Thursday, August 10, 2017

Rosa Dest Interiors

Would you say You POP or You BLEND?
Before you answer that question or wonder what I am even talking about, let me explain...


Our reaction to color affects so many parts of our lives and when it comes to the spaces we live and work in, color has a profound effect on us. I love to surround myself with colors that make me feel happy and bring a smile to my face.

Through an understanding of my client's color sense I gain an insight into their likes and dislikes. One of the best ways to do so is by understanding my POP vs. BLEND technique.

This technique comes from answering the simple question of whether you  prefer to see a POP of color or a BLEND of color in your space. In order to figure this out, it's best to have an understanding of color value and the relationship colors have to  each other.

When I talk about color value, I am referring  to the lightness or darkness of a color. Color value influences the colors we enjoy surrounding ourselves with and identifying the mood we are trying to set within a particular room. Once we know the color values we are drawn to, and whether we want our rooms to POP or BLEND,  the process of selecting  the color palette  becomes a little easier. Of course there are many other factors to consider but then again, that's why you would call me to help you figure it out!

When a color POPS it tends to be either  brighter or darker  in value than the other colors around it.
Without getting into too much color theory, it also depends on their position on the color wheel as to how they react to each other. There is a misconception that only brights or primary colors pop, but it really just depends on the color they are next to.
These colors are incorporated into a room using furniture, fabric, art and accessories, etc. evoking an energetic and vibrant feeling. This color scheme needs to be controlled carefully as to avoid a jarring feeling. Tobi Fairley does a beautiful job by introducing painted furniture and pops of color through art into the bedroom below.

                                                                    Tobi Fairley Home  

By keeping the patterns and colors controlled, one fabric is allowed to Pop and your space will come alive.

                                                                Rosa Dest Interiors
 .
When I refer to a color palette as one that BLENDS, it tends to be a combination of muted colors such as pastels or neutrals. For example a monochromatic color schemes is one that uses shades of one color throughout the room evoking a feeling of  and calm and cozy. For example, Suzanne Kasler uses similar shades of blue in this beautiful dining room to elicit a feeling of calm.

                        
                                                            Suzanne Kasler Interiors


Another example is to use pattern. You can achieve a  beautiful blend by selecting a combination of patterns that are similar in value and as a result a serene and comfortable design.

                        
                                                                       Rosa Dest Interiors
             
There is no right or wrong answer to this exercise... the key is to figure out which you prefer and commit!

Now to the question:

Do you Pop or do you Blend??

Five ways to help you determine whether you Pop or Blend:

1. What colors are your eyes naturally drawn to?
     •Is it the softer colors or neutrals?
     •Is it the brighter more vibrant colors?
2. Do you like to add pattern or texture into the mix?
     •Do you like to see texture in the same colors?
     •Do you like to have a contrast between the pattern and the colors?
3. What mood do you want your room to convey?
     •A peaceful serene feeling?
     •A bright and cheerful feeling?
4. Do you want to feel like saying OOOHHH  or WOW!!  as you walk in?
5. Consider your personal style and  how you like to dress, it oftentimes reflects your home.
     •Your closet says it all, how we dress is usually an indication of the colors we like to surround ourselves with.

My job is to create  both a WOW and an OOOHHH in your spaces. By determining whether you prefer a pop of color or a blend of color gives me an insight into your color sense. What it really comes down to, is making the colors you like  - WORK for YOU! 

                           Feeling Color challenged?
                                         Let's talk about your project !


Colorfully yours,


                               

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Thinking about Downsizing?




My top tips for simplifying and streamlining the process to make a CHANGE right from the start!

Change is never an easy thing to embrace, it always seems to come with a little bit of fear.
In honor of Father's Day, I would like to send a big shout out to my dad Mario who was fearless in his decision 50 years ago to immigrate to the United States with my mom and five children. On June 17th our family will be celebrating a decision that changed our life for ever.


We all don't need to immigrate to make life changing decisions but deciding to embrace a remodel or deciding to downsize are overwhelming decisions that require courage and patience. This is totally understandable and why calling a professional will help simplify and streamline the process.

Recently I started working with a lady who is soon to be 81 and she is making the big transition from her forever home to a smaller place. This transition comes with a lot of emotions and anxiety and my job is not only to help her create a comfortable and beautiful home that will meet her needs, but most importantly to help her make the transition on time and on budget.


Have a Plan
Deciding what downsizing looks like is key to making it happen. Consider the following questions: Where am I going to go? When is this going to happen? How is this going to happen? What does the new place need? Which of my pieces will fit into the new place? What is my budget?
These are all questions to consider when creating your plan and it is the beginning of making the change happen for you.
A good professional will be able to help you resolve the concerns you have.


