Tag Archives: home decor

Paint by Number – The Original DIY Project

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) projects are all the rage. With craft shops and hardware stores popping up on every corner, any idea seems within reach. More and more people are jumping on the DIY bandwagon, expressing their enthusiasm for projects like homemade crafts and home remodeling. This is evident on television and social media networks, where creative décor and practical construction are encouraging the inventive spirit. Nowadays, there is less desire to hire contractors or buy assembled decorations; instead, many people opt to do these things themselves.

With this new surge of independence, we easily forget that DIY projects have been around for ages. In fact, before industrialization, it could be said that life was completely “Do-it-Yourself.” However, even in the 20th century, when manufactured products became readily available, people still chose to do some things themselves. Now, in the 21st century, the DIY craze is sweeping the United States and much of the world.

The Original DIY Project

http://mocoloco.com/art/archives/020982.phpWhen exactly did DIY (as we know it today) begin appealing to the general public? “DIY Painting,” a new WordPress blog, reminds us of the history of DIY by pointing to paint by number.

Paint by number first appeared in 1950 and boasted the tagline, “Every man a Rembrandt.” In fact, the greatest benefit of paint by number—in addition to its stress relieving nature and low cost—is that anyone can produce amazing artwork. In this regard, it was the original do-it-yourself home decorating option, as well as gift and craft project.

The Evolution of Paint by Number

Today, paint by number is still around but its appearance is different. Computer technology makes virtual paint by number sets available on personal computers and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. With Segmation, it is possible to become an artist in minutes by downloading virtual paint by number software and patterns.

Nevertheless, the heart of paint by number is the same. As the DIY Painting blog accurately points out, “Everyone can participate, using the usual leisure time, painting a beautiful picture [with] paint by number kits.” Paint by number is an enjoyable activity that makes any person an artist within minutes. In this sense, paint by number is still the epitome of do-it-yourself projects. The only difference between paint by number and other DIY projects is guaranteed success.

Segmation – Paint by Number for the Digital Age

SegPlayPC 1.8 screenshotSegmation makes it easy to create artistic masterpieces. Each month they release paint by number patterns that allow you to paint like the greats, including Leonardo da Vinci, Henri Rousseau, and Vincent van Gogh. They also produce fun patterns for holidays and special celebrations (see Halloween Spirit and Amigos). By releasing new paint by number pattern sets regularly, Segmation satisfies that itch many people have to take on DIY projects.

DIY is not new but the technology encouraging and spearheading today’s projects is novel. If you crave a project that allows you to express your creativity and produce successful art, explore the original DIY. Explore Segmation paint by number software and patterns.

Read more Segmation blog posts about art and color:

Professionals Integrate Paint by Number Into Their Careers

“Paint by Number” Kits Create Thousands of Artists

Museum Curator Elevates Prestige of Paint by Number Art

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Color Your Home, Change Your Mood

“Color is the spice of life,” says interior designer Mario Buatta. “It’s a mood-changer. You change the color from room to room to create a new mood.”

This statement epitomizes the impact color has on our emotional wellbeing and points to the importance of surrounding ourselves with home décor that encourages positivity.

Many people view their homes as sanctuaries. What do you consider your home? Does your interior design reflect the mood you want to set when in this unique environment?

If you want your home to be a sanctuary, it begins with incorporating colors that can influence your mood and the moods of others.

In a recent AOL.com article, top designers offer advice on color schemes that enhance mood. Here is what some experts are saying:

BUNNY WILLIAMS – DEFY TRENDS

“It’s important to choose colors that are easy to live with, which means ignoring trends. What’s timeless is to invent your own color schemes.”

MILES REDD – BE BOLD

“I love disparate rich colors paired next to each other—like taxicab and indigo. The tension that they make on the color wheel is dazzling. Each color makes the other more vibrant than when they stand alone.”

KELLY WEARSTLER – GENDER EQUALITY

“Pink-and-black is confident and chic. I always love to play up the sexy tension between masculine and feminine elements in design.”

STEVEN GAMBLER – ALL EYES ON THE KITCHEN

“Kitchens now act as a part of a house’s public space… It’s important that the kitchen feel as warm and friendly as a sitting room.”

TIMOTHY CORRIGAN – GREEN HARMONY

“I find it important to create homes that serve as our places of sanctuary from the outside world, so I often use green in a prominent role. It’s a color that represents harmony and balance, and you can’t help but feel a little bit calmer after spending time in a room surrounded by green.

Do you view your home as a sanctuary? If so, what colors do you use to highlight the essence of this matchless location?

After reviewing the philosophies of famous designers, it clear to see that beautiful homes come in all sorts of color schemes. As a personal oasis, your home ought to reflect your character and surround you with colors that encourage you and lift your mood.

Color is a powerful tool that can influence mood. When it is applied to the right location, it can have a positive influence on you.

