Colorful Inspiration from Nature

I love the muted, soft tones used in this room.....

Colorful Bird Images by John & Fish
Colorful Home Images by Indie Rocket

I have a simple trick for you to practice when trying to derive colors from an inpiration piece such as a photo, area rug, painting, or bouquet of flowers. Put the object atleast a few feet away from you and look at it with your eyes slightly squinted. What are the main colors that stand out to you? When you squint your eyes, the less prominent colors disappear and the more pronounced colors pop out. This is really helpful when you're using an object for inspiration.

Try this....take a look at the bird photo above through slightly squinted eyes and then look at the room photo below it. You'll see how closely the room color relates to the colors in the bird photo above it. It's kind of fun actually! (Look below for more rooms inspired by nature.....specifically BIRDS. :)

Color Inspiration from..........birds?

How about a bright color scheme like this? Are you that daring? I'm not so sure I am. ;)


What a fun kitchen! Blue and red are almost opposite on the color wheel and their stark contrast makes a room feel alive and vibrant!

Bird images by John & Fish
Lovely room images via Indie Rocket's photostream

I think it's so cool that a color scheme can come from just about anything. If you have some vacation photos you cherish, why not pull them out and draw a color scheme for them? If you have a favorite flower (I love yellow roses because they hold sentimental value for me) take it to the paint store and color match it. Choosing a color palette for your home is all about YOU and your tastes, memories, and lifestyle. Think about the "feel" you would like to create in your home, choose an inspiration piece and go from there! :)

Colorful Images by Cheshire Smile

Images by Cheshire Smile

Thank you for another great week on Simply Hue. Your comments have meant so much. :) Enjoy these colorful images and have a great weekend!

Colorful Images by Toni Hopper

All images by Photo Gypsy320

Toni Hopper is the "photo gypsy". She contacted me recently through Etsy and I'm honored to be able to post a few of her stunning photos. You can see even more of her art photography and western images at tonihopperphotography.com

Thanks, Toni!

Colorful Style by Christine Haynes

All images from the Christine Haynes Collection

So glad I came across Christine Haynes photostream today on Flickr. She's such a talented designer and I love the simplicity of her designs. Her clothing has been featured in The New York Post, Los Angeles Times, and People Magazine and she's also authored a book called "Chic and Simple Clothing". I admire all of you who have the patience to sew. I end up ripping out more seams than I keep. ;)

Sweet Summertime.........

Images by Oscar Falk via Luphia Loves

I found these soothing images via Luphia Loves this morning and they have me longing for Summer, which is actually just right around the corner. In the hotter months I wear a real variety of colors, from the softer hues of various neutrals and pastels, to the bolder citrusy (is that a word?) tones of melon and lime. I haven't been feeling 100% this week and the softness of these photos is very calming. Color is amazing.....it really can improve a blue mood. Think of those days when you need an extra lift and you step outside and see your flowers blooming. It's amazing how your mood can go up a notch. :) How does color affect your mood? Any specific examples?

Tastefully Tartelette!

A couple of weeks ago I discovered the tantalizing blog, Tartelette, while looking for colorful food photos to post. I immediately sent an e-mail to Helen, the creator of Tartelette, asking if she would like to be featured on Simply Hue and she so graciously agreed. Below is her very warm and inspiring interview. WARNING! If you're on a diet you might want to squeeze your eyes closed for the food photos. ;) Here goes!


I'm Helene (pronounced Helen), a.k.a Tartelette, a nickname I got early on from my family because one of the things I love to bake are tarts of all kinds. I am from the area of Provence, home of the great painter Cezanne. My dad being in the French Air Force got stationed on various bases all around the area until he retired and moved us back to a small town outside of Paris.

I can't think of a day I don't bake something or play with something in the kitchen. I also can't think of a day I don't read or photograph something. I guess my parents always encouraged us to craft something or read or play with others and I carried these traits into my adult life. I wish I had more time for crafts these days!

I think that my brother's passing 9 years ago had a tremendous impact on me and made me think early on about how I wanted to go through life. He was passionate about people, he was a talented photographer and a tremendously gifted jewelry maker and his outlook on life sort of transported itself on me when he died. He had a knack for recognizing the little things that make the big things, as well as finding the pulse of things in a crowded room. We share the same raw sensitivity towards life and people.


I started Tartelette as a way to unwind after my full day of work as executive pastry chef for a restaurant here in town.....easy, simple desserts that I would make at home for my family. Since then I have stopped working full time in a restaurant kitchen but I guess you can't really take the pastry chef out of the kitchen and before I knew it the blog became my canvas to create or re-create desserts I now make for private orders and friends.

I love listening to people and hearing their stories and live through their experiences. Writing the blog allows me to do just that and to pass it on. I realized in the process that readers found my little life snippets funny or inspiring which pushes me to keep going even when time is limited.


I got into food photography more seriously as I tried to convey the "deliciousness" and "beauty" of desserts through pictures. I am thoroughly enjoying the process of food styling and food photography and having this as a creative outlet. Sometimes my concepts for a picture translate easily and sometimes I am less happy but the process behind it leaves me happy nonetheless because I have learned something about it and myself. Photography is a very subjective domain but I am just having a blast doing what I do.


