After seeing the bold colors of red and gold during the Olympics, more of the same continued at Fashion Week.  No surprise to see the 2009 color trends reflect the synergy of commerce and culture.  The bold and saturated hues remind us of summer and beaches while connecting us to influences and themes of other places such as Russia, East Asia and Latin America.  As Thomas Friedman expresses, the world is flat. 

Interpreted for your home, orange becomes an appealing color for interiors but is not crayon orange but toned down with a touch of yellow and called ‘tiger-eye’.  Likewise red receives a hint of orange and becomes tropical and lush.  In a room setting this ‘Moorish’ red is enhanced by complements of tangy lemon accents.

From Project Runway to Fashion Week, vivid blues and purples are combined with neutrals.  Blue promotes optimism and it’s grounded with nature’s neutrals; think natural fiber, wool, and wood.  This combination of fresh blues with gorgeous gray grounds the palette and promotes stability – a perfect combination for a master bedroom suite. 

The Green movement is mainstream so certainly green is a star whether on the runway or in the home. Spring inspired daffodil yellow pairs with a muddier gold green and adds freshness to the interior.  An old friend, olive green, becomes a sophisticated companion.  One color that combines with all of the above colors is slate grey providing a visual ‘weight’ to the overall color scheme. 

Finally, I believe color is LOCAL. Explore your locality, see how the colors are nuanced at your local markets and store display windows.  Spin the color wheel with local hues for a timely update

Feeling cooped in and happy February is almost over? My sentiments exactly and that’s why I want to promote neighborhood parties whether on your block, in your condo or apartment building. Reach out with a potluck theme and enjoy camaraderie with people whose paths you cross and get to know them.

Here’s a strategy:

·         Plan a guest list

·         Create a theme like ‘Winter is almost over Soup Supper’ or ‘Rachel Ray’s Lasagna dinner’

·         Offer the menu  and let everyone contribute or suggest a dish

·         Make it BYOB and suggest wines to complement the menu

·         Send out an EVITE

·         Buy some flowers for your table

·         Relax, enjoy and get to know your neighbors

After everyone enjoys a fabulous meal have some activities or games to keep the gossip and conversations going. Here are some suggestions.

Guess the Wine Price – Closest Wins a Bottle

These cards spark lively conversation and debates.  Now you will really get to know your neighbors.

Please share your ideas for neighborhood parties and let me know about the party. Bon Appetite! 

It seems that every client or potential client inquires about what ‘taste’ means.  So this post shares a quote by fashion designer, Norma Kamali which is an effective answer for me.

“Taste is an evolution and refinement of one’s personal likes and dislikes.  This evolution takes place with a constant curiosity and interest in everything.  The editing consequently refines the choices and defines taste.”

I would love to hear your thoughts about what defines taste for you.