2012 COLOR FORECAST

With only a few months left to the year, it is time to start planning for 2012.  I am very excited to share the "2012 Color Forecast" with you.  There are 4 key colors and a lot to share, so I will break it up into segments.  This will be the first of a series.

NEUTRALS
 Neutral is a color that represents "trust."  We see neutrals in nature, such as pebbles, bark, and sand.  Maybe the place that you enjoy relaxing the most is in nature - the park, the mountains, or possibly the beach.  Now, think about that special place (Reminiscent Place) as you read this!

The grays will be warmer & combined with other neutral colors, such as tan, cream, and black.  This particular room has a monochromatic color scheme.

We have seen yellow used as an accent color in fashion, but now we will also see it in interiors as well.  It will be combined with either beige or gray.







A lot of texture, such as wood grains and wicker will be used to add dimension to the design.  Birch bark & bamboo will also be part of the design to bring in nature.  Natural fibers such as linen and organic cotton in neutrals will be used for sustainability purposes.

So, did you think about your Reminiscent Place (special place) as you read this, and how you can incorporate neutrals into your space?  Write back to me on the Blog and tell me!

3 Hot Colors for Summer

If you are thinking about getting your outdoor space ready for summer (despite the weather right now), there are a few colors that will look great!  Incorporate these colors into your outdoor space to create that "Memorable Place" you have been to!






1. Lemon Yellow is a color that works well with summer
decor, mainly because it brings in the sunshine even on a
dreary day. Yellow is a happy color, and can instantly
improve one's mood.
Try a lemon yellow patio set, put out some fresh flowers
and you are all set!










2. Pumpkin Orange seems like a fall color,
but works great as an accent color for summer.
Use it on an outdoor wall, or add some pumpkin orange accessories such as dishes or place mats
to make a statement!

3. Muted Magenta is a beautiful color for summer- my favorite in particular! It's one we haven't seen
in a while. It is wonderful alone, or combined
with other colors. It brings a sense of balance,
and would liven up any outdoor space!





Again, creating a "Reminiscent Space" together!
 

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The Influence of "COLOR"

Tulip Time Festival - Holland, M

I love COLOR!  Maybe that's why I look so forward to "Spring" because of the beautiful, colorful flowers, especially the tulips.  Holland Michigan's tulip festival is an event that is so much fun, and has the brightest, most colorful tulips I have ever seen!  This is definitely a place that I enjoy!
Are there places that you can think of that you take great pleasure in
spending time there?  (Write on the Blog and let me know)!

The places that you enjoy the most have a special ambiance that brings about pleasant sensations to your emotions.  The main ingredient that affects you in these settings is "Color!"  Whether we know it or not, color affects us at a deep level and creates feelings, memories, and style.  Color is personal!  Let's take a look at just a couple of colors and how they affect us.

Idea for the "Red Room" of the White House (by Frank Fontana)

RED creates energy, excitement, and dynamism.  Its increases your heart rate and raises your blood pressure.  Use "Red" to compose boldness in a room, or use as an accent color.  I personally love the color "Red."

Candice Olson Divine Design - Beachy Blues

BLUE brings tranquility and produces a calming effect.  It is the color of the sky and water, and promotes a relaxing atmosphere.  Blue is a great color for bedrooms and bathrooms to create a spa retreat.  Also blue is fun to use when composing a beach theme in a room (such as this one).

Click on "Comments" (immediately following this post in blue letters) and write to me letting me know of your favorite "memory place", and how the COLOR affects you!  Looking forward to hearing from you!  Also, remember to click on "Follow" to keep up with the latest "Reminiscent Space."

Design District in Chicago

The sun is shining, 50 degrees, what a beautiful day in Chicago!  Grand Avenue, once a West-Side Factory district, is now emerging into a "certified design destination."  The old warehouses have all been renovated into design boutiques that have one-of-a-kind pieces for your home or business.  The street has a certain vintage feel.  Come with me as we look for artifacts for your "reminiscent space."

Let's take a peek inside of "Urban Antiques & Uncommon Objects."  As you can see, the space is filled with artifacts from buildings in the Chicagoland area.  The "Tin Finial" (in the front)  was once on a Late Victorian estate. 

"Urban Remains" has a multitude of architectural artifacts.  These are stone and terra cotta reliefs from buildings in Chicago.

Vintage items are not the only thing they have on Grand Ave.  If you have a contemporary flair, there's something for you as well.  "The European Furniture WareHouse" has a great selection of contemporary furniture pieces - many are special ordered.  The dining room table and chairs are from an Italian company called "Calligaris."

And you thought there was just architectural artifacts!  "Post 27" has a variety of beautiful vintage clothing for that special occasion - one of a kind items.  So, if you are looking for something to do, head on over to "Grand Avenue Design District" in Chicago!

Creating the Right Design Aesthetic for Your Practice

Medical Office Today (Custom Interiors & Design is quoted in this "online magazine")
in reference to:

Be aware of building architecture and surroundings

The style of the building in which you're located and the neighborhood in which it's situated should inform many of your design choices.

"If the building is contemporary, then the interiors should be contemporary to complement the design, says Indiana-based interior designer Susan El-Naggar. The same with a classic style: if the building is a 1920s Renaissance revival, then the interiors should complement the building. Otherwise, the design style would be out of context with the surroundings."
- Creating the Right Design Aesthetic for Your Practice (view on Google Sidewiki)

The Streets of Montreal

Victorian-style street lamps, cobblestone roads,
eighteenth-century architecture, what a view from a horse and carriage ride.  Restaurants and terrace cafes everywhere - ah, the wonderful aroma!
What a charming historical place!

Limestone facades, green tin roofs, arched portals,

line the street so intricately that one would never know it dates back to the French era.

With its cartouche,
on the facade,
the Old Sulpician Seminary,
is the oldest building in Montreal.






Now imagine,
bringing the ambiance of Old Montreal into your space!


Let's Make Reminiscent Spaces, Susan El-Naggar, ASID

Images:  es.zooomr.com/z/photos/zoom/8645999/size-32/
& vieux.montreal

The Balustrades of Portugal

I remember one summer when the art class I was taking walked over to an old antique store, and we sat outside and sketched the building.  Imagine the scene:

A beautiful warm summer day,
sitting outside
drawing,
it couldn't get much better than that, so I thought!

A few years later, I am staying in a four-story castle, built in 1848, surrounded by 110 acres of gardens.  Off the back was a large veranda overlooking the gardens.  It was breathtaking to say the least!  We had homemade bread, and fresh fruit that came from the gardens, every morning.  I found myself sketching balustrades throughout Portugal.  Why don't we have balustrades like that here?  I am determined to make that happen!

Let's Make Reminiscent Spaces, Susan El-Naggar, ASID

Image: Virtual Portugal