Shake Off the Blues!

We see shades of blue in our wintertime landscapes and the color blue can affect our moods both positively and negatively.

I think the best way to fight the winter doldrums is with the right amount of cheerful, uplifting blue. So this month, I'm shaking off the blues with a little bit of blue!

I love how designer Kelly Wearstler mixes a variety of mineral blues with yellow; another favorite uplifting color.

Kelly's use of turquoise blue with spring green and a little orange adds a little fun and whimsey to this children's room.

Colbalt and shades of light powder blue are perfect in this sophisticated space designed by Kelly Wearstler. 

Photo: Kelly Wearstler, Inc

Ring in the New Year with Red

The Junior League of Atlanta 2010 Kitchen Tour
Photo: Susan Currie

Red is vibrant and adds energy to a space. If you want your guests to engage in great conversation, add red and they'll be ready for fun.

Designer:: Vivian Bencich
Photo: Susan Currie

This dynamic red and gold wallpaper makes a fabulous focal point as you enter the bathroom. The vanity's lighter, golden wood finish works wonderfully with the wallpaper; while the neutral mosaic tile above the vanity adds pattern, texture and contrast.

Designer:: Vivian Bencich
Photo: Susan Currie

Red accents can be used in any space. Even if you prefer a calm and tranquil color palette for the bedroom, a red accent is a great way to add interest and fun. 

Vivian and John Bencich must love red because they used it throughout their home including variations of the color like their daughter's bedroom with plenty of pink.  As designer and architect, their home was selected as one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 2010 Homes of the Year.

Grey Palette Makes for 'GREYT' Rooms!

Designer Thom Filicia

If you love a neutral grey palette for a room, check out these 'GREYT' designs by Thom Filicia.  Thom appeared on Bravo's Queer Eye and recently launched a line of fabrics for Kravet.  He has a signature style that's a combination of modern with classic touches.

The spice brown base cabinets add warmth and texture to this modern kitchen.

The gilded mirror is a spectacular focal point that shows off well against the steel grey walls.

Mix it Up - Cool Grey with Warm Neutrals

Grey is a popular color this season and I've fallen in love with the combination of cool grey paired with warmer neutrals! The warm tones add a cozy feeling to the soft cool grey in a room.  Take a look at these images to get ideas about how you might like to use this color combo in your home. 

WebbMarsteller
Atlanta, GA

These icy and warm grey geometric accent pillows mirror the colors of winter. They work great with warm browns and other rich colors.

Artist Stephanie Wheeler at WebbMarsteller
Atlanta, GA

Artist Stephanie Wheeler used a cool grey, blue and warm brown palette in this abstract painting.  The colors blend harmoniously and the dark frame adds the contrast needed so the art pops against the geometric wallpaper.

Robert Abbey

This cool grey lamp can be paired with any color to blend or stand out.

If you love grey, I'd love to help you find ways to bring this color scheme to life in your home.  Tell me how you've mixed it into your world so I can share your ideas with 64inthebox.com readers.

Rich Red with Golden Tones

Cooler weather is here so keeping warm with color helps make a home cozy.  Try using rich reds and golden tones to warm up your space. 

Photo: apartmenttherapy.com

The red and golden damask upholstery blends well with the antique grandfather clock and knotty wood-grained door.

Photo: designsponge.com

Touches of red and gold bring warmth into this room. The bold colors and patterns are mixed with pastels and earthy tones to create interest.

photo: apartmenttherapy.com

Reclaimed wood adds an element of warmth so this space isn't stark.  I love the red, geometric rug with the subtle hint of gold.  The room makes me dream of a fire burning in the next room.  I'd like to spend a relaxing, fall evening with friends here!

What are some ways that you like to use red and gold to warm up a fall day?  Please post your ideas!  I'd love to hear from you.

Susan

New Orleans Designer Karyl Pierce Paxton's Dramatic Dining Room

Photos: Kerri McCaffety
Painting: David Harouni

Karyl Pierce Paxton creates a perfect blend of contrast with dramatic orange draperies and the painting by David Harouni against a buttery cream wall.  Your eyes focus in on the painting framed the draperies.  The mix of traditional furnishings and accessories including figurines from Africa and New Guinea adds interest to the dining room.  Kerri McCaffety who is a talented photographer and author captured it perfectly.

CANDY CORN ORANGE AND LIQUORISH BLACK

Photo: desiretoinspire.net

Think about using a vibrant color to highlight areas of a room that deserve to be noticed.  It's also a great way to add life to a space.

This Candy Corn Orange fireplace wall demands attention and becomes a fabulous focal point.  The Liquorish Black floors and white walls add contrast creating a powerful color combo.

Photo: desiretoinspire.net

Check out this Halloween inspired kitchen with a Candy Corn Orange table and accents.  Love the spiderweb placemats!

The white cabinetry and walls help balance the bold use of orange and black.  The Liquorish Black mosaic tile adds texture and a small scale pattern to a room filled with larger geometric shaped objects.

Photo:  apartmenttherapy.com

Candy Corn Orange used in small doses brings an element of warmth, excitement and energy.  A small accent tray and several oranges transform and give life to this neutral inspired room. 

Email Susan at susan@64inthebox.com to find more ways to use orange and black in your space.