Sound in Color: The Strokes: Room on Fire

19 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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Casablancas, I Can't Win, Peter Phillips, pop art, primary colors, Reptilia, Room on Fire, The End Has No End, The Strokes, War/Game, What Ever Happened

I haven’t listened to The Strokes in awhile but they are a band I respect and enjoy very much. Formed in 1998, this NY rock band creates unique music that has a nostalgic feel. Casablancas’ voice was always a favorite of mine, heartwarming and sincere. Their third album, Room on Fire, was released in 1993 and includes some really great tracks like What Ever Happened, Reptilia, The End Has No End, and I Can’t Win. All the songs on the album are really awesome though. Everything is so damn catchy, you wonder how they do it.

The album art was designed by pop artist Peter Phillips, and developed from another painting, War/Game, he created in the 60s. It uses the primary colors and darker hues expressed side by side which visually stimulates the canvas. Hence, the name pop art. Although the piece is muted and the colors are heavy, it does create a nice balance between light and dark, which you can also say about the album itself.

Sound in Color: The Strokes: Room on Fire

Inspiration Photo Friday: Celebrations

15 Friday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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baby shower, celebrations, cousins, events, family, having a baby, inspiration photo friday, life, mom, mommy to be, new mom, parties, time

Tomorrow is my cousin’s baby shower and I am so excited for her and her husband on their new arrival. Just last year we were celebrating their wedding and now a little girl is on the way. The event is being held at my aunt’s house and I have helped her with some of the items for the party. From the invites and thank you’s to the favor tags and signs, it has been such a pleasure to design everything and be a part of this special day. I will be sure to write up a post on the event soon!

There are so many things to celebrate in a person’s life. Having a baby is definitely one of them. I have watched my cousin grow up and become such a beautiful woman and now I soon get to watch her become a mom. They also just bought their first house so it has been quite busy over there on the Nicholson home front. And with the little one expected early January, busy will be an understatement. But tomorrow, we all get to have fun and kick back with all the lovely women in her life. Such a great day to shower Diana with love.

You know, seeing how all we’ve all changed and grown up over the years, really puts you in a nostalgic place. It shows you how time truly passes by so quickly. Being able to celebrate all the great and exciting things in our lives just makes it so much more memorable. Creating memories that will last forever and showing each other love and support is so important. It’s how our lives become richer and our bonds grow stronger.

This photo was taken 4 years ago during the holidays. It will always be one of my all time favorites of me and my cousin. I love you Di ♥ Wishing you the most fulfilling experience as a new mother and years of happiness as a family. Now let’s celebrate!

Inspiration Photo Friday: Celebrations

Sound in Color: Depeche Mode-Ultra

12 Tuesday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Sound in Color

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Alan Wilder, album art, collage, color, color palette, crafty, Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode, grunge, Insight, It's No Good, purple, synth pop, The Bottom Line, The Love Thieves, ultra

Another favorite from Depeche Mode, Ultra combines beautiful lyrics and synth pop beats with catchy guitar riffs. Their ninth piece of work, released in 1997, has an array of brilliant tracks such as It’s No Good, The Love Thieves, Insight, and The Bottom Line to name a few. It was the first album they recorded since Alan Wilder left the band.

The album art incorporates a range of purple hues, along with grunge textures and a collage like feel. It’s interesting to see such feminine colors against dark elements. The cover as a whole is simple but encompasses a crafty and smart design.

Sound in Color: Depeche Mode-Ultra

Feng Shui 101

09 Saturday Nov 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Everyday Design, Guest Posts, The Home

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Chinese, decor, energy, environment, Feng Shui, gryffin media, home, house, Soothing Walls

The inspiration that drives your home decor choices stem from a lot of places. The colors you like, the space you have, your budget, and style. One thing that is sometimes overlooked is how the items you chose to fill the space make you feel. The environment that you choose to surround yourself with can affect the energy that flows into your home; or at least that’s what Feng shui states.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese philosophical system of home design and decor that is rooted in the belief that your human experiences in and outside your home are linked to your immediate surroundings. An example of a Feng shui principle is that the items in your kitchen are connected to the wealth and prosperity that you experience in your life. For more tips and to learn a little bit more about Feng shui, check out this infographic below, brought to you by Soothing Walls.

The style of Feng shui depicted here is a Western style that does not rely on any sort of compass directions. Instead, a template is offered with 9 squares that each correspond to an area of your home. To get started, just align the bottom of the grid with the front of your house. Check it out below!

Written by Naomi Shaw for Soothing Walls

Naomi Shaw is a freelance writer from Southern California. She loves to write about crafting, diy, and home decor. When she’s not writing she loves to spend time with her family and children.