Well, here it is, fall again. Yet another exciting time of year is the introduction to the color trends for 2010!
Sherwin Williams has done a great job presenting the Color Trends for 2010 and these schemes are featured in their magazine STIR. Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin Williams shares:
"Our color yearnings are now part of a deeper desire: to get back to basics, to re-evaluate and simplify complex lives, embrace what is important to us and let go of the rest."
You can get more details on why those chose the specific colors they did here.
So, without further adiue...
1. Rooted (mystery, enduring, natural) - Re-exploring the world's cultures: African, Aboriginal, and Native American.
Elements:
Animal prints and skins
Bone, feather and fringe accents
Hammered finishes and aged metals
Ombre, tie-dye and ethnic patterns
2. Simplified (transluscent, Sophisticated, Structure) - Artful; well tailored lines with clarity and integrity. Hues are calm and subtle with undertones as flexible as the space.
Elements:
Tailored upholstery
Translucent & transparent materials
Soft matte & glazed finishes
Mid-century modern, Scandanavian
3. Treasured (aged, layers, artisan) - From flea market finds to artisan pieces with imperfect character. The palette reflects weathered finishes and heirlooms, discovering untold stories in layers.
Elements:
Loose threads
Distressed textures
Vintage patinas
Weathered woods
Oxidized metal
4. Refreshed (exuberant, fresh, optimism) - Happy spaces, bright colors and fresh florals bring a global twist. Cultural influences and motifs are used to create a bohemian like mosaic.
Elements:
Nature inspired
Floral patterns and prints
High gloss finishes
Light wood tones
Whichever palette speaks to you, be open to exploring your horizons. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can change a space incredibly fast. There is instantanious satisfaction!
We look forward to exploring with you in creating new re-freshed spaces this coming 2010!
One of the prime actions that the interior design industry has been embracing is improving sustainable efforts. It is our job to be knowledgeable about new products and procedures so that when we are creating environments, we are specifying products and suggesting processes that will make less of a carbon footprint. Not only as designers, but as a community we can ALL do something for the environment.
Here are three major elements to consider when talking about sustainable design:
1. Environment/Energy - It doesn't require any degree or special training to start being energy efficient and environmentally respectful. There are several free online assistance websites that can get you started in the right direction. For example, you can use specific products to do your part:
*Ecomates - This company makes both ethosFR+ fuel treatment and ethosFR oil treatment for not only vehicles but any type of gasoline or diesel fuel machines (for example: lawn mowers, generators, atv's, etc.) This product increases overall gas mileage by 7-19%, reduces emissions by over 33%, and extends oil life by at least 200%. Check out these great products!
*Planet Green: How to Go Green - This site has a great 8 page informative tutorial that has everything to do with cleaners, ways to clean, and helpful links for further reading.
*US EPA - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - This is a government site that tells you about the benefits of recycling and tips on how to recycle. It also give you information on topics like composting and where to recycle your old computer or electronics.
*Green Peace - Energy Efficiency - This website is a "how to" on energy efficiency and clever ways to save energy, money and the planet. It is concentrated on residences.
*Visit the Carbon Offset website for a simple, fun and free calculation on your very own carbon footprint and opportunities for offsetting those 'terrible tons' of waste.
2. Social Responsibility - There are so many opportunities to give and to choose something can be overwhelming at times. Look at the following for ideas of events and activities to help our environment and community.
*Ecotourism - The International Ecotourism Societyis a non-profit dedicated to promoting ecotourism. TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research, and publications. Their mission is to support "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people."
*Start small or go big - Volunteer Matchstrengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is a great tool to find local places to volunteer your time and efforts.
*Recycle, watch your water use, your food intake and what you eat and throw away.
*Those darn plastic bags! There are some really great reusable ones out there. Try and find a local company to purchase them through. There are some local ones here in Boise from Shop Wise Bags.
