Monday, May 30, 2011

Saturday, May 28, 2011

The pinkest pink: Benjamin Moore 'Conch Shell' in Hamptons bedroom, from Elle Décor

"Pretty in Pink"- Decorating with pink paint

I'm sure you have heard the phrase "pretty in pink". Well YOU can be pretty in pink too, when you surround yourself with pink in your home. Pink is very personal, and probably not the first color people think of using in decorating, except in a  little girls bedroom, which is where we traditionaly see it used .

I have been doing a lot of reading on color lately, and it has changed the way I think of pink.  Before writing this post I would have said I was not a "pink person", but I found a picture of a very cool chair done in pink ( a hot, vibrant, fun pink) and fell in love with it! It opened my mind to all the different ways you can use pink. Keep reading and maybe you will realize you can be a pink person too. (I was so inspired by writing this, that I even painted my toenails pink!)

In my last post I talked about the color red. Although I (and many others) love red, it's not for everyone. Pink is an option for those that feel red is just too bold. It is a watered-down, softened red, a modest "blush", a "glow". The lighter shades of pink are pleasing to use in interiors, because it is warm and flattering.

Light pinks are described as innocent, soft, tender, romantic and cute.

Dusty pinks are perceived as soft, cozy, soothing, romantic, subtle , yet sophisticated.

Bright pinks are seen as exciting, happy, hot, trendy, attention getting, energetic, youthful,
fun and spirited. These pinks can be dynamic and powerful. Extroverted individuals love brilliant pinks. Which pink is the one for you?

Here's how and where to use pink in your home:

Bedroom- It is a perfect color for the bedroom, it is soft, cozy and romantic.

Bathrooms- Another room where pink works well, because of it's warm flattering effects.

Living and Dining Rooms- Use pink in prints and patterns, or choose rosy, clay, or mauve tones.

Kitchen- You can have fun with pink in this space, especially active, hot pinks! You can use it as accents in your linens, glassware and art.

 If you love pink, you tend to be less showy than a red person. You are soft, romantic, gentle, refined and are upset by violence. You are talented, but not overambitious. You are more contemplative, more cautious. People are drawn to you by your charm and warmth.

So if you would like to be "pretty in pink" and explore how to get a design that reflects you, contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com

Also see "Pink Shadows" and "The pinkest pink" post for examples of different shades of pink.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Seeing Red...

Ever wonder why you like a certain color, or what a color can say about you? In my quest to create designs that are truely individual and reflect the client, I do think about this. My undergraduate degree is in Psychology and I am very interested in the psychological effects of color on individuals, and how I can include that when I am choosing colors for a client.



Red is the first color that babies see after black. It is the beginning of the color spectrum, so it seems fitting that I start with that color.

Red is associated with fire, heat, danger and excitement. It is dynamic, dramatic and commands attention.  It can be lively and warm, to rich and elegant.

If red is your favorite color, you are self-confident, passionate, extroverted and have a zest for life. Those who love red are high achievers, driven and intense. In addition red lovers may be opinionated, overbearing, moody, bossy and fickle (sorry red lovers!!)

It takes a self-assured and extroverted person to paint their world in red. If you're not quite that daring, you can still use red, just in moderation.

Where and how you can use red:

In the Kitchen- Red is best used as an accent, especially because it increases your                       metabolism...so you probably don't want to use too much!

In a Den- This room tends to be more traditional, so you will want to use a blue-red, such as claret, or maroon, which are rich colors. You may also use a jeweled red such as ruby, which looks elegant.

In a Bedroom- Use soft reddish pinks, or deep reds to calm down the intensity of the color.

Hallway, Entry, Powder Room- You don't need to be afraid to use red in these spaces and have fun! It can make a big impact and since you don't "live" in these rooms, you are less likely to tire of the color quickly.

So, I will now tell you that I have a red accent wall and chairs in my living room...so you all know a little more about me!


If you love Red and want a design that reflects you, then contact me at erinkent75@yahoo.com for a consult.

Monday, May 16, 2011

The price of a mistake

I wrote a previous post, that asked if hiring a decorator is affordable? Well, I read a post on my new favorite blog, Colour me Happy (I love it!!) that supported my point, so I thought is was worth writing about again, in more detail.

Paying a professional will help you to avoid making costly mistakes. One big mistake could far out weigh the price of hiring a decorator! My advice is to hire a decorator to avoid making the mistakes, you can't afford to make :)
Here is a quote from another article I recently read, "you should hire a professional to do anything that you can't do professionally yourself." That made perfect sense to me, we all hire professionals like accountants, plumbers, electricians, etc. why not a professional to do your decorating?
If you are looking for a design that reflects you, then contact me at :erinkent75@yahoo.com to schedule a consultation.