It's official: Orange is the new black!

      

 PANTONE, the world's most renowned authority on color, named "Tangerine Tango" the color for 2012. These days, the bold reddish-orange hue is found worn on clothing, lips and nails and used in interior design to make a unique design statement.



http://www.tibetfurniture.com/

 

Hand-blown confetti glass, set of 4, $34
http://www.directfrommexico.com/

Ottoman cube covered in vinyl fabric.
http://www.etsy.com/

Color trend decisions are not random: there is always a method to  such choices and timing. Orange is a bright, warm and exotic hue. Countries known for embracing and encorporating bright, warm colors such as those in Central and South America have become popular destinations for many Europeans and Americans. Argentina is one such example. For the last several years it has been saturated with tourism, not only due to the strength of  the monetary exchange but also due to the enticing blend of both ethnic and European architectural and interior styles. Additionally, tango dancing has become a craze all over the world, and I am personally jonesin' to take a few classes myself!



Orangentinian tango (ouch...I know).



Orange colored wallpaper

Orange, a color traditionally used in signage and advertising, by it's sheer brilliance, commands attention. Psychologically it is a color associated with self-confidence, cheeriness, warmth and flamboyancy. These are traits much needed these days as our forlorn global economy has reaked emotional havoc on our collective psyches. Whether you are a fan of bright orange or of the more subdued variety, there is an orange out there for everyone and it blends and complements others very well. 

  

Oushak Carpet
http://www.1stdibs.com/



Catch episodes of "Mad Men" on AMC

Immensely popular TV shows such as "Mad Men" which premiered in 2007, have catapulted the world into a renewed love of 1960's style. Items with bold patterns and coloring typical of the mid-century fashion and "Mad Men chic" have flown off of the retail shelves in the last few years. It is no surprise that a hue such as "Tango Orange" would have eventually found it's debut as color of the year.

Tangerine colored telephone
http://www.sagemcom.digital.co.uk/

http://www.zarinfabrics.com/



Shag rug.
http://www.homedepot.com/

Murano glass orange chandelier
http://www.lamurrina.com/

  

Chair, sample sale: $1,950
http://www.brightchair.com/



Beaded Moroccan Mirror, $100
http://www.etsy.com/



Antique Amalero Pots
This wall color would make a bold
statement in an entranceway, small
room or on one wall!
http://www.mexicanstyle.com/

House in the Czech Republic

 

 

Why shouldn't orange animals be in vogue too?
To help save the orangutans, go to
http://www.orangutan.org.uk/









Green Day

"For 'tis green, green, green, where the ruined towers are gray,

And it's green, green, green, all the happy night and day;

Green of leaf and green of sod, green of ivy on the wall,

And the blessed Irish shamrock with the fairest green of all."

~Mary Elizabeth Blake



Anglepoise lamp
http://www.limedesign55.co.uk/



Gorgeous green bathroom tiles.

Door in Morocco

We all know that green symbolizes the Emerald Isle and St. Patrick and consequently, it is the most pervasive color in the natural world.  No wonder it is one of the top two favorite colors next to blue.

And yes, it is easy being green.  It is considered soothing and relaxing and it the color used most frequently in hospitals and health care facilities as many years of research have proven it to be instrumental in lowering stress and anxiety levels.  'Green' is also the poster color for the ecology movement because of it's abundance on the planet.

Alternately, there are several instances of the use of the color green when referencing envy and jealously.  In ancient Greece jealousy and envy was said to cause a buildup of bile in the system thus causing skin to turn a green, sickly pallor.  The poetess Sappho utilized the color green describing a forlorn lover and Shakespeare  referenced the "green-eyed monster" in Othello and "green sickness" in Antony and Cleopatra.

Outdoor pillow from Pier 1
http://www.pier1.com/



Fringed Matisse shade, $49.95
http://www.anthropologie.com/

"What color should be seen

Where our fathers' homes have been

But their own immortal Green?"

~Author Unknown

Green lantern, $20
http://www.realsimple.com/

Set of two mod stacking chairs, $67.99
http://www.target.com/

Lime green telephone from the 80's
sold on Ebay.

Crystal wine glasses from Waterford.

Lantern, 29.91
http://www.lampsplus.com/

St. Patrick's Day in New Orleans
Photo by Taylor S. Kennedy for National Geographic.

May the Irish hills caress you.

May her lakes and rivers bless you.

May the luck of the Irish enfold you.

May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!



 

"The Blues is Life."

~ Brownie McGhee

"Winter blues": a term commonly referred to these days as "seasonal affective disorder," affects millions of people who otherwise spend the rest of the year in a relatively healthy mental state. It is a syndrome mainly associated with the winter months and the accompanying emotional malaise that results from the proper lack of exposure to sunlight. I confess to a profound susceptibility to the winter doldrums myself, at times feeling compelled to jump out of a first floor window.

But I digress...

Although the color blue has commonly been associated with sadness and a sense of hopelessness, one should also be reminded that it also serves as a metaphor for creativity, wisdom, heaven and optimism for the future. 

 

Chiffonier Noir et Cuir on sale. To the trade
http://www.cotefrance.com/

 Regarding the psychology of the color blue in interior design, it is considered a clean and relaxing hue; great for bathrooms and bedrooms alike as well as for children's spaces. Blues tend to radiate an overall calming influence conducive to inspiring study and higher work production. It is also a color generally favored by both sexes as it inspires a feeling of serenity. In fact, blue has been documented to lower the heart and body temperature rate.

