Color has always been a paralytic challenge for me: So. Many. Choices. A good way to get beyond the mind boggling number of possibilities is to take inspiration from local nature. It provides continuity from inside to outside, and can bring memory of different seasons to life at a different time of year.

As an example, I generated a palette from a photo I took of a trumpet vine bloom visible from our living space (click the image to get to the online color generator site):

I can choose from a 3×3, 5×5 or 7×7 grid, depending on how many options I want to cull from the image. Voila - a narrowed field of 25 as opposed to 16 million. Simpler is always better. In this case, there are several colors with very subtle differences, and some with a tad more punch. A good sampling to choose from, whether the end application is fabric, paint, or lighting.

Inspired by a pursuit of modern spaces, Lee unveils a completed loft apartment design to the Arts editor of Asheville Citizen-Times. The vacation home is located in a re-use building project on scenic Biltmore Avenue.

The spatial relationship we all have with our home, office, retail store or even the hotel room you’re staying in, has an affect on us. Our moods can be altered by the comfort and peacefulness of the space. The solution is simplicity. The guiding principles of Zen design are centered around this concept and by contemplating the organic nature of our surroundings.

Simply put, the movement back to a “less is more” philosophy is a direct response to our hectic, busy lives. We’re choosing a lifestyle with less complexity and clutter. We want our homes to be a sanctuary from the turbulent world around us. A clean and minimal approach is not a style, but a way of living that integrates the utilitarian nature of classic modern design and the Eastern principles of living close to nature with more awareness of our environ.

Color, texture and light find a prominent role in modern design as compared to the often time fussiness of decoration found in the conventional Georgian and Colonial eras of the past. The concept is to create an environment that is tranquil and harmonious, yet never pretentious or intimidating.

You may say that your “stuff” has sentimental value. We’ll acknowledge that, yet still advocate for the integration of built in storage units with sliding doors or Shoji panels where things can be neatly organized. For display, consider glass shelving with halogen lighting to accentuate your art. The living space is then free flowing and creates an open, airy feeling, providing uninterrupted chi’.

Emptiness leaves room for growth.

A token to break in the new blog digs. Cheers!