Tag Archives: palette

Peaceful Oasis

~ Nostalgic and retro, dark green seems perfectly suited for a bedroom, a place that requires peacefulness and solace. ~

My interior design preferences typically gravitate toward the discreet and minimal. However, once in a while I come across a room in a bold color that I cannot take my eyes off. This is what happened when I saw the image above. I was drawn to the coziness and the serenity of the space, attributes that seem to originate in the dark green primary color.

Generally associated with nature, hence with life, renewal and harmony, green is a positive color that has the potential to generate calm and equilibrium. Given its vegetal connotations, this tone fits nicely on the walls of an open porch or in a bathroom, but the kitchen and the living room are not exceptions as in these areas green tends to create a very chic and indulgent atmosphere.

In order to avoid creating an oppressive space, dark green can be paired with light materials and shades of white, gray and silver. Another helpful element for a dark green room is a mirror, or better yet, a couple of mirrors, which will add volume and confer light.

~ Forest green cabinets create a soothing and de-stressing ambience in this kitchen. ~

~ Dark teal green combined with gold accents transforms this powder room into a baroque – looking jewel. ~

~ Green stimulates productivity and calms the spirits being thus an appropriate choice for a home office. ~

~ A hint of phthalo green confers serenity to this elegant bedroom.  ~

~ Verdigris mixed with charcoal and copper are a gorgeous combination, giving this kitchen a captivating vibe. ~

Primary color: Benjamin Moore – Bavarian Forrest

Until next time,

Bodhi.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Green Harmony

“Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge”, painting by Claude Monet

Whenever I think of Paradise, I always imagine a beautiful, lush, peaceful garden, where all my dear ones are present, the trees are bright green, the flowers are full of color and the sound of running water together with the songs of the birds are the only acoustic distractions.

All around the world, in every culture, every religion, there are descriptions of the concept of Paradise. Ancient Greeks painted it as an age of innocence and harmony that was devastated when Pandora opened the box in which all the evils of the world were enclosed. Both the Bible and the Koran talk about gardens of Paradise, and Buddhist teachings pave the way to Nirvana, a state of being free from suffering.

The idea of Paradise has been sketched by many artists in numerous forms, based on either stories or imagination. Claude Monet is among those who painted based on a personal view of Eden, a view that he first applied to his own backyard.

In 1893, Monet purchased a house in Giverny, a locality north of Paris, and being just as passionate about gardening as he was about painting, he proceeded to create his own earthly heaven. This garden became his favorite painting subject and beginning in 1899 he created eighteen images of it, in different weather conditions, at distinct times of the day and in various seasons, regularly in square format. Sometimes he displayed the Japanese bridge and the greenery around the pond, and other times he showed just the flowers floating on the water.

“Water Lilies and Japanese Bridge”, oil on canvas dating from 1899, has the Japanese bridge wonderfully anchoring the composition even though it seems to be gliding above the pond without any connection to the ground.  Its curve divides the image into two sections, the lower part being a blend of soft greens, light blues, pale yellows, with hints of russet-brown and white, while the upper area displays mostly dark hues of green and blue, broken by pale yellows. The sky is barely visible, Monet enclosing the space to create a sense of privacy, secrecy and even exclusivity, so that looking at this canvas I feel lucky to be on this side of the organic wall, admiring this Paradise that stretches before my eyes, luring me into Monet’s magical world.

Until next time,

Bodhi

Spring Refresh

Pale green curtains and pillow accents wonderfully complement soft blue wingback chairs, giving this foyer both an elegant and cozy feel. ~

Season transitions usually encourage changes in both personal appearance and the look of our home. However, for financial or other non-monetary reasons, radical interior design alterations are not possible every time the weather patterns shift. Nevertheless, a few changes with great visual impact and on a low-budget are not unattainable.

Using a few pastel themed rooms for inspiration, I found that a little tempering with the bed linens and the curtains, together with a couple more porcelain or glass vases filled with tulips, ranunculus, and flowering branches could do the trick and satisfy my wish for a decor refresh.

~ An easy to do and adorable bouquet of peach poppies and hosta leaves contrasts softly with the pale interior. ~ 

~ A vintage fuchsia throw is an unexpected and playful addition to the balmy garden hues in this bedroom. ~

~ The seafoam-blue duvet is beautifully grounded by tan accents, transforming this bedroom into a soothing place for daily rest. ~

~ A statement, flowery wall might be too big of a commitment, yet two pieces of wallpaper suspended vertically as works of art are an excellent and temporary solution. ~

Primary color: Benjamin Moore – Violet Sparkle

Until next time,

Bodhi.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5