apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


#50 - Spon & Andy's Lagoon Blue Loft

Name: Spontaneous Russell
Location: Oakland
Type: Condo/Loft – Owned

Why I use color:

One day in high school, my English teacher called on me to answer a simple, open-ended question: “What do you think of when you hear the word ‘jealousy’?” I thought for a moment and then responded with what was in my head – “I think of sinking in an emerald-green sea, rolling with deep, dark green waves of envy...” As my voice trailed off I realized that my classmates were staring at me as if my answer was the last thing they expected to hear. That was the moment when I realized that I had a special relationship with color. . .

 
 
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. . .To me - color is, and always has been, a way to express emotion. Although I have never dyed my hair to express myself, I love to express myself with a bright pink pair of shoes, a deep red headband, or a turquoise blue blazer. Colors can be muted, bright, mixed, or pure… in my everyday life I use color to let the world how bright or mixed I’m feeling. Now that I finally own my home, I use color to help my living spaces be just as expressive as I am!

2 good color tips:

1. When planning a room around a few favorite colors – don’t be afraid to go all out, turning a few splashes of color into a full-blown theme!

2. Be open to finding color inspiration from culture-themed decor: fabric patterns, ceramic tiles, and even flower arrangements can be the starting point of a fresh and colorful space.

2 good color resources:

1. Behr’s Color Smart tool is the best free online resource that I’ve found for inspiration on using color in my home décor.

2. Fashion Magazines: I take cues from clothing trends when looking for new ideas for room colors, accessories, and themes.

Tags

Fall Colors 2006 - Northwest

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Comments (21)

I love this! The deep blue on the walls is great. And the bits of green mixed in make the room feel so tranquil. I really like how the wall art, pillows and little palm all bring the space together.

And where DID you get that coffee table? And that floor cushion? LOVE em!

posted by Penny on 2006-10-28 09:50:23

The dark blue is nice but does not work with the upholstery. New upholstery to add a bolder new color and some pattern then a very bold simple geometric short nap area rug under the coffee on top of the WW. Pick up the blues and the new upholstery colors in the rug.

posted by jim on 2006-10-28 11:23:04

I love the rich blue. Can you tell me where you got the bookshelf/storage piece between the furniture?

posted by hanifa on 2006-10-28 12:44:19

Penny - that floor cushion is from Ikea.

posted by arza on 2006-10-28 13:46:26

LOVE the blue on the walls. What's the paint color?

Don't love the "renter's beige" carpet though. Since you own, are you planning on replacing it with another flooring?

Yay Oakland!

posted by Elizabeth on 2006-10-28 14:03:45

Interesting spread on the voting on this one.

The blue/green is really fascinating. I love your details also.

Her I am in the Northeast, looking through a skylight at the blue sky and the green trees that are blowing gale force and I'm wondering why more people don't do the blue green thing.

Yours is done rather well.

posted by Jackie(the original one) on 2006-10-29 07:57:05

Thank you Arza!

posted by penny on 2006-10-29 14:53:53

Jim, I like upholstery with the blue walls. What color would you choose? Just curious :)

posted by Penny on 2006-10-29 14:56:31

Thank you for all of the great comments! I am also not a fan of the "renter's carpet", but it kinda goes with the exposed concrete ceilings in our unit. Besides, I'm afraid to pull it out now for fear of damage to the walls!

posted by Spon on 2006-10-30 05:50:31

love the colour - had it described to me but great to see it in context.

Reminds me of my seaside home

posted by Rachel on 2006-10-30 14:30:46

blue! are you out of your mind! it looks like cookie monster has painted your room ;-) and btw, diana thinks your table is cooooooool

keep your hands off my taters

posted by martay on 2006-10-30 16:04:03

The blue wall and white door trim along with the white picture frames are just perfect - the green couch and the coffee table just made everything much more stronger and peaceful at the same time - a perfect harmony! Great job!

posted by Bill M. on 2006-10-30 16:07:10

Some more answers to the questions that popped up:

The wall color - "Moonlit Pool" from Behr
Floor cushion - from IKEA (arza was right)
Storage Unit - "Centro Desk" from Hold Everything
Am I out of my mind - Not right now.

Thanks again to everyone for the votes, comments, and suggestions!

posted by Spon on 2006-10-31 03:23:01

It's a great room. The pictures do not do it justice. I seen it in person and it just pops!

posted by Kathy on 2006-10-31 06:01:23

Great Color and Great Room! A wonderful place to come home to.

posted by Kathleen on 2006-10-31 08:01:21

feel like it needs a 3rd color... maybe a light yellow throw......
great entry otherwise!

posted by 2T on 2006-10-31 10:33:10

Exquisite. A simple and clean expression--relaxation--a perfect escape.

posted by cliff on 2006-10-31 12:54:34

I just painted an accent wall in my new living room a very similar color. I love it in my home and I love it in yours'.

posted by Alisa on 2006-10-31 16:37:59

IN MY HOUSE I HAVE A STAND-UP BAR COUNTER BEING HELD UP BY A VINTAGE HARLEY DAVIDSON. I THINK YOUR HOUSE WOULD BE EXTRA SPECIAL WITH ONE AND YOU COULD KEEP YOUR PRESENT COLOR SCHEME.

posted by MIKE RUSSELL on 2006-10-31 18:40:51

Have seen this loft & it is dramatic! The blue actually has a slightly more green tint to it. It is very restful & calming. A great place to relax.

posted by Nita on 2006-10-31 22:13:29

LOVE the blue on the wall.

posted by Brrrrooke on 2006-11-01 11:16:17

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