Red. the color that makes people do things.

It's Valentines Day and all, so why not explain the power of this intriguing color that we see plastered around right now. 

So what's the deal with red? It is the color of blood, fire and there has to be a reason we put it on stop signs. Red is a power color. It means courage, danger and strength all at the same time. How does red work in our world? Well, we design environments to get people want to make decisions.

Red can be a valuable tool when designing for multi-family housing. We can use the power of red to our advantage. Everything in moderation of course, so let's break down when and where we can use red and how it can help our prospective renters make decisions. 

1. Signage is a great way to add some force of color. Red makes you stop and take notice. Adding red to your exterior or marketing signage in a clean and neat fashion can really get your property noticed. 

2. Sales Areas. Red is know to elevate peoples blood pressure. It is an energy color. In a sales environment, it is important to keep peoples attention and really up the energy in a space. 

3. Offices. This is not a boring snooze color. It radiates power and determination, both traits we want our management team to be reminded of on those boring Thursday afternoons. 

4. Outside. The great thing about exterior living spaces is they get to be fun. Adding red planters or pops of red in our pool areas can really turn up volume on some tired outdoor spaces. Consider refreshing this spring with a bold red pop. 

5. Model Home. Red is definitely a memory color. Any prospective tenant that tours a model home that is laced with shades of red, will remember it. Red is an intense color and evokes emotion. Isn't that the whole reason we furnish models? We want people to get an emotional connection to a space. 

Red can be loud and obnoxious if not used in a defined and balanced way. Let us all remember the value of such a vibrant color on such an energetic day. Happy Valentines Everyone. 

Blue Green Inspirational Color Tones

Blue Green inspiration is borrowed from the natural tones of succulents. Shades of navy, gray & emerald greens would make for a beautiful model home interior that is appealing to both men & women. Bold stripes and various levels of sheen give this look an elegant feel.

 Ralph Lauren makes the best paint tones when it comes to blue. I adore this shade paired with the emerald pillow cover and accents of white. This look can get very dark very fast so always be sure to accent with white or shades of gray.

Re-purposing is my new favorite word of 2011. Minwax is a fantastic stain that is available in all sorts of great colors at Home Depot. Finding an old dresser and giving it a fresh coat of colored stain can be that one "wow" piece in a room.

Fall is in the air and that means fall color will start making their debut. Shades of purple anchored with one deep shade of purple paired with a bright orange makes a great fall pairing. 

Lavender is a great tone to keep things interesting without going over board with purple

Love this tree. Anyone know what it is?

Black and shades of espresso is a great way to not get the "Halloween" look.

Playbills, the new interior design inspiration.

finding your color through inspired memories

Paris will always be blue in my mind. Something about the way the sun sets or the gorgeous ball gowns displayed in those grand store front windows will always make me think of Paris in shades of watered down turqoise. When finding a color you love draw on memories of where you grew up or places you traveled to. 

This is a great way to find your style and that perfect accent color. No need to buy every lamp shade, candle or pillow in the color you admire (hence the word accent). Try incorporating a favorite shade into your decor with accessories scattered evenly across your interior. 

Finding your color will give you something to strive for when your walking the aisles at a flea market or starting a collection of pieces. No need to buy mini shot glasses on your next vacation. Instead find something you love about the color of the water or the way the sky looks when the sun goes down & incorporate these shades into your own home decor.

Looking for a great regret free shade for the inside of a powder bath or the front door? Stop settling for what the stores are selling and find your own unique style by looking backwards at some inspiring things in your life.

Keep looking and that one color that can transport you back to a favorite place or time is bound to show up. Don't worry, good memories never seem to go away. 

easy apartment painting tip

Stenciling is a great way to add drama to a small space. Tone on tone or crisp white gives the pattern a beautiful finished look. Why mess around with hanging wall paper when you can create a better look with stencils. 

Supplies needed: Stencial pattern (the one shown here is available from Cutting Edge Stencils for $38.00. You will need a gallon of paint or less depending on the wall size, 2 rollers in a medium & small size, small paint brush and some painters tape. 

Apply some heat to your stencil with a hair dryer to get it to lay straight.

Position stencil to the wall using painters tape and start rolling on thin layers of paint to avoid seepage and dripping. Try a test run on cardboard first to get the hang of it. 

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Save the edges for last and be sure to tape of the ceiling and adjoining walls.

Great look for any room. For step by step instructions and to buy the stencil go here

video instructions here. Thanks to iheart organization for the images.