Perlora

Color Me Happy.....Calm, Passionate, Artistic, Intelligent... By: Katie Funt

2012-02-11T16:37:00.005-05:00

PerLora takes an in-depth look into color psychology and theory to see how and why color affects our mood. In a previous blog, the "Color of the Year"- Tangerine Tango was described as a color evoking courageousness and encouragement, but do we know why? Color can affect our mood without our cognition. So read on for some insight into the often subliminal world of color!

A Breakdown of Color

There are primary, secondary and tertiary colors.

-Primary colors are red, yellow, and blue and can be combined to make secondary colors. These colors are very vibrant and pure; they promote brain development in children and are therefore good
for use in schools and nurseries.

-Secondary colors are orange, green, and purple. They are created by mixing two primary colors. These colors are not pure hues and are slightly more muted than their primary companions.

-Tertiary colors are created by combining a primary and

secondary color, such as yellow-orange, red-purple,

or yellow-green.

Along with the aforementioned system for classifying the color wheel, it can be broken down into two sides as well. Warm colors and Cool colors.

-Warm colors are red, orange, and yellow.
-Their cool counterparts are blue,green, and purple.

Great Color Schemes for Interiors

When using the color wheel as a visual aid in design there are several tried and true color recipes. For example, the
complementary scheme.

Complementary schemes (above)

Complementary colors are colors which are opposite one another on the color wheel. For instance blue and orange or yellow and purple. These colors work well together due to their warm to cool contrast ratio.

When placed beside each other they will amplify and intensify one another.
These combinations will have a high impact and contrast.

On the other hand are analogous schemes, which are colors that are next to or close to one another on the color wheel. They work best in groups of two or three and one color will generally dominate. These colors work well together due to their close proximity and tone on the color wheel. They create a more harmonious and relaxed atmosphere.

Analogous scheme (above)

Monochromatic is a third great color solution for interiors. Meaning mono-one and chroma-color. This is achieved when most or all of the colors are of the same hue (including tones, shades, and tints) By combining the same hue, differentiated by adding black or white to darken or lighten the hue, a classy and subtle effect is created.

Monochromatic schemes (above)

Color Associations

Understanding how and why color conveys meaning is vital in successful design. Color is communicative in two general ways, by natural and psychological associations. Natural associations are a broader and more global perception of color. For example, red is associated with fire/heat, blood, and many kinds of food in nature. It's no wonder why so many restaurants choose red in their decor. The natural and familiar psychological association with food helps this color induce hunger and appetite.

If you're trying to succeed with a diet, consider painting your dining room or kitchen blue. The color blue is a natural appetite suppressant. There are very few natural foods which are blue, aside from blueberries. So try eating off of blue glass plates or surround your eating environment in blue to curb that hunger.

The psychological effects of color vary due to cultural context, upbringing, and society as a whole. Colors can have positive and negative associations so it's good to know which way a color may affect you when choosing interior paints. Perhaps you have a warm and positive association with the color taupe because your grandmother always wore it. You also happen to adore the color personally, so it may be a great choice for your living room. Incorporating positive color associations into your house is a guaranteed way to ensure it'll be a place you love to come home to.

Some colors are best (or are not ideal choices) in certain areas of your home. For instance, yellow tones (especially bright ones) are not recommended by color psychologists to be used in the kitchen. The reason? Yellow is the most straining and fatiguing color to the eye, due to the high amount of light that is reflected. On the flip side, yellow is purported to increase metabolism, is a sign of cheerfulness, and due to it's high visibility is very attention grabbing.

Want to learn more about color psychology?

Here are some other color associations and perceptions. Check out the coordinating color rooms to see which catches your eye and appeals most.

Red- Red is an attention grabber and increases heartbeat and breathing. The color of love, passion, and temper, this color is for the bold. It makes a statement and is a wonderful accent color to keep your eye interested. Red is not generally recommended for bedrooms due to it's intensity and energizing effect, but is great for social gathering spots.

