Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 03, 2012

Decorating with Red

Red!  The color of passion, fire, power, stimulation, energy and romance!

Unlike most colors in a palette, red evokes emotions.  What other color can you think of that can bring out so many different responses or describe so many situations,  such as a 'red hot' romance celebrated with red roses, a scarlet woman, 'red carpet treatment' just to name a few.

When a woman wears a red dress, she is noticed and remembered, just as a man will wear a red tie to standout and exude a semblance of power.  Red indicates danger and is the color of fire...... is used on fire engines, stop signs and, of course, red lights.

In decorating, just as blue is calming and green is serene, red is stimulating.  Whether to use a lot of red in a room, or just a splash of it here and there, can be determined by the use of the room, as well as the personality and emotional wellbeing of the homeowner. 

This color not only stimulates our appetites, but our emotions, in which case if you feel you need a lift or want stimulation, then by all means, use red.  If you feel your life is already in overdrive and you want to relax when you get home, red would definitely not be your first choice of color.

I'm sure you've heard before that restaurants often use red to stimulate their diners appetites....well, that's true. And I have heard 'never use red in a bedroom or you'll never be able to unwind!' and whatever you do, never use red in a nursery or kid's room if you want a calm and happy child!

Having said all that, take a look at the rooms below and see how many red bedrooms there are.  As stimulating as they may be, they are also warm, cosy and welcoming.  

Some of the world's greatest artists, designers and decorators use red with abandon - just another indication of their passion for life and living!  From rustic to regal, it's a knockout!

Enjoy!

Carolina Herrera's daughter in family living room

Traditional Home

BHG Cottage bunks

Cath Kidston's kitchen, London

Charles Faudree's living room

A Charlotte Moss guest room

A Tom Scheerer bedroom

Framed fabric BHG

Galen Weston's Florida home

Katrin Cargill design

Gingham and toile bedroom Toby West

Red vignette

Katrin Cargill design

Lynn von Kersting dining room

Michael Smith design

Red frames Tumblr

Mary MacDonald living room

Real Simple

Sue Ellen Gregory



Carolyne Roehm vignette

Carolyne Roehm




Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Oprah's Hawaiian House

As promised last week, here is the followup on Oprah's homes - her Hawaiian retreat.

What began as an old gray farmhouse Oprah purchased to tear down, ended up being restored and perfected to Oprah's requirements.  The property was purchased for it's location and magnificent ocean views.  With the help of an architect and designer Ellie Cullman and her team,  the house was brought back to life. 

After the floorplan was completely redone and the house taken back to its basic structure, the master bedroom ceiling was raised to give the room an airier feel, french doors were installed throughout the house and a wrap around verandah was added.

Since this property is meant for a very relaxed lifestyle, the interiors were designed with comfort in mind.  The folk art weathervane in the shape of a galloping horse became the focal point in the living room as a reflection of the horses in the field.  The rooms are painted in beautiful summery colors of yellows, greens and soft whites.  Oprah's master bedroom is done in her favorite shade, green, which is also very serene.  Along with her colorful bouquets of fresh flowers and her beloved African American art, it has become her home away from home.

All in all, an absolutely wonderful getaway.

Enjoy!

Oprah's Hawaiian Home

Veranda ocean view

Living Room

Dining Room

Dining Room

Master Bedroom

Bedroom Balcony

Kitchen

All photos via Oprah.com