Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Ask Debonair: Advice on Painting a Small Apartment

Hello friends. My latest post for Debonair Magazine is up today. As the interior design contributor for "Ask Debonair", I answer questions that are sent from readers concerning home and decor. I particularly enjoyed answering the latest question on painting a small space, as I myself have experienced the challenges of living in a cozy abode.

It seems that many are under the impression that they can't paint their studios or small one-bedroom apartments, fearing that their space may appear that much smaller. In the following piece, I explore color options and share tips I've picked up along the way. Working in the design industry, I'm constantly surrounded by creative geniuses, and they often share their tips, tricks, and all around know how with me. My goal is to share their knowledge, so that we can all live in more aesthetically pleasing spaces.

-S

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters

There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

Color Stories w/ the Beckerman Sisters

There's a fine line between avant garde style and wearing flat-out costumes in fashion. Rarely do we see ladies who can stand boldly with one foot on either side of the line, claiming both as sources of inspiration. Of course, there was the fictional Carrie Bradshaw, AKA the non-fictional Patricia Field, but I digress. Which brings me to the point of this post: The Beckerman Sisters. These Toronto natives have a wonderfully colorful fashion label, but an even more relevant style blog. Beckerman Biteplate is the sisters daily fashion diary that chronicles their own personal outfits. Their fashion sensibility is undoubtedly evident, but it's their styling abilities and on-the-spot art direction for their photos that personally inspires me. I'd love to see these ladies get into interior design, or production designing for film. If nothing else, the color stories these girls tell in their outfits are something to take note of. Time and time again, I talk about the need for juxtapositions in the design marketplace, and especially the need for young talent in the shelter arena. Maybe these girls could do a line of home accessories or even a line of fabrics or wallpaper. Speaking of wallpaper, have you heard about Vivienne Westwood's collaboration with the iconic Cole & Son wallpaper company?! It's a fitting collaboration when you consider that although Vivienne Westwood's known for her rock n' roll ways, elements of Westwood’s designs are still nestled in timeless British mores, just like the century old company.


-S

A Classic Weekend

I saw this classic Jag in San Diego last week, and instantly fell in love. Does anyone know what year it's from? So beautiful... even the color is perfect!

-S

A Classic Weekend

I saw this classic Jag in San Diego last week, and instantly fell in love. Does anyone know what year it's from? So beautiful... even the color is perfect!

-S

Pantone's Color of the Year 2010

Pantone just announced PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010.

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Turquoise wasn't chosen on a whim. The Color Institute team travels the world, absorbing colors in all sorts of contexts, studying consumer psychology and hitting trade shows.

In their 2010 and 2011 color-planning reports, they honed in on several blue and green shades. The winning turquoise represents the best of these broader trends.


About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.

Pantone's Color of the Year 2010

Pantone just announced PANTONE 15-5519 Turquoise, an inviting, luminous hue, as the Color of the Year for 2010.

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise inspires thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a comforting escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

In many cultures, Turquoise is believed to be a protective talisman, a color of deep compassion and healing, and a color of faith and truth, inspired by water and sky. Through years of color word-association studies, we also find that to many people, Turquoise represents an escape, taking them to a tropical paradise that is pleasant and inviting – even if it is only a fantasy.

Whether envisioned as a tranquil ocean surrounding a tropical island or a protective stone warding off evil spirits, Turquoise is a color that most people respond to positively. It is universally flattering, has appeal for men and women, and translates easily to fashion and interiors. With both warm and cool undertones, Turquoise pairs nicely with any other color in the spectrum. Turquoise adds a splash of excitement to neutrals and browns, complements reds and pinks, creates a classic maritime look with deep blues, livens up all other greens, and is especially trend-setting with yellow-greens.

Turquoise wasn't chosen on a whim. The Color Institute team travels the world, absorbing colors in all sorts of contexts, studying consumer psychology and hitting trade shows.

In their 2010 and 2011 color-planning reports, they honed in on several blue and green shades. The winning turquoise represents the best of these broader trends.


