As I was walking around Cobblestone and Vine looking for the next book to feature, I found an oldie-but-goodie! In 2011, two years after being published, Suzanne Kasler did a book signing at Cobblestone’s Heights location for her debut book Inspired Interiors. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend, but I did receive an autographed copy as a gift! Entranced by the furniture sketches on the inside front cover, I flip the page to see this sweet, simple note….
Color Psychology (Part 3 of 3)
As we enter summer, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Color selection is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome so we thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are wrapping up our three part series and hope you enjoy learning about color psychology.
RED– A color well known for excitement and intense feelings; red is a color that should be specified with great thought. Because it increases appetite, it is utilized in culinary design frequently. A few fun facts about this passionate color are listed below.
• Creates feelings of excitement and intense emotions
• Can create intense anger
• Is known to create warmth, comfort, and love when warmer shades of red are utilized
• Increases heart rate and blood pressure
• Increases appetite
BROWN– A beloved neutral that provides warmth, safety, and comfort, Brown is one of the most favored of neutrals. Take a look at this color’s characteristics below.
• Provides warmth, strength, and security
• Reduces stress and conflict
• Soothes tense muscles
• People tend to “open up” when surrounded by brown
• Comforting
• Provides credibility and reassurance
BLACK – Elegant, bold, and ideal for highlighting key pieces in a room; black absorbs all light in the color spectrum and is often regarded as a color of power and strength.
• Sophisticated and elegant
• Provides a feeling of trustworthiness and feels friendly
• Creates enthusiasm and excitement
• Increases heart rate
• Increases appetite and is therefore used in the restaurant industry frequently
• Improves lung functioning and is specified in bedrooms for children with asthma
• Utilized in workout rooms because of it’s energizing effect
• Provides a feeling of being “grounded” in the space
• Bold and strong
I hope you enjoyed the last post of our color psychology series. It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color!
Shayla
Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick
Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.
Fountains Provide a Cascade of Pleasure
A great landscape design is not just about the plants, or color at specific times of the year. You’ve heard me say that before, but it bears repeating: In order to truly enjoy your outdoor spaces you need to provide points of interest and novelty, not just perennials and annuals, growing cheek by jowl. Further visual interest can be incorporated with rock and what’s known as ’hardscape,’ These additions can contrast perfectly with what’s growing. But how about adding another sensory element, such as sound? No, I’m not talking about a speaker system. What can work well can be a water feature, which adds much, much more to your visual design. I’ll show you two distinct fountains that can add real pleasure to your outdoor spaces.
This traditional fountain placed at a strategic point in the garden performs a great task; it serves as a destination and focal point. It has all that typical fountains provide, such as low maintenance, attraction for songbirds, and a style that is complementary to the house. Bust as you gaze at this photo, you know what’s also here: The calm and lovely sound of trickling water. That one sound makes a fountain, no matter its size, a point of interest to all. Something else cool about this one is that, no, it’s not made of cast iron. It’s concrete stained black. Talk about low cost and upkeep. And your foundation plantings and annual planted for seasonal color seem to almost lean into this water feature.
One of a pair, this fountain is fabricated from recycled brick, vintage waterspout, and glazed jars we offer at Botanica. I designed this pair to serve as a sort of boundary in the garden, and everything to build them was found and repurposed. I created an open top, and installed four LED uplights within. The fountains are also lit at night. I used vintage spouts and inserted the motor in each. You can just plug these water features in and walk away. What’s nice here is that they’re upright and not bulky, which means they won’t overpower the space and you’ll have plenty of room to nestle plants all around. Fountains, by the way, don’t call for specific or traditional plantings only. A water feature will only bring out the best of your plant groupings, no matter the style or quantity.
Remember this fountain is not cast iron, but concrete. You wouldn’t know that unless you studied it closely. It is a great addition to this garden, however, because it’s on another level and creates further dimension to the design. And, like I said before, the sound of the water–soothing and tranquil–will attract and delight your guests.
Because this pair of fountains would be part of the garden boundary, I wanted to make sure the fence itself didn’t detract from them. And, in keeping with the recycle-reuse-repurpose philosophy I was mindful of while creating the fountains, I chose iron salvaged from an old carport on the property. The brick fountains pull the eye up, and aren’t hulking or massive, yet are also unexpected. These fountains have spouts that control the water flow, so what you get in the way of sound here is a ’burble,’ not a splash. Which means you can convene the book club nearby, and everyone can be heard.
