Reinventing Blue

<p align="justify">And I mean a deep, dark, luscious Blue. It is showing up in walls, fabrics, carpets and accessories. It is a blue that doesn't have green or red in it. It is almost black and is warmer than lighter blues and has more life and depth than Black. It is the deepest shade of Indigo as seen in <a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2007/07/ikat-textiles.html" target="_blank">Ikat Textiles</a>. It is the color of the sky on a moonlit night. It is mysterious, moody, classic, timeless, calming, and refreshing. It can have a glossy finish or be totally matt. It is beautiful when contrasted with pure white. My favorite Benjamin Moore paint colors are Polo Blue, Blackberry Punch, Kensington Blue, Blue Gaspe, Hale Navy, and Old Navy. Some deep blue colors are: sapphire, azure, beryl, cerulean, cobalt, indigo, navy, royal, midnight blue, slate, steel blue, Prussian blue.  </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3d_D6P1CVLSMoRcNb2DQXJMo29W_2gmkUejNCjC10B5PPdWdmNeGZN5kRAC1n_GhxmoOORISaSgPh0LOTZxHPxgNCRc-uXFQ_ptLNKHQtHTza9aVWj4XCt6dGW_Q_-kCA5yR2FP_lg6bF/s1600-h/image13%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcc-C37dEArX3TpEfupPKafHnVOuOBdZmFC4pBFEqpZPA76xaKrvvDAlrEoTMnVAMgcBdXfzTOS3ihopIVV8i8_7soYFI0YzIDR8iFEbyVe7k2w8cBEv9DuNuFiASSAComavEwllcl_WK/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" width="500" /></a> </p> <p align="center">The high gloss finish on this wall has a subtle reflectivity to it that changes at different times of the day and literally sparkles at night. </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3oFvSyBwtQCxfT7EpaVj-ZWYDJN1bhgOf49dtLf0jB3b-gd_XeIUW9txX_DvF8_2ba46PwkKVBVyCOsA_S515H7V33meWj7v7lSRHeSjVnf4FS3FMiBTXQ-ky4Aiq4VSXWFjfN4I3sge/s1600-h/psychiko5631%5B1%5D.jpg"><img alt="psychiko-56" border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRRao_X9u-rm42rxmRGupIJReZ_Y9yt_RW0AeRl3LJQt4OHyFcaf1ICfSPRCh9rzgqbZJPSBoc4rKR3ZgSKrX67qjFOOGY_vZSYreAW6NUEZHCRcipDh15EQ1HG7BnNrYhr5CKflLKimu/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" width="500" /></a></p> <p align="center">Alberto Pinto has used a deep blue in the bold geometric carpet as his only color in this wonderful Master Bedroom.</p> </a> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiub8vqkCzr8O9eA_7eZYeA3viOUO9SLlQvjfaINNAguoTnPc1VWm204SN3rK8h7LnnFIOmMnuKyB2qI1b1r8qMbwvxnbSg886O7n-Lcvhpx3Ptr9qhe2_w_MghpwnoWPUY8_K8DIhIBvAs/s1600-h/image30%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kkaSLFb5fTCojiQM38mKRQzCK5Hfknk79dTgMbaZuKTxnZcIBIqklCVo0MPaFVqtodSm9-uiQwC2E9UqTnFATsTZE7rQ3C8DDLmJ9vtdSS4mBO-rR_w8hPWFKqmmgzSWG7EIZF9VeMhh/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" width="500" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A deep and refreshing Mediterranean blue has been used on the walls at JK Capri Hotel in Italy.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMrjE_c7h_w3DiNeNxpMrKpnqrd41pMy-0FclOehsHgwnDz9kNqKMdFZCxJ1jnfKlrfyDWdo1G6-1KRUpoA5XYxU0M6ofkahE16Gf0qphOGq7p-ggVVHAO80aq18GUMZndaTqWKcY0plVx/s1600-h/image%5B29%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafobxdmMPxKJgf4Kb-QVwWHhBDDyVwvbOPiPjHIgvBvg3apgkihZLRJQukg4o9MF7B201PXHdC_6zIcec-kMoDzX7dhwFJowgXTjmxULtht4tDb_iwP_QvpExVf7PWw4VTksI6xkn_mp2/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" width="250" /></a> </p> <p align="center">A deep "French Blue" velvet for this classic chair.</p> <p align="justify">  <br />I am in the process of designing a guest bedroom and I have chosen a deep blue silk for the curtains called Moonlight. I am putting a natural woven raffia roman shade on the window behind the curtains for some textural interest. The walls will be painted the same shade as the silk curtains: Benjamin Moore "Blue Gaspe". The Headboard is a heavy white Belgium linen. The bedding is white Egyptian cotton with an Hermes cashmere blanket in a deep charcoal color on the end of the bed. The carpet is wool and is the color of white coral. I will hang black and white "ocean" photographs that I have taken on my travels on the blue walls to finish it off. </p> <p align="center">Let me know if these deep luscious shades of blue are slated to become one of your new favorite colors? <br /> <br /><font size="1">Photo Credits from top: Dominio, Alberto Pinto, JK Capri Hotel, Jayson Home. </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.com/"><font size="1">PATRICIA GRAY INC</font></a><font size="1"> is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and <br />WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel. <br /></font><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/"><font size="1">2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™</font></a></p>

