Tree House Tuesday!

March 25, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

I was chatting earlier about Today's Colour Story (which I post on Facebook and Twitter) being Habitat by Dulux. As I searched the colour and how to relate this shade of green into our homes, I noticed how we transition our homes into our personal escapes......our Habitat's. I know that the colour Habitat is as diverse as the forest it boasts, its natural setting with a spectrum so alive, full and lush-full with greens! We are trying to bring that feeling from the outdoors into our indoor spaces, to create peaceful retreats in our homes. But what if we started to build with thinking these thoughts in reverse? What would be the outcome......yes a TREE HOUSE! Then I started to think about how much I love being outdoors, and when did this design and colour conversation emerge of outdoor and indoor dwelling. Childhood.

As a kid I didn't have a tree house, but my Dad built my sister's and me a doll house - it was BIG! Probably today it would be referred to as a BUNKIE. No kidding it was probably a twelve by fourteen build access by stairs onto a patio, full size door with a crystal knob (my first hardware introduction!), glass windows, and yes full size style day bed. dining space and mini kitchen. It was that escape place, outside yet in. But as I think about it now, I love this idea of being in a outdoor space shelter, being outside the norm of a house, from the whimsy to the romance of it, probably why I am love the 'TREE HOUSE' so why not Tree House thoughts for Tuesday?

So here are living spaces where construction has embraced the true Living Green approach with the Tree House into escapes and everyday living. Some are classic designs, some are just imagination escapes, books and tree napping, as places of sharing, and I imagine amazing places to sky watch, and others touch on modern designs. It is amazing to see such skill and evolution of the Tree House.

Peek into the Living Space of the Tree House

The Whimsy Tree House, taken from the crooked house.

Tree Houses are the places of true escape and I wonder that as we continue to build green aspects we don't build more Tree Houses in urban suburbs or maybe tree apartments in the city ........imagine.

Shopping Green

March 24, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Vancouver is one of the Greenest Cities in Canada, we have choices not only how we navigate in the green spaces, but where to purchase GREEN supplies.

I have noted a few of my build and design go to vendors in Vancouver, Greenworks Hardware store a source of flooring, cleaning products, paint and counter selections. Also an amazing place to view and select wood pieces for custom live edge pieces.

If you are renovating and removing hardware, cabinetry, sinks and what not, consider donating them to the ReStore for another persons space install. At the same time if you are looking for supplies on a budget or don't mind spending time to sift through donated supplies, I guarantee you will find a few essentials for your home while supporting Habitat for Humanity = Awesomeness.

Need a builder that believes in a Green approach from design concept to installation.......look no further than Green Craft Homes, Vancouver. This custom contracting company will look at how to keep the build organized, with expert knowledge on Green design and access to custom designed bottle walls and windows, to custom furniture and cabinetry pieces for you home. Please check out there website, www.greencrafthomes.ca

Green Bottle Accent Wall, fantastic way to transition a space/divider that still allows privacy while giving light.

Continue to look at the alternatives in building, moving forward in respectful design you will be truly amazed at what can be found and achieved.........

Respectfully,

Spring......

March 22, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Its one of my favorite times of the year.....fresh starts and re-growth. It's like....WAKE UP! The world is defrosting, the flowers return, colour awakens.....oh and birds sing! And the bloody wood pecker is back at 7 am! LIFE has come back.....its a time to re-evaluate the process, re-focus and plan the continued journey ahead. Oh and of course start SPRING projects, de-clutter space pounds and restore order. Ahhhhh yes, welcome back SPRING!

How can your Designer help? Well I am embracing it by launching......

Living a Reality  like this? — Living a Reality like this?

Saving One room at a TIME!

Its true Rampant Red would like to help you out by 'Helping TO Save' a room in your home. Spring brings us new starts and new beginnings, so let me help you bring a space back to life.
How can You do this? By providing me with a photo of your room, and by telling me why this room needs saved. I will review all the Entries and pick one Winner. I will provide you - THE WINNER with details on how to revive that space. This includes Designer Space Notes & Mood Board.....the plan to make it happen!

Event deadline is Friday April 4th, 2014 at high noon!

Please email me your photo and details to jacqueline@rampantreddesign.com

I will review all the entries and pick ONE that needs saved.....so for this Weekend's To Do List add..... review YOUR space and find what room needs saved!

Let the Entries Begin and Good Luck to Everyone.

