It's all in the nose

 Scent Bar

As many of you know, my main passions are for flowers and paint. Anything to do with them interests me. It is time that I own up to my other passion: perfume. Scent. Fragrance. Mmmmmm.

Rarely do I purchase fragrances at the mall or box stores. In fact, I cannot remember when I did last! I have been spoiled by the internet. Shop around, click a few times and, within days, the new treat arrives on my doorstep. Splenderosa's Marsha loves fashion. I go for the latest scent creations instead.  

My favorite go to source is Lucky Scent. I know it as an online store, but they also have a physical store in LA called Scent Bar. It will certainly be a must-see when I next visit LA, along with Giannetti Home, the shop of Velvet and Linen's Brooke Giannetti.  

 Scent Bar

At LuckyScent.com, boutique fragrances are available from around the world. If you choose, you can be notified by email of the latest additions to their offerings. Each perfume has a wonderfully written description. If I could compose thoughts like they do, I'd have a best seller for sure. 

One of my favorite things about the site is that each scent also has reviews posted by customers. Some are hysterical, most are sincere and helpful.

Bath, body and skin care products are offered, along with scented candles, diffusers and room sprays. 

And, no, they did not ask me to write this! I just wanted to share with you and urge you to check out their website.

I always purchase samples first at a very moderate price. How else can you tell? Often I am surprised at the combinations that I am drawn to. 

My latest finds were honeysuckle and jasmine scents. No wonder- they are beautiful summer scents. I am now in the market for a fall / winter perfume. 

I would love to know- what scents are your favorites? Do you know of any fabulous perfume stores?

Would you do the color pink?

Although usually thought of as a feminine color, the color pink is being seen frequently as a color of note for 2011. Fortunately, it is not just the conventional girly pink that is being presented. Many shades of pink abound, including salmon, fuschia, coral, blush and rose. Of course, a pink ribbon is the international symbol for breast cancer awareness.

Pink can be thought of as energetic and sexy. Combined with bold colors, it demands attention. Presented like this, it can raise the blood pressure and heart rate. It can even have the same high energy as red.

Pink and orange, an unconventional pairing.      

Architectural Digest   Photo by Paul Warchol

 Pink and green, a traditional combination. Both are strong and confident.

 

Architectural Digest   Photo by Paul Warchol

Becoming softer, this pink leans towards blue. This tone-on tone damask looks fresh and clean with the light trim.

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Here, the pink wall is dusty and mottled. This wonderful room was painted by decorative painter, Kris Kuchavik. The wall finish is a result of layers of custom-colored acrylic waxes over a deep red basecoat. 

 

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 This combination of pale blush and deep raspberry (with the green, of course) projects a cheerful environment.

Color Made Easy

Pink can also be considered a calm, soothing color. In the bedroom, it can present a serene environment.

Colors For Your Home by House Beautiful

In Europe, pink has long been a color associated with both men and women. Farrow and Ball has many wonderful shades of pink to choose from, with all being subtle and complex. The pink is made more masculine with the deep, rich, saturated hues. Here is Farrow and Ball's Architectural Pink.

 

 Farrow and Ball     Paint and Color in Decoration

 Farrow and Ball's Viceroy Pink leans a bit more toward the browns.

 

Farrow and Ball     Paint and Color in Decoration

Farrow and Ball's Pink Ground was the color chosen for their master bath by Brooke and Steve Giannetti (of the Velvet and Linen blog).

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I have been using this lovely tablecloth's combination of a subdued pink and silver combination as an inspiration for an upcoming wall finish for a client's master bath. I think it is so elegant.

Dwellings by Stephen Sills and James Huniford  Photo by Michael Moran

This gorgeous piece of silk taffeta would be fabulous as a window treatment or toss pillow.

 Harlequin fabric by Christopher Hyland as seen in Veranda Magazine

This circa 1900 Oushak carpet pretty much reads as a delicate, neutral tone-on-tone underfoot.

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This wonderfully patinaed stucco exterior presents a perfect backdrop for the almost gaudy hydrangea colors.

French Style at Home by Sebastien Siraudeau

Carolyn Quartermaine, Maison et Objet's Designer of the Year in 2008, showcases pink in a clear and feminine manner. Her pinks are clean and happy.

Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed

This pink looks fab with the gold accents.

Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed

Even the pink splotches on the floor look good!

Carolyn Quartermaine Revealed

Wouldn't you love to have this corner of the room all to yourself? Or, it would make a great setting for a cocktail party. I'll take both canvases, please. And the chandelier!

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Designer's Guild offers many fabrics and accessories in pink. They combine the lively colors in a striking way.

 

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If pink is too much as an overall room color, you can always add accessories in pink's numerous shades.

Have you used pink in your own home? In a client's home?