The Color Connoisseur Interviews Stagetecture: ‘Ode to Color’

Entry #305, October 19, 2010

Last week I told you about being chosen by Adopt a Blogger to mentor Claudia of Fig. 2 Design Studio.  Yesterday, Claudia had a chance to start a new focus of her blog and discuss color. As you know Stagetecture reader’s – I can dig into content about color.  Read how Claudia interviews me and talks about color inspiration for your home!

Last week I mentioned Ronique of Stagetecture, my mentor from Adopt a Blogger at the same time that I announced I would focus on one color related post a week. Since Ronique often blogs about color on her site, I thought it only fitting to combine the two to kick-off my “Ode to Color” series.

Ronique has been interested in architecture, design and interiors since before she could spell “architecture”! She enjoys seeing our environment shaped and molded into the ideal one for individual needs and challenges.  Through two personal houses that she staged herself, and one that she sold herself, Ronique realized home staging was a passion and gift.  Realtors, neighbors and friends convinced her to start a home staging business of her own, and that was the beginning of Stagetecture, where she combines her love of staging and architecture.

Please welcome Ronique!

image via The Office Stylist.

Claudia ::

Your blog focuses on staging, decluttering, organizing, and DIY projects. We are big fans of decluttering and organizing here at Fig. 2, what are your top 3 organizing and/or decluttering tips for creative spaces?

Ronique ::

My first tip is have a place for everything – It sounds like a cliche but it so true. With creative spaces, you can’t be creative if you are constantly fumbling for tools, and hunting for supplies. Depending on your skill, bins with accessible clear drawers, mobile storage units, and plenty of wall space to hang creative images are important.

Tip #2 :  Make your space creative with color. If your surroundings don’t inspire, you won’t enjoy staying in the space. Pick your favorite colors, artwork, pictures of family and friends and put them around your creative work space.  I have pictures of my 4 year old daughter’s art work above my desk. It makes me smile, and keeps me constantly creative.

Lastly, don’t be afraid of change. The crazy things about us creative types – we get tired of the same thing for too long.  Don’t be afraid to change out the colors, put up new wall treatments or rearrange the furniture every once in a while. Being creative is about expression and whatever sparks and moves you – do it!

image c/o Stagetecture

Claudia ::

I’ve met so many people who are afraid of color, so I can imagine you have met your share as well. Most are afraid of the commitment a bold colored wall will bring about. Others are just stuck in their neutral world. How do you suggest color newbies take steps to introduce color into their homes?

Ronique ::

I say, go for it! What I find is that people like color but think they have to stay ‘married’ to it.  I say visit your favorite home goods store for inspiration. See what colors inspire you or light a feeling inside of you. Choose a pillow, or a comforter and see how it transforms your space.  Today it can be 1 item and tomorrow you may be ready for an accent wall, or a piece of furniture.  There is a group of colors for every person on this Earth. If you’re lucky – all of them will find you!

Claudia ::

You always share tips on bringing color into your home. What is your favorite color and how did you bring into to your home?

Ronique ::

To be honest. I love a shade of every single color. For example – I don’t like average purple, but I would love to have a room full of soft pastel lilac. The same with white – there are thousands of variations of whites, and I think I like almost all of them! Recently, my favorite colors for my home are nature inspired. I love warm greens, deep browns, and golden yellows.  My kitchen color is called ‘Applesauce’ – I love that!  It truly is the color of a warm bowl of fresh applesauce. That’s what I love about color – it evokes an emotion, a feeling, or a memory that transforms you in that space.

image c/o Stagetecture.

Claudia ::

What do you see as the color trend right now? Any creative ideas on how to use it?

Ronique ::

I see orange as a very trend setting color. From the fashion runways, to even automobile interiors, a shade of orange I think fits in every home.  You can use a hint of orange in simple decorative items like throw pillows, an accent rug, or a table lamp in a neutral room to make it pop.  OR go bold with an orange accent wall or piece of furniture. I’ve seen orange from baby furniture to kitchens – I love it!

Thank you for your time and sharing your great insight and ideas, Ronique! I look forward to learning more from my mentor who happens to love color and interiors as much as I do.

For more color ideas on Stagetecture, click here.