Better than Coffee: Spaces that Energize
Earlier this week, I put together an ideabook full of spaces that would calm me down. Now, on a Friday morning full of rain (what feels like the East Coast's 50th rainy day this spring), I don't need to calm down. I'm looking for a little energy.
There are a lot of ways to add energy to a room, many of which are quick and inexpensive. Color - via paint, throw pillows, a blanket - is an easy addition that can move a room from restful to "party" in minutes. The same holds true for introducing movement through patterns or even constantly-moving mobiles.
Natural light might be harder to add in a pinch, but there is nothing quite like real sunlight to wake you right up.
Here are some great spaces that would wake me up, even on the earliest mornings:
There are a lot of ways to add energy to a room, many of which are quick and inexpensive. Color - via paint, throw pillows, a blanket - is an easy addition that can move a room from restful to "party" in minutes. The same holds true for introducing movement through patterns or even constantly-moving mobiles.
Natural light might be harder to add in a pinch, but there is nothing quite like real sunlight to wake you right up.
Here are some great spaces that would wake me up, even on the earliest mornings:
I love this bright little spot in the middle of the room. The lit vase creates a centerpiece that's almost pulsing with energy - like a core source - and the pink flowers are a vibrant, perfect complement.
Walking into a hot pink kitchen every morning would wake me right up - caffeine or no. I really love this shocking pink color and it's so unexpected in the kitchen - but I also like how the traditional black and white tile gives it a retro feel.
More pink!
I've loved this space since I saw it in the New York Times earlier this week (thanks, Becky!). The gray is an amazing color and, on it's own, definitely not energizing. The yellow and pink, though - they pop, especially against the gray. I love those books, too. I absolutely long for a wall of bookshelves.
I've loved this space since I saw it in the New York Times earlier this week (thanks, Becky!). The gray is an amazing color and, on it's own, definitely not energizing. The yellow and pink, though - they pop, especially against the gray. I love those books, too. I absolutely long for a wall of bookshelves.
I'm a big fan of the red and kelly green in this space. Without so many windows, they might look odd, but all the natural light provides a great backdrop for strong colors. That green is especially great - it's the color of my master bathroom, and a good shade to see first thing in the morning.
I find myself gravitating toward Amy Lau spaces - she's got a fantastic sense of color and balance. The yellow-greens in this bedroom are amazing, especially paired with white (though I think I'd like the shade with dark wood, too). It's bright enough to wake you right up, but not so bright that you could never fall asleep.
I'll admit, sometimes I wish my son's room encouraged him to wake up a little less peppy (and less early). But overall, nurseries should be bright and energetic and fun. I love this design - it's modern and simple but uses bright colors and very simple lines to create a great environment for little guys (and their parents).
This room, with its color and crazy paint and shadows and windows, is full of energy and movement. The room's height adds to its drama, drawing the eye up and creating a sense of exhilaration to the space. At night, it almost feels like a club (can't you imagine the music?) but the vibrant colors would be equally enthrallling during the daytime, with natural light streaming in the windows.
This view of the same room - from up higher, further emphasizing the verticality of the space - shows off the "club" feel even more. In this photo, we can see that the art on the pink wall is actually an ever-changing video full of movement, and that the facing wall is a highly-charged shade of chartreuse.
The first place a lot of us go in the morning is the kitchen - to the sink, to fill the coffee pot. I'm a firm believer in the importance of the over-the-sink window and this is a great one. The sun lights up the kitchen, and the owner's bright, fun accessories add to the "good morning, sunshine!" vibe.