Showing posts with label Colour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colour. Show all posts

Monday, February 10, 2014

THE TRUTH ABOUT COLOUR.

Hey Everyone....well the Olympics are on and I am one happy camper.  I cannot even convey how much I love the Olympics.  I become rather obsessed.  I always joke to my friends....don't call me, don't look at me, don't ANYTHING!  I just love how people try to bring their best- ya know?  Coming from a "winter" country we really do embrace the Winter Olympics.  I know that the majority of the country will be all about the hockey- not us....don't get me wrong...we'll probably watch a game or two, however, it isn't ALL ABOUT HOCKEY FOR US IN THIS FAMILY!!  I know....being Canadian and even thinking that is sacreligious!  I would seriously sit there for 14hrs and watch it all.
Anyways.......back to some business of design........I suppose this is going to be a bit of a rant....so hang on!
I know that in the past I have talked about colour and how colour should be YOUR story.  I have talked about how a colour on a monitor or even in a magazine or even in Betty Sue's Living Room down the street will not neccessarily translate to what is in YOUR house.  I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!  I suppose that I will continue to hammer this home until the last person on the planet gets this concept.  I can't even tell you how crazy it makes me when people get so hung up on finding out a particular colour in a particular room when seen online. Don't get me wrong I like to know what a designer has used in a room.  I won't completely rehash everything I have said in the past, however, as you know I have a STRONG opinion on this very subject.  See here!  You can also see the thread on Houzz here.
This is the room in question:


I can't even tell you all the mileage I have gotten out of this one issue or photo!  I went back and tried to hammer home my point.  Of course it fell on deaf ears!  I was told to chill out etc.....Someone even today asked once again what the paint colour was.  I MEAN COME ON PEOPLE!!  I know that for me it has hammered home the idea that the majority of people can't see what is beyond their own nose.  It was stated by the designer that it is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.  However, people were questioning it!  This is an incredible example of what a particular colour looks like on YOUR screen.  It may not look like Sea Salt since it does look a little more blue than what Sea Salt truly looks like.  But this is where I loose it!  Like I have said in the past....I don't care what colour it says, looks like or isn't.......Take what is stated...that it is Sea Salt and USE IT AS A STARTING POINT!!  People get so hung up on using something verbatum.  It may look amazing in this pic but look absolutely horrible in your room. STOP BEING SHEEPLE!!
I know that I have hammered at this issue but it is one that I am UBER passionate about.
Most people don't understand the nuiances of colour.  How lighting in one place will make a colour look completely different in another place.  That same colour will look completely different say in daylight as opposed to under halogen lighting.  I think what has bugged me the most about this thread on Houzz is the shear lack of common sense that I have been seening.  For me when a colour is stated....I don't care what it looks like on the monitor....take it at face value and move on.  FULL STOP!  Again, take that info and apply it to your own experience.  Make it your story.  Make it about you.  I know I didn't make any friends over there but that's not my intention here.  My intension is to impart my experience to others, to help them the best way I know how.  If you don't like what I have said....well I can't help that...the truth is the truth.  I won't walk away from that....it's just not my style.  I can't sugar coat stuff like this.  To me it is as plain as the nose on my face....my very ample nose!!  I just don't understand how people get so hung up on getting the exact colour.  Like I said use it as a starting point, MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!

Just to show you what I mean I will show you different pics of rooms that use the same colour: Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams- which I love by the way:




In this pic you can see how "green" the colour looks.





In this pic we can see that there is a definite green undertone like the first pic, however, the wall colour looks less saturated than in the first pic.  This is such a lovely soft dining room- I really like it!




In this pic the wall colour has a slightly "bluer" tinge to the grayish green of Sea Salt as compared to the other 2 pics.  It is always relative....you have to compare a colour to another one.  When looking at paint chips you have to compare them to each other in order to make them understandable.  One white will look more yellow as compared to another white-they are both white but the undertone changes the story or the way in which you will percieve it.
To me this room really is a close representation of what Sea Salt truly looks like- but then again that is what it looks like on MY MONITOR.  Another monitor may make the room look slightly grayer than if you were to see it on my monitor.




Just look how gray Sea Salt looks in this room.  It looks amazing, however, it really takes on a grayer tone in this setting.



If this doesn't highlight was I have being saying all along I don't know what will.  Same colour but different lighting, fixtures, furniture etc.......everything plays into...especially the lighting.
So until this obsession about "what colour is in that room" is used only as a starting point, I will have many more postings on this very subject.

Don't get me wrong I too love to know what a particular designer used in a room, however, when they state what it is I take it for what they say. But then if I were to use it I would use it as a starting point.

Thanks for letting me rant!!

I wish you happy Olympics.  I wish you happy competition.  I wish you great rivalries.  I hope you are witness to some greatness that we will be a part of-even if we are sitting on our couches and just cheering along.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan


Sunday, December 1, 2013

COLOUR

A burst of colour on such a dull gray day.............



