Celebrating Color: Blush

Hello dear readers! Hope you are staying warm. We are experiencing a real Winter here in Ohio, the kind we've not experienced in some years and many are feeling a little blue. I'm suffering with a little bit of cabin fever, even though I'm a homebody! I have a treat planned for you!  Over the next week or so we will be celebrating one of my favorite things - Color!  Nothing cheers a body up like color. Hope you enjoy the ride and find some inspiration.

By now, we all know that Pantone's color of the year for 2014 is Radiant Orchid. This gorgeous color will be featured in a subsequent post.  For now, I'd like to talk a little about Blush, the palest of pinks. This color was immensely popular in 2013, especially when paired with gray - (see my favorite color scheme for 2013 here). Blush is a very versatile color. It looks great paired with wood or metallics. It's perfect for a soft pastel room.  It also looks great with pops of bright colors such as yellow and hot pink. I predict blush will continue to be very popular in 2014.

Blush makes a bedroom beautiful. Combined with the wood of the Heywood Wakefield dresser (BTW - I need that dresser!) and the furry rug, this room is both warm and soft.  Tracy's Vintage Modern in Manhattan via Apartment Therapy.

Blush curtains look fabulous with coral bedding and a hint of gray from the throw. Love the pale blue chair. Crate and Barrel.

A beautiful color story.  Blush ottoman, sage curtain and coral vase.  Image Elle Interior.

I love pale pink with pale blue.  Gorgeous sofa, rug, vase and lampshade!  This is definitely  not the pastels of the 80s.  Style by Marianne Luning for vtwonen.

I read that accent walls will no longer be a trend in 2014, but I don't believe it!  It's a great way to add color to a room.  I love the way they have blocked the gray over two walls in this room.  Not ready to paint a wall?  It's easy to change a room on a whim by adding accessories.  Here's a few that will work nicely and in a blush room, or to just add a little flavor of blush.  Image Planet Deco.

CB2

Urban Outfitters

Ferm Living

My New Year's Resolution: Just Be.

This post is kind of late.  I can't believe January is almost over.  Seems like it was Christmas yesterday. I usually don't make New Year's resolutions, because I seldom keep them and why set myself up for failure. This year I read so many resolutions friends made on Facebook, and I was touched by all the good intentions. But....what if you don't have to be better, smarter or prettier....what if you are perfect just the way you are? In fact, isn't all that striving causing suffering and disappointment?

So this year, I made the resolution.  To just Be.  I'm going to Be who I am.  And try to accept that I am perfect the way I am.  And you are perfect too.  You are perfect just the way you are.

Urban Outfitters must have been reading my mind when they made this pillow.

Since I get a lot of requests for pictures of me, here's one my sister-in-law took around Christmas.  I am modeling the fabulous beaded purse I got at the Salvation Army for $2.00.

Here's a selfie I took in the bathroom. Selfies are hard aren't they?  I receive a lot of criticism for wearing my hair long.  I am told by various "experts" that "older" women are not supposed to wear their hair long.  I say quit using the word older, and wear your hair however you feel most comfortable.  I've tried various lengths, and am most comfortable in long hair.  So I'm going to Be comfortable.

Can you imagine anyone telling the sublimely beautiful Eveline Hall that older women shouldn't wear their hair long?  Being a woman is fun.  I enjoy girly things.  And I am going to Be who I am.

Silvery eyeshadow is my favorite at the moment.  This gorgeous look by Cover Girl.  But you don't need makeup to be a fabulous woman.  Again, the key is to Be who you are.  Remember this essay, entitled "You Don't Have to Be Pretty?"  I think it should be required reading for all women.  And I wish I'd written it. (See previous post where I first mentioned this essay.)

Okay, here's a sad truth. Everyone's been bullied. And everyone bullies. The question is not whether you are bullying, but how you are bullying. You want bullying to stop, then stop bullying. And just let people be.  We all want the same thing, so Be and let Be.

You are not lost, you are perfect.  You don't have to find yourself.  Just Be yourself.

Be where you're supposed to Be. Be on Time and let God do the rest. Be who you are.

That is my New Year's resolution. I am going to Be. What does that mean?  It means I am going to endeavor to live authentically and Be who I am, without apology. More importantly (and more difficult), I am asking for God's help in loving who I am, without striving, comparing, coveting.  Just as I am. I am asking God for his help with greater tolerance. I want to allow others to Be who they are with unconditional love and non-judgment.