1. Your potential budget
Having a good idea of what your potential budget  is critical to knowing exactly what you can do. It also gives the professionals involved a clear understanding of your expectations and gives us direction as to how to best guide you.

2. Begin by purging
This is a dreaded task, but actually a very important one in bringing clarity and helping you downsize without the baggage we all collect over our lifetimes.

A. I recommend making three piles-
    1. The Love, got to have pile.
    2. The Maybe my kids will want this pile. (they won't)
    3. The Oh My Gosh, I can't believe I still have this and it's got  to go pile.

B. Revisit #2 and #3 and break those piles down into do I love or need these, if you don't, immediately proceed C.

C. Call Habitat, Good Will, the Veterans and get rid of it!

3. Make a List
Make a list of everything you are going to need in your new home.
Make another list of your furniture pieces that you would like to take with you and please make a list of the ones you think you would like to take, but not sure if they will fit before you give meaningful and valuable pieces away.

Here again, hiring a professional who can guide you with scale, size and creative ways to use your furniture is extremely valuable.

4. Inspirational images
This is a new beginning so make it special...dream. Begin collecting inspirational images and save them to Pinterest boards or Houzz idea books , so you can share them easily.


5. Architect,Designer,General Contractor
Depending on your project and your needs you will most likely want to begin with the right team to begin making changes.
At Rosa Dest Interiors, we love to be the very first professionals you call, whether you are ready for a designer or not. We can guide you with trades, make recommendations and point you in the right direction.

 I'd like to encourage those considering a change to embrace it, get the right help and enjoy the ride.

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Celebrating 50 years of living in the USA

Happy Birthday America!

In celebration of our country's birthday and the 50th anniversary of my family coming to America, I wanted to follow up on last months newsletter on 'Change' and share my family's story.

On June 17th I posted a picture on Facebook of our family taken by the Rock Hill Herald upon our arrival to the United States. I received so many questions and comments that I decided to share my story with all of you. I know this is not design related but it will give an indication of where I came from
My dad studied at the University of Illinois and graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1957. After finishing his studies he went back to Colombia, married my mother and started a family. He worked in Colombia for several years and knew he wanted to eventually work in the states. When an opportunity to interview for a position with Bowaters Paper Mill in Lancaster was presented. He flew to SC, interviewed for the position, was offered a job and immediately took it.
Over the course of the next 12 years we moved quite a bit until finally settling in Charlotte in 1978.
My family moved to Rock Hill, SC in 1967 leaving behind their family and friends, their language and their culture.  They were the first in their families to move away.  My mother spoke absolutely NO English and came to the states with five young children and expecting number six. Needless to say we were an anomaly in Rock Hill, with such a large family and speaking a different language. I can't even begin to imagine the challenges and heart aches they faced. 

The people of Rock Hill embraced our family and were so accommodating and helpful to all of us especially to my mom as she adjusted to her new life. Neighbors helping her learn a new  language and a new way of living. The sisters at St. Annes school providing transportation for us kids and my dads colleagues providing support to all of us.
Fortunately, a few of us kids knew English as we had studied in an American school in Cali.
We grew up in two worlds; American by day (at school) and Colombian after 3pm (at home). This was not always easy as we got older but somehow it worked.
I admire my parents courage to leave their family and friends in search of better opportunities. They instilled a love of family and culture in all of us and we have maintained strong family ties in Colombia throughout our lives. I am so fortunate to have been exposed to two cultures, two languages and two countries I love.

So as you think about change regardless of how it applies to you, let me leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela
"May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears"





Plaza family 1967 featured in the Rock Hill Herald


























              Celebrating my dad's 80th birthday in 2015. He is dressed in a traditional Colombian garb.

Happy Birthday America!

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Trending at High Point Spring Market 2017


Millennial Pink was one of the hottest colors I saw throughout market. From lamps to Yes my pants to Quartz chandeliers and upholstery. It was everywhere! What do you think? Do you love it or hate it? I'd love to know.




My very favorite spotting was this amazing hardware by Addison Weeks, made locally in Charlotte, NC. If you are into semi precious stones, this is perfect for you. Add a touch of GLAM to your favorite cabinet or piece of furniture. And if that's not glamorous enough, she also sells jewelry. I could not walk away empty handed so I bought this amazing cuff.






With Cuba in the news it is no surprise to see so many palms and rattan in the market place.  Perfect for a summer home or to simply add a punch of color to a room. If this is too much for you, try adding a palm tree into your decor. All you need is a sunny window.




If all of this doesn't put a smile on your face and make you think spring or summer, you can add a touch of sunshine to your home with Yellow. Yellow, the happy color pairs nicely with many colors such as black, white, grey, blue or purple - and will definitely make you smile. Hooker furniture did just that with their club chair.  I would love to hear your thoughts on my style spotting from the High Point Market.