 

Read more Segmation blog posts about color theory:

What Color Should You Paint Your Home?

Decorate Your Home Office to Inspire Creativity

Make Your House a Home with Color Blocking

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Make Your House a Home with Color Blocking

One artist’s faux pas is another person’s masterpiece.

Make Your House a Home with Color Blocking 1Adding bold color to a home seems like a mistake to some. But to others, it is a creative challenge. Lots of people love to build up their home décor with vibrant blocks of color.

If you enjoy bright rich turquoise, feel happy in the presence of mustard yellow, and want the freedom to change your design in a flash, you may want to make your house a home with color blocking.

A Brief History of Color Blocking

The art of color blocking began when Piet Mondrain, a Dutch painter, started to create wall work in the 1920s. His trademark painting was made of oil on canvas and included geometric squares and rectangles. Some of the shapes were filled with colors (usually red, blue and yellow), while others were left blank.

After introducing this technique to French and American markets, color blocking, the art of putting contrasting colors together in patchwork, fashion, and interior design, became a hot trend.

Barbara Schirmeister is a modern day color expert who consults for companies like Hunter Douglas, a company that specializes in window treatments. She raves about color blocking, saying it “…adds movement, drama and the opportunity to surround yourself with more of the colors you enjoy. It lets you give a room not just personality, but your personality. It is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself in your home.”

Tips for Color Blocking Your Home

In a recent Marin News article, Schirmeister explains how to successfully incorporate color blocking into your home.

Make Your House a Home with Color BlockingChoose a color theme – Before purchasing furniture, paint, and throw pillows, create a list of your favorite colors. Try not to consider what the shades will look like in your home. Simply identify which hues compliment your tastes and lifestyle. From there, choose three hues that go well together, even if they don’t flatter each other. As Schirmeister likes to say, “The colors have to get along ‘and be happy together.’”

Keep walls neutral – It is trendy to have accent walls inside your home. These walls have been painted vibrant colors that stand out from the other walls, which are kept neutral. Accent walls are perfectly acceptable and encouraged in color blocking schemes. But be sure to selectively choose which walls to paint. In rooms where you plan to use large colorful furniture, like a pink couch, it is wise to keep wall color neutral.

Stop while you’re ahead – Less is more when it comes to color blocking. To ensure you achieve the right balance, step back and take a good look at your masterpiece once and a while. Can you picture it featured in an edition of Real Simple magazine? Or does it seem a bit busy? One benefit of color blocking is that it is easy to move the colorful articles around so you can recreate your space in a flash.

Are you looking to liven up your home with a splash of color? Have you been thinking about what you can do to redecorate? Color blocking is good for projects of all sizes. Read the entire interview with Barbara Schirmeister to discover if this art trend is right for you.

Read more Segmation blog posts about designing a colorful home.

Office Paint Colors and Effective Employees

What Color Should You Paint Your Home?

Prison Pink

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Creative Bathroom Décor

A bathroom takes up a few square feet of home space but can consume a good portion of the decorating budget. Designing a bathroom involves more than choosing paint colors, tile patterns and fragrant accents. Some homeowners believe this is the best space to exercise creativity and add pieces of outrageous artistic flair.

Many artists create pieces that are intended to dress up the bathroom. Explore how some add aquamarine life to the splish-splash nature of the room while also infusing it with organic flowers and natural lighting sources. Take a look at art that is breathing new life into these common, small spaces.

Aquarium Vanity

Moody Aquarium SinkFish tanks are often seen in office spaces and living rooms. They are said to bring a sense of tranquility to the environment. What can they bring to bathrooms? One artistic bathroom vanity is livening up the bathroom with the movement of an aquarium. The Moody Aquarium Sink brings a tropical look to the bathroom. Although, lifting the sink top and rearranging the aquamarine environment can change the look instantly. This particular vanity includes backlights to ensure a nightlight is always available and the fish are always on display.

Artistic Urinals

Clark Sorensen is a sculptor who creates bathroom pieces that are on the dryer side of nature. He creates artistic urinals. Sorensen has cornered a niche art market that is, he says, “Inspired by nature (and the call of it).” He believes that couples reach out to him because the man wants a urinal but the woman thinks they are “ugly or dirty.” By creating urinals in the shapes of flowers, like daffodil and hibiscus, he creates a product that bridges the bathroom divide. The artist says, “My works echo the classic conflicts between masculine and feminine, good and evil, soiled and chaste.”

Bathtub Chandelier

Much of the art that makes its way into bathrooms is inspired by nature. Natural light is one of the most important features of a bathroom. A beautiful approach to illuminating this space is to use a non-electric chandelier. By hanging a multi-candle chandelier over the bathtub, a unique elegance is brought into the room.

