Dwellings on Madison

In 1666, English scientist Sir Isaac Newton discovered that when pure white light is passed through a crystal prism, it separates into all of the visible colors. What an amazing and beautiful sight that must have been.
There are some colors whose effects have universal meaning. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference….. Or even depression

It is now accepted that color can be used to stimulate or inhibit certain behaviors. Advertising executives are well aware that a product can have a completely different impact if the color of the packaging is changed. Psychologists have found that certain colors in our immediate environment can help us perform some tasks. For example, exercise is best performed in an environment of warm colors, such as reds and oranges, whereas the tranquil blues and greens are ideal for mental concentration.
Several ancient cultures, including the Egyptians and Chinese, practiced chromotherapy, or using colors to heal. In this treatment:

· Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.

· Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.

· Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.

· Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

Below is the living room of interior designer Phoebe Howard’s Atlanta apartment. Walls are painted Farrow & Ball’s Clunch, a soft warm white. The room’s showpiece is a George III gilded mirror with a broken pediment. Curtains in Schumacher cotton sateen are tucked directly under the cornice.Her husband, architect James Howard, installed classical revival paneling with acanthus corbels and moldings. The ceilings are only eight and a half feet, but by using an egg-and-dart cornice that projects into the rooms and onto the ceilings, rather than one that sits flat on the walls, he created the illusion of greater heightin this room.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the comforts of a 5-star hotel. Create your own at-home bedroom getaway with inspiration from chic hotel-style boudoirs.

”Hotels are one of the best places to see the work of many top contemporary designers.
And Those with an appreciation for design are flocking to hotels for cues. `Luxe hotels represent a particular pedigreed lifestyle with sophisticated rooms and sexy lobbies that explode with beautiful people and furnishings.

Hotels are so inspiring because you can actually see why the nightstand on one side of the bed and the desk on the other side works.” And even more: modern Wenge furniture, luxury bedding, candles, even the mood music can now be taken home.

Want to get the luxurious feeling of a boutique-style hotel at home? Such high-end hotels are often the epitome of sophistication and packed with decorating details designed to refresh and pamper you. Who wouldn’t want to create this elegant, cocoon-like feel at home? Here, ideas for giving your boudoir the chic look of an intimate, boutique hotel.

· Dress the walls and Floors

A beautiful bedroom is all about comfort and that starts with the walls. In general, relaxing colors are key to bedroom hotel chic. First paint your bedroom in soothing colors that are on the muted end of a color spectrum. Think charcoal greys and sleek silvers. Colors of the sea from blue-green to azure, even turquoise, are also calming. Chocolate can feel cozy with the cool pastel shades — …..butter and cream combinations are gorgeous and a splash of orange.
A monochromatic scheme is often used in hotel rooms to set a quiet, sophisticated tone. To create that at home, pick one primary color and one related coordinating color. Try a mushroom hue on the wall, or warm up a white palette with wood tones and an organic, earthy scheme. Don’t forget the ceiling, which is one of the first things you see upon waking. To create a cocoon-like effect, We suggest painting the ceiling same color as the walls or a 20 percent toned-down version of the wall shade. Or, try painting stripes on the ceiling. It’s an economical way to add to the feeling of a stylish sanctuary. Clutter is a no-no.
· Plump it up
For the boutique bed look, drape your bed in luxury….mix up the textures on your bed and go for the highest quality possible. Think 400 +thread sheets in linen or Italian cotton and as many pillows as possible, at least four sleeping pillows and European pillows. The look should be layered and rich. Something you are dying to climb into…I would do it as simple as possible — No ruffles, a very tailored bed skirt and tailored bedspread or even duvet. Use a sumptuous feather bed beneath the sheets and another under the duvet.The key: keep it neutral and elegant a la Armani. Add color discriminately, perhaps on toss pillows. There, mix checks with plaids or florals with stripes, all in a similar monochromatic palette. I recommend adding an upholstered headboard in creamy linen and monogrammed! And make your bed….everyday!!!!! Designers describe luxury bedding as sexy, dramatic and a bit indulgent.

· Hotel Furnishings
The best hotel rooms invite you to immediately plop down and relax. They do that with furnishings that are functional, comfy and stylish. One popular look that’s easy to emulate is the big, padded headboard, perfect for propping up to read or watch TV. But what good is it if you’re propped up and have no place for your drink? Nightstands are a must for either side of the bed. “They can be the same — that gives them a more contemporary, lean, modern look, or you can have his and hers. One can be more feminine than the other for an eclectic look. If there’s room for a seating area, a chaise lounge is a great option. Or try a couple of upholstered chairs facing each other with a large fabric ottoman between them. Each chair should have a small table within reach for a cup of tea or glass of wine. Upholster in neutral solids that match your backdrop color.
Don’t forget that nice little desk area in the chicest of hotels — that lovely writing desk with a delicate chair. For the hotel look, keep it small and graceful, not office-like. A bench at the bottom of the bed, if there is room, anchors the bed, makes it look more finished, and gives you a nice place to sit and put on shoes,..

· Layer the Lighting
Lighting in a bedroom is often overlooked. Best bets include multiple layers operating on separate dimmer switches. You’ll need bedside reading lamps, perhaps a beautiful statement piece — like an elegant overhead chandelier — some wall sconces and a chair side lamp or two in the seating area. The layers add dimension and drama so you can adjust the mood. If the room is large enough, it’s nice to have three points of ambient light in a triangle. For example, try two bedside lighting sources and another light diagonally across on say, a desk or within a seating area. the room feel balanced, warm and cozy. If you just have reading lamps it can feel cold. A big un-chic don’t: a light on a ceiling fan…it provides harsh glaring light. Very unsexy. What ever you use make sure you have it all on a dimmer….that adds the magic.

· Dress the windows
Simplicity is the key to replicating a chic feeling room. We typically see drapery side panels on a beautiful rod. Take draperies all the way to the ceiling or crown molding for a heightened look, it elongates the room and makes your ceilings appear taller. Keep it simple and rich looking with window treatments in the same color as the walls. In a chic hotel, heavily lined drapes create total darkness when drawn. Yours should feel dramatic and lavish in natural fabrics like silk, linen or hemp. Contrast lining adds a special touch — when drapes are tied back you glimpse the pretty lining fabric. Who doesn’t love that feeling of closing lush drapes for extra privacy !

· Don’t forget the details
Surround yourself with beautiful accents that will make you feel pampered. On your nightstand, set a beautiful crystal carafe for water, or fresh flowers to provide a splash of color and a natural scent. Hang artwork that is personal….. And dramatic.
Incorporate a water feature in the master to make it feel more spa-like.
When you wake up you want to see beautiful things around you, an oil painting on the wall, a Venetian mirror, a cashmere throw, luscious scented soy candles, fresh flowers , exotic travel magazines……………………anything sumptuous!