What do you think about what I saw at the High Point Market




Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Designing for Today and Planning for Tomorrow


I went to a Lunch and Learn recently and the topic was all about planning to stay in your current home.  This is so relevant to design and remodeling.  We remodel with the objective of creating a fresh new look, but at the same time it's important to be able to enjoy and grow in your new home for many years going forward.

This idea can be brought to life with any room in your home.  More than 90% of us want to stay in our homes as we age.  Keeping this in mind,  there are so many aspects of designing a room that can apply.


* Good Design is Universal Design-

When this logic is applied, your room can not only be beautiful, but also functional. Almost as an unseen element, functionality creates a long lasting usefulness.  This under counter oven from Sub Zero Wolf is a perfect example.

Rosa Dest Interiors


* Remember the Lighting-

Keeping at least 20% of your budget for lighting is essential when planning to stay in your current home. Always make sure that under your toe kicks and cabinets are well lit. This will not only look nice,  it will also be valued as we grow older.


Lutron.com

                                                                       
* Accessibility is Important-

Roll out shelves, single lever faucets, front mount control on appliances and easy maintenance are some of the aspects of your home you should consider as your remodel your home.  All of these can be appreciated when designing for today and beyond.


Kohler.com






And remember.........



Planning ahead is always a good thing, at any stage in life and in all aspects of life.  Let me know if you have any questions or are ready to dream a new dream for your forever home.

Colorfully Yours,


Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Three ways to use Green in your home



Spring Fever


Green is Refreshing and Revitalizing for sure!
I don't know about you but I love it! Green makes me feel happy.
Three fresh ways to use green in your home
1. Add greenery to your home

Instead of thinking you have to bring in new pillows to add that pop of green, try adding fresh greenery to your home.
Try a fiddle leaf fig tree, they are a go to for designers. They look beautiful anywhere you place them.The beautiful sitting room below uses a variety of plants makes the room feel inviting.
I also love the way ZenComa used an old tool box to plant succulents. An arrangement like this would be so much fun in a kitchen or a sunny laundry room.




2. Play with pattern and texture

Don't be afraid to mix it up. Large scale pattern with plaids and textures such as embroidered fabrics work beautifully together.




If you love pattern, have fun with it. Just make sure to balance it with solids.




3. Add a Conversation Piece

Have some fun! Add one piece of furniture that you can have some fun with. A conversation piece!

This enameled green bamboo bar cart adds a punch of color and  lots of excitement to a party.



NOTE: There are many shades of greens: blue/greens, yellow/greens, gray/greens and so many off shoots from those.
If you love the color green and 'Greenery' is not your color but your looking for ways to incorporate into your home, Email me at rosa@rosadestinteriors.com and I am happy to help you out.



Tuesday, March 14, 2017

It's Pi Day!  March 14---3.14---the first 3 digits of the mathematical constant 𝞹. So, let's celebrate Pi Day and eat lots of pie!

In honor of National Pi Day I want to share with you an awesome recipe for one of my favorite pies...


KEY LIME PI(E)

Ingredients:

For the Lime Filling:

4 teaspoons of grated lime zest
4 egg yolks
1 (14 ounce) can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 cup of graham crackers (about 9 crushed crackers)
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
5 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

1 1/2 cups of chilled heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2. Whisk the lime zest and egg yolks together in a medium bowl.  Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and then the lime juice.  Set aside to thicken.

3. In another bowl, stir together to graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.  Slowly drizzle in the melted butter.  Transfer crust mixture to a 9-inch pie plate and press the crumbs evenly.  Bake for 15 minutes or until beginning to brown.  Set aside to cool to room temperature.

4. Once the crust has cooled, pour the lime filling into the crust.  Bake for 15-17 minutes until the center is set.  Refrigerate at least three hours.

5. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form.  Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie.  Garnish with limes and serve.


ENJOY!


Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Dreaming of a Dressing Room?

Dream and Dream Big!

Have you ever thought about having a dressing room? If so, What would it look like?

I was recently asked what my dream dressing room would look like and I immediately started day dreaming... and thinking Glamour...

First of all,  I would want a dressing room with a BIG window and a view so that I could begin and end my day looking at the outdoors. I want to feel happy and organized when I walk in, so with that being said lets get down to the nitty gritty of what I am dreaming about:

There are two must haves in my ideal dressing room. My first would be enough storage so that I could have two separate areas done by season - one side for Fall/Winter, the other for Spring/Summer. My second must have would be a vanity with a beautiful mirror and an additional 10XX lit mirror where I could sit and do my makeup.