Orange- This color is energizing like red; it symbolizes excitement and enthusiasm due to its heart rate increasing properties and mix of red and yellow attributes. It's not as intense as red but is still an attention getter. It is viewed as a fun, warm, active color. It promotes activity and is great in dining, exercise, and family rooms. It can be very sophisticated when used in darker, muted tones or very youthful when pure and bright.

Yellow- The most visually tiring color in the spectrum, yellow has it's good qualities too. It is seen as uplifting and cheery. It speeds metabolism and can help enhance concentration. However, overuse of this color should be avoided as it can be temper provoking. Studies have found babies will cry more in yellow rooms. Try using this color in accent pillows, side chairs, or area rugs to add some warm sunniness to a room in concentrated pockets to take advantage of its benefits without any negative effects.

Green- Green is the easiest color on the eye. It has a soothing quality and is heavily associated with nature. Green is relaxing and a good color for bedrooms, waiting rooms, and spas. Try acidic greens to add a little more energy to a room. Pairs well with muted pinks for a fresh springtime look.

Blue-Symbolizes peace, tranquility, and sadness. This color has calming effects and is associated with water and the sky. It releases chemicals in the brain which promote relaxation and calmness. Studies show weight lifters can lift heavier weights in blue weight rooms. It is non-confrontational and good for use in all areas of the home, especially bedrooms.

Purple- Purple was previously considered the color of royalty as the pigment could only be obtained by a rare kind of snail. It was therefore very expensive. Nowadays, purple is associated as fun, energetic, feminine, and fresh. It promotes creativity and cognition and is a great color for play rooms, classrooms, and art studios.

Pink- A romantic color which is generally perceived as playful, youthful, and sweet. This color is tranquilizing and is often used to pacify inhabitants as demonstrated when used in prisons and competing teams locker rooms. It is considered the true color of love and helps to calm aggression and soothe.

Black- The color of authority, power, and mystery. Black communicates a wide array of color associations, a sultry side, sophisticated elegance, alternative and edgy, and somber. It is a great grounding accent color, or can be used as the main color for a real impact. Black goes well with just about everything.

White- Symbolizing purity, innocence, cleanliness and crispness. White is highly light reflective and can be helpful when trying to make a room appear larger. It is seen as clean but can appear sterile and cold when overused. White is a good color to use when preparing a home for sale as it allows perspective buyers to imagine themselves in the space. It's a nice neutral and considered a "safe" color. However, using a lot of white in upholstery, rugs, or drapes when children and pets are involved may not be ideal.

Gray- Gray is very easy on the eyes. It is a good soft neutral that works well with many colors. For a contemporary while grounded look, try yellow and gray. Gray is associated with practicality, timelessness, stability, and age. Too much gray can be dull, so try pairing with some warmer colors to add depth and interest to a room. This is a great color for offices and kitchens due to it's neutrality and ability to be played up. Using a silver or chrome tone can add sparkle and elegance to a room or help it feel more modern.

Brown-The true color of nature. Brown is easy on the eyes and is a versatile neutral. It works well with most colors and can be used in many applications. Try a rich chocolate color for your bedroom, or a light beige for hallways. Brown hues are generally seen as masculine, earthy, rich, and reliable. It is a stable and static color.

We hope you enjoyed this article, thank you for reading!
Stay tuned for a new blog next week and don't forget to Like us on Facebook.

Red Hot Sassy Seating and Great Gift Ideas

2012-02-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

Just in time for Valentine's Day, we've pulled together a great collection of hot seating and unique gift solutions you're sure to desire. Stop in to PerLora and PerLora Leather if you're searching for a knock-out gift for that special someone.

Check out these beautiful upholstered swivel chairs, sure to make a bold and daring statement you'll love. These chairs have select hardwood frames, goose feather and down back pillows, and polished chrome bases with swivel mechanisms. Call for pricing.

This sweet pair in an arm chair and sofa are sleek in appearance and go hand in hand together. Customizable with hundreds of upholstery options.

Show your loved one you're thinking of them by giving them a HUG, even when you can't be there. The HUG salt and pepper shakers are an adorable way to add spice to any table. $24.00 at PerLora.