About Pantone
Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, has been the world’s color authority for 45 years, providing design professionals with products and services for the colorful exploration and expression of creativity. Always a source for color inspiration, Pantone also offers designer-inspired products and services for consumers. More information is available at www.pantone.com.

Todd Williamson: Light & Sound

Todd Williamson is an abstract American painter shown internationally for his ability to establish a harmonious meeting of reality and imagination. His latest exhibition, "Blurring the Lines," is a personal favorite of mine. What I love about Todd's latest series of work is the emotional polarity that exists in every piece. The works are undeniably moody and powerful, and at the same time they somehow bring peace and calmness...like a question that's answered in a single work of art.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Todd to dig a little deeper about his work:

SY: I believe that artists are Sociologists. They have an innate ability of feeling where society is at and where it's going. Are there any particular shifts that you're feeling right now, and would you forecast for us?

TW: Artists always seem to have an innate ability to feel the pulse of the world. I think the entire world is in flux right now. We are all still getting our balance from the economic meltdown. I think this will have a huge effect on the art world as we recover.

SY: The first time I saw your work, I immediately felt a connection with the work of the Italian Artist Lucio Fontana, especially his "Concetti Spaziali" series where he puts slash marks on monochromatic canvases to create an actual dimension of space. How does the concept of space inspire you in your work?

TW: Big compliment! I love Lucio's work…he is a master! Space is vital, but for me it's more about balance within the space. To be successful the work has to have a balance to the eye. It must feel complete and it must be pleasing to my sense of structure. My work is really more about light and the use of it in the fields of color and the way they interplay together.

SY: Color affects mood. Is there an emotion that you are trying to evoke in your audience with your current color palettes?

TW: LOL, they change ever day and with every work! I have always been known for my reds and blues. Fitting huh, hot and cold. I am an Aquarius! Usually the venue that I am preparing a show for dictates my use of color. New York is bolder than Tokyo, LA is brighter than Naples.

SY: What is your artistic process? Are you regimented, or do you only pick up the brush after any provocations (love/sex/fight/eat/sound/memory)?

TW: I'm both. Anything can inspire me as well as an underlying feeling just to put paint to canvas. I don’t paint well when I’m not happy and it shows.

SY: Professionally or in the everyday, what are you excited about?

TW: I'm starting a new group of Los Angeles artists. We are going to create a group that works together, drinks together, supports each other, etc... It's something that is needed in LA and it's time has come. I know more artists in Europe than I do in LA...

SY: Your paintings are divided with several horizontal lines like the staffs from a sheet of music, and there's a vibrational feeling like that of sound waves in your brush stokes. Is it safe to say that music fuels your work?

TW: Yes I was a voice major in undergrad. I graduated from a small private university (Belmont) with a very important music department. I did a show at the university in January. Music is always playing as I work. The titles of my work come from whatever catches my attention within a song lyric. Alternative rock and country are my main things.

Todd Williamson: Light & Sound

Todd Williamson is an abstract American painter shown internationally for his ability to establish a harmonious meeting of reality and imagination. His latest exhibition, "Blurring the Lines," is a personal favorite of mine. What I love about Todd's latest series of work is the emotional polarity that exists in every piece. The works are undeniably moody and powerful, and at the same time they somehow bring peace and calmness...like a question that's answered in a single work of art.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Todd to dig a little deeper about his work:

SY: I believe that artists are Sociologists. They have an innate ability of feeling where society is at and where it's going. Are there any particular shifts that you're feeling right now, and would you forecast for us?

TW: Artists always seem to have an innate ability to feel the pulse of the world. I think the entire world is in flux right now. We are all still getting our balance from the economic meltdown. I think this will have a huge effect on the art world as we recover.

SY: The first time I saw your work, I immediately felt a connection with the work of the Italian Artist Lucio Fontana, especially his "Concetti Spaziali" series where he puts slash marks on monochromatic canvases to create an actual dimension of space. How does the concept of space inspire you in your work?

TW: Big compliment! I love Lucio's work…he is a master! Space is vital, but for me it's more about balance within the space. To be successful the work has to have a balance to the eye. It must feel complete and it must be pleasing to my sense of structure. My work is really more about light and the use of it in the fields of color and the way they interplay together.