I would have a special place for my shoes, placed on shelves with LED lights so that I could see and appreciate each pair.  I would also have a special place for all of my handbags so that I could display them and enjoy each one. I just love the way California Closets designs their closets. The closet pictured below would make me "Ohhh so happy :)".




Because function is of the outmost importance in great design,  a good closet system with plenty of storage and hanging areas would be required. Somewhere within the storage I would love to have an ironing board hidden in a drawer, accessible for a last minute press and easily put away.

Lighting is critical. In addition to recessed lighting I would add  beautiful light fixtures like the one pictured below in a grouping of three pendants.  I love this pendant from Arhaus, its so delicate and feminine just the way I would like to feel in my dressing room.


The walls and ceiling would be covered in wallpaper.  I love the way the Auburn wallpaper by Anna French complements the pendants. I can already see it coming together.




And the finishing touch would be my place to sit and do my makeup with a beautiful vanity and mirror. This mirror made of pressed metal has an antique metallic finish which plays off the pendants and ties the mirrored vanity featured below together to create a unified look.

Plume Mirror

Can't you just imagine it? I love it already!



I love glamour and fashion and purses and shoes and I love to just to dream and Dream Big!




What does your dream dressing room look like? I would love your comments.

Colorfully yours,


SaveSave

Monday, February 27, 2017

Black History Month


This month we have been celebrating Black History Month.  In honor of the artist, Romare Bearden who was born in Charlotte, we visited an exhibit at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery and viewed many of his wonderful pieces on display.  I love his style, especially his use of collage, lithograph and subtle colors.









Bearden lead an interesting life as an artist, case worker for the Harlem office of the New York City Department of Social Services and served in the United States Army.  He was also a musician and co-wrote a song called Sea Breeze that was recorded by his high school classmate, Dizzy Gillespie. 
   He married when he was 46 years old and along with his wife, Nanette, who shared his interest in 
   the arts, they created The Bearden Foundation.  Always a champion of young minority artists, this 


foundation provided welcome assistance.




Romare Bearden died in 1988 at the age of 76.  Romare Bearden Park opened in downtown Charlotte in 2013.  This beautiful public park hosts art displays, concerts and many other activities. The Charlotte Christmas Village is sure to be a tradition as the park is transformed into a German-style market for almost a month after Thanksgiving.




Romare Bearden Park
Will Belcher Photography


Living in Charlotte, I've visited Romare Bearden Park several times.  It was interesting to take some time and research it's namesake, one of Charlotte's best known artists.  I learned a lot and will enjoy getting to more about him and his life.  You can view some of his work this now through March 4 at Charlotte Fine Art Gallery in South Charlotte.

What do you think about Romare Bearden's art? I would love to know

Colorfully yours,




Wednesday, February 22, 2017

How do you make color powerful?

It's so amazing to me to see how much in common my oil painting class has to do with the work I do for clients. In thinking about my abstract painting  class, the similarities with the power of color just hit me. So, I asked myself... " How do you make color powerful and how does that relate to our spaces?"

Curt Butler Studio


It all goes back to the color wheel... yes, it's that little tool that teaches us so much about the relationship of colors. The one we either know how to use or not.



In painting, the colors we use to create beautiful pieces of art all relate to color theory and yes, to the Quiller Wheel. ( To understand more about the color wheel read on.) I would try to explain it, but you should probably just read about it.

So, to answer  " How do you make color powerful and how does that relate to our spaces?"  We can begin by selecting a dominant color. This is the hue that dominates about 60% of the color used. In our homes it tends to be the color we use on our walls as the background color.

A subordinate color is one that is used the least amount and tends to be about 10% of the color. In home interiors this color is sometimes the "pop" of color that we add to a room through accessories.

An intermediate color is one that is in between and is a neutral hue. In paintings, it is taking the dominate color and making it a neutral one.

At some point in this equation we have to find a neutral color to tie everything together and avoid visual chaos. It is selecting a color that is neither bright or strong and is used in about 30% of the room, it's the one we typically use on the trim.

This beautiful room by Heather Garrett Interior Designs describes exactly what I am talking about:

1. The dominant color is the apricot colored wallpaper taking up about 60% of the color in the room.
2. The subordinate color, the light peach is used as the accent color or the pop and it represents about 10% of the color.
3. The intermediate color comes in the shades of browns we see in the floor & furniture such as the table, the chair tacks and the shades of antique brass. Yes, even the color floor matters when combining colors in your home.
4. The neutral color is the tan color hinting to a touch of peach you see on the chairs and on the trim, which is about 30% of the color.



Heather Garrett Interior Designs

Don't forget, Color is a Powerful Tool.

How confident are you using color and did any of this make sense to you? Let me know in the comments section below.
Colorfully yours,