People relish in the idea of decorating their homes, but how much energy do they put into decorating their bathrooms? These small but useful spaces are brought to life when artistic flare is added. Artists are producing bathroom décor that is fully functional and inspired by nature. By embracing this trend, the smallest room in a home can cause the biggest splash.

Read more Segmation blog posts about artistic home décor:

Decorate Your Home Office to Inspire Creativity

Use Color to Bring Your Home to Life

Welcome Spring with a Freshly Painted Front Door

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The Color Green: Many Shades, Many Meanings

When people share their favorite colors, green seems to be a popular pick. But it doesn’t need to be favored for people to notice it. Green is everywhere.

The Many Shades of Green

In its natural form, green is seen in the grass and trees. What about the shades of green that exist in between?

When green is combined with hints of other colors it can be powerful. For instance, green with some blue creates a vibrant shade which is often associated with growth. Here are some other shades of green that evoke strong feelings, too.

  • Green and brown is a popular choice when it comes to camouflage patterns.
  • Green with hints of orange and yellow is a great shade in springtime. It is often seen with fruits and fresh foods.
  • When purple is added to green, the hue becomes rich and stylish. Certain fashion trends ensure this green is often the focal point of seasonal lines.

Green is everywhere. It is evident in almost anything. It can be warm or cool, dark or bright. But the roots of this color go deeper than what meets the eye. In many cultures, green is a symbol people hold dear. Green represents great characteristics of nature like balance, harmony and stability.

Using Green for Home Décor

Ancient traditions are known to use shades of green in their décors. Feng Shui is a popular practice that calls on the natural elements of green. The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui relies of harmony. This means that green is used often to offer perfect balance to other elements.

One place where it is recommended to use green is the front door. It is believed that the front door sets the tone for the entire house. In China, green is linked to an abundant life. Growth, sunrise and other signs of renewal are also associated with green. Painting a front door with this hue is a great way to share positivity with the world.

What do you see when you are face to face with the color green? Do you take time to appreciate the color of nature all around you? Stop and look. Green is everywhere. When you take time to notice it, recognize the effect this color has on you. Does it renew your energy and refresh your soul? If yes, it may soon become your favorite color.

Read more Segmation blog posts about the color green: 

Green Represents Saint Patrick’s Day

Welcome Spring with a Freshly Painted Front Door

Studying the Shades of Green

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Who Creates Color Trends?

Who Creates Color TrendsThe color wheel remains constant while color trends come and go. Each season brings new popular shades that brighten clothing choices and dominate home décor options.

It may surprise you to know that the latest color trends don’t happen by accident; professional color experts are responsible for choosing the hottest (and coolest) shades for every season.

Often referred to as “color forecasters,” these individuals combine knowledge of design, sociology, and luck to predict the season’s freshest trends.

What do Colors say about People?

Color forecasters choose what color wheel combinations will be popular by considering current events in the nation and world, as well as citizens’ reactions to them. For instance, at this time, there are a lot of headlines about war and economic woes. This may be why color forecasters chose “safe, traditional, and comforting” colors this season, in addition to bright color accents that reflect a spirit of hopefulness.

What Color Combinations are Popular Now?

Black and White with Red Accents-

Europeans fell in love with black and white home décor years ago. Lately, Americans are picking up this trend too. As black and white makes its way into rooms and entire homes, bright and pure colors, like color wheel red, are becoming popular accents.

Neutrals-

Light browns are hitting center stage with other popular neutral shades. Colors of “spices and beverages… [like] mocha and cinnamon,” are predicted to be trending soon. Neutrals are especially good when paired together, in addition to being base tones to bright accents.

Violet-

Roses are red, violets are blue… actually, violets resemble the color wheel’s shade of purple. And believe it or not, purple first became popular with the gothic movement. From high school to the runway, violet and other shades of purple are becoming main themes in homes.

What Colors are Going Out of Style?

Orange-

While shades of coral, as well as deep and earthy orange tones, are still acceptable, orange is taking a back seat in color trends. The shade that once splashed the walls of large foyers is no longer considered a desirable home décor option.

Wine Burgundy-

Since violet is all the rage today, the color of wine – or burgundy – is becoming obsolete. In addition, soft purples, such as lavenders are being picked over for rich purples. 

Which colors are trending in your world this season? What shades are you drawn to? Are there any colors that you find yourself decorating with now that summer is approaching?

Sources: 

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/color-trends-whats-new-whats-next/index.html?ic1=obnetwork

If you enjoyed this Segmation blog post, you are sure to love:

– Color Blocking Makes for Artful Fashion

https://segmation.wordpress.com/2012/09/06/color-blocking-makes-artful-fashion/

– Colors Red and Purple: A History of Emotion

https://segmation.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/color-history-of-emotions-red-and-purple/

– Color Theory Basics: The Color Wheel

https://segmation.wordpress.com/2012/05/20/color-theory-basics-the-color-wheel-2/

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