dwell :: the power of color

Color is a design superpower that can make a small room appear larger, or an expansive space feel intimate and cozy. However, deploying color is not just a matter of aesthetics—it can have a profound effect on your mood and productivity.

So when it comes to designing your space, it's important to think about how each area will be used, what feeling you want to create, and any issues you want to tackle. In general, the brightness of light colors creates an effect that seems to expand tight spaces. On the contrary, dark, warm colors create a more intimate environment. 

Color has an innate psychological value that effects your emotions and alters your experience. To help you select your colors wisely, read my original article at dwell.com for some helpful tips about eight of the main players and examples of them being used effectively in the home. 

Image by Rim Van de Veide

august travels :: san francisco

August travels :: sfmoma

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.  - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Images from SFMOMA 

season :: spring in portland

It's spring in Portland. The one silver lining to living in a rainy city is bearing witness to a lush spring. Tulip trees, camellias, dogwoods, cherry blossoms - everything is popping and vibrant. So, it's no wonder that my thoughts are all about flowers and color these days.

Lately I've really enjoyed the artwork from the duo at Inaluxe, a husband/wife team of fine artists residing in Victoria, Australia. Their work always features a riot of colors and a nod to nature, so it seems appropriate for thoughts of spring. One of my first childhood memories is a comforter with a classic Marimekko pattern in red, white and black. That launched a love of pattern and color that I try to infuse in all my projects. Like a mashup of the vintage work of Charlie Harper and the innovative pattern designs of Marimekko, Inaluxe's art is crisp and aspirational. I could picture some of their work as giant murals on downtown buildings or inside industrial warehouse buildings turned workspaces. Bright spots of nature.

If you're interested in adding more color to your walls, check out my latest article for dwell.com. Knowing that the color of your environment has proven psychological effects on behavior & productivity, I've broken down 8 popular colors. So, now I just have to find the next target of a color/pattern overhaul....  

Images courtesy of Inaluxe & dwell

dwell :: 5 Hot Tips to Remember When Planning Your Desert Prefab

Building a successful home in the desert means being conscious of the region's elements and understanding both the challenges and opportunities. Luckily, prefab homes are inherently well-suited for the harsh desert climate.

The allure of prefab is based on three main components: it's efficient, economical, and ecologically-minded. The homes can be erected in record time with minimal intrusion on the landscape. Additionally, the components are generally light and precise, allowing for a foundation that's flexible to the rocky soils of the region. Fabricated with long-lasting materials and finishes that ensure longevity and low maintenance, prefab homes provide a comfortable living space even under severe weather conditions. 

 To learn more about five best-practice measures to consider when designing your desert oasis, from site placement to successful layout strategies , check out my original article on dwell.com.