**Please note this does NOT include kitchens or bathrooms.**

The next way I can help is by letting you know of a new service offered. Yes Designer Online, a boutique style design format customized especially for you! So wherever your abode maybe, locally, out of town, around the mountains and over the ponds , I want to make design Possibilities into Realities for you! Please check back for more details on this service soon!

I have also started Today's Colour Story on Facebook, check in during the week for daily inspiration of colour. So far in keeping with the Greens, and the fresh new of Spring, I have noted colours such as Sprout, Green Hydrangea, and today a green grey found in Silver Birch - a true west coast colour.

So here our story of SPRING starts, feel alive - look outside the box, and embrace Living!

I wish you an amazing weekend, cheers........

Remember to click  LIKE what your read, and share the LOVE. — Remember to click LIKE what your read, and share the LOVE.

Mushroom Magic

March 19, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

As I look at all the decor aspects of March, from Green to Whimsy I can't help but think of the Mushroom.......its sense of magic and wonder.

I noted in my Facebook blurb yesterday about the mushroom and how it can be added to your decor on many levels. From photo journalism style, a natural fresh photo addition to an entry, a species image in a kitchen, a vignette, or yes in the whimsy of a child's room. The above mushroom does remind me of fairy tales and probably the famous association of Alice and Wonderland. As a adult even now in the Jefferson Airplane reference.........of 'go ask Alice when she is ten feet tall!' So just not in age we can embrace the ever changing beauty in a variety of species of mushrooms, taste to touch - but we can also incorporate them into designs in our home through hardware, lighting, textiles, and yes truly always in wallpaper.

So as we grow from childhood whimsy, to adulthood embracing taste of life (food, clothes, places, and music) ........our senses grow to what we like and dislike. We then transition these qualities into making choices on how our personal space evolves. WHAT? I know its that struggle question too, of HOW is that possible? Well here are a few Mushroom accent pieces to bring some Magic to your home designs.........

Mushroom shape Hardware, this one is classic in porcelain and brass. But also looks stunning in iron, and chrome.

Mushroom Glass Orb Chandelier, very sculptural.

Mushroom Wire Chandelier, I would add vintage light bulbs.

Modern Mushroom pattern, also note that you can find the mushroom shape in many hardware finial selections!

Taking the mushroom textile into the wearable, with the Apron.

Modern Mushroom Dining Table Glass and Metal

Mushroom Wallpaper from Anthropologie - Vancouver

Once you start looking at this organic shape, you will be amazed at how much it really is used in design!

Cheers,

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 17, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

May your home always be filled with Love & Laughter,

May your days be filled with adventures, that add to the life journey your Rainbow,

May gatherings with family and friends, give your cherished Golden Memories,

May all these moments of keeping it real.....GREEN

Embroider your Living space in Life......

Happy St. Patrick's Day and Blessings of Love and Peace always........

Posies........the Wee Touch!

March 17, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

When I finish a project I like to give it that final touch for my clients and I will take the time not only to stage each room, but I will add the little extras. Like pastries and fruit in the kitchen, soaps in the bathroom, candles and sweets, and of course posies through out. That way when I return their home back to the client, its like stepping into the Magazine of This is Your Life now!

Its an awesome feeling EVERY time!

But from that moment I always hope they embrace the look and keep up the idea of dressing the space with posies. There is just something about fresh flowers that brings real life back.

It should never be completed, always simple groupings in simple vases, cups, bowls. A tea light holder is perfect for a 'wee posies'. Tie the floral arrangement together with floral wire or raffia, or the new look is twine. Place them on a coffee table, in the bathroom, on your desk, by the sink, on your bedside table. Want to add a fresh look to your mantel through out the seasons.....dress it with different posies! It's an budget friendly way to add a designer touch. Just keep the containers the same in colour, or shape.

The main point is to keep it real, fresh and of course fun! Cheers,

Magic.......

March 14, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

With St. Patrick,s day this weekend it is fitting to talk about the whimsy of Green again and how we can add a wee bit of magic to our decor to celebrate.

When marking dates and seasons, we don't need to overkill our decorations....like paint the walls sparkle green or shamrock wallpaper! We can create simple designs in vignettes. I personally love to create dining table vignettes displays in between table gatherings. Its a wonderful place to display some of our cherished items.

With St. Patrick's day look at elements of nature to inspire your decor. Here are a few simple ones to try, add moss to a tray or green plate (shamrock one would be fab!) and add folklore sculptures to the base. For height add an arrangement of candles, from different shapes, holders and colour, even add a fairy to perch on one. The fairy figure could be a child's toy figurine, or a treasured ornament maybe in porcelain or metal. If you are adding flowers, try to incorporate signs of spring maybe with tulips, daffodils and pussy willow. Even a simple spray of Yellow Gold can finish it off!

