TreeHouse Tuesday!

April 8, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

TreeHouse TUesday!

Ok so I can't help myself I have a new love of the TreeHouse! Currently I am awaiting the arrival on a book of plans on building TreeHouses's - I am fascinated on the skill and thought put into the reality of living in a tree.In watching a tv show recently I found that the guru of Treehouses just lives south of me....so I am thinking a road trip of discovery is in the works, I will be definitely sharing more on these finds. But until then in reflection of Today's Colour Story - Beeswax by Pratt & Lambert, I had to go into the depths of the Google and hunt for Bee inspired TreeHouse. YES - they do exist! What better way to celebrate Tuesday with the freedom feeling of leaving Monday and looking forward to the Design Focus of our next few days, while still dreaming of what our hearts desire. So here are some dreams that have been captured in these Treehouses..........

Bent Wood Orb, note the skylight windows open! Tree base floating Hive House

In celebration of Beeswax colour, I imagine these floating tree orbs at twilight glowing with that Beeswax colour, and filled with that hum of love, laughter and sharing in moments.

An Tree Lantern, with its organic shape of the bee hive and warm honey glow.........to light the way to your dreams. Photo by MeganBurgess — An Tree Lantern, with its organic shape of the bee hive and warm honey glow.........to light the way to your dreams.
Photo by MeganBurgess

Always take the moments to dream, as its here we find ourselves.

Colour Story

April 8, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Pratt & Lambert Paints : No. 11-6

The conversation of this Hue, is pure YELLOW with pure red, tint of white. Its saturation is warm and bright. Evokes a mood of fresh, pure & nature inspired. Yet when used in a room will give comfort and a feeling of awakening.

We find Beeswax in many products today, from decor to personal use however one of the most notable products is candles - when they burn they have a sweet natural smell and burn clean in your air. For ourselves we all know the products made by Burt's Bees - a fantastic line available for children, adult 'humons!' and our loved pets......my favorite product is my husbands Burt's Bee and Rum scented cologne- handsome sexy!

We can also share the love of beeswax with our furniture, wood grains love to be nourished with beeswax, and it will give the wood a beautiful sheen. You can also polish stone and marble with Beeswax - amazing!

Hand made beeswax candles, by Becoming Kindred.

Beeswax is a fantastic polish alternative - natural carcinogenic FREE! Can be purchased at your health store, Greenworks Hardware, and some Home Hardware stores.

An inspirational room setting in Beeswax, I feel it would also be a perfect colour for a guest room, a laundry room that possibly doesn't have a lot of natural light, and a modern dining room where textiles can play on this colour harmonizing the mood.

This kitchen has been painted with Beeswax, by Pratt & Lambert. The style is modern country - I love the use of copper and brass over sized pendants over the island. You can see how the colour is repeated in decor above the stove. Well Done!&nbs… — This kitchen has been painted with Beeswax, by Pratt & Lambert. The style is modern country - I love the use of copper and brass over sized pendants over the island. You can see how the colour is repeated in decor above the stove. Well Done!

Cheers Dharlings, and in a little Austin Power lingo for today......oh BEE-Have out there. :0

Today's Colour Story

April 7, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Like our journey of Yellow, my colour choice is inspired by the sun, with Morning Sun by Dulux.

On our colour wheel, Morning Sun is pure YELLOW, with additives of the red hue allowing this colour combination to be warm. The colour intensity of how the light reacts to this colour makes it bold, and bright.

Morning Sun in a kitchen dining setting. Large windows effect the colour intensity and saturation. The airy effect is carried through in the light tones of the room.

Morning Sun in a lounge setting, the lighting in this space show the boldness of the colour.  Contemporary drama in the design and grounded by the darker tones in the wood and leather elements. — Morning Sun in a lounge setting, the lighting in this space show the boldness of the colour. Contemporary drama in the design and grounded by the darker tones in the wood and leather elements.

Happy Monday!

The History........

April 7, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Our colour journey this month is through YELLOW - a welcoming colour much like the phrase, Hello Yellow.

