Friday, May 2, 2014

Nature vs. Nurture: Color Schemes in Nature

Vivid, subtle, monochromatic, high chroma, nature is the perfect inspiration for a color scheme.  No design professional can improve on what God puts together!


Photo courtesy Pixabay
 
This colorful reptile has a dramatic and glamorous pallet that is reflected in the Lee Jofa vignette below. 
 
Cowtan & Tout Vignette
 

 
Photo courtesy Pixabay
 
Peaceful, fresh and elegant.  This gray and green color scheme is refreshing and wonderful.  See the way it translates in the Mauel Canovas vignette below.

Manuel Canovas Vignette
 

Photo courtesy Pixabay
 
Suprising and delicate.  This beautiful color scheme comes together perfectly in the Manel Canovas setting below.


Manuel Canovas Vignette
 

Photo courtesy Pixabay
 
Dusty greige and blue provide a restful and calming palette.  See how it translates in the Bella Notte room following.

Bella Notte Vignette
 

Photo courtesy Pixaby
 
The striking contrast of black and aqua are delightful in both this butterfly and the setting below from Duralee Fabrics.

Duralee Fabrics Vignette
 

Photo courtesy Pixabay
 
Cool and tranquil.  This adorable penguin is enjoying his soothing environment just as we would enjoy the room by Ralph Lauren below.

Designers Guild Vignette
 

Photo courtesy Pixabay

These natural tones provide a serene setting.  See how they work so well together in this Ralph Lauren room below.

Ralph Lauren Paint Vignette

When you are struggling for inspiration with color...just take a walk outside and take in the world around you.  It will give you stirring colorations that will work well for your next design project!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

The Power of Color

Photo courtesy Pixabay

While we are well into the new year, we are just starting to revamp our blog here at Pretty.  When talking about revamping anything visual, be it a room, a building, branding or wardrobe, it's easy to start with color.  Color can shape the way we feel on a daily basis, like the sun finally coming out on a cloudy day.  And with spring just around the corner, what better time than now to talk about the power of color?



Photos courtesy Pixabay

Color is emotion visualized.  It has the power to immediately change the way you feel about a space.  We've all heard the various basic principles of color, how yellow makes you happy, red makes you angry, etc.  But there is so much more to the way color can change the entire feeling of a space than just basic emotional responses.  

Photos courtesy Pixabay


Much of the power of specific colors comes from the amount of light they absorb or reflect, and how this can in turn make a space feel cozy versus open, intimate versus sterile, and so on.  A general rule to grasp is the idea that cooler colors tend to make spaces feel cleaner, more open, and more restful, while warmer colors promote a cozy, more intimate feeling.


Photos courtesy Pixabay

Along with color temperature, contrast between colors can largely contribute to their power as well.  Red and green, for example, as seen in the picture of chili peppers above, are contrasting colors and when paired together make each other "pop" visually, making each color look more vibrant and alive.


Photos courtesy Pixabay

The same idea of contrast can be utilized to create visual excitement in a mostly neutral space.  So instead of the contrast being between one color versus another color, the contrast can be found between a vibrant color and a neutral color.  Dark grey interiors pair beautifully with rich blue accents, which can serve to highlight particular features in the room, for example.



Photos courtesy Pixabay

We wanted to present you with some powerful images of color to spark the creative inside you.  How do you respond to strong color?  What colors do you find most energizing and what you might call "helpful" in your every day life?  What is color doing for YOU?  
 

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

First Impressions

First impressions are lasting!  What does your front door say about you?

Photo courtesy Pixabay

That you are whimsical and caring?



Photo courtesy Pixabay

You are warm, welcoming and charming.


Photo courtesy Pixabay

You are bold and strong.  You know how to make a statement.

Photo courtesy Pixabay

You are an elegant classic.

What can you do with your entrance to make it reflect who you are?  A new door with more moulding?  A door with glass and iron?  Maybe just a new coat of paint with a surprising fresh color.  Make your first impression count!



Saturday, February 1, 2014

Spring & Summer Gift Ideas


Is it just me?  Graduations, showers, end of school and birthday parties...Lately I have been on the lookout for gifts for a variety of events.  I am frequently asked about housewarming and hostess gifts, so...I've made a little list of some recent favorites.  Most of these are under $100.  (If you want the over $100.00 gift list, I've got that, too.  Just give me a call!) 

1.  Molton Brown -  Warming Eucalyptus
 Bath & Shower Gel.
 
This yummy bath gel is a London luxury available to us through Saks 5th Ave., or http://www.moltonbrown.com/.  A great hostess gift.  This treat will be sure to get you asked back!  One smell will explain it all and the bottle is a nice design for any bathroom.  Priced at around $30.

2.  bkr Glass Water Bottles

What health-conscious fashionista wouldn't want one of these adorable glass waterbottles with silicone coating?  At $28 each, you are giving a lot of style for a little cash.  Fabulous and functional!  Find these at http://www.lifefactory.com/.

 3.  Jane Marvel Metallic Cosmetic Bag

This is a splashy and useful gift for the right female graduate.  Also comes in fuschia and silver.  Available at http://www.janemarvel.com/,  around $45.

4.  Tocky Alarm Clock



This fun alarm clock with mp3 player comes in a number of colors.  It is a playful piece that's perfect for graduates!  Available at Neiman Marcus and on Amazon.com.  Priced at around $70.
 5.  Jonathan Elder Photo Albums
  


 Elder designs with the "new preppy" look make the perfect photo albums.  These are a great gift for helping keep up with memories in the making.  Available on line or at the new Jonathan Elder store on 5th Street in Austin. Priced at around $22 ea.



 6.  Fortuny Home Accessories


Products from dishes and umbrellas to notebooks will be available in magical Fortuny patterns!   These treasures will be sold beginning on  September 1st at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.  These will make prized gifts for any occasion. Note:  See Sept 2011 blog @ http://bates-design.blogspot.com/ , for more on Fortuny.

7.  Antique Linen Hand Towels



 When you get an antique linen towel, you know you have something special.  They really don't make them like they used to!  For a very personal touch, ask for a towel monogrammed to fit the recipient.  Antique monograms are typically much heavier and more artistic than what you see today.  Try http://www.thelinenlavoir.com/ if this is what you are looking for.



 8.  Michael Aram Sleepy Hollow Cocktail Napkin Holder
This line carries several artful pieces.  Classic yet modern, these pieces can fit in with almost any decore.  They are both beautiful and useful.  Find Michael Aram pieces at most high end gift and department stores.  This piece priced at around $60.

9.  Nest Candles                                                  
Candles are a classic!  Known for their amazing fragrance, these candles also come in an attractive glass holder that works in any room.  To take it up a notch, you can add a Nest soap, also in very stylish
bottles, to your presentation.  Candles about $45, soaps around $30.    
                                          
10.  Tiffany Photo Bookmark
What girl doesn't love to see that Tiffany Blue?  This was my pick for graduation gifts for girls this year.  Well made and with a photo slot so she can have a memory of Mom & Dad, or that boyfriend, with her at all times.  Available at Tiffany & Co.  $65.
 11.  Harney & Sons Tea Time for Two Gift Set


 Hostesses and Mother-in-laws go crazy for this precious set.  High quality teas and a small porcelain tea set are all gracefully packaged to show how much you care!  Get this set and see others like it at http://www.harney.com/.  Priced at around $45.