October 1st, 2014

We love using colour in the spaces we design for our clients. It can be an inexpensive way to add some character and personality into a room. Blue has always been a colour that some love and others avoid. It is often difficult to pick a blue hue that won't tire over time. Indigo is one of those hues that we use time and time again - it is sophisticated yet striking, bold yet calming. Take a look at some applications of indigo blue in the following images - it is truly an inspiring and timeless colour!

A light Chinoiserie mural stands out against the indigo wall - we love how the brass accents add a level of drama and luxury in this space. We want it in our own home.!  (La Dolce Vita). — A light Chinoiserie mural stands out against the indigo wall - we love how the brass accents add a level of drama and luxury in this space. We want it in our own home.
! (La Dolce Vita).

The varying textures in the indigo millwork, sofa and pillows make this space feel layered and dramatic. We love pairing indigo with natural woods - it is a match made in heaven! (Casey Design / Planning Group Inc. - photograph by Ted Yarwood)

The indigo pinstriped wallpaper is a foil for this antique cabinet-turned-vanity for this powder room. It pairs beautifully with the custom designed mosaic floor - so rich and lively.  (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photos by Ted Yarwood). — The indigo pinstriped wallpaper is a foil for this antique cabinet-turned-vanity for this powder room. It pairs beautifully with the custom designed mosaic floor - so rich and lively. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photos by Ted Yarwood).

Two statement pieces I love! A sling chair and indigo armoire work hand in hand in this sophisticated living room space (Tumblr).

Blue, blue and more blue. We love how varying tones of blue work together to create a harmonious yet interesting space.  (Design Milk). — Blue, blue and more blue. We love how varying tones of blue work together to create a harmonious yet interesting space. (Design Milk).

The rich hues of the indigo walls and the hand-carved, white oak mantle creates a foyer that looks like its been here for a hundred years. One of our favourite historical renovation projects.(Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photos by Ted Yarwood). — The rich hues of the indigo walls and the hand-carved, white oak mantle creates a foyer that looks like its been here for a hundred years. One of our favourite historical renovation projects.
(Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photos by Ted Yarwood).

We love the subtle touches of indigo in this neutral kitchen. It beautifully complements the natural wood tones in the space.  (Remodelista). — We love the subtle touches of indigo in this neutral kitchen. It beautifully complements the natural wood tones in the space. (Remodelista).

What is more bold than a velvet indigo sofa? We love how playful this room is with the bright penguin books and accessories. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photos by Ted Yarwood).

This indigo sofa contrasts wonderfully against the red brick backdrop - inviting and rustic.  (Veronica Love Archie). — This indigo sofa contrasts wonderfully against the red brick backdrop - inviting and rustic. (Veronica Love Archie).

PostedOctober 1, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesColour, Interior

TagsIndigo, Living Room, Bathroom, Kitchen, Foyer, Dark Walls, Wallpaper

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April 30, 2014

Love the textured, diamond-patterned brown floor with the graphic pillows surrounded by the white backdrop. Simply sophisticated! (DPages).

When I think of white and brown colour schemes, I think of a well-dressed French woman. A crisp white blouse, tan linen pencil skirt, smart pumps and a killer handbag. To me, whites and browns evoke a classic French woman's style.

In short, elegance with purpose. It's what I wear on days that I want the world to know I mean business. This same kind of thinking can be applied to interiors. If you are confident yet don't want to show off, if you know your style and don't want your home to speak before you do, then this kind of palette might be for you.

In the samples below, you can see right away what I'm talking about. For me these interiors have the look of an airy Manhattan apartment on the upper Eastside - glamorous, soft, soothing and welcoming, while speaking of quiet sophistication.

If you are that person or want to be perceived as this person, this look is for you. Interiors are always about the fantasy to which you aspire, what environment you're most comfortable in, and sometimes an elegant wardrobe can be the starting point.

A minimalistic brown and white office is so inviting and chic (Flickr).

The walnut, double vanity in combination with the creamy, white onyx floors and walls creates a glamorous soft and soothing ensuite retreat (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

Ethan Herringbone dinnerware by Ralph Lauren Home (Elle Decor). — Ethan Herringbone dinnerware by Ralph Lauren Home (Elle Decor).

The soft, multi-texutred tan and white color theme with the accent of the vintage brown metal cabinet creates a classic, calm and groovy apartment (Flickr).

The brown sofa in this country master suite with painted oak floors and travertine marble is dreamy and tranquil  (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood). — The brown sofa in this country master suite with painted oak floors and travertine marble is dreamy and tranquil (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

The brown and white wallpaper layered with the vintage vanity makes this powder room a knock out (Mark D Sikes).

PostedApril 30, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior

TagsWhite & Brown, Living Room, Bedroom, Bathroom, Sophistication

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March 28, 2014

Love this cozy library/dining room featuring black walls (Elle Decor).