As some of you may know I am DEFINITELY a summer person.  So on these very gray November/December days it is so nice to have a shot of colour to brighten things up a bit!!  Plus gotta love that Bright Yellow Tolix Chair.

Have a great day everyone!
Megan

Thursday, October 17, 2013

WHAT COLOUR IS THAT?

Hey Everyone.......do you remember the other day when I spoke of a Bedroom that was on Houzz?



It was asked what colour is this room.  As I stated in that entry, sometimes the designer will answer the questions posed and sometimes they don't.  The designer had not answered what colour it was and someone had suggested to print this pic and take it to their nearest paint store and have it colour matched.  And as I stated in the previous post, I gave my opinion on that one!!  I ended up having a conversation on Houzz with the person who suggested to print the pic.  Lets just say it wasn't overly positive on her end.  I made the point that everyone's printer is different, as is everyone's monitor.  Your paint store may indeed be able to colour match what has been printed, however, it will NOT be what the actual colour is in the room.  Most average printers aren't that accurate when it comes to colour.  Most print great, but not necessarily accurate.  I stated that even if that printed pic was bang on, how that colour looks in this incredible bedroom won't necessarily look great in your room.  That is why it is so important to test colours out in YOUR space.  You may find you might need a colour with a little more green in it, or one that is a little more saturated etc...... My point was lost on this individual.  So it made me think......Ok you print a pic and then have it colour matched.  But wait.......I will tell you right now......don't do that.....here is why.

As an experiment I downloaded onto my computer  paint colours that I picked at random.  I then printed them out and compared them to the ones in my fandeck:  See below:


Benjamin Moore-Summer Shower 2135-60

Benjamin Moore-Bird's Egg 2051-60

Benjamin Moore-Rapture CC-66

Although they are not the greatest pics in the world you can see my point.  Your printer will NOT print out an accurate enough colour match.  I don't care how good your printer is.  BUT....just say you have the worlds best printer and it is accurate beyond anything.  Well great! Colour match it and then go from there.  I would give the same advice as if you knew exactly what colour the designer used in a particular room.  Great, get that colour.....BUT USE IT AS A STARTING POINT!  What looks great in one room can look horrible in another.  The same can be said for even a particular colour in a room.  That is why it is so important to look at the colour in the room that you will be painting.  AND TO LOOK AT IT AT DIFFERENT TIMES OF THE DAY.  Years ago when I was going to repaint my living room I loved a particular khaki colour.  Loved it in the daytime, HATED it at night.  It took on a horrible yellowy greeny tone at night.  
There are so many variables at work in everyone's own individual room.  The lighting, which direction does it face, what are the undertones in the rug, undertones in the furniture, etc..............It all conspires together. And I do mean conspire.  There are times that I so desperately would love to have a particular colour but everything in the room 'conspires" against me being able to pick that colour.

If I were you....if you love the colour in a room in a magazine or online-take it to the paint store.  Get the advice of the salesperson or get your favourite decorator to help.  A self printed pic will be less accurate than what you see onscreen, even though everyone's monitor's show colours differently.  Take your lap top or I-Pad to the paint store and use it as your starting point.
Don't get me wrong I love to know the colour a designer used in a particular room.  However, it should always just be a starting point or an inspiration for YOUR room.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

SCHUMACHER WALLPAPER & THE BLUES!

Hey Everyone....I came across this pic the other day and boy did it make me smile.  You may or may not have seen it, but either way......it makes me happy!!


This collection is Byzantium by Schumacher.  First of all.....that Blue.  Or should I say all those lovely blues-makes me want to squeal with Glee.  And I don't mean the show on TV!  Not crazy about the rug-love the colour NOT the texture.  I live in a Lego world my friends...would NOT be Lego friendly!  Back to the topic at hand.....Secondly....all those lovely patterns.  Thirdly......that Velvet Blue pillow in the middle of the Sofa....oh I could go on and on about this one my friends.  And of course the Ikat pillows..........


Look how amazing they are together.  It used to be years ago one would NEVER mix blues together....now it's as if one couldn't help but to mix.  By mixing blues it lends so much depth and interest.  To me it makes it feel beachy, fresh and vibrant.  I would have to say the mixing of blues is one of my favourite things...especially right now.

Here is an image also by Shumacher that mixes blues:


I just can't help but love the colour combo here.  The beautiful Aqua of the pool with the Navy of the tile band and of course the Royal of the Pillows.  So Fresh and Lovely.



Here again Schumacher has mixed a Darker Blue with Aqua...so fresh! And so graphic.

Just had a to share a little Blue with you all....
Have a great day everyone.

Megan




Wednesday, August 28, 2013

CALIENTE RED DOOR!

Hey Everyone.....Just a very quick posting today.  Usually I am not a fan of White Siding on a house.  However, there are instances when it really works.  This is just one case........