When I research my thoughts, I spider-gram them - remember this task? Today as I look at Yellow, I am instantly referencing the image of the sun, its warmth, energy and symbol of power and growth. Then I notice that my spider-gram is now a 'sunagram'.....thought lines stretching out in rays of colour, room theory, symbolism, and history. Cool!

ALIVE! The new day, strength and inspiration....and rays of mind thoughts in a SUNAGRAM.

Yellow is a diverse colour in theory and feeling. In languages the root word in Yellow is YELL, the colour is therefore is associated with the action of CRYING OUT for attention. We see this in caution, warning or images and in design rooms or elements that need to be highlighted to draw in out attention.

For Memory, its a known FACTUAL: we remember more with yellow, hence yellow writing tools like the famous POST IT. The paper we use for importance and reminders!

The Yellow School Bus, caution Children on board and around. We are alerted.

Yellow evokes a wide range of the feelings from happiness & joy. It also is associated with HIGH actions in Leadership & Achievement, ENERGY, Wisdom & Intellect, and of course Wealth & Glory.

We are going for GOLD!

But can contradict itself as it has also been used at the colour negatively, with betrayal, cowardliness, jealousy, and sickness. For instance the colour of the person was a sickly yellow, and of course you have the leader of the animal world as the lion, but we also have the cowardly Lion! YELLOW NOTE: if yellow is overused, it can stimulate agitation - an example is that studies have shown when overused in a baby's room it will actually promote crying. As it heightens emotions. So funny that it should be used at time with caution.

A sickly yellow.....human skin tone and eyes.

The Brave, wise leader Lion, Aslan in Narnia

In the colour wheel, YELLOW is the pure hue found between green and orange. Its both fresh, bold and loud. But can be warm, soft, light and un- intimidating, yet dirty or dull.

Yellow is the colour we associate with LIGHT. Look at the spectrum breakdown, and how light effects this colour intensity and saturation.

Yellow is the perfect accent to cold hue of Blue and Green, and is amazing when paired with violets and purples. My love is Yellows and Eggplants - try that combination.

In its pure hue, its LOUD. We do assimilate the colour with the sun, gold, warmth and power.

In art history, Yellow has been dated back 17,300 years to the cave of Lascaux in the Yellow Horse painting. Then in the middle ages, the Milkmaid by Vermeer shows us the simple beauty we find in yellow - mixing his own pigments for this expression, this was a refreshing stand for painting of this time as prior to it was a colour of contradiction and betray. Then again later we can see this beauty explored by Van Gogh, however he was was the first painter to use shelf purchased paints, and embraced Yellow in many of his works, like Sunflowers. If we look at modern art I share one of my favorite Andy Warhol pieces, who was the artist in bringing us face to face with pop culture and the images around us.

In interior design, I use YEllow and tints and tones in many designs. This can be in a paint colour for a wall or in harmonizing accents and textiles in the room. See how your kitchen space changes with a bowl of lemons on the counter, try it! Yellow is thee perfect colour in kitchens, laundry, entry halls and family spaces - evoking feelings warmth, welcoming and sharing in these spaces. Personally I have grown in many versions of yellow in my own space from a child, by childhood bedroom was butter cream yellow (white canopy bed with gingham yellow textiles, and floral wallpaper!) and today my lounge and dining area is a mixture mellow yellows, of warmth and shared conversation. The most favorite YELLOW accent is my fireplace wall -as it sparkles when the sunshine fills the space. Its a floor to ceiling feature of yellow onyx mosaic tiles - a stunning jewelry box effect. But its also that mood it allows the space to evolve into........love and happiness.

Open your mind and soul to the spirit of Yellow this month, Cheers.

Alley Cats, RAFUSEArt work in my lounge collection......sharing the conversation of Yellow. — Alley Cats, RAFUSE
Art work in my lounge collection......sharing the conversation of Yellow.

Brunch!

April 5, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour story is inspired by Saturday morning that time between 8 am and 11 am, when we feel lazy, coffee brewing, radio shows, like the Vinyl Cafe and reflecting on the events of the week. While looking ahead with enthusiasm at the next........whats the perfect colour?

Scrambled Eggs!

Scrambled Eggs by Mythic Paints is also part of my story line this month on Yellow. Here you can see the the colour is inspired by the richness of egg yokes with its warm red undertones. Scrambled Eggs is a colour mixture of both tints of white, pure hue red, tone of black. In the language of saturation it is strong, bold and dramatic.