SY: Color affects mood. Is there an emotion that you are trying to evoke in your audience with your current color palettes?

TW: LOL, they change ever day and with every work! I have always been known for my reds and blues. Fitting huh, hot and cold. I am an Aquarius! Usually the venue that I am preparing a show for dictates my use of color. New York is bolder than Tokyo, LA is brighter than Naples.

SY: What is your artistic process? Are you regimented, or do you only pick up the brush after any provocations (love/sex/fight/eat/sound/memory)?

TW: I'm both. Anything can inspire me as well as an underlying feeling just to put paint to canvas. I don’t paint well when I’m not happy and it shows.

SY: Professionally or in the everyday, what are you excited about?

TW: I'm starting a new group of Los Angeles artists. We are going to create a group that works together, drinks together, supports each other, etc... It's something that is needed in LA and it's time has come. I know more artists in Europe than I do in LA...

SY: Your paintings are divided with several horizontal lines like the staffs from a sheet of music, and there's a vibrational feeling like that of sound waves in your brush stokes. Is it safe to say that music fuels your work?

TW: Yes I was a voice major in undergrad. I graduated from a small private university (Belmont) with a very important music department. I did a show at the university in January. Music is always playing as I work. The titles of my work come from whatever catches my attention within a song lyric. Alternative rock and country are my main things.

Baker: Interior Trends 2010

Last Thursday, I stopped in to see the lovely John & Paul at the Baker showroom during Fall Market at the PDC. We got to talking about interior design trends for 2010, and decided to take an on the fly video blog to send their thoughts out into the blogosphere.

It's all in good fun, but I have to say that John & Paul really know their stuff. Not only did they offer news about the latest Baker designer collaborations (Bill Sofield & Andre Arbus,) but they also forecasted trends and color stories in interiors for the coming year.

-S

Baker: Interior Trends 2010

Last Thursday, I stopped in to see the lovely John & Paul at the Baker showroom during Fall Market at the PDC. We got to talking about interior design trends for 2010, and decided to take an on the fly video blog to send their thoughts out into the blogosphere.

It's all in good fun, but I have to say that John & Paul really know their stuff. Not only did they offer news about the latest Baker designer collaborations (Bill Sofield & Andre Arbus,) but they also forecasted trends and color stories in interiors for the coming year.

-S

ColorSnap™ iPhone App

I'm a strict Blackberry supporter who never wanted an iPhone, well that is, until today. The latest ColorSnap™ app is a dream come true. This is an absolute must for designers, decorators, colorists, and those who need color in their lives.

With ColorSnap™, you can discover how coordinating colors and bringing ideas to life is easier than you ever imagined. Find a color you love, snap the photo and receive the matching Sherwin-Williams paint color and coordinating palette. And it’s all FREE!

-Choose a color that inspires you and match it with one of our 1,500 Sherwin-Williams paint colors.
-Receive a coordinating palette that complements your color. Save colors to your "My Saved Colors" library for future inspiration.
-Learn more detailed information, including paint names and RGB numbers.

...Can't wait until Farrow & Ball does an app of their own!

-S

ColorSnap™ iPhone App

I'm a strict Blackberry supporter who never wanted an iPhone, well that is, until today. The latest ColorSnap™ app is a dream come true. This is an absolute must for designers, decorators, colorists, and those who need color in their lives.

With ColorSnap™, you can discover how coordinating colors and bringing ideas to life is easier than you ever imagined. Find a color you love, snap the photo and receive the matching Sherwin-Williams paint color and coordinating palette. And it’s all FREE!

-Choose a color that inspires you and match it with one of our 1,500 Sherwin-Williams paint colors.
-Receive a coordinating palette that complements your color. Save colors to your "My Saved Colors" library for future inspiration.
-Learn more detailed information, including paint names and RGB numbers.

...Can't wait until Farrow & Ball does an app of their own!

-S

Oliver Furth Design

Traditional Home magazine selected my friend Oliver Furth as one of the “Top 20 Young Interior Designers to Watch." It seems these days that Oliver is racking up honors from all ends of the industry, and I just want to share his work with those who love fresh points of view in design.

