In the part one I talk about the importance of considering how you want to feel in each area of your home, how our memories contribute to how we feel about colour, along with lighting and the colour temperature of light. Check out Part One here.
Today let’s dive into colour, pattern and texture! And, I’d love it if you would do an experiment with me:
Colour
Step 1: Choose one room or a corner that you would like to change in your home. It can be indoor or outdoor.
Step 2: Decide if you would like to bring in a calming feeling if you would like to increase your energy in this particular space.
Step 3: Choose 5 images that represent this feeling to you. You could look on Pinterest, Instagram or Flickr. Just type the feeling into the search bar and see what shows up.
Now the real fun begins:
Step 4: Go to Adobe Color on your desktop, or install the app on your phone. If you use both they will sync together.
Step 5: Upload the five images you have chosen, via the camera icon and save. You’ll need to do each one individually. When you click on My Themes at the top and this will pull out various similar colours and you will see what colours you are being drawn to from the images.
I went to Flickr and typed in calm and chose five sunset images. I can’t share the images I chose due to copyright, but above are the colours it pulled out for me. Right now, it looks like I need to add a dusty rose to my home palette!
Pretty great, right? Were you surprised by any colour that this pulled out of the images for you?
We can do something similar for texture and pattern, but you will be using your kinesthetic senses instead of visual.
Let’s dive into texture.
Texture is a very personal experience. You may love the feeling of wool on your feet, or it might drive you crazy! Yes, I’m one of the ones that loves wool! As an aside, wool rugs are one of the most long lasting and healthy fibres you can bring into your home.
Walk around your home and look at the fabrics and materials you have. Are the textures fine, medium or chunky? Do you have a mix, or are they all similar?
When you are out shopping do you linger over dishes that ripple a certain way? Do you touch them as you go by to see how they feel in your hand? Do you run your hands over the fabric of clothes hanging on the racks, or touch the bedding to see how it feels?
I can’t help it, I do this all of the time. In fact I won’t buy something unless it feels good to touch. When I travel, I have a soft grey blanket that folds up pretty small and I use it as an anchor to help me feel at home in my new surroundings. I also adore angora and cashmere, but I’m super allergic so I can’t have any of these!
This part may not be something that you feel drawn to do, but having a variety of textures in your home helps you by bringing a touch of comfort and familiarity along with visually adding “resonance”.
And on to Pattern!
As an artist I find that I paint patterns that have been holding my interest. I also notice patterns I am attracted to find many ways into my life, most often unexpected!
Take a look at this series of photos:
This painting is called “Pathways” and was created specifically for a couple. It is so similar in shape to this photo of shadows on rose petals that I took years before — this wasn’t planned, I found this photo again after painting the painting above.
I find that I am often attracted to organic whirls and movement. But these days, I am finding joy in linear shapes that are not perfectly straight, but have a little wiggle on the edges.
I’ve found that patterns are both subtle and bold in the ways they present themselves in our lives. Patterns you may not be aware of are happening all around you in your everyday life. I have a friend that photographs the heart shapes she finds all around. She finds them in puddles, rocks, as marks on pavement and many other places we wouldn’t expect.
Pattern finding: Start noticing the similarities during your regular activities. Do you stop and notice a pattern on the wall at your local library, kids school or yoga studio? Is it different or similar to patterns you already have in your home?
With all three of these items, taking the time to intentionally notice what you are drawn to and finding ways to bring these elements into your home will pay dividends into how you feel while you are in your space.
I’d love to hear from you: what part of this surprised you? Will you explore further?
I’d love to help you find the colours, patterns and textures that you love and incorporate them into your home. I work with women and their partners in the RVA (Richmond, VA) area in person and if you aren’t local I can help you put a plan together that you can implement. Contact me here!
I love how you are guiding people to notice how a feeling in a space can be attached to color, or texture or pattern.
Lisa,
Thank you for the response. It it my passion to create spaces your mind and body adore.
Excellent advice! Taking the time to be intentional and notice what you are drawn to is so critical to recreating a feeling in your surroundings! Brilliantly written, Lora!
