dark + moody….and oh so good!
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
One thing I constantly hear as a professional architectural designer from many residential clients besides the need of transformation + change of course is what they think and perceive as being too dark as it pertains to their home’s color palette. I hear ‘that’s too dark’ sooooo much, that I just had to speak on it, plus completely provide another design perspective on just how beautiful and fabulous a dark + moody aesthetic can actually be in your dwelling. Just how appealing and comfortable and livable a dark + moody aesthetic can precisely deliver, is exactly the reason I want to share some inspiration your way.
Yes, darkness is a mood. Issa vibe. But, did you know that with any and everything in life and beyond requires balance? Of course you knew! So with darker aesthetics, designers, including myself have to balance the space with lighting, contrast, movement to create an arrangement in a way that does not allow any one element to overpower another….and that is strategically accomplished through the design principles.
Let’s say bye bye to the all white kitchens. Yesssss! Even the most beautiful white kitchen needs some type of contrast to make it pop, make it sing, make it timeless. I mean let’s be completely honest, what exactly were we thinking, an all white kitchen is not even practical. But, I know that most love white kitchens, so what I propose is simply adding layers, contrast, and textures to give depth and set a mood. White upper cabinets will do the trick. It will help create a light and airy space, but ground that baby with darker base cabinets and if you have an island, try a dark + moody color to ground the island as well. Your cleaning routine will thank me later.
I mentioned textures + contrast before….when you are creating a dark + moody aesthetic, offset with mixing textures throughout the space as well as adding contrast with the furnishings to make the space pop.
This also applies to the exterior of your home. Dark + Moody strikes again! #Yessssss
The energy that exudes from these darker hue palettes is calming, sensual, relaxing, chill….and I am hear for all of it! Grown + Sexy.
Would you live here?
Ok, so when I create a custom color palette for my clients, I can specifically determine and curate where a dark + moody aesthetic can play well in your home. It may be in small batches, like furnishings or accessories, or on your trim and molding, or simply as an accent wall, but if you are open to creating drama using a darker hue, I will find the perfect solution for you. Oh snap! I rhymed.
Color saturation, shades, hues, and tones all play critical roles in selecting your perfect dreamy moody palette for your space. Based on natural or artificial lighting, architectural features, existing interior materials, I will most definitely assist you with selecting the perfect color balance that will deliver that mood or that vibe you are seeking to achieve. In design school, color theory was extremely important and still is. I use the science of color theory every single day, because particular hues and colors can create different types of feelings, emotions, moods, etc. so I’m strategic in where and what intensity I propose the color to be utilized. As your design professional, I can set the mood you are wanting to achieve in the space and there is a darker hue for almost every mood, hence, dark + moody aesthetics. See, we are definitely going full circle.
Well, I hope you kinda shifted your perspective on what is ‘too dark’. However, if you haven’t, I’d like to add that just a touch can go a long way. You do not have to go to deep end to simply enjoy a dark + moody aesthetic, but you can definitely see that the amazing use of these customized color palettes can successfully impact different effects while creating the desired emotions in your space.
Say hi Jaedon!
Issa Vibe. Issa Mood.
Until Next Time,
xoxo
Renae
Harmony with the Three Ls: Layers + Luxe + Lighting!
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
I live + breathe by true design principles + subjective layering with almost every single thing I do! Yes, more than likely you may too! And you may do it without actually thinking about it intentionally, well I know this is 100% accurate for me which ultimately stays true to my forever mantra: Live..Love..Design!
LAYERING is the one single component that can make or break the space. Too little feels stark + cold, too much feels cluttered + obsessive. That right balance, that right pop, that right contrast of textures + finishes will channel the most curated eye to attention to detail. It’s phenomenal, it’s eye-catching, it is design! And if you did not notice from the caption, it’s imperatively important!
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgement. More love, less hate.”
“Whatever you do, be intentional + impactful. That’s layering on its own, if you ask me.”
I am a self-proclaimed maximalist! Yesss! For sure! And one primary step of being a great maximalist is balance. To have restraint when designing is an extremely delicate talent but oh so needed when layering a space, especially with lighting and luxurious textures + finishes. I tend to believe that added levels of textures, contrast, color, proportion, scale, and lighting will amplify your space in an extremely positive way but will also allow you to explore beautifully + organically using all your senses.
LAYERS: USING TEXTURES, COLORS, SHAPES, SIZES, + CONTRAST TO CREATE A HARMONIOUSLY COHESIVE SPACE.
Who doesn’t love luxury?
I mean helllllooooo. Luxury is what drives the senses in every way. So I love to use it to my advantage by making sure all of your senses: touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste are embodied in all of my projects. I use a lot of various smell factors like candles + incense and fresh plants + flowers in a space to balance the space and layer the totality of your flow. I love luxury and ya know, luxury loves your girl. Please believe. By successfully utilizing the simplicity + complexity of layering, spaces always seem majestic and flow oh so beautifully.