Colors are very much a part of my work and I am so thankful for the working palette that fruits provide. I love playing with colors in the desserts themselves (French macaroons are wonderful for that) but mostly with the props I use in the photographs. It's funny but my mother always says that I was a colorful child, a sombre teenager, and a going back to color adult. I think that a lot of color or very vibrant colors would be unsettling in a dessert itself (I would run away from a neon pink pastry cream for example) but I think the use of beautiful reds, pinks and greens in garnishes (berries, herbs, candied flowers) can make a tart or a cake pop up on a screen. I often start plating on white and then build the scene around it, thinking about complimenting as well as opposite colors.


We eat with our eyes first and a few chosen spots of color really help bring a dish forward. It's a fine balance and there is such a thing as too much. I mean, I am not going to overload a picture with colorful props if they don't really relate to how and where I would eat a certain dessert. Sometimes tone on tone works best. I think it's a matter of not getting hung up if a color scheme does not work but to walk away and try again later.

**********

Thank you, Helen. Our tastebuds will never be the same!

To view more of Helen's beautiful photos visit Helen McSweeney Photography or stop by her Etsy Shop.

Winner of the Ruche Giveaway!

Desiree Coscia, you're the winner of the $20.00 gift certificate from Ruche! Thank you to all of you who entered. After debating for a long time about who to choose for the winner, we decided to choose randomly (ALL of your answers were too good.:)

Here's what Desiree wrote:

"Vicki, this is such an amazing contest!!! I adore Ruche!! My absolute favorite lovely from the shop would have to be the Blue Baguio festival dress. It's absolutely exquisite. I have been eyeing it for so long now. All my friends seem to be getting married and I have a lot of weddings coming up to attend. I really want something that makes me feel good on the inside as well as look good on the outside, and this dress is most definitely it!!"

* Desiree, please send me your e-mail address and Ruche will e-mail you a gift certificate. Thanks for entering and enjoy those weddings. :)

Special Interview with Helen from Tartelette Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is going to be a great day to stop by Simply Hue. Helen, the talented photographer, writer, and pastry chef behind the blog Tartelette, will give us a candid look inside her life. I'm really looking forward to it and know you'll be inspired by her story.

Also, tomorrow I'll be announcing the winner of the Ruche giveaway. Hope to see you then!

Ooh La La Marimekko!

Talk about brilliant and unique patterns and colors!

To add some color to an otherwise neutral color scheme, just place a few of these Marimekko throw pillows on your sofa, chairs, or window seat (Marimekko is in the process of updating their site, and a few of these have been discontinued, unfortunately, but it's worth taking a peek at their stunning site anyway!).

My Marimekko ......

I received these luscious photos from Marimekko recently and have been waiting to show you. Aren't they beautiful? Although Marimekko products generally have a contemporary asthetic, I think these wallpapers would update some vintage spaces nicely. Just add the right accessories and voila! Which is your favorite? I like the first image with the orange leaf pattern or the second one with the silver leaves.

Here's some interesting info. about these Marimekko products:

~ The wallpapers are available for purchase online (samples too) at Always Mod.

~ For those in the Minneapolis area, these wallpapers are also available at the Marimekko retail store.

~ Marimekko partnered with the Italian company Sirpi Wallcoverings for this collection of high-quality wallpaper. Their expertise is evident!

Colorful, Inspirational Studios.....

I could spend hours in here!

I love the creative chaos in this studio. Hard to be tidy when you're creating. ;)

Simple, functional beauty.

This studio looks like it's in a cozy corner of a garage. How creative!

Images by:

1. Crystal Nale
2. Patchwork Pottery
3. Sassiline
4. Steveartist

Don't you love the thought of creating an area in your home JUST FOR YOU.....a spot where you can go crazy with creative energy? I'm encouraged to know that there are women (and men) all around the world that have carved out a studio in their home just for themselves. Some of these studios are messy, some are neat, some are COLORFUL, some are calming, some are huge, and some are in a corner with a makeshift desk and chair. ALL are custom-made to fit the personality and talents of its creative owner. :) For more inspiration visit this group on Flickr.

Inspired by Inspiration Boards!

I love the dreaminess of this one.....

If you love vibrant, cheerful color here's a great idea!

Love the calming earthy colors of this board!

Images by:

1. Danske
2. sfgirlbybay
3. Veronica TM

I've been wanting to create an inspiration board over my desk for awhile now, and these creative examples are just the kick in the pants I need. Inspiration boards don't have to be expensive either.....cork board or even wire mesh can serve as the actual "board". Then adhere layers of things you love, quotes that inspire you, ribbon, beautiful images and colorful paper. If you don't have an inspiration/mood board yet, why not join me in creating one? It would be fun to see what you come up with, too!

Colorful Images to Kick Off Your Weekend

All images by Danske

Good Morning. It's Friday, one of my favorite days to post. I absolutely love posting beautiful photos by talented photographers......it's become a new hobby of mine. I recently purchased a Polaroid SX-70 Camera and I'm so excited to start! The film is pretty expensive but, in my opinion, nothing can beat the timeworn look of a Polaroid photo.

Have yourself a beautiful weekend! Rest, walk, be creative, enjoy the sun. :) Hope to see you here on Monday. xo

More Colorful Images by Moonma148

All images by Moonma148

Last Friday I posted a few gorgeous photos by the talented Colleen (aka Moonma148). I guess I didn't have quite enough of her talent, so I decided to post a few more! When I sent Colleen an e-mail to let her know that her images were posted I was amazed to find out that she's new to photography. Wow! She's got a great future ahead of her, in my opinion. Another interesting fact? Colleen is a Mom of SIX! She has a fun blog that outlines some of their adventures. :)