Design basics: monochromatic and analogous color schemes

let's talk color

As you may remember I am back at University working towards my certificate in Residential Interiors, and I thought I would share with you a little of what I'm learning.
One of our recent projects was to develop a color scheme and room design based one hue or up to four adjacent hues on the color wheel.  Now I'm sure we've all done a color wheel sometime in elementary school or perhaps an art class -- but to jog your memory, here it is:

Monochromatic schemes (using just one color) can be especially tricky, as it is easy to wander off into an adjacent hue especially when it comes to the primary (red, blue, yellow) and secondary hues (violet, green, and orange).  It's easy, for example, for your blue to become blue-green -- and then what you've got is an analogous color scheme.  The tertiaries (blue-violet, red-violet, red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green and blue-green) are a lot more forgiving as there is a whole range of colors within that one hue, owing to the fact that they are mixtures of the other colors (i.e. blue violet could be blue blue violet or violet violet blue).  Also challenging about these schemes is that while they are monochromatic  you don't want them to be monotone.  Monotone rooms (think: everything beige!) happen when care is not taken to vary the intensity and the value of the chosen hue.  That said, monochromatic color schemes can have an impactful and/ or restful effect, as there is little tension between colors.  They are also uniquely memorable -- I remember watching an Asian film once (Hero) where each scene was a different color -- it was spellbinding.

Analogous schemes are likewise harmonious and can be very easy for the amateur to pull off -- provided the colors are in balance and that there are appropriate transitions between hues.  Think a garden room done in spa like colors of green and blue-green, or a library with richly paneled mahogany (red-violet) walls, red tapestry chairs and a brown (a very dark value red-orange) leather sofa.

Also good to remember is that you can take one hue (say red) and get hundreds of colors from it simply by adding black, white or gray (pink, rose, and chocolate brown are all made from red).  In a true monochromatic color scheme even the floors and accessories have the same hue (wood has a color too!)

So without furthur ado, let's look at some pictures of analogous and monochromatic rooms:

green, blue green, blue

red violet

red orange

yellow, yellow green, green, 

red

yellow, yellow orange, orange, red orange

orange, red orange, red, red violet

yellow, yellow orange, orange, red

top photo:  yellow, yellow orange, orange, red orange

   

 bottom photo: orange red, red, red violet

blue-green, blue, blue violet (there are also contrasting red-orange tones in the room, but we'll ignore those for now)

blue green, blue, blue violet, violet

red violet, violet, blue violet

yellow orange, yellow, yellow green

orange, red-orange, red

yellow orange, orange, red orange

orange, red orange, red, red violet

Image credits:  Elle Decor, Jessica Helgerson, Kelly Wearstler, Home by Navogratz, M.E. Beck Design, Better Homes and Gardens, Amanda Nisbet, others unknown.

What I've been up to. . .

Anthropologie

YEAH, I WISH!

But I have been. . . 

 

Collecting samples. . .

 Look what came in the mail the other day!  I'm loving these fabric samples from Tonic Living.  Aren't they beautiful?  You can bet I'll be using one or two of them in my dining room/ living room makeover.

I've pinned up a few of my favorites on this large sample board painted out in my new living/dining room color, Portabello by Sico Paints.

. . . And I'm reviving this classic mid century piece. . .

This dresser was too beat up to consider stripping and staining so I spray painted it.  Not nearly so simple as it sounds!  I've come to the conclusion that spray paint is good for small items like lamps and chairs and pieces with intricate mill work but large flat surfaces are best handled with a foam brush and roller.  Still, I'm loving the way it's turning out and will show you the finished dresser soon.

 Continuing my crimes. . . 

. . . of painting over real wood!  I'm giving these built-ins a light and bright makeover.

Photo from June 2010

 

 

  

 

 

 

I won this Persian rug on eBay.  $85 including shipping.

Pure wool.  Hand knotted.  It'll be finding a home in my little boy's room.  More on that soon!

And as always, loving my babies.

My littlest girl does that same eyebrow thing I do -- totally reflex, unintentional.  Quirky, eh?

Lots of projects on the go. Crazy -- that's how I like it.  Can't wait to share more of the fun things I'm working on.

  Now that the weather is cooler and kids are heading back to school I also plan to spend a bit more time in front of my computer, blogging and designing. 

Oh, and I'm going back to school too!  This semester it's Color Theory and Application.  Can you spell E-X-C-I-T-E-D?

Happy September!

 

 

 

 

Exterior Updates, Part One

It seems I've been MIA. . But. .
Things have been busy around here.  Along with the requisite day trips to the beach & the farm, trying to organize our home office (I'm only part way there) and nursing an infant (you know how they eat!) I've squeezed in a few home improvement projects.

Have a look!

We have new modern house numbers. . .

 and a freshly painted door.

  I showed you this picture a few weeks ago.

Since then I have freshened up the paint on the deck, installed a new mailbox and house numbers, and painted our front door. 

Subtle changes but with big impact.




(Of course there's still more to do.  The siding and trim on the house also needs to be painted. . . and that's a slightly bigger job.) 