Scrambled Eggs is the colour for western facing room that has a lot of natural light exposure. It will also work harmoniously in a southern facing room that needs warmth.

Mythic Paints is a green paint company, non toxic - no VOC paint - and people and earth friendly alternative. Interested in Scrambled Eggs or Mythic Paint colours......find them at Greenworks Hardware store Vancouver.

Saturday mornings, paper, coffee and maybe some cartoons or just Saturday shenanigans!

So as you ponder over Saturday morning breakie, look at those eggs in a whole new light!

Cheers Supernatural!

April 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

This is a special tribute Design Post for the Super Natural Fan Family

Imagine a space combined with the mood of dusk , the harmony of Gothic & Contemporary, with enough function to dissect a meal, and sip a good red like a hip vamp. Indulge in the inspiration compiled to create this design space.

The mood would of course be set with the walls being painted with the colours Hedron & Witching Hour by Pratt & Lambert. The ceilings would be wallpapered in SKULLS, by Graham & Brown. This is achieved with these colours of silver grey whites, and purple grey blacks.

Sculls by Graham & Brown, Matte finish black paper with embossed velvet skull pattern.

The mood would continue to evolve with the elements of art, sculpture and textiles..........

The floor plan scene would be a dining lounge setting, that would include the following elements......

Skull Banquette style dining table seating.

The fireplace guarded by the winged lion,

Lighting........a layering effect to control the mood with chandeliers, candelabras, and lanterns.

The Black Beauty, Murano Glass Chandelier

The Entrance Chandelier, dripping purple glass.

The entry would set the tone by evolving the mood with the following furniture elements......

Knock KNock KNOCK...........Door Knocker! — Knock KNock KNOCK...........
Door Knocker!

Please have a seat -  In this  faux silk King Louis chair, that I imagine will be in an entrance area with a stone stairway. With an iron entry table, hosting gorgeous fire orange flowers reflected in an oversize white glam mirror - Ohhhh … — Please have a seat - In this faux silk King Louis chair, that I imagine will be in an entrance area with a stone stairway. With an iron entry table, hosting gorgeous fire orange flowers reflected in an oversize white glam mirror - Ohhhh the design imagination gone wild.

By following this design scheme recipe your Super Natural Design space would be satisfied -

Devilishly Delish!

I just wanted YOU each to know how grateful I am for your support on Twitter!

Rampant Red Design

Frolicking Friday.

April 4, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is inspired by Friday nights out with Shantung by Pratt & Lambert Paints.

Shantung by Pratt & Lambert No. 11-2Colour Chip from House Beautiful. — Shantung by Pratt & Lambert
No. 11-2
Colour Chip from House Beautiful.

The breakdown of Shantung is from the hue Yellow, tints of white and small amounts of pure red with saturation being light. Making this a warm tone.

This colour shade would be perfect in a room that doesn't get natural light, eastern and north facing. It embraces sitting rooms, kitchen and bathrooms. Suitable for all design styles contemporary, modern and traditional settings.

In interior design, I thought of looking into , Shantung its self as it is a beautiful textured organic fabric. Look at the rawness of the fabric, pulled thread and pure lines, organic - stunning.

Shantung in the fabric, very close to Today's Colour Story.

Shantung, in a golden yellow - raw texture fabric.

Shantung Drapery panels, notice how light reflective the fabric is. This makes shantung and other shiny fabrics a great choice for drapery. It's a natural textured fabric, so it not too stuffy in design - allowing for both contemporary everyday livi… — Shantung Drapery panels, notice how light reflective the fabric is. This makes shantung and other shiny fabrics a great choice for drapery. It's a natural textured fabric, so it not too stuffy in design - allowing for both contemporary everyday living style in many rooms of the house (from lounges to bedrooms). Another bonus is If you have pets, shantung and other faux silks will resist pet hair, so never be intimidated by shiny - embrace its effects.