...And here's an educational nugget for your enjoyment:

TH: Is there a palette you are particularly drawn to, and if so, why?

OF: "There's a Pratt & Lambert paint I like to use on ceilings. It's called snow goose. It's the faintest shade of pale blue. Almost like a very cool white. It subconsciously reminds us of sky and because cool tones recede, it makes the ceiling look taller."


www.olivermfurth.com

Oliver Furth Design

Traditional Home magazine selected my friend Oliver Furth as one of the “Top 20 Young Interior Designers to Watch." It seems these days that Oliver is racking up honors from all ends of the industry, and I just want to share his work with those who love fresh points of view in design.

...And here's an educational nugget for your enjoyment:

TH: Is there a palette you are particularly drawn to, and if so, why?

OF: "There's a Pratt & Lambert paint I like to use on ceilings. It's called snow goose. It's the faintest shade of pale blue. Almost like a very cool white. It subconsciously reminds us of sky and because cool tones recede, it makes the ceiling look taller."


www.olivermfurth.com

Pantone Color of the Year 2009

Color systems provider PANTONE® has named 14-0848-"Mimosa” its 2009 color of the year.

Mimosa, is a warm, engaging yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

According to Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

BTW, Pantone’s 2008 color of the year was "Blue Iris".

What are your thoughts on Mimosa?... Would you wear it in 2009? I think that it would go best as an accent to dusty colors - kinda pastel but earthier tones. But, That's not to say that Mimosa wouldn't look rocking with another bold color... maybe even with Blue Iris.


Cheers to Mimosa, and have a fun and safe new year's eve,

- S

SYI - For those of you who are not familiar with Pantone's...

Pantone Inc. is a corporation best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries (printing, paint, fashion, fabric and plastics).

Pantone Color of the Year 2009

Color systems provider PANTONE® has named 14-0848-"Mimosa” its 2009 color of the year.

Mimosa, is a warm, engaging yellow. In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow.

According to Pantone Color Institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, "The color yellow exemplifies the warmth and nurturing quality of the sun, properties we as humans are naturally drawn to for reassurance. Mimosa also speaks to enlightenment, as it is a hue that sparks imagination and innovation."

Best illustrated by the abundant flowers of the Mimosa tree and the sparkle of the brilliantly hued cocktail, the 2009 color of the year represents the hopeful and radiant characteristics associated with the color yellow. Mimosa is a versatile shade that coordinates with any other color, has appeal for men and women, and translates to both fashion and interiors. Look for women's accessories, home furnishings, active sportswear and men's ties and shirts in this vibrant hue.

BTW, Pantone’s 2008 color of the year was "Blue Iris".

What are your thoughts on Mimosa?... Would you wear it in 2009? I think that it would go best as an accent to dusty colors - kinda pastel but earthier tones. But, That's not to say that Mimosa wouldn't look rocking with another bold color... maybe even with Blue Iris.


Cheers to Mimosa, and have a fun and safe new year's eve,

- S

SYI - For those of you who are not familiar with Pantone's...

Pantone Inc. is a corporation best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries (printing, paint, fashion, fabric and plastics).

Random Got Beautiful

Nikki Farquharson began Random Got Beautiful in March 2007.

This online collage of random photographs is open for public participation.

The idea is to take objects of various colours out of their original context and place them together to create a new one.

The title 'Random Got Beautiful' (RGB for short) was chosen once colour was decided to be the theme.

RGB relies on a collaborative effort while also supporting self promotion.

From the site, click an image to take you to the extermal site of the person who provided that photo.

www.randomgotbeautiful.com

Random Got Beautiful

Nikki Farquharson began Random Got Beautiful in March 2007.

This online collage of random photographs is open for public participation.

The idea is to take objects of various colours out of their original context and place them together to create a new one.

The title 'Random Got Beautiful' (RGB for short) was chosen once colour was decided to be the theme.

RGB relies on a collaborative effort while also supporting self promotion.

From the site, click an image to take you to the extermal site of the person who provided that photo.

www.randomgotbeautiful.com