Evidences In Home Design and Products announcing Pantone's Colours of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz and Serenity, as seen in 2015's Fairs.

As I announced in my previous post, I'm going to analize my Trends Boards and see what products seen in 2015's Fairs support Pantone's election for their Colours of the Year, Rose Quartz and Serenity. I will proceed by Fairs and link to the owners of every image when possible.

Salone del Mobile 2015:

Image by @graziacasa_it in Wbsta.mee

Image by @cryskel in Websta.me

Pantone's Colours of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity.

For the first time in recent years and in an interesting and clever turn -at least in my eyes- Pantone has chosen a combination of two hues as the Color of the Year 2016: Rose Quartz and Serenity. Rose being warm and compassionate and Serenity blue, cooler and calm, together they promote the sense of balance and wellness that is currently felt as so necessary in our stressful days.

Pantone

About a month ago, my friend Marta Aymerich Mallorca and I were guessing about which colour of Pantone's SS Fashion 2016 Report would be the One for 2016. After analizing past Colours of the Year and a quick sight at Colour Trends and the World's current events, my votes were divided between ... Rose Quartz and Serenity! (Honestly, I also though of Silver Gray).

News and Projects with Marta Aymerich and some changes in La Colorista®

This year I haven't written much in this blog, and this isn't good at all, at least for marketing oneself... But summer vacation is a good time for keeping in touch and here I go!

Today I'm presenting my good friend  Marta Aymerich, from Marta Aymerich Emotional Comunication. She is a great designer, from head to toe: her designs are fresh, clean and contemporary and so is she!  

Kate Smith  put us in touch in 2011, and from that day a good friendship has been growing between the two of us. Currently we are collaborating in very encouraging projects  and I want to present her to you:

Marta&Isabel

Image by Humberto Pérez Padilla, ARTIST.

Happy Year 2015!

May it be a Colourful one for you!

Best wishes!!!

isabel de Yzaguirre

La Colorista®

Color and Materials Trends 2015-16 by Heimtextil.

Today I present you this interesting video published by Heimtextil. Here you have a very good and visual summary, which explains itself very well. Take notes and enjoy! 

Isabel de Yzaguirre, 

La Colorista.

Colour Trends 2014-15: Mid Blue.

From the colours that have been spotted in Design Fairs this year, I'm bringing a very cool one for the Summer Season, Mid Blue. This one reminds of summery skies and, in some shades, Caribbean waters, or the colour of the sea in a rainy day.

www.lapalma.it

Optimistic and summer like, it will help us feel in a better mood after so many gray days in Winter and Spring. Below, the Box Stool adds a fresh and luminous splash to the room's composition:

Colour Trends in the first half of the year.

According to what Tamsin Kingswell says in Mix Trends Newsletter, which  I'm subscribed to, the Summer is a good time to make an overview of colour trends as seen in the first half of the year.In Tamsin's words, "So far we’ve noticed metallics broadening out to include all things shiny (much on show at DMY), a romance with clear materials or those with just a hint of a tint and our love affair with green going ever deeper into the forest with a lovely, almost Loden-like shade. And we still don’t seem to have shaken off the collective passion for pastels and neons although at Mix our enthusiasm is waning fast. Instead we are waiting for a move towards darker, more sober colours that counterbalance all that candyfloss knocking about at the moment. "

From what I've seen in the streets here in the small Barcelona's area village where I live, I can confirm the love of pastels and neons among people, together with emerald green and floral colors such as pink, red and sunny yellow.

Cal Gavi, Moià (Barcelona).

Photo credits and colour  palette by

(c)-Isabel de Yzaguirre Maura, 2013.

www.lacolorista.com

A project come true: The Four Seasons Mural for a School's yard.

Whoever has followed me since three years ago maybe remembers a  post on a Mural Project for Josep Orriols i Roca School's yard. The School is located in Moià (Barcelona, SPAIN).

I published the project for the first time when I had been working on it for about nine month, and I had serious doubts about its being  painted because of economical crisis in Spain. But luckily parents were very willing to see it done, and to let their sons and daughters have a more colourful School, no matter what it might cost. They organized events to collect money and provided all the colours that I had specified, whith the sponsoring of our local Paints Store. 

Today I can say the mural has come to life and am offering a view of the whole process until its completion.

The initial goal was to have some of the concrete walls of the yard decorated, and we chose the one in the sight: 

La Colorista, 2010.

