THE POWER OF COLOR

Color can dramatically alter any space within a home. The possibilities made available to us by modern paints are almost limitless, and traditional and modern homes alike can be transformed through the clever use of color. Color not only affects mood it can also play with perspective and the scale of a room. Make a small space seem larger by using soft pale grays, ivory and whites can instantly refresh a tired room, giving a clean look and creating a bright, spacious atmosphere. To make that large space a little cozier – bring in rich colors, such as deep burgundy or emerald green will have an intense effect, creating a more intimate feeling. Paint the trim or ceiling for a luminous effect.

If you are painting two or more spaces that open from one to another use the same color or slightly lighter or darker shade of the same color. Otherwise, the overall area may look disconnected.

Source: The color Scheme Bible

OUTDOOR SPACE

Go Ahead, Step Outside!

It’s that time of year again. Holidays are over, a new year has begun, and it is beautiful outside here in Arizona. The weather is so unpredictable and can go in a 40 degree swing between the morning and afternoon. We layer our clothing so we're prepared to remove a sweater or coat if needed. We believe your home should be the same way. You should be able to use your outdoor space as an extension of your overall living space during the cold of winter or in the the heat of summer. To accomplish this you just add or remove layers.

By extending your living space outdoors, you immediately add square footage to your life. Why not enjoy that footage as you would inside your home. It is easy, enjoyable and outdoor space can be extremely relaxing. Just by adding a few portable heaters or a portable fire pit you can enjoy your new space during all weather conditions.

First, make a plan. How do you want to expand your space? Do you want a living area, outdoor kitchen, bar area or perhaps a fire pit with comfortable chairs? You decide.

Consider your view or focal point then maximize that area. If you have an eye sore in the backyard, take a couple of days and clean it up, make space for that fire pit or a horseshoe field to enjoy. It can be that simple.

There are great selections of outdoor furniture available and great fabrics to further customize the look you're after, so get rid of the plastic chairs you once bought in isle 2 of your neighborhood market and upgrade a little. You can even recover extra pieces you have in your home currently by upholstering or slip covering them in a cheery outdoor fabric. Painting any useful tables or benches is an easy project. You can paint a wall or two as a beautiful backdrop for a piece of art or wall fountain. Adding some potted plants or flowers is another way to create a beautiful spot to enjoy. Create several seating areas that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Teenagers prefer sectional, open space areas for themselves and their friends to congregate.

Don’t forget the lighting! Lights add drama and excitement to any space, including outdoors. Simple string lights from a tree or patio overhang can provide a wonderful source of lighting. Hang paper lanterns on a tree in the distance. Now more than ever before you can find great floor lamps for outdoor use at very affordable prices. Caution, make certain your lighting is UL approved for outdoors! Candles either on tables or staked in the ground are always an enjoyable source for light. Have your landscaper add lights to your trees and cacti, talk about drama!

If you have a patio overhang, don’t forget you can actually hang outdoor draperies. You can tie them back most of the time but can use them to block out a forbidden afternoon sun. This automatically comforts your soul, adds an instant softness to the hardscape and can have huge dramatic impact. Make certain to use outdoor fabric for both function and durability.

If you want to add hardscape with built in kitchens or fireplaces, consult a designer for the best possible layout and materials to use. Otherwise, it takes just a bit of imagination and elbow grease to make the most of your great outdoor area. So go ahead, step outside and enjoy your outdoor space.

FEBRUARY DESIGN TIP

Ten Decorating Mistakes Not To Make According To Some Leading Designers

“The misuse or heavy-handed application of decorative painting. I saw a show house last weekend and it reminded me that you have to know when to stop. Brilliant painting is elegant and polished, but too far and you end up with vulgarity when quality was the goal.”
Mary Douglas Drysdale

“There’s nothing worse than bright overhead lights that make you feel like you’re onstage. Lighting shouldn’t wash down on you: It’s harsh and unflattering. I use dimmers in every part of a house, including bathrooms. And soft white bulbs in lamps. The best light comes at you from shaded lamps.
Barkley Butera

“Lamps that are completely disproportionate sizes on either ends of a sofa-that makes me crazy. Also when people hang a collection of pictures in sort of idiosyncratic ways and it’s just a mess. Don’t try to get to creative. Keep it simple”
David Kleinberg

“Candlesticks side by side. Candlelight, like open fires, has a certain allure-one of warmth and romance. To me, it’s most alluring when the light is spread around the room. In other words, separate the candlesticks! It’s also a more balanced aesthetic.”
Albert Hadley

“To many ideas- even good ones-in one place can add up to a big mess. Just pick one and go with it.”
Alessandra Branca

“Regardless of how beautiful a room is, it’s compromised by glaring or gloomy lightening. Don’t rely on only one kind of light source. Mix a variety of overhead
and floor or table lamps. And keep in mind that you’re not obliged to illuminate every corner evenly. Warm ‘pools’ of light draw people in and create intimacy.”
Alan Tanksley

“I hate seeing seating and furniture pushed up to the wall like you’re at a dance. I guess people are trying to make their rooms seem bigger, but if everything is too broad, too spread out, and too high, it’s impossible to feel cozy. It’s much more pleasant to break up space into smaller areas and give things a bit of air. Even in a narrow room, the sofa doesn’t have to be slammed up against the wall. Pull it out six inches.”
Jackie Terrell

“Decorating that doesn’t match the personality and lifestyle of the people living in it. You wouldn’t wear the same clothes as your mother, and you shouldn’t decorate your home the way your mother would.”
Heidi Bonesteel

“Karate-chopped pillows. That look would never occur in ‘pillow nature.’ Prominently placed family portraits. Best avoided if you’re not royal or papal. TVs that are disguised. They have been around for decades, so just embrace your TV. Would you buy an armoire for your stove?”
Steven Sclaroff

TURNKEY FURNITURE PACKAGE SUCCESS STORY

Turnkey Furniture Packages



We just installed some of our furniture packages in some Scottsdale condos developed by Starpointe. Here is what they had to say:

"It has been our good fortune to have had Touch of History involved in the interior design of our “Try Before You Buy” homes, and to be able to offer their turnkey furniture packages to our buyers.

The Touch of History team is a pleasure to work with, and exhibits up-to-date knowledge of design trends, modern furniture and accessories, and extra touches that make our homes stand above the rest. They bring this knowledge to Starpointe and balance it with a keen eye for buyer demographics. The result always invokes “oohs” and “aahs” from our prospects.

Touch of History is a well run business, and Starpointe appreciates that the team gives equal attention to budget concerns, timelines for installation, and practicality, that they do to the design aspects. We value our continued working relationship with Touch of History. They are a respected partner of Starpointe Communities."

Starpointe Communities

We shot some images, you can check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/touchofhistory/sets/72157611254080607

LATIN AMERICAN ART ALLIANCE EVENT!

PLEASE JOIN US THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH @ 5:30pm