Sigh.

{My endless gratitude to Hviit for introducing me to Tomorrow's Parties, where this delicious image resides.}

Another stage...

I recently stumbled across another ad campaign boasting a background set that gleams into center stage.  Living Divani offers this catalog brimming with gorgeous photography.  Devour it.

{This little morsel of divinity was spotted on the lovely Design Traveller.}

Center stage...

As a designer, I live with an occupational hazard.  My eyes always drift into the background, scouring the details.  Whether watching a movie, perusing an ad, attending a dinner party, or scrolling through my google reader, regardless of what is happening in the foreground, my eyes always seem to elevate the materials and furnishings of the background into center stage. 

Classic example, this beautiful collection of images was lingering over at Little Blue Deer.  For a background set to rival a dramatic and intricate wedding dress, it has to be stunning.  The worn walls, glamorous mirrors, typography props, and exposed brick have definitely danced into center stage.  Hmmm...what wedding dresses?!?

Blooms...

How is this for a salivating glimpse of insanely gorgeous Fall colors?!?

{Image from the lovely Bonnie Tsang via Hopscotch & Grace.}

Chromatic theology...

The recent Chromatic Theology series has given me a slight tinge of color envy. Soak up this post and feed your jealous streak with a heaping dose of green.

Each post in this series explores an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of green will be present in color variations - grass, avocado, chartreuse, apple, kelly, olive, etc.

GREEN is a secondary color with harmonious emotional content. Green draws life from yellow, while blue lends a calming effect. One of the only unanimous forms of beauty is nature; green is the predominant color in nature - commonly regarded as the ideal color, carrying the positive charisma of all hues. Color schemes implementing green have been used extensively in offices, institutions, and public spaces, denoting the negative ‘institutional green’. Even in large doses of saturated color, green is rarely offensive. This hue is considered innately pleasurable, sharing calming and restful implications with nature.

Come back next week for an optimistic and lively case of the blues.

{Photographs from Michael Eastman.}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}

Haunted house...

Confession:  I don't believe in ghosts.  Well, except for these gorgeous translucent silhouettes {Mr. Stark, I bow to you}.  I would like to officially extend six dinner invitations to six curvaceous ghosts.  Actually, the gathering of ghosts can move right into my dining room.  Oh, and a single gloomy {smoke grey} ghost can lurk in my bedroom corner any day. 

Scroll and stop...

Today I was catching up on my google reader.  Scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll....STOP!  This caught my eye.  There's nothing like rustic wood adjacent to metallic flocked wallpaper to make me swoon.  Sigh. 

This hint of glamour is from the creative genius of All of Irina.  Yes, Irina - I want it all!  I would love to visit Irina - only she would have to move into the guest bedroom, because I want to slumber in this room {what a gracious guest}. 
See more of the room here {including an unexpected, opulent and dramatic black chair lounging beside a gorgeous fireplace}.

{This photograph graciously 'stolen' from Irina herself.}

Chromatic theology...

The last couple of posts have been glowing with the hues of harvest sunsets and harvest moons {orange}. Rejuvenating with a drop of citrus is a refreshing way to continue the Chromatic Theology series. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of orange will be present in color variations - mandarin, magma, creamsicle, rust, marigold, sweet potato, etc.

Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. {In case you need to catch up on color, gather a glimpse of red or a ray of sunshine with the previous Chromatic Theology posts.}

ORANGE is a secondary color with conflicting emotional content. Recall a few of your second grade lessons and remember that orange is a mixture of red and yellow, boasting the charisma of both colors. Orange demands attention, yet simultaneously extends a warm invitation. The intensity and drama of red are balanced with the mild optimism of yellow. If you like the dangerous connotations of red, opt for a softer, subdued effect with orange. If you find yellow a little too submissive, add a hint of personality with orange.

Come back next week for a dose of color envy - green.

{Photographs from Living Etc.}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}

Pitter patter, pitter patter...

If you know me {or have been to my humble home}, you know I adore Kaypee Soh of Somace.  His artwork is divine.  His partner {Ed Macey} is lovely.  His designer {Isla Schmidt} is charming.  Even his dogs are adorable.  The entire team at Somace is basically perfection.

Isla was kind enough to 'Handpick' this gorgeous artwork {Diamond Head} by Kaypee Soh.  This piece makes my heart go pitter patter, pitter patter.

Enjoy this glimpse of my recent words at EcoSalon {take a look, maybe even leave a comment or rate my words}.

Handpicked: Somace {Somace + Isla Schmidt = Nostalgia}

The Essential Manifesto {Lula Aldunate + Vintage = Gorgeous}

Twenty/Twenty Vision {Eye Exam Charts + Typography = Pure Allure}

Stolen Salt-Soaked Pine {Robin Luciano Beaty + A Barn = Stunning}

Get bold between the sheets...

Despite my best efforts, I cannot seam to harness sunshine and will it into my day, but I can infuse a glowing ray of color to nestle just beneath my duvet.  These sheets are the epitome of Summer.

These amiable wares from Anthropologie are an irresistibly vibrant color in the delicate form of a vivid design. The Circle ‘Round Sheet Set is a lovely field of, “petite dots and bitty petals,” sprinkled on a bed of organic cotton.

 

{This was my brave attempt to embrace Fall - only I think I still wound up tangled in Summer.}

An unperfect gray...

Summer is over? This weekend I fell into a mildly {okay, drastically} depressing epiphany. The skies were an ambivalent gray. Summer is over. I am beginning to doubt if I will ever adjust to the fleeting sense of sunshine that is the ephemeral Pacific Northwest Summer.

The impending bed- layered with soft blankets {this gorgeous hint of greige is from Linen and Lavender}.

Chromatic theology...

I have been knee-deep and swimming in color lately {the recent sprinkle of posts provides clear and undeniable evidence}. Float through this post as the chromatic theology series continues.

Each post in this series will explore an individual hue, but the characteristics of the topic color can be translated into tints and shades. Keep in mind that the effects and emotions we discuss are most prominent and intense in pure, saturated color. {In case you need to catch up on color - gather basic knowledge and catch a glimpse of red with the inaugural post.}
Basking in the warm glow of gentle yellow is a perfect way to continue frolicking through chromatic theology. To some extent, the distinctive attributes of yellow will be present in color variations - mustard, butter cream, saffron, sunflower, etc.

YELLOW is a strong warm color, with pleasant and optimistic emotional content. Yellow is the least problematic color, a cheerful and non-aggressive hue. This jovial hue is highly-reflective, producing expansive characteristics reminiscent of sunlight. Soft tints of yellow {butter cream and pastel pineapple} serve as great background colors - active with mild stimulation. Inviting yellow into your home is like ordering a glass of house wine, safe; you may not swoon for the taste it leaves in your mouth, but at least you won’t hate it either. Yellow is simple and amiable, and every now and then - unexpectedly brilliant.

Come back next week for a drop of refreshing citrus - orange.

{Photographs from the portfolio of Mel Yates.}

{This series is also running on EcoSalon!}