Color Buzz

Turkish Delights

By Michèle Coppin

Spring is the time for renewal and this season, new styles are coming from exotic lands such as Turkey.

With a tradition of unique decorative arts, the Turkish culture, formerly the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923), is a treasure trove of divine inspiration. Arts and crafts were molded by its rich history and religion—Islam.

Islamic art varies hugely from Western art, primarily influenced by the Koran. In this Islamic tradition, depicting human form in art is forbidden. Therefore, Turkish or Ottoman art relies on the pure balance of color, line and rhythm in geometric patterns and designs. Rugs, tapestries, glass work, metal sculptures, mosaics and paintings all share similar characteristics of precise detail, harmony and elegance.

Turkey is also known for its famous blue Iznik ceramics, which are decorated with abstract and intricate patterns of floral and fauna designs. Ornamental square, rectangular, hexagonal and triangular tiles still adorn palace walls.

Iznik pottery melds form and function beautifully.

 
The colors used in this art form are blues, viridians, reds and golds. Touches of green pull these colors together and balance the red and the blue perfectly.

                   
      Dazzle 4005-10C            Berry Blush 1004-1A         Salamander 6001-8B

These colors and patterns are becoming more trendy. I have even spotted them in a window display on my street!

If you would like to expand your knowledge of Turkish history and art, I recommend one of my favorite novels, My Name is Red  by Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk.

The book is about the Ottoman Empire and the influence of art. The story follows the murder of a painter in 1591. In each chapter, the perspective and narration changes, even to such unexpected ‘characters’ as a coin, a dog, and even the color red! This beautifully written novel is a true work of art, full of color, history and suspense. Let me know what you think!

Wedding Colors Part II

By Michèle Coppin

In Monday’s post I explored the role that color played in weddings throughout the ages. As I mentioned, in the last few years, colors for weddings tended to lean towards soft shades of pinks, greens and lilacs. Although soft pastel color schemes are always in fashion, experts agree that bright, bold colors and even exotic combinations are the new trend.

Here are the hottest wedding colors for 2009:

Red and Orange: vibrant, fun and exotic.

Red and Pink: exiting combination mixing romance and passion.

Red and Yellow: Modern and hip

Orange: Elegant and radiant with shades of peach and ivory.

[Courtesy of Kim Fuller Photography]

Yellow and Turquoise: Summery and tropical.

 
Green and Yellow: Fresh and young.

Green and Lavender: Soft and sensual



Brown and Pink: Elegant and sensual  - one of 2009's hottest combinations.



I also questioned wedding photographer Kim Fuller for some additional insight. She noted:
 
"Purple is in! The jewel tones seem to be back in fashion this year for bridesmaid dresses. It makes for great photos, especially when you add a bold-colored flower to really make the color pop. Brown and pewter are still popular for the Fall, with a touch of orange or pink as an accent.  Both color palettes go well with most skin types, which is nice."



For more photos and ideas, please check out Kim Fuller Photography’s website.

La Belle Vie

By Veronique Habermann 

Some people struggle to decide on a color for a room. Others get it right the first time; they seem to know exactly what they are looking for.

My friend Nona opened her first SPA (hair salon) a few weeks ago. It is a place she has dreamed of and worked hard for. The location is small, but after choosing the right wall color, she has made it very warm and cozy. It’s a place where you won’t mind spending a few hours with foil on your hair. Besides her warm staff, the expertise of her stylists and the wine, I think her color choice for the space has a lot to do with the relaxed atmosphere.

It seems like she had no hesitation with her choice. She knew what she wanted: a warm, pleasant, intimate and sensual place. But she also had an exact color in mind.

Nona grew up in St. Petersburg and her favorite place to visit there is the Yusupov Palace, a beautiful, long, yellow building on a quiet stretch of the Moika River. The palace was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family and was the site of one of the most dramatic episodes in Russian history, the murder of Gregory Rasputin.