Wallpaper? Make a shamrock potato stamp, use fresh limey green....stamp paper. When completed add gold sparkle and place the frames along a fireplace mantel, or one large frame to a cookbook stand in the kitchen. Place a plate of shamrock cookies in front of it.....well done Betty Crocker! ;)

Arrange a wine bottle vignette, adding green and white candles!

Plaster Medallion Wreath, Modern  Elegant — Plaster Medallion Wreath, Modern Elegant

The other place to celebrate special days and seasons is your front door. Be creative with wreaths, pots, and stair displays. Maybe a shamrock or gold coin wreath, green sparkle sticks to your pots, and garden gnomes and pixies to your stairs.......

Whatever your Green is this weekend, enjoy the whimsy of creating some magic......

Happy St. Patrick's Day.....

Greens, storytelling!

March 12, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Mood    Harmony   Function — **Mood Harmony Function**

When using the colour Green in design you are adding a natural colour to the space. The colour will also bring in the feeling of peace, nature, fresh, and balance to the space.

Here is a peek into a few of my favorite Greens.......

The Canadiana Historic Colour Palette  by General Paints — The Canadiana Historic Colour Palette by General Paints

I use the following from The Canadiana Paint Palette:

Telegraph Cove CH 062 - trend green at the moment light airy, fresh.
Juan de Fuca CH 060 - a neutral green -perfect in a Mud Room
Three Sisters CH 058 - an olive green that works well in a room needing warmth, such as a family lounge or library/den.

From Behr Paints, I have used this Green in several kitchens........

Asparagus - perfect balance with white cabinets - fresh n ' vibrant. It can also be paired well with green subway tile, or layering whites throughout the space. A colour your eye will not tire of, :)

The Greens we are seeing in design have tend to have yellow undertones, creating that fresh vibrant feeling. This tends to be perfect for shades in a kitchen, laundry & mud rooms or in an entrance.

I love the names of paint colours, what an amazing job it must be to title paints! It can be true, that colour is an interpretation and feeling (creating mood), and well all do these task differently. But I suspect that sometimes we are guilty at choosing that colour with reference to the name of the paint chip!

Eco Green by Behr........the natural shade of green! This is the perfect new trend tone of green, and truly a beautiful one to check out. :)

Eco Green in a Master Bedroom used to enhance a zen style. UL 180-5 — Eco Green in a Master Bedroom used to enhance a zen style.
UL 180-5

When creating a natural colour palette possibly with layering whites, browns, or greys and you want to add colour - GREEN is a natural choice.

The colour of your walls is not only the base for designing your space, but it maintains the colour of

YoUr STorY

Happy Green Colour Hunting..........

What Wallpaper are YOU?

March 10, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

OK I couldn't help myself after thinking what colour am I, hahaha. I admit I love textiles and wallpaper, they are my weaknesses along with oh, yeah.....and lighting! I have said it before, some people need a pantry for food......me I need a pantry for textiles! I can't have enough table clothes, napkins, pillowcases, heavy canvas sheets for draping furniture, and sample swatches for design. But really secretly I am also collecting fabrics for the the day I retire and learn how to sew! I am going to make so many table clothes and tea towels! Man retirement is going to be busy!

But when you ponder over wallpaper what entices you? What makes you think, yhea I want that! For me it changes way too much.......it could be a seasonal thing. Currently I am all over wallpaper with vintage blooms, vines, and picture images (Opera House). I also love Damask........I would say I am definitely a Damask paper, with sparkle! I have even seen a charcoal butterfly paper with LED Lighting.......so it looks like a night garden.

So are you a geometric shape person, damask, paisley patterns, whimsy figures, floral's or textures..........let me know via Twitter or Facebook............Cheers!

Opera House Wallpaper from Anthropologie Vancouver

Raining Decor

March 6, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Splish Splash through the rain and landing in our home entries.

The resting place of the UMBRELLA STAND.

Every entrance in the home should have one....especially here on the West Coast where rain is part of our landscape. Here are a few ways to install a umbrella or brollie stand. From the Classic Umbrella Sculpture stand, to a few modern and contemporary ones...........

Owl Umbrella  Stand — Owl Umbrella Stand

Open the door, and find the resting place for your Umbrella. Waiting until the next rainy day adventure.