I wanted to show you Shantung fabric in a west-coast grey, something that speaks to  a lot of  local design schemes. To give your drapery a personal touch like here, add a band to the top or bottom in the same fabric but one tint of satura… — I wanted to show you Shantung fabric in a west-coast grey, something that speaks to a lot of local design schemes. To give your drapery a personal touch like here, add a band to the top or bottom in the same fabric but one tint of saturation lighter. It will give that modern twist to the drapery- yet keep it elegant and timeless.

The LOVE of Shantung, is a smart choice in pillow fabrics - it will wear well. Also light reflective against sofa fabrics, giving an illusion of two dimensional design in the space.  Remember this if you have a large sofa, and want it to have a… — The LOVE of Shantung, is a smart choice in pillow fabrics - it will wear well. Also light reflective against sofa fabrics, giving an illusion of two dimensional design in the space. Remember this if you have a large sofa, and want it to have a balanced voice in a small space.

Weekend Coffee Corner  - stunning birdcage chairs covered in a butter yellow shantung fabric. Delish! — Weekend Coffee Corner - stunning birdcage chairs covered in a butter yellow shantung fabric. Delish!

So enjoy a Friday night, let your own personal fabric reflect in the lights around you. Or indulge in your own space with Shantung Style.

Today's Colour Story

April 3, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Inspired by the 70's design era of Yellow I have chosen Marigold by Behr for Today's Colour Story. Its that 'sunshiney' happy colour of the 70's home design scene .

On our colour wheel, the Pure hue is Yellow, adding tint white, Hue green, secondary colour orange, saturation is strong/dark giving us that golden colour. This formula equals stunning.

Just how did we use this colour in our design's of the 70's.......here is the inspiring Throwback!

The hub of the home...the Golden Kitchen. I forgot about how the kitchen trend then was also carpeted floors!

Owls were really the rage - Owly fridge magnets.

Pottery was also the hip decor statement. And we have seen the comeback of animal sculpture back today from whites to bright solid hues.

In Seating.......

The sofa, here in a two tone golden colour, with floral pattern.

In Lights!

The chain and globe swag. Actually I still love these lights and feel they look fantastic instead of bedside lamps.

Macrame Swag! Yes this was on lamps, wall hangings, and we had a glass and macrame coffee table!

In reflection when looking at some of these lines in designs of the 70's we can see how we are still using them today. Look again at the sofa, we still gravitate to this form but we have refocused on our textile choices, incorporating textured linens and bamboo.

Today we are again looking at using metals in design, from industrial to modern contemporary styles with the infusion of brass and copper from lighting to hardware. Marigold is a vibrant colour that we can use in many aspects of design and in our space decor. I notice this colour in decor accents of glass and sculpture. So as we look back at design eras, notice how the fashion & textiles harmonize into interior design. Recently we seen this harmony played out in glam textile and interior designs revival in the movie,

American Hustle!

American Hustle - Dining Room. Again the use of flock, golden tones, and metals. Sexy.

American Hustle - The Powder Room Scene. Here you can see the use of Yellow Hue, and undertones of the marigold.

But no matter what, we are all still seeking that 'sunshiney' feeling like then today.

In True Glam Style.......Happy Thursday Dharlings!

THE End. Amy Adams - American Hustle. — THE End.
Amy Adams - American Hustle.

April 2, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is Yellow Crocus by Pratt & Lambert.

14-6 Pratt & Lambert

Yellow Crocus is a warm saturated tint of hue from yellow zone of the Colour Wheel. When you look at today, and the peeking out of the sunshine, you can also relate this to the peeking of regrowth in Spring with the crocus flower. The yellow crocus flower is a fresh tint of hue against the regrowth of nature.

Add Yellow Crocus painted table to your entry. Design by the Painted Piano — Add Yellow Crocus painted table to your entry.
Design by the Painted Piano

Crocus Table  Poises. Add some to your space - just simply arrange this fresh spring posies in a jam jar. — Crocus Table Poises. Add some to your space - just simply arrange this fresh spring posies in a jam jar.

When I worked in New Westminster, I loved to see the crocus's that had seeded in the lawns over the years of historical homes around Queens Park. It was always an amazing array of colour, purple-yellow-white.

So where ever your walk or day may lead take a moment to listen to nature, and spot the inspiration for Yellow Crocus by Pratt & Lambert.

