Eco Print from fall leaves by Artist Sandra Adams
As I write this journal post, the sun is bright and the skies are clear.
The Equinox took place in September, setting the stage for a change in seasons. I think it’s safe to say, we, too, have experienced many changes in our lives as the year 2020 has turned our lives another shade, another color than is familiar. Life has morphed into something different and unexpected, just like the changing seasons, and the colors that reflected in it.
In this time of uncertainty, brought on by a world pandemic, we have longed for some stability; for a sense of comfort, safety, and definition. Many of you have left your professional workspaces and are working from home, rearranging your spaces to accommodate a small office. A number of you who have children are now faced with creating a space to teach your kids their lesson plans. And, when needing another view, many have taken to your back yards, looking for another room with a different view. Thus, the home and outdoor furnishing network has never been more looked to for guidance and resources for which to re-create these spaces.
The nature of things ebb and flow. Similarly, design of our environments, too, may need some rethinking.. What better way to use these changing times to reimagine our indoor and outdoor spaces by using nature as our guide, our inspiration. I see this as a process by which we pause, reflect and observe where inspiration comes from. When we get outdoors, we see that beauty is everywhere. Creating layers in our lived-in spaces, inspired by the natural world, offers us a chance to add color, texture and form that are reflected in nature. It may be by refurbishing the things you have collected, or in the pieces you will acquire or collect, incorporating them into your own environments.
The question I often get is where is the best place to start the design process? It depends on ones’ goals. What I encourage, no matter what the goal, is to discover what inspires you, to trust your gut when presented with many design ideas; to bring beauty to your spaces in your own way. Collaboration is my motto!
In this post, I’ll begin with color. It can set the tone for any room. Color often reflects the spirit of a space, a mood, the energy of a space.
Sherwin Williams, a premier paint company, just launched its 2021 color forecast. They describe their color mix series as a Rhythm of Color. It’s about a sense of balance. It takes shape in 40 trend colors. Have a look to see what color inspires you https://www.swcolorforecast.com.
Then, use it to guide you in your choices of fabrics and finishes. Use nature as your guide. Echo a color in your entire home by repeating it. Let its patina reflect the changing nature of plants and leaves. It’s a great start to any conversation you may have with your designer, be it indoors or out.
Enjoy the process.
Warmly
Sandra