Showing posts with label Consultant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Consultant. Show all posts

Sunday, December 30, 2012

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...

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Furniture and Product Trends 2013, Maison & Objet.

Product and furniture of the near future are presented in this video by  Trendease. Here you will find  2012-13 Trends as seen in Maison&Objet early this year.Translation to English provided. Enjoy!

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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 PastelsNeons and Metallics. Enjoy!

 

Colour is a universal language. 
Are you afraid of it? I can help you!

Monday, May 28, 2012

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!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

On White.






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.




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".




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:





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"...



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.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

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.

  Colorful 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.

  Colorful Walls

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

  Colorful Walls

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

  Colorful Walls

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?

  Colorful Walls

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

. Colorful Walls

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

  Colorful Walls

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?

  Colorful Walls

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!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Charlotte's Locks Red by Farrow&Balls, their colour 2012?



I love this colour from Farrow&Ball!!!I received it in their Newsletter today and I can't stop watching it!
It reminds me of Juicy Ripe Berry Red, the Colour of the Year proposed by AzkoNobel  for 2012.

Farrow&Ball are highlighting this colour in their UK website and it's beautiful and suggestive name is Charlotte's Locks.The upper half of the image corresponds to this colour in Estate Emulsion and the lower part is the same colour in Full Gloss. This way, a striking, textured look is created and the high sheen gloss finish constrasts wonderfully with the chalky matt appearance of Estate Emulsion for an ultra contemporary feel


According to F&B, "Full Gloss offers an extremely robust and durable finish wherever it is used, inside or outside the home. Ideal for all interior and exterior woodwork and metal and available in 132 colours, its 95% sheen gives a striking finish." It suits front doors, furniture in a need of up-dating, walls and radiators.


I'm seeing lots of red announced everywhere.  For instance, CMG has chosen a red they have called Phidias as the 2012 color for Europe.It has something to do with Juicy Ripe Berry Red...



Or not?

I  had never thought of red in the way I do now. And you? Would you have red in your home?
If you  need any advice, just contact me. I'm here to help you!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Color Focus 2011, Autumn-Winter.

The year 2011 has seen Pale Blue, Chocolate and Olive pop, and Spring Greens are announced for Autumn-Winter 2011-2012. Gray and White go on as neutrals and Tangerine and Vintage Mustard Yellow will play the accents. Lilac will  complement emerging Pale Aubergine.



Pale blue has moved from accessories to large pieces of upholstered and treated furniture in 2011. Prominent in Maison & Objet 2011, it makes a perfect contrast to rich dark woods and to Chocolate, a rich and dramatic colour that has come for a re-visit in some Luxury Interiors.


WA Teppan - Sushi Bar Palmas (Santa Fe, Ciudad de México)




Nobis Hotel (Stockholm)

Flexible and seductive, Chocolate brings back a  retro message with a vibe to the 70's. It matches with  deep Midnight Blue and with Black,Turquoise and Aqua.


Pale blue has been seen in textiles and china and will have a strong presence for all 2011.


Ruche Sofa by Inga Sempe for Ligne Roset

Another popping colour in 2011, Olive, brings a touch of earth and a sense of tradition. It works well in interiors, matches both chocolate and blue and fits classic designs like Chesterfield sofas or armchairs with a retro feeling. This colour will go on in a paler shade in the Epiphany Trend from Mix, in Spring-Summer 2012, together with grays - that have been going on trend in  2011 as a symbol of understated elegance.




Aphrodite by by Tadao Hoshino for Ligne Roset


Gray will be seen from paint to soft furnishings, as shown above. And White, it remains a core colour for most furniture collections and provides the perfect finish for tableware.

Today tableware by Gianinni

We will see 70's nostalgic Tangerine for accents, as in this wonderful carpet by Serge Lesage:


For a warm and cozy accent, down to earth Vintage Mustard Yellow drives attention in 2012 Vanity  Trend by Mix Trends.See it in Patricia Urquiola's Bohemian design for Moroso, displayed in its rich upholstery:




It's been found as well in furniture...





... and in textiles:




To end this color  focus, lilac appears as a complement to emerging pale aubergine. It will provide a background to darker purples and will sweeten the colour palette in wallpapers, bed linen, fabrics and home accessories:





The Brocatto Papers, by Farrow&Ball.





Kazan, from Intuicion collection by Gastón y Daniela.

These are trends: maybe you love them, maybe not. If you are trying to find your own direction amongst this  sea of colors, contact me. I can help you!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

"Decorating with Floral Art", guest post by Arcadian Lighting

Bring the garden into your home with floral art. Decorating with floral art, whether new, vintage or antique, is a lovely way to surround yourself with blooms all year round. When on the hunt for decorating ideas, remember framed floral art is easy to change out and move around the house—just like fresh flowers. When decorating your space, make sure to have proper light fixtures to illuminate and brighten your decor.
Floral Wall Art
Litsa's Blog (via)

Probably the first rule of decorating with floral art is choose art that includes your favorite flowers. Love heritage roses? Find photographs, paintings and prints that depict these flowers so you can have their blooms in your home even when your garden isn't in bloom.

Rose Paintings
Maison Decor8 (via)

Antique rose paintings add to the farmhouse/cottage feeling of this creamy yellow bedroom. A mix of painted and natural wood furniture emphasizes the cottage style.