Wisdom I

April 2, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today`s Wednesday WHoo Hoot is learning some lingo and expanding our Colour Smarts. There is a many words that come to mind when mixed in colour conversations. Words and terms such as Hue, saturation Tint, and pure intensity. Whaaaat - as my wee artist niece will say!

So let me shed some light on a few terms today and their relation to the Colour Conversations.

The COLOUR Wheel, a must designer tool, learn how to use it everyday......speaking with colour in your home or in nature.

Colour Terms

Hue - is PURE colour

Pure Colours are RED YELLOW BLUE GREEN

Hue refers to colour with NO tint or shade elements.

Saturation - is how Light effects the Hue Purity.

When looking at hue is the saturation context you notice if is:

WEAK PALE PURE STRONG

An example is value of the Hue is LIGHT......could translate the colour hue to Lilac

An example is the value of intensity DARK......could translate the colour hue to Navy Blue

What IS

Tint - adding WHITE to the Hue
Shade - adding BLACK to the Hue
Tone - adding White & Black to the Hue (equals a grey tone)

Look at this colour dissection for Yellow......You can see how the Left is the Pure Colour, and as we add white, black, and other primaries the colour evolves into other TONES of Yellow. :)

Note to YOU: Next time at the paint store, and you are treading through the paint chips, try using some of YOUR

Colour Smarts terms.

April 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is inspired by the warmth of the sun, with Havana Cream by Bher

Cream tones in the sand of Havana Beaches.

Back in the day when I was slugging paint at the Home Depot, this was one of our most requested paint colours. You can see why, with its warm cream tones. The breakdown has a base of yellow, tint of white and red. Its a colour of inspiration, new and fresh.

In Havana Cream by Behr - you can see how it relates to Havana Cuba. As the white plaster walls of the buildings fade to this cream tone with the bleaching of the sun. Truly Stunning!

Buildings along the side streets of Havana, Cuba.

Havana Cream doesn't mean just wall paint, it could be a re-vamp colour to a piece of furniture like a dresser or chair. To a collection picture frames that frame your favorite photos or textiles (wallpaper!) -or the risers on that winding staircase, rising up like the sun. So always remember the colour of day can be used anywhere in your space! Hmmmmmmm

So with this in mind enjoy the sunshine of today, dream you are sipping coffee on the sidewalks of Havana and nothing else bring some Havana Cream to your space.

Knock Knock....

April 1, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Hello April, as we open the door to spring with more interior design inspiration and project advice for your home. April reminds me of "coming alive', the feeling of new growth and the return of more colour after a dearly winter.New beginings, Eggs n' Chicks, the celebration of Easter, and I love the start of the Cherry Blossoms, all the pink lush blossoms, like cotton candy gone wild. Its sunny afternoons sipping coffee on sidewalks while there is still snow on the mountains - pretty amazing! Outdoor markets and new pop up stores to investigate. I will talk on how to find some market finds, and road trip flea markets worth checking out too.

The colour I have chosen for April is.......YELLOW! The colour of sunshine and happiness,lets explore all the hues it upholds from Havana Cream to Summer Petal, and give some background history on Yellow. Its a fantastic colour to explore through textiles, lighting, wallpaper, and furniture......oh and a special on hardware. As I know there is a lot of yellow brass out there, and yes its one of this years trends! So lets revive of those items you have and see how we can use them in your design-scape today. So, Hello Yellow!

April will continue with Wisdom Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays and of course the chit chat and design inspiration with the Colour Story of the Day features.

I will reveal the winner of Save the Space contest! That is super exciting....the before photo and the inside scoop on the design going forward. So if you haven't sent me a photo of your room and why it needs saved......there is still time to the end of this week! So get on it!

Designer ONLInE, details on how to use this new service. I feel as we all move to our mobile devices and wanting that boutique interior design service and have it delivered right to your mailbox - that is exciting! It also a fantastic service opportunity for out of town clientele - you now always have your designer touches when you need them. This service will not only cover space consulting, but also for renovation and build designs services. So stay tuned.

Whew, so many details! I have already been noting in my design journal things to blog about this month.......and truly excited to see where it goes. So buckle up, and get comfy we are in for a great road trip in Yellow Design.