A great way to install a Green Umbrella stand, would be to construct a garden box, with grass and moss on the bottom for draining. Complete the stand by inserting a tomato plant wire hoop. This would be perfect for a mudroom.

Modern Pot, Grass and Moss for draining.

A great find on my last trip to Seattle, USA was Bella Umbrella. A true treasure trove of umbrellas, from vintage to new crafted creations you are sure to find something as unquie as you.

Singing in the Rain........

Ready Set Green Lights GO!

March 5, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

I used to say that as a child, and now I love it when I get the green lights driving! Its that feeling of yes, and go forth.....confidence. Green is the not only the colour of peace but of courage, growth and the partner of patience.

In lighting I recently learned its the impact of the Green Light that is stance for protest. Looking up at these green glowing windows of Vancouver, lighting up windows of homes in towers.....they guard surrounding land of False Creek. An area that they want to be zoned for a neighborhood park. So peacefully they guard in protective protest by turning on there green Lights. Show your support by tweeting #greeningthecreek

The first green light that comes to my mind in decor is probably the Old Desk Lamp. The emerald glass and brass fixture that would sit stately on a home office credenza. Or like on my parents 'train station' desk - you know the one with the rolling desk top cover. It was usually paired with a green fern - a comforting vision. But one that said this is not a den, its an executive desk and I am the owner. They were the generation moving away from the library to the home office.

Today Green lights take on many forms and styles from that traditional desk lamp to a modern glass chandelier, or metal task light. But even in Green lighting we also think of how the light is lite, with an enviro or green bulb. Or with a modern green design, a wooden chandelier or pendant seems no longer foreign, but normal. I was in Olympic Village this past weekend, and noticed that amongst the industrial Vancouver designs, that wood vainer orbs are used in the same way as that old track lighting was. Refreshing!

As we look at trends in the colour Green, we see pastel shades are hot for spring as well as lively yellow greens. I personally love the peacock greens, warm and rich for lighting. Try to change up a lamp shade with your favorite greens. I am really into swag lights, imagine a Marrakesh style pewter pendant light with a green light bulb = STUNNING!

Changing your lights can also means mood lighting, such as candle light. There is an amazing selection of Green candle sticks, and candles you can play with. Try it....even a green bottle with white candles. Add gold ribbon for some glam or twine for a natural look. Brass and copper candlesticks look amazing with a selection of different green taper candles. Arrange them at different heights.

Want to add that touch of green to your space? Well now you can with some design imagination and these decor tips.......Ready Set......GO! Cheers.

This design can be adapted with a new life, just add in a few green pillars to the mix.

Hello March Calling......

March 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

March Calling.....Hellew! Its going to be another great month discussing Interior Design and Decor. I have just finished reviewing topics ranging from the colour Green, History, my favorite Greens, Lighting, Wallpaper and Textiles. What do you think about when people discuss Green? Generally the environment, cause and effects of Living. So I will touch on how you can design and build with a Green attitude - beautiful and responsible! What is LEED Certified? Where can you purchase Green supplies and source Green builds? We are really privileged to live in a country with diverse choices, and a city the lives Green - Hurray! The other part of Green is of course.....$$$$ moo-la! The dollar, so I will touch on how you can budget design into your project and what to expect for your dollars, Spend with Wisdom and Power! So check in regularly, invite friends to read too, have questions....feel free to ask :0 and for my devoted followers.......welcome back! Happy Tuesday Dharlings!

Behr and CIL Colour chips......from Home Depot.

Green Dining Room, mural wallpaper, modern orange furniture. STUNNING!

Inspiration can be found all around us......a designer once said, taking time is the Elegance in Design. Indulge.

The end of the Petals........

February 28, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

With February and sharing the love of flowers, I found it only natural that it could be a topic for the end of the month.

When all the beauty of the floral arrangement is gone, where do the petals go? Usually in our garbage or compost I imagine. For me why not sprinkle them around your front steps, over your rocks in the garden. They are going to decompose anyway, and it does look so pretty when visitors or you come to the door! Hello and Welcome Back.

I also like to sprinkle them down my garden hill, where my hound used to walk......just as a reminder and to bring a smile to my heart.

So before you get rid of those petals.......sprinkle them about and give your walkway a shout out of colour.

A hit of Rouge will do.

February 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

February is closing soon, and my last colour blurb is the colour RED! A colour I love to add a dash of to a room.......to take the eye to a point of interest. It could be a sculpture, art, light or even floral posies! Red is the colour of vitality, passion & desire, strength, courage, the colour of empowerment.....RED SHOES!

