A Sunny Disposition

After long awaited first signs of spring, you can’t help but to think of happy colors. A timely reminder of spring’s uplifting effects …

How we see color is usually affected by the light’s source, its angle, and the important fact that colors are perceived differently depending on their surroundings. This usually doesn’t apply to the vibrant color of yellow, which is minimally changed by its surroundings.

As you can see in the images below, the color yellow is contained and holds its own.

In the ancient world, the spice saffron was one of the main sources for the color yellow, and was used in paint and dyes for textiles. Enjoy the color yellow as it moves indoors, giving everything a positive feeling.

Photo 1  photography by Guy Dannenberg

Photo 2  designer Sabine Marchal, photography by Andreas Von Einsiedel

Photo 3  courtesy of House Beautiful, photography by Eric Piasecki

Photo 4  designer David Whitcomb, photo- Reed Consumer Books Limited

Photo 5  courtesy of The World of Interiors, designer Roberto Bergero, photography by René Stoeltie

It’s Pure Geometry

 Designers are constantly inspired from exposure to culture, original artwork, architecture, or nature. Whether it’s fashion or interior design… a concept always needs to be applied to the design process.

When Yves Saint Laurent designed the revolutionary ‘Mondrian’ day dress as part of the Fall/ Winter collection in 1965-66, he was inspired by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian.

Piet Mondrian -abstract painting

YSL classic contemporary look with its clean lines

Below you can see Grace Kelly wearing the geometric ‘Crusader’ dress from the collection.

 

Here 's a closer look

Also take a look at the Mondrian shelves... clever shelving designed by Axel Kufus. Beautiful.

Photo 1 Erich Lessing/ Art Resources, New York

Photo 2 courtesy of  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Photo 3 V&A Images

Photo 4 The Consulate General of Monaco, NY

Photo 5 courtesy of Nils Holger Moormann's website

 

  

Mario Buatta’s Romantic Interiors

Although known as the Prince of Chintz for his love of using Chintz fabrics in his interiors, I would like to call interior designer Mario Buatta, if I may… the Master of Color. Famed for his English country style interiors that are influenced by the 18th and 19th centuries, Buatta’s rooms are timeless; they suggest comfort, formality, and informality at the same time.

His mastery in using color is profound- where the rooms are the subject matter, he is the artist. His color application to interiors will surely elevate your mood by the use of both saturated and delicate colors in striking composition.

To some he might be considered old fashioned, but to me his rooms are a cheerful reference to history.

Romantic Bedrooms...

Photo 1,4 courtesy of Architectural Digest, photography Scott Frances

Photo 2 courtesy of NYSD

Photo 5 courtesy of AD, photography Scott Frances

Photo 3,6 Courtesy of AD, photography by Gordon Beall



Orange Pumpkin

While preparing today’s post and going through countless images of interiors, two classic inspirational rooms caught my eye.


The late Melanie Kahane designed the first room. In the first half of the twentieth century when designers leaned more toward restrained color schemes for interiors, designer Melanie Kahane used the fearless color combination of black and white and pumpkin in designing her famous French provincial bedroom. Kahane certainly distinguished herself and captured the public’s attention, since at that time this room was frequently photographed.

Jeffrey Bilhuber, who is known for using bold color choices and for his chic well-appointed spaces, designed the second room below. Bilhuber used the pumpkin color on walls and curtains, bringing warmth into the space. It works beautifully with black and white, and creates a powerful palette.

I think both rooms make a statement. By placing the colors in a certain sequence, it declared confidence and sophistication. What do you think?


Photo 1 courtesy of House&Garden, photography by Hannel Cassidy
Photo 2 photography by Trel Brock

Cool Blues

So many times, I’ve seen interiors, especially bedrooms, where the favored color palette was blue mixed with neutrals- white, grey, beige or brown. I think its popularity stems from what the color blue stands for: truth, loyalty and honesty. Our emotional association with the blue, particularly light blue, is calmness. It’s comforting because we see it in nature, in the sky and sea, so it represents infinity.

I love soft blues; I have used it in my own bedroom. It usually makes an excellent choice in a space where natural light is limited, as it introduces lightness to the room.
Not everyone likes a blue room, how do you feel about it?

A beautiful bedroom designed by local designer Thomas Pheasant. Since the house was located on Maryland's eastern shore, the blue color palette was simply perfect.Courtesy of Architectural Digest, photography by Gordon Beall

A distinctive seating area designed by Washington DC designer José Solis Betancourt, courtesy of Southern Accents, photography by William Waldron

The feel of the beach... designer Suzzane Kasler, courtesy of Southern Accents

The delicate touch of pale blue. Courtesy of House Beautiful, photography by Oberto Gili

Courtesy of Southern Accents, photography by William Waldron

Photo 1 courtesy of Veranda, photography by Toshi Otsuki

Classic Black & White

There is something to be said about rooms in black and white. This neutral scheme pairs beautifully! I think it’s the harmony of opposites that creates the crisp and classic look, which will work in both traditional and contemporary settings.

