according to Pantone, the foremost experts in color trends, say to look for “bold color hidden in nature” as the colors of summer 2012
white and colors
More than ever, our homes are critically important to our sense of comfort and well being where we build our own personal nests. The act of decorating our homes is the catalyst that sparks our creativity, providing that special environment that helps us and those who live with us thrive. Color is one of the most important elements in feathering our nests.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, painting the walls pure white is anything but neutral. Pure whites are dazzling and appear brilliant to the human eye. The only place where pure whites can be used effectively is as background where there are strong visual distractions, such as large pieces of art that capture the eye quickly. And these pieces should be either vibrant primary colors or classic black and white. This makes for a super-dramatic setting where pure white becomes a part of the drama. And there are some people who are devout minimalists who want nothing more than the starkness (and visual glare) of black and pure white.
But in actual life settings, most people do not crave that kind of starkness. For decorating purposes it is best to add a touch of another shade or tint to pure white to create an off-white, such as turning a Snow White into a Whisper White. Off-whites are much more effective as neutral backgrounds.
Because it is so highly reflective, especially on fabrics with a sheen, Pristine White acts as a mirror as it reflects the color used immediately next to it. For example, if you use a repeating orange pattern on a white background, the white will warm up slightly, because the orange is so very warm (it is actually perceived as the hottest of all hues). Bright colors generally appear slightly dulled next to pure white.
Mixing whites doesn’t work. Off-whites will look dull and dingy next to pure white. Antique lace curtains will look yellowed and faded next to a pure white shade. Super-sheer white fabrics disclose the color behind them, so they appear less white than a heavier texture. There are also bluish whites and cool greenish whites, but they have to be handled with care as they can get too sterile and glare just as pure white does. Then there are the rosy whites, peachy whites and creamy whites that are friendlier because of their inherent warmth. Any shade of white reflects into adjacent areas, which makes it excellent to use near darkened spaces.
Color usage should always be thought of in context of the area you are using it in and, most importantly, the mood you want to create. Some helpful tips for the usage of certain whites are;
If you want your bedroom to be a quiet and restful sanctuary, try a slightly tinged bluish white, like Bit of Blue or Barely Blue. As their names suggest, there is a mere touch of blue as an undertone as you don’t want the atmosphere to get too cold or sterile.
In the bathroom, the off whites with a hint of rose, such as Shell, or a dollop of peach, as in Ecru, are very flattering to skin tones.
To make an entry way more inviting and welcoming, try a warm of- white like Dawn.
If you love the thought of being surrounded by sunlight, yet do not want to be overwhelmed by yellow, experience the softest rays of sunshine as in Alabaster Sheen.
For a subtle bit of deliciousness in the kitchen that will literally tempt everyone’s taste buds, try a very creamy Crème Brulee.
Painting a ceiling white or off white will always give the illusion of more height to a space.
White trim in a room always adds clean, enhancing and defining touches.
Should you want another option to replace the usual grays, taupes or beiges, try one of mother nature’s favorite neutrals: Whisper Green.
Portions reproduced from “COLORS FOR YOUR EVERY MOOD” with the permission of Leatrice Eiseman.
additional color tips from pantone
history and use of traditional mouldings
“A moulding is so called, because of its being of the same determinate shape along its whole length, as though the whole of it had been cast in the same mould or form.
That profile produces the happiest effect which is composed of but few members, varied in form and size, and arranged so that the plane and the curved surfaces succeed each other alternately.”
Read Moreusing today's color
Using color: if you want to know what the marketing gurus of the world know, check out Pantone. They are the industry leader in color, defining the color palates of all new home and fashion lines…
2011 A Color for All Seasons
“Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year.
It’s a color for every day – with nothing ‘everyday’ about it.”
“While the 2010 color of the year, Turquoise, served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle emboldens us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor. A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting. It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.
“In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is a captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going – perfect to ward off the blues,” explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.
“Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical, viscerally alive hue in the spectrum.”
Eiseman continues, “The intensity of this festive reddish pink allures and engages. … may also bring a wave of nostalgia for its associated delicious scent reminiscent of the carefree days of spring and summer.”
