Emerald.

This year's Pantone Colour is Emerald.

Image via Pantone 

 

This means you will begin to see this colour a lot more this year.  In fashion, interior design, flatware, linens etc. An easy way to keep your space feeling fresh and up to date is to add in pieces using this new "trendy" colour. An easy way (and relatively inexpensive way) to do this is with accessories. Try adding some throw pillows, or new tea towels in the kitchen, vibrant limes in a bowl or with drapery etc. This change will give your space a quick face lift and also keep up with the trends without having to over commit.

               
                   Image via theatelierblog                                                                       Image via slim69                                                                                  Image via inside-outdesign 

                                  
                                               mage via krisztinawilliams                                                                                                   Image via paperblog

To see how much simple accessories can change a space, check out some examples below using last year's colour of the year - Tangerine Tango.  The 2013 Emerald colour is much cooler and rich feeling.  While the 2012 Tangerine gives a room a sense of warmth and vibrancy.

Image via Pantone

                      
                       Image vai Myhomeideas                                                                               Image via  Thesuitelife                                                      Image via ApartmentTherapy

          

                                             Image via kerriekelly                                                                                  Image via AllureInteriors

Another way to add a lot of impact to a room is with paint. To give a room a whole new feel try painting one of the walls with this year's trendy colour. It does not take a lot of time and its inexpensive (and can be changed back if you hate it!) Experiment!


                         
                               Image via jolenesmithinteriors                                           Image via paperblog                                                        Image via native-radio
        
                 Image via houzz                                                                    Image via furniture4world                                                      Image via colorchats.benjaminmoore 

Don't forget about fashion...I find fashion to be major influence on my interior design style. If repainting a room seems like too big of a commitment, try nail polish or lipstick or other accessories.  Maybe if the colour grows on you, you will try the leap to paint a room - do not be afraid to try something you new!
           
                                    Image via fashionpolish                                                                             Image via makeupandbeautyblog                                             Image via atmosphere-id

                                       
                                               Image via fashioninspirer                                                                                                                         Image via redditgifts

Today's Inspirations...

Growing up on Vancouver's North Shore, I was lucky to be close to the city but far enough to experience the outdoors in an urban kind of way. I find that the colours of nature and textures are often really inspiring. This week I went for a hike in the forest, a walk along the water front and saw the sights of downtown. The sights / sounds / feeling of each are concepts I like to combine in my design.

The inspiration I get from being in the forest are freshness, simplicity and texture. While there are a lot of similar colour hues (tints & shades), there are many textures available such as moss, cedar bows or leafy trees. The way I try to bring this into design concepts are to keep the design simple, use similar hues or one colour and to add interest by mixing different textures.

The ocean gives a feeling of vast openness.  This I find inspiring by not cluttering up a space.  Let the key pieces speak for themselves - don't overwhelm a space.

The city gives me a feeling of vibrancy and pattern.  I use this inspiration by adding in metallic pieces, bright colours or repeating elements such as line or shapes.

Use what is around you to help you feel inspired. Find what you like or places in which you feel inspired and pull ideas from that feeling.

Welcome to Eye Spy Ideas!

My goal is to inspire and encourage you to love your personal space through DIY ideas, tricks of the trade and what "not to dos". I hope that by sharing ideas, my inspirations and design concepts that I learn as I develop as an interior designer this will encourage you to try new things in your home and not be afraid to experiment! Your space is a reflection of you and some place you should love to be.

To me, the idea of "home" can be anything from where you live, to your office work space or an outdoor area.  It's a place where you feel comfortable and in some way reflects your personality or makes you feel inspired. As I have been learning and experimenting with interior design I am beginning to understand my personal design style - I hope to help you find yours!

Something I have learned is that good design does not have to mean "high cost". It is balancing a space and using a keen eye to put in interesting pieces /colours etc. that do not have to be costly.  In my house, I searched and searched for something different to put over my fireplace, I did not want simply another mirror or piece or art. I stumbled upon this woven grass / wood frame which adds some interesting texture and gives my living room an interesting conversation piece.  I love it and the cost? It was only $35.00 at Home Sense. Brilliant!  The great thing about using some inexpensive pieces is that you can change them up when you get bored or want a change - you aren't married to it because it cost you a fortune.

Pink & the 60-30-10 Rule!

The 60-30-10 colour rule is a quick interior designer rule of thumb to help you lay out a room and pick colours.  An easy way to think of it is 60% of the room should be one hue, the 30% adds some interest / contrast and the last 10% adds the spark. So, an example might be 60% representing the paint colour, 30% the wood in the furniture or upholstery and finally the 10% as the accessories.

I LOVE the colour pink...but do not get to use it often in my home. While in school I would use the colour anytime I could get away with it for a project.  Here is an Achromatic Colour Scheme Project:

 

 

I chose white as the 60% in this room. It was in the marble floor tile, built-in cabinetry, the sofa and the wall colour was an off white with a slight pink tint to it.  The 30% was found in the area rug and furniture which were metallic, mirrored surfaces and dark wood.  Finally the pop or sparkle was the pink suede occasional chair.  It took an achromatic colour scheme of white and grey and punched it up with an eye catching chair.

 

Here are a few more examples of this trick at work:

 

    

         Image via The Lennox                                                              Image via Iasara                                        Image via Home-Designing