Garden design doesn’t have to be confined to elements that we can see only. Don’t forget your other senses when planning your space. And fountains don’t have to be expensive or large. You can find a fountain design–or design one yourself–that will fit any budget and any space. The sounds of water flowing up, over, and down as it follows gravity will delight you and your guests, no matter the season.
Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens
Palm Beach Chic
Written by long-time resident Jennifer Ash Rudick, Palm Beach Chic brings to life the wide array of design styles across the island. She notes that the homes “show the remarkable results that can be achieved through the blending of professional skill, unfettered imagination, and the natural beauty of the subtropics.”…
Rock of Ages
When you think of the word ‘landscape,’ you think of plants, right? For any project, especially curbside or at the entrance of your property, you endeavor to create the right mix: trees for height, canopy, and anchor, shrubs for depth and dimension, select perennials, cheery annuals you change out seasonally. But what if instead of creating that massing of plant material at the center, the eye level of your design, you used large rock instead? And planted around it. One boulder–or two or three–can provide every bit as much interest as all those specimens and be a real focal point for your design. I didn’t create the landscape for this home, but I love the impact of natural stone incorporated here. The plants grow up, over, and around the rock, and there’s still room for seasonal interest.
A mature landscape area often loses depth and scale because plants grow. That shrub you admired when you bought it can outgrow its allotted space in just a few seasons. The bloom cover you so love is now eight feet in the air, not three. Those beautiful glossy leaves now tend to turn their backside to you. Which means you have to pull it out and start over every few years. A rock won’t do that to you. It remains as reliable as the day you brought it in and rested it under the trees.
And a large rock is also a good staging area. Does a certain vine attract you? Plant behind or alongside your rock and let it grow and scrabble over the top. And that froth of blooms you get annually is nice against the color. You can add a bit of middle ground height behind it, like these cannas, to give your design depth, and pull the eye up. Next to the boulder are grasses and daylilies, their lance-like foliage a contrast in growth form. Plus, they provide dependability, as do all perennials. They’re also hardy, which may be necessary; stone tends to radiate heat in thewarm months.
Once it’s all in place, you’ll perform a bit of maintenance on these plantings as they nestle in with the rock. But you save your energy for seasonal plantings right up front. Annual color pops when it is featured with stone.
And another good idea about combining rock with plants is that you can adjust the size of your design according to the space. If you wish to use the same idea in a courtyard or create interest in a lackluster corner, just size down your rock accordingly, and use the same mix of (downsized) plants. You can have this combination in full sun or shade. Another good thing about stone in the landscape is that stone doesn’t have a list of requirements to grow.
As always, I encourage you to think of new ideas for your landscape. Ideas that will give you pleasure and maybe a bit of a thrill when you turn in your drive. Natural rock can be as exciting as any plant recommended at the nursery. Just place it, use it as a complement to your favorite plants, then stand back and admire your work. And that chunk of granite or sandstone won’t get thirsty or overgrown or need maintenance. How nice is that?
Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens
Color Psychology (Part 2 of 3)
As we slide through spring, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Deciding upon color is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome. We thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are going to tackle this as a three-month series.
GREY – This favorite color for executives across the world is one of the most popular neutrals. Grey tones tend to remain timeless as a result.
Take a look below at this color’s characteristics
• Attracts clients with high spending habits
• Increases creativity dramatically
• Serves as a timeless backdrop
• Works with a number of color combinations
• Considered incredibly stylish
• Flexible color that can work in a formal or casual setting
PINK– Pink is soft and romantic and is personally one of my favorite colors. Psychologically speaking, pink reduces stress and can reduce anger significantly.
Look below for tidbits about this soothing color.
• Reduces anger
• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
• Slows the endocrine system
• Soothes tense muscles
• Increases craving for sweets
• Comforting
• Those wearing pink appear to be approachable
ORANGE – I adore this happy, inviting and exciting color. Orange just happens to be one of the most popular colors lately, and we have been specifying it frequently. Look below for a few fun facts!