Nona has always loved the "red room" there, and while picking colors from a Valspar deck, she found the exact color: Jeweltone. She also used wild lavender for the hallway, and with the help of her very talented contractor, Sevdi Veliu, she chose a textured sandstone paint to add depth.

The wall color, in addition with her choice of dark chocolate wood, really achieves the goal she had in mind. And with a name like "La Belle Vie"...Bravo!

***

Now that spring is finally here, what item at your home is most in need of a fresh coat of paint? Plase, check out the right sidebar to cast your vote!

Results of 1st Color Buzz Poll - Living Rooms

From our first readers' poll, we learned that many of you would place your living room first on your "to paint" list.  Living rooms are a great way to make the most of your painting time and money because they are the public space of the house, where you entertain friends and family. From cocktails to children's play dates, this room is the stage for so many of life's enjoyable moments. Putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls can make a big difference.

For most of us, we want a cozy or maybe rustic living room where we can unwind. To create a cozy space, try a deep, rich color that you can incorporate with fabrics and rugs. A red could go nicely with colors of sand or stone. For a bold statement, try a red like Oatlands Upholstery Red 1008-3A. Staining the ceiling a bone color keeps a sense of lightness in the space.

If you prefer light and airy, try lighter shades to make a room feel more spacious. In this living room, the creamy whites play off each other and the soft neutrals give some dimension. The charcoal coffee table anchors the space. When working with whites, try to find ones that have a bit of brown and gray to them so that the color isn't mistaken for a pastel. To achieve this look, try Snow Cap 7003-8 or Romano 7003-15. 

The third living room we wanted to share pairs a rich, warm gold with fabrics of subtly lighter shades. This gives the walls more drama, but maintains the sophisticated atmosphere, while the blue accents add some kick. The room appears bigger as the eye moves out into the hall to rest on the gray-blue matting of the bird prints.

There are many ways to approach this very social room. Let us know how you treat your living room and what colors and textures are of interest to you

The Winter Blues

By Michele Coppin

Winter blues are beautiful. Just think about the water, sky, ice, shadows, and snow. Shades of blue can be mysterious or crisp. I find most blues to be a true source of inspiration.

        

Many people consider blue as their favorite color. Blue is often the color new mothers choose when they are expecting a boy and it is often the color preferred by men (although some may argue!). Reminiscent of the sky and water, representing freshness and purity, blue creates feelings of calmness, serenity, peace, tranquility, safety and order—qualities we need in these tumultuous times. It is a spiritual color that stimulates the imagination, inspires our dreams and helps us focus during meditation.

Russian painter W. Kandinsky was once quoted as saying, "The inclination of blue to depth is so strong that its inner appeal is stronger when its shade is deeper. The darker the shade of the blue color, the stronger is its call to the infinite, the stronger the yearning for purity and finally the transcendental."

Indeed, blue encourages self-knowledge and inner search. Blue is also an invitation to travel, a call to adventure. Because it is the color of the vast oceans, blue suggests voyages, discoveries and distant horizons.
 
Blue can be a cheerful color, but it is usually regarded as calm and relaxing, creating a sensation of clarity and spaciousness. In Feng Shui, blue is the symbol of tranquility of the mind. The color encourages positive thinking and is often used to decorate offices because blue promotes productivity and concentration.

Blue is a good choice for bedrooms because its serene, soothing nature facilitates sleep. Because blue is often associated with water, hygiene, freshness and cleanliness, blue is also a favorite in bathrooms. I enhanced my blue bathroom with a combination of blue and white Mexican tiles:

                    

The only room where I would not recommend using blue paint is the kitchen. There are very few, if any, foods that are blue and the color does not stimulate our hunger. Because blue is not the most appetizing color, it is recommended only as an accent in kitchens.

There are many colors that pair well with blue, but as a general rule, you can’t go wrong with white or gray.

Pale blue goes well with yellow and creamy beiges.