Its also a high visual, hence the use in stop signs and emergency vehicles. So look out today for a little red!

For 2014 the reds have taken on an exotic approach with a hint of orange in them....more muted. Try these reds by Dulux....

Red Red Rose #A0269, Old Glory #A0283, and Red Letter Day # A0289.

Just flipping through my Gluckstein Home fandeck......that exotic red orange might just find the perfect home on your wall with Rhubarb 2007-30!

Rhubarb by Gluckstein Home and Benjamin Moore Paints

So next time you are thinking Red is too loud, or too big, just add some rouge to your space. Remember when you pick up colour chips, tuck them in your notebook or purse......for reference as you adventure searching for some rouge in your space. Cheers!

What colour are YOU?

February 24, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

I can never be bored with paint chips.......I am constantly picking them up in all different shades and tones. Just picking up what feels right at the moment. It's such an array of Happy and Excitement they behold as my creative wheels turn to think.....where can this be used? How would this colour change a room, quietly to retreat or welcome you home. Its true every colour has a sense of belonging in us. Ever look at your wardrobe and see what colour we are drawn to........try it! Or what colour are you secretly..........what do your intimates tell about you? For me its all about the Blacks......its the frame for the accent colour and of my accessories. Its the grounding to my personality.......my RED Hair!

Its a fun quiz .........what colour are you? Tweet or Facebook me your Colour!

Working through the PINKS!

February 21, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

So my colour chips are array on the table and I am looking at them thinking how Delish and Sweet they all seem. Its a colour of happy, not just the colour of old fashion pointed finger to labeled femininity, its gender free. Don't we always stop to take in a person in pink......it draws us in. Its also the colour of peace, courage and comfort........so Rise Up and indulge yourself in a hit of pink.

Here are some of my Designer Favorites:

Pink Peony by Benjamin Moore # 2078=70 - this would be fantastic on a ceiling and to paint out trim........
Arctic Lights by Cloverdale # 8708, so soft
Rich Desires by Cloverdale #8126 (pink lipstick.....amazing in a room with high gloss mirror in black.....vintage! Or framed and put all over a wall of Arctic Lights!!!)
Delicious by Dulux #C04-030 this just like the word.....Delish!
Zephyr #690A-1 on a wall with Wispy Pink #680C-1 on the ceiling - both by Behr
Canuck #1371W and Chick Flick #1373W by Cloverdale.......for the Canadian Chick in us!

Now I can't help but think of an amazing Lamp for these colours.....with a pink bulb! Icing on the cake, Cheers again I am tickled Pink!

Pink Lights!

February 20, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

I have found the pink light bulbs.......Tickled Pink by Sylvania found at my local Home Hardware store! They are available in 60 watt bulb, and also in a tri- light. And I have tested the bulbs out, and its a FACTUAL - they cast and illuminate a beautiful light in the room. The light is also complementary to my wall colours, no more harsh office white! I am soooo thrilled to have found them!

So try it in your bedroom and take it up a notch to the Boudoir......and in the living room it will instantly create mood light when task light wears dim. The pink stays!

What Is Design?

February 19, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Interior Design IS Thinking.........Made Visual!

Pink the colour of Happy!

February 18, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

That's right.......Pink is the colour of Happy! Such a great feeling that we can associate to many happy emotions.....blushing, the thought of the blush followed by a smile. Even writing that makes me......SMILE :)

So this month lets adventure through the Pinks! The pinks can be light hearted, here are a few picks from the Dulux fan-deck: a faint colour like Delight....perfect for a ceiling! A quiet shade like Pink Frost, or shocking Exotic Bloom - which is stunning with the violet undertones. So paint an wall or paint some panels in various shades and frame up a wall gallery style! See pink change your room.......and your emotions!

Next: the Pink Bulb........going to get some and try out this designer touch!

Fundraiser.......

February 17, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

It has been an eventful few weeks behind the scenes of an Evening in the Garden fundraiser. This past Saturday, Rampant Red Design assisted on turning a gym into a garden.......with all the combined efforts of an amazing team we raised funds to assist children who may not otherwise be able to attend Camp Douglas, a summer camp located on the sunshine coast... a reality! Thank -You to everyone who contributed donations for the Silent Auction, work parties, and folks who purchased tickets to share an evening with friends over some Delish Desserts & Jazz........check out our Facebook page for a glimpse! Stunning............