As an interior designer with over thirty years’ experience, from the very beginning of my career, color and light were my favorite tools to use in creating ambiance in an environment. I even put on a color and light seminar in my first client’s newly restored courtroom in Criminal District Court in New Orleans. The very first colors I ever created were for this project. Because of the 32 foot high ceilings, lighting was especially important as many of the trials held there went on into the night.
I created several values of a warm grey to enhance the inlaid wood. To ensure the space was lit bright enough at night, metal halide fixtures were mounted on the side walls. To give the judge more dramatic authority, up lights were mounted behind his podium. The brass art deco pendant lights were refinished by prisoners from Orleans Parish Prison. They also refinished the millwork which was originally an ugly yellow oak.
Although most of my business is residential and I love helping folks select colors that make them feel good in their homes, I especially love it when I get to help a new business because it is so rewarding to watch their success. My last Living Well newsletter was all about The Guru in Baton Rouge which has become a huge success as a sacred space that is now a popular event venue for a wide variety of events.
A former mechanics garage turned event venue. I was asked to help create a sacred space that was multifunctional enough to hold events ranging from yoga retreats to wedding receptions. To see more photos and read about this project, click on the Living Well link above.
Most recently, my paint client Dr. Donna Ricci, who has used my paints in two homes as well as her office, contacted me about a new venture she started, Archers Artemis. For over 20 years Donna, as a clinical psychologist, has worked primarily with people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders. She is an advocate of healing through the mind body connection and trained in the Ki-Hara Method of Resistance Flexibility, is a Reiki master and has studied sound healing techniques under John Beaulieu, author of Human Tuning. If all these talents weren’t enough, Donna is also a professional classical guitarist with the Boston Guitar Orchestra!
When Donna received the bronze medal in bare bow archery at the USA Archery Nationals in 2012 she became aware of how few women were competing and decided she needed to become an instructor and then a coach in order to introduce more girls and women to archery. Donna realized that archery, with its emphasis on form development, upper body strength, hand eye coordination and mindfulness can help mitigate symptoms of ADHD, PTSD and other disorders as well as empower women. Located in Georgetown, Massachusetts, the 4000 square foot space needed to feel both soothing and exciting, so we went with “Lichen” as the main color and my magical gem “Ruby” for accent walls. I must admit, I was nervous for Donna when she initially called me about this venture, but am so glad it has become such a huge success!
Red (Ruby) and green (Lichen) are perfect complements. The human eye actively seeks a warm color after viewing a cool color.
“Ruby” makes a powerful accent and logo color. Although it can take up to 5 coats, even the painters were raving and took photos for their portfolio!
I am so lucky to be able to meet such talented and interesting people from all over the country while enjoying life in my little cabin in the Louisiana woods! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Ellen's Blog 