Inspiration Photo Friday: The Blue

12 Friday Oct 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

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blue, color, earth, gray, interior design, moss, natural, nature, new jersey, palette, photography, raritan, rocks, stream, water

I always liked this photo because it was serene. The delicate water resting against the earthbound rocks set a nice canvas for nature to shine. The fantastic blue of the sky showing its reflection oh so beautifully in the water makes me smile. The moss slightly peeks out among the stream. Earth is truly a main character here.

I shot this in Raritan, New Jersey about 6 years ago. I remember that quiet March day being nice and cool and the setting where I was taking photographs was calm. No one was around which left me and my subjects at ease. No distractions. No unnecessary noise. Just me and the blue.

The color scheme from this photo is a great inspiration for interior spaces as well as events. I have this palette throughout my own home because it is soothing, earthy and adrogynous. It allows for many accent colors to come into play as well. Think of it as a natural background for endless possibilities.

Chalky Pastels Bring Spring Closer to Home

20 Friday Apr 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Color Inspiration, Everyday Design, The Home

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better homes and gardens, chalk, interior design, nature, palette, pastels, spring

In the May issue of Better Homes & Gardens they feature chalky pastels and include some tips on how to use them. Being a lover of pastels I had to share these pretty colors. Soft and cheery are great words to describe them for they bring a touch of happy to any space.

Using them on the walls will make a room seem larger so painting a small space a lighter hue is a great idea, if thats what you’re going for. Painting a ceiling will do the same. Accessories that showcase springs beautiful colors help brighten up a space so touches of pretty pastels here and there create a flow of sunshine.

{Spinach White: Sherwin Williams – Raspberry Ice: Benjamin Moore – Mild Mint: Olympic – Filtered Sunlight: Ace Hardware – Inviting Warmth: BH&G for Glidden}

Here are some examples of using pastels successfully. Hope they inspire you to bring spring closer to home. Surrounding yourself with happy colors makes all the difference.

{Check out my Better Homes & Gardens board on Pinterest! It’s my entry for their $5000 Dream Home contest. Wish me luck!}

Art Inspired Palette – Abby Berkson

21 Saturday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art Inspired Palette, Awesome Shops, Color Inspiration

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abby berkson, acorns, art, ceramics, color, design, etsy, Inspiration, nature, neutrals, palette, pastels, pottery, squirrel

Abby Berkson is a fine artist from Northampton, MA who has a BFA in ceramics. She has taught ceramics to children as well as assisting Connie Talbot at High Hollow Pottery for a number of years before starting her own business. I love her pottery because its delicate, sincere and her color palette is dreamy. Look to her work for inspiration when planning a wedding or bridal shower as well as other various parties and events.

Art Inspired Color Palettes

19 Thursday Jan 2012

Posted by melissaoconnor in Art Inspired Palette, Awesome Shops, Color Inspiration

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art, blue, brown, color, cream, design, etsy, green, holli, illustration, ivory, natural, neutral, palette, paola, pastels, peach, pink

I am happy to share my new little addition to the blog, my color palettes inspired by the things I love. The first is Art Inspired Color Palettes but there will be more coming soon. You can access the palettes from the menu on the right. Each week I plan to post at least two so come back and check in often. To introduce each one, I will add a new post with a little about each artist. Hope you all can find inspiration in what inspires me.

The first addition!

Paola is an artist from Cordoba, Argentina. You can find her illustrations in her Etsy shop, Holli. I am drawn to her delicate lines and soft palette of color. Her work is whimsy, childlike and simply beautiful. Look to her drawings when planning a wedding, bridal or baby shower and parties for children.