Reinventing Blue

And I mean a deep, dark, luscious Blue. It is showing up in walls, fabrics, carpets and accessories. It is a blue that doesn't have gree...

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2010 Color Reform Trends

<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhIBvOns2VxdldGz96erAVdVieco6mKl14k1QdJSLZ1rfX5-i26dIp9W6wkrL7gtwDNSBoCs_udgGFPK3fyFkkyloMaC-lQzIwOf9FPxFbTZEdncp1XfLLzXJtEIi57dVFfAunH9jn6-n/s1600-h/image%5B1%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUH4ikKn7l16MKK0K4zeFvuRZiO3oJ1lzx2Do5toNuNV9_yTR0cGKH2LbiFu3hLjSBLN4SbuaPrje6GPL5jVmaPu9DgB3R5hfHpAWTlNt4jgZ9NJBHl2Msge4zpZCuh_TxooxMf_QXYTY2/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" width="500" /></a> </p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="1">ABC Carpet & Home Vintage 'over-dyed' carpets</font> </strong></p> <p align="center">ABC CARPET NEW YORK INTRODUCES COLOR REFORM TRENDS COLLECTION TO SALVAGE OLD RUGS </p> <p align="justify">I got an interesting email from <a href="http://www.abccarpet.com/" target="_blank">ABC Carpet & Home</a> New York this week, that captured my interest - they (ABC Carpet & Home) is encouraging us to look on the bright side for 2010 with a their new rug collection that promises to: "<em>escape predictability, embrace the unconventional, and help preserve our planet</em>." This new assortment of hybrid carpets called Color Reform, transforms imperfect, vintage rugs into modern works of art. ABC Carpets are literally  “...rescuing carpets from the “rug graveyard” and giving them a new lease on life.”</p> <p align="justify">ABC Carpet & Home has utilized this notion to develop the concept of Color Reform, which refers to evolutionary change through color. Each one of a kind rug was individually handcrafted by Turkish artisans in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mountains_in_Turkey" target="_blank">Toros Mountains</a>. The vintage rugs are neutralized to remove their original color and then over-dyed to create their remarkable chromatic state. The variations in the tonality of pigments result from the carpet’s original concentration of color combined with the dye application process conceived from each artist’s distinct vision. </p> <p align="justify">Exotic rainbow hues range from neon pink and electric green to opulent reds and saturated yellows. The striking compositions evoke an almost translucent appearance as irregular, partially faded motifs emerge through the color, adding complexity and interest to each piece. Below is one of my favourites in the series, in a more neutral color palette, that I think you would be able to live with for many years to come and pass on to future generations.</p> <p align="center"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-UtOiD25gVytbj1zoVhQF1BkcAqYGTiMdn6mB6XQgGAaDS-otsK_V1nrEFCZGdQLRFEBXs4y4RH6CNHlZ0pDgFc0epzKi6t1Cc9o8XOIIJXhPvIC9-HTjjW9QPsPq3hwgYynS8qL6AXF/s1600-h/image6%5B2%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplgnH10jLKd_wjp0AN3M9VEiUWLAdsicU4eYgYWVPFPYLrDKTRzmziO2j9Ql3nxs0XvMwPT9SRSDReQ9-nM_OObmZ2-lhTLqUztUJSqpYTb_YvbHHjumpGUOF9VZyOhBxQrGyFpOijp7U/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" width="250" /></a> <br /><font size="1">ABC Carpet & Home Color Reform <br /><strong>Vintage 'over-dyed' carpet</strong> </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.com/"><font size="1">PATRICIA GRAY INC</font></a><font size="1"> is an award winning interior design firm writing about lifestyle and <br />WHAT'S HOT in the world of interior design, architecture, art and travel. <br /></font><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/"><font size="1">2011 © Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™</font></a></p>

2010 Color Reform Trends

  ABC Carpet & Home Vintage 'over-dyed' carpets ABC CARPET NEW YORK INTRODUCES COLOR REFORM TRENDS COLLECTION TO SALVAGE OL...