Thank you Janet! I appreciate your comment and hope you were able to take away a few points on being intentional and really thinking about how you want to feel in a space.
The wording of, “… as an anchor to help me feel at home in my new surroundings” resonated with me. As I look back at my two children, one of them had a blanket for a long time. It makes sense that they used that as their anchor.
Great advice about feeling a space (both tactile and emotional).
Shari,
Thank you for sharing that memory. Sometimes you need to know you have a safe space to anchor you, no matter the age. Hope your “anchor” does your soul well.
I love the colors and textures that you chose to put on display. So beautiful. You definitely have the eye!
Thank you Jaye. I love experimenting with colors and learning how different people react to them. I hope you will experiment with some colors and textures yourself.
I love this! Making your house a home is a matter of creating a space that feels warm and inviting. It’s like walking into a hug every time you step into the house.
Stacie,
Love that comparison! Yes, you want to feel comfortable both mentally and physically in your home and color, patters, and textures are a good way to accomplish that. Thank you for your comment.
Great advice in your post! We all want our home to be cozy and welcoming. We want to look around and enjoy the setting.
Bill,
Yes! Being able to be comfortable both physically and mentally in your home is very important. You should be able to have a space that is truly customized to your needs. Thank you for the comment.
This is a great post! With warmer weather approaching soon, some people may want to give their home a simple makeover. Excellent tips in pointing them in the right direction!
Brianne,
Anytime is a good time for a refresh, but I agree Spring is a great season for something new. Hope you were able to take some inspiration from the post for your next refresh. Thank you for the comment.
I’m definitely looking forward to purchasing our home this year and making it the perfect place.
Heather,
Congrats on your home search. Having your own home is truly a blessing. Good luck with all things home. Please reach out if you need help with colour consultation or design.
Great design ideas! I love experimenting with different color palettes and always see a trend in my preferences; neutral tones in common areas, simple decor and openness.
Marcie,
Those are great staples to have in your home. I would challenge you to look into some different textures and patters and see how those make you feel, you may be surprised. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you for all the great ideas you shared. My partner and I are receiving the keys to our new home in June and we are looking forward to using your tips.
Yay! Home ownership is such a great adventure. I wish you all the best. If you need a colour consult or help with design please do not hesitate to reach out. Thanks for the comment.
I could make do with your tips soon as I am getting my apartment painted & done up next month. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats. New fresh spaces are always exciting. Best of luck to you and I hope you create a space your mind and body adore.
These tips are incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much!!
Toni,
I am glad you enjoyed the article. Hopefully you can use these tips next time you are in need of a refresh in your space. Thank you for commenting.
I love color and texture. Good combination really gives a great image. Good tips!
Thank you for the comment. Colour and textures can really change the feel of a room. Try the colour chooser, you may be surprised at what you may get.
I never thought about searching for calming colors before. I usually just go with whatever I think looks good but, you have a good point about energy!
Sara,
The feel of a room can have a huge impact on your physically and mentally. Try the colour chooser, you may be surprised what you are drawn to. Our minds are an amazing tool, we should listen to them more often. Happy colour choosing.
I have been wanting to do something different in our formal dining room for years. Aside from adding some paneling, I need a color that sets the mood for formal or romantic dining. I like all your tips!
Beth,
Thank you for the comment. Colour choice is a huge decision. Check out the other blog post on choosing a colour, it may have some more guidance for you.
Great suggestions on how to feel at home. I have never thought of intentionally looking out for patterns, but I noticed a few painted patterns I am attracted to from time to time and it always reminded me of something resembles that pattern.
Erin,
Our minds pull things that we least expect sometimes. When you are intentionally looking for patterns or textures we tend to be surprised. Happy pattern hunting and remember to keep in mind how you want to feel in your space.
I did not know about this until now. Adobe color looks like an app that I would be experimenting on. We’re planning on a little home renovation and choosing a calming shade for out bedroom walls would be nice.
Yes! I love this app and it is often surprising what you are drawn to. Happy renovations, its always a great adventure.