Friday, October 19, 2012

Pink & Orange

A friend was talking about how ugly pink and orange look together. Of course, I immediately thought about doing a blog post on the combination of pink and orange in interior design.  So here are some examples:

BHG
A Blind Pash
Better Homes & Garden
 
 
HGTV
 
I think that breaking up the colors with white is more restful. When paired together it provides a strong visual punch. I could see this combination working well in a girl's bedroom. Honestly, though, I don't think you will be seeing pink & orange in my living room!
 

Monday, October 15, 2012

Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year 2013 ~ Lemon Sorbet!


Benjamin Moore has announced its Color of the Year for 2013 and its called Lemon Sorbet.  According to Benjamin Moore: " Luscious lemon sorbet (2019-60), our Color of the Year for 2013, is the perfect transitional color between the mid-tones and saturated colors seen in today's home furnishings and the softer, lighter pastels which are emerging for 2013.

This beautiful yellow harmonizes with other trending pastels in the mint, coral, pink, blue, and vanilla families. Uplifting without being overpowering, lemon sorbet (2019-60)complements almost any color palette and provides a unifying element for diverse spaces. "


Looks pretty on the paint chip and in the collage, but how will it look on the wall, in real rooms? Here are some pictures. You decide.


Honestly? I am not too crazy about it. I remember about 20 years ago when pale yellow was the trend for living rooms and kitchens. I actually like it, it made the rooms bright and light. But this particular shade is just a little too bright. To be used as a neutral, it needs to be softer and warmer, in other words toned down a bit.
I did find it interesting to read that B.M. predicts an emerging trend toward pastels. I do like pastels, they can be fun to decorate with, especially if they are anchored by white and used as accent colors in a space. However, I would be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon and paint my living room Lemon Sorbet. I predict it will be a quickly passing trend, but it will be fun to see designers use it in their designs. 
 Here are some inspiration photos of the color yellow used in rooms. I chose the pics because I think they are examples of yellow used in pleasing ways. They are not painted with Lemon Sorbet.
House to Home
Pottery Barn

Country Living


Pantone recently announce their own 2013 Color of the Year ~ Monaco Blue. It will be interesting to see it paired with Lemon Sorbet. I think that Pantone has really hit the mark with this color. Stay tuned for a post devoted  to it!

So what do you think about Benjamin Moore's Lemon Sorbet?
 Are you going to use it in your home?




Monday, October 8, 2012

Fall to Winter in just two days!

The color here in the White Mountains peaked this weekend, on Friday to be exact. By Saturday the wind was blowing and the leaves were raining down upon the earth! Its amazing the difference a day makes. The colors were spectacular this year, but you have to catch it when they are in full bloom, because it doesn't last more than a few days!  These first few pictures were taken on Friday. It was a beautiful 80 degree day!


This is the view from my house,looking down my driveway.
                                            This is the corner of my property.
                                 
                                                 Here is the Pumpkin Witch!
       And this is what we woke up to on Monday morning! This picture was taken from Wildcat Mountain looking toward Mt Washington. Snow on October 8!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Whimsical Kitchens

                                             Diane Keaton's kitchen via Architectural Digest

Sometimes I get so tired of looking at blogs & magazines where everyone is trying to jump on the current trends. Kitchens in particular tend to start to look cookie cutter. I really enjoy finding kitchens that are a little outside the box, not on trend, and definitely showcase the owners own personality! Design doesn't need to be serious. It can be individual. It can include collections, artwork, color and unusual objects. It can be...WHIMSICAL!  I must say admire people who have the confidence to follow their heart and decorate with stuff that makes them happy. Today I am celebrating individuality and funky design choices!

via A Whinsical Bohemian

via Home and Decor





AZ Central
Etsy
Design Art




Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Inspired by a Peacock!


One of my favorite birds is the peacock. When I was a child, my Aunt & Uncle owned a 300 acre farm and on the farm...Peacocks! Well, there were cows and pigs and chickens too, but I was in love with the peacocks. Every time we visited, we would leave with a big bouquet of feathers, which we would use to decorate our house. Funny thing, one year we visited and the peacocks were gone. My Uncle said that he heard the peacocks making noise, went out and saw them flying away over the trees. He said it was quite a sight!
I have noticed peacock colors creeping into home decor over the past few seasons. I have also noticed the explosion of peacock influenced fashion design! It is not surprising that what is trending in the fashion world influences interior design as well. Deep turquoises, Teals, Greens & Chartreuse are being seen everywhere. 

upper left: Peacock Blue- Glidden,  upper right: Caribbean Blue- Benjamin Moore,
 lower left: Tidal Teal: Sherwin Williams,  lower right: Tidal Teal: Valspar

         
                                                                                      
Young House Love



The Lennox


Designed by Markham Roberts




Even if you don't want to commit to such a deep color on your walls, you may want to try using the colors in accent pieces and accessories.

Luckett Store
Or what about these peacock chairs?

 New York Studio Dror for furniture manufacturer Cappellini

And lastly, here is fabric by Amy Butler. I am considering this for some curtains I plan to make. This is what got me thinking about peacock inspired design in the first place.


So what do you think about these peacock color inspirations?
 Would you use these in your own home decor?