Try your hand at layering by using contrast + textures while adding lots of lighting! Ok, we will definitely touch on that, because that single-handedly can positively impact the entire look and feel of a space with general lighting, ambient lighting, task lighting, and accent lighting. My husband used to joke that he knew I was home alone when he came around the corner and saw the house “glowing” up the hill. Ok, I will admit, I am extremely afraid of the dark, but only because I like to see what is exactly in those shadows. I primarily use various lighting methods to enhance spaces but also for function and security. And you should too! A true great design aesthetic should never eliminate the power of lighting and what it can do for you. That’s real talk.
Due to my detailed nature as it relates strictly to design, layering with luxurious textures can be highly impactful in a space. I loooovvvveeeee to touch, see, smell, + taste luxury. Honestly, it all started when I was about 8 years old and my Barbie dolls had to have the right features in their home with their specific clothes + outfits being just right and of course hair + makeup…of course! But honestly, what my parents noticed then at that moment was that I absolutely + wholeheartedly loved luxury. My dolls had fur coats, leather skirts, pearls, lace, silk, satin…you name it, Barbie had it. I did not want “the” Barbie dream house, I wanted to construct my own house that I thought was worthy of my Barbie dolls. So I begin with layering her actual dream house to ensure that life for Barbie was simple + chic. And let’s be honest, Barbie’s life was hella fab! I just enhanced it using design principles I had no idea of then. Fast forward to now, I have mastered the art of layering luxury. It is simple yet complex, and that to me is absolute thrill of it all! Just remember, if you ever have challenges with accessorizing and layering, always think of balance + harmony and if that does not work, your girl is a phone call away!
As always, thank you for rocking with Sola for all these years, stay safe + chat soon!
Until next time…
xoxo
Renae
r.e.n.a.e. speaks on it….all! (the great countertop debate)
Take good care of your countertops and I promise they will take good care of you! Routine cleaning, care and maintenance with sealing, and avoiding direct contact with food will ensure a beautiful countertop for years to come!
Ask me again and I’ll tell you the same. We have to get down to the bottom of this debate of all times! Quartz versus Natural Stones (Granite, Marble, Onyx, Quartzite, etc.) in regards to COUNTERTOPS!
LIKE HONESTLY, WHICH COUNTERTOP IS PERFECT FOR ME???
Help is on the way! So you ask, which is actually BETTER, and even more so, WHAT THE HECK IS THE DIFFERENCE? No worries, my friend, I will guide you through the big countertop debate regarding placement, durability, maintenance, and of course, the most important: COST of the world’s countertop options!
I will completely guide you through the differences between all the slabs and selecting the best countertop option for YOU and your family! Let’s talk this one out….Once I break it all down, you will choose your battle and see who reigns supreme in your household…well, kinda sorta.
Honed, Leathered, Polished….
So many choices, so little time, well yeah…we are definitely not promised tomorrow…
GOD IS GOOD!!
All the time! Yessss…Marble…Yessss!
Let’s start with my fave, Marble! Why is marble my favorite? Well let’s start with the obvious, marble is timeless, elegant, unique, and high-maintenance, which is why I love and admire her so! She is a true beauty, with the most exotic veining anyone could imagine. Marble is definitely a “refined taste” like no other. Soft yet durable, marble is the top choice for stone sculptures and almost always is the preference for countertops globally. Now with that prestige, nobility, and opulence comes a pretty price tag and lots of maintenance. Marble is a porous natural stone, made by God, yes God via Earth, or Earth via God, that is created by minerals in the Earth’s crust before crystallization of a limestone. You can travel the entire world and see marble at every turn. From Carrara to Calacatta to Bianco to Statuarietto , you will discover its cultural symbolism and tradition. It’s beauty and composition is unmatched, but the less veining you prefer triples or even quadruples the price point. Marble needs to be sealed twice a year at a minimum and once it is penetrated without proper sealing, it is there FOREVER. Yes, FOREVER! So if you are entertaining guests and a glass of red wine is set on your countertop, oh boy oh boy, you will have a forever red wine tattoo etched in your marble, and NO, it cannot be removed. So for those of you that prefer less maintenance or no maintenance at all, stay clear of marble! But for those of you who are extremely mollycoddle and indulgent, this stone is for YOU!
More views…Less worry!
You too could spend less time cleaning, more time for life…real life…like for instance this view. I’ll take three for 5 thousand, Alex! (Rest in Peace)….
