punch of plum

At the moment I am completely swooning over the elegant and dramatic punch of plum purple. Although these rooms all embrace different design styles the impact the color adds is still the same...


(via marianne evennou, house and garden and m. design)

punches of pink

Pink is a power color. There is no way to ignore the punch it adds to a room especially when added to a neutral canvas. These spaces by Jay Jeffers showcase just how a tiny touch of the color can energize a room.


(via Jay Jeffers)

color pops {rust}

I think using complementary colors in a home is great way to make a statement and rust orange and blue has long been my favorite. I also happen to love the statement that rusts makes on its own as well which is why I was draw to the sparing use of it in this home.
Any how fun is that leaning door?

(via vt wonen)

why it works {small + smart}

I am always on the look out for smartly designed small spaces. This tiny flat designed by the homeowner, Sarah Vanrenen, is just incredible. It works and feels so much larger than it is for so many reasons. For starters the hanging chair is a brilliant solution for this small bay window--it is functional and creates a much airier feel than a traditional chair would, it saves floor space and not to mention that you can see through it.

The all over bright white palette (the floors, walls and even the cabinetry) makes this flat instantly feel larger.

The white also allows all the bold punches of colors used the home to pop. This was smart, as is it keeps the eye moving around the room and guests noticing things other than the size.

Lastly, mirrors--always a great way to open up a room. She strategically placed a very large (and white) one directly over the dining area which adds a nice hint of architectural detail as well.

(via british homes and gardens)

Besides being a well designed it is full of some many lovely details and just stunning. It also has left me lusting for a plum pom pom pillow!

color pops {magic of magenta}

It is amazing to be how just little hints of a bold color can make a stronger impact than if they were covering a room. How the ribbon on a curtain or even a dish towel can make a room come alive. The way bright magenta is used so sparingly in these rooms but is the first thing you notice if perfect proof of that.

And what a genius idea to have the small corners of stained glass!
(via nuevo estilo and atlanta homes and lifestyles)

color pops {draped in indigo}

I just love the billowing taupe fabric and touches of indigo in these rooms. It is whimsical yet sophisticated--a perfect combination in my mind.

(via marie claire maison)

loving {teal accent wall}

I was helping on of my best friends move into her new place this evening and I got incredibly excited not only that she is now living a few houses away but has a clean state to make her new house a home. One of her ideas is to have a turquoise accent wall in the guest bedroom...think I can get behind that!

Also, kind of smitten with the mixed fabrics and studding on the chairs.

(via nuevo estilo and house beautiful)

neon + jewel tones

This morning the 32 degree temperature made it very difficult to get out of bed and is making it quite difficult to get energized for the day. I am sure this would never be a problem if I was enjoying my coffee in a home with the bold and daring combination of chartreuse and jewel tones.

This is a sneak peak of Ellen Hamilton's (Hamilton Design Associates) home and just like her portfolio it is full of playful pizzaz. And of course she has a fabulous selection of pillows.

(images via nysd)

outdoor living {patina punches}

So many people forget to spiff up the outside of there home and too often focus on what is within the four walls. One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to add a little punch to an outdoor space is with color--whether painting beams on a patio, the legs of an outdoor dining table or even the front door. I particularly love the "stop you in your tracks" look that a beautiful bright patina adds.

(Alexandra Champalimaud and nuevo estilo)

a blue sky morning

This morning I was in shock to wake up with the sun streaming through my windows and for blue sky to be making a rare appearance. It is amazing how seeing that brilliant blue mountain sky lifted my spirits. I think I may need to add a dose of the color to my home if spring remains an elusive--such a versatile and uplifting color!

(via living etc, 1st dibs, lonny and nuevo estilo)

fashioning interiors {fall pinks}

When perusing the 2010 fall lines I was pleasantly surprised to see some feminine colors, especially pale pinks, among the all slate, caramel and black (lots of black!) pieces. Pink is not a color I associate with fall but when mixed with neutrals or in more subtle shades it instantly feels appropriate.


(via lonny, emanuel ungaro, bottega veneta and Atelier AM)

color pop {mandarin}

I love the energy that bold mandarin orange injects into a space but it can also be overwhelming. This home by Atelier AM features it in the perfect way--just the right pop grounded by the neutral and rustic elements.

Definitely also a home I would love to be om vacation in right now, especially since there are thunderstorms in the weather forecast!