BeSo chic. BeSo organic. BeSo YOU. ...thoughts on design, fresh interiors + style from a photo stylist.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

ombre obsession




It's official.  I'm obsessed.  Ombré is everywhere and I'm loving it.

The French word for "shaded," ombré brings to mind subtle gradation of color - from pale to vibrant. Ombré effects are now seen in art, fashion, hair, makeup, interiors + more.

Originally ombré was named for a dyeing technique developed in the 1840s.  Wow! It's been around for a long time...  Now, the dip-dye craze has everyone making their own ombré fashions and home accents.


You can buy a little something ombré
I found this sweet bag on sale at anthropologie...



Or, you can apply your makeup with an ombré edge,
think eye shadow & lips...






...try your hand at making
your own ombré abstract art piece...



Or, create an ombré-esque feeling by using two different color draperies... a subtle tonal change like pink and orange... or aqua and a deeper hue of blue.



You can create your own interpretation of ombré + celebrate colour!



For a recent photo shoot, I decided to paint some shades of pink ombré art...





Here's the DIY steps to create your own ...
1.  Gather your tools.  Canvas, paintbrushes, water in jar, and paint.  You can create an ombré effect by simply using white and one color (choose a rich, deep tone for best, most dramatic results)…or you can incorporate a few different shades of the same color family.
2.  Place your paint on a palette or plate.  Pour a small amount of your choice color on one end of the palette and then place bits of color combined with white, gradually decreasing intensity of color (more white, less color).
3.    Now, the fun part.  You can be literal about painting stripes of graduated color, or you may opt to blend the color for a different effect.  It depends on the look you’d like to achieve.  Start with the palest color and work your way to the deepest.  Wipe-off your brush in-between strokes if you want more distinctive color definition.
4.   Display your creation.
*Inspiration via twodelighted. Images via pinterest.

For more ombré inspo, check-out my ombré pin board.

xo

patti

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

white hot summer!

Aahh! fresh, crisp white.  I love white all year round, but I find it especially cooling & soothing in the heat of summer.  It's been steamy hot here in the Carolinas so I've been reaching for my fave white pieces on a regular basis (like my lace skirt from banana & my white jeans, summer staples).  

I've also been attempting to fine-tune our family beach getaway plans to Charleston.  How come none of the beach cottages I find on-line look like this?



...Ok, I'm going to put it out there to the universe (aka- the blogosphere) ... my dream gig is to decorate beach cottages, condos, homes, villas... any beach is fine.  Anyone need a designer?

Here are more white, summer-inspired images to INSPIRE you too...















A girl can dream, right?  Happy summer!
{images via pinterest}

xo

patti

Monday, July 2, 2012

feelin' red, white & blue

The 4th of July always brings to mind childhood memories of bomb pops, carnivals & sparklers...just plain summertime fun!



Red, white and all sorts of shades of blue are classic -- both in interiors and fashion.

These two interiors with pops of red and turquoise speak to current trends like BOLD, GRAPHIC WALLPAPER & nostalgic looks like B&W CHECKERBOARD FLOORS...





And...this striking star-spangled ceiling is the creation of the always-inspiring Lisa Sherry.  Her blog is one of my go-to reads ...


So, be INSPIRED.  Add a little pop of red or blue to your spaces...or incorporate a little "Americana" in your street style.  STRIPES are very now.  As are RED LIPS... 


love the red converse!




And don't forget to have some fun celebrating in style...





Cheers!

{images + original sources via pinterest}