These last few weeks have left me feeling a bit blah. The grey skies and single-digit temperatures have me feeling sluggish and drained, and I’m in need of a change! What better way to add some pep to my step and some energy to my day than with a shot of color? Anyone who follows our blog or has visited our shop knows that we love pattern and color in all rooms great and small. As David Hockney once said, I prefer living in color! To turn my frown upside down, I’ve been immersing myself in our bright and cheery displays and soaking in every fun-filled hue. I know not everyone is able to come enjoy the shop right now and I want to bring my winter blues solution right to your doorsteps (or desktops, rather). Though the days may be dreary and cold, that is no reason you or your home should be! This week I am talking tips for embracing color and bringing some much-needed energy to our homes and ourselves.
It is ok to start small! Bringing color into your spaces can be intimidating and overwhelming, so it’s ok start slow! Keep the sweaty palms and heart palpitations at bay by adding one or two easily movable accessories to start. A lovely lamp, colorful cachepot or gorgeous ginger jar could be the key to opening the door to colorful décor. Adding a splash of vibrancy to your space can make a big impact and give you an idea of where you want to bring even more hues into the mix! Another easy addition to begin with are accent pillows. With no shortage of textiles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect shade and pattern to enhance your room.
Have an anchor for your colors. When our designers set about curating a new look for a space, they like to start with one focal point that sets them in a direction for making color and texture choices. Sometimes this is a large print pattern meant for window treatments, sometimes it is a dynamic rug, and sometimes it is a bold piece of artwork that a customer adores. This becomes the anchor for the colors they introduce. Pulling complementing colors from this anchor creates a harmonious palette and complete look for a space and allows the eye to move freely throughout a room. Let’s say you find a show-stopping floral print that takes your breath away, full of deep navy, fresh spring greens, and popping electric pinks. In a bedroom you can use that textile as the lead decorative pillow and pull inspiration for other elements in that space. Perhaps a hot pink lacquered side table to add some spice balanced with a dark and moody duvet the color of a midnight sky to ground it? Add in a delicate floral bedside chair to soften the look and you will be dreaming in full color!
Balance your space with neutrals. In décor, as with most things in life, balance and harmony are important! On the see-saw ride of decorating, it is important to pair colors with neutrals to achieve a feeling that looks intentional and even-keeled. I love using natural elements and textures such as wicker, rattan, and wood furniture sprinkled throughout my space to achieve this. White and neutral sofas are another way to break up color and let your chosen hues truly shine (and as an added bonus, provide you with flexibility when you’re exploring your next color story). Do not be afraid of white and light-colored upholstery – with performance fabrics readily available, you won’t have too much additional stress about spills and stains! Having these neutral components adds much needed calm areas to a space full of vibrancy and give your eye a place to rest.
Add a pop of paint (or a fun wallpaper!). Once you are feeling confident in your direction, you might be ready for a bigger step in bringing color to your home. At the shop we love to use our vibrant paint colors to bring life and energy into our rooms. From Hedge Apple green to the deep and fiery Ward Parkway Brick red, a pop of paint can be a great finishing touch. We have used these colors (and others from our Nell Hill’s paint line) for whole rooms, transitional spaces like hallways, and even ceilings! If you are looking to take it even further, wallpaper is a fantastic way to add dimension and color to your walls. This is not your grandmother’s wallpaper we are talking about here in 2021! Thibaut and Schumacher have so many stunning patterns to choose from that color and pattern mixing with your fabrics and accessories is a dream.
Stop by the shop or follow us on social media for colorful inspiration daily! If you are still nervous about making the leap down the rainbow of options before you, our designers are here to help. Now is a great time to shop with us since our 20% Off Wood Furniture Sale is beginning today! Our wood pieces come in a wide spectrum of colors and finishes and can be a great addition to any colorful home. Until next time – happy decorating!