Floral Wallpaper
Content in a Cottage (via)

Use botanical prints as wallpaper for unique floral wall art. Love the prints, most likely taken from vintage books, against the white furniture, perfect for any den design. We also adore the light fixture placed right above the table -- very whimsical and airy.

Clipboard Florals
Mondo Cherry (via)

Using clipboards or clip frames to frame a collection of floral prints makes it easy to switch them out as you like. Would be fun to create seasonal displays or even weekly to reflect what is in bloom in the garden.

Floral Paintings
Luxury Decorating Ideas (via)

Hang a floral painting in a cottage style kitchen. Love the meadow painting against the whitewashed wood walls.

Vintage Prints
Etsy (via)

Vintage floral prints from the early 20th century have a lot of charm. Look for them on etsy, ebay or at estate sales. Adding vintage appeal to bedroom designs, they're lovely in a cottage bedroom such as this one.

Floral Decoupage
Nenagh Gal (via)

Using floral prints to decoupage a piece of furniture is a clever way to decorate with floral art. This idea would be pretty on a console top or small table.

Floral Mantel
Country Living (via)

Blue and white botanical prints, these of sea corals, paired with blue hydrangeas create a crisp, lovely display above a white mantel. Stretch the definition of floral to flora (as in flora and fauna) to expand the choices for your home.


Content provided by Arcadian Lighting, a site that specializes in top quality lighting fixtures at extremely affordable prices. If you like this post, be sure to stop by the Arcadian Lighting blog and say hello!


arcadianlighting-logo.jpg

 "Arcadian Lighting is the best source for lighting fixtures and accessories at discount prices. Arcadian Lighting has been in the lighting industry for over 15 years selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products."

Saturday, September 10, 2011

My colour Style...

If I could wear the things I have in my Style Board in Pinterest, today I would choose this beautiful coral-red cardigan to begin:


This would combine with an awsome long skirt in different blues with big flower patterns in white, blue and bold red:



And I would fly rather than walk with these red angel-winged platform shoes!


Red and blue in a perfect Complementary Scheme as you see... Mmm, I love it!!!
I will go on dreaming...

All pictures from Anthropologie.




Thursday, August 25, 2011

AzkoNobel's Colour for the year 2012, Juicy Ripe Berry Red.

As I said a couple of days ago, I have interesting news from AzkoNobel's Color Futures 2012. And here it goes. Colour of the year 2012 proposed by this Company is:


Juicy  Ripe Berry Red!


This  lively and radiant colour is at once whimsical and serious,dynamic and soft, and in such a changing period of history reminds us not to look for simple solutions.



It evolves from paler tints of colours of previous years into something more confident to warm our hearts for 2012. I feel  we need that in such a troubled days we all are living!




"Within a palette of hues, red allows contrasting one colour, another to recede. Or it brightens a cool quality in the next one. It can change the game in an instant!"





A powerful mood modifier,red is held in high regard around the world for its many symbolic purposes. In China it is associated with good fortune; in India signals marital bliss... In many Western societies is the colour of passion, power and festivity. Children prefer it clearly and we grown-ups admire those who dare to wear red in public. It conveys value and meaning and is also used to alert us to danger.






The KEY WORDS for the Red Family proposed by AzkoNobel are: BERRY, RIPE, ROMANTIC, EDIBLE.

It's KEY COLOUR is defined as " a deep-warm blush of pinkish, tropical red with a subtle hint of peach and a misty aspect... Quite a chameleon: reassuring or edgy, solft or bright, depending on what it is paired with."


Red's transition

"The intense fiery quality of 2011's red is toned down by a misty, dusky veil, making the new red slightly more enigmatic and versatile".



I can't but relate it to Pantone's 2011 Honeysuckle Pink  and think about it as a logical evolution. Pantone has not published it's chosen Colour 2012 but will do soon, I guess. In the meanwhile, I admit I fell in love with this Berry Red at first glance!

If you need to consult any question related to Color, feel free to contact me :)

NOTE: All the images shown here have been extracted from AzkoNobel's Color Futures 2012, linked at the beginning of this post. And written information has been quoted from there, sometimes literally, sometimes interpreted under my judgement. Therefore, original images and information belong to AzkoNobel. And this Blog Post remains propriety of the Blog's Author. You can quote and reproduce, only please recognize and be gentle to link back here! Thank you :)!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

How Colour Trends are set

Colour Trends are set a minimum of three years in advance to a certain year, as many of you know. Trend setters work for great Trending Companies, establish trends according to many indicators and then follow the market to see which ones are early adopted or not. All kind of industries consult Color Trends Forecasting Books and Companies, so their products adapt to the market. This is how we see colours adopted and loved by costumers: they are made to enjoy them by industry. As Colour Marketing Group's tagline says, "Color Sells"!




And as Frank H. Mahnke explains in his book "Color and Light in Man-made environments", psychological studies carried in a very serious way demonstrate we humans need colour in our lives. That's why we love it! And we also need variation to avoid boredom.






That is where Trends come to make sense, as well as seasonal colour changes at our homes. 

I follow as many fonts as I can in order to know about Colour Trends. I love reading Mix Magazine from Globalcolor, they provide really good information that focuses in different markets. There are many other fonts of course.Then this is up to the Color Detective to make his, her colour work and choose. I'm working on my Colour Focus for the next months in 2011 and yesterday I came through this jewel: AzkoNobel Colour Trends 2012. I will come back soon with very intersting news on that!