Honeysuckle is guaranteed to produce a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. It’s a striking, eye-catching hue … Add a lively flair to interior spaces with Honeysuckle patterned pillows, bedspreads, small appliances and tabletop accessories. Looking for an inexpensive way to perk up your home? Paint a wall in Honeysuckle for a dynamic burst of energy in the family room, kitchen or hallway.”
window proportions
four most aesthetic window proportions:
“On this Plate, the upper Window on the left Hand marked A is a true Square, the Height and Breadth being equal.
That of B hath for Height the diagonal Line of A, from Corners to Corner, they being all of one Breadth.
That of C hath for Height the Breadth and three Quarters, as shewn by Divisions on the Side and Bottom.
That of D is twice its Breadth in Height, than which Height none could exceed.”
William Salmon, Palladio Londinensis 1776
temporary (or permanent) polished plywood floor
Leanne and Brian Jewett, who built a home on Smokeshire Road in Ludlow, Vermont, wrote in their journal: “The ground floor was polished cement but on our second floor we decided to try 1/8 birch plywood for a simple and inexpensive surface. To prevent it from looking TOO much like plywood we cut the 4′x8′ sheets in half each way down to 2′x4′ and laid them in a brick pattern.”
family room focal point: tv and fireplace
now there’s no need to choose between the television and fireplace when laying out family room, or other area where both might be desirable… here is a sleek european solution that looks good and is completely functional…
little gems: multiuse solar powered pavers
Iceberg Mini $15 each
according to the literature from solar lightd factory, “Our Iceberg Mini solar LED lights shoot brilliant color from within its enveloping glass frame. Hermetically sealed to block out water and dust. Ultra bright LEDs visible hundreds of meters away. The Iceberg is a paver light by design, but our customers have assigned them a wide variety of uses. Some have sprinkled them at events such as weddings to add a touch of color. Others have used them as table top lighting at restaurants to rave reviews.”
“Easy installation. Zero maintenance. Totally self-contained light. No wires, no transformers, no external power sources, no electricity bills, immune to power outages. Photo sensors turn it on automatically at dusk and turns it off during the day. Easy installation: 1) find a place with sunlight 2) dig a hole 3) put it there. Can be paired with wood, stone, cement, dirt, grass, and more.
crisp, brilliant color
This requires absolutely no explanation. Our retail line of Icebergs come in four bright colors - white, green, blue, and red. They’re bright.hermetically sealed
Our Iceberg solar lights have an Ingress Protection rating of IP68, the highest possible rating. They’re as dust- and water- proof as they come. Rain or shine, dust storm or thunder storm, your lights will be fine. We’ve been testing them by throwing them into swimming pools and letting them sit for months - they’re still going strong.
tough, industrial glass casing
Not only is our Iceberg extremely durable - they can bear up to 2 metric tonnes - but they let the LEDs shine beautifully.”
for more information go to solar lights factory
Call: (214) 676 0481
Mail: sales@solarlightsfactory.com
kitchen lighting checklist
tips for kitchen lighting
1. Start planning the lighting portion of your kitchen project early in the process.
2. Think about the lighting you have had in the past, how you will be using your new kitchen space, and what you hope to achieve in your new kitchen.
3. A central ceiling light with under cabinet in the task areas may be sufficient for a small kitchen. Larger kitchens present opportunities for using different light sources in combination.
4. Recessed lighting effectively illuminates counter and island areas with higher levels of light. Be sure to place the lights almost directly over the counters to avoid creating shadows. Adjustables may allow fine-tuning to light counters and cabinets. Recessed lights can also be used for general lighting, with special attention paid to placement for good general illumination.
5. For counter areas with cabinets directly above, under cabinet lights can be placed to eliminate shadows and dark areas. Under-cabinet lighting should generally be placed toward the front of the cabinet, with the light source hitting the backsplash.
6. Placing linear light sources above the cabinets is a beautiful design element that also adds function to your new kitchen. This will either brighten the ceiling or create a warm glow.
7. Pendants, mini pendants, or decorative chandeliers can be placed over the island or table for task lighting as well as for more ambient lighting.
