Blue & Green – What’s that old saying?

Spring is in the air and what a perfect time to think blue and green. Like the annual blossoming of the season, so is the resurgence of timeless blue’s & greens.

That old saying, “Blue and green must not be seen without a color in between” does not necessarily hold water in my book.

You will see countless scenarios where these colors are used exclusively with neutrals (grays/taupes/off whites) as well as “with colors in-between” as the saying goes.

For some, green is a color that is shunned with a fervent dislike. I think, if people could only see that right shade can compliment so many colors, especially blues.

They are both a part of nature and after all, green is made up partially from blue.

Think about the yellow-greens of the first blooms in Spring on our trees against a crisp clear blue sky, it really is uplifting and promising.

On my walks around the city, as well as shopping at the Boston Design Center (BDC), I have seen signs of these colors popping up in showrooms over the past couple of months such as Kravet, Furn & Company, Diana Levine Fine Art, F. Schumacher.

So, why not perk up your space this Spring with an infusion of Blue & Green….or any color in between?

Reprint from Traditional Home Designer Susan Kasler
Green Tolle chandelier I love and used by John Roselli

Blue & Green Dining Room reprint from Blog by Holly’s “Things That Inspire”

Pale Blue & green Bedroom perfect inspiration for Nantucket Project by Designer James Michael Howard

Paisley Velvet by Henry Calvin/Dotted Silk Velvet by Bergamo @ Donghia

Our Den fabrics mixed with Nuetrals

Fun abstract “Feeling Colorful” by Artist Kevin Haynes 2010

Blue & Green frosted chocolate Cupcakes with coconut topping

Glant Fabrics new early Spring ad @ Webster & Company

Blue & Green accessories display at Furn & Company

Accessories from Furn & Company

Accessories from Furn & Company

Pewter & Aqua Blue crystal Ball Chandelier @ Farrey’s in Miami

Early Spring at the BPG

New Blue & Green display @ Kravet Showroom Window
Painting by Kevin Haynes “BPG Springtime”

Pink. Every time I say or see the word, and the vast range of it’s color, my senses are awakened. Just think of all the different ways pink plays a role in our daily lives. There’s hardly a place you can go where you won’t see it used or incorporated in the world we live in. There is a wonderful old movie called “What A Way To Go” which starred Shirley MacLaine, and if you have not seen this, treat yourself to it. Aside from lavish set and costume design by Edith Head, you will see a segment in the movie where pink is taken to the extreme!

The “presence of pink” can be found in food, fashion, home accessories, design, and yes, even automobiles! I think back to my childhood in the late 60’s and early 70’s when GM featured a new color on the Cadillac called “Wisteria”, which was a very pale icy-metallic-pink mixed with a bit of lavender. What a gorgeous color and what a statement it made! It was distinctive, fashion forward for it’s time, yet still evoking a slight air of “in your face”, and subtle sophistication. This was nothing new for Cadillac, it was just another derivation of the fashion forward colors they’d offered off and on over the years since the 50’s. During the same period they offered other unusual colors like “Salmon Pink”. Remember Aretha Franklin’s big hit “Pink Cadillac”, which featured one of the big finned beauties in that color?

Pink always has and I think always will be “The” statement color in fashion. It’s a stimulating color that awakens emotions from deep within our hearts. Whether you wear Pink proudly in it’s most intense value, such as “Hot Pink”, or it’s most subtle shade of “Angel Skin”, it is a color that flatters. Lighting consultants advise using pink lamps or colored gels to enhance a room and to even out our complexions.

Some of the most memorable interiors I’ve seen can be attributed to those with something… or everything pink! Imagine adding a bold pink accessory, or perhaps painting a bedroom wall a pale shade of “Wisteria”? This Last week I walked into “Studio 534″ at the Boston Design Center and saw that Josh & Leigh had done just that! It gave the existing furnishings an entirely new look. One of my favorite color combination’s for a space is soft pink with chocolate brown… it’s delicious!!