*Deny the 79 of the 80 phone books they love to leave at your office or home... or refuse them all and get your information online. If you really need them, you can look here to find some great suggestions for reuse or recycling - Green Eco Services.
*Tread lightly on back roads - Seriously stay on the trail...
*Join a local conservation group. Here in Idaho we have the Idaho Conservation League or one of the Idaho Master Naturalist programs put on by the Idaho Fish and Game Department – you can learn some great things outdoors, and volunteer at the same time! Click here.
These drinks are full of amazing colors and design! After reading about these fabulous cocktails in the Sherwin Williams magazine 'STIR' we could not resist sharing some of the recipes with you! Scott Beattie, the bar manager for Cyrus Restaurant in California's Sonoma Valley, literally prepares artwork in a glass... and any type of glass for that matter. Not only does he create new concoctions of his own but also takes classic cocktails and adds a dramatic twist. How fun would it be to serve some of these at one of your upcoming holiday parties! Note: These can all be made non-alcoholic - just exclude the alcohol out of all recipes!
To get these vibrant colors he says to create natural staining using beet juice, turmeric, yellow beets, and blueberries. He also likes to use ginger and then stain it with beet juice to get a vibrant color.
Here are a few recipes to try this holiday season:
Pelo De Perro (Hair of the Dog) - a beautiful pink and red drink with sweet, salty and tangy flavors woven through silky grapefruit foam. (First image above on left)
Dianthus or other edible flower petals for garnish
Place a V-shaped glass in the freezer to chill. Rub the grapefruit around the rim of the frozen glass and shake off any excess juice. Dip the glass into the sea salt and sugar to coat the rim. Toss the B12 powder in a measuring glass and add the liquors, juices and agave nectar. Stir will and add enough ice to fill the glass. Shake hard for 7 seconds and strain into the salt-rimmed glass. Add a thin layer of grapefruit foam on top. Garnish with flower petals to serve.
Grapefruit Foam:
1-1/4 leaves gelatin
4 cups of cold water
9 oz. strained grapefruit juice
3 oz. simple syrup
1/3 cup Thai coconut milk
1. In a metal bowl, bloom the gelatin in the water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the fruit juice and simple syrup in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat just until it boils. Remove from heat. 2. Remove the gelatin from the water and squeeze out most of the excess water. Discard the water and place the gelatin back in the bowl. 3. Fill a large bowl with ice and set the bowl with the gelatin on top of the ice. Pour the hot juice mixture over the gelatin slowly. With a whisk, beat the gelatin until frothy, about 30 seconds. 4. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to at least 45O F, then whisk in the coconut milk. 5. Pour the mixture into a whipped cream canister and seal it tight. Invert the canister and charge it with a cartridge. 6. Shake the canister vigorously for 15 seconds, then place it in the refrigerator to cool. The foam can be used after about 10 minutes, but will be even more stable after 24 hours.
Pomiranian - Perfect for Autumn (Second image above from left)
10 to 15 peppermint leaves
3/4 oz. Hangar One mandarin orange blossom vodka
3/4 oz. vodka
1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
3/4 oz. spiced pomegranate juice (See below)
1/4 oz. simple syrup
Black-eyed Susan petals, cut into chiffonade
Peppermint sprig for garnish
Amaranth spear for garnish
Place the peppermint in the bottom of a mixing glass and tap a few times with a muddler. Add the vodkas, juices and simple syrup and stir well. Add a small pinch of black-eyed susan threads and enough ice to fill the mixing glass, cover, and shake a few times. Pour into a tall Collins glass and garnish with the peppermint sprig, amaranth spear and a few more threads of black-eyed susan.
Spiced Pomegranate Juice (Makes enough for about 14 cocktails)
4 large, ripe pomegranates or 1-1/3 cups 100% pomegranate juice
1 drop essential oil of cardamom
1 drop essential oil of nutmeg
1 drop essential oil of black pepper
Juice the pomegranates using a manual or electric juicer. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids. Place the juice and the essential oils in an airtight container and shake well to combine. The juice will keep for up to one week refrigerated in the airtight container.