8. Explore our Green Zone to discover the great kitchen lighting options available in LED lights and fluorescent lighting. Learn how dimmers and lighting control systems can reduce power consumption and save you money on your energy bill.
make an appointment with one of Wolfers’ expert lighting consultants or just visit our Greater Boston showrooms to view our kitchen lighting labs. Bring in your kitchen plans and your finish surfaces. Explore all of the ways you can light your kitchen and visualize how the light will appear in your home.
recycled aluminum countertops
looking for something different for your countertops?
recycled alumium has a modern but friendly look…
alkemi has created this new material…
“ALKEMI-acrylic is a beautiful and sustainable surfacing alternative, made using pre-consumer waste aluminum flake, solid surface scrap, and recycled acrylic.
SCS certified 91% recycled content
With no VOC content, ALKEMI-acrylic is safe for people and friendly to the environment.
ALKEMI-acrylic may be fabricated and installed by qualified solid surface professionals using conventional tools and methods. Versatile and practical, it is the perfect surfacing material alternative for both horizontal and vertical decorative interior surface applications.”
glass roof tiles act as solar collector
SolTech Energy system
“We have a new, good looking, roof that also heats the house with renewable energy that does not add to the green house effect,” says Camilla Sparring in Svärdsjö, Sweden.
As a house owner one is always interested in lowering the heating costs.
“With a SolTech System installed, you can reduce your heating costs and at the same time get a beautiful house. The SolTech System can be combined with the most common heating solutions on the market today.
Instead of laying the traditional concrete or clay roofing tiles, the special glass roof tiles are laid, The glass roof tiles allows the sun to shine through on to the special absorption fabric underneath that absorbs the sun’s rays. Beneath the absorption fabric, special beams form a column where the air is heated and circulated through a patented technology. The energy captured is then directed into the house and integrated with the house’s existing heating system.
The system is designed to be integrated with the house’s existing energy solution, both air based and water based, for example, a ground source heat pump, air heat pump, pellet boiler, oil boiler or electric boiler. The most common solution is that the system is connected to a water based heating system via an accumulation tank, but we also offer other solutions. The only requirement is that the house has some form of central heating systems.
If you have direct electrical heating method, or lack a central heating solution, we have developed a cost effective solution for you. By installing a SolTech Mini Water System you complement your current heating solution with a few fan coil units which are connected to an accumulation tank. This will give you all the benefits of a water based system for a fraction of the cost. Your current heating solution can remain as a reserve”
solar tubes: free energy lighting option
solatubes simple ducted mini-skylight devices that bring daylight to interior rooms; even first floor halls and basements can benefit from these energy free “light fixtures”…
solatubes have reflective mylar liners that bring light deep into the house… they also have a damper switch that allows them to be “turned off,” so the light can be blocked out when room darkening is needed.
interior hallway before
solatube added,
same hallway after
carbon reduction is another reason to use solar tubes is described by sunpipe who cliams to be “a major carbon dioxide footprint reducer since 1991 (a reduction of 650 Lbs carbon/Yr/SP-13 based on 300 watts of energy savings 5 hours/day x 5 days/week.)”
the average solatube daylight system product costs range from $250- $400 each, and can be installed fairly easily by homeowners.
ecohome: 15 products that piqued readers' interest
top 15 reader-requested products of 2011
The 15 products that piqued EcoHome readers’ interest,including tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and green walls.
Each year, EcoHome publishes information on hundreds of green building products in our print magazine and on our Web site, from water-conserving fixtures to energy-saving insulation to recycled-content tile. One way we track reader preferences is to tally which products from our e-newsletter garnered the most user clicks combined with which products enticed print readers to request more information via “circle numbers” found at the end of each product caption.
Leading this year’s list of 15 is CertainTeed’s EnergyEdge, which insulates concrete slab edges to cut back on a home’s energy loss by as much as 24%. Also among the ranks are Dow’s structural insulated sheathing, Kingspan’s solar thermal system, and Woodharbor’s frameless cabinetry.
Click on the slide show to see all top 15 products that piqued EcoHome readers’ interest this year.
passive house
a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain…and by internal gains from people, lighting, appliances and electrical equipment, etc.
the beauty of the passive house is that once it is built, there is little need for energy in-put for heating or cooling. it lends itself well to off-grid applications, heavy heating and cooling environments, and low-income neighborhoods…
lower lifetime energy use
The Passive House standard was developed in Germany (where it’s known as “Passivhaus”) in 1996 by physicist Wolfgang Feist, who was inspired by and fully acknowledges the influence of the groundbreaking, superinsulated houses built in the United States and Canada in the 1970s.
