Check out my new website!!!

www.rachelharrisdesigns.wix.com/rachelharris

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Emerald Green!

Emerald Green! The color of 2013, and I must say I'm super jazzed! I have always loved Green and now I feel that it is my design duty to use a pop of it here and there! Check out these amazing designs that I came across that inspire me. I hope they inspire you as well. <3

ohhhh...& the combo of Gold with the Emerald... Beautiful.

                       

                                           

The rainforest is uniquely bursting with vibrant colors, textures, sounds and creatures. The concept was designed by using the elements found in the rainforest. The Harmony House lends an open door to youth that are in need of a home. The rainforest is a diverse place that accepts a variety of creatures. The idea is that the rainforest concept directly relates to the idea of housing a variety of youth that will learn to live harmoniously together, just as living things in the rainforest do. The principles and elements of design were practiced through the choice of fabrics and finishes. The choices led to the overall feeling of vibrancy because of the triadic color scheme, yet calm due to the use of natural tones that balanced the space. The fabrics and finishes created variety and rhythm in the design. The overall style for the design is modern/contemporary, with an organic, sustainable feel due to the use of natural products such as bamboo, stone, counters made from recycled paper, and tile made from recycled glass.

            The service counter in the sandwich shop on the first floor is designed to be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. The design allows the customers to enter at the front of the building and the traffic flow to be immediately directed to the service counter which is parallel to the entrance. This will allow easy access and eliminate confusion. After approaching the service counter the circulation of the customer moves from left to right by ordering on the left, moving down the line and checking out on the right. This ultimately creates functionality in the service counter. The second floor was designed to create a residential environment as well as functional space for the youths’ living quarters. When entering from the back set of stairs there is a long hall with many adjoining bedrooms for the youth. The counselor’s station is set up directly across from the residents’ rooms. The restrooms and shower rooms are behind the counselor’s station. By centering the counselor’s station in the middle of the hall the counselor is easily able to monitor the surrounding spaces. At the end of the hall along with the other stairwell there is the common area, the computer area and a small kitchenette where youth are able to hang out, watch TV and access the computers. This area serves as a living room, so to speak, for the youth to allow them to feel at home. All the furnishings and finishes are meant to directly mimic the concept. The design features organic shaped furniture pieces as well as colors and textures found in the patterns of the textiles along with the flooring selections and wall coverings.

            The design provides an inspiring and positive healing environment by creating spaces such as the group meeting area and the mentoring rooms for life counseling and growth. The sandwich shop allows the youth to gain work experience and an understanding of responsibility. The individual resident rooms provide the youth a space where they can be alone and feel a sense of security and ownership. Through counseling and group therapy the Harmony House helps reunite youth with their families and alleviate their problems. Sustainability is an important practice for youth to learn. The design implements sustainability by selecting furniture and finishes that are sustainable to set an example for the youth.

            By researching a concept, drawing from inspiration, meticulous programming, and the study of youth psychology, the rainforest concept embodies a healthy, stable environment for runaway youth in need. The rainforest caters to a variety of different species that are unique, while the Harmony House caters to a group of unique youth that are in need of guidance.