Which, brings me to Quartz. What is so special about Quartz? Well lemme break it down for you. Quartz is a non-porous material that is highly resistant to stain, scratches, and heat. Now one would automatically say, “well why would I not choose a quartz countertop?” That’s a good question and I will touch on that. Quartz is a man-engineered material that consists of natural material pieces, glass, etc. Quartz is extremely popular now with the high resemblance to natural stones, especially marble. Unlike marble, all quartz will be the exact same as it comes off the assembly line, well there is not really an assembly line, but you get the idea. Same quartz, same look, same everything. So when you are entertaining that same guest with the red wine, you are indeed in luck my dear, as quartz will stay in tact, without any stains and requires no sealing! That alone is why people pay $$$$ for quartz, absolutely no maintenance required. None. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Nothing…..you get the point!
Quartz is sooooooo
versatile, I mean let me put it this way, quartz has a pre-determined movement, since it is man-made. With that being said, you can calm the space with quartz, spice up the backsplash with some oomph, or just simply design your true dream aesthetic…but remember if I have this particular quartz, and my neighbor down the street has this particular quartz, we are indeed identical…and let’s be honest who really wants that??
Granite is a fan-favorite with one-of-a-kind speckling, movement, and variations, also produced by none other than the almighty God via Earth. It is a durable natural stone, that also requires sealing, but only once annually versus marble twice as much. Let’s face it, if it can develop from the Earth’s many crust layers with the amount of heat that comes with the layers itself, it can survive in your kitchen, hopefully. Granite is resistant to scratches, cuts, chipping, but you still need to maintain it for beauty not durability. Granite is also timeless, but the slabs we have seen in countertops of the past are making a COMEBACK. The more negative space of a granite, the more $$$ you will spend. No two are alike, and in fact, within the same family, you will still have a unique aesthetic that is unmatched. That is what one with a refined taste absolutely loves about natural stone. The unexpected, the unknown, God’s natural randomness. Granite is popular due to it being readily available all over the world. You can pretty much find granite in almost every region and corner of the earth, so it remains sought after for that purpose alone. Granite makes for a great countertop option for busy families, as it is the best of both worlds: unique beauty and heck yeah, lower maintenance. A win-win for sure! I’ve always laughed at how my kids would hide crumbs on our granite countertops, because in all honesty, it is extremely difficult to see dirt, which is another reason why it is so popular amongst active families. For those teenagers who try to finesse the chore of cleaning the kitchen properly, especially countertops, use the ever so clever “hand test” and swipe all the crumbs to the floor. Parents, you can thank me later!
Quartzite…not to be confused with quartz, is a natural stone that is exotic in nature and highly porous. Also created by God via Earth, quartzite is worth every single coin you will muster to come up with to pay that price. The richness and depth of colors and variations that this natural stone offers is second to none. Quartzite is harder and more resistant than most other natural stones, which makes it a fabulous option for a countertop, in my opinion. With all that beauty comes with high high high maintenance and the price tag to match it. The character of quartzite, alone, by far exceeds any aesthetic you will ever find, in other words, you WILL NOT be disappointed!
OH, HOW I LOVE THEE…..
Lemme count the ways…..and mula!
Can you see me now?
Yes, indeed!
Onyx…well, it is typically not the best choice for a countertop, but when I tell you, eyes will pop….hunti, that is an understatement. Onyx is fragile. Onyx is rare. Onyx is soft. Onyx is EXPENSIVE, but that means not a thing to the client who loves its beauty and translucence, especially when making a statement. But, but, but she is a beauty! For sure! Great option for basements bars or as a cool backsplash…but I will continue to focus on countertops…
Do’s and Don’ts when it pertains to your countertops, especially all of the natural stone countertops!
Do clean up spills immediately with a wet cloth.
Do use trivets or mats under hot dishes and cookware, even though it can technically stand the heat, why would you burn your investment?.
Do use place mats under china, silver, and other objects that can scratch the stone’s surface.
Do use coasters under glasses, especially if they contain alcohol or citrus juices, get dem babies used to using coasters on a regular basis.
Do clean surfaces with mild soap and water.
Do seal your natural stones, at the minimum, twice a year for Marble, Onyx, Quartzite and once a year for Granite…none per year for Quartz.
Don’t use abrasive cleaners, like Bleach and Fabuloso. If you cannot use on your body, do not, and I repeat do not use on your countertops.
Don’t use scouring powders and abrasives because they will scratch the surface.
Don’t cut food directly on your countertop, use a cutting board.
Don’t use vinegar, ammonia or other general-purpose cleansers and if you do DILUTE with warm water.
Take good care of your countertops and I promise they will take good care of you! Routine cleaning, care and maintenance with sealing, and avoiding direct contact with food will ensure a beautiful countertop for years to come!
Sola Design’s team wants to wish you and your family a safe and abundant New Year! We have truly shown ourselves just how important life can be over the course of 2020 and we will continue to speak life, love, blessings, and abundance into our futures and within ourselves. As always, thanks for rocking with me, stay safe & chat soon!
Live..Love..Design!
xo Renae