                                 

                           Celestial Blue 4003-5C   Champagne Tickle 3001-2C

Teal and turquoise go well with browns and earth tones and pinks.

                                  

                           La Fonda Teal 5007-8B     Berry Brandy 1005-9B 

Navy blue goes well with red, strong pinks and white. 

                                           

                        Atlantic Schooner 4004-6C   Fabulous Red 1011-2

Purple-blue go well with greens.

                                      

                  Oatlands Velvet Night 4001-8B   Meadow Wind 6005-7B

For more on the history of blue, I recommend checking out Michel Pastoureau's gorgeous book "Blue, the History of a Color.” 

 

Rich Color in the Dead of Winter

By Megan Leblond

                       

We have been covered in white snow on the East Coast for the past few months and the wind continues to blow. Despite the desolate surroundings, color is available! One simply has to toss on a coat, hat, gloves and scarf, and venture into town for an array of pleasing colors available in the produce section of the grocery.  

Many glorious colors are available by way of winter fruit. Ruby red grapefruits, key limes, and blood oranges can help to bring passion to our winter doldrums, and add a pop to color projects. 

My favorite is the blood orange. I have a fabulous recipe for wild rice, leeks and blood oranges that I can only prepare in winter due to the fruit’s availability. The black wild rice, green leeks and deep red tones of the oranges make for both a bold color combination and unique dish. 

   

A blood orange’s crimson fruit is the result of a pigment common in flowers, but it is rare in fruit- an antioxidant called anthocyanin. The blood orange originated in Italy and Spain, but is now grown in the United States in Texas and California. The fruit is virtually seedless, which makes it easy to cook with. The beautiful fruit is available December through March to seduce our eyes and taste buds.  

If you have a bit of the winter blues, try working with the deep color of the blood orange to warm your spirit. Try the blood orange tart recipe from Smitten Kitchen or use one of the Valspar colors reminiscent of the flower fruit!  If you are totally snowed in, The Orange Store will ship!   

                  

                  If you would like to bring these colors into your home, try:

                                    

                         Orange Glow 3001-1A         Berry Blush 1004-1A

                                   

                    Whipped Strawberry 1006-1A   Montpelier Red Velvet 1009-6

Friday Project Series - Say it with Roses

By Megan Leblond   
   
                           

Giving the gift of roses can have special meaning, depending on the color of the flower. Generally, a gift of roses communicates intimacy and love, often to a friend, family member or significant other. The color of the rose adds a more personal message:       

                       

RED—Love, Romance
PINK—‘Please believe me,’ Gentleness, Grace, Elegance, Sweetness, Poetic Romance
YELLOW—Joy, Friendship, 'Remember Me,’ 'I Care,’ Jealousy
WHITE—Innocence, Purity, Honor, Reverence
ORANGE—Desire, Enthusiasm
LAVENDER—Enchantment, Love at First Sight
DARK PINK—Gratitude
LIGHT PINK—Admiration, Sympathy
YELLOW W/ RED—Falling in Love
PEACH—Appreciation, Sincerity, Gratitude
CORAL—Desire
TEA ROSES—‘I Will Never Forget You'

                

I decided to paint a simple 'rose wall' with various rose colors in a lighthearted pattern. I painted the wall a light green base coat (Valspar’s Sprig of Mint) and chose various hues for the tops of the roses. I arranged the rose stencils to look as though the flowers were being tossed in the air. I was very pleased with the look I achieved.  

                                        
                                       Spring of Mint 6004-7B

                

                          

If you are planning to complete a colorful project and you would like to test a few different colors, remember that Valspar has very small 'paint-tester' cans available. These are great because there are so many colors available and they are very inexpensive. Should you choose to paint an adjoining wall or space, you can also find a color that is a perfect match to the existing space.