What? Bye March!

March 31, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Here we are saying Good Bye to the month of March, we have covered so many topics & shared more interior design information its unbelievable. Here are the top highlights from our discussions based on YOUR viewing ratings.....I know there is RATINGS!

1. Diving into the history and meaning of the colour Green. How we relate the environment and nature to the colour, and our viewing experience. The Canadian colour palette and pairings of West Coast Design.

2. The top green colour was Weeden, the colour of growth by General Paints, followed by Mermaid Net by Behr Paints. Stunning! And of course the runner up was Jade by Pratt & Lambert, an exotic Green -Blue.

3. The most reviewed blog was Magic Mushrooms, and the whimsy of nature and green.

4. The daily blog of Today's Colour Story, has had amazing ratings and I love how many Greens we spoke about over the month of March.

5. Discussion and knowledge on the Greens of Sustainability and Leed Certification, check. The direction on where we can find materials from Greenworks Hardware to the Restore.

6. The event roll out of Save a Space contest! This coincides with our new Designer Online service, I am really excited viewing some of the rooms that have been sent and equally for the end result of the chosen SPACE. ;0 Keep them coming!

7. Lighting! Yes we looked at the green lights from Vancouver sky-rises, to task lights - The Bankers Light, and how wooden orbs of vainer can be created for an organic green alternative and sculptural design. There are truly endless choices in green lighting from the bulb to the fixture, choose creatively and make a statement.

8. The top photo was on the Designer Adventures of Welcome Spring Vancouver, living the postcard.

9. Wallpaper, we looked at many amazing wallpapers and in review I think my favorite was Opera House found Anthroplogie, by Trove Fucco based on a photograph from 1836.

10. Green is nature, no matter how we look at it we are incorporating that feeling of peace and comfort into our space. We looked at creating vignettes that are seasonal, also for special events adding character and whimsy to them - like in St. Patrick's Day. Or how about the living in the green, Tree House Tuesday from childhood to adults we can still embrace this style. I look forward to exploring more TreeHouses next month too. Finally, how to add that touch to a room? Yes always remember the fresh touch of colour through simple arrangements - Posies.

There was soooo much more we looked, and please feel free to look back through the blogs and Facebook posts and rediscover the Greens you loved. Until then.....WHEW! That wraps up the first edition of the Top Ten of the month review.........and the journey continues to April! Get Ready.........

Greenhouse

March 31, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour Story is inspired by the greens, Hemlock Bud by Pratt & Lambert.

Today's Colour Story is another stunning green and the last in this months Green story line.
Of course Hemlock Bud is a serene shade of green with yellow undertones, creating that natural fresh mood.

In design I have always loved the idea of the Green House dining room - experience the outdoor greens indoors - perfect harmony. Here is some inspiration of Hemlock Bud to dwell in thinking towards your Dining Greenhouse.

Dress your table with glassware, greens, and play on the glass of the greenhouse.

Inspiration for the dining greenhouse, add chandeliers, lanterns and candelabras to add to that mood, divine.

Inspiration dining furniture, use organic woods, layer textiles and chair style. Another feature would be to install a wood stove or cobblestone fireplace.

Flagstone the perfect transitional flooring for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inspired to Revamp, take another look at that glass greenhouse, and be inspired to create your outdoor indoor oasis.

Cheers &  Happy Monday! — Cheers & Happy Monday!

Fried Green Tomatoes

March 29, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Today's Colour story is Spark of Youth by Pratt & Lambert, inspired by Market Day Saturday and the morning menu selection of Fried Green Tomatoes.

Spark of Youth is a Green Yellow, fresh and vibrant just like Youth.

