This months issue of Elle Decor (my favorite magazine, in case you haven’t noticed) has given me a lot to contemplate. I’ve spent years telling my clients to embrace color, to use their walls as a form of self expression, “what color best describes you and how can we incorporate it”. And yet, for the past few months now, I’m seeing more and more neutral colors becoming the primary focal point. The reason for this? It is safe to assume that what happens socially in our lives usually ends up being translated into design, be it our clothes, our music, our movies and our homes.
The past year has been one of job layoffs, store closings, bank insecurities, financial crisis’ and because of these difficulties, we’re seeing more and more soothing colors being introduced back into design. Shades of white contrasted with dark wood tones, warm browns, all these work together to create a very soft and nurturing environment.
British designer Kelly Hoppen mixes beautiful loft like architecture with soft neutrals for a warm contemporary look.
I especially LOVE the iconic Bubble Chair designed by Eero Aarnio in 1968:
Spectacular!
I love the length of this table flanked by the leaning floor mirror as well as the organic yet contemporary light above the table.
LOVE the dark vs. light quality of this composition
Rooftop patio again with minimal color makes the space feel very serene.
Here, designer Steve Gambrel uses gray as his neutral, which gives a brightness to the space against the white walls and accents.
Love, Love LOVE the organic nature of the old wooden trestle table in contrast to the hard ceramic details of the floor
Of course, anyone who’s been following my kitchen remodel, you know how I feel about open shelving in the kitchen…fabulous against that black subway tile.
Again, shades of gray, brown and white make this space neutral without lacking character. I love the mix of the antiques with the more contemporary table.
This travertine is gorgeous and understated at the same time. I love that the sconces are gold rather than chrome to keep it from being too matchie/matchie.
and lastly, I love the way this room is masculine without completely lacking estrogen. The dark bed against the horizontal striped wall flanked with those beautifully simple light fixtures…perfect! The neutral colors are relaxing and quiet and I can only imagine one would sleep soundly here.
It will be interesting to see in the next year or two as our country begins to recover from the stresses of this era what direction our colors will take. Until then, surround yourself with what makes you happy, what makes you want to spend time in your home with the people you love. It may be as simple as a can or two of paint.
Remember today to
It’s everywhere!
P.S. Welcome new reader Kelsy @ Seattle Smith’s!
She has a really great blog, so be sure to check her out!
Pin It
We have such similar taste, it's scary.
I'm posting a beautiful design photo tomorrow so I hope you'll come by and check it out!
i want.
http://www.thehautebitch.blogspot.com