" I Am Yellow! "

For those who don't choose to live in the land of neutrals ... a little bird told me "Yellow" was the "in" color of 2009.

But color lovers beware ... you think you selected a soft shade of butter and after it is on the walls it starts to scream, "I am Yellow !! "

My advice to clients is to very carefully pick your yellows, think twice, and when you are sure ... go one shade lighter. Or just use it as a accent in the space.

But really, who can resist this soft and buttery, sunny and bold, or golden and radiant color ... it seems to convey a warmth that no other shade can muster. Tell me, can you resist?

Age of Neutrality

I read the other day that we were currently living in the "Age of Neutrality."

One does need to consider the natural light in a space when designing with neutrals. In rooms where natural light is abundant white and linen works best; reflecting the sun that streams in through the windows.

In rooms with less natural light...you need to work with darker neutrals and highlight the lighter players of the space.

Remember, it doesn't have to be all or nothing ... adding a shot or two of color to a room of neutrals will make the whole space smile.

A room of neutrals pays close attention to the textures, the patina of the wood, and the curves on the furniture ... details count most in these spaces, all contribute to an overall atmosphere that's both stylish and calm. Is your castle living in the "Age of Neutrality " today?

"It's My Blog and I will if I want to.."

I got a e-mail from a friend today asking when I was going to do a post on my garden... I reminded her that this is a design blog and she reminded me it was " MY " blog and I could do whatever I wanted too.

I then said that everyone had already seen my pictures and it is too early for new ones... she reminded me that I had new blogging friends and they had not seen my garden.

So we will call this how to decorate your yard... I would start with the outer edges and work my way in.

Always have a focal and a few dogs at all times... this is the entry to the back yard. That my little "Cliffie" he was a hand me down...

I always end my post with a question... would you like more garden post on the design blog?

Get to know Mr. Marty

California designer Dan Marty is one to study. His showrooms lack natural light and yet the dark and moody spaces are WONDERFUL !!

Dan's worldwide travels are reflected in the numerous antique finds and vintage textiles he uses in his spaces.

His showrooms also feature collections by Kathryn Ireland, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard and Farrow & Ball.

Pure talent and unerring eye is evident when he mixes his vignettes. I want to live in them....how about you?

Color Menu

Color is a matter of personal taste. Identifying with certain colors and spurning others can be rooted in childhood ... the pleasant memory of grandma's yellow kitchen or the dark recollection of a brown room.

To be accepting of certain colors can often a matter of acquired taste ... I would never have felt that I would order a black dining room from the menu, but now I just might.

You also have to think about how color will affect the next room ... your home should have a color plan. Harmony of color, after all , is similar to creating a menu. Considering the ingredients , how they blend, and the results an be quite tasty ... Have you come up with a color menu for your castle ?

Stylish & Serene

Simple refined style and serene southern charm can make for a lasting friendship.

I find that I am always drawn to simplicity and understated spaces with just a little element of surprise.

Flair with a bit of edge will always make my heart sing. I also believe every room should have something unexpected... take a look around your castle, do you need to simplify or add just a bit of flair?

When You Can't Find It

I'm home! I hope everyone had a great week. The spring bug is still at my house ... I needed something for the cabinet in the foyer. Lace and I went shopping this morning and I could not find just the right thing, so I made it.

I brought the bird salt and pepper shakers at T.J. Maxx and I had the other things. It took about 10 mins to find the stick and the rest was easy. Thanks for coming by while I was gone. I will be visiting everyone soon.

A Touch of Spring

Just cluster a single type of bloom in a pretty container and it can brighten your day.

Nothing can wake up a tired room like a "Touch of Spring."

Spring doesn't have to be all pink bunnies either ... any room looks fresh with a few "Cool Chicks."

Pick a few posies from your own garden or steal some from next door.

But then again ... there is nothing wrong with bunnies! Has the spring bug found it's way into your castle yet?

Get to know Mr. Maya

Christopher Maya's designs hold timeless appeal. His work is tailored and historically referenced, with understated elegance.

I love how the art pops in this room, creating a very interesting focal for the space.

He is noted for his ability to create an integrated, polished look while maintaining a comfortable , warm and very livable environment.

This Louis Vuitton Bedroom designed by Maya is reported to have cost more than $100,000 ! I admit I would find that hard to shallow... What do you think?

Portraits

Accessories are often called the finishing touches. The phrase "touches" somehow doesn't carry a lot of weight, and the accessories are vital elements in decoration.

The accessories carrying the most weight should be used with the most care. In my opinion nothing is heavier than the "Portraits." In most cases these should be well thought out and used most sparely.

They should be quality pieces often used together to create a collection with big impact. These become like hand-writing, they are telltale indicators of the personalities and history of the people who occupy the home. So how are the "Portraits" being used in your castle?

French Country Style

Unlike people, rooms aren't born with a heritage; They acquire it through decoration.

The "French Country Style " is a style of restraint, the concept being that there should be no distraction from rooms with "good bones".

Accessories are few, furniture big enough to have an impact. There is a consistency of style and spirit. Yes, "French Country Style" is my favorite...What is your favorite?

White Hot

When I first started in this business, my motto was... "No White Walls." And I am still not a fan of all the white rooms that I am seeing these days.

But, milky, creamy, fresh, crisp: However you describe them are finding a way into my heart. I am loving them when they are full of texture . I read that White is the new Black... Why? Because this chic color instantly lightens and brightens any setting, allowing a softer side to shine through.

White can confidently dress a room on it's own, yet it also plays well with other hues. Perhaps best of all, it exudes timeless beauty. I could sleep in here... could you?

Get to know Ms. Kasler

Atlanta designer Suzanne Kasler's interiors always have a serene and sophisticated flavor to them.

It's the fresh mix of classic style while emphasizing light , scale, and architectural elements that give her rooms great appeal. Kasler's interiors always seem to have a timeless quality . This spring, she is collaborating with Hickory Chair, bringing that same spirit to a new line of furniture, "Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair."

Kasler is known for her love of all things French, creating warm , inviting environments that strike a balance between elegant, traditional designs with practical comfort. I see a lot of Southern Charm in her graceful interiors...can you see it too?

Tradition ~ Not Forgotten

Russell Versaci said it so well when he paused and said, "Tradition has never been forgotten in the South ... because we revere our heritage as a living tradition rather than a dead end."

But in design we are forever evolving, we respect our history while embracing our open 21st century living. It's the contrast, the tweaking that turns something expected into a wonderful surprise.

We take the classics of yesterday and combine them with the contemporary of today, making the dance a lot more interesting . I like to think of these as "New Classics ~ New Traditional."

Can anyone tell me who's Traditional Interiors we are enjoying today? She is a fellow Tennessean ... aka RMS fatirenedecorates, (which was hilarious when you know what a classic beauty she is. ) aka gollum http://www.designsbygollum.blogspot.com/ Best selling author http://www.michaelleewest.com/content/index.asp Yes, it is my friend Michael Lee West.