: )

Speaking of changes, take a look at this before and after of my front door:

 What a difference a day (and a little paint) makes!  In my next couple of posts I plan to share all my project tips and secret sources with you.  Stay tuned!

Cheers,
Christy

School's Out!

Whoop whoop!  Just a few minutes until school's out for the summer!  My (going into) grade 3 and 4 children will be home soon and I wonder what they will want to do upon their arrival?  Plop in front of the TV/ computer?  Ha ha ha ha ha.  Little do they know what chores their evil mother has in store for them.  Clean the van.  De-clutter the basement.  Tidy the junk drawers.  Bah ha ha ha ha ha.

On a slightly more (or less) serious note, I'd like to reflect a bit over the past year.

Successes:

• We made it to school on time most days, approx. 95% of the time -- way up from last year.
• Each child grew by leaps and bounds, both personally and academically.  I'm so proud of my children.
• Johnny surprised us all by making it to the provincial track and field finals.  His art was displayed at the Jubilee Auditorium.  He did an awesome rapper impression in the school play.  He has lots of friends and is loved by all.
• Tasja is a voracious reader, a wonderful friend, and great writer/ storyteller.  She loves making lists and knows how to get things done!  She learned how to jump rope, do flips, handstands and more.  She is little mother to Baby Heidi.  And she grows more beautiful every day.
• Luke learned to love school and made lots of great friends in Kindergarten.  I am so proud of you Luke for trying and succeeding at so many new things.  Also, you are great at computer games, building things, singing, and making Baby Heidi happy.
• Owen grew and learned so much this year, like how to build Lego trucks, make potty jokes, and spell his name.  He is Mr. Enthusiasm.  Love you Owen!  One more year of playschool, and then you're off to Big Kids' School!

Things I would like to do better next year:

• Encourage the kids to participate in more organized sports or extra-curricular activities.
• Go on more field trips/ volunteer at my kids' school more often.
• Keep on top of everyone's calendar.
• Remember to do home reading/ homework every night.

It was a bit of a crazy year, with me being pregnant and so sick for most of it, and then having a new baby to really make things interesting.  Still, we pulled through with flying colors thanks to my amazing persevering children and gem of a husband, Chris -- who really stepped in to pick up the slack.  We are truly blessed.

And now it's time to have fun!  First up on the agenda: tonight, pull out the calender and pencil in all those parties/ play dates/ sleepovers/ excursions/ camping trips/ vacations we need to squeeze into this all-too-short summer.  Let the good times roll!  What plans do you have for the summer holidays?

Learning To Love My Flat Roof Bungalow

I never expected to love my home as much as I do. 

When I first saw the photos on the Kijiji rental listing I thought how ugly.  If it hadn't have been for my husband talking me into "just taking a look" we wouldn't be living here today.

She was a somewhat dowdy flat roofed 1954 bungalow.  I always pictured myself living in a charming Victorian.

 

But over time this place has grown on me.

I mean, what's not to love about these trees?
They are so beautiful in the summer.  They provide amazing privacy and soften the hard lines of the modern architecture.

Notice the classic mid-century detailing such as the wide eaves on the porch supported by narrow steel columns, the stacked brickwork and the corner windows. Do you see how the building seems to hug the ground and how it draws the eye out rather than up?  Strong horizontal lines are a trademark of modern design.  The deck/ fence was added circa 1985.  I think they did a bang up job.  It could have gone so badly, but this one really enhances the overall design and stays true to the home's modern aesthetic.



This beauty has been a rental for many years and is badly in need of some cosmetic work.  Not unlike your spinster aunt who could actually look quite attractive with an eyebrow pluck and updated wardrobe (a la Susan Boyle).  ; )


There are many things to love about my home: the trees, the huge lot, the container gardens, the deck . . . did I mention the huge backyard?

Recently, however, I am coming to appreciate the architecture itself.  If I really use my imagination, I can picture the home as it looked when it was first built . . . & the family who lived here (I think they loved to entertain) . . . I'm glimpsing the vision of the original designer and builder. . . it must have been so cutting edge in 1954!  The blueprint was no doubt inspired by the work of the iconic Frank Loyd Wright, who designed such homes as the Affleck House in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  Here is a picture:

And here is the rear view of our home.

 A little exercise in geometry, anyone?









This is my inspiration image.  (I always have an inspiration image(s) for every makeover project I undertake.)  Midnight blue front door, here we come!

I was so pleased to find this image online -- I see so many similarities to our home.  Grander, to be sure, but notice the roof lines, paint colors and materials ulilized.

This whole mid century architecture thing has sent me on a bit of a learning expedition.  In my travels I Googled everything from bungalow to brutalism.  I keyed in the words "flat roof bungalow" and guess what?  There is even a Flicker stream dedicated to the flat roof bungalow.  It really is amazing.  You should check it out.  There are some beautiful homes to view.

Living in a mid century modern house has certainly pushed me in a different design direction than I anticipated. My previous home was decorated in a cottage/ country style.  Now I notice myself mixing more modern pieces into my home's decor and I am certainly embracing a more minimalist aesthetic all around.


Here is another shot of our backyard.  (Do you love my new IKEA table?)

So there's a quick tour of my 1954 flat roofed bungalow, diamond in the rough.  We are making it into a happy family home once again. 

In the next week or two this angular old gal will be getting a few updates.  A lick of paint, some modern house numbers and a shiny new mailbox.  Oh, and a blue front door!  Maybe we'll do something about that distracting cable too. ; )  Well, hope you enjoyed the tour (and the brief history lesson.)  Come back in a few weeks to see the updates!

Cheerio,

Christy

Organized Home Office

I am always trying to improve my organizational systems.  One area that has come under the radar lately is our home office/ command centre/ front door drop off spot.  Piles of paper, school projects, diaper bag and bills all on one surface -- my work surface!  Can you relate?

Wouldn't we all like to have a space like this?

 (image: Pottery Barn)

No, I don't have any solutions to offer up yet.  But I am putting my beautiful brain to work on it and will let you know when I stumble across something brilliant.  Meanwhile, I would love to hear your tips for organizing your home's command centre.  If you are particulary proud of your space, be sure to email photos to me as well.  (christybiel@hotmail.com)
Merci!

Be Kind

Tonight I have just one simple thing to say:  Be Kind.  Be Kind to everyone you you meet, because you just don't know.  You just have no idea what that person might be going through.  So be kind.
This is on my mind because today I found out that friends of ours are having trouble, the sort of trouble that you think, it could never happen to them.

But you just never know, whether it's a stranger or a friend. You don't know whose child has cancer, whose husband's been cheating on her, whose house is about to be repossessed.  You just don't know.

So what is this post doing in a blog called Design Your Life?  Well, a huge part of creating the life you want is being aware.  We must be aware of our surroundings, aware of our environment, aware of how our actions affect the world around us.  It's a reminder to myself not to take anything for granted, to pay attention to the signs that something might be wrong, to get out of my blithe little bubble of worrying about what paint color goes best with my cabinets and instead be present, aware and grateful for what I have.

 Mother and son Embracing  ~  Watercolor print by Etsy seller PrintIllustrations

Three Fresh Color Schemes To Love

Gunmetal and Mustard

 

Grey is the new beige!  There are so many greys out there ranging from warm to cool, light to dark.  Painting your room one of these shades will instantly update your space.  In this space, muted yellow and pops of bright color warm up the cool blue-violet of the walls, while plenty of white keeps the look light and bright.  See more of this charming home here.

Seafoam and Tangerine

I love how glamorous and modern this nursery feels with all the black & white and gold accents.

Earth and Sky (with a little splash of Crimson)

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne's home proves how a very simple color scheme can look quite sophisticated when multiple layers are added to the design.  Aren't those sliding barn doors amazing?

What color schemes are you loving right now?

My Favorite Makeover Ever. . . (So Far!)

Therapy

Watched a couple episodes of Sarah 101 Season 2 tonight after putting the kids to bed.  (It was one of those days -- and Sarah and Tommy are such good therapy.  Cheaper than shopping and less fattening than chocolate.  : )

Episode 4 simply blew me away.  Hands down my favorite S&T makeover to date.  Photos here:

You can watch it here:
Versatile Living/ Dining Room

Enjoy!  I have dishes to do. ; )

 P.S. Sarah is looking especially glamorous this time around, don't you think?  How DOES she do that?

Whether the Weather's Fine. . . and other rhymes

See if you can finish this.
Whether the weather's fine. . .

Standing in line at Safeway this morning with a perfect stranger and struck up a conversation about -- what else -- the weather.
"That was quite the rain we had this morning.  Thought it was going to rain all day."
"Ha." I smiled.  "My mother had this saying.  'If it rains before Seven it will shine by Eleven.'  It's always true."

(Clouds Over the Ocean, by Etsy seller Dream ON)


But I'm curious. Is it always true?  What has been your experience?  And, do you know any maxims regarding the weather?

My mother taught me another one.
Red sky at night, Sailor's delight.
Red sky in morning, Sailors take warning. 

Now for the rest of that rhyme we started with.
Whether the weather's fine
Whether the weather's not
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not. 

Happy Tuesday.
Can't wait to hear yours!

Newborn: Loving

Top three baby products I am loving right now:

This music is the perfect soundtrack to sleep.  Good for calming a mommie's frayed nerves, too.  Bonus:  It earned my music degree-flaunting husband's stamp of approval.  My favorite tracks include Simple Gifts and Angel.

This carrier lets me type, chop veggies, fold laundry, and fasten my three year-old's shoes all while keeping my baby close and comforted.  Be sure to buy the proper size according to the sizing chart as the fabric does stretch a bit with wear.  We're rocking the Eggplant (shown).

This natural body wash
is gentle for both baby and mommy's sensitive skin.  Works as a baby shampoo, too.  My favorite is Lavender Rose. Heavenly!  You can find Aroma Health products at the Old Strathcona Farmer's Market in Edmonton or order direct from their website.