When it comes to food…. well, let’s think of pink edibles like cotton candy, which is usually pink, right? Or, how about peppermint stick ice cream. For the diet conscious… pink grapefruit sorbet! Nothing is more yummy looking and tasting than a chocolate cupcake with pink peppermint icing. Did you ever wonder why (this one is for all the junk food lovers) Hostess made a “Snowball” sprinkled in pink coconut with chocolate cake inside?

So, with Valentine’s day just around the corner, why not start the month of February off by thinking pink?

Following up on my previous post Anything Amethyst!, I designed a powder room several years ago… 10 to be exact, and used Amethyst in it’s genuine form as accent colors on door, cabinet, & faucet hardware. I also used it as an accent color in hand painted Chinoiserie silver-leafed tea paper from Charles Gracie in New York. The inspiration all started from an antique French rock crystal and Amethyst encrusted petite chandelier I found in Paris. We designed the room around this and had the walls Jappaned a deep bottle green glaze. The effect was quite stunning and yet, peaceful at the same time. To this day people still come out of that powder room amazed.

I’m very proud to share this article written about John for his table design at Shreve, Crump & Low benefiting the Boston Living Center. John’s table is featured here as the “Favorite”, complete with many pictures, an interview, and descriptions of many of the products used.

Congratulations John!

http://www.theinsidesource.com/topics/home-and-garden/view/re-creating-a-garden-inspired-table/#share

An Excerpt from the article below:

Maybe it’s because we’re already longing for warmer weather, but at the opening night party last week, it was designer John Berenson’s of John Berenson Interior Design, whose “Magic Garden” table most caught our eye. The stone table, surrounded by rustic-chic carved wooden chairs from Oscar de la Renta for Century Furniture, was set with Anna Weatherley “Ivy Garland” plates hand-painted with ivy and butterflies atop William Yeoward “Avington Lavender” chargers rimmed with gold. Stemware included Heritage “Cricklewood” etched goblets and wine glasses, as well as Baccarat “Mille Nuit Ametyhyst: champagne flutes. The sterling was Tuttle Richelieu ($875/5-piece place setting) and the accessories include Grant Dawson “Gold Warbler” salt & pepper shakers and Baccarat colored butterflies

Berenson graduated from Boston University and the Fashion Institute of Technology, and has been creating fabulous rooms for years, first in Miami and then in Boston. His rooms combine comfort and simplicity with a heavy dose of luxe femininity, and have been seen in in Architectural Digest, New England Home, and The Boston Globe Magazine. We spent some time chatting him up to learn about the inspiration and process behind his lush tablescape, which looks fit for a wood fairy.

The Inside Source: With so much to choose from, how did you decide on a theme?

John Berenson: After several trips around the store to look at china with my assistant Troy, we noticed a beautiful stone table that looked as if it came out of a lovely English garden. It was like being hit by a bolt of lightning. Also, I have always loved Anna Weatherly’s “Ivy Garland” pattern—the craftsmanship of the hand painting is so beautiful.

TIS: And the color scheme?

JB: One of my favorite color combinations for accents is green mixed with purple. I predicted purple would be big this fall!

TIS: So the garden took shape from there?

JB: I equate design and decorating with cooking, which I am also passionate about. Designing is a process, like seasoning; as you create, you add a bit at a time until you reach that perfect taste. When I started to build upon the color scheme, using organic yet elegant accessories, the idea of doing a luscious lunch in a garden came to fruition.

TIS: Any tips for creating an inspired table?

JB: Flatware should always make a statement. To me, it’s like jewelry. Go for something you will remember (and love), long after you first pick up that knife and fork.

TIS: Who can you imagine dining at your garden-inspired table?

JB: Who else but the Ladies Who Lunch! I had two people in mind, both very fashionable, with impeccable taste. One is a jeweler and the other the wife of a king of silver. Both are wonderful philanthropic women with hearts of gold. Thinking of them sitting with a champagne, a yummy lunch, coffee and a little sweet to finish off a spring afternoon made this table an easy one to design.