• Happy
• Provides a feeling of trustworthiness and feels friendly
• Creates enthusiasm and excitement
• Increases heart rate
• Increases appetite and is therefore used in the restaurant industry frequently
• Improves lung functioning and is specified in bedrooms for children with asthma
• Utilized in workout rooms because of it’s energizing effect
WHITE – Fresh, crisp and youthful yet it should not be over-utilized as it can appear sterile. Take a look below for this color’s effects.
• Innocent
• Clean
• Sterile
• Airy
• Creates a sense of space
• Represents new beginnings
• Quiet
• Fresh
I hope you enjoyed part two of our color psychology series! It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color and we can’t wait to share part three next month! Happy Spring design friends.
Shayla
Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick
Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.
Mr. Ken Fulk’s Magical World
“Magical” is an understatement—the adventure that Ken Fulk takes you on is one for the design world ages. He covers everything: extravagant homes, ranches, vacation homes, office/storefronts, jets, weddings, restaurants, parties, and his Pottery Barn collection!
It would make sense that I found this uniquely whimsical book, bound with a gold stamped cover and gilded pages, at Tanarah Luxe Floral. They had even recently hosted a grand opening party for their new location that I’m sure would have been Ken Fulk approved!…
Behind the Feature: The Best of Both Worlds
Our April “Before & After” issue includes an iconic Springdale home renovation, which we were thrilled to share with you in the magazine. Designer Ashley Cardiel and Taylor Wood of Woodbine Workshop produced a video that shares all the behind-the-scenes info on their feature. This home has gone through a modern transformation with guidance from Ashley Cardiel Interiors. We are happy to be able to share this in-depth video on the blog.
“A home renovation is a big undertaking in any scenario. Renovating a coveted home that previously belonged to a town’s beloved couple adds to that pressure. When Dr. Joel and Lynn Carver bought their 1940s-era house in downtown Springdale, they knew there would be talk about their purchase. After all, the red brick home, which is situated on a corner lot, belonged to Harvey and Bernice Jones, pillars in the trucking industry as well as the community. The Carvers desired to remodel the home with much needed updates, while staying true to its character and integrity, led them to call on Ashley Cardiel of Ashley Cardiel Interiors.”
You can read the full story in our April issue or online here.
Thanks, Ashley and Taylor, for sharing with us!
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Contractor Taylor Wood, Woodbine Workshop, Fayetteville, (214) 704-7706, woodbineworkshop.com
Interior design Ashley Cardiel, Ashley Cardiel Interiors, Springdale, (479) 530-1147, ashleycardielinteriors.com
Expect the Unexpected
Reuse. Repurpose. Recycle. Reimagine. You know these words and their common use. We’re all serious about sustainability, because we should be. It’s a worthy pursuit and the subject of much discussion, but that’s just it. It’s sometimes a little too serious. I’ve always had a philosophy about elements of design, which I use in many, if not most, jobs: Use what you have, any way you can, and the result can be both fun and powerful. I call it Jhemajang. You pronounce it the way it looks; ‘hema-jang.’ As in, ‘Just jhemajang that [combination] together, and it’ll look great.’ It’s nothing more than repurposing something laying around, already bought, and maybe even still in use.
You could go to your favorite source for outdoor furniture and plunk down a lot of money for serious seating, or you can do it like this. These pieces are from my custom line. Recycled treated wood cut and sized for any space. And check out the table and pots. You can create something in any size and configuration, then paint it all in thrilling combinations. Don’t try to treat these pieces with great dignity; treat them like the fun, unusual elements they are. And they’re easy to move around, even going indoors for extra seating at parties.
Since these pieces were designed to go poolside, we incorporated planter boxes on the backs of the chairs. Once again, custom sized, so you can drop in specimens you pick up at the nursery. Looks like they’ve been leading an enjoyable life, huh?
How about carrying out that idea even further? We attached an entire planter box—contrasting color, natch—to the back of this longer piece. Because these are recycled boards, they’re light weight, so a planter box on the back is not a big deal, even full of plants. The seat can be moved with ease.
And check out how the color pops when you do nothing more than place three different bromeliads in them. Not only does this furniture need little maintenance, bromeliads are real workhorses, too, that require very little care.