This year I'm going to just Be.  And maybe, just maybe, we are all perfect they way we are.  Wouldn't it be a relief to set down the striving for a while and enjoy just being?

What 2014 Looks Like: Shout Out to Pharrell Williams

I'm over the moon that Singer/Writer/Producer/Designer/Entrepreneur Pharrell Williams' song Happy is nominated for an Academy Award!  Congratulations on this much-deserved accolade Pharrell!

I am overly ambitious because I realize it can be done.

Pharrell Williams from his Facebook page.

This post is not meant to be an exhaustive essay on the multi-talented Pharrell Williams, but rather my personal experience of how I learned about this phenomenal artist. My appetite for all things Pharrell has merely been whetted. I predict that this cultural icon will be responsible for the biggest trend of 2014.

I first learned of Pharrell's fabulousness when I saw a feature of his Miami apartment. This happens to me a lot since I'm addicted to decorating magazines and blogs. I often first learn of a celebrity when I see their home. When I fall in love with a person's home, it encourages me to learn more about them. I was blown away by Pharrell's cutting edge art collection, so I knew I wanted to know more about him.

Among his art collection are:

A giant plush flower ball by Takashi Murakami.  I adore Murakami's work, to see more of his work on this blog, see large Murakami pillows in Kanye West's office, here. I also included Murakami's work in a review of contemporary painters, here.

And how cool is this KAWS statute?  Kinda like Mickey Mouse with 'tude. Or the Michelin Man with swag. Pharrell definitely has the right idea when it comes to art. Go graphic and go big!

You know that a guy who wears pink boat shoes has got tons of mojo to spare. Above three images via Upscale Hype.  Pharrell is soft spoken and laid back, and has a sexy high pitched voice.  To me he is the ultimate in geek chic.  And I mean that as a compliment, I adore geeks.  Everything Pharrell touches turns to gold. He's very social as evidenced by his frequent collaborations. It must be thrilling to work on collabs with him. A couple of my favs are:  Beautiful with Snoop Dogg, Universal Mind Control with Common. and Get Like me with Nelly and Nicki Minaj.

Image via BlackBlaBla...

Pharrell has a great sense of style.  No one rocks a bow tie better. It's no surprise that he was tapped to be a guest judge on Project Runway All Stars (Season 1, Episode 9).  Designers were tasked with creating an Avant Garde look with lighting technology. The winner's design will be worn by one of Pharrell's artists.

The winning design was created by Austin Scarlett. This is one of my favorite episodes of Project Runway. Needless to say, I love Avant Garde and I adore Austin Scarlett. But it was more than that - it was Pharrell's gentle judging that made me happy. I always cry when artists are criticized harshly and eliminated. As an artist who is sensitive to criticism, I understand their pain and am in awe of their bravery. It gladdened my heart when Pharrell told Austin that he is a star. Indeed. Takes one to know one.

Pharrell has written countless scores for movies, TV and spun many hits for other talented artists. So it comes as no surprise, that he's even designed clothes for the line he co-founded, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Pharrell has been present in my life lately, almost by accident (although there's really no such thing as an accident). I recently discovered the work of fashion designer extraordinaire Ozwald Boateng. I won't say too much about Ozwald at this point because he is the subject of an upcoming post. I highly recommend the movie A Man's Story.

I'm always fascinated by the marriage of fashion and music. I enjoy seeing the process of how a designer chooses music for his runway show, and how that music flavors the movement and the clothes. While watching this movie, I heard a song that infected me. I needed to know more.  After investigation, I found the song was entitled Lapdance by N.E.R.D. When I heard the song in the film, I thought I heard the unmistakable sexy sounds of Pharrell.  I was correct, he is the lead vocalist and drummer of N.E.R.D.  Now every time I listen to Lapdance, I can see Ozwald bobbing his head in his sexy way.

N.E.R.D. stands for no one ever really dies. Their music is a stripped down, sophisticated minimalism, an attempt to make something out of nothing. Okay, these pithy words aren't mine. Wish they were. Suffice it to say they're dope.  N.E.R.D.'s influence is clear on Get Like Me. Click the link N.E.R.D. to read an amazing essay on their work. I get the sense that Pharrell loves his life and his work, and that this collab was done like many of the things he does. That is, with a grassroots flavor, and a spirit of comradery.  It must be great to work with him.

