8 November 2011

Complementary Colours



Yellow and violet are complementary colours and opposite each other on the colour wheel.


I have made a flower arrangement of bright yellow Chrysanthemums and fluffy yellow Solidago or Golden Rod flowers from the Farmers Market combined with cut branches of Cotinus coggygria 'Royal Purple' from the garden. Cotinus or Smoke Bush is a shrub that is very easy to grow and it has deep purple leaves that turns an amazing colour in the autumn.


I have used four violet vases, a small glass bowl, a dark purple Finnish Vuokko fabric and purple flowers in an old vintage book to add to the violet and purple theme.
Vuokko Nurmesiemi is a Finnish designer who in the 1950's started out working for the Finnish design company called Marimekko. She was responsible for most of Marimekko's fabric patterns. In 1960's she left Marimekko and set up her own company called Vuokko named after herself. She produced incredible minimalistic mostly abstract fabric patterns and clothes that was light years ahead of their time. Vuokko is still working and has a shop in Helsinki.



Three small violet vases one filled with the yellow Chrysanthemum flowers the other two left empty.


Coloured glass looks lovely when the light from a window shines through the glass. 


This little pin cushion already had the combination of violet and yellow. I did not even have to do anything. It is a little treasure I found many years ago at an antique market in London. It is probably from the late 1800 or early 1900 judging from the style of the embroidered flower and leaves.


Have a wonderful day!

xoxo Ingrid


17 comments:

Kari said...

Så nydelig. Jeg blir inspirert av dine vakre bilder. En god dag og klem til deg :)

Robin Larkspur said...

Oh, I love your little violet vases, they are simply perfect! The shades of yellow and violet are glorious together. Adore your little pincushion, what a terrific treasure! Thanks for the ideas!

Home and Lifestyle said...

I love the combination of violet and yellow!!

Have a lovely day! Many hugs, Ingrid

Sanne said...

Dear Ingrid,

love the violett sooo much ( yellow isn`t my colour...) but most of all I love the little pin cushion...
Great arrangements like always...

Best wishes,
Sanne

flowersandhome said...

I love violet, my daughter loves yellow and you show us how beautiful those colours can be together. So bright, so out of the ordinary, so cheerful. Love it!
Bye,
Marian

Blueberry said...

I love the colours! And those tiny jars...mmmmmm... Adorable!
hugs,
Ira

Frances said...

This is a beautiful post, with your photos and that interesting bit of textile design history.

I am well aware of the power of complimentary colors from another angle. I have a yellow undertone in my rather fair skin, and so do very well in various purple hues. Also best for me to stay way away from green in my wardrobe, though I do love green vegetables!

xo

Mihaela said...

I never tried the yellow/purple combination, but it looks quite nice, I always match yellow with blue.. but new ideas always welcome :)

Georgianna said...

Hello, Ingrid!! I was just reading this gorgeous post of yours when your comment on mine came in. :) (Thank you so much!)

I think this is one of your most dramatic combinations – so full of life and energy. I love the touch of the botanicals and the embroidered little cushion. Just beautiful!

Wishing you a great week, too! xo – g

Unknown said...

I like your style and your puctures
beautiful blog
ciao Pat

Unknown said...

Great and so complete post Ingrid. I can't believe you have Vuokko fabric:) I'm still traumatized from my childhood for using nothing else than Vuokko and Marimekko clothes. It is funny that they were so ordinary back 70's now they are more like design fabrics!
It has been quite warm here which is unusual. We had first frost two nights ago and that killed my flowers. I don't remember when I have had blooming flowers outside in November. I'm leaving today to Spain for a week to see my parents, they have been there almost a month. It is so nice to have little sun and enjoy tapas.
Have a great weekend:)
Kram
Henrietta

Anonymous said...

Beautiful together and gorgeous compositions!
Wishing you a wonderful day, Ingrid!
~ Zuzu

Anonymous said...

Stunning! The vases are so pretty Ingrid, you always have such an amazing set! The pincushion really adds a special touch. I learn so much from you.
Have a great weekend, it's Friday yay!
Hugs Rosemary...xxx

jacqueline said...

Dearest sweet ingrid, beautiful colors and i just adore your gorgeous vases! Lovely! The image from your old vintage book is really beautiful too! Have a lovely merry happy sunday and love to you!

Lotta "EnVilsenLoppa" said...

Så vackert , vilka härliga färger !!
Det är kul med färglära det läste jag faktiskt när jag gick på frisörskolan .
Kram/Lotta

Ann Marie said...

so pretty!

Laura said...

Loved the interesting color combinations! This post inspired me to go right out to my yard to find some flowers to play with. Always love to see your creations!
Laura

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