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To Kindle or Not?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbrBzFj7jZ9suxAe6CaGMYyx0csi2d6JWGG9unaST2oLUM6XMJMAAw7TcBcuyr44Tm2wdeRO7xbvIDiVXhM86ELK66CQSc70H_ONuaF8U0JrGZ7392xocFGE-kdQK19qxzZB-j04LIJf6/s1600-h/Kindle+for+PC.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427538920490353858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLbrBzFj7jZ9suxAe6CaGMYyx0csi2d6JWGG9unaST2oLUM6XMJMAAw7TcBcuyr44Tm2wdeRO7xbvIDiVXhM86ELK66CQSc70H_ONuaF8U0JrGZ7392xocFGE-kdQK19qxzZB-j04LIJf6/s400/Kindle+for+PC.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; width: 400px; float: right; height: 216px; cursor: pointer;" /></a> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3342QT-wtoQX2xlSarClbOkk4pFcAvyRVpqj95f9wNdNkL2kibiv-m5Tv8-rZxe2YsqHXAmNCWyS6zJiue6LbjiA_dHH1NCERv8OAnTF_TT94ZiFEPPLyQflJrZiiegEdkYVBaaTEAwtt/s1600-h/image%5B18%5D.png"></a></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size:100%;">The controversy for me is to read a book on <a href="http://buykindle.missingfeature.com/?gclid=CPL3tL_f65cCFQkiagodD3YlCg" target="_blank">Kindle</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;">, or to hold a book in your hands? Here is what I have decided. There is a place for both. There are certain books to read on Kindle. For me they are current best sellers that I usually devour, and having read them once they are cast to a separate and less prominent position on my bookshelf. It seems a waste of paper to me to have stacks of books that I will only read once. And another advantage of Kindle is that you can have that book instantly downloaded onto your Kindle wirelessly and be reading with no wasted time (and time is a precious commodity) standing in line at the bookstore or waiting for it to arrive by mail. </span></p> <p align="justify"><span style="font-size:100%;">The new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Generation/dp/B0015TG12Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1263694557&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Kindle DX</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> comes with a larger 9.7” display and I am debating on whether to wait until they come out with a color screen. I discovered that they now have Kindle for PC & iPhone (free download). I downloaded Kindle for PC last weekend and really enjoyed the ease of reading on my laptop. You can turn the pages in a nano second, which is good for speed reading certain types of books and I liked the illuminated screen for reading at night. I have read two bestsellers on Kindle for PC : <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Manifesto-How-Things-Right/dp/0805091742/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263694378&sr=8-1-catcorr" target="_blank">The Checklist Manifesto</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by Atul Gawande & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017922/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263694483&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Outliers</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> by Malcolm Gladwell – both excellent books. </span></p> <ul> </ul> <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;">But then there are books that defy the use of Kindle for me, and those are the books that I want to hold in my hands, smell the pages, turn the pages, start reading from the back of the book, explore the beautiful pictures , arrange them in alluring stacks on my coffee table, line them up as works of art on my bookshelf. There is nothing as delightful to me as owning and reading a precious first edition. </span></p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZRAnEsBP39WJC6uYCHU2bQZEm1E-yaz-fwi9xxTFNOt2r7tPu2AovA4hIkLT6tiK3dh80I4a0y9J7gkzTmYZzCxzPQyvda2B-Ik0Ryfu4Cj0cifE-7Qej0Qp_Iu6CLT-Jrr4vOlnPLB-0/s1600-h/image%5B22%5D.png"><img alt="image" border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFDg5Rfy13fcCd1YBlxxs92Bzpmr5rvmF-s-EaTdqH_tKRb-ZIU_i82mUTw78xI6xwAoHxMGhtLlXs9Zlu6wGE-IKTaiZObDF3jJSgrKPznj7ISzjOeUa2I1RIwDfnuuCx1e7up9VURc6/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="image" width="175" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">1st Edition 1940 – I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson </span></p> <p align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;">So what do you think – to read a book on Kindle or hold it in your hands? </span></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://www.patriciagrayinc.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Patricia Gray</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> is an award winning Interior Designer in Vancouver, Canada who blogs about WHAT'S HOT in the world of Interior Design. </span><a href="http://patriciagrayinc.blogspot.com/2010%20%C2%A9%20Patricia%20Gray%20Interior%20Design%20Blog%E2%84%A2"><span style="font-size:78%;">2010 © Patricia Gray Interior Design Blog™</span></a></p>

To Kindle or Not?

The controversy for me is to read a book on Kindle , or to hold a book in your hands? Here is what I have decided. There is a place for...

Read more »