New book on color.

I'm constantly adding to my library of design and color books. I recently purchased "all about colour" by Janice Lindsay. I just started reading it but so far the book is delightful, with Janice describing her color journey throughout her life along with the history of different hues.

Two of my favorite color books in my library are shown below. I like to refer to them if I'm having difficulty developing a color palette for a project because they contain numerous examples of different color combinations—so inspirational.

What color personality are you?

I always have loved working with color, since I was a child with a box of crayons. I literally would spend hours drawing and coloring—the possibilities were endless. Back then, there were only 64 colors in a box of crayons and today there are 120. Today's kids are so lucky!

Since I love color, you probably think my home would be very colorful. Actually, it's the complete opposite—a very neutral color palette with splashes of color tucked into each room. Because I do work with color daily—from selecting colors for an identity project to developing a color palette for a client's new line of products or for their markets—I prefer my personal spaces to be calming, stripped of color where my mind and body can rest and recharge. I also tend to gravitate toward the warmer, natural hues such as ginger, caramel, gold and terra cotta. In fact, I just bought the new issue of House Beautiful (which by the way is a fabulous color issue) and took the personality test based on your name. I am definitely a "Gold" which radiates love, joy, compassion and understanding. And as for home styles, "No. 3 Relaxed," fits me the best.

If you love color, I definitely recommend the September issue of House Beautiful. And take the color personality quiz to find out which color you are!

Welcome to my first post!

I am so excited that my blog is finally up! I hope I keep my readers happy with my posts and all of you gain inspiration for your own personal projects, either in work or play. As a designer, I find inspiration in so many things—from the simple things in nature to an antique hand-carved apron on a desk—all of these things at one time or another have shown up in my work. It's hard to pinpoint exactly when you will be inspired. That's why I always travel with a small sketchbook or camera. Of course, that doesn't mean you have carry one with you while on a power walk but throw a notebook or something to write on in your car next time you go to the park. Sometimes I'm most inspired while taking a walk and the ideas literally flow out so quickly that I can't wait to jot them down. Many of my best concepts have come to me while walking!

Saturday morning was my inspiration day of this past week. I started the day with a morning walk, ran the necessary errands and then spent some time in Barnes & Noble, just browsing in their art and design section. Then I finished the morning at Anthropologie, one of my favorite stores, for inspiration. I love their unique displays and all their beautiful products, especially the paper ones—journals and stationary. I actually had my camera with me but couldn't take any pictures inside the store. But I was able to sneak a few of their front window display to share with everyone. Enjoy!