So as you adventure this Saturday, take in your local Farmers Market and enjoy the fresh smells of the produces, and sip in the array of vibrant colour. Its truly by stopping to enjoy the moments that we capture the moments YOUTH. Happy Saturday, Cheers

Today's Colour Story

March 28, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Jade No. 21-15  By Pratt & Lambert Paints — Jade No. 21-15 By Pratt & Lambert Paints

Is Taken from the green we see in the feathers of the Peacock. Making, Jade 21-15 by Pratt & Lambert our colour story today. I assure you even though this colour chip sample reads dark, its actually does have a vibrancy and exotic feel to it. Never be afraid of a dramatic colour, in the right lighting and sheen it can be stunning....or like I will sometimes refer to colours....Sexy! Greens will always continue to promote the conversations with nature, speaking to clear vision and mediation of the spirit and mind. We are blessed to live on the West Coast where we can see these amazing variations in the Green conversation, and as I have blogged about this colour all month I have looked at it all with a clearer eye. Refining the greens in my daily adventures and I hope you have too. So here are some inspirations for Today's Colour Story...........Enjoy the Eye Adventure :)

The bold and drama of the peacock feather......Stunning!

Modern Craft Metal Pendant, Green Blues illuminated inside.

Modern Wall Mural with play on colour from the Green Blue Peacock Feather.....Good Design Form!

Jade by Pratt & Lambert is a deep Green Blue, like the ocean and that sky colour just after twilight. Truly a colour I have always wanted to do in a Powder Room with copper accents. Its a glamours colour - so embrace your inner Friday fantasy with this exotic colour.........

Contest Event Giveaway!

March 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

WHAAAAAAT!

Saving One room at a TIME!

Its true Rampant Red would like to help you out by helping saving a room in your home. Spring brings us new starts and new beginnings, so let me help you bring a space back to life.

Provide me with a photo of your room, and tell 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 and Mood Board.....the plan to make it happen!
Event deadline is Friday April 4th, 2014 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!
So........Let the Entries Begin and Good Luck to Everyone.

Have a Fantastic Weekend Dharlings!

Please note this does NOT include kitchens or bathrooms.

Past Colour

March 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Looking for past 'Today's Colour Stories', check Rampant Red Facebook page for details.

Like what you read, remember to hit Like and share the Love - Cheers.

Today's Colour Story

March 27, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Brings You a Colour From the Past...............

Today's Colour Story is a throwback to British Racing Green, a true colour of nostalgia. Even writing this today I am smiling as I look at these inspiration photos, and how they were in fact rights of passage through history. I know when visiting in Britain you will see many Green Doors, a proud welcome from the cottage to the stately doors in London.

Its also marked in painted walls of libraries, the smoking rooms of grand estates a colour associated with strength in sport form horse to hound - its a deep colour. Also in many aspects of furniture you will find British Green in leather such as in parliamentary chamber seating - another reference to knowledge in colour. It also finds comfort in leather furniture of libraries and lounge setting rooms. I know from experience that sitting in these armchairs is truly a trip worth sitting upon! There is something nostalgic about sitting in 'auld' green leather and possibly sipping a scotch, to celebrate the passage.

The Lounge, British Green and Wainscoting panels and of course the horse saddle and hound - Horse n' Hound!

The British Green Leather desk swivel chair and flag.

The British Green leather library chesterfield, or for smoking conversation in a lounge.

British Racing Green is now doubtingly associated with Freedom, and connected to the classic MG sports car an easily association of the colour. Close your eyes... just imagine driving through the British Countryside on a twisting winding road, head scarf on and wind in your face! Smashin'ly Brilliant!

Throw Back to in the day when I in fact I slugged paint - a few guys asked me for this colour, noting it as British MG Racing Green. Curious, I would inquire for what purpose and the response,

- The Front Door! Of course :)

But also with the evolution of Greens we see in the motorcycle. From the deep greens in the army courier bikes, postage bikes to refined colour presence in Racing Green coloured bike tanks even today.

The feeling of anticipation, adventure, curiosity and growth in new paths continues.

So from yesterdays Throw Back Racing Green to today fresh hues, embrace that spirit of

Racing Green that brings Freedom to your heart.........

Wisdom

March 26, 2014 Jacqueline Curtis

Wisdom...... whoot hoot

As we talk about the Green's of March I want to share some Design terms for today. As we hear more often the phases, Green Build, Sustainability, Leed Certified, and VOC - what do these words mean?

