Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Color of the Month for June

It’s June and summer is happily on its way. From the book, Colorstrology, by Michele Bernhardt, the color for June is Gold. This color and all its variations have the ability to lift our spirits and bring sunshine into our lives. This goes hand in hand with the color trends forecast for this year. Golds and yellows in all their glorious tones and hues are available for almost any room in your home. These colors are famous for blending in with your furnishings. That means you probably won't need to redo the draperies, flooring and furniture if you want to repaint! Now there's a deal.

This month’s gemstone is the lovely, organic pearl. Yep, I said organic, I know that word is overused, but by strict definition, from Webster’s, organic means “derived from living organisms.” In the case of the pearl, a special type of mollusk with the ability to generate the iridescent mother of pearl lining in their shell is the living organism. Pearls, like many gems, come in a wide variety of colors including; white, pink, cream, yellow, gold, silver, gray-blue, and black. Add the freshwater ones to this and you can run the gamut from white to peach, orange, and lavender! Ancient writers called the pearl “dew from heaven” and “tears from angels.” Pearls are a symbol of chastity and purity, and were thought to alleviate stomach distress-a belief that’s not entirely unfounded. Pearls contain a significant amount of carbonate of lime that may have worked as an antacid, but I wouldn’t give up the Tums!!

Here's a thought; do you have a wall, or maybe a center hallway that would look great in a soft buttery yellow color with a pearlescent glaze? Wouldn't that be elegant?
June born Gemini is always fascinated by something new. The twins of Gemini appreciate the never boring aspect of always changing moods. The pearl is the primary birthstone for June, but since the whims of Gemini are always changing, there are two other gemstones for this month, Moonstone and Alexandrite. So if pearls don’t catch your fancy, look into one of the other beautiful stones.

In Feng Shui, yellow is a “yang” color and is considered to be as auspicious as red. Its element is earth, and is believed to provide enthusiasm and positive energy. Earth is the second element in Feng Shui, there are five total elements. There must be a balanced presence of the five for harmony in the home. Earth colors are light yellow, and all sandy and beige colors. Earth colors are recommended for the center of the home, as well as the northeast and southwest. But remember, a little goes a long way. This color represents health, harmony and unity, and is used to for balance of the eight sectors.

Feng Shui enhancements include turtles to symbolize protection, terra cotta planters and ceramic accessories, elephants with the trunk up to symbolize wisdom strength and power, and aloe vera. With all the possible golds and yellows available, what a perfect combination of colors to ad interest and warmth to your home!

Monday, May 10, 2010

May's Color of the Month

It’s May, and Spring is in full swing...hopefully!
This month’s Color of the Month is Green, not a specific green, but any green you want. The many incarnations of this restful color make it a welcome addition to the homes’ color palette. In Feng Shui, green and its element wood represents all types of family, ancestry and unity within; useful in the east of a room or home. Greens are the traditional colors of life, vigor, fertility, resurrection and youth. An idea would be to use green with family photos in wood frames or with plants and trees. “YUCK, I don’t like green,” you might say, but chances are the word makes you picture a dark, “electric Sears polyester jumpsuit” green from the 70’s; I’m with you on that one! But a trip to the home improvement store or a ride out into the desert, reminds us that green has infinite possibilities. Here in New Mexico the many varied hues of the desert greens never cease to amaze me. Of all the greens these are my favorite; maybe because they naturally enhance the reds and browns in the landscape, or maybe because they seem softer than the yellow greens back east. It’s best to utilize several different but related shades of green to maximize the Feng Shui energy effects.
The Greek writer, Pliny, commented that Green gladdened the eye without tiring it, and that green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never monotonous. Green is traditionally considered a "cool" color, known for its relaxing and refreshing qualities.

Here’s a secret design tip: Green does not require the eye to focus, therefore the walls can seem further away.

May's gemstone of the month is the luscious emerald.
All throughout history, the emerald has been revered and held in high esteem by almost all people. The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds near the Red Sea between 3000 and 1500 BC.
In ancient lore and mysticism the emerald was thought to improve memory, increase clairvoyance and strengthen faith.
The emerald even was used like we use aspirin, as a cure all of sorts!
May is included in the second sign of the Zodiac, Taurus the bull.
People born in the Taurus sign are steady and stable, "salt of the earth." Taureans may be stubborn as a bull, but are honest patient and gentle, and are dependable friends.

So, my friends, take a look around your home, look at furnishings and your accessories. Could your home benefit from a bit of relaxing green? If so go ahead make a color change and enjoy!!

