Tag: inspiration

Design Seeds

Design Seeds is a site that celebrates colors found in nature.

Design Seeds is a site that celebrates colors found in nature.  Created by Jessica Colaluca, Design Seeds is a unique site that lets you explore color palettes based on stunning photos of everything from flowers to interior vignettes.  Jessica uses her own photos or images submitted to her and creates custom color palettes based on those photos.  Unlike automatic color generating programs, Jessica digitally creates each hue herself.Design Seeds 14Design Seeds 13Design Seeds 12Design Seeds 11

In addition to being visually quite beautiful, Design Seeds is a great resource for a variety of applications.  Comparing the many palettes is really inspiring.  It’s fascinating to see the images deconstructed to individual colors and to think of the many ways to incorporate them into an interior or other color scheme.  Jessica has made the HEX code (a way of specifying color using hexadecimal values) available for each color, making it easier to digitally recreate a hue you may want to use.  A good paint store should be able to match shades printed with a well calibrated printer.

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Design Seeds is a great resource.  I love to browse through the site and feel inspired by how different colors are paired.  It’s a fascinating way to create a palette as well as a helpful visual tool to exemplify a vision to a client.

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Roman and Williams

Roman and Williams is a New York based design firm with an interesting back story.

Roman and Williams is a New York based design firm with an interesting back story.  Robin Standefer and Stephen Alesch spent ten years designing sets for Hollywood films before taking on their first residential project, a home in Los Angeles.  Together they formed Roman and Williams (named for their grandfathers) in 2002 and in 2004 relocated the firm to New York.  Since then, they’ve completed an impressive scope of projects including homes, restaurants, hotels, and retail locations.

Roman and Williams 6 I have a book of work by Roman and Williams called Things We Made, given to me by a cousin who is studying architecture.  She thought I’d be interested in their projects, and she was right.  I really appreciate what they do and how they do it.  Roman and Williams have a different approach than I do, but I like the moodiness and industrial vibe of many of their projects.

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I find it interesting how they mix materials.  Their interiors feature so many collected items — it takes skill to make this look effortless.  They can take dilapidation and expand on it, creating a memorable environment.  Roman and Williams has a huge design range, everything from industrial to clubby.

Roman and Williams 10Roman and Williams 1Roman and Williams 2 - CopyRoman and Williams 12Roman and Williams 11I recall seeing a kitchen years ago and remembering it was in actor Ben Stiller’s home.  I was enchanted by the use of 3×6 tiles all over the kitchen walls and not just allocated to the back splash. It’s funny how certain things stay with you, and once I found out the kitchen was a Roman and Williams design, I was even more impressed with the the space and their work.

Color Obsession: Nautical Blue

To me, Nautical Blue brings to mind a more lush, sophisticated take on summer.

The word nautical typically conjures up images of novelty items like anchors, gulls, and sailboats.  To me, Nautical Blue brings to mind a more lush, sophisticated take on summer.  It’s a strong, bold color that reminds me of growing up on the water.  Nautical Blue makes me think of the ocean, reflections, and the places where I find inspiration.  As part of an interior, you can do a play on a nautical theme in a subtle way by using nubby fabric or a blue and white stripe.  The interpretation of this shade and theme doesn’t have to be literal.

Amy Aidinis Hirsch Nautical Blue

1.  Togo Sofa from Ligne Roset

2.  Commodore by Sherwin Williams

3.  Cushion cover by Shibori

4.  Chanel

5.  Hexagon Range from Geometric Carpets

6.  Blue Note Blonde, oil on canvas, Matt Story

7.  Fabric by Ferrick Mason

8.  Shoulder bag by Prada