my neon COLOR STORY

The hardest part about being an interior designer is having the time to design your own place.  I've been in Portland for 6 months and not one thing is hanging on the wall- so EMBARRASSING.  

I knew that I wanted to experiment with neon colors in a fun yet sophisticated way.  I pictured hot pink and highlighter yellow.  Finally, one day I came home after some speed walking on a nature trail and took a look at myself in the mirror and BAM.  I saw my color story: My yellow-green long sleeve shirt, and neon yellow straps from my grey sports top.  I was instantly energized by this combo.  I knew I wanted another color one more color, but wasn't sure what.  Then a few weeks later I just thought, navy blue OF COURSE.  What a great shade to ground these brighter colors with, right?  I really want the highlighter yellow to shine, but I'll have to use it in key accents so it is not overwhelming.

I love this MISMATCH of neutrals and neon.  The funny thing is now that I've made this inspiration board, I see that I've actually created an analogous color scheme.  Seriously?!  I never even thought about that when putting this together.  Generally, an analogous color scheme is calming because three colors are adjacent to each other on the color wheel.  However, since I've mismatched the hue, or intensity, of these colors there is a lot of contrast.  Portland has many gloomy days, so I wanted a color story with lots of energy, and that's exactly what contrast creates.

I can't wait to get some artwork up on the walls, and I hope to have some ideas to share with you soon.


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SOURCES

Plant: Divine Caroline
Artwork: Wit & Delight
Sofa: West Elm
End table: Target

fun with FLOWERS

Have some fun with your flowers this spring, and mix it up!

Peaches and Mint

Isn't this a modern way to set up a floral centerpiece?  I just love the mix of glass vessels with a variety of shapes and sizes.  This is so easy, even YOU can do it.  Just place a single stem or a small bunch in each vessel.  It's perfectly imperfect.  And of course, have fun with the bright colors that bloom during spring.  Do you have a silver platter like this one?  I like how it unites this mismatch centerpiece altogether.  

my style PORTLAND

Life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately, and I realized I forgot to share my private Pinterest board with you about the style for my Portland townhouse.

Just moments ago I made my board public- AAH!  I hope you'll check it out - my style PORTLAND

Geo paper decor: Indulgy

Navy accent table: Target

Rag ottoman: Silly Old Suitcase

quiz my STYLE

Have you taken any of the style quizzes from my last post yet?  I was curious to try a few because I do know my style.  Right now I'm eclectic:  white walls, bold and neon colors, and a bit artsy with great textures. Let's see how accurate these results turn out to be!

Home Goods: Sassy with a touch of Boho
This photo identification quiz literally took about 10 seconds.  I've never considered myself sassy, but I do agree with their description of styling a room.

Sproost: Hmm that's odd

Hmm- these are not the best photos....Interestingly enough, the quiz could not identify my style, seriously?  Honestly, I'm not too surprised.  None of these images really grabbed me, but I did stay true to my style.  I did take it a second time, and half of the images were different, but unfortunately the same result!

Houzz: Transitional

Aww, I'm a bit disappointed...I was not very interested in these questions.  I wasn't even interested to finish the last 3 questions of the quiz, but I persevered.  I do like a transitional style, but I feel more eclectic and bold with color rather than neutral at this time.  However, they are right- I can't wait to have someone over and use my Kate Spade wedding china!

Style Maker: Old Money Extravagance

Well, I haven't heard this style on HGTV yet!  Some categories were better than others, but I like that most categories dealt directly to design or architecture.  While I don't connect to the name of the style, there are aspects that I like for my "forever home,"  but just not the look I'm going for right now.

Better Homes and Garden: Country French
Again, it has identified some motifs and details that I like but are not my current style.  I was able to identify with the categories in terms of my 'forever home."  I liked the mix of fashion and architecture questions.

Final thoughts?  The Home Goods quiz is the only one that I was able to identify something resembling my currently bold and eclectic style.  Sproost was the least helpful for the obvious reason that it could not draw any conclusion from my selections.  The remaining quizzes did retrieve style information about me in general.  The best quizzes were visual, not going through a list of questions.

I think that's enough for tonight.  I'd love to know your'e opinions~

how bout a QUIZ?

Ha!  Just goes to show that I really had a Sudafed Head....I meant to publish this on Wednesday night, and just realized I forgot to hit the "Publish" button!

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With the start of spring, it only makes sense that now I am a bit under the weather....

I just found a new blog through the Portland Bloggers main directory.  "Proper Living- A domestic blog featuring recipes, crafts, design and DIY projects." 

Joe put together a great post of several quizzes to help you discover your interior design style.

Check it out, and let me know your results!

Here's the link to Proper Living, and have I hope you discover something new about yourself: 
 6 Quizzes To Find Your Interior Design Style

in my BED

Today has been a lazy day...and it feels so good just to relax in bed!   While I'm in here, I figured I better jump on the chance to get in on the bedding sale at West Elm before it ends tomorrow night.

I have been eyeing this bed set by Kate Spade for West Elm for several months.  It's called the Floral Duvet Combo/ Habanero.  The colors are so rich and bold.  I think this will help wake me up in the mornings and get my day started with more energy.

I used my Design Dollars to purchase the duvet and matching standard shams.

Continuing with my energy concept, I added these playful Dot Sheets/Pool.   This will be a real mix-up from the standard white sheets I've been using for the last several years.

The small polka dot pattern will balance with the large splotchy-floral pattern.  So, what should I put on the windows?

This wavy curtain has a lot of energy to it, but I'm not sure if it's too busy with the duvet...

I had zigzag drapery in my last apartment, but it was multicolored and a smaller scale.  This has high contrast and sharp lines which may balance well with my bedding.

Well, this is something different.  This block print design is great, but might compete for attention...


I'm just glad knowing that some new bedding is on the way.  My last bedroom was very neutral with grey, cream, and wood tones.  It was so peaceful to end each day with, but now I want something energizing to pump me up in the mornings.




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SOURCES

Images: West Elm