My project aimed at representing the colours in the natural landscapes around our village all along the Four Seasons of the Year, in the same order that we experience them since the School Term begins: from Fall to Summer. Colours were picked from photographs shot in Moià's surroundings, and the proposed design was this one:

The Four Seasons' Mural, Isabel de Yzaguirre Maura

(La Colorista),2011.

The meaning of Colour in Marketing. And in Interior Design.

A few days ago I found this interesting Infographic on the meaning of colours applied to marketing. I'ts a good brief that can be perfectly applied to Interior Design. And since color increases readership, recognition and comprehension, I hope it will be helpful for you. Enjoy!

The Meaning Of Colour In Marketing infographic by AttwoodDigital.

Isabel de Yzaguirre, 

La Colorista.

Good networking practices in LinkedIn.

Dear readers of mine:

today I want to comment something that happend to me recently in LinkedIn. I write blog posts when I can and try always the content to be of interest. Then I share it in my groups trying to develop a good conversation. Lately I wrote two posts publishing interesting Houzz tours with my comment, and posted in my groups. I've always had a positive groupal behaviour, I think: I've been respectful and have tried to make my contribution to others...

Isabel de Yzaguirre, IdY.
La Colorista.

It happens that I publish my content from Bloggers directly to LinkedIn, and I've stated that slide presentations don't show when linked. Instead of that, my photo and Bloggers profile was shown, though I linked to the post. I usually had been posting my content in Color related groups, but since I belong to many Interior Design groups, I thought my posts on Color could be of  interest. And I must state that I had a great and very welcoming response, and a great contribution of fellow Interior Designers on developing conversations on Color. If you scroll down in my blog, you will see that I wrote two of this posts with Houzz content lately. I had a great feedback in general, but had a bad surprise as well. Having had a comment in a group, and wanting to thank it, I came to discover that I had been blocked there! I was shocked, I admit!!!

Then I discovered that my latest posts showed my photo and Bloggers' profile instead of the post content. Could this be the cause why someone flagged my contribution? Could be, of course. But it happened only two times before I realized my mistake, and nobody warned me through any kind of comment or private message, which is the procedure I think should have been followed. Simply put, someone flagged me once and I was blocked! I wrote to the group owner to explain myself and ask him his reconsidering my  being blocked in this Interiors group, but I haven't had any response. I understand group owners are busy, and I understand that spamming is annoying. But I didn't mean to spam the group at all. In fact there were many people interested in what I posted and that engaged in a very interesting conversation, where everybody shared his/her thoughts on the subject. And I wasn't given a single chance when flagged by someone. 

So here go my thoughts: I revised what could have happened and detected the possible cause of the blocking. And the lesson I've learnt: if you post a link from your blog, be careful to do it with an interesting introducing question on the subject, that can begin an interesting conversation. Be careful not to be too showy of yourself or not to seem to be too showy. Even if you think you are behaving correctly, make sure nobody can think on the contrary, for we never know enough about others' level of sensibility.

For me it has been a very unpleasant experience, since I've always tried to be kind to everybody and never post negative criticism on  other people works, posts and blogs. But this happened to me and I've tried to learn from this experience. I'd love to know your thoughts on this question and I hope that this can help others as well. Let me finish with  my best wishes for a wonderful Year 2013 to everybody, which I didn't before for personal reasons.

See you soon with more posts on Color and Interior Design!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La  Colorista.

25 most bookmarked Colourful Homes in Houzz 2012!

I've found this collection of 25 most bookmarked Colourful Homes 2012 in Houzz and really enjoyed the collection. Of course I love some more than others, but all of them are a good example of how color can help to make you feel better in your home. Which ones do you prefer?

As for 2013, I guess blues and greens are going to be on spot...

25 Most Bookmarked Colorful Homes of 2012

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Happy and colorful New Year 2013 to everybody!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La  Colorista.

A thank you from the heart, and my best wishes...

...to my 20.000 readers in English!!!

By the end of 2011 I reached 10.000 visits. And I have come to 20.000 pretty before the New Year and this means the visits to my blog have increased. I do appreciate the nice comments that some of my pro friends have left. And I have a deep feeling of gratitude for all of you, for your warm welcome. So let me say a big thank you and wish you all the best with this image of Christmas Decoration Colours that I shot some days ago.

La Colorista in Tumblr.