The Frilly-(Right) Polycarbonate chair was created from the concept of juxtaposing industrial sculpture with a charming ergonomic design. It comes in a wide variety of colors and was designed by Patricia Urquiola. $299.00

Add some sparkle to your living or dining room with these dazzling home decor bowls.

Circles bowl-$89.00 (left)

Fruit bowl-$29.00 (right)

This sofa is futuristic yet reminiscent of ancient lounges and is great for those cold rainy days when you just feel like lounging around (in style, of course.)

La Boheme is a collection of vases and stools created in bright brilliant colors with a transparent finish. Versatile for indoor or outdoor use and durable due to their polycarbonate material construction.

$198.00 Stool $198.00 Vase

Forget those standard clear glass vases and opt for these instead, certain to be the jewelry of the table but won't over-shine the beautiful flowers they'll hold.

$19.00-Silver Gourd Vase $79.00-Face Vase $19.00-Dark Silver Gourd Vase

Snuggle up with your loved one on the Cuddle lounge. The curvaceous design of this piece and soft throw pillows treat you just like a hug. In swivel or stationary design. 61"W x 37"H x 57"D.

Want more fabulous gift ideas? Go to...

http://perlora.com/gift-ideas/

to see just some of PerLora's awesome

selection of accessories and gifts.

Designer Friendly

2012-01-24T17:35:00.000-05:00

Decorating and designing a space can often seem like a daunting task, whether you're looking to do one room or a whole house. It may feel as though there are innumerable details to think about, an overload of decisions to make, and a wide array of furniture and furnishing choices to laboriously pour over.

However, there are individuals who can turn this task

from a would be stressful chore to a fun and creative collaboration.

Interior Designers and Decorators have the knowledge and know-how to assist in zoning in on what exactly you need and want out of your space. They understand ergonomics, space planning, and interior codes. These key ingredients create the seamless flow of your interior and maximize its usability. Unsure of what size sectional works best, amount of walk room needed behind a pulled out chair, or what height stool you need, ask a designer. They're trained to help navigate spatial challenges while incorporating stylish and aesthetically pleasing pieces into the design.

There are some differences between Interior Designers and Decorators. Interior Designers are generally specially trained and even licensed individuals. They often have knowledge of building codes, contract lingo, color theory, finish selections, and architectural drawing expertise. An Interior Decorator may or may not be professionally trained through a university or certification program, but have a passion and flair for beautifying interiors and home decor.

Not sure how to choose an Interior Designer or Decorator?

It's important when working with an Interior Designer or Decorator that you feel comfortable and can communicate effectively. This person will need to understand your psychographics, so it's vital you are at ease with them. A good rapport and listening skills are essential to make a home remodel or design go as smoothly as possible. Our Interior Designers exemplify and excel at these skills and are on hand at PerLora to help you find design solutions to perfectly fit your home.

Depending on the nature of your project you may want to lean toward a designer who specializes in a certain area. The two main sectors of design are residential and commercial. Designers often have specific knowledge in areas such as contract office projects, whole home renovations, hospitality, high end contemporary interiors, and much more. Many pieces are customizable with hundreds of fabric and upholstery options, metal and wood finishes. Design professionals know the lines and finishes and can quickly hone in on your needs and provide you with a smaller pool of optimal options.

                  Restaurant - Berlin, Germany
                                       Hotel BCN Design - Barcellona, Spain
                                                  Photo credit to Jordi Miralles

Preparation for a meeting with an Interior Designer/Decorator

To aid your designer or decorator you may want to come prepared with some tools to help them do their job as effectively as possible.

Having the overall dimensions of your room, or having a designer come out on a house call speeds up the process. That way they can assure pieces will fit through doorways, be the correct scale in a room, and look amazing!

It's also a great idea to pull images out of magazines or off the web you find beautiful or inspiring. This gives the designer a visual of your tastes. Along with how you want the room to look, have an idea of how you would like it to function. How many people do you need it to regularly accommodate, how much will it be utilized, does it need to facilitate multiple tasks, how formal is the room?