Friday, April 2, 2010

April's Fun Info and Color of the Month

It’s April, with the fiery, brilliant gemstone we know as Diamond.
April is the first sign of the Zodiac, Aries the Ram. Natural leaders, those
April born are confident, dynamic, passionate, impulsive, enthusiastic and
ready to grab life by the horns! Diamonds can be found in the largest range
of colors, more than any other gemstone. Even though they occur in reds,
greens, blues, and yellows, the most intense shades are extremely rare. We
are most familiar with the brilliant, fiery and intense sparkle of the clear,
colorless ones. There does seem to be something magical and hypnotic
about gazing into the depths of a well cut stone. There’s not a better stone
for the Aries born. Diamond is the emblem of fearlessness and invincibility.
They are believed to bring victory to the wearer through strength, fortitude
and courage.

In “Colorstrology” a book by Michele Bernhardt, the color for April is Cayenne.
Like the diamond, this color is fiery and energetic, and signifies strength,
passion and courage. April brings Spring, the promise of new growth popping
with excitement. April is the time for new beginnings. Surrounding yourself
with cayenne is said to increase strength, energy and vitality.

In Feng Shui, the color family of red is a “Fire Element” used in the home in
areas of south and southwest. Each element and area of the home uses color
and objects to balance the energy flow for harmony. The fire element in a space
activates personal energy, and brings support to your career efforts and
ecognition to your work. These elements can be symbolized as; candles,
feathers, leather, accessories, lights, furniture, and even a painted accent wall.

So what does all this tell us? How is all this information combined? Here
in New Mexico, we are blessed with color saturated, fiery red sunsets, both
in the western sky and on the Sandia Mountains! These tones from the family
of red can be combined anywhere in your home that needs some punch and
sparkle, or some warmth and comfort. The historic peoples of the southwest,
and our neighbors to the south in Mexico, (and also far to the east, Spain)
used red in everything, from their homes to their pottery, in all forms of red.

So have some fun, and find a place in your home for red, today!!

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Hello March, and Hello to This Months' Color; Aqua or Aquamarine

Blue, in all its hues, is the color of oceans, skies, and the heavens.
The energy of blue is said to help us look beyond the immediate surroundings, and expand our knowledge. Blues are also the color of divinity in many civilizations. Aqua color can vary from pale through deep blue and into blue green. These blues and green blues can bring peace and understanding, make communication easier, and of course calms and relaxes our souls.

Aquamarine, the March gemstone, is found in a range of blue shades, from the palest pastel to greenish-blue to a deep blue.
While the choice of color is largely a matter of taste, the deeper blue gems are more rare. Aquamarine is a pastel gemstone, and while color can be quite intense in larger gemstones, the smaller Aquamarines are often less vivid.
The words aqua and marine are derived from ancient Greek which means sea and water, and therefore the color of the gemstone aquamarine is a lovely blue green. An aquamarine is a cousin and in the same crystal family as the Emerald. Aqua color can vary from pale through deep blue.

Aquamarines have a long and storied history, full of magic and romance.
Along with providing power over evil, aquas are associated with faithfulness, courage, and friendship. They have also been said to aid in establishing happy marriages. It might be said that March born are truly in pursuit of the perfect relationship, and or their art. They can be romantic, generous, receptive, honest, and affectionate.

Healing ability: Aquamarine works against nerve pain, glandular problems, toothache, and disorders of the neck, jaw and throat. It strengthens liver and kidneys. Aquamarine diminishes problems with eyes, ears and stomach, relieves cough. Moreover, aquamarine protects from perils of the sea, including seasickness. It is said to help ease depression and grief.

Mystical power: Aquamarine has a soothing effect on "just married" couples, assisting them in working out their differences and insuring a long and happy marriage. Aquamarine is said to re-awaken love in long-married couples and signify the making of new friends. It also provides courage and strengthens the will. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. Others say that the Aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation.

So why am I telling you about the gemstone?
Because I believe that the lore of the gemstone can translate into paint. For example: If the aquamarine has a soothing effect, then a bathroom painted in lovely aqua tones, then you go along way to creating a "spa like" space.
So I'm willing to bet that even if you think you aren't fond of blue or green, there is a color in this family that will not only work in your home, but that you'll really like and find beautiful.

Go forth to the paint store!! But along the way, look at nature. Look at all the different shades and hues of blues and blue greens. I think you'll be amazed!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

February's Color of the Month is Purple

February is a wonderful month for color!

We're talkin' Purples this month.

In the gemstone world, Amethyst is where we’ll start. A lovely rich purple
stone that’s name is derived from the Greek, meaning, “not drunken” because
people in the time of Pericles believed the purple stone would prevent drunkenness.
They even carved drinking cups out of the stone!

Amethyst is a variety of Quartz and therefore pretty durable, and relatively
inexpensive in even the richest of colors. For centuries the amethyst has
symbolized protection, peace and tranquility for the wearer. It truly has
been a royal stone, from the ancient Egyptians to the British Crown,
amethyst abounds in the ornamentation of the royals.
So, why not you!

