Summer Inspirations for the Home

In a few weeks summer begins; the sun shines and birds sing. After the dreadful blizzards brought on by Old Man Winter, it’s time to bring joy and warmth indoors with summer inspirations listed below. 

           Bright Vibrant Colors

           Flowers/ Framed Pressed Flowers

           Mirrors & Reflective Surfaces

           Slipcovers/ Throw Pillows 

           Lighten Window Treatments 

           Display Fresh Fruits 

           Combine and Mix Furniture 

Bright Vibrant Colors: Enliven your home and uplift your spirits with bold vibrant hues such as fuchsia, teal, fire orange and pastel greens.  The color trend for spring and summer 2011 is honeysuckle (rosy pink).

Flowers/ Framed Pressed Flowers: Stimulate your sense of sight and smell with floral arrangements.  Get creative and use the flowers from your garden in art work such as framed pressed flowers.

Mirrors & Reflective Surfaces: Utilizes mirrors and reflective surfaces to scatter sunlight throughout your space.  Mirrors are also an excellent way to add depth and length to your space.  

Slipcovers / Throw Pillows: Throw pillows and slipcovers offer an easy and quick method for incorporating color and dynamic to a space without a permanent commitment. 

Lighten Window Treatments: Replace thick and heavy winter curtains with lace or sheer curtains. Woven shades are also an awesome summer look for your home.

Display Fresh Fruits: Add a dash of color to your kitchen by displaying summer fruits. This will also be a helpful reminder of recommended daily fruit intake, yes daily. 

Combine and Mix Furniture:  Rearrange furniture in the living room, bedroom, and or family room to create a new exciting layout and look in a familiar space. Create a reading nook in the Family Room with the arm chair found in the Master Bedroom. Take a side table from the Living Room and use it as a bed side table in a Bedroom. Dust off the buffet table in the garage which you purchased at last year’s flea market. Add a coat of paint to it and use in the dining room or kitchen.

The smallest changes in your home can be the most effective when executed in a proper manner.

Happy Summer! 

By: Valene Greene 

Veluxe Interiors

www.veluxeinteriors.com 

Modern vs. Contemporary Decor

Mid-Century Modern 

After overcoming the bewildering array of decor styles you have decided to decorate that big deluxe apartment in the sky with Modern decor; but you're having trouble differentiating between Modern and Contemporary Design. Well, despite the similarities and at times the interchangeable use, in the Design world both terms represent distinct and different styles. 

Modern Design refers to an architecture and interior design style that emerged in the mid-20th century. Mid-Century Modern deviated from the classical and traditional ideas of decor and gave birth to the conception of a whole new aesthetic based on minimalist forms and emphasis on function. 

The Mid- Century Modern style included natural materials like teak wood, leather, and linen upholstery. Furniture was characterized by angular forms, low profiles, and modularity. Walls were neutral color schemes with pops of color in furnishings, accessories, and fabrics. Some of the most well-known Modern Designers are: George Nelson, Charles & Ray Eames, Mies van der Rohe, Eero Saarinen, and Florence Knoll. They created organically shaped furniture using the new technologies and materials developed during WWII. Their designs could be easily mass produced, creating aesthetic designs at affordable prices. Below are photos of typical Mid-Century decor and furniture designs by the Designers listed. 

Natural color pallet, Minimalism, Eames lounge chair and
ottoman, and Concrete floors combine to create a Modern interiror

                                                                                    

Classic Mies van der Rohe Barcelona Chair and Ottoman 

Splash of color against neutral wall color, geometric and abstract
pattern in rug and painting, and teak wood also create a Modern Interior

Natural pallet allows the objects in design to take center stage.
Classic Florence Knoll Sofa and Credenza reproduction and typical mid-century modern glass center table

Contemporary Design refers to the current styles and trends of today. With Contemporary Design there is more freedom when choosing decor. Styles such as Traditional and Chic can be mixed to create a brand new look. 


Although Contemporary Design is always evolving, there are some attributes that tend to always stick. Furniture is generally the primary focal point. Recycled and Eco-friendly materials are frequently used. Ceilings are high and window treatments are unembellished. Since the style bears minimalism as its base, decor is kept simple. At times Modern decor can be found in Contemporary Interiors. 


Latest trends can be found in high-end Interior Design showrooms and the latest design magazines. Below are a few examples of Contemporary decor. 

Modular seating and minimalist decor in neutral tones borrow from modern style
while setting  the stage for a sophisticated contemporary style. 

Aluminum and blackened steel dining table, 19th century
English pine urns, and early 19th century Italian upholstered
chairs fuse to create contemporary style.

Cozy throw pillows on sofas, graphic patterns, simplicity
of drapery, and bright vibrant monochromatic
color scheme contribute to contemporary style.

While Modern Design will always refer to Mid-Century Modern decor, Contemporary will always refer to what is current. Twenty years from now, contemporary decor will be something entirely different from what it is today.

By Valene Greene 

www.veluxeinteriors.com  

A "GREEN" State of Mind

Ah, the wind gently brushes against my skin as I take in the fresh air and the scent of vegetation that surrounds me. The waterfall to my left flows vibrantly down the enormous cliff into the most beautiful indigo river. The sun tickles me with its warmth. At the moment I am one with the earth, I feel the love it radiates. This must be Eden. RING, RING, RING ... I awake to my alarm clock realizing it was all a dream. The reality is Human interruption of earth's natural process has ignited major environmental issues such as Acid Rain, Air Pollution, Global Warming, Hazardous Waste, Ozone Depletion, Smog, Water Pollution, and Rain Forest Destruction; decreasing the size of Eden on Earth. 

It is time for all of us to change the outlook of the planet and save what little is left of the earth's resources; give back to the Earth all that it has given to us. We must change our ways so future generations will have a cleaner world where they can breathe unpolluted air and drink clean water. Taking small steps by changing old wasteful and harmful habits into more "Green" habits sets a good example for those around you, your children, family and friends.

You are probably wondering what kind of impact you can make, after all you are only one person amongst billions. While you may not think that just one person makes a difference, think about it on a larger scale. If each of us only made a few small changes, like recycling bottles or investing in a reusable coffee travel mug, we can start to cut down on the negative effects that we have on the planet. Every little bit helps.

Today, April 16, 2011, starts the first day of Earth Week with April 22, 2011 being the designated global holiday, what's your "GREEN" State of Mind? 

Every Day is Earth Day:

http://captainplanet.me/tpiy/event

http://afhatlanta.org/blog/

http://www.facebook.com/AFHAtlanta?sk=events

http://www.kenari.org/

Five Household Tips for Going Green

1. Save Waste by switching from bottled water to filtered water.
2. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and use as little water possible when washing dishes.
3. Recycle everything. This is the cheapest and easiest way of going green at home. All you need is two garbage cans and willingness to separate your trash.
4. Save energy by washing laundry in cold water only
5. Save energy and waste by switching from regular batteries to rechargeable 

By: Valene Greene 

Veluxe Interiors

www.veluxeinteriors.com

Sources: 

http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/whyissustainabilityimportant.html

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/earth-day-2011.html

http://www.earthday.org/