Know your time frame. When do you want to have
this project completed by? Lead times on items can vary from a few weeks to months. Having an ideal time frame for the project will aid your interior designer. That way you can choose products which are more readily available if needed, shipping from a closer location, or when time isn't an issue waiting on that amazing custom piece from overseas.

The other important factor is to have a price range in mind. This helps the designer stay within your budget and select pieces at the quality level and line best for you. If you have expensive tastes and desire high quality Italian pieces, for example, but your budget doesn't currently allow for it, you may want to consider buying pieces in stages. Or for young professionals with a lower price point, consider young adult geared lines with funky and fun fabrics, more economical pricing, and mobility. There are solutions for any budget range, but it is still important to know your comfortable range.

Your designer is like having a great wardrobe, you may have some really strong gorgeous pieces but are unsure of how to pull them all together. That's where design professionals come in. It's like having a classic three piece business suit matched with the perfect tie, or adding those dazzling accessory touches to that little black dress. Interior designers are like fashion consultants for your home. Dressing your home with a designer can really pull it together and make that bold statement you've been dying for. So if you're feeling decor challenged be designer friendly and set up a consult with a design professional and make your interior a breathtaking space that will be the talk of the town!

*If interested in specific furniture pieces, lighting, or upholstery shown in this blog- call PerLora at 412-431-2220 for additional information.

2012 Pantone Color of the Year

2012-01-16T13:33:00.075-05:00

Papyrus chair from Kartell (Available in a range of colors-At PerLora)

The 2012 Pantone color of the year has been announced...

Tangerine Tango! (17-1463)

It's an energizing and sophisticated reddish orange hue. The infusion of red emits a sensation of drama and heat, while the yellow subdues the tone with subtle approachability and warmth. This combination creates a well balanced and vibrant orange color, easily incorporated in a wide variety of interior applications from accents pillows to whole sectionals. Tangerine Tango is sure to create an exotic and exciting atmosphere in any room!

Tangerine Tango is part of a collection of stunning and playful colors that make up this year's color trend. Paired with warm neutrals like Starfish and Driftwood, the color of the year is sure to evoke thoughts of an island paradise and take you away from the ordinary. Or for those more daring, try pairing with the refreshing Cockatoo or Solar Power for a real jolt of sunshine in your home.

Pantone's color forecasts help predict the hottest colors of the season, from fashion, interiors, cosmetics, automotive, and more. Orange hues have been quickly gaining in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike for the past several years, possibly due to its attention grabbing shades or great usability as a gender neutral color. Tangerine Tango follows last year's color, Honeysuckle, which was preceded by the 2010 color of Turquoise. In-depth research into color trends and theory help colorists choose the color of the year by looking at previous trends, the socio-economic climate, and looks to convey uplifting attitudes and emotions to society such as encouragement, which is the aim of Tangerine Tango.

The bold colors mix together to create these satiny and vivacious accent pillows. Even better, they're 100% machine washable and come in a plethora of colors to fit with any decor. Matching area rug available. Stop in to see and feel for yourself.

Another way to infuse some bold punches of this sweet fruity color is with a gorgeous floor or suspended lamps, such as pictured from Foscarini, which create a cozy and creative ambient atmosphere. Available at PerLora.

For those who absolutely fall in love with this tangy Tangerine try incorporating it into your upholstery. Tangerine Tango pairs great with gray or other bright bold colors to bring out the depth of the hue.

Check out our wide selection of area rugs to add a splash of tart color beneath your feet, including thes 100% Hand tufted New Zealand wool rugs.

Stop by either location, PerLora and PerLora Leather, to find these and an array of other beautiful and stylish pieces. Even if Tangerine Tango isn't quite your cup of tea, you're sure to find something you love at PerLora to make a bold statement in your home or business! Our full service, knowledgeable design staff are on hand to offer design solutions and their expertise, so stop in today!

It all comes full circle...

2011-09-30T11:09:00.081-04:00

Milo Baughman

1923-2003
Milo Baughman is regarded as the most influential designer of the 20th century. His classic American designs are modern & fresh yet stand the test of time.