Pharrell is a skilled entrepreneur. Have you heard of Quarterly Co.?  Quarterly Co. is a subscription service that enables people to receive items in the mail quarterly from influential curators of their choice. Pharrell is one of the curators you can subscribe to. His theme is curiosity, and he reminds us that "it's important to live each day like a student." How fun would that be to receive a gift from Pharrell every three months?  If interested in a subscription, click here  (This is not a sponsored post.) He's even written a book called Places and Spaces I've Been.

How does he get the energy to do all that he does? Because he loves it. When you love what you do, it's not work. Pharrell exudes love, and love is evident in all that he does. That he has achieved success doing it is a testament to the laws of attraction. They work. Which brings me to the song Happy. If you haven't heard it yet, take a listen. I guarantee you will be bobbing your head and clapping your hands.

After steady doses of the raunchiness of hip hop and gangsta rap (which I confess, I still love), I find this incredibly refreshing.  Pharrell is redefining cool and it makes me happy. I have listened to this song over and over, and it has chased away the blues for me. I've been dancing and singing while cleaning my apartment. Pharrell has even started a cultural movement called.  i am OTHER.
   

i am OTHER celebrates people who push society forward.

 The thinkers. The innovators. The outcasts. 

History has proven that it’s the rule breakers

who have the power to change the world.

From the manifesto. Pharrell has also produced the world's first ever 24 hour music video, called

24 Hours of Happy.  Viewers can visit the site and they are automatically taken to the point in the video that the time on their computer reflects.  At the top of the hour, Pharrell performs the song, so he appears in the video 24 times.  Following his performance 14 unique cameos play in four minute intervals, all filmed in Steadicam. The performers are all unique and so lovable.  The video can be watched in real time, or you can skip to a different time of day.  You can even share favorite moments on Twitter and Facebook.  A superb example of how the technology connects us all.  For more information on 24 Hours of Happy, click here.  Here's a confession - which I'm a little afraid to admit. But perhaps admitting it will hold me accountable. I'm thinking of doing a Vlog dancing to Happy.  (Gasp! Fear just surged through my body.)

Can't get enough Pharrell?  Me neither. Here's a twitter feed with Pharrell's quotes.  Pharrell, I hope you win the Academy Award.  And thanks for being an inspiration and chasing my tenacious blues away.  Happy is going to be my theme song for the year.

Here's a prediction for 2014.  Remember you heard it here first.  I predict Pharrell will be the most significant cultural icon of the year.  My dear friends, thanks for reading.  And here's my wish for you for 2014:

BE HAPPY

BE OTHER

xo

What 2014 Looks Like: Shout Out to the Gap

A friend and I have been discussing what the year 2014 will look like. He insists this year people will be kinder, more tolerant and move at a slower pace. I like that. In that spirit I'd like to a shout out to the Gap for their Make Love campaign. The campaign features a rainbow of people.  I like that. That's one of the beautiful things about humankind. Love comes in all shapes and colors. The poster features artists Waris Ahluwalia and Quentin Jones.

As you know this poster made news when it was defaced with hatred in New York. 2014 is a time to give up such ignorance. Here's a quick Cliff notes for those who are interested. Waris is not a Muslim, he is a Sikh. Not that that even matters, it shouldn't even matter if he is a Muslim. A reminder:  We are not at war with Islam. We are war with a fringe faction of Islam. However, we shouldn't be at war at all. I hope that 2014 will be the year we finally lay down our arms.

Make no mistake, those who still ascribe to hatred and ignorance are becoming a smaller and smaller minority. I am confident we will see peace on this planet. It's just a matter of time.

Favorite Color Scheme of 2013

Happy New Year dear readers! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. I've seen so many review posts on my favorite blogs so felt I should do one too.  A friend of mine recently said to me, "I wonder what 2014 will look like?"  Interesting thought. Each year does have its own unique look, doesn't it? In the next few posts I will endeavor to show you what I think 2014 will look like.  But first, let's take a look at what 2013 looked like.  Here is a review of my favorite color scheme for 2013.

