Category Archives: Flowers

Romancing the Home

Birds do it, bees do it

Even educated fleas do it.

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love.

The ancient Romans and Greek did it,

Even nice young men who sell antiques do it,

Let’s do it, let’s fall in love. – Cole Porter

Recently I became inspired about falling in love, being in love, lost love, unrequited love and love at first sight. This inspiration came after seeing the  movie, Letters to Juliet.  I adored the sweet story and the gorgeous scenery of Italy. 

Where do you spend a third of your time? - The Bed

Here are some examples of romantic beds:

Sleep on a Bed of Roses – Sheets

Nothing is more luxurious than crisp and soft sheets. Since you spend a third of your life sleeping and other activities in your bed, it is wise to invest  in high thread count  sheets.

Beautiful and Billowy – Pillows

I have been known to take my pillow with me when I travel in fear that I will be subjected to a break your neck foam pillow. I recommend a combination feather and down pillow. The feathers will give you support and the down will add softness. I recommend feather and down fill pillows. Placing decorative pillows on top of the bed made out of luxurious fabrics and lace is a lovely touch also.

Glowing and Twinkling – Candles and Lights

Everything looks better in the soft, warm glow of candle light.  Dimmer switches should be added to overhead lighting so the mood can be changed.

Shimmer and Sparkle – Crystal

Make a room sparkle and shimmer with crystal. Saying the word crystal even sounds elegant!

Symbols of Love, Beauty and Passion – Flowers

Flowers are the sweetest thing God ever made and forgot to put a soul into – Henry Ward Beecher

There is always a place for flowers on a night stand, a bed side skirted table, an entry table, a dining room table and more. Trust the flowers to be fragrant and beautiful!

Come on Baby Light My Fire – Fireplaces

Is there anything more romantic than a fireplace in the bedroom?  This is me at the Lodge at Pebble Beach. I became transfixed for hours on that fire and kept it roaring for hours!

It’s Music to My Ears – Music

Everyone’s taste is different when it comes to music. Please remember to turn off the television and listen to music.

Aroma, Aroma, Aroma – Scent

The association of fragrance and emotion is not an invention of poets or perfume-makers. Our olfactory receptors are directly connected to the limbic system, the most ancient and primitive part of the brain, which is thought to be the seat of emotion.

I recommend the scent of jasmine to enhance your mood. Jasmine is used in aromatherapy to calm the emotions, and as an aphrodisiac. It is a valuable remedy in cases of depression because is produces a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria.  It revitalizes and restores the balance of energy.

I hope I have inspired you to add a little romance to your life!

Love is my religion – I could die for it. ­– John Keats

Fall Wreath

Gorgeous Arrangement

NDI Natural Decorators, Inc. has the most beautiful artificial arrangements. Check out their holiday 2011 collection. http://www.ndi.com/shop

Flower Power

Earth laughs in flowers
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I had a teacher in design school that use to say, “trust the flowers to be beautiful.” This is a floral arrangement I received from my husband for my birthday. The color scheme of pinks and purples is one of my favorites.

Honeysuckle, the color of 2011

Pantone has chosen honeysuckle pink as the color of 2011.

The color pink is oh so pretty.  Pink is synonymous with beauty and femininity.  Valentine’s Day, romance and love are represented by the color pink. The color pink is a tint of red and its complementary color is a mint or pale green.   The warm and embracing shades of pink are gentle and soothing.  Pink is similar to  in green that it is represented by the heart chakra for its protective and healing properties. Flowers and flowering trees embody the color pink better than anything in nature as carnations, celosia, dahlias, dianthus, Gerber daisies, hydrangeas, orchids, peonies, rhododendrons, roses, snapdragons, sweet peas and tulips to name a few.

The gemstone rhodonite is known for its balancing effects on the emotions and is known as the rescue stone. Rhodochrosite is thought to relieve stress and is used by healers to cleanse the aura. Ancient legend says that the gemstone tourmaline is found in all colors because it traveled along a rainbow and gathered all the rainbow’s colors. Tourmaline is believed to strengthen the body and spirit, especially the nervous system. It is also thought to inspire creativity and was used extensively as a talisman by artists and writers.

The pink ribbon is globally recognized as the symbol for breast cancer awareness.  Little girls and babies are adorned in the color pink. Ballerinas wear pink slippers and tutus. When I made my Catholic confirmation as an adolescent I wore a beautiful shell pink dress with matching shell pink shoes with a French heel. I was giddy over those pink shoes! It has become fashionable for men to wear pink and it looks particularly stylish on a man with a dark complexion.

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Zoffany Pink

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If you want to look at the world through rose colored spectacles, dazzle yourself with some pink. Get in the pink—it’s pinkalicious!

By:  Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio

Fall Arrangement

Easter Nests

These are nests I made for my church.

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Peachy Keen

The soft pastel color of peach is a soothing and warm color. Punctuate the color with a matte cream color and you will create a sophisticated boudoir. The cream and peach color combination reminds me of the frozen treat of vanilla ice cream covered in frozen orange ice called creamsicles. The color peach pairs well with deeper colors of terra cotta and spice. To make a space more masculine when using peach add deeper browns and umber in your wood tones. When working with this color look to nature to see the many shades illustrated in apricots, quince blossoms, pomegranates, rose hips, nectarines, roses, and tulips. Pastel aqua blue green is the complementary color of peach. Add a little peach to your life since it’s delightful and delicious.

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By:  Charisse Marie Colbert, CMC Design Studio

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Arrangements

 

Dried flower arrangement by Charisse Marie Colbert

Dried flower arrangement by Charisse Marie Colbert

 

Topiary by Charisse Marie Colbert

Topiary by Charisse Marie Colbert

 

From the book "The Thanksgiving Table" by Diane Morgan

From the book "The Thanksgiving Table" by Diane Morgan

 

From the book "Flowers" by Malcolm Hiller

From the book "Flowers" by Malcolm Hiller


Flower Arrangements

This is a silk arrangement I made for Thanksgiving a few years ago.

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