Although Milo started designing for Thayer Coggin in the 1950's many of his famous pieces have been reintroduced in the last 7 years.

In 1987 he was inducted in the American Society of Furniture Designers
Hall of Fame

Below are some of our favorites from the Thayer Coggin.

Every home needs a statement piece..why not add a little movement to that ordinary sofa.

Can't you just picture this simple cube ottoman in a nubby orange textural fabric in the Bradys family room..or wait change it to a cool grey print and it would work in your room!

This retro sectional could turn the most formal of spaces into a comfortable place to reconnect with your loved ones.

This airy sectional could easily feel right home in a clean modern living space flooded with natural light.

Now that you are as excited as we are about the genius work of Milo Baughman you can check out his pieces at the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC, The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh & PerLora in the South Side!

Versatility of Outdoor Furniture

2011-07-01T12:25:00.013-04:00

The beauty of Kartell is that it can be used indoors or outdoors and they come in so many fun colors. The Masters chair is featured above. This sleek chair is a combination of three great chairs in one! ( Series 7, Eiffel Chair and the Tulip Arm Chair)

This Tuli light looks great indoors and comes in three different finishes as well as three different
shades.

You can transport the light from indoors to outdoors. Let it rain! This light can handle the elements and comes with an anchoring system to endure the wind.

The Nest Collection lets you feel like a kid again. Lounge around in this bean bag seating or...

Sit poolside!

Pantone Announces the 2011 Color of the Year!

2011-02-15T13:39:00.006-05:00

Wanna add a little color to your life? There are many fun and easy ways to incorporate a bright color like Honeysuckle into your home! You can start by adding an accent chair like the American Leather Slink chair shown above. Then pull the whole room together by adding different accents pieces like these pillows shown below available at Perlora Leather.

Another great way to incorporate color is with fresh cut flowers! Not to mention they will make your home smell amazing!!

American Leather 20th Anniversary Collection

2011-01-28T14:11:00.014-05:00

American Leather is celebrating its 20th Anniversary with a Collection that represents the "best of the best" throughout the past 20 years. The collection has 10 Classic and European styles and will be sold around 40 percent off retail pricing!

Take a look!

Alessandro

Astoria

Carson

Inspiration

Kaden

Kendall

Lisben

Randy

Savoy

Tuscany

For more info please contact the designers @ Perlora & Perlora Leather

photos provided by American Leather

Perlora just got back from Market 2010!

2010-04-26T12:50:00.002-04:00

Perry and Lora just made it back to Pittsburgh after a very exciting trip to High Point for this years furniture market! We were all thrilled to see the fun new pieces as we are sure you will be too!! enjoy!

2010-04-26T12:48:00.002-04:00

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2010-04-26T12:24:00.001-04:00

Did you know that color is believed to affect ones temperament, personality and overall wellbeing!

2010-04-05T12:01:00.001-04:00

“Turquoise helps to open the lines of communication between the heart and the spoken word. It presents as a friendly and happy color enjoying life.”
- www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com

2010-04-05T11:58:00.002-04:00

“Turquoise recharges our spirits during times of mental stress and tiredness, alleviating feelings of loneliness. You only have to focus on the color turquoise, whether on a wall or clothing and you feel instant calm and gentle invigoration, ready to face the world again!”
-www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com

2010-04-05T11:57:00.002-04:00

“The color of a Turquoise will make you feel happy and relaxed, for it combines the light blue of the sky with the invigorating green of the seas.”
-www.beading-design-jewelry.com/meaning-of-turquoise.html

2010-04-05T11:56:00.004-04:00

“Too little turquoise in your life may cause you to withhold your emotions, resulting in secrecy and confusion about your direction in life.”
- www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com

2010-04-05T11:56:00.003-04:00

“The color turquoise is a good color to aid concentration and clarity of thought as it calms the nervous system, gives control over speech and expression, and builds confidence”
- www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com

2010-04-05T11:55:00.004-04:00

“If you are apprehensive about saturating your home with bright colors you can always introduce different shades through small accent pieces such as artwork, rugs, pillows and lamps.”
- Allison Iacurci