Dove gray, pale pink, hot pink. Added to that are a small amount of black, and a large amount of white. No matter what color scheme you choose, you should always balance it with a large amount of white. There are so many beautiful variations of pink. You may opt for a coral pink instead of pale pink - or even in addition to the pale pink for a beautiful look. Peach will also work in place of pale pink.  This color scheme can be done in a soft hue or for more drama in a bold hue, or a mixture of the two. The possibilities are endless and experimentation is so much fun.

For those lovers of color, you may want to add just a pop of an accent color.  Here are my favorite accent colors for 2013:

Yellow, orange, turquoise and aqua. A small amount of yellow goes a long way.  Any of these colors can be used as a pop to the above color scheme, or could replace the pink (gasp!). In my humble opinion, every room needs a dash of hot pink. Color is fun, and I love experimenting with color in my apartment, and I will continue to experiment with color in 2014.  For now, here are some inspirational rooms in this lovely color scheme, some soft, some bold.  Hope you enjoy!

Love the softness of this room. Very restful and calm. Image via Milieu.  Fab tray tables by Hay. Perfect multifunctional pieces that work very well in a small space.

I dearly love the pale pink walls in this room.  Gray artwork and pillows add softness, while a gold ottoman and darker pink rugs add drama.  Simply gorgeous.  House to Home.  We will continue to see blush walls for 2014.

Love the softness of this room also. A perfect place to take a nap.  Image via Alcro.

Love the pink lounge.  A perfect place for reading.  Image One Kind Design.

This pipe bed adds just the right amount of edge to this room. The chandelier is the perfect foil to the pipe bed. The room is a perfect combination of hard and soft. Pink and gray accent walls are also a great combination of hard and soft. The room is both masculine and feminine and very chic. Proving once again, what I've said a million time on this blog. Pink is not only a girly color - it can be used in a thoroughly modern way.  Simplified Building Concepts.

Pink lamp looks gorgeous against the dark wall.  Image via Gild and Grace.

I am completely smitten with this apartment. I adore the pale gray rug and the pale furniture, floors and walls. The color comes from the accessories and art. And they've gone big with the art - which I love! I could live here. You must see the rest of this home, it's gorgeous!  Click Design Hunter.

Want a small amount of hot pink?  Add a pillow.  Love the Moroccan wedding blanket-inspired rug. Eva Chen's apartment via Domino.

Love the pops of of red, pink and that orange vase in this room.

Beautiful soft gray floor and cute gray furry stool.  Images via The Style Files.

Hot pink and gray sofas look beautiful together.  Gorgeous pillows, art and ottoman.  I'd love to edit the animal skin from this otherwise gorgeous room.  Image New Home Design Ideas.

The decorator of this room has skillfully added both ethnic and metallic touches to this color scheme. The room disparate objects unexpectedly meld together to form an elegant and, yet, cozy room.  Jennifer's Pink and Lime Room via Apartment Therapy.

Another fine example of mixing disparate objects with this beautiful color scheme.  Houzz.

This room looks modern and fresh thanks to its pale gray walls and hot pink pillows. It's a sickness - I know - but I want to edit this room. I'd like to edit the grouping of artwork on the right wall.

If I had my druthers, I'd take the grouping down and move that fab graphic orange and white painting there.  That painting deserves a place of greater prominence without so much competition.  Still, it's a gorgeous room. Elle Decor France.

Simply divine pink sofa I've had in my inspiration file for a while.  I'd love to paint those walls pale gray. Via Indulgy, original source unknown.

Another beautifully soft room in pink and gray.  Ministry of Deco.

This is very close to being my dream kitchen and was the inspiration for painting my kitchen gray (see previous post here).  Wish I could paint my cupboard white!  Image via Desire to Inspire.



While exploring this color scheme, I found some accessories from a shop called Leif.  Lovely pot holder, tea towel, dipped spoons and vase would look great in the above kitchen.

Gorgeous room from CB2 catalog.  I love that hot pink end table.

New vases from CB2 in this color scheme.

This color scheme can be soft, or bold and dramatic like this room.  I adore the pops of orange, hot pink, and blue.  House to Home.

And speaking of drama, look at this bold and beautiful bedroom! I actually found this in an ad for DNA kiss portraits, but it was the bedding and those fab lamps that caught my eye. I am drooling over those lamps, if anyone knows the designer of those lamps, please contact me.

That's a wrap of my favorite color scheme for 2013.  In my next few posts, I will be talking about what 2014 is going to look like.  We are going to continue to have fun with color.  Happy New Year!