This bedroom designed by Zang Toi has a touch of silver,courtesy of Elle Decor

The grand style of designer Thomas Britt, photography by Jamie Ardilles-Arce

Simple elegance, photography by Peter Margonelli, courtesy of House Beautiful

Bold design by designer Kelly Wearstler, photography by John Coolidge

A peaceful space designed by Mark Badgley& James Mischka, photography by William Waldron, courtesy of Elle Decor

Designer Kelly Wearstler, photography by Grey Crawford

A touch of gold, designer Tom Scheerer, photography by Oberto Gili, courtesy of House Beautiful

A Touch of Mauve

Hotel Costes in Paris

Mauve is the color in the purple family- it is softer, and greyer. The color mauve was discovered by accident by the English chemist Sir William Perkin in 1856. Because of Perkin’s work, thousands of artificial colors were created, such as violet, blue, green and crimson. In 1858, it was considered a frivolous color; and what helped popularize this color was the fact that Queen Victoria wore mauve to her daughter’s wedding. In addition, Empress Eugénie who was the wife of Napoleon the third loved wearing mauve since the color matched her eyes.

Some people consider the use of bold colors in interiors to be intimidating, but I think the use of mauve against a backdrop of neutral backgrounds can add richness and some drama to the space.

Designer Suzanne Kasler, Photography by William Waldron, courtesy of Southern Accents

Designer Jane Churchill , photography by Andreas Von Einsiedel, courtesy of Southern Accents

Designer Nicholas Haslam, photography by David Montgomery

Dark Sophistication

Distributing colors in interiors can be a tricky thing. Warm colors such as red, yellow and orange have the ability to advance, while cool colors like blue and green tend to recede. The amount of light in the space also affects your color choices.

There are different methods of color application in interiors. One of them is to put darker colors in the backgrounds such as walls and floors, and use more subtle, neutral colors for furniture, with the added accents of color. It all depends on what you want to emphasize.

Black and brown walls usually add drama and richness to the space. I love it in interiors, and I 'm tempted to find the perfect space to try it! how about you?

High gloss lacquer walls add light reflection to this living room designed by Mario Buatta

Mark Hampton used dark walls & light colored bookcase to give a warm feeling in the winter and a cool feeling in the summer

Kelly Wearstler used white and yellow to create contrast in the space

The classic look by Dan Carithers at the 2008 Southern Accents Show House at Regents Park in Atlanta

 

Strong wall color was used to highlight the painting and the antiques in this gallery

Gold and grey colors were used as an accent

Photo 1 courtesy of Architectural Digest's site, designer Mario Buatta, photography Derry Moore
Photo 2 courtesy of House Beautiful, designer Mark Hampton, photography Lizzie Himmel
Photo 3 designer Kelly Wearstler, photography Grey Crawford
Photo 4 courtesy of Southern Accents, designer Dan Carithers, photography Erica George Dines
Photo 5 Genevieve Weaver gallery, photography Von Der Schulenburg
Photo 6 Southern Accents on Color, photography William Waldren

Relaxed Refinement

The color green represents nature, freshness and jealousy. In interiors, designers have always looked for inspiration in nature. Since green is a calming color, different variations of it have always been brought into interiors.

The bedroom is a private space where you need to feel at ease. Designers often use the combination of chartreuse, apple green, and creme for a soft color scheme. To achieve the desired subtle effect, it's best to use cool colors that will give you a sense of calmness and relaxation.

 
Photo 1 courtesy of Veranda, designer Mary Douglas Drysdale, photography Ron Blunt
Photo 2 courtesy of House & Garden, designer Alessandra Branca, photography Melanie Acevedo
Photo 3 courtesy of Veranda, designer Piero Catellini, photography Jacques Dirand
Photo 4 Southern Accents on color, photography Tria Giovan
Photo 5 designer Alessandra Branca, Photography Thibault Jeanson

Ladies in Red

Kelly and Hepburn were the epitome of elegance, grace, and style. They gained presence and stature though their work on screen and off screen with their involvement with children’s charities. Their beauty was inside and out.

Hepburn and Kelly waiting for the announcement of the winner of the best actress at the Academy Awards 1956

Do you know who won the Oscar that year?

Photo 1 Remembering Grace, photography courtesy of Life, Howell Conant
Photo 2 Audrey Hepburn, photography courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Photo 3 Audrey Hepburn, photography courtesy of Time and Life