I LOVE a Red Door....and I mean love it!!  There is just something so amazing about a red door.  It catches your attention, yet at the same time it is so welcoming.  If you have always wanted to add a little Red to your life....then adding it to the front door is such a great place to start.......As long as it is the right Red that is.  This particular one is Caliente by Benjamin Moore.  It is an amazing Red.  One of my fav's in fact.

Caliente AF-290 Benjamin Moore

It is one of those Reds that is almost perfection.  It isn't too bright, to brown, too light or too dark.  It has such a richness to it.  If you are looking for a red that is a classic then this just may be your starting place.

Have a great day everyone.
Megan

Monday, July 1, 2013

RED AND WHITE PART DEUX!!

In honour of Canada Day (July 1) I wanted to share some great images of Red and White with you all.  I love the Colour Red...I truly do.  And I am also so proud to live in a country where I feel safe, I feel proud and one that is recognized world wide for just being so damn nice!!  As my Dad always said to me growing up..."it's nice to be nice".  And I have NEVER forgotten that sentiment.  It has done me well throughout my life.  Don't get me wrong, I like to have a little rant like the next gal....but overall....it takes way more energy to be negative and nasty than it does to be nice.  I don't know.....maybe in a world of Star Trek it should be OUR Prime Directive...(sorry for the geek reference).  If only more people chose to be nicer....what a nicer world this would be....Anyways, getting way off topic.....I just wanted to share some great images with you all. HAPPY CANADA DAY everyone!!


This amazing room is Benjamin Moore Poppy!  I have always loved this red.  It has such a lovely vibrancy to it without completely overwhelming the senses.  Highly recommend this one for just about anywhere you want to make a statement- of course you have to take it's undertone into account.........


Poppy 1315 BM




Again we see the use of Poppy 1315 BM.  Such a great pop of colour!



I think I am seeing a pattern here......perhaps the same house??  I love how Terrat Elms Interior Design has successfully incorporated the use of Poppy throughout the space.  It adds so much.


Looking back into the kitchen you can see just how vibrant and awesome this red is....last pic of this house....for now.




This retro "bachelorette"  space is small but mighty.  I love the pops of red.  They really do help to enhance that kitschy, retro vibe that is evident in this space.  Yes, yes there should be a vent hood.....you know how I harp on that one.  However....perhaps it is a rental.....still should have a vent though....I totally agree.  But I do love the Red here.




Gotta love a great barn restoration....Oh to dream!








Let me hang out here....please!! There is just something about a porch that just welcomes you in.......




I love Red Cabinets.  I don't quite have the nerve to do it myself but totally love it when someone has the nerve to just run with it.  If you were ever wondering..... a Galley kitchen is the most efficient when it comes to planning a kitchen.  Especially when it is configured like the one above.  Just a tip for you all......  Remember that the distance between your stove, fridge and sink when measured out should be less than 26 feet.  This makes for the best use of resources and time.




How adorable is this space.  I really do love a retro vibe!




This space is so fun and funky!! That is great wallpaper.



I would love to have a collection of Vintage Feedsack just like this.........




Amazing....simply amazing!!




I couldn't help but smile when I saw this pic.  I so wish that we had buildings like this where I live.  Just look at all of the detail.




Now I ask you......Where is my glass of vino to go with this???




I can't even put into words how this image takes me to my Red and White Happy Place!!





I would be totally remiss if I didn't put at least one knitting image in!





I of course had to put in a couple of images of my own patterns that were appropriate!!  Both patterns are available here and here.



I had to share one last image with you all.  In case you didn't know this about me....I love Tea Towels.  Can't get enough of them.  Must be the "English" in me.  I could only wish that that above pic was my own....again a girl can dream.

For those of you fellow Canadians out there....I wish you a happy and safe holiday.  And for those of you non Canadians out there......I hope you enjoyed a little Red and White.

Have an awesome day everyone.

Megan

Thursday, June 27, 2013

NAUTICAL DREAM

Hey everyone...I wanted to share with you an amazing nautical inspired interior.  I have been a huge fan of Cottage Company Interiors for years now.  And I do mean years.  Ever since I saw a little cottage that they built with an amazing dutch door I was hooked:



What I loved most about this little cottage was how perfectly compact and functional this kitchen is.  Even though it is tiny it is stylish and functional.  This very kitchen got me hooked on Apron Front Sinks.

Over the years I have kept my eye on Cottage Country Interiors.  They are the "quintessential" cottage style.For those of us that love cottage style they tick all the boxes.

I came across an interior I hadn't seen of theirs before.  It is full of nautical style.  And it is full of White and Navy.  I LOVE IT!!







Oh that bathroom!!  If I were to duplicate it I would use the following paint colours:

Hale Navy HC-154 BM


And either of the following whites-depending on the lighting and so forth.......

Decorators White CC-20 BM

Or
Chantilly Lace 2121-70/OC-65 BM


I can't even begin to tell you how the Navy and White in this lovely home sends me to my happy place.  I don't think I will EVER tire of Navy and White.  How about you??

Have a great day everyone.

Megan