Let the light, the deep blue, turquoise, white and gold soothe and warm your hearts at the same time.

And may your Christmas Season be full of love, peace, prosperity and all kind of blessings!

Merry Chirstmas and Happy 2013!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La Colorista,

Emerald, 17-5641, Pantone's color of the Year 2013!!!

And in the end, the new baby is born!!!

We welcome PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald as the New color of the Year 2013. Remember what I said in a previous post, in October the 14 th.? Go to the end of it.I made my bet for Emerald or Grayed Jade. And I nailed it!!!

Pantone

Before relating  to the official release, my own thoughts:

this election makes a lot of sense to me. This color is very close to that in the Tangerine and Orange tree leaves, and it marries well with previous Tangerine Tango, being it's complement. We go from the Red-Orange Family to the Blue-Green one. So, ladies having bought some Tangerine Tango clothings, don't worry at all! You can complement them with a beautiful Emerald item...

Source

What does the Pantone's team say about this colour? An image is worth a thousand words:

Source

Associated to the gemstone that bears this name, it's a sophisticated and luxurious color. Since antiquity, it has been the color of beauty of new life in many cultures and religions.

Source

As the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute® Leatrice Eiseman says:

“Green is the most abundant hue in nature – the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum.” 

"Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation, which is so important in today’s complex world. This powerful and universally appealing tone translates easily to both fashion and home interiors.”

Since this is my main interest, how can we introduce this hue in Home Interiors?

Add some accents, accessories and paint in Emerald and you will rejuvenate your Home. This jewel-like hue will add a luxurious sense to any room in your home, and it will shine as an accent wall in your living-room.

Source: Thom Filicia, Via Houzz, Via Isabel in Pinterest

Source: Rikki Snyder © 2012 Houzz,  Via Isabel in Pinterest

Font

Bedding, pillows, bath towels and accessories in Emerald will  help you in creating a relaxed, soothing and energizing atpmosphere at the same time.

Source

Via Isabel in Pinterest, from Houzz

Eclectic Home Office design by San Francisco Interior Designer Story & Space - Interior Design and Color Guidance
Source

As they say in Pantone:

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty                      
                        that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

Source

Welcome be this jewelled, luxurious and healthy hue!

Long Life to Emerald Green!!!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La Colorista.

How color can help a community: the Heidelberg project.

Today I found this interesting post in Houzz that shows how a Color and Art project has helped to save the Heildelberg and Elba street neighborhoods from being demolished. Making a turn to the CMG slogan, we can state that "Color helps".
How powerful a tool to help others!!!

Decorated Houses Help Save a Detroit Neighborhood

Houzz

I hope you enjoy it and remember that colour can help in Healthcare Design as well. Be happy!!!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La Colorista.

Pantone Plus Colour Series creation.

It's very interesting to see how Pantone's Colour Series are created and what designers and people  involved in the process say about that. How useful is colour and how it helps to have them well defined and organized. How colour conveys feelings and a meaning, and how it helps in the design process, from fashion to graphic, to product, to interiors and so on. This is about the new Pantone Plus Series, with new Pastels, Neons and Metallics. Enjoy!

 

Colour is a universal language. 

Are you afraid of it? I can help you!

Moià's Architectural Colours (1).

Moià is a small village 50 Km. away from Barcelona, right in Catalonia's countryside. This is where I live. I haven't been doing my colour palettes for a while and I was truly missing that. A few days ago I went to the Medical Center and I could capture this image from there. I have a project in mind. It is about studying the colours of this place, both in landscape and in architecture. I'd love to do the same with some places in Catalonia, and I have a specific idea about Barcelona's Art Déco colour palettes. Time to time.

What did I love from this image? The citrus yellow in the old small house against the blue mediterranean sky. I could extract this olive green which pairs well with yellow and yellowish white. Together with pastel and sky blue and dark blue, they make a happy, luminous and well balanced colour palette. I'd love to gather my own collection of colours!
Enjoy!

2012 Kips Bay Show House in New York

As Lawrence Karol explains in an article featured in Houzz, top New York designers have transformed two 6,000-square-foot two-storey apartments for the Kips Bay Decorator House. The Show has payed tribute to the legendary Decorator Albert Hadley and is full of Color  everywhere!

Go and see yourself in the showcased slideshow. Enjoy!

