Colorful Friends,

No matter what season we are in or approaching, there is always inspiration in the air--- store windows, magazines, TV, etc. are filled with products and colors to attract us during seasonal changes.

The transitions in nature are clues that it's natural to do the same thing in our homes. Are you wanting to create a unique look that breaks out of the mold or allows you to express yourself in a new way? If so, don't look outward, look inward. We all have unique desires and favorites. Your home should express who you are and where you feel most comfortable,and others will too.

As the seasons and the stages of our lives change, so should our interior environments. Look around. Beautiful colors, products, and ideas are everywhere. The key is to know how, when and what to do. Using the natural colors and textures of the seasons in our homes, can make us feel more connected to them. I suggest we let the essence of each season come forth and reflect our inner seasonal changes and feelings in our homes.

So many people believe that they've finished decorating when the house is “filled up.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Each room should reflect the activities desired in that room. Moving from one room to another, can sometimes feel like moving from one season to another. The more unique your home is, the more of yourself you are using to create it.

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A spring palette may include true perky pastels, mixed with light or medium toned neutrals of white oak or birch or natural pine. Always remembering to bring in the dance of daffodils, tulips and pansies for refreshing light and fresh feel.

Summer palettes include cool greens, bright fuchsias, colorful splashes of all the richness of summer including cornflower blues, bright pinks and corals, rich turquoise, and naturally energizing bouquet of bright colors.

A fall palette could include heavy creams, earthy browns and tans, mid-tone warm tones of sandalwood, chicory, and cinnamon. And don't forget to accent with the richness of emerald green, teal blue and saffron.

A favorite winter palette may be contrasts of rich tan, heather gray, Logan green, with splashes of rich red, smooth lavender, white, silver and soft gold.

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Here are a couple of possible plans for a room’s transitions from one season to another.

Spring (March, April & May) is the time of year when Colors first blooms and pops out at us. The Colors of early March are very bright like the first yellow daffodils popping out against a snow covered hillside. Later in April & May many more shades of Color from soft & delicate (the season's first roses & carnations) to vibrant and hearty Colors of pansies, geraniums, and stock. The Colors of Spring are varied and many, and are generally loved my everyone. Happiness, innocence, joy and optimism are the qualities of the Colors of Spring.

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Spring Decorating:

• Rugs - natural duree, hand-woven linen or cotton, bamboo or straw
• Pillows - pastels in peach, aqua, periwinkle and ivory
• Windows - natural matchstick blinds, stained light oak or white washed window dressings and lampshades
• Plants - window boxes of daffodils, pansies, tulips and light green ivy
• Accessorize with pastels against soft neutrals throughout, bring your spring flowers inside to create an indoor garden effect. Natural planked oak or birch floors ad an outdoor feeling of simplicity. A bird bath or fountain can add a cheery, welcoming feel.

Summer (June, July, August) is the time of year when Colors reach their full peak. The Colors of purple iris, deep red roses, and golden sunflowers are good examples of Summer. Summertime is the time for playfulness, relaxation and intensity. Long days stretch into longer nights, and the Colors of Summer stretch to their fullest range and size. The Colors of Summer are vibrant, romantic, full of health & vitality, and reflect a sense of hope, and love.

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Summer Decorating:

• Rugs - duree, light weight wool in medium to bright tones.
• Pillows - combination of summer hues and jewel tones.
• Windows - silvery-white vertical or matchstick blinds
• Lampshades - linen, crisp eyelet and lace Plants - palms, keeping a light and airy or "jungle look"
• Accessorize with garden décor - birdhouses or small statuary. Colored water falls and fountains bring the sound a a babbling brook to your front door! Natural wooden floors make it feel your living from the outside in.

Autumn (Sept, Nov, early Dec.) is the time of year where Colors have reached their peak and are returning to the earth to be reborn. Autumn Colors represent the harvest of one's year and life....golden leaves, rich earthen tones of coral, olive and persimmon are reflected in many planets, flowers and trees. The Colors of Autumn remind us of what we have accomplished all year. They reflect abundance, nourishment, maturity and comfort.

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Autumn Decorating:

• Rugs - Medium to heavy wool, hand-woven canvas or jute.
• Pillows - Medium to rich fall earthy colors mixed with neutrals
• Windows - tortoise, jute and heavier cotton shades, lampshades in colors coordinating with the shades
• Plants - fall blossoms, potted plants, terra-cotta vases, indoor trees
• Accessorize with baskets, wood pieces, and all natural materials. Wooden tubs, natural colored rocks and smooth stones can create a perfect autumn waterfall and peaceful sanctuary.

Winter (mid Dec, Jan. Feb.) is the time for resting, renewing, and reminding us that all Colors come from silence. The dark, deep Colors found in Winter are there to inspire us to look for deeper purpose and meaning to our lives. White is the Color of snow, and white includes all colors. Winter Colors are full of contrast, and depth. White, black, gray and ash, sprinkled with deep rich tones of purple, red, and fuchsia remind us of the richness of Winter.

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Winter Decorting:

• Rugs - rich colored oriental, soft, luxurious fluffy flokati rugs
• Pillows - velvet or wool in contrasting neutrals and rich jewel tones
• Windows - Heavily textured lined drapes in rich velvets, or smooth neutrals same in lampshades
• Plants - dried flowers or fresh poinsettias, potted trees
• Accessorize with warm throws, handmade quilts, and lots of candles! Don't forget a rich marble fountain with soothing gently flowing water.

All of my examples keep the sofa and basic furniture from season to season. Seasonal changes with simple purchases of lampshades, pillows, plants, window treatments, and accessories are essential. Change of area rugs is special, if your budget allows. However, I really do feel it's worth it!

You can see that adding to, and subtracting from, a room are basic to seasonal awareness. The fun starts when you have found your inspiration. And are ready to start “Living Your Colors.” Then purchases are easy.

My inspiration starts the moment I awake. My eyes fall on colors chosen for each season, each room, each personality. It is as though Nature lives fully within my home, as it does on the outside.

Where do you start? Maybe I can jump-start you. I offer Living Your Color consultations for a variety of purposes. We can start with your personally, enlivening areas within your own mind, body and sprit, and include your home or office, or wherever you are wanting to feel more comfortable, peaceful and nurtured.

It’s a blessing and joy when we discover how to live in tune with Nature.

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Call Bonnie today and arrange to have a private consultation to begin your colorful journey of Living Your Colors!.