Living here in Vancouver we are so privileged to living a Green Lifestyle, as second nature. I am always impressed by how much we do the simple task of recycling, such a small task with a big impact. How we conserve water and energy - I notice we make the choice but in the generation of children today its just simply how they live - amazing! We were all trying to conquer the world, and they are joining forces to make a difference through community. We are learning to refocus on this. My latest is the plastic bag, don't give us the option of paying for plastic - such a crime. Just simply only offer paper bags.......imagine how that would translate our shopping. I know we now carry every cloth bag known to man, and that is a fantastic difference in the change of direction to carry our goods.

I can only imagine that when today's children design their homes tomorrow how rich in resources they will be, and how it will define a beautiful Green Landscape. I am a fan of a tv show called Architects of Change, on PBS which recently ran an episode on Vancouver, BC being one of the leading green cities in the world describing how we are making a difference to our footprint in not just in daily living but in building today and tomorrow - WOW!

So today in a Blog Community setting I want to share some knowledge, cause Knowledge is Power and sharing these terms will give YOU power when making Design choices for Material's, and selections in designing YOUR space for everyday LIVING.

Sustainability - the ability to sustain, support and uphold.

In Envio Science this translates to NOT being harmful to the environment, depleting our natural resources rather supporting long-term ecological balance.

** In Design this is supported by practicing the three principals of Design,

Mood Function Harmony

Green Building also referred to as Sustainable Building Practice.

This is the process that is environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a home/building life cycle. Includes siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovations, and demolition.

A Green Build expands and compliments Classical Building concerns of economy utilities, durability, comfort. A Green Build is to reduce the overall impact of building in the environment, on human health, and natural environment and the use of energy effectively- through such elements as water and heat resources. Green Building also focuses on occupational health and well- being; reducing waste and pollution.

Leed Certified is the point system given to Green Sustainable Building, where the build has met and exceeded impacts on the environment through the following SIX categories:

Sustainable Site,
Water Efficiency,
Energy & Atmosphere,
Materials & Resources,
Indoor Environmental Quality,
Innovation & Design

The Leed Certified Categories for meeting these expectations are defined as:

Certified, Points of 40 - 49
Silver Leed Certified, Points of 50 - 59
Gold Leed Certified, Points of 60 - 79
Platinum Leed Certified, Points 80 plus

** Points Base of 100, and each category is given ten points with and extra six points given when exceeding in Innovation and Design.

VOC stands for: Volatile - Organic - Compound

It is defined as one or a number of chemicals, including benzene, acetone, formaldehyde that evaporates or vaporizes readily, and are harmful to human health and the environment. Also known as 'off gassing'.

VOC can be associated with and found in paints, glues, and MDF building materials.

NASTY Business.......we have access to paint choices that are low VOC or zero, so choose wisely. The bonus with these paints is that are fast curing in colour and fast drying. Very important to consider if you suffer with breathing issues, or when decorating a baby or child's room.

Where can I find natural paint choices,? Most Paint & Hardware stores will have a low VOC paint or Green choice for paint base - ask the paint pro for choices to make a VOC selection.

Information sourced from Wikipedia, Dictionary.com

I encourage you all to look for Enviro Signs and take the Wisdom route, and be part of wise

Designing today and tomorrow.

Sharing in the Power of Change...... Cheers!

TreeHouse TUesday!

Always take the moments to dream, as its here we find ourselves.

This is a special tribute Design Post for the Super Natural Fan Family

Rampant Red Design

In Seating.......

In Lights!

Today's Colour Story is Yellow Crocus by Pratt & Lambert.

Colour Terms

Hue - is PURE colour

Saturation - is how Light effects the Hue Purity.

What IS

Today's Colour Story is inspired by the warmth of the sun, with Havana Cream by Bher

WHAAAAAAT!

Saving One room at a TIME!

Have a Fantastic Weekend Dharlings! **Please note this does NOT include kitchens or bathrooms.**

Wisdom...... whoot hoot

Sustainability - the ability to sustain, support and uphold.

Green Building also referred to as Sustainable Building Practice.

Leed Certified is the point system given to Green Sustainable Building, where the build has met and exceeded impacts on the environment through the following SIX categories:

VOC stands for: Volatile - Organic - Compound

Have a Fantastic Weekend Dharlings!

Please note this does NOT include kitchens or bathrooms.