In the astrology world, let’s call it “Colorstrology,” from a book by Michele Bernhardt,
the color for February is Lilac. A lively pale purple with shades of white to
soften, lilac is imaginative and inspiring. For the February born it helps invoke
the qualities of humanity and kindness. Surround yourself with lilac to enhance
your spirituality and compassion.

In the Feng Shui world, the color purple, has interesting connotations. Color
is used because light reflects color, and light and energy are similar.

So, we strive to balance the yin and yang energies to suit our personalities
and environment. Yin energy raises itself upward towards the sky becoming
diffused and dissipated. This is passive energy. Purple is a yin or passive energy
color. As far as placement in your space, purple should be used in the southeast.
This is the wealth and prosperity area. Healthy plants and fresh flowers in purples
with added reds and blues will help bring prosperity. Purple lies at the end of
the color spectrum and is regarded as excellent in physical and mental healing.

So can you see how color can be so important to you in your life and home?
Also realize how in all these disciplines, the same themes or ideas all relate.
I think it would be a pretty safe bet to use purples in one form or another in a
decorating plan for any room. Purples can be used to soften, enliven, accent
or anywhere in between.

So don’t be afraid to use color in your home!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

January Color of the Month

Hello January!

This month’s color is actually several colors, ranging from red earth
toned caramel through rich, deep purple reds, yellow, orange, peach, and
even into greens! Yep, that’s right, this months’ color comes from the
January birthstone, the Garnet.

All of these colors can be found in the garnet. This beautiful stone has
everything going for it; a huge array of colors, excellent durability and
surprisingly affordable, too! Not only does this stone have the large
range of color, but there are even some that have a color change aspect.
This is a very special stone!

Are you a January baby? Don’t like your birthstone? I suggest you
take another look, I’ll bet there is a garnet color you’ll like.

The zodiac sign for January is Capricorn, the Mountain Goat. This
symbol is all about hard work, faith, truth and grace. Capricorn born look
at life as one big project. They are ambitious, determined and very adaptable.
One step at a time, pragmatic, dedicated, almost to the point of stubbornness.

Thankfully, Capricorns are patient, efficient and organized. Sometimes
they can take life too seriously, but they love the climb to the top for that clean
fresh air just like their zodiac symbol the majestic Mountain Goat.

With a history almost as long as the zodiac and the garnet, Carnation is
the flower for January. This flower's history dates back to the ancient Greek
and Roman times. One of the world’s oldest cultivated flowers, the carnation
is appreciated for its ruffled appearance, clove like scent and long blooming period.
Even though there are many meanings for the carnation, the most widely
accepted are fascination, distinction and love.

In the early years the colors were shades of pale pink and peach, the palette
of available colors has grown to include red, yellow, white, purple and even green.
It was in the early 19th century that the carnation became the official
flower of Mother’s Day, in addition to having significance in many other cultures.

So, let’s get this year off to a great start and bring a lovely garnet color into
your home, and make a resolution to keep a vase of fresh flowers, like the happy
carnation, each month. It won't cost much and the value and pleasure of having
fresh flowers in a room is multiplied by the smiles every time you look at them.

Since we're continuing with the "cocooning" trend in our homes and lives, why
not choose a deep, rich, color saturated jewel tone from the family of garnets
and add it to an entry or powder room.

You'll be amazed at how it makes you feel!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

December Color of the Month

It’s December; time for winter snow, cold weather, and excellent clear
colors in the landscape. December’s Color Of The Month, according to Michele
Bernhardt’s book “Colorstrology,” is called Pagoda Blue.

Now, I know you can say “blue” to 10 people and get 10 different ideas of what
blue is, so my interpretation of Pagoda Blue is a deep, rich green, gray, turquoise blue.
This color signifies wisdom, truth and optimism. A blue that is said to lend vision
to the wearer. A great color to take traveling or exploring.

As is happens the gemstone for December is Turquoise. Depending on where
the stone is found, the colors will vary from deep rich blue through the softer shades
of green blue.

Sagittarius is December’s zodiac sign, and often associated with free spirited people
who can’t be tied to one place for too long. Often independent and gregarious, they
are often the life of the party.

The gemstone, Turquoise is reputed to keep the wearer sure footed, in fact
the Turks adorned the bridals of their horses for just that protection. Turquoise,
like the wandering Sagittarius, has traveled the globe from Asia to the great
Southwest, with explorers and adventurers alike.

In Feng Shui, blues of any shade reside in the northeast. This area represents how
you use your knowledge, and the energy that brings opportunities and lessons
for spiritual growth. In general, all aspects of educational pursuits.

Blue colors have yin energy; calming and relaxing. Since the many hues of blue
are in the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates blue with adventure and exploration.
With SO many variations of this color, is it any wonder it’s so popular in almost
any room of the home? Not only that, but blues play very well with others,
sometimes surprisingly well.