In this country, Feist’s work has been championed by German-born architect Katrin Klingenberg, who started the Passive House Institute US, also known as PHIUS in Urbana, Ill.
according to the Passive House Institute USʼs website,
“A Passive House is a very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily
heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical
equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is
provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading
and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly
minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air
supply. The result is an impressive system that not only saves up to 90% of space
heating costs, but also provides a uniquely terrific indoor air quality.”
Article passive house
proportion
“Proportion is that agreeable harmony between the several parts of a building, which is the result of a just and regular agreement of them with each other; the height to the width, this to the length, and each of these to the whole.” -Vitruvius
“The ancients considered ten a perfect number, because the fingers are ten in number, and the palm is derived from them, and from the palm is derived the foot. … mathematicians, on the other hand, contend for the perfection of the number six, because, according to their reasoning, its divisors equal its number: for a sixth part is one, a third two, a half three, two-thirds four, … as the foot is the sixth part of a man’s height, [mathematicians] contend, that this number, namely six, the number of feet in height, is perfect: the cubit, also, being six palms, consequently consists of twenty-four digits. … finding the numbers six and ten perfect, they added them together, and formed sixteen, a still more perfect number. The foot measure gave rise to this, for subtracting two palms from the cubit, four remains, which is the length of a foot; and as each palm contains four digits, the foot will consequently contain sixteen.”
from Marcus Vitruvius Pollio: de Architectura, Book I
plantwall
PLANTWALL
Plantwall from Green Fortune is a new way of integrating greenery in public spaces.
“This vertical application of greenery provides a powerful impact on the envirnonment where it is built. It is almost like being outside inside!”
the study of ornaments, from scientific american article 1888
“In surface decoration all lines should flow out of a parent stem. Every part, however distant, should be traced to its branch or root. Natural law.” Owen Jones, Grammar of Ornament
the study of ornaments
“Decoration is the science and art of beautifying objects and rendering them more pleasing to the eye. As an art, individual taste and skill have much to do with the perfection of the results; as a science, it is subject to certain invariable laws and principles which cannot be violated, and a study of which, added to familiarity with some of the best examples, will enable any one to appreciate and understand it, even if lacking the skill and power to create original and beautiful designs.
The study of decoration offers many advantages. It cultivates the imagination and the taste; it develops our capacity for recognizing and enjoying the beautiful in both nature and art; it adds to the pleasure and refinement of life. Practically, its importance can hardly be overestimated, as it enters into almost all the industrial pursuits. We can think of but few classes of objects, even the most simple, in which some attempt at ornamentation is not made.
Ornament is one of the principal means of enhancing the value of the raw material. A piece of carved wood, or an artistically decorated porcelain vase, worth perhaps many hundred dollars, if reduced to the commercial value of the material of which they are composed would be valued at but a few dollars or cents. The higher the ornamentation ranks, from an artistic point of view, the greater becomes the value of the article to which it is applied. Knowledge of good designs is thus evidently important, to the purchaser of the object ornamented as well as to the designer who planned it. This can only be attained by cultivation.”
Position-And-Scope-Of-Ornamental-Or-Decorative-Art-Part-2
by Miss Marie R. Garesche, St. Louis High School
Scientific American Supplement
1886-1888
core77 compostmodern 09: nathan shedroff
Design for… Usability, accessibility, clarity and meaning… substitution: materials, energy …localization: reduce transportation…transmaterialization: sharing things uses less resources…
informationalization: open source and network sharing…durability: making something last longer, be more meaningful and also more repairable…reuse… disassembly…finding civic partners who can use your waste or supply your materials…redesigning the system using design.
Read Moreasha carpets made in brooklyn, ny
beautiful designs and colors…
for more info:
ASHA CARPETS
94-98 Nassau Avenue
suite 360
Brooklyn, NY 11222
tel. 914 645-1262
e-mail:
ashacarpets@yahoo.com
radiator as wall art
looking for something different when it comes to radiators…
weburbanists collected unique examples from around the world, check them out at: