Category: Uncategorized

Posted in Uncategorized

Reds and Pinks of Spring

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, and what better way to embrace this spirit than by incorporating the vibrant colors of red and pink into your home decor? Whether you prefer bold and bright hues or soft and feminine tones, the reds and pinks of spring can add just the right touch to any space.

Bright and Vibrant

If you’re looking to make a statement, opt for bright and vibrant shades of red and pink. These colors can instantly energize a room and create a sense of excitement. Consider using red and pink accents in your floral arrangements to bring a pop of color to your living room or dining area. A bouquet of red roses or a vase of pink tulips can instantly brighten up any space and add a touch of romance. You can add the pop of color into your personal look as well by bringing in bright hats, belts, shoes and even makeups.

Another way to incorporate bright and vibrant reds and pinks is through the use of throws. A bold red or hot pink throw blanket or pillow can add a splash of color to a neutral sofa or armchair. Not only will it provide warmth and comfort, but it will also serve as a stylish focal point in the room.

Soft and Feminine

If you prefer a more subtle approach, opt for soft and feminine shades of red and pink. These colors can create a calming and soothing atmosphere in any room. Consider using light pink curtains or blush-colored pillows to add a touch of elegance to your bedroom or nursery. These soft hues can create a sense of serenity and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day. You can also bring in pieces for your coffee table or shelves, glass vases or book stacks in similar colors.

Lighting is another way to incorporate soft and feminine reds and pinks into your home decor. Consider using a pink lampshade or a red pendant light to create a warm and inviting ambiance in your living room or dining area. The soft glow of these lights can create a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening at home.

xr:d:DAGAixQ3BEs:12,j:1172484620338194639,t:24032520

Elegant and Informal

One of the great things about the reds and pinks of spring is their versatility. These colors can be both elegant and informal, depending on how you use them. For a more formal look, consider incorporating red and pink accents into your table settings. A set of red wine glasses or pink dinnerware can add a touch of sophistication to your dining table.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more informal look, consider using red and pink accents in your outdoor space. A set of red or pink patio cushions or a floral-printed outdoor rug can create a casual and inviting atmosphere in your backyard or balcony. These colors can add a playful and whimsical touch to your outdoor decor, perfect for enjoying the sunny days of spring.

In conclusion, the reds and pinks of spring can add a vibrant and elegant touch to your home decor. Whether you prefer bright and vibrant shades or soft and feminine tones, these colors can create a sense of renewal and rejuvenation in any space. From floral arrangements to throws and lighting, there are endless possibilities for incorporating red and pink accents into your home decor this spring.

Posted in Uncategorized

Time for Rest

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

This last week has been some what disappointing in the way of getting things done. It was not my normal week by far. The week was spent house sitting, dog watching and nephew watching. So I wasnt in my normal environment and doing my normal activities. Instead I added in some fun and some necessary relaxing.

I cant get enough of the sunshine as long as it isnt windy. Lately that has been a problem but I sadly have not learned to control the weather. Its been really nice to take the dogs out for a twilight walk a few nights a week. There is a park down the street from where I am house sitting and we walked down to enjoy the sunsets. The best time of the day in my opinion to reflect and think about how the day went, what matters, what my dreams are for tomorrow, etc.

Adding Asher into my day is always interesting. I am always trying to come up with new things to keep him busy and to keep me as the fun Aunt lol. His mom got him refillable water balloons that he normally plays with in the bath tub. It was nice and warm this week so I filled a tub in my trunk, took us down to the park and let Asher and the neighbor kids launch a water war. Fun for them and a sunshine break for me. These are great if you have kids that cant tie balloons. You can find them in my Amazon store using this link. https://amzn.to/3VxqDjp

The toughest part of this week was getting struck down by allergies. I love being outdoors but with all the flowers and blooms this time of year its risky. It caught up with me bad, to the point where I could do nothing but sleep and watch tv. It was a forced relaxing but coming out of it now I am feeling refreshed. I had to take a break from my busy schedule to let me body recover. Liquids, liquids, liquids.

Yesterday I did push it a little so that I could go out shooting with my boyfriend and his friends. It was a little cold and windy but off to the hills we went. There was quite a collection of hand guns, pistols, shotguns and rifles between the 10 of us. Targets from 15 feet away to 100 yards to practice accuracy. We took all of the required safety measures and wore ear and eye protection. I strongly believe in our right to arms legally and handle with extreme care. Besides that though it was just nice to get together with everyone, enjoy some healthy competition, talk some trash, enjoy some snack and the outdoors.

Our four hour trip for shooting had me crashing for a four hour nap. I am still not back to 100% from these allergies. We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing, having dinner and watching Masters of the Air, a beautifully done series on the Bloody Hundredth, a B-52 Bomber squadron during World War II. What these brave men and women went through still amazes me. I would highly recommend a watch.

Anyways, the point here is just to give you a little reminder that taking a break when you can or when your body is telling you to is a good thing. I may not have gotten a single thing off of my to do list but now I am almost ready to get started for the week. I am feeling refreshed enough to get back to my studying for my real estate license and get the next steps going. Hope that you will have a great refreshed week also!

Posted in Uncategorized

Yellows and golds

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Officially, the first day of spring was yesterday. It got here really fast. This spring color series is going to be about fresh colors, but each post will be a little different from the last. For example, the last article talked about warm and cool green pallets. For yellows and golds, I am not going to talk warm and cool pallets but instead give you a bit of info about the symbolism of each complete with a pallet at the end.

I am sure it comes as no surprise that the color gold symbolizes wealth, luxury, sophistication and elegance. It has been the coveted raw material since the early days. The Pharaoh’s of Egypt wore clothes and head pieces in gold, Caesar had rooms filled with gold. Current times the rich and influential decorate and adorn themselves with gold.

From golden rods to golden decor to artwork and furniture, there are many shades of it. In those pallets, you see the raw material extracted from earth to the deep, rich golden hues. How to incorporate these colors into your space is up to you. The pieces I have showcased below are items that will be found in my Amazon shop next week, should a design inspire you!

Bright yellow symbolizes joy and happiness. optimism, hope, and imagination. When I see vivid yellows, whether it’s a splash of lemon or a pop of color accent wall, I can’t help but think positive thoughts and feel a sense of fun. Bright color such as these yellows can be harder to incorporate and can sometimes be too intense for some individuals. Designers are great at finding the perfect amount for each client. I am here to help if you are in the Las Vegas area!

From cheerful to luxurious, this color has many unique shades to be delicately accented or boldly expressed. Shake it up and try a hint of this to “brighten your day” pun intended. Up next we will explore reds and pinks!!

Posted in Uncategorized

Fresh Spring Pallets

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The official first day of Spring is March 19th, which is next Tuesday. It’s arrived quickly, unless you are in one of the states still experiencing possible snow. Winter seems to want to linger. Now that spring is here, I want to take a closer look at the colors we find in nature at this time of year, starting with the most obvious (a personal favorite of mine) – the color green. I will be posting at least two color posts in the next few weeks to show you the differences between warm and cool colors, while still incorporating spring vibes.

Spring has arrived in full force, with blooms adorning the trees, grass reclaiming its vibrant green hue from the subdued winter browns, and delicate flower stems breaking through the cold earth to blossom. The landscape is coming alive with intense bursts of color, as vibrant greens and yellows permeate the fields, and flower pots overflow with floral abundance. Such lively palettes will soon grace every corner of the outdoors. Pallets will look similar to this.

Vibrant natural greens

When it comes to muted softer tones, they are often found in succulents, ferns, and even some cacti. Species like Desert Sage and similar plants have a softer earth hue, as if they are blending into the scenery. These plants tend to exhibit more bluish green or very light colors, creating a serene and calming ambiance. Seen here in this pallet.

Soft Green Hues

No matter which palette you are drawn to, these colors can be incorporated into your homes. Living plants in your homes have more than just air and beauty benefits. Mentally they will bring you joy and a sense of calm and purpose. Also, as they grow, you will have fresh ideas for the surrounding space. Cooler palettes will bring a relaxing feel, while warmer and brighter palettes will bring energy and creativity. There are so many out there, it is up to you to decide. Hope these spark an idea!

Posted in Uncategorized

Daily Thoughts

Posted on by Distracted Damsel
Updating progress bar on transparent background with alpha channel.

The last two months have been a crazy time for me. I left my stressful, unsatisfying, average paying job and I am working toward a much better future. In these two months I have been working on all aspects of my life, from fitness to finances, family to goals. Here are some things that have crossed my mind in the great reset as I call it.

Nothing gets accomplished when you are comfortable.

If this is a duh or cliche sentence for you I chalenge you to take a hard look at the life you have verses the life you wish you had. My job was a flat line in the sense that I leveled out. I was as high in the chain as upper management would let me go (and trust me I made my pleas) and the money was keeping me just at broke. Meaning my bills were paid but living my life was on borrowed credit. I could have stayed there, not reaching my potential as so many have, but that image of where I want my life to be is so much more exciting. In this economy, not having a steady 9 to 5 is uncomfortable, but I have a bigger opportunity.

It is easier to create a new habit than quit a bad habit.

Bad habits are indeed easy to fall back into, whether it’s drinking soda, smoking cigarettes, or binge-watching TV instead of hitting the gym. Cutting things out can make you feel like you are missing out on things. Instead, consider replacing or adding new habits. I haven’t changed my whole diet, but I have lost the craving for soda by adding in drinking water and adding an extra fruit or veggie a day. I still sit and watch tv at the end of the day but before it I add in 20 minutes of reading and one page of journaling. It allows me to focus and relax, clears my mind for sleep as an added benefit.

You have to be your biggest cheerleader.

Another obvious truth. I have friends and family that of course want the best for me, want me to succeed. They aren’t there every day to make my choices though. I have to decide to get up in the morning and do my affirmation routine. I have to submit job applications or work on content or send emails to potential new clients. Determination and inner strength are the only things that keep me on task daily.

set goal, make plan, work, stick to it, reach goal – a success concept presented with colorful sticky notes

Put it all on paper.

This is legitimately the best way for me to organize, get things done and to keep track of my progress. I have a daily planner, that includes space for everything. No joke, to do lists, shopping lists, glasses of water, monthly goals, daily goals. I carry it with me everywhere and every night I plan out my next day. My time is spent very wisely now. My posts haven’t reflected my work yet but there are plenty of irons in the fire and lots of posts will be coming! I want to hit 100 posts by end of April.

You do eat the elephant one bite at a time.

An elephant would be a massive dinner but the only place to start is the first bite. My big goals and my big dreams are made up of smaller tasks and milestones. Website-check! Social media-check! Business started check! Each day I work on a small step to accomplish a big goal. Currently I am working on posts and reels, to grow my audience on all platforms. This included. I am studying, chapter by chapter for my real estate license, which is step one for the next phase of my on-paper plan. Take the time to break it down into manageable bites or you will look at the elephant in front of you and back away. Don’t let that big dream in front of you rot and decay, DEVOUR IT!!

Who really loses if you give up?

This is a deep thought, but it puts into perspective your impact on the world. In a podcast that I will share later, the guest was discussing the impact that a person he never met had on the direction of his life. The short of it is a man had his personal battle with alcoholism. He eventually made it thru the program and was a counselor to the guest’s father, who also struggled with alcoholism. The two bonded because they shared a similar history. Because his father got sober, he set a good example and created a life of opportunity for the guest, who has now reached millions of people with the platform he has created. One person who struggled and overcame set off the chain that led to another making a huge impact in the lives of others.

What I am trying to point out here is that while we are in the drama, in the mud, fighting out battles or our demons, we are strengthening the path for someone in the future. Maybe this blog post I am tying right now on my random website, will inspire someone to keep moving forward. Maybe as I fight to make better habits, someone following me will decide to add in new ones and see how their life will change. Be the Domino!

I am and forever will be an optimistic person. I believe in failing and getting up again. Fear should be our biggest strength, our biggest motivator. Admittedly I am scared to be without a job, but I am more excited and motivated to be building my skills, working for myself and creating. Office life wasn’t for me and if you think it isn’t for you either drop a comment and tell me what you really want to do. If I can help or I can cheer you on, that is what I am here for.

Posted in Design Elements, Uncategorized

Sound Panels

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

Have a group of teenagers playing rockstar in your garage? No? Im sure this is one of the things that comes to mind when you think about soundproofing. But be it a drum in the garage or an echo in a lobby, there are many different ways to use sound panels today. Today there is a wide variety of materials, style, shapes and colors available for diverse uses. Any space can be enhanced in design and in function with what is available today. I am not going to get into the technical details of each, just the design aspects. Amplitude and vibrations and thickness of material can all be researched for those truly interested.

The band in the garage is definitely something that you want to soundproof for loud obvious reasons. But what about intimate areas, or public spaces? Often times in new commercial spaces, the floor is decorative concrete and the walls are high or made of glass causing echoes. Decorative panels can blend the style and lessen the clack clack of foot traffic thru the space. Boardrooms to keep discussions private and not distracted from outside goings on. Home offices can be enhanced by putting panels on adjoining walls, this way if the kids are home and in their room, mom or dad can still quietly work. In dining areas that are open but still need to feel inviting for a nice dinner, panels can be placed behind tables or as dividers in the space. Bedrooms and spas will often use panels to help with the quiet Zen affect. There may not be music playing but that does not mean that there is no unwanted sounds.

For starters, the materials range from fabric panels to fiberglass, felt or foam panels and even woods. The material will depend on the type of sound proofing needed and the aesthetic of the space. At a basic level, wedge foam panels can be used in most spaces to dampen sound. They come in different sizes but commonly are 12×12 or 14×14 and can be egg carton , pyramid, or hexagonal. You can create patterns and some are even available in different colors.

Of course as the style or design gets more in depth or fancy, the materials and the pricing does increase. Wood panels and decorative foam tiles will cost more but they will offer you a wider variety of colors and shapes. Fabric panels are unlimited in the design aspect, you could pull any pattern or print and have custom panels made. Panels are also not limited to walls. They can be mounted on ceilings and doors depending on the sound needs of the space. In high rise business buildings this is often seen, for design and to dampen other offices above.

Wood panels can be very simple or a piece of art. Often times they are grooved or perforated. This allows the sound to enter the wood and essentially get trapped. Wood of course can also be templated or cut into embellished patterns. It can also be stained to unique colors depending on the wood species.

There are many more ways and many more designs that I could go on about. I have personally done these two. My boyfriend is a gamer and he likes a certain ambiance while he is sinking battleships in World of Warships. We kept it simple for him using black foam egg carton panels on the three walled sides of his computer. In my last office, the main wall was windows and as mentioned before the flooring was concrete. We put up 4 fabric panels on the interior wall and made it a conference room. Take into consideration the use of your space, what sound factors are in the room and the rooms or hallway adjoining. Each space will be unique. We dont think about sound until it bugs us, now maybe you have some future ideas.

Posted in Uncategorized

Two Toned Rooms

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

The other day, a friend asked me what my definition of a two toned room is. There are a few different versions out there. Different ways to create, using two colors, using trims or chair rails, adding cutouts etc. Unique styles range from formal and elegant such as in a dedicated dining room or office to adding a bright and fun secondary accent color.

A very simple way to create a two tone room is to divide the walls by using a decorative trim, using two materials for above and below. Usually, the trim is positioned at 1/3 or 2/3 of the room’s height and creates a border. The base can be painted, paneled, dimensioned with picture moldings or even wall papered if so desired. Often times, the trim and base is painted in a bright white, however natural and stained woods can also be used. The function and style of the room will determine the color scheme.

Many clients will choose a neutral color pallet and will pull colors in that same family, working within the different shade levels. To ground rooms while using a chair rail, a mid tone to dark rich color is chosen for the base. The upper color is one to three shades lighter than the base, essentially moving up the color card. As you can see in this room, there are two shades difference between base and upper walls.

Moldings can be added to the base in many different styles. They can be painted white, accented picture framed, paneled and even use wainscoting. Here are a few examples.

Sometimes, builders will create cutouts or recesses in the walls that can become perfect opportunities to two tone. Alcoves, tv or fireplace recess can be different color paint or can be enclosed by cabinetry giving off two tone looks.

Believ it or not, wall paper is making a comeback. There are a variety of styles from full floor to ceiling prints, half wall murals and accent images, some can even be custom printed. Advancements with wallpaper include less surface prep as adhesives are better, they are easier to work with for the everyday home owner, and some are peelable and removable if a client is in a temporary living situation such as in an apartment. Below are some examples.

Two toned in its most basic form is creating a divide with the use of color. It is not limited to dividing horizontally as you can also vertically divide a space, I personally am a fan of contrast and bright, intense colors. You can see in these images how a simple clean line of paint transforms a room.

I know that there are more ways out there to create a unique two toned design. I do hope however that this brief post will help get your ideas going. Change up the look of your room or your hallway, add in that divider or wallpaper. I hope that as I continue to help customers color their walls I will have examples of my work posted here for you to enjoy. In the mean time, don’t be afraid to experiment, Distracted Damsel signing off.

Posted in Uncategorized

Nature’s Color Pallets

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

All you have to do is look out the window, see the beautiful scenery and you can put together so many color combinations. The same view will even change with the seasons as new growth of spring turns to vivid fall. It can change from coastal blues to mountain forest greens as you move through the countryside.

Today, I left behind the Las Vegas desert for the high desert in New Mexico and Arizona. I am taking a few days to gather my thoughts, take a breathe and spend some much needed time with a good friend. Spending 9 hours, solo, on the road gives you freedom and reflection, and if you are in the right spot, some fantastic views. I highly recommend roadtrips, they are good for the soul.

Anyways, what I would like to point out here is the color pallet of the hills and desert I drove thru today. It’s hard to get the greatest pictures while driving, but here are a few shots that I took.

The red rock and red sediment from these hills can be so vibrant despite my shots. It contrasts with the sand colors, the green of the foliage, and of course the endless blue sky.These burnt colors bring in a richness and depth, almost a personality in this season of snow and cold light.

I will be creating and designing custom color pallets in the weeks to come, but for this quick trip, I did pull a few from Pinterest.

Most people think of the desert as dry and boring. But if you just give it a second look, you can see that it goes deeper. There is more life in that sand, and I hope this exposed a little bit of its treasure trove of color to your eyes.

Now, off to your own tour thru nature’s beauty!

Posted in Uncategorized

New Business

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

For those of you that dont know, my background is Interior design. I have always been interested in architecture, design, art and new trends in those industries. Yesterday I worked my last day at Sherwin Wiliams, a major market supplier of residential, commercial and marine paint products. While I was there, one of my positions was a Design Product Specialist. A fancy word for a designer who goes into people’s homes and helps them choose their paint colors. My degrees and personal experiences helped me in this role.

Despite not staying in that role for more than a year, I have maintained steady referrals and have kept doing color consultations on the side. I have built great relationships with a few realtors and paint contractors. As it is something that I am good at and enjoy doing I have now officially gone into business for myself doing just that. My website is a work in progress, but it is up and active for people in the Las Vegas areas. I am going to continue to write posts about whatever inspires me but will also be posting more about new trends, new colors, design topics etc.

You can check out my new website here. I am keeping in line with my brand and the business name is Distracted Damsel Design. I am excited to send it out to my contacts, leave cards with new stores and continue to get business the best way through word of mouth.

http://www.distracteddasmsel.com

I wont go into too much detail about what I do. The goal is for you to check out the website. If you know someone in Las Vegas send them my way! 100 consults by June is my goal and I would love your help getting there!

Posted in Uncategorized

New Horizons

Posted on by Distracted Damsel

I do not know about you guys but 2024 has been coming at me like a freight train on fire headed off the tracks. I have been sick, moved houses, resigned from my long-time job, flooded our bathroom and it is just now two full weeks into the year. I was not prepared for what has been coming my way. Without change and challenges we dont grow so this year must be my growth year. This is the sunset view from my new but temporary digs. Its hard to worry when you see the world for its beauty.

For me, things have been stirring for the last few months. I have fought battles and changed paths, and I am ready for the next chapter. Yes, the new year always brings new goals and resolutions but for me this year it has closed all the wrong options for me and is pushing me in one direction. It’s time to go out on my own and really give this business a shot. The Distracted Damsel Blog has now finally become Distracted Damsel Design. I am going to keep using this blog for whatever inspires me, articles related to design, projects that I work on if clients will let me use their photos.

Distracted Damsel Design will focus on helping customers select colors for their homes or business spaces. Many people know what they like but making the final decision is daunting. There are so many options and so many factors like lighting, flooring, undertones, style, that a customer might not even want to do the project if they can’t come to a choice. It is my job to help them with this, as I have the experience and can explain to them why they do or do not like a color or show them how changing one accent wall can create a whole new space. I am there to offer color expertise, while hearing them out. I want to transform each space with color and make every room inviting or inspiring, cozy or moody. There are so many possibilities.

Paint won’t be the only thing that I will offer. My background is Kitchen & Bath. I can help with textile selections, cabinetry designs, closets, flooring. Not really into furnishings like sofas and tables, things like that but I can visualize and give suggestions. It’s all really a creative fun process to me.

Distracted Damsel Design may grow into more as I gain clients and more field time. Working with realtors, painters and homeowners alike. The website is in this blog and will be on my Instagram bios also. If you or anyone you know is in the Las Vegas valley and in need of color help, please send them my way. In the meantime, I will keep posting and sharing my stories and tips. Hope you will keep following me on this new adventure. Happy New Year!!