Valentina Expressions

The word “Emerald” was first used in the 14th Century to indicate a bright green stone consisting of chromium-rich variety of beryl, a precious blue-green color of seawater stone priced as precious gemstone.

Emerald color in nothing new in the home fashion front. In 1800, emerald-green heavy velvet or damask curtains embellished English interiors and again all through the ‘50s emerald-green was the color in vogue for modern home interiors and modern appliances. More than sixty years later, emerald-green is emerging strong as the spring/summer color of this year.

(Photo left Tourmaline with Lepidolite –  found on http://www.themineralgallery.com/tourroom.htm)

Selecting colors is a process of emotion’s discovery, how they make you feel, what memory they evoke, what sensory perception they trigger. I like to think of the most common colors as precious value: citrine yellow, ruby-red, emerald-green, royal purple, pink quartz, brown topaz, pearl white, iridescent moonstone, blue aquamarine, orange coral, platinum silver, antique gold, bronze, satin copper and so on. Once I give value to colors they immediately feel rich, elegant, abundant, sophisticated or flavorful.

Emerald green is very rich, very dark and not much light transpires from it. The secret of a successful dark designed interior rests in the illumination; show the light without showing the light fixture. Illumination can be achieved also by accenting with light colors, such as white doors or glass doors as in the photograph of the interior by Studio CSL in Milan. I absolutely love the transparency of the blue glass wall partition and white sheer curtains with the dark blue seating in the corner grounding the room. It’s very simple and minimalist, but very effective.

Note in the photo below how the Chartreuse mixes well with white and silver colors mixed, together with the emerald-green pillows. Here the light comes from the texture of the satin grey fabric of the sofa, which makes games of light and dark. The color of the wall behind matches to perfection the color of some pillows, but the light source coming from the right side (we see it, but we don’t really) makes this picture modern and pleasant. Remember, the wall colors is one item easy to match to anything, thus it might just be the last item to select even from a 1″x1″ sample.

(Photo: http://www.maxwellfabrics.com)

Most people think interior doors must be white, natural or brown. I find interior green door very attractive, especially if the interior spaces and furniture are mostly white, antique white, distressed or beige. Emerald green doors will bring a touch of class and grandeur.

In my Pinterest board  http://pinterest.com/vcvalentina  there is a picture of an iPhone cover I love. Just take a look of all the color combinations possible with emerald-green. It is a real inspiration for those who don’t really want a dark room in green, but want to be trendy only with accessories. Later when they get tired of emerald-green, it will be easier to change the accessories than the entire room furniture. On this iPhone cover the color combinations to go with emerald-green are exciting and very livable.

(iPhone Cover – https://www.zazzle.com/emerald_green_butterfly_3_3gs_iphone_case-179935016138807845)

Think of greenery for interiors to add natural colors. Terrariums are full of wonder. Like little worlds of their own, they are an excellent way to study life. This set of 3 by Doodle Birdie is sold on Etsy.

Traditional terrariums design by other Etsy

(https://www.houzz.dk/photos/461351/garden-lovers-terrarium-gift-set-in-apothecary-jars-by-doodle-birdie-klassisk-terrarier)

I am designing a kitchen in a classical style, all antique white cabinetry, with some glass cabinet doors, pewter doorknobs, green rain marble countertop and blonde distressed hickory hardwood floor. Functionality was a requirement, elegance not so much, but it will be when completed.

Island in Colombian Emerald Granite

If you want to purchase a real emerald stone, I would suggest the Colombian emerald, it is the most prized due to transparency and fire. Ciao,
Valentina

http://www.Valentinadesigns.com

Copyright © 2013 Valentina Cirasola, All Rights Reserved

Valentina Cirasola is an Italian Interior Designer and former Fashion Designer, working in the USA and Europe since 1990. She blends well fashion with interior and colors the world of her clients. She has been described as “the colorist” and loves to create the unusual.
Valentina was featured in Italy on “Vogue” magazine and many prominent publications in California. She also has made four appearances on T.V. Comcast Channel 15. She is the author of three books all available on
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