I've noticed that one of my most popular posts is "Who Doesn't Love a Sale?" What better incentive to leave those those blues outdoors whilst releasing a few endorphins and shopping a great sale?  I will be happy to keep you informed of any exciting home design or floor sample sales that fall within my radar.

Currently, here are a few of my favorite on-sale picks...in blue of course. They are sure to chase away some of those nasty 'ole winter blahs.  Bring on the blues... 



Block print bolster. Sale: $138.75
http://www.gracioushome.com/



Wallpaper. Sale: $69.95
http://www.anthropologie.com/

  



Raccan Ottoman
To the trade
http://www.profiles.com/

 

Commode with folding doors
http://www.niermannweeks.com/



Tufted ottoman. Sale: $174.95

http://www.jossandmain.com/





Large cobalt Blenko glass vase.
Sale: $300
http://www.1stdibs.com/

 

Duvet cover. Sale: $29.99

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

 

Mesh back eco-friendly computor chair.
Sale: $89.99
http://www.bizchair.com/



Pillow. Sale: $55.95
http://www.jossandmain.com/



Fez canister. Sale: $30
http://www.berbertrading.com/

 

Recycled glass tiles
10% off
http://www.susanjablon.com/

Burst 5' x 8' rug. Sale: $161
http://www.fab.com/





Mahalo Painted Economy Ukulele.
Sale: $21.99
http://www.amazon.com/



"My blues are so simple, but so few people can play it right"

~ Muddy Waters



If you need help designing your space in blue or otherwise, do not hesitate to contact me as I can save you time doing research. I will work with your style and budget in order to create a beautiful and harmonious environment just for you. I have access to the trade showrooms and have knowledge of a wide range of resources both in the US and abroad. I will be happy to give you an additional 20% off of my trade discount when applicable.



I invite you to contact me with any questions you may have regarding any of these items.















 



I Don't Think so...

Warning: If there is anyone out there who even remotely admires this atrociously gaudy Valentine-inspired chair, stop, drop and roll and contact me immediately! A free one hour session of intensive design therapy focusing on embracing and not fearing the tasteful will be offered to you. This sesssion will include a complimentary detoxification which in turn will successfully lead to permanent rehabilitation from any such future inclinations towards the tacky.

I will be more than happy to arrange a yard sale for you as well.

Oh, and there is a matching bench....but that will cost you extra.

OK, I'll stop.

HAVE A TASTEFULLY MOD VALENTINE'S DAY!

Sustainable Love

When I was thinking about what to write for my Valentine's Day post I couldn't help but be reminded of the day's status as a Hallmark holiday; created solely for commercial purposes rather than for any deeper significance. It's not that I haven't enjoyed my share of the typical celebratory indulgences that accompany the Day. In fact, I have no problem with red roses, chocolate truffles, and receiving a nice piece of bling now and then. Additionally, I see no reason not to enjoy a nice glass of extra Brut champagne and dinner at a romantic restaurant.

Acacia Heart Bowl, $18
http://www.serrv.org/



But nowadays, as a recovering hedonist, age and the economy seems to have brought about a change in my overall outlook regarding the blatant commercialism of so many such modern day contrivances.  The plethora of visually tacky reminders in the form of store displays that accost us for weeks preceding Valentine's Day seem to burst the bubble of any genuine romantic inclinations that may have come naturally.

How the origin of the the discovery of the concept of romance progressed from a day created to honor a martyred saint is curious. But as it did eventually evolve into one commemorating love during the Middle Ages, it begins to stand apart as something purer and and more meaningful



Beeswax Heart Pillar Candle
$16.95
http://www.planetonegifts.com/

This scenario of searching for the real meaning of a Hallmark holiday brings to mind Linus' explanation to Charlie Brown about the real meaning of Christmas as it does the Grinch's famous epiphany that "Maybe Christmas...doesn't come from a store..."



The good news is that Valentine's Day is very good for the economy and that this year more than half of US consumers will be spending money on Valentines day gifts, up over 10% over last year. So in honor of this Hallmark holiday,  hope for a restored economy and the celebration of love, I have come across some sustainable and socially conscious Valentines gifts that are unique and affordable not to mention good for the soul.

Pictured at the top of the page: Soapstone from Kenya

The Fatrine Self Help Group soapstone artisans are located in Kenya. They produce custom made, beautiful soap stone carvings such as bowls and plates for local and export markets. They provide work for about 15 families, many widows suffering from HIV and AIDS. One goal is to eradicate poverty in the surrounding community and for each member to be able to have health insurance.

http://www.giftsoflife.org/



Fair Trade Felt Flowers, $8
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/

 



Sweetheart Gift Box of chocolates,
$22
http://www.serrv.org/



Stone Hearts Set: Hearts for Haiti
 $14
http://www.globalgoodspartners.org/



Valentine Dog Toy, $12.50
http://www.olivegreendog.com/



Red Rose Cushion
http://www.starfishfairtrade.co.uk/



Gorgeous Goat
 http://www.bynature.co.uk/

•In Sudan and Bangladesh, a goat can be a lifesaver, providing enough milk to keep the whole family healthy. Goats can also be bred and sold, allowing poor parents to generate the income they need to pay for education and vital medicines for their children.



"The One"
Ethically sourced flowers
http://www.arenaflowers.com/

                                    All you need is love.

All you need is love.

All you need is love, love.

Love is all you need.

~ The Beatles 



HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY