Friday, January 13, 2012

HOME COLOR TRENDS FOR 2012

Its official 2012 is the year for BOLD color! And we could not be more excited! When Pantone announced that their color pick for 2012 is Tangerine Tango all we could think is - Bright. Beautiful. Bold. Sold! On the contrary, Benjamin Moore's color pick for 2012 is Wythe Blue from their historical collection, which is nothing short of cool, fresh and charming! What's the best part about these two opposing picks? How they POP when put together! Choosing opposite colors on the color wheel = a vivacious, must-have, too-good-to-be-true combination, guaranteed!

In honor of the new colors for 2012, The Art Selectress has compiled some of our favorite designs below with a little advice on how to use Tangerine Tango and Wythe Blue without going overboard. Be sure to check out the sources to read more!




 A great way to include this years must-have color is by adding some unexpected details to the room. We love how this room grabs the eye with touches of Wythe Blue from the floor-to-ceiling framed artwork that flank the bed, to the clear vase on the vanity/nightstand, to the bright blue lions in front. Not ready to commit? (Well, there will be a different color next year.) Try gathering all the bright orange and red books, pillows, art and rearrange them into one spectacular room! Remember our blog last week on RE-organizing rooms and art? It works!

You don't have to re-do a whole room. Sometimes simply adding a touch here and there can make a major difference! 



A simple color boost to an old chair, add some art and a cool blue vase (side table, lamp, blanket, etc.) and you have yourself a fresh, new space! Try this trick in the corner of a room to create a space that feels totally yours. 



Hello, Stripes! How chic is this entryway! If you are in the mood for some Tangerine Tango, try adding an elaborate table like this one in your home. Think entryway, behind the couch, bedside tables, you get the idea. And if you want to amp up the effect, add a mirror above the table to reflect more color! 


Painting by Alicia Chatham

Art can be a great way to finish off that newly refreshed room! Check out Alicia Chatham's painting above with a mix of tangerine reds and and icy blues. A piece like this will bring the whole room together! Have fun browsing the galleries near you or online and you'll be sure to find something that will make your room POP! 

Still color thirsty and looking for a little something new to oomph up your new room? Check out the sites below and let us know if you have a FAVORITE, MUST-HAVE item!






Friday, January 6, 2012

Our Favorite New Year's Resolution: Get Organized!

Yes, it is that time of year - time to take down the mistletoe, sweep up the pine needles and put away all the glittery things from the holidays. And now, after the New Year's daze wears off, you're remembering all the promises you made to yourself for 2012, all the resolutions you thought of while still in holiday-mode. We know they are hard to keep! So here's some advice about New Year's Resolutions from the Art Selectress!

We say it all the time - have fun with it! If you're finally buckling down and quitting that bad habit, find something healthy and enjoyable to replace it - running, cooking, reading (our favorite being any decorating magazine!). Trying to Get Fit in 2012? Us too. Try something you normally wouldn't do - like dance classes, yoga or even join an indoor climbing gym. Hey, you may surprise yourself! Whats our top New Year's resolution? GET ORGANIZED! Whether your home looks a little like the holidays took a toll on it, or you're a super hero and your place is already back to its neat and orderly self, now is a great time to RE-organize!

One of our favorite tricks of the trade in the art world is switching things up and doing it often. An art piece can look totally new if moved into a different room. Remember our post on Nancy B. Westfall's room? From window placements and lighting to wall color and decor, a new room = a fresh view on an old piece. Smaller pieces can be moved from the wall to nestled on a bookcase or a nice touch of detail resting on a side table. Don't be afraid to move around larger works as well! The huge piece above your mantle may look stunning above a couch or in a dining room to make it feel more dramatic. Sometimes placing art somewhere unexpected can make the room truly yours!



The small artwork by Jessica Swift adds a touch of interest to the already chic side table.


We love the art placed above the doorframe and the use of BOLD colors to make the room look fresh.


Pairing two works together next to an already interesting piece (the mirror) can balance things out in a unique way.


By rearranging some things in your home you may find some cool items that mimic a piece of art you already have. Why not display them near each other to enhance the effect!