Recipe from the Sherwin-Williams Stir Magazine (Volume 6 - Issue 2 2009)
Painful Punch - Another fall favorite is a rather traditional punch that is a cross between mulled wine and Sangria. (Makes about 3 gallons)
3 tbsp. whole allspice
3 tbsp. crumbled cinnamon sticks
3 tbsp. whole nutmeg
64 oz. pineapple juice
64 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
64 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
1 liter of dark rum
1 liter of cognac
12 bottles (750 ml.) of Shiraz or syrah
Orange slices, apple slices, and strawberries
Ice (as needed)
Coarsely crush allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg in a towel; reserve. Bring pineapple, grapefruit and orange juices to a boil. Add spices and simmer 20 minutes and remove from heat. Strain out spices. Add rum, cognac and wine. Cool in a container inside of ice bath. Move to large container and refrigerate. For service, add orange and apple slices and strawberries. Fill Tom Collins glasses with ice and add punch.
As KDG approaches the start of our 20th year (October 16th) of sharing our passion for Interior Design with our clients and the community there are 2 feelings, heartfelt gratitude and exhilaration!
I think back to all the clients who have entrusted their projects to us and believed in our creativity and enthusiasm. We have benefited greatly from these experiences not only by the opportunities to expand our creative mindset but mostly by the friendships that have evolved. This is truly what keeps me jazzed and passionate on a daily basis.
To our clients and friends who have enough confidence to say, ‘you can show me the options but we will pick what you think is best.” – I am grateful for your trust and confidence!
For those of you who shared understanding when we made honest mistakes but let us mend the problem – Thank you for your patience!
For the amazing and talented employees over the years who shared their lives and who were good teachers as well. – I share my gratitude!
To all the silent supporters of our company and who recommended us over the years – You are appreciated!
And to all those in the future whom we get the pleasure of the bringing your dreams into reality, we look forward to building the friendship. – Thank you in advance!
In the last 19 years we have experienced many exciting events, some worked out great and others were questionable…
We have moved seven times! (Lucky seven was into our renovated building we bought and reside in now)
Design Archives – a resource library for the trade opened in 2004. Due to other pre-established commitments and other unforeseen elements, this endeavor came before its time. (Keep posted for something better in the future!)
Most recently, with deep passion for the environment and sustainability, I took the leap to become an accredited auditor and advisor for Green Globe International for the hospitality and related industry. I am now in the process of completing two other related industry certifications so we are able to give more to our clients in assisting with their sustainable goals.
The Sanchita Charitable Foundation was created so that we could make a positive difference in the lives of others and our environments. We are very blessed to share this support with our community.
We started a company blog and newsletter, which if like anyone else, has been on the back burner for way too long. (Hey, we need to embrace the little things too!)
We constructed a company Vision Board as a constant reminder of our commitments and dreams.
So, as we jump into this 20th year, we are arriving with more clarity in our purpose for our future at KDG. I am a firm believer that by sharing dreams and desires with many, you have a better opportunity to achieve them. You just never know how, who, or when someone else may share the same dreams.
Here are some of our dreams for the years to come:
Be a co-creator in Idaho’s first luxury ‘glamping’ experience! A sustainable Eco Retreat committed to solving the worlds ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ and empowering individual’s souls.
Design a Boutique Hotel
Create a Spa /Wellness Center preferably within a Resort
Create a Signature line of holistic lifestyle products
Continue our Social Responsibility by annually giving back to the community
Developing more Sustainable Procurement & Advisor services for our clientele
To design a sustainable home using shipping containers. Sounds crazy and intriguing… http://bit.ly/3dpq5c
So, here we are leaping forward with our helmets on toward that big ‘piece of cheese’ ready for the new years ahead!