Not only are these stripes pretty cool, the color combination is nice and cooling as well. And all plants look good with bright, colorful pieces surrounding them. Another truism. Check out the nice square table. See how the plant in the center seems to be peeking at you? It is. Because we created a recessed pocket in the table center, in which it sits. If you don’t use the compartment for a plant, you could always use it for an ice bucket, or even to hold bottles or cans. When more table surface is needed, just put the lid over the pocket. Multi-functionality is another advantage these pieces have.
If you’re not a fan of fan backs, you should be. Just stripe them up in contrasting colors and see how they pop. What’s so great about this recycled wood is that it can be used in many ways.
If you want to add pop to your patio—or any indoor room—these customized pieces will do the trick. Remember, landscape is not just about growing elements; it incorporates what makes you feel good, too. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous, and also remember to use what’s already available when you can. And create unexpected combinations, because that’s the Jhemajang way. We built these pieces with recycled treated wood simply because they’ll add life to any area. Create fun spaces, use unexpected color combinations, and, above all, enjoy what you have.
Live Life to the Fullest,
Chris H. Olsen
Botanica Gardens
Color Psychology (Part 1 of 3)
As we enter Spring, more of our clients are ready to redecorate. Deciding upon color is a topic that most consumers struggle to overcome. We thought it would be helpful if we delve into how color has a psychological impact in interior design. Color is such a broad subject, so we are going to tackle this as a three-month series.
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YELLOW – Is cheerful and happy…in small doses. However, the caveat to this is that it can also be overstimulating. Many an argument has occurred in a yellow room as a result. Remember to use yellow sparingly and have serious conversations in a room with a more soothing color. Yellow is a perfect color for an entryway. A few fun facts below about this bright color.
• Provides an optimistic flair to the space.
• Increases stimulation of the neurological system.
• Reflects an enormous amount of light and is, therefore, straining to the eyes if used in large quantities.
• Increases metabolism.
• Increases energy.
• May cause people to become angry quicker than any other color. Therefore, best used in pale shades when applied on walls.
• May upset young children or babies when specified in a bold hue.
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BLUE – Blue is one of my absolute favorite colors and is quite popular because of its soothing and nurturing nature. Psychologically speaking, blue is one of the most profound colors in relation to the human mind. It is used in master bedroom suites to create soothing and spa-like spaces. When specified in too many of your room elements it can cause depression, so use blue wisely. Look below for interesting tidbits about this tranquil color.
• Is a color of formality.
• Brings down blood pressure and heart rate.
• Dark blue wall colors can evoke sadness. However, light shades of blue are calming.
• Light blue will make a room appear larger.
• A light shade of blue can be utilized in a sunroom to keep the room cooler in the heat of summer.
• Blue in a kitchen will decrease appetite and increase weight loss. Therefore, is perfect for a residential project but is not recommended for restaurant design.
• Adored by both genders.
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GREEN – Green evokes a sense of nature and healing. It is a color that represents growth, change, and stability. Widely accepted as a “spa” color, it helps with relaxation of the mind.
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Represents tranquility.
• Helps in the healing process and is used in healthcare frequently.
• Green is restful and easy on the eye.
• Provides stress relief and comfort.
• Helps with fertility.
• Green combines well with other colors.
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PURPLE – A light version of purple such as lavender, is restful and calming. However, a dark value of purple adds drama, sophistication and encourages creativity. Check out some interesting facts about this royal color.
• Restful.
• Encourages creativity.
• Represents, wisdom, wealth, and royalty.
• Represents spirituality.
• Calms nerves and is relaxing.
• Can be depressing if used in large quantities and if walls are painted a dark shade.
• Works well with other colors.
• Gives a dignified and dramatic look to the space.
I truly hope you enjoyed part one of our color psychology series! It’s fun to learn how the mind responds to color and we can’t wait to share more with you next month! Happy Spring, design friends.
Shayla
Photo courtesy of Janet Warlick
Shayla Copas, owner and principal designer of Shayla Copas Interiors is an award winning Arkansas designer who has been voted by numerous publications as a favorite designer in the state. Her work has graced the pages of AT HOME IN ARKANSAS and other statewide and national publications throughout her 20 year career. Most recently, her work was featured on the cover of a Christmas interior design book, featuring several top designers across the nation including, Christopher Radko and HGTV personality Joe Ruggiero. Shayla is a member of the Interior Design Society and National Kitchen and Bath Association. Her new blog EN VOGUE with SHAYLA COPAS focuses on trends in home design and entertaining.