Michelle Obama’s Inaugural Fashion

By Veronique Habermann

   

Although this might seem frivolous in these harsh economic times, I would like to add to the online discussion predicting Michelle Obama’s inaugural dress. There are several blogs and news outlets all over the country, including New York Times and the Boston Herald, that are devoting lots of coverage to the First Lady-to-be’s wardrobe. For me, what makes this so interesting is the fact that Michelle Obama is a trend-setter who has shown a refined, unique sense of style throughout the campaign, often pairing J. Crew cardigans with couture designer items. Many are asking if she will be the next Jackie O.

                         

With the inauguration just a little over a week away, she has a tough choice ahead of her: What to wear? With so much emphasis built up about her clothing choices, she will have to choose wisely on this very special day. She will have to look great, but she certainly won't be able to wear an outfit that is too expensive looking. I wouldn't want to be in her shoes right now!

 

For fun, I asked my 15 year old son, what he thought she should wear and his immediate response was a dress in a dark shade of red. What do you think Michele should wear?

*Check out another post on Michelle’s fashion from the Democratic National Convention.

A Red Makover

By Michele Coppin

Inspired by the recent holiday colors, my friends Daisy and Francis finally decided to update their plaster-white living room. They are both intimidated by color, choosing many shades of beige throughout the house, so I commend their brave choice! 

            

I love red. To me, the color is sexy, sassy and classy, so I was thrilled to help with the project. However, I can understand Daisy and Francis’ hesitation. While some find red to be seductive and warm, many others believe red is too loud a color. Because red can be interpreted in so many ways, such as frightening, erotic, revolutionary or royal, its ambivalence makes it appealing to decorators.

                     
To determine the best shade for Daisy and Francis, we spent time comparing a variety of red swatches, then looked at my favorites under different lights and at different times of day.  Francis was worried his living room would look like a French boudoir and Daisy started to doubt the drastic transition. I reminded them that color is easy to change and encouraged them to be flexible and open-minded. In the end, we settled on a luscious, earthy tone that is not too pink for Francis and not too purple for Daisy: Sienna Dust.

                                                
                                                    Sienna Dust 1007-3A

Then it was time to paint. The first coat was a bit scary!  Against the white wall, our carefully chosen color appeared orange. However, when we finished the second coat, we stood back in awe. The room looked absolutely gorgeous! It was warm, cozy, glowing and elegant. In just one weekend, the blank white space was transformed into a beautiful living room that was inviting and comfortable. Furthermore, the existing furniture, including dark green couches and a light green rug, was enhanced by the complementary background.

With the bold, red statement finished, we decided the hallway leading into the living room also needed a makeover that would harmonize with the red. We settled on a soft, pale grayish-green, Milestone, for the lighter walls and its lighter version, Cliveden Mist, down the narrow darker hallway. 

                                 

                    Milestone 6002-1B                      Cliveden Mist 6007-1A

  The finished project was bold and beautiful!

           

                            

Lanterns

Light is a traditional part of the holidays. The warm glow of candles, fires and votives is so comforting when it becomes much colder outside.  With the holidays upon us, I recently invited my friends Mickey and Blanca to make these great paper lanterns.

Make sure you have the following supplies:

    Construction paper
    Scissors
    Exacto Knife
    Pencil
    Glue
    Small Candle

Optional Supplies:

    Valspar Gold Glitter Spray
    Gold Leaf Paint
    Decorative Paint
    Paper Doilies

We began by drawing shapes and patterns on the construction paper. Blanca drew shooting stars, Mickey was inspired by palm trees and I chose a snow flake theme. Then we cut them out carefully with the exacto knife.

 

Once we had the designs cut, I painted my lantern red to emphasize its white interior. Mickey sprayed the inside of hers golden to make the paper sparkle against the flame of the candle, and Blanca outlined her stars with gold paint to create a very charming effect. 

 

Once the paper and accents were in place, we glued the two edges of the paper together to form a cylinder.  Once the glue was dry, we placed little candles inside the lanterns*.  We were so pleased with our beautiful crafts, we celebrated with cups of hot chocolate!

*Never leave lit candles in lanterns unattended