Two Apartments Enthrall at 2012 Kips Bay Show House

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example:

Armchairs · Buffets And Sideboards · Coffee Tables · Dining Chair Cushions · Dining Chairs And Benches · Dining Tables · Rocking Chairs · Sofas ·

On White.

White - Blanco - Blanc.

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More»

I have recently created some Colour Ideabooks in my Houzz profile, to collect beautiful images gathered by Colour families. Today I'll begin showcasing White.

Traditionally used in neutral colour schemes, the use of whites was a predominant trend  in the 20 th. Century, between the 50's and the 70's. Considered by some to represent purity and cleanliness  and thought to be an ideal background to colourful decorating items and effects by many Interior Designers, Colour Expert Frank Mahnke devoted a chapter to White in his book "Color and Light in man-made Environment". The Chapter's title was "The Case Against White". There Mahnke argues why, "on a psychological basis, white is sterile" and is not recommended in Hospitals and Old-age Institutions. It seems that we humans need sensory variety in our homes and this can be introduced with the help of colour and the use of texture and patterns (wallpapers, textiles). On the contrary, the predominance of white can become boring and tedious in the end.

Via Pinterest

There are other issues with white: in contrast with bold colours, it can lead to eye strain, as it requires  "extreme adaptative changes from light to dark".

Via Pinterest

Being highly light reflectant, too bright whites can cause a distressing glare. This is why, according to Mahnke, white should not be used as a predominant colour in Interiors:

Via Pinterest

On the other hand, Design Writer Linda O'Keefe has devoted a book to White in Design. There she states that "White has the ability to pull everything together in a way that is kind of seductive". A timeless colour, it endures Seasons and Trend changes and never dates. As she says "all begins and ends with white"...

Linda O' Keefe

What do you think on this Colour Trend?

And if I can help you in some way, please contact me!

Isabel de Yzaguirre,

La Colorista.

Browse Lighting on Houzz- For Example:

Bathroom Lighting And Vanity Lighting · Ceiling Fans · Ceiling Lighting · Floor Lamps · Kitchen Lighting And Cabinet Lighting · Pendant Lighting · Recessed Lighting · Track Lighting ·

AzkoNobel's 2012 Color Trends

Color Futures Via YouTube

In this video AzkoNobel's Color Futures features their four 2012 Color Trends, which are:

• Delicate Mix: about elegant, refined, understated, subtle, luxurious.
• One Small Seed: about new life, healthy, precious, fragile.
• Living Scrapbook: about life, collecting, narrating, sharing...
• Rediscovered Heroes: about legacy of the past, industrial, robust, revitalized, appreciated.

To develop further in future posts.

Guest blog by Joanna from Design Shuffle: Wonderfully Colorful Walls!

Hi! I’m Joanna, a writer for Design Shuffle, a terrific site featuring everything interior design. On the site you can find the latest designs from prominent designers and up-to-the minute news on the interiors industry. I LOVE my work. I get to spend my time searching the Internet and shelter mags for the most beautiful interior designs and bring them together to share on blogs like La Colorista. Thanks for letting me share today!

If you’re not faint of heart when it comes to wearing or decorating with bright colors, then you know the joy of a boldly hued outfit or interior space. I especially love color, but have a hard time committing to just one. That isn’t a problem for the designers of the rooms below. They went all out when choosing colors that pop for their walls.

 

A wall doesn’t have to be a solid color to be bold and bright. This wall has all the colors of the rainbow and becomes a cohesive burst of wonderful color.

 

An accent wall in a modern home office acts as a decorative entrance to a master bedroom.

 

This dining room (from the same home as above) is full of character and personality with its red and purple

accents.

 

All pretty in pink, this bedroom design wears the color beautifully. This would be a lovely room to awaken to every morning, don’t you think?

 

This fun retro room full of 60s charm would be a blast to hang out in with its comfy, stylish seating and brilliant colors.

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Mum’s the word in this pretty corner spot. I love the pink velvet chaise and the dramatic black chandelier.

 

This room may seem as if it is shouting, “look at me!” but I find it dramatic and chic. Does it inspire any ideas for your bedroom design, den design, or any other part of your home?

 

Honeysuckle and silver cover a bold wall over a daybed. The silhouette adds personality along with rich textures and hues on the throw pillows.

Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 

Longing for even more colorful inspiration? Then head on over to Design Shuffle where you can explore various interior design styles and browse through the portfolios of Chicago interior designers and more!