Painting your walls black might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're looking at paint colours. But, this is a very powerful tool in your paint selection toolbox and technically, black isn't even a color, so it deserves special attention. Sometimes when designing a home we want to have an area that's cozy and warm, and holds us in. Perhaps you live in a cold climate and you want to have an enveloping atmosphere when you come home at night. For this scenario, I suggest painting a cozy study, small family or living room black. Or if you want to create drama, say in your powder room, black is for you. In my own office powder room, a previously uninspired space was given high drama by painting the walls and ceiling glossy black in combination with a white vintage porcelain sink, antique brass faucets and a gold leaf mirror. The white sink gives some relief to the surrounding black, while the brass adds warmth and glamour. If the thought of black terrifies you, you can almost go there by using a deep eggplant purple paint like Farrow and Ball Mahogany #36. It's very warm and cozy, and you get all the effects of black paint without going as far. Another way to use black would be to paint an accent wall black or the inside of an archway. My point is that color, paint and atmosphere are very personal and all very achievable with a can of paint, so experiment a little and try something a little out of your comfort zone. See below some of the effects you can create with a simple can of black paint.

Black accents really create a wonderful, graphic bathroom (Paloma).

Living room, cozy heaven. Love the portraits! (Elle Decor).

See the drama and richness of these black kitchen cabinets (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

Living room: love the black walls, contrasted with the wife sofas and fantastic, patterned coffee table (Elle Decor).

The deep eggplant walls have a similar effect to the black walls, but is a softer and warmer paint selection (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood).

PostedMarch 28, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesColour, Design Tool

TagsBlack Walls, Paint Colour, Bathroom, Living Room, Dining Room, Office

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February 21, 2014

I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson) — I upholstered our basement guest room walls in black and white silk creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. No one feels hard done by sleeping here! (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Ferguson)

I love the drama of all black and white interiors created solely to play on the contrast between light and dark. One of my art school teachers, John Leonard, taught me that CONTRAST was one of the most valuable tools in the artist's tool box. Over and over I return to the truth of his statement. The other intriguing quality of black and white interiors are their calmness. I know this seems inconsistent when I've just said that these interiors are often dramatic, but I would say that if you look through the following images you can see how these interiors draw you in and have a peaceful quality. I would liken it to looking at black and white photos. Somehow the lack of colour helps us to focus more clearly, and to appreciate the simplicity of the palette. Another quality that you will often find in these black and white interiors is a rich variety of textures. Let me know what you think.

Gorgeous marble wall offset with handsome black accessories creates the drama I love! (Yellowtrace)

Ticking black and white stripe Chesterfield is yummy but what's really yummy is pairing it with black velvet drapes and gold trim. (Tokyo Jinja)

This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson) — This graphic basement home office featuring striped area rug, collection of black and white drawings to create an airy yet interesting work space. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Angus Fergusson)

Villa Sorra, in Emilia Romagna, Italy, an old world take on black and white Italian style. So clean but so warm. (IIIInspired)

The client's non-functioning kitchen was redesigned to create this galley kitchen with marble counter top and backsplash that nicely contrast the dark cabinets. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

I love everything in this room especially the minimal fireplace and the art on top! (Peek of Perfection)

The floating, walnut vanity in this guest ensuite leaves plenty of room for the toile fabric storage baskets below. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

The ultimate in black and white styling. I can't resist. (Ark Pad)

Wall Of Frames in Slanted-Ceiling Bedroom is divine and just as strong as one large painting. (House & Home)

Are these black silk pleated walls? If so, I want them. (Ark Pad)

I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality.  The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design… — I did this project for a young entrepreneur over 10 years ago and it still has a classic enduring quality. The clean, textured, sexy custom black lacquer fireplace brings focus, texture and drama to this contemporary living room. (Casey Design/Planning Group Inc. - Photo by Ted Yarwood)

PostedFebruary 21, 2014

AuthorTheresa Casey

CategoriesInterior, Contrast, Design Tool

TagsBlack & White, Texture, Calmness, Drama, Bedroom, Kitchen, Living Room, Office, Bathroom

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February 7, 2014

Imagine dining at looking out these  floor to ceiling windows. (Afflante) — Imagine dining at looking out these floor to ceiling windows. (Afflante)

I know the term "Loft Living" has become ubiquitous of late, but I happened upon some images of loft apartments that reminded me of why they are so appealing. They often feature grand floor to ceiling windows, open floor plans, inventive use of space and fun off-the-wall possibilities - like being able to get around your space on roller skates or your bike! Maybe I'm channeling my inner Patti Smith, but what they heck, enjoy the ride with me and check out some of my latest, greatest favourites.