John Berenson was invited along with a select group of Boston’s top designers to create a table setting to be featured at the “Festive Table” charity event, benefiting the Boston Living Center. Please join us to help this great cause and to view John’s work.

TO PURCHASE TICKETS

Be the first to view these magnificent table settings. Join us at Shreve, Crump & Low’s Festive Table Kick-off Events, November 4th and November 5th. Event Details and to Purchase Tickets.

Shreve, Crump & Low presents “Festive Table 2009″, a designer showcase of table settings created by Boston’s premier interior designers, running November 5 – November 29. The designers were given complete freedom to create their ultimate table setting. All of the merchandise comes from Shreve’s extensive china, crystal and giftware departments and from the designer’s own collections. Both floors of Shreve’s will be transformed into a display of magnificent table settings and will inspire you to create your very own “Festive Table”!

You are invited to Festive Table, a designer showcase of table settings created by Boston’s premier interior designers and hosted by Shreve, Crump & Low.

Well, we all know that Fall is just a breath away, and the leaves will be transitioning from their lush greens to amazing shades of
yellow-ochres to fiery shades of red-orange.

So, what does that mean for fall colors in fashion and interiors??? Anything but the expected!   In my travels around town and the design showrooms, I have noticed shades of purple & amethyst popping up more and more.

My first sightings were back in July when I would take my routine walk up and down Newbury Street.  I love to stop into  Ralph Lauren (he has such a great textile & color sense) and noticed on the 2nd floor a array of purples integrated into classic plaids combined with black and gray flannels, in shirts, ties, and luxurious cashmere’s.  I just took it all in, and was really loving it.  Later on, I walked by Valentino, and saw in their window another assemblage of outfits in the same coloration’s.  So, I said to myself, OK, it’s back again, and just as elegant and luxurious as ever.

Elie Tahari, another name in fashion with their own boutiques, is now showing a line for men at Bloomie’s and what are they showing??? Yes, more violet small scaled plaids with grey, black, and white coordinates.  So, yes, violet, amethyst, lavender, wisteria, or any relative of the color purple is back this fall.  Embrace it and wear a bit proudly, it has it’s own mark of distinction!

A recent issue of House Beautiful did a spread on “The Power of Amethyst” written by Jennifer Boles. It mentions how the color is so captivating and intriguing to designers. It is said to be a color that will soothe the mind and create a sense of peace. It is also a color, when used in it’s deepest strength, can create a wonderful ground for so many other colors.  Think of the possibilities… from deep aubergines and plums, to soft lavenders and wisteria.

I was walking by one of the many  wonderful showrooms at the Boston Design Center a week or so back and saw that Furn & Company had a new display in their window featuring an article on Amethyst with an assemblage of fabric swatches in many shades of violet casually strewn on a round glass table.  I stopped in and took a photo (see at top of page) and said to myself, “I have to write about all this color I am seeing”.  Furn & Company is another great showroom at the BDC to stop in to get inspired by new fabrics, furniture, accessories and color.  Eduardo is always “changing it up” in a relaxed and classic way, with a bit of edginess… great inspiration for designers.

I have always loved any shade of purple since childhood… purple with green was always a favorite color combo.  And most of all, I have been fascinated by the actual amethyst stones and geodes themselves.   Perhaps it’s because I was born in February and it’s my birthstone, or, that I share a birthday with Liz Taylor? I don’t know, except that she loves violet too.  But one thing I do know, and that is when you use it appropriately, it is a color that endures!  The key is, not to use too much, but if you do, make sure you do it richly and wisely.

I designed a powder room several years ago… 10 to be exact, and used Amethyst in it’s genuine form as accent colors on door, cabinet, & faucet hardware.  I also used it as an accent color in hand painted Chinoiserie silver-leafed tea paper from Charles Gracie in New York.  The inspiration all started from an antique French rock crystal and Amethyst encrusted petite chandelier I found in Paris. We designed the room around this and had the walls Jappaned a deep bottle green glaze.  The effect was quite stunning and yet, peaceful at the same time.  To this day people still come out of that powder room amazed. (see photos)

So, look around and try a little something purple this fall, be it a scarf, a pillow, paint, or even some yummy black raspberry ice cream!

I often stop into the Kravet/FDO showroom in the Boston Design Center to see what is new. The vignettes are inspiring and a good catalyst for color inspiration. Also, a great place to shop for not only fabrics and furniture, but accessories. I saw a great set of glass vases in hot pink & orange adjacent to a striking display of crisp white accessories punctuated by a wild hot raspberry and zesty orange wall covering. (see Photo). I got even more inspired as I was walking by F. Schumacher on the 5th. Floor of the BDC and saw a beautiful assemblage of swatches in shades of orange on the table. (see photo at top)

What I am most proud of, is having a client that took the plunge this year and brought a bit of citrus into her home. We took a very safe & neutral beige/black living room and gave it a shot of vitamin “C”. Just look at what a little juicy mandarin orange can do by just adding it to pillows, an accent chair and an accessory on the cocktail table.

So, if you want to put a little zing into your space, think shades of orange. It could be just that boost of energy your room needs!

Over a year ago, if anyone had said to me you will be writing about orange as a color to use in decorating, I would have looked at them as if they needed their head examined. Well, I should always remember what a wonderful professor at FIT in New York told me while in design school (he was a retired designer that worked for the well renown firm of Dorothy Draper). He said; ” the sign of a good designer is one that can work with color, and all colors are beautiful. You just have to know how to put them together properly”. So it goes for orange.

I first felt the positive effect orange had on me while on a road trip we took in June of ’08 heading back from Florida to Boston, we stopped in Savannah. I had never been and always heard so much about it, and I must admit, aside from seeing the historic beauty and antique shops, I really wanted to try Paula Dean’s restaurant…The Lady & Sons. We stayed at a fabulous Boutique Hotel, the Mansion at Forsyth Park. From the moment we checked in, I was totally taken by it’s exciting and creative decor. I can only best describe it as a mix of edgy modern meets La Belle Epoque. There was so much to look at between the art, opulent antiques, and vivid use of color, that I just wanted to keep exploring to see what was around the next corner.

It was here, in their refreshing restaurant/dining room that I started to really enjoy orange again! Yes, orange, in it’s most vivid and pure hue. Boldly displayed on highly lacquered Rococo French inspired carved chests dispersed around a room with crisp white moldings, chocolate stained wood floors and a wonderful, modern orange crushed glass tiered chandelier. It opened my senses visually and my appetite. I felt warm, refreshed, and happy.

Orange is a color that evokes strong emotion, you love it or you hate it. Often misunderstood and “poo-poo’d” over the last couple of decades in the world of design there have been cyclical resurgences of it in many interpretations. But not until the last couple of years has it been seen as proud and pure as it has now. It is worn proudly in fashion, and is popping in and up everywhere in the home furnishings market. I am enjoying it on a few projects this year and happy to see clients whom I never thought would have it in their home, emerging on splashes of accents, art and occasional pieces.

As in food, the zestiness of orange can appeal to our senses and wake them up like no other color can. It’s the designer’s shot of vitamin “C”. Think of it now as a great mixer, as in food and even beverages, it is a great enhancer.

In home decor, try “Navel Orange” teamed up with “Hot Pink” a color combo that was hot in the 70′s. Mix in a bit of “Lemon Yellow” or cool in down with “Apple Green”. Other colors to compliment or tone it beautifully are “Blueberry” or “Chocolate”. The combinations are endless given it’s amazing knack to work so well with other colors.

Not only is orange great in it’s purist form, but also watered down to softer tones. Take a nice orange sherbet velvet I recently saw at the Kravet/FDO showrooms in the Boston Design Center. This is a great spot to stop off for some color inspiration. The new colors being featured on furnishings were cozy “Flannel Greys” with yummy creamy accents of “Orange Sherbet”. It brought me back to my younger days giving me a more perky and exhilarated feeling.