Hyphen Interiors

An inexpensive go-to accessory for me is the hard back book.

Believe it or not, this is a controversial topic because some maintain that books are only for reading and not for décor.  Well, they can be for both!

We talked about arranging books by color to make your bookshelves more exciting a while back.  Today, let’s talk about using books to accessorize non-bookshelf areas.

How do I use them?  Besides on bookshelves like in my craft room.

Or, in our built in office nook.

After removing the covers, I stack them in order to add height to things that may be a little too short.  I use them in order to fill spaces and allow for a flat surface.  It’s also a great way to add color and interest.

Here are a few examples from my home.

The first is from the fireplace mantle.

This is an end table in our family room.

And, on a shelf in our half bath.

Where do you get such books?  I buy mine at garage sales, antique stores, a store we have here called Savers and Half Price Books.  I try not to pay more than $3 a book.

I buy them based on color, size and topic (sometimes).

What about you?  Do you use books?   What are your tips and tricks?

You’ve probably heard designers talk about how the same paint color can look entirely different in a different home or space?  You’ve probably heard them say it depends on lighting, the direction that the room is facing, what you are painting over, and the surrounding colors.   But, have you ever wondered if that was really true?

We can start by just looking at different spaces with the same paint color, but then we’ll dive into something even more interesting!

Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter is a popular color.  Most call it a gray with a slight tan to it.  Here (below) it is in a dining room.  You can see the tan in it, thus making it a greige (mix of tan and beige).

And, below is the same paint color in another dining room.  It looks purely gray here.  Much colder, in fact.

Benjamin Moore’s Palladian Blue is a good example of a color that really shifts according to the space for me.  Below shows how gray toned it can look.  It’s calm and serene, yet sophisticated.

Then, here (below) it appears much like it did in my home when I tried it – fresh, much more green and it can go “little boy’s room” fast, as Kristie Barnett, The Decorologist and color expert, has put it before.

How about a color that I currently have in my home?  Lets look at Sherwin Williams’ Loyal Blue.  Here it is (below) in Emily Henderson’s office.  Dark and moody.

And, in my entry.  Cheerful and happy.

It’s also the color of the ceiling in our family room if you want to check that out.

None of these are that dramatic, but when you are trying to get a color just right, such differences can certainly cause frustration.

Now, let’s play a game based on this premise – that colors appear different in different situations, specifically based on the colors surrounding that one color and perceived lighting.

Look at the squares below.  Which is darker – A or B?

Post it Science writes:  “Incredibly, the answer is that squares A and B are the same color, but your brain perceives them to be different based on surrounding color and shadow information. What’s amazing about this illusion, is that even after you learn that the 2 squares are the same color, your brain continues to perceive square A as significantly darker than square B. This proof drawing helps your brain believe what your eyes aren’t seeing:

Why can’t we see the colors as they actually are, even after we’ve been told, and shown, that they’re the same? It largely has to do with our brain’s ability to interpret a 2-D drawing as a 3-D representation. We expect the cylinder to cast a shadow on the checkerboard- and because we are used to compensating for shadows in “real life” we perceive and compensate for the shadow we assume has been created by the cylinder. However, the creator of the image has manipulated the colors and the shadow to give the illusion of the shadow–without there actually being a realistically rendered or predictable shadow. In addition, because we interpret a checkerboard pattern in an expected way (alternating light and dark squares), due to the respective positions of squares A and B, our brains automatically categorize square A as a dark square and square B as a light square, despite their actual color.”

Check this out.  I looked at it in Photoshop with the color picker on B.

And, now with the color picker on A.  No kidding.   The numbers are all the same!  Yet, they look so different to us.

Would you believe that gray ovals have the same shade of gray?

It is interesting how the color surrounding them affects our perception!

Here is another variation on Adelson’s illusion.  This one is from National Geographic episode of Brain Games.

Can you believe these two boxes in the image below are the exact same shade of gray?

Gradients and shadows give your brain clues based on your past experiences with shadows. But shadows can lie to you.

Don’t believe it?  Save the image and use a photo editor’s color picking tool and compare the two colors.  I assure you that they are the same.

One more example of how color can change based on the objects around it?

Another illusion from the show that demonstrates how color can appear differently based on its surroundings is this one (below).  See the square in the middle marked orange and the square above marked brown?

Would it surprise you if I said they are the same color?  Below is another view.

One side is colored to look as if it were in a shadow.   Because of this coloration, two blocks appear to be different shades of brown even though they are the same color.

Crazy, huh?

So, keep that in mind as you choose color in various forms and wonder why it may be looking so different in your space.  It’s not the color itself, it’s perception, my friend.  Based on lighting, surrounding colors, the direction the room faces (and quality of outside light), as well as what you are painting over.

Have you experienced this?

Other color topics that we’ve discussed on this blog:  muddy versus clean colors, greige and undertones, whites, beige and mistakes to avoid, greiges by brand, color recommendations listed by brand,

I’m back!  I’m dropping in to show you some changes that I have made in our house over the last few months.  Today I wanted to share one that I’m loving.  We changed the rug in the family room.

I’ve wanted a blue and white rug in there for a while, but the scale was important.  Though I love rugs like this (below), the scale would compete with other patterns in the space.

By the way, those rugs are on sale at RugsUSA.com for 65% off right now!

So, I needed to find something very large scale AND affordable.  I patiently waited and watched Craigslist.  This 8×10 navy and ivory CB2 rug came up a few weeks ago and I snatched it right up.

Notice the new black campaign style chest of drawers over against the right wall?  I got that this past week off of Craigslist.  It needs a little work – like painting, re-gluing drawers.  And, then accessorizing.  So, that’s not the best angle to photograph right now.

It’s tough to see in photos, but the ceiling blue isn’t actually quite this bright and the rug is a little lighter, so they are pretty close to the same shades in real life.   The ceiling is more so the shades of darker blue you see on the outside edges.  This is one of the toughest rooms to photograph and get the colors just right in.

What is going on behind the sectional?  Well, my beloved custom made sofa table is back there.

And, on the other side is my french provincial dresser turned tv stand from Thelma and Louise (a local shop) which I adore.

And, from the entry area where you can see the blue dining room walls, family room ceiling and rug all at the same time.  There is also a blue dresser in the entry to the left of the photographed area here (below).  It all works together for a cohesive feel.

We’re loving the changes.  Here it was before with the layered cow hide rug (below).

We enjoyed that look, but we’re loving the more graphic rug even more.   We also eliminated the chair.  Instead, two of those chairs now live in the office, along with the cowhide rug.  If you are really observant, you noticed in the upper photo that the art in the niche is also changed out to a sunburst.

And, after.

I am reposting the first image below since that wall color is most accurate.  The color in photos can drive me nuts sometimes.

I hope you enjoyed seeing the changes!  It’s still a work in progress.

Now to work on the campaign dresser and accessories around it!  I’m thinking of maybe floating bookshelves over it.  We could use more.  I’ve also got a little more fireplace mantle styling to do (just got new prints for the IKEA Ribba frames over it).

To see the rest of the photos I’ve taken, visit the Home Tour page.  However, I need to update a few rooms soon due to tweaks like this!

Pantone named their 2013 color of the year.  It’s Emerald Green.  Do you like?

If you do, the question is, does it work in just any space?  When does green work?  And, when does it just not work?   (Shhh, but these tips work with any color.)

In a way, green is easy to add since it’s the color of plants and that is considered a neutral in most cases, but there are a few things to consider before adding green to your space.

To tackle this, we need to talk about fixed elements and clean versus dirty colors.

1.  Fixed Elements.

Before adding any color, consider the fixed elements that are in the room.  Fixed elements are things that are attached to the home and cannot easily be changed such as countertops, sinks, flooring, etc.

What color are the fixed elements in your space?  What are the undertones?

The space pictured above has black countertops, white cabinets without a glaring undertone, stainless appliances and a white with a slight gray undertone subway tile backsplash.  That is about as flexible as you can get.  So, the saturated emerald green works in this space.  In fact, most colors would work in this space.

Here is another kitchen that has lots of white fixed elements.  All whites aren’t the same, so check the undertones, even in white, by comparing it to other whites.  Some whites have yellow undertones, being super creamy.  Other whites have blue undertones, and so on.

Green works well with all of the fixed white in this space though.

And, what is an important thing to consider when doing white?  Light.  White does not do well in a dimly lit room. It goes dull gray fast.  For more information on white, see this post.

However, not all spaces are as flexible as the kitchens shown above.  Some of us have funky colors that we inherited in our countertops or other fixed elements.

Let’s be honest, these countertops below are pretty bossy.  Not all colors will work in this space.

And, the worst color in a countertop is beige with a pink undertone.  It’s super bossy!  (See below.)   And, not only does pinky-beige not work well with a yellow beige, but just doesn’t work well with much.

If your space has pinky undertones in the countertop, please note that and work with it, not against it.

If you are going green, be sure to ask, are there any fixed elements with orange undertones in the room?  Orange is opposite the color wheel from green.  Anytime you put two colors together that are opposite the color wheel, they will emphasize each other.  Do you want the orange emphasized?  That is a question only you can answer.  If the orange is in a tile you hate, maybe not.  If the orange makes the cabinets feel dated, maybe not.

Having said that, please note that orange toned wood on the horizontal acts as a neutral.  All wood as flooring does, so don’t worry about wood flooring too much.  That’s not to say that some tones of wood won’t work better in a space than others, though.

2.  Clean versus Dirty.

The next thing to consider is if the color you want to add is clean or dirty and how that corresponds to the surrounding colors.

(Note: this concept does not apply to neutrals like gray, beige, tan, and white, though their undertones and saturation should be taken into consideration.)

What does clean and dirty even mean?  Clean is the color without it being mixed with much gray to muddy it up.  Dirty colors are typically muted with gray.  Muted and muddy are other words that are used interchangeably with dirty.

Below is an example of clean green (table) being combined with dirty green (chairs).

We all have our own opinions, but I’m not the biggest fan of the two together in the space above.  I do like how she used two rugs and two tables in the oversized room.

Which of the color combinations below do you think looks best?

Typically clean colors look better with other clean colors.  Muddy colors look best with other muddy colors.  Below is an example of a dirty green with both dirty pink and clean pink.

You may have to look very closely at those to see the difference.

In general, muted colors will look more sophisticated.  Clean colors will look more cheerful, but can border on youthful if you aren’t careful.

Clean colors should be off-set with a healthy amount of white.  White helps them to make sense in a space.

Below are a few examples of green in spaces where the general color palette is very clean.   Personally, I am drawn to clean colors most, but not too clean and over-saturated.  I like a little bit of gray mixed in so that it’s still vibrant, but not too bright.  However, many out there love their neutrals and soft palettes.

If you are wondering about an example of more muddy tones, see the image below.  And, as you can see there, you can sprinkle in various tones of the color to blend it some.

Below are some various tones around the green spectrum that you could put together in a room.

And, just for fun, since I didn’t show a lot of dirty/ muted colors, here are some fabulous rooms featuring more muted colors.  But, remember, these are terms of comparison, so it’s all relative.

Basic Rules:
1.  Balance bright saturated colors with lots of white.  Not only does it help them to make more sense but it keeps them from getting overwhelming.
2.  Clean colors create a happier room, but also can be more youthful.  Dirty or muddy colors tend to be more sophisticated.  Both can be wonderful.
3.  In general, keep clean colors with clean colors and dirty (or muddy or muted) with other dirty colors.
4.  When choosing a color, make sure it works with the fixed elements your home – anything that will not be changed.
5.  Compare different shades of one color to begin to see the undertones and to see if it’s clean or dirty.

These are just basic rules.  Rules are made to be broken.  But, they also must be known so that way you can purposely break them or know what may be wrong if something is bothering you.

I hope that is helpful!   What do you think about emerald green?   Would it work in your home?

What tips do you have?  Are you drawn mostly to clean or dirty colors?

Today is the day to link up your Christmas décor (anything décor related) over at Lindauer Designs and any fun Christmas photos featuring kids over at This, That & Life.  It’s the last week of our link parties.

Let’s see some décor inspiration!

Centsational Girl does it again – more gorgeousness.  I love the pops of blue alongside of silver, gold and white.  Isn’t that wishbone chair fun?

Are you more of a red person?  How about this family room.

This image from Better Homes and Gardens showed a simple, yet elegant space.

Here is another image from BHG.  Simple, yet I love it.

What does your Christmas décor look like?  Please do share!  Do you have any photos of your kids or family out-takes?  Share that as well!

Speaking of kids and photos, let’s just take a look at some awkward family photos for fun.  Are you a little awkward when being photographed?  I am.  Well, maybe these will make us feel better.

All of the family photos above are from awkwardfamilyphotos.com.  Surely you have a few that are better than these?!  Huh?   Link them up!  Show off the kiddos.

And, the photos do not have to be family photos – they can be of your kids doing projects, on outings, putting up the tree and so on.  It’s about memories.

Merry Christmas!  I’ll be taking a week or two off the blog before the new year.  I hope your holiday is wonderful.

To show respect for those lost during this horrific tragedy, we’re stepping away from the computer and the Home for the Holidays Link party for a day of silence honoring the 20 children and 6 teachers who were tragically died.  There are no words…  I can’t possibly imagine what they are going through.  

Please pray for all who are involved, including the family of the shooter, Adam Lanza.

We will resume the Holiday Link party tomorrow.  The topic is Christmas decor.  I also hope to post our dining room reveal then. 

Today is the day to link up your Christmas trees over at Restoration House Interiors.  Let’s see some tree inspiration!  First we’ll look at a few traditional trees, then some more unusual ones.  I’d love to hear which ones you like!

( Click on the image for more information.)

How about some pink?

What do you prefer?  Frosted, flocked, white, real, artificial, large, small?   What are your favorite color schemes for trees this year?

Here are a few that are a bit unusual.   If you don’t have room for a tree, these may be fun options.

And, these trees are moreso true accessories.

What does your Christmas tree look like?  Please do share!

Not sure what a link party is?  There is an explanation on the introduction post.

Head